"Faol, how are our military factories preparing? When the war breaks out, the demand for various weapons and equipment will be much greater than usual, so you must be mentally prepared.
If we can be self-sufficient, it will undoubtedly save a lot of money. At the same time, this is also a rare good opportunity for the development and growth of our domestic military industry. You must convey the message that needs to be conveyed to everyone in the military factories!" Augustus reminded with anticipation.
Over the past year, through Faol's meticulous management, most of the military factories in the Papal States have been nationalized. The process was not entirely smooth, with minor skirmishes occurring from time to time, but thanks to Faol's efforts, the overall situation was still relatively harmonious.
Some of the original owners of these military factories received full, timely, and effective compensation that satisfied them, including but not limited to funds, shares, and land.
Some, after their military factories were nationalized, transformed into state-owned enterprise bosses and continued to operate. In this way, although there was someone above them, unlike before, they were not as free to do as they pleased, but with the protection and support of the state, they were able to understand policy changes and obtain the latest intelligence ahead of others, so their development prospects go without saying.
Some speculators with a bit of strength and unique vision became state-owned enterprise bosses as soon as they established military factories, catching the Papal States' bandwagon of encouraging the military industry. In just a few months, not only did they make a fortune, but they also got to know important figures in the Papal States such as Faol, Karl, and Duke, transforming from obscure nobodies into hot new elites in Rome.
"Rest assured, Your Holiness, it has already been arranged. Although I don't know how far the war will develop, I dare not say that the weapons and equipment produced will definitely be enough, but everyone will do their best to maximize output while ensuring quality!"
Faol was very clear about Augustus's emphasis on the military industry, so he did not dare to be negligent in the slightest. His attention and investment in the military industry far exceeded other industries, and his understanding and control were naturally far beyond what other industries could compare to.
"Very good! With you to share these matters, I am truly most at ease. You are truly my most capable assistant!" Augustus laughed loudly.
Lorenzo pursed his lips, thought it over repeatedly, but ultimately did not speak.
Logically speaking, the lucrative position of the military factory should have belonged to him, the Military Minister. Before, it had always been influenced by him, both openly and secretly, and gifts from the military factory were indispensable during holidays.
Now, however, it had fallen into Faol's hands, so in the military industry market, besides Karl and Duke, even Faol, who was originally unrelated, had surpassed him.
What was even more infuriating was that everyone seemed to think this was natural, and no one raised any questions.
All of this was because the Pope trusted Faol, did not consider him his own, and believed that entrusting the military industry to Faol was how he could keep the nation's lifeline in his own hands. Since this Pope took office, his power had been eroded day by day, truly getting worse by the day.
A nameless fire slowly rose from the bottom of Lorenzo's heart. Suddenly, the tragic scene of Francesco's death flashed in his mind. Lorenzo was startled as if suddenly doused with a basin of ice-cold water, and the nameless fire also extinguished, replaced by genuine fear.
He looked up and saw Augustus gazing at him with a smile. Lorenzo felt a chill down his spine, his mind went blank, and his thin figure appeared even more constrained at this moment.
After a long silence, Augustus slowly spoke: "Lorenzo, you must also intensify the training of the conscripts currently serving under you. Training content that can quickly form combat effectiveness can be appropriately brought forward. If the front lines are tight, we need to have enough reserve soldiers continuously deployed to the battlefield."
Augustus thought of this on the spur of the moment. He had initially looked at Lorenzo because he felt his state was off, and just then, Lorenzo looked up and met his gaze, which was still a bit evasive. Not saying anything would have seemed strange.
"Alright." Lorenzo steadied himself and replied curtly.
Augustus did not pause, turning naturally to continue: "By the way, Giovanni, there are also several shipyards among the military enterprises under Faol. If the navy needs anything, you can communicate directly with Faol and have the shipyards prioritize supplying the navy."
Upon hearing this, Giovanni smiled confidently: "When I previously contacted various shipyards to order ships and military supplies, I found that several of them were under Faol's control. Therefore, we have already communicated."
Augustus nodded slightly; this was indeed how it should be. If everything had to wait for him to think of it and say it before it was done, then it would be too late.
"So, you and Faol have been secretly colluding for a while now?" Augustus teased.
Giovanni chuckled: "We were only discussing orders for naval equipment.
To adapt to the sea conditions of inland sea combat and to cope with the upcoming war, a very special type of ship was included in the naval order I submitted last month, which I learned about during my previous campaigns against the Netherlands.
This ship is a third-rate battleship with two decks, equipped with fewer than 50 cannons, but armed with large-caliber guns that only first-rate battleships of other nations' navies might possess. With the power of large-caliber artillery and the flexible sailing ability brought by its small tonnage, this ship performs far better than other sailing battleships in shallow waters.
Because of its small size, this ship takes much less time to build and should be completed before the war begins. Originally, I was worried that there wouldn't be enough time to produce so many suitable large-caliber guns, but fortunately, Faol has enough military factories at his disposal, so the production of large-caliber guns should not be a problem."
"We also have many large-caliber guns in our active equipment, which have limited use in field battles and are mainly used for sieges. If there is a shortage of large-caliber guns produced by the military factories, the navy can temporarily call upon a portion. Our artillery can also play its due role at sea," Duke suggested.
"Then I thank the General for his kindness."
Augustus was slightly lost in thought. He had some understanding of this type of ship before; it was indeed a very unique existence. Its uniqueness was not only reflected in the ship's structure, but the naval tactics associated with it were also distinctive.
Unlike the battle line tactics commonly used by the navies of countries like England, France, and Spain, the use of this type of ship was more about disrupting the enemy's battle line, followed by boarding actions and fire ship assaults under the suppressive fire of large-caliber naval guns, a 'chaotic battle' approach.
Could Giovanni master this tactic? Augustus was noncommittal. However, since Giovanni clearly wanted this ship, he must have his reasons, and Augustus only needed to provide support.
"You can proceed with your ideas; the Papal States will be your strongest backing. Whether you need funds or talent, the Papal States will fully support you." Augustus did not say it explicitly, but the implication was: if this ship cannot be used, feel free to poach people from the Netherlands.