Chapter 325: Ways to Borrow Money

Chapter 325: Ways to Borrow Money

Among all their business partners, the Spaniards weren't the first to place orders, but they were certainly the most impatient. It took them more than a week to receive news from Mexico. Their information arrived a bit slower but was more detailed than what Lucien knew—after all, they were part of the conflict themselves.

Naturally, their messages likely contained plenty of blame-shifting information. Usually, after messing up, the priority isn't about cleaning up the mess or minimizing losses. It's about quickly finding someone to blame and passing on the fault!

But regardless of the blame game—be it on the Church (the rebel leader was schooled in a theological college), the indigenous people, or disloyal native whites—shifting blame alone couldn't solve the problem. It's akin to understanding how to pass the buck across the Pacific Ocean, much like the way the King of Hearts does.

However, while blame could be shifted, the New Crown King couldn't escape. The situation in Mexico was the same. Blame could be cast upon the Catholic Church, the "accursed French," but losing Mexico City meant a real loss.

Indeed, just as Joseph anticipated, Mexico City was impossible to defend. And surprisingly, the Spaniards displayed higher military quality for the first time. They promptly implemented Joseph's recommended strategy, abandoning Mexico City and heading towards Veracruz. However, their haste made them forget to destroy the cannons left behind in Mexico City, which couldn't be swiftly moved.

Nevertheless, they did remember to seize every horse they could find, regardless of the owner, all in the name of God and the King. This action caused quite a bit of trouble for the Mexican Revolutionary Army. Yet, while this move inconvenienced the revolutionaries, it also created issues for them as they struggled to find enough horses to transport cannons and supplies.

After capturing Mexico City, Father Castilla finally established the independent Mexican government but faced a significant problem—they lacked funds.

"Why?" Father Castilla asked.

"Because the risk is too high. You see, you haven't truly defeated the Spaniards... I know you'd mention the last battle, but in that fight, your army defeated only a small fraction of the Spanish forces. Spain would undoubtedly send an expeditionary force, and their strength would surpass any Spanish troops you've previously vanquished. Hence, people doubt you. They won't lend unless you can defeat the Spanish expeditionary force."

"If I could defeat the Spanish expeditionary force, why would I need to borrow money?" Father Castilla remarked.

"Exactly, Mr. President. That's the conundrum. But there's a solution," the shrewd person replied.

"What solution?"

"For instance, striking a loan deal with the Bank of Louisiana at a 15% annual interest rate for a million. Once news spreads, other banks will be willing to lend to you. Once that money arrives, repay Louisiana Bank in full, with interest, and split the remaining loan from other banks. Voilà, you have your funds," the clever person answered.