Chapter 1558： Sharpen the knife to the pig and the sheep

Everyone in the small reception room looked at Ye Tian, ​​expecting him to tell how to deal with the two first editions of the Napoleonic Code.

Ye Tian always smiled, sitting in a chair watching the French president on the opposite side, talking freely.

"The original "Napoleonic Code" has two copies. The two codes are exactly the same, from the blue velvet cover, to the preamble, to the signature of the four-member drafting committee, and Napoleon's autograph.

There is no difference in their preservation conditions, and they are all very good. That is to say, both in terms of content and appearance, the two original versions of the "Napoleonic Code" have exactly the same value.

There is no doubt that the two original "Napoleonic Codes" are well-deserved French national treasures, so don't think about them, they will inevitably be included in the list of restricted-exit artworks, and I cannot bring them back to New York."

Before the words were over, the French president immediately interjected:

"Yes, Steven, the two first editions of the "Napoleonic Code" are the treasures of the country. They are one of the most important achievements of the French Revolution. You must never leave France. This is not to be discussed!"

When he said this, his tone was firm.

The other French people also nodded, and their expressions were very firm.

Ye Tian nodded lightly, then continued smiling and said:

"I have thought about this a long time ago, but the two original "Napoleonic Codes" are my private property. I have the freedom to dispose of them without violating French law!

After the two first editions of the "Napoleonic Code" reappeared in the world, they immediately caused a huge sensation and attracted the attention of countless people, including the Oval Office of the White House.

Immediately afterwards, the US ambassador to France, Mr. Perry, received a call that the White House intends to acquire the first version of the Napoleonic Code that has just appeared. Mr. Ambassador can explain this! "

As he said, Ye Tian nodded to Perry, indicating that it was time for him to perform.

Perry understood immediately, took the stubbornly, and expressed the intention of the Oval Office of the White House.

Hearing this, the French president and several others were already eagerly eager. They stared at Ye Tian and US Ambassador to France Perry with fire-breathing eyes, wishing to rush over and beat them up!

Of course, the person in the Oval Office of the White House was also secretly scolded by these French guys. It is estimated that the 18th generation of his ancestors has been scolded all over!

After finally waiting for Perry to finish, the French Minister of Culture immediately said with an anxious face:

"Don't even think about it, Steven, the two original "Napoleonic Codes" must not leave France, let the White House die quickly, there is no possibility!"

Hearing this, Perry's expression also changed, and he was ready to speak out, but was robbed in front by Ye Tian.

"I just said that I will not violate French law. As long as the two original versions of the Napoleonic Code are included in the restricted departure list, then I will not take them out of France.

Taking into account the current situation and taking care of the feelings of the French people, I will not make it difficult for you all. I will definitely keep at least one of the first editions of the Napoleonic Code in France and Paris!

Even if I agree to the purchase request of the President of the United States, I will complete the art transaction in Paris and sell one of the original versions of the Napoleonic Code to the US Embassy in France.

As for what the U.S. Embassy in France will do, whether it will leave France with the original code, use diplomatic privileges or other means, it is not something I can decide.

The remaining original "Napoleonic Code", I will definitely sell it to the French government or famous museums, or top French collectors, and let it stay in France.

Politics is the art of trading. Mr. President, you are an outstanding politician. You are very familiar with the President of the United States, and you are considered a good friend. You can have a good talk with him.

There is an old Chinese saying, "You lose the East, you gain the mulberry." You may lose a first edition of the Napoleonic Code, and you may gain something in other ways!

I believe it will not be difficult for you to reach an agreement and achieve a result that is very satisfactory to both parties. Before that, I will set aside a certain time and will not rush to deal with the two original codes! "

The reception room was quiet again, and the French guys on the opposite side were again lost in thought.

After a while, the French president said in a deep voice:

"Steven, I will call the White House later and have a good talk with the Oval Office. You are right. We should be able to reach a consensus and achieve a happy result.

