"If Anna can marry the Duke, your dowry will be saved, but what about Downton?" Violet asked.
Cora looked at Gao Bin:
"Of course I leave it to Gao, he is very good, you know it."
Violet smiled from Gao Bin:
"Gao, my dear child, you know how much I love you, but this matter is so important that I have to consider it for the Crowley family."
Cora said quickly:
"This is what I'm going to say next. Mother, Gao has a great plan. Once successful, the Crowley family will have no worries for the next hundred years."
The old countess was worried about the future of her family, so she couldn't help but become interested after hearing this.
"What a great idea?"
"Princess Mary, once Gao can marry Princess Mary back, the future of the Crowley family will be completely bound to the royal family!"
When Violet heard this, her goldfish eyes were wider than ever.
"I have to say that this is really a great plan. At first glance, it may even sound like wishful thinking."
"But, if you think about it carefully, this plan is feasible, isn't it? Mother?"
"Yes, let me think about it, Princess Mary, I have never met her, but she is the queen's favorite little daughter."
Cora sat next to her mother-in-law and held her hand:
"Mother, this plan needs your help. I heard from Robert that we have a relative who works as a lady-in-waiting for the queen?"
The old grandmother’s face looked like a withered tree, and it suddenly fell down:
"Maud Bagshaw!"
Gao Bin is curious:
"Can I ask who this person is?"
Cora smiled and said:
"He is a distant relative of our Crawley family, your father's great-uncle, and Mrs. Bagshaw's biological father."
Gao Bin quickly sorted out the relationship. It was equivalent to Robert's second grandfather being Mrs. Bagshaw's father. In other words, Robert was Mrs. Bagshaw's cousin.
Calculating it this way, it doesn’t seem to be that far away!
Violet sneered:
"That is a cold-blooded guy. She and her husband cannot have children. I have always hoped that she would treat Robert as an heir. In fact, this is not an unreasonable statement. Robert is her legal heir."
Cora nodded:
"But Mrs. Bagshaw refused to admit it and did not want to hand over the inheritance to Robert, and chose to sever ties with the family."
Gao Bin suddenly realized:
"In that case, is she still willing to help us?"
"Then it depends on whether your grandmother is willing to say something nice to the other party." Cora looked at her mother-in-law expectantly.
"No, don't even think about it, I won't talk to that woman."
As a strong talker in Downton, the old lady has never been afraid of anyone who can make her have such a big resentment, which shows how deep the conflict between the two is.
"Mother, this is also for the future of the family!"
However, Violet didn't think so. Even if Gao Bin married Princess Mary and they gave birth to a child, the child would not be of Crowley family blood.
Of course, you can't say this in front of Gao Bin. She is just outspoken, not a fool.
"I'll think about it," Violet excused.
Cora was a little disappointed when she didn't get a positive answer, so she had to take Gao Bin back to the castle first.
On the way, she asked:
"Do you think Grandma You will help?"
"I'm fed up with it. Grandma will definitely choose to protect the bloodline of the Crowley family, unless I give birth to a child with any of Mary and let this child inherit the title!"
"Then you are going to return to the family. Oh my God, this is too messy."
...
In the next week, the Crowley family was busy with the memorial service. Everyone changed into black clothes and went to the church to pray every day. In the eyes of others, this was a noble ritual, but in Gao Bin
It seems like I am so idle.
He would rather focus on making money. This week, he investigated all the properties under the castle and came to a conclusion.
"Father, we need to talk."
Gao Bin called to Robert who was about to go out for a walk.
"Of course, what do you want to talk about?" Robert doesn't mind tutoring his son more.
"Let's find a quiet place."
"Go outside."
The two walked side by side on the trail, followed by a beige Labrador.
After walking about 100 meters, Robert, with his hands behind his back, asked:
"You can say it."
"Father, I spent a week learning about our family's businesses and discovered a very serious problem!"
"What's the problem?"
"If no changes are made and the traditional model of renting land and collecting grain is maintained, the Crowley family will go bankrupt in 15 years."
Robert immediately stopped:
"So serious?"
"Yes, this is the statistics I made." Gao Bin took out a piece of paper from his suit pocket, unfolded it and handed it to Robert.
He uses modern statistical tables, which are very novel, but not difficult to understand and clear at a glance.
"Data cannot deceive people. The castle needs to invest a lot of money every year to repair it. Even if most of the rooms have been closed, maintaining the status quo still requires an astronomical amount of money."
Robert's expression gradually became serious:
"I know it's very difficult right now, but I didn't expect it to be so serious."
"Mere savings are not enough, we need to change and make new investments."
Robert realized the seriousness of the problem. He was also very pleased that this problem was discovered by Gao Bin, which showed that he had the ability to take care of the family business.
"Tell me, how do you want to change?"
"Downton has a large area of idle land that can be used to build factories."
"What to produce?"
"Military supplies!"
"Military supplies?"
Robert, like all nobles, could not have expected that a catastrophe would occur in the world in two years.
