I was the Founding Father of the United States

Chapter 55 Franklin's Visit

On the sofa in the living room on the first floor of the Courtes mansion, Chen Wenbin finished giving a brief introduction of the situation, then took Diana's hand and said to his uncle sitting opposite him, "...Mr. Scott, Diana is three months pregnant, so we want to get engaged as soon as possible, and then hold the wedding in North America after she gives birth in England."

"……no!!"

Edward Scott glared at Chen Wenbin through gritted teeth, then looked at Diana, whose eyes were filled with worry. "I can't let little Diana's child be born out of wedlock! The wedding must take place within a month!"

He already regretted not letting Sean punch that bastard a few more times!

This guy is even worse than Robert!

But now that he has a child, and judging from his niece's appearance, she seems to be doing it willingly, what can he do?

Should we leave Diana to give birth to the child alone?

"...I have no objection!"

Chen Wenbin didn't care about such things and readily agreed, saying, "We decided to have the wedding this way because of religious considerations. After all, the Anglican Church is the state church of England, and I am a Baptist..."

"That's not a problem!"

Edward Scott snorted and interrupted, "It's not like England doesn't have Baptist churches. As long as you don't have noble titles, no one will interfere with where you choose to hold your wedding!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Wenbin looked at Diana beside him and, noticing the expectant look in her eyes, kissed her cheek and said with a smile, "Then let's do it this way! I also want Diana to become my legal wife as soon as possible!"

Seeing that Chen Wenbin readily agreed without hesitation, Edward Scott finally found the bastard somewhat more agreeable. He thought for a moment and continued, "...Now there's only one problem left...the Spencer family!"

He looked at the two of them seriously and said, "I'm leaving for Northampton today! They must provide Diana with a sufficient dowry!"

Robin! Write a letter to your agent, Mr. Hopkins, and ask him to hand over the reins of the marriage negotiations to me!

I guarantee I will secure sufficient benefits for you and Diana!

"Uncle Edward!"

Before Chen Wenbin could speak, Diana advised, "Don't get into a conflict with them! My father... he's in a difficult position too!"

Edward Scott waved his hand. "Hmph! What's he trying to make things difficult for? Didn't he make things difficult for you when he sent you to North America?"

Don't worry, little Diane! Your uncle isn't a fool; you'll definitely get your rightful dowry!

For the next half hour or so, he discussed the details of the marriage negotiations with Chen Wenbin, such as the minimum amount of dowry, the right to share in the family property and the inheritance rights of the descendants, and the ownership of the original property of Diana's mother, Louise, etc.

Henry Coates, as an observer, also offered some useful advice, such as appropriately delaying the negotiation process until Chen Wenbin had an audience with the King before conducting formal negotiations.

This way, regardless of whether Chen Wenbin is ultimately granted a noble title, he can gain more bargaining power.

Although Edward Scott did not want to delay the wedding, Henry Coates's suggestion made sense, so after consideration, he agreed.

In addition to the marriage negotiations with the Spencer family, Edward Scott also required Chen Wenbin to sign a legal declaration ensuring that Diana had complete control over her dowry and property, a lesson learned from his sister Louisa.

Diana certainly didn't want this to ruin their relationship, but Chen Wenbin readily agreed, writing a promise on the spot and adding a clause: Diana and his children would have the right to inherit his most important asset—the shares of Providence United Industries.

This is a huge fortune worth at least £30,000!

Such sincerity naturally changed the Scott father and son's impression of Chen Wenbin.

Upon hearing that Chen Wenbin was planning to open a pharmacy and a Jenna spinning machine manufacturing plant in London, Edward Scott immediately said that he knew a councilor in South London and could help him obtain cheap land.

Chen Wenbin was more than happy to accept his uncle's offer of help, and he immediately entrusted the matter to the Scott father and son.

As everyone was talking, the butler Richard announced again that Anthony had arrived with a Mr. Benjamin Franklin.

Is the fat old man here?

Chen Wenbin stood up in surprise and rushed to the door. Sure enough, he saw a fat man with a high collar and no wig standing there with a cane, smiling.

This kind of dissolute temperament, so different from the hypocritical British gentleman, is something Chen Wenbin has never seen in anyone other than Benjamin Franklin!

"Robin! My dear friend! Welcome to London!" Franklin laughed heartily and opened his arms to welcome him.

Chen Wenbin laughed and stepped forward to hug his old friend, saying, "Dear Benjamin! How have you been in England these past few days? Are you happy?"

Franklin shrugged and laughed in his characteristic style, "If you're talking about our business, that's terrible!"

But if you're talking about our scientific endeavors, that's absolutely fantastic!

"Sounds like good news after all, doesn't it?" Chen Wenbin smiled, then looked at the old man earnestly and said, "Thank you! Benjamin, you've made me a celebrity in Britain! This means a lot to me!"

Franklin waved his hand, "I'm just informing the scientific community and the public about your contributions and achievements."

After saying that, he said apologetically, "Robin, I think you should already know that I only managed to sell twenty-six spinning machines before they were banned from sale because of the Navigation Acts... The loophole you envisioned, which involved assembling and selling them locally in England, was blocked."

Furthermore, the patent for the Jenna spinning machine is still pending, so I'm afraid I'm not qualified for the position you've given me!

"No!"

Chen Wenbin shook his head slightly. "This isn't your responsibility. They're waiting for us to state our terms... Alright! This isn't the place to talk. Let's go inside!"

I have some good news to tell you first…

"What? You got Diana pregnant!" Franklin stopped in his tracks upon hearing this, staring at Chen Wenbin in shock.

"God! How could you be so careless? What are you going to do now?"

"...We can only get married in England!"

Chen Wenbin pointed to Edward Scott, who was standing up to greet him in the living room, and whispered, "Otherwise, I might be hunted down by Diane's family!"

"All right!"

Franklin chuckled and patted him on the shoulder. "Anyway, congratulations, my friend! You'll soon be experiencing the responsibilities of family!"

Chen Wenbin removed his chubby hand, shrugged with a Versailles-like air, and said, "Responsibility? I think problems that can be solved with money aren't really responsibilities. I'll make Diane happy!"