The cotton issue was finally resolved satisfactorily through the joint deliberation of Jerome Bonaparte and Achille Fuld.

Next, Jerome Bonaparte turned his attention to the Minister of Transport, Barrow.

Barrow respectfully handed over the comprehensive report titled "The Ministry of Transport’s Public Financial Budget Report for 1858 and Outlook for 1859," which had been prepared for a long time, to Jerome Bonaparte.

Looking at the approximately 100-page document in his hand, Jerome Bonaparte casually praised, "Barrow, it seems you have prepared very well!"

"Thank you for your graciousness, Your Majesty, in appointing me as Minister of Transport.

I must do my utmost in the Ministry of Transport, for only this way can I repay your appointment!" Barrow replied humbly.

Hearing Barrow’s flattery, Jerome Bonaparte showed a knowing smile, "I hope the report you deliver is as beautiful as your words!"

With that said, Jerome Bonaparte began to peruse the Ministry of Transport’s documents page by page, his expression alternating between smiles and frowns, causing the Minister of Transport, Barrow, to involuntarily have his mood follow Jerome Bonaparte’s expressions.

By the time Jerome Bonaparte had gone through all the documents, more than an hour had passed.

"Mr. Barrow!" Jerome Bonaparte exhaled deeply, showing a meaningful smile, "I must admit, you have indeed worked very hard during this period!

The achievements of the Ministry of Transport last year can definitely be called perfect!"

Saying this, Jerome Bonaparte opened Barrow’s report to a specific page and said to Barrow, "Especially these canal expansions and the subsequent road renovations!"

The content pointed out by Jerome Bonaparte is from the Eastern border canal expansion plans set by the Ministry of Transport in 1858, including the Saar Canal, the Rhine River, the Marne River, and more.

Moreover, in the subsequent road renovations, the Ministry of Transport plans to take five years to renovate all the roads in the Alsace-Lorraine Region,

So that the entire Eastern region’s water transport and road networks can handle more transportation functions.

This greatly benefits Jerome Bonaparte’s future plans.

Jerome Bonaparte’s generous praise made Barrow’s heart feel like it had eaten several pounds of honey.

"I’m just doing what I ought to do!" Barrow responded to Jerome Bonaparte with a still humble expression.

However, Achille Fuld, standing by the side, started to look somewhat sullen.

He knew very well that according to Barrow’s capability, he absolutely couldn’t have devised such a plan, unless there was someone else behind Barrow.

Looking across the entire Ministry of Transport, there was only one individual with such an intellect—that was the Deputy Minister of Finance, Georges Ossman.

Damn Ossman, do you intend to attract the Emperor’s attention through this method and make a comeback!

Achille Fuld wished he could shred the report submitted by Barrow (Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann) to pieces, but reason kept him from doing so.

After all, the place he was standing was the Imperial Council!

Soon after, Jerome Bonaparte shifted the conversation to Barrow, saying, "However, it seems that some plans in your report have not received our financial steward Mr. Achille Fuld’s approval!

Could it be that the Ministry of Transport can already operate without funding from the Ministry of Finance?"

Barrow’s expression immediately changed from his previous smile to embarrassment, and his guilty conscience made him subconsciously glance at Achille Fuld.

Barrow saw the undisguised hostility in Achille Fuld’s eyes, and he realized that Achille Fuld had already figured out who was behind this report.

Then, Barrow recalled the words that Deputy Minister Georges Ossman had said to him before he left the Ministry of Transport.

...

At that time, while working at the Ministry of Transport, Barrow received a notification from Colonel Bulbaski to arrive at Tuileries Palace around three o’clock in the afternoon, he immediately believed that the Emperor intended to continue the previously interrupted Imperial Council due to Radetzky’s death.

As a result, Barrow instinctively opened the drawer and held the dossier and report drafted by Georges Ossman.

He was very aware of the pros and cons of presenting this report to the Emperor.

This report would not only bring the Emperor’s praise but also Achille Fuld’s enmity.

After all, which Paris high-ranking official didn’t know the "love-hate entanglement" between Achille Fuld and their Ministry of Transport’s deputy minister.

Originally, Barrow could stabilize his position as Minister of Transport with the strong backing of Achille Fuld.

In the eyes of the other ministers, he (Barrow) was Achille Fuld’s most faithful ally (lapdog).

If he were to fall out with Achille Fuld, it would mean facing the relentless attacks from Achille Fuld’s faction.

Traitors are often more resented than enemies.

Just when Barrow was vacillating, Deputy Minister Georges Ossman pushed open Barrow’s office door. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

"Lord Barosh, I heard you are going to Tuileries Palace this afternoon to attend a meeting!"