Chapter 301: The Art of Rumor-Mongering

Chapter 301: The Art of Rumor-Mongering

Once the plan was set, the next step was its execution. The first move in the entire plan was to spread rumors. Creating rumors, in reality, was quite a skillful task. Who spreads the rumor and how it amplifies—each detail holds significance.

Generally, high-end, sophisticated newspapers like "The Scientific Truth Gazette" don't indulge in actively creating rumors. Rumors are usually seeded in smaller newspapers. This time, the rumor originated in a fiercely nationalistic small paper called "The Frontline of France."

According to "The Frontline of France," a Turkish envoy arrived in France on behalf of the Grand Sultan to negotiate the purchase of a major cannon factory to produce artillery.Follow the latest novels at novelhall.com

"The Frontline of France" was notorious for its exaggerations. It was filled with outlandish claims of invincibility and nations kneeling at the sight of certain events, treated mostly as a form of entertainment rather than news.

So when this rumor appeared in "The Frontline of France," it didn't catch much attention. Neither the general citizens nor the Turkish and Russian ambassadors in France paid heed to this rumor—embassies had other affairs to attend to.

However, what followed caught some people's attention. The French Ministry of Public Safety suddenly acted, shutting down "The Frontline of France" and arresting its reporters and editors on grounds of spreading false information. In a country with freedom of speech like France, spreading rumors did carry legal responsibilities, but usually, they weren't seriously pursued. But now, the Ministry's actions drew the eye of the media.

Soon, other media outlets noticed something wasn't quite simple. Normally, these cases of spreading false information resulted in civil responsibility at most. Even if one lost in court, they wouldn't end up in jail but rather issue an apology in the paper and pay a fine. Hence, the detention of "The Frontline of France" editors and reporters was unusual, and even a journalist from "Traditional France," visiting the editorials of "The Frontline of France," got caught up and remained detained.

"Traditional France" claimed to preserve the nation's heritage and essence during times of major change, and many suspected it had royalist affiliations. Nonetheless, despite its leanings, it was a legal media outlet. Thus, the arrest of a journalist just for a visit was a clear affront to freedom of speech.

"Traditional France" boldly protested, printing a special edition with large words on the front page: "Release Them!" followed by a scathing article condemning the abuse of power by the Ministry, violating press freedoms, ending with: "Though we are small, we too have a backbone!"

Subsequently, several newspapers expressed support for "Traditional France." The newspapers became abuzz.

The public, now intrigued, eagerly gathered in cafes, ordering coffee and pastries, settling down comfortably, ready for the drama to unfold.

The French government responded, emphasizing their friendship with any nation willing to maintain mutually beneficial trade relations. They had no trade embargo with Turkey or Russia and wouldn't intervene if legal trade transactions occurred.

This was a clear message: If you have money and find a seller, you can buy whatever you desire.

So the Russians ventured forth, "Um, could we purchase the Lorraine Steelworks' related technologies?"

The reply was straightforward: "You can discuss this with the Lorraine Steel Company."

Of course, engaging in such discussions now was akin to entering the lion's den.

The Russians inquired further, "What if we wish to acquire technology related to firearms? Can we approach 'Bonaparte Armaments' directly?"

This query received a positive response. Moreover, 'Bonaparte Armaments' seemed keen on this deal. Negotiations swiftly commenced, and Russian negotiators were promptly lodged in the hotel attached to 'Bonaparte Armaments.' Soon, they discovered a group of Turks residing next door...

This arrangement was deliberate, not coincidental. Such strategies were common in later times. During the Iran-Iraq war, both countries sought 152mm shell bricks. Iran and Iraq couldn't produce them and scoured the world for sources. Only the Big Hair camp and the Red Hare country manufactured these shells. Big Hair's quality was top-notch but pricey. As none could afford Big Hair's, they all flocked to the Red Hare country.

Then shameless little White Rabbit arranged their representatives in adjacent rooms, and both countries, fearing a shortage, purchased more shells, allowing the little White Rabbit to profit merrily.

This time, France's arrangements had a similar effect. Soon, both the Russians and the Turks reached agreements with 'Bonaparte Armaments' for purchasing the armament factory and related technologies.