Search for Treasure Worldwide Chapter 1558: Sharpening knives to pigs and sheep
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Everyone in the small reception room looked at Ye Tian, expecting him to tell him how to deal with the two original versions of the Napoleonic Code.
Ye Tian always smiled, sitting on a chair and staring at the French President opposite, talking eloquently.
"There are two original editions of the Napoleonic Code. The two codes are exactly the same, from the blue velvet cover, to the preface, to the signatures of the last four drafting committees and Napoleon's autograph.
There is no difference in their preservation conditions. They are both very good. In other words, the value of these two original editions of the Napoleonic Code is exactly the same, both in terms of content and appearance.
There is no doubt that these two original editions of the Napoleonic Code are well-deserved French national treasures, so no need to think about it, they will definitely be included in the list of art works restricted from leaving the country, and I will not be able to bring them back to New York."
Before he finished speaking, the French president immediately interjected and said:
"Yes, Steven, these two original editions of the Napoleonic Code are national treasures and one of the most important achievements of the French Revolution. They must not leave France. This is non-negotiable!"
When he said these words, his tone was decisive.
The other French people also nodded, each with a very firm expression.
Ye Tian nodded slightly and continued to smile:
“I have already thought of this, but these two original editions of the Napoleonic Code are my private property, and I have the freedom to dispose of them as long as they do not violate French law!
After these two original versions of the Napoleonic Code reappeared in the world, they immediately caused a huge sensation and attracted the attention of countless people, including the man in the Oval Office of the White House.
Immediately afterwards, Mr. Perry, the U.S. Ambassador to France, received a call. The White House was interested in acquiring the original version of the "Code Napoleon" that had just appeared. Mr. Ambassador could explain this! "
With that said, Ye Tian nodded towards Perry, indicating that it was his turn to perform.
Perry understood immediately, took over the conversation, and stated the intention of the person in the Oval Office of the White House.
Hearing this, the French President and several others were almost furious. They all stared at Ye Tian and the US Ambassador to France Perry with burning eyes, wishing they could rush over and beat them up!
Of course, the man in the Oval Office of the White House was secretly scolded by these French guys. It is estimated that his ancestors have been scolded for eighteen generations!
After finally waiting for Perry to finish speaking, the French Minister of Culture immediately said with a pale face:
"Don't even think about it, Steven, those two original editions of the Napoleonic Code must never leave France. Let the person in the White House give up quickly. There is no chance!"
Hearing this, Perry's expression changed. He was about to speak out, but Ye Tian beat him to it.
“I just said that I will not violate French laws. As long as the two original versions of the Napoleonic Code are included in the list of restricted departures, I will not leave France with them.
Considering the current situation and taking care of the feelings of the French people, so as not to make things difficult for you, I will definitely leave at least one of the original versions of the Napoleonic Code in France and Paris!
Even if I agree to the acquisition request of the US President, I will complete the art transaction in Paris and sell one of the original editions 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.
For the remaining original version of the Napoleonic Code, I will definitely sell it to the French government or a famous museum, or a top French collector, and let it stay in France.
Politics is an art of transaction. Mr. President, you are an outstanding politician. You are very familiar with the President of the United States and a good friend. You can have a good talk with him.
There is an old saying in China, ‘What is lost is what is gained in the east, but what is gained is a mulberry tree.’ You may lose a copy of the original version of the Napoleonic Code, but you may gain something in other aspects!
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 amount of time and will not rush to deal with the two original editions of the code! "
The living room became quiet again, and the French guys opposite were once again lost in thought.
After a long while, the French President said in a deep voice:
"Steven, I will call the White House later and have a good talk with the person in the Oval Office. You are right. We should be able to reach an agreement and achieve a satisfactory result.
Let’s talk about another thing. What price do we need to pay to obtain the original version of the Napoleonic Code? With your style, the price must be very high, right? "
Ye Tian nodded with a smile on his face, and was ready to kill him.
"That's natural, Mr. President, this is the original version of the Napoleonic Code, the most important achievement of the French Revolution, a well-deserved French national treasure, and the only two copies left in the world!
To say that they are priceless treasures cannot be more appropriate. If you want to get them, you must pay a huge price, whether it is the French government or the person in the Oval Office of the White House, it is the same.
Since these two original editions of the Napoleonic Code will not be auctioned, there will be no public bidding, so I will not give a minimum estimate like other antiques in the Napoleonic Treasures.
In view of the great symbolic significance and research value of these two original editions of the Napoleonic Code, combined with the current art market conditions, I valued each code at 800 million euros! "
As soon as he finished speaking, the reception room was filled with excitement.
"Wow"
The French President and several other French people pushed away their chairs suddenly and stood up as if they were electrocuted. They all stared at Ye Tian angrily, their eyes so wide that they almost flew out!
Perry and Anderson were also frightened by this valuation. They turned to look at Ye Tian, their eyes filled with disbelief, as if they were looking at a madman!
"Eight hundred million euros for each "Code Napoleon". This is simply crazy. Steven, you are really greedy to the extreme. Why don't you grab it?"
"Absurd, this is simply ridiculous! No matter how precious the original version of the Napoleonic Code is, it cannot be worth 800 million euros. This is a robbery of Chiguoguo!"
Several French people roared angrily, and each of them was so angry that their noses were almost smoking. They wished they could rush over and tear Ye Tian alive to satisfy their hatred!
Only the French president could still maintain some grace and did not curse. After all, he is used to big storms.
But he also clenched his fists, his eyes were spitting fire, and he was on the verge of exploding.
Ye Tian glanced at the French people opposite, then said with a smile:
“Is the valuation of 800 million euros ridiculous? I don’t think so. The previously discovered work of Michelangelo’s peak period, “Lamentation of the Christ”, I valued at 500 million US dollars!
Based on the current situation of the art market, it can be said that this is a quite conservative valuation. If it is sent to auction and the bidding is open, it is possible to fetch a sky-high price of US$800 million!
In comparison, the importance of the original "Code Napoleon" is undoubtedly much higher than Michelangelo's "Lamentation of the Christ", and it is even rarer. There are only two copies left in the world!
Especially for France and the French people, the original version of the Napoleonic Code is extremely important. This code is the pride of all French people and is inseparable from every French person!
The French can do without "Lamentation of the Christ". They also have other works by Michelangelo, as well as outstanding works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and other top art masters.
But the French cannot live without the Napoleonic Code. This code has been in force in France for more than 200 years and has penetrated into every aspect of French life. It is pervasive! "
Listening to Ye Tian's somewhat sensational analysis, the anger of the French people subsided a little.
As French people, they certainly understand the importance of the Napoleonic Code.
As Ye Tian said, the contents of this code have already penetrated into all aspects of French society and the life of every French person, and are closely related to everyone.
After hesitating for a moment, the French president said with a serious face:
"Steven, even if your analysis is reasonable and your valuation is accurate, it is impossible for us to acquire these two original editions of the "Code Napoleon" at a price of 800 million euros each."
Ye Tian smiled softly and then continued:
"Of course I know that spending such a huge sum of money to acquire the Napoleonic Code will not be passed by the Parliament alone. 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 protests. They believe that ‘politics is on the streets.’ Saturday is a wonderful day for French people to take to the streets to protest and demonstrate.
I have deeply realized this during my time in France! If possible, I don’t want to trigger a protest demonstration against me because of these two Napoleonic Codes! "
"Hahaha"
Anderson and Perry all laughed, each one overjoyed.