The use of civilian steam paddle steamers on a large scale had another tremendous advantage, which was that it could greatly increase the installed capacity of marine steam engines.
The number of civilian ships was dozens of times greater than that of warships, which promoted rapid improvements in steam engines better than merely installing them on warships.
"Civilian support for the military" is always the best model to push forward new technology.
Moreover, the paddle steamers and the screw propellers used by the French Navy represented completely different technological directions, so there was no worry about other countries copying civilian ship technology for their warships, which was simply perfect.
While Joseph busied himself planning the new shipyard, on the outskirts of Birmingham in England, Watt was also planning financing matters with his company's controlling shareholder, Bolton.
"You must try to let go of some of your obsessions." Bolton, with his light yellow hair and melancholic eyes, chose his words with care for fear of upsetting his genius partner, "Those investors are fixated on the high-pressure steam engine, and sometimes we must cater to them."
Watt waved his hand rhythmically and said, "Everyone knows that thing loves to explode and offers no other advantages!"
"A new type of steam engine with 27 horsepower will go into production next month, which is the real quality product."
Bolton sighed, "My friend, as you know, the French people's high-pressure steam engine could reach that power the year before last. I've heard that their latest model can produce over 50 horsepower.
"As for explosions, factories don't care about that, at most a few workers die and new ones are immediately available. What they care about is the profit brought by greater power."
Watt hung his head stubbornly and muttered, "Just 50 horsepower? I can achieve that without high-pressure technology..."
As they spoke, they arrived in front of a light yellow luxurious villa.
Bolton whispered in resignation,
"Consider it a request from me, at least bring up the high-pressure steam engine in front of Sir Folkner later, otherwise, our company's financial issues could truly become a crisis!"
Indeed, in the past two years under fierce competition from their French counterparts, sales of the Bolton-Watt Steam Engine Company had continuously shrunk, and profits had reached their lowest level in over a decade.
Worse still, last year the company got involved in the London gas street lighting project as a subcontractor for distillation boilers and pressure gauges and lost a significant amount.
This caused the company to have cash flow problems, forcing Watt and Bolton to introduce new shareholders to get through this tough period.
Sir Folkner welcomed both of them into the living room with enthusiasm and quickly brought up the matter of investing in shares:
"Oh, let's be straightforward, I expect to pay 50,000 British Pounds for a 30% share."
Bolton frowned, "Sir Folkner, the company's assets are valued over 200,000 Pounds, and we generate over 40,000 Pounds in revenue each year. For a 30% share, you might need to invest 75,000 Pounds."
Folkner smiled and shook his head, "I value the company's prospects.
"Last year, Hesse purchased steam engines worth 50,000 British Pounds for their automatic looms, but they chose the French goods—new high-pressure steam engines.
"Forgive my frankness, but your company's technology has begun to lag. After my investment, I might have to continue investing in improving the technology; there are considerable risks."
Bolton rushed to say, "In fact, we've already started researching high-pressure steam engines."
He nudged Watt, "Right, James?"
"Oh, yes, the damned high-pressure steam engine," Watt reluctantly nodded, "as long as it doesn't explode, all will be well…"
Bolton laughed awkwardly and quickly changed the subject.
More than two hours later, Bolton and Watt left the villa with dejected expressions. Folkner had not budged, and his asking price was beyond what they could accept.
Bolton arrived at his front door and suddenly clenched his teeth, then turned back and returned to Folkner's house.
"I am well aware of the significance of the High-Pressure Steam Engine," Bolton said earnestly, "and the company will certainly accelerate its research and development in this area."
Forkner shrugged. "But your chief engineer seems to be only keen on the standard-pressure Steam Engine."
Bolton took a deep breath and replied, "Actually, I have a way to quickly acquire the technology."
"The French United Steam Engine Company's John Sandler," Bolton said. "I know his uncle, and if we can get him to join us, we can immediately obtain the High-Pressure Steam Engine technology."
"We have the vast British market, and as long as we create the new product, we can quickly defeat the French people!"
Forkner lifted his eyelids and nodded.
"Alright, if there is a High-Pressure Steam Engine, I can invest 75,000 British Pounds."
In the eastern province of Bavaria, Freising.
After attending the consultation meeting of the contracting states of the Rhine-Saone Treaty, Count Rheinphels, on his return journey, looked at the letter just received from Vienna with a complex expression.
It was the Emperor's death notice—Leopold II had passed away three days ago from smallpox.
One would say that he should feel sadness at the death of His Majesty, but at this moment, he couldn't help feeling a sense of relief.
This time, he had undoubtedly botched the job of getting England to join the Rhine-Saone Treaty—the dire trade situation of Austria was set to continue.
Leopold II's timely death would greatly reduce Vienna's focus on this matter.
And with the new Emperor preoccupied with the coronation, he was likely not to interfere.
A few days later, Count Rheinphels' carriage entered Schonbrunn Palace. He alighted and immediately went to pay his respects to the new Emperor, Franz II.
Leopold II's funeral had concluded. At this moment, the somber atmosphere in Schonbrunn Palace had greatly diminished, replaced by servants shuttling back and forth, busy with preparations for the coronation.
Count Rheinphels entered the grand gallery hall and was somewhat surprised to see Franz II, dressed in a plain light blue coat, speaking with Baron Tugut, Kobutsel, and other ministers.
Moreover, the Dowager Empress and her cousin, Baron Walter, were also present.
He immediately approached and performed a very formal chest bow to Franz II:
"May Jesus bless you forever, Your Majesty."
Franz II looked up and saw it was him, asking immediately:
"Count Rheinphels, you have returned. How did the negotiations turn out?"
"This..." Count Rheinphels didn't expect the new Emperor to be so diligent and had no choice but to steel himself and reply, "The vote did not pass. The French people mobilized 50,000 troops and conducted a grandiose exercise in Karlsruhe, pressuring Hesse, Augsburg, and other states to change their votes to opposition."
Baron Walter immediately cried out in a shrill voice:
"These shameless French scoundrels!"
Franz II gestured for him to calm down and turned to Baron Tugut:
"So, will our country's financial situation continue to worsen?"
Due to the sudden death of Leopold II, Franz II, the Crown Prince, had not been involved much in state affairs, so at this moment, he was still somewhat clueless.