Let's talk about another thing. What price do we need to pay to win the original version of the Napoleonic Code? In your style, this price must be very high, right? "

Ye Tian nodded with a smile on his face, and he was ready to slay his knife.

"That's natural, Mr. President, this is the first edition of the Napoleonic Code, the most important achievement of the French Revolution, a well-deserved French national treasure, there are only two remaining in the world!

To say that they are priceless treasures cannot be more appropriate. To obtain them, you must pay a huge price, whether the French government or the Oval Office of the White House is the same.

Since the two first editions of the "Napoleonic Code" will not be auctioned, there will be no public bidding, so I will not give the lowest valuation like other antique works in Napoleon's treasure.

In view of the significant symbolic significance and research value of the two original "Napoleonic Codes", combined with the current market conditions in the art market, my valuation for each code is 800 million euros! "

When the voice fell, the reception room immediately boiled.

"Wow"

The French President and several other Frenchmen slammed their chairs aside, stood up as if being electrocuted, all glared at Ye Tian, ​​and their eyes were almost flying out!

Perry and Anderson were also frightened by this valuation, and they turned their heads to look at Ye Tian, ​​their eyes full of incredible, like looking at a lunatic!

"Each of the "Napoleonic Code" is 800 million euros. This is crazy, Steven, you are so greedy, why don't you grab it?"

"Absurd, this is simply ridiculous! No matter how precious the original "Napoleon's Code" is, it cannot be worth 800 million euros. This is Chi Guoguo's robbery!"

Several Frenchmen roared directly, and each of them was so angry that their noses were about to smoke, and they wished to rush over to tear Ye Tian to relieve their hatred!

In other words, the French president can still maintain a little demeanor, without swearing, after all, he is used to seeing big waves.

But he also clenched his fists, his eyes spitting out fire, and he was near the edge of the explosion.

Ye Tian glanced at the Frenchmen across from him, then smiled and said:

"Is the valuation of 800 million euros absurd? I don't think so. For the Michelangelo peak work I discovered before, "Mourning for Christ", I value it at 500 million dollars!

Based on the current market conditions of the art market, it can be said that this is a fairly conservative valuation. If it is sent to auction and open bidding, it is also possible to auction a sky-high price of US$800 million!

In comparison, the original "Napoleonic Code" is undoubtedly more important than Michelangelo's "Mourning for Christ", and it is even more scarce. There are only two remaining in the world!

Especially for France and the French people, the original "Napoleonic Code" is extremely important. The pride of all French people in this code is also inseparable from every French person!

The French may not have "Mourning for Christ", they have other works by Michelangelo, as well as the outstanding works of Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and other top art masters.

But the French cannot live without the "Napoleonic Code", which has been in force in France for more than two hundred years and has penetrated into all aspects of French life, pervasive! "

Listening to Ye Tian's slightly sensational analysis, the anger of several Frenchmen was somewhat reduced.

As French, they certainly understand the importance of the Napoleonic Code.

As Ye Tian said, the content of this code has already penetrated all aspects of French society, penetrated into the lives of every Frenchman, and is closely related to everyone.

After pondering a little bit the French president said with a deep face:

"Steven, even if your analysis is reasonable and the valuation is accurate, we will not be able to acquire the two original versions of the Napoleonic Code at a price of 800 million euros each."

Ye Tian chuckled softly, then continued:

"Of course I know that for such a huge sum of money to acquire the "Napoleonic Code", it is impossible for the parliament alone to pass it. Even if it is passed by chance, it is likely to trigger large-scale protests and demonstrations!

As we all know, the French have always liked parades and protest demonstrations. They believe that ‘politics is on the street’ and Saturday is a beautiful holiday for the French to take to the streets to protest and demonstrate.

During the time I came to France, I have experienced this deeply! If possible, I don't want to trigger a protest against me because of the two "Napoleonic Codes"! "

"Hahaha"

Anderson and Perry they all laughed, one by one happily.