Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 436 Business is business! (Bonus Chapter 5)

"Mr. Rothschild insisted that I meet with you."

John Morgan's words caused Lionel's facial muscles to tighten slightly.

His interactions with Madame Eleonore Rothschild were no secret in Parisian high society salons.

This relationship between artists and wealthy patrons is generally considered a sign of elegance and a common social norm.

But for someone as far away in New York as John Morgan to be reminded by her husband to see her is completely outside the realm of "normal".

John Morgan picked up the cut cigar and handed one to Lionel.

Lionel waved his hand to indicate that he didn't need it, then lit it himself, took a deep drag, and exhaled a thick cloud of smoke.

"Let me explain a little—our Morgan family has a close working relationship with the Rothschild family of London."

You can think of us as their agents in the New World.

Although he used the word "agent," his tone was not humble, but rather very calm.

"And this time, it was Mr. James Mayer Rothschild in Paris who reminded me that I absolutely had to see you."

Frankly, the Rothschild family in Paris has never shown much interest in us Americans.

But last year, a huge sum of money from Russia needed to be held in custody by our bank.

Because of this deal, James personally came to New York, and we've developed a good relationship!

At this point, John Morgan paused, flicking his cigar ash: "I received his telegram just before you arrived."

In his telegram, he emphasized that during your visit to New York, he must arrange a meeting with you. He said this would be very useful for the Morgan family's future investments.

"A huge sum of money from Russia?" Oh, I see!

The image of Sofia Ivanovna Durova-Sherbatova's arrogant face immediately came to mind for Lionel.

Of course, there's also the Shcherbatov family behind her, eager to break into Paris's top social circles.

The real battlefield of Madame Rothschild's previous exclusion and suppression of Sophia and her daughter in the Paris salon, that "duel" between noblewomen, was not at the ball or salon at all!

James Rothschild didn't care at all about the unfounded rumors about his wife and a young writer.

What he cared about was how to take advantage of every opportunity to consolidate and expand the family's business network.

John Morgan's voice interrupted Lionel's thoughts: "Since James has recommended it so highly, I certainly cannot be negligent."

So, you didn't receive any other dinner invitations at last night's ball—I gave you advance notice.

In New York, I usually don't make any other arrangements for guests I'm hosting a private dinner for.

Lionel asked directly, "Mr. Morgan, what does Mr. Rothschild wish to discuss with me?"

John Morgan grinned and stood up. "Business is no rush. Let's have dinner first. I've prepared some hometown flavors for you."

He gestured an invitation and personally led Lionel out of the study, through the corridor, and toward the banquet hall.

The banquet hall was decorated with extraordinary luxury—giant chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, huge oil paintings adorned the walls, and the dining tables stretched as far as the eye could see.

The table was set with gleaming gold or silver cutlery, as well as a variety of crystal glasses.

The most striking feature is the lighting system throughout the hall—instead of the flickering flames of gas lamps, there are rows of steadily glowing electric lights!
They are embedded in chandeliers and wall lamps, emitting a bright and even yellowish-white light that illuminates the entire space as bright as day.

John Morgan sat down in the head seat and gestured for Lionel to sit to his right: “Please sit, Mr. Sorel.”

The servants silently began serving the food, and it was indeed a full set of exquisite French cuisine—

From appetizers to soups, main courses, and desserts, paired with fine Bordeaux wines, the meal perfectly replicates the atmosphere of a luxury French restaurant.

During the meal, John Morgan made no mention of business, but instead spoke enthusiastically with Lionel about art collecting. He showed a keen interest in French Impressionist painters.

John Morgan asked as he cut a juicy grouse leg, "I heard you're close to Renoir and Monet."
And that young man named Paul Gauguin, I heard he also received your support?

Lionel was somewhat surprised that Morgan would pay attention to these things. He nodded: "Yes, we have some contact. They are both very talented artists."

John Morgan said with certainty, "I have high hopes for them. Many people still don't understand their paintings, thinking they are hasty and the colors are too garish."

But I dare say that within twenty years, their works will become extremely valuable. Art investment sometimes holds more potential than railroad bonds.

At this point, he looked at Lionel: "What do you think?"

Lionel responded politely but distantly: "The value of art is indeed difficult to measure by common sense, but time will tell."

John Morgan was certainly not really trying to discuss art; he was demonstrating his vision and ability while simultaneously testing Lionel, letting him know that he was very familiar with him.

After dinner, John Morgan stood up again and left the banquet hall with Lionel, heading into a brightly lit living room.

The wall lamps and table lamps here are all electric lights.

Morgan pointed to the light bulbs overhead and finally got to the point: "These are Thomas's masterpieces, very bright, right? He specially got a generator for this house."

The results were good, but that's where the problem lies—too many generators were needed, the wiring was complex, and the cost was high.

At this point, he shook his head: "New York is very big, with a large population and more dense buildings than Paris."

If the whole city wanted to use these kinds of lights, there would be far too many power plants to build with Thomas's direct current!
No city could build such a dense concentration of power plants, let alone maintain them—it's simply unrealistic.

He walked to his desk, picked up a few newspapers, not today's new newspapers, but old newspapers from more than a month ago.

“I saw Sorel-Tesla Electric’s performance at the Electricity Expo. You lit up a ‘miniature Paris’ with tiny LEDs.”

This is very intuitive and very effective! The newspaper said it demonstrates the clear advantage of alternating current over direct current in lighting systems—

It can transmit over long distances, and the voltage can be changed; we don't need so many damn power plants!

He put down the newspaper and placed his hands on the table: "I am very interested. I would like to cooperate with your 'Sorel-Tesla Electric' on alternating current."

I can invest, provide funding, and leverage the Morgan family's business network to get your light on in New York, and even across the United States.

I believe this is a much larger market than direct current.

Lionel was genuinely surprised this time: "Mr. Morgan, if I remember correctly, you have always been Mr. Edison's most steadfast patron and collaborator."

He devoted almost all his energy to the research and promotion of direct current and electric lights. You did this…

John Morgan interrupted him: “Business is business, Mr. Sorel.”

His tone was completely flat, eerily calm: "I see no hope of resolving the cost issue of DC lighting. As for the light bulb itself..."

He snorted, clearly dissatisfied: "Thomas spent over $100,000 to find the right filament material!"

Did you know? The bamboo strips he's using now have to be imported from Japan, and the cost is outrageously high! And this is just for one lamp!

What I want is stable, sustainable profits, not endless funding for a research project with no end in sight.

Thomas was a great inventor, but he was sometimes too stubborn!

Lionel could only lament that for these top capitalists, emotions and loyalty are as fragile as a biscuit in the face of enormous commercial interests!

Edison's long-standing friendship with John Morgan could easily be overlooked in the face of technology with greater market potential.

He looked up, a smile on his face: "So, Mr. Morgan, which part do you think we should begin with?"

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