Even in the early days of the war, the entire British aristocracy regarded the war as a game. They never imagined that this game would be the beginning of the entire British aristocracy's desolation.
Of course, this has nothing to do with Gao Bin. He is not prepared to fight for Britain on the battlefield.
Not only will he not go to the battlefield, he will also lay a century-old foundation for himself and the family in this war!
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In order to win this war, Britain invested 10 billion pounds, most of which were debts borrowed from the people and allies.
No matter where the money comes from, Gao Bin knows that if it works well, he will definitely have a piece of the 10 billion pounds!
However, with the current financial resources of the Crowley family, it is impossible to cover all aspects of the military product line.
So he must choose one or two products as the main product!
And his choice is:
"Alcohol and compressed dry food!"
Thank God, Gao Bin did not mention products that Robert had never heard of, but instead proposed two military products that he not only understood, but also knew the prospects of.
"Investing in military products, do you think there will be a war in the future?"
"The careerists are ready to move, and there are countless undercurrents hidden under the calm sea. Yes, father, I think there will be a war, and it won't last long!"
After a pause, he said to Robert:
"You participated in the Boer War and have many friends in the military. You can ask them for their opinions. I believe that in certain circles, there are definitely not a few people who think the same as me. And I believe that the relevant departments have already
We are starting to prepare."
Robert is not the kind of person who doesn't care about current affairs. He knows that what Gao Bin said makes sense, otherwise he wouldn't have his current attitude.
"Yes, the conflict between us and Germany is increasing day by day, and war may break out at any time."
"The battlefield is too far away from us, but we must participate. The Crowley family should make its own contribution. Ensuring the supply of alcohol and compressed dry food is the biggest contribution."
Alcohol is easy to talk about, and compressed dry food is nothing new.
In fact, modern compressed dry food was invented by the British.
The story begins more than 150 years ago. At that time, a British sailing ship was sailing to the Bay of Biscay near the west coast of France in the northeastern North Atlantic. Suddenly, there was a strong wind in the sky. The sailing ship lost its way and was hit by a large hole in the rocks. A large amount of seawater poured into the sailboat. After the crew worked hard to repair it, they stopped the sailboat from sinking, but it still ran aground near an island in the Bay of Biscay.
There was nothing to sate their hunger on this island, and the crew was extremely hungry and thirsty.
At this time, a crew member suddenly thought that there was flour, sugar and cream in the sailboat.
So, the crew rowed a small sampan to the sailboat and transported the flour, sugar and butter soaked by the sea water to the island.
Then, they mixed flour with sugar and butter, kneaded them into small doughs, and then baked them on the fire before eating them.
A few days later, the trapped crew members encountered a foreign merchant ship passing by and were rescued back home.
In order to commemorate this near-miss shipwreck, they baked many cookies using the same method and distributed them to their friends. They even let passers-by try them and share the joy of surviving the disaster together.
After tasting it, everyone loved it and asked about the name of the biscuit. The crew casually said "Bizcay".
As a result, this biscuit named "Bizcaya" became widely spread.
If you want to make it into a product and have it purchased by the military, you only need to put more effort into the taste and add some highly nutritious raw materials.
Wheat, puffed flour, walnuts, sesame seeds, peanut oil, salt and sugar are not difficult to obtain.
Gao Bin said:
"If the military is willing to trust us, it can add two canning production lines."
Canned lunch meat is also a military product, and the demand is very high.
Of course, products are not difficult to make, but purchasing channels are rare. If Robert doesn’t have the confidence to open up this channel, just don’t do it!
"Have you calculated it? Approximately how much capital is needed?"
"I don't have any channels to know the price of the production line. You need to do it yourself, but an alcohol workshop doesn't cost much, just a few hundred pounds is enough."
Robert nodded solemnly:
"I'm going back to London next week to meet Matthew and his mother, and then to meet the Duke of Kerber. Now it seems I have to add a third item to my schedule."
Gao Bin smiled and said:
"I hope you can come back directly with the production line, but according to my estimate, 2,000-3,000 pounds is enough to open the factory. After all, the factory building is ready."
Downton has nothing else but empty houses.
"I try my best, no matter what, kid, I'm proud of you."
"Thank you. This is what I should do. Father, you must have firm belief. The sooner this business enters the market, the better. We need to seize the opportunity. The war will come soon."
"I understand." Robert agreed.
...
In the small villa in the forest to the west, Gao Bin had just had a big battle with Anna.
After the war, neither of them forgot to put on their clothes, covered themselves with sheets, and hugged each other on the bedside.
Anna said angrily:
"Am I completely defeated by you now?"
"Otherwise? You can only belong to me in this life." Gao Bin said domineeringly.
During the storm after the dinner that day, Gao Bin showed no pity at all because he didn't expect Anna to still retain the most precious thing.
It wasn't until I returned to the room at night and saw the redness on the sheets that I realized how badly I had done this.
But things have come to this, and we can only make up for it in other ways.
"By the way, wait for me." Gao Bin lifted the sheets, quickly ran to the living room, took back the jewelry box and handed it to Anna.
"What is this?"
