The Fox of France

Chapter 356: Imitations

With direct support from the French, the strike among textile workers became increasingly uncontrollable. Naturally, the British, especially the capitalists in the British textile industry, wouldn't sit idly by. They had established quite a few connections with the French previously, many even considered "pro-French." Utilizing these ties acquired over the past years became their natural course of action.

After representatives of the textile guild contacted the French, they returned with this message:

"The textile workers in the Netherlands have been investing heavily in France in recent years. However, it's not merely the amount spent that's crucial; they aren't outspending us. The key is their investment in newspapers, amplifying their voice beyond ours. Coupled with France's 'political correctness,' it's challenging for the French not to act.

Moreover, the French are highly dissatisfied with some of our practices," conveyed the representative.

"What practices? Thomas, what did they say?" Ren asked eagerly.

"They're extremely displeased with the rampant counterfeit high-end fashion imitations mimicking the 'Chris' men's series that have flooded the European market in the last year. Their investigations reveal a majority of these knockoffs originate from England. This has agitated the upper echelons there..."

"What? Who's responsible for this mess?" Thomas' words were interrupted by an outcry.

"Who dares to steal that kind of money? This is a disgrace!"

"It's unbelievable! Wanting money more than life? Have they forgotten that the 'Chris' series belongs to that saintly lady of the Bonaparte family? I've heard she's exceptionally favored by our First Consul, yet they dare snatch her money... There are plenty of ways to make money, why choose this route?"

Such matters were easily investigated among vampires of a thousand years; no one could pretend to be a werewolf there. So, everyone immediately focused their gaze on one individual.

"Why are you all staring at me? While I do own a clothing factory, I haven't produced any counterfeit 'Chris' series apparel..." the person realized something was amiss and hurriedly defended.

"Technically, those knockoffs of the 'Chris' series aren't precisely counterfeit," Thomas, acting as a messenger, stated coldly. "The French even showed me samples; the fake products bear an extra 's' in 'Chris' on the label, albeit subtly done with a faint black line. It's inconspicuous; one wouldn't notice it unless scrutinizing. But it's no longer the authentic 'Chris.' Isn't that right, Mr. Robson?"

Robson hesitated for a moment before shouting, "It wasn't me, I didn't do it..."

"If you truly haven't caused this trouble for us all with your deceitful actions, let us all visit your clothing factory, your warehouse. How about it, Robson?"

"I—I'm fine here, but there are other clothing factories besides mine. Mr. Edge, Mr. Davies, and Mr. Barkley also have factories. Everyone should inspect them together," Robson hurriedly responded.

Thus, the faces of the individuals mentioned by Robson turned pale.

"We're going right now!" someone yelled.

"Yes, let's go immediately!"

"I want to see who's deceiving us all..."

"Wait, let Thomas continue. What else did the French say? That's the crucial matter!" Ren interjected loudly.

Consequently, everyone quietened down, all eyes turning to Thomas.

"The French asserted such actions are intolerable. Furthermore, they mentioned..."

"What did they say?"

"They've allowed us to earn a fair amount, resulting in discontent among the local French textile industry. In the garment sector, France originally held the advantage, a consolation for French textile workers. Therefore, they hope the British refrain from joining the clothing industry competition," Thomas relayed.

"They want to monopolize the clothing industry," someone muttered softly.

"If they wish, that market might just be theirs," Ren agreed, nodding. "Though the industry's profits are high, the market isn't sizable. Giving it to them, while securing Europe's fabric market, would still be a reasonable outcome."

Aside from those who owned clothing factories, most agreed.

"Exactly, for a small market like this, it's unwise to provoke the French for some money..."

"What about the workers and the sanctions?" another inquired.

Thomas sighed, "The French stated once the knife is drawn, even for appearances' sake, there's no sense in sheathing it without action. Moreover... if we don't take a stab or two, they fear we'll underestimate their determination, leading to further misjudgments. So, to avoid worsening mutual trust, these measures will continue for a while..."

"Ah? How much longer?"

"Next week, the 'British Human Rights Report' will be published. We all know what it'll entail. For the sake of face, during this period, they won't relent. However, they proposed that if, after the report's release, the textile guild issues a statement acknowledging and addressing the content, inviting the 'Human Rights Review Committee' for inspection, perhaps these measures might be lifted in two months," Thomas explained.

"Two months, that's... too slow."

"Indeed, can't we..."

"The French aim to firmly demonstrate their power, proving they possess the knife and are unafraid to use it. They won't yield," Ren remarked. "For two months, we'll incur losses, but we can endure. They wield the knife, and we're the flesh; what more can we do?"

"It's all because of your greed, grabbing at every bit of money!" The anger was redirected towards those with clothing factories.

Subsequently, surprise inspections were carried out on several warehouses of these factory owners. Robson indeed hadn't lied; no counterfeit 'Chris' series apparel was found in his factory or warehouse, proving his innocence. However, what others discovered in his possession fueled more anger.

"'Old Soldier Hunting Gear,' 'Old Soldier Backpack,' 'Old Soldier Rain Poncho'... damn it! Robson, how dare you fake even this? Do you realize what the 'Old Soldier' series signifies!"

Caught red-handed, Robson fell silent.

"Damn it! Why don't you just die! Everyone knows the 'Old Soldier' series belongs to the French Veterans Association, a highly esteemed organization in French politics. Your actions, worse than counterfeiting the 'Chris' series! You're a damned scoundrel!"

"Those French veterans are tough; they won't tolerate such actions. They're the type who won't hesitate to rebel. By tarnishing their money, it's no wonder the French reacted so strongly. No, because of your misconduct, you've caused us enormous losses—Robson, you must compensate!"

"This isn't 'Old Soldier,' it's truly not 'Old Soldier,' the logo on mine is different!" Robson pleaded, his face turning pale.

"Robson, do you think we're fools? While you made money, you've harmed us all!"

"I suggest convening a meeting immediately after this inspection ends to discuss how to handle this issue. For now, let's continue our inspections."

The results from the inspections at the factories of those involved in the clothing industry weren't favorable. Almost every clothing factory was engaged in similar activities. At Edge's, they found counterfeit 'Chris' men's series; at Davies', they discovered 'Cleese' women's series;

at Barkley's, they once again found items from the 'Old Soldier' series... In short, the French accusations were very reasonable.

In a subsequent meeting, enraged bosses extended condolences to the female relatives of these 'troublemakers,' swiftly passing a resolution to impose hefty fines on these 'troublemakers' to compensate other textile merchants for their losses.

Simultaneously, the "Textile Guild" made a decision to prohibit its members from establishing clothing factories.

As for the French proposal requesting a positive response to the "White Paper," implementing some level of rectification, and welcoming French inspections, it passed with a distinct majority.

Of course, during this period, the British textile industry aimed to reduce any chaos. For instance, occurrences like the previous massacre of workers must not repeat; otherwise, if similar events happened again, considering French sensibilities, these sanctions wouldn't be rescinded midway.

"The police department is still apprehending members of the 'United Union.' I believe it's wise to halt these actions, preventing any disturbances. Particularly while Miss Bonaparte remains in the slums. We must cease the pursuit of those worker representatives by the police, maintain the existing contracts, refrain from increasing workload or reducing wages, preventing any chances for our enemies to plot against us," Ren suggested.