"Open it and take a look."
As Anna opened the jewelry box like a blind box, she opened her mouth wide and said in disbelief:
"So beautiful."
"It's a set with your brooch. I originally wanted to give it to you separately, but..."
"Are you ready?"
"Well, to be precise, I have liked you for a long time."
"But this is too expensive."
"What are you afraid of? You are worth everything I can do for you."
Anna was moved, her eyes filled with mist for a moment, she hugged Gao Bin and choked:
"Why, exactly why, I wish I could be worthy of you!"
"This is the arrangement of fate. Okay, don't cry anymore. As long as you don't feel wronged, we will never be separated in our lives."
Anna is completely immersed in Gao Bin's overbearing tenderness. She doesn't care about ethics and morals. If you want to go crazy, let's go crazy together.
"By the way, you have to help me with something." Gao Bin said suddenly.
"What happened?"
"Keep an eye on Thomas for me."
"Thomas? Why?"
"This person has evil intentions. I don't want a person with evil intentions to exist in the castle."
Anna's whole heart was tied to Gao Bin, so naturally she considered everything for him and was willing to do anything for him.
"He really likes to calculate, not only him, but also O'Brien."
"Don't worry, I will take care of these two people one by one. Downton Abbey will be a warm and loving family."
"Well, I believe you, and I will help you keep an eye on these two people."
"Okay!"
...
Duke Kebler came to Downton Abbey first. His purpose was very clear, and Mary was just an accessory.
The manor will welcome a duke, which is both an honor and a challenge for Carson. He will not allow Downton's reputation to be damaged.
The kitchen was so busy, and all the servants were assigned various tasks, that Anna was too busy to go to the small villa for a tryst with Gao Bin.
However, the two will still find opportunities to meet in every corner of the castle. There is not much else in the castle, but there are many empty rooms.
Although most of them are locked, this cannot stop Gao Bin's skills.
Lockpicking is no longer a new skill for him.
No, just after the battle, Gao Bin asked while getting dressed:
"Are you busy back there?"
"Yes, Mr. Carson does not allow us to be rude in front of the Duke, so the requirements are very strict."
"You don't have to work so hard, it's just about right. Don't get tired."
"I will pay attention, don't worry about me."
Gao Bin is always so considerate, which makes Anna even more unable to extricate herself.
"By the way, Thomas and O'Brien have been targeting Mr. Bates and trying to drive him away."
"I know that his existence blocks Thomas's way. Logically speaking, he will be his father's personal servant."
"Yes, so do you have any good ideas? I think Mr. Bates is a good man and he doesn't deserve to be treated like this."
"Keep watching, we need a chance, a chance to crucify Thomas!"
"I know."
Anna got dressed, wearing a black and white maid outfit, which made Gao Bin a little excited again, and scared her so much that she quickly opened the door:
"I really can't come again. It will be troublesome if Mr. Carson can't find me."
"Okay." Gao Bin was helpless.
...
On Thursday morning, Gao Bin and his family stood outside the gate to welcome the Duke. Robert happened to be in London, and they came back together.
"Welcome to Downton, Your Excellency the Duke." As the hostess, Cora stepped forward to express her welcome.
"Thank you, Countess."
"Please allow me to introduce to you, the eldest son of the Crowley family, Gao."
"Gao, it's nice to meet you." Duke Kebole was polite and took the initiative to reach out and shake Gao Bin's hand.
"My honour, Duke of Kebler, welcome to Downton."
Cora continued to introduce:
"My eldest daughter Mary, my second daughter Edith, and my youngest daughter Sybil."
"Hello, beautiful ladies, I hope my arrival will not disturb your peaceful life."
To the aristocratic ladies, the handsome Duke is no different than the existence of a top idol star. Just look at the reserved smiles of the girls, wishing that the other party only values you.
Do you think blind dates between nobles will be a long process?
Wrong, in fact, as long as the two families are equal, I don’t have any extra thoughts. Basically, a meeting is enough to get engaged.
At this time, Robert followed up, introduced the butler Carson, and then invited the Duke to come inside.
"By the way, I'm sorry, I have something to trouble Madam. My valet suddenly fell ill and didn't come with him, so..."
This is nothing, Cora immediately looked at Carson:
"Don't worry, Your Excellency, Carson will make arrangements."
"Of course, my dear Duke, I will personally serve you."
"No, you don't need to be a laborer, just this one...your name?"
"Thomas, Your Majesty, my name is Thomas."
"Very well, Thomas, will you help me?"
"My honour, Your Majesty the Duke."
"Thank you."
Seeing that the matter was resolved, Robert raised his hand to invite him into the castle.
At this moment, O'Brien felt relieved and kicked Bates in the injured leg, causing him to eat shit.
Such a disrespectful scene shocked everyone.
Robert asked:
"John, are you okay?"
"It's okay, sir. I'm sorry, Duke. I must apologize to you."
"Haha, it's good that you're not injured." Duke Kebol responded and walked inside.
All this was seen by Gao Bin, who winked at Anna from a distance and followed him into the castle.