Flowers, Swords and France

After the Emperor personally delivered a speech, the meeting of the Legislative Council suddenly became extremely heated. Taking advantage of this atmosphere, the Imperial Government's proposal to increase war funding was passed with a very wide margin of votes. In this way, the Imperial Government declared the stability of the Empire's domestic politics. In the midst of successive victories, this newly established empire finally looked like it could become a relatively long-term regime.

The strength of the Imperial Government certainly affects more than just the domestic situation. Its strength and prestige have made it one of the most important dominant forces in Europe. It may be disgusting, but it must not be ignored. All European countries will be watching the Bourbon Palace at this time, holding their breath and guessing where this unfathomable Emperor will drag this force.

After the proposal was passed, the Emperor, who was satisfied with his current authority and power, left the meeting hall with his entourage. The pomp and circumstance of the people in front and behind was enough to make everyone who saw it envious.

Even Ambassador von Bismarck, who thinks highly of himself, secretly admires His Majesty the Emperor. After all, his deeds have made him a legendary figure in history. Even if his evaluation is often negative, the legend is still a legend.

And his loyal pawns also have their own legends. It is precisely because of the assistance of this group of people that such a powerful and wealthy country has fallen into their hands in a short period of time and has been firmly controlled.

The arrogant princes, ministers and lords in the capitals of various countries are proud of their status, so they hate their shamelessness, are shocked by their evil, and hate that these people dare to come to them with tricks, but Bismarck does not have so many scruples. He really appreciates this group of people.

After all, he is just a country landlord in Pomerania. He can't talk about how prominent his family background is, and he has never been so reserved and scrupulous. In essence, he is also an extreme pragmatist like this group of people, and he will never think that there are any rules that can shackle himself and walk his own way.

At this time, he was still following the Imperial Minister Charles de Treville, planning to go to his home for a banquet.

"You must have visited all the famous places in Paris recently, right?" Charles asked the ambassador with a smile in the busy traffic. At this time, the two sat side by side in the carriage, like close friends. "It's a pity that it's wartime now, we can't have too much entertainment, so I have to take you to my own home."

"I am honored to have such an invitation. Lady Charlotte is a diligent hostess. I am very eager to be entertained by her. And I heard that if I can be entertained by her, it is equivalent to opening the door to the Parisian social circle. This is great news for a Prussian like me who rushed here rashly..." Bismarck replied quickly.

"Really? People outside say this about us?" Charles was a little surprised.

But thinking about it, he was relieved. He was a capable minister under His Majesty, and Charlotte was a favorite of the Queen. It would be strange if he had no influence in the upper class. It was just that he didn't care about such things at all, and Charlotte would not show off in front of him, so he felt surprised when a foreign ambassador mentioned it.

"But... I heard that your department also set up a secret club outside? I heard that there are many places to have fun there..." At this time, Bismarck suddenly asked with a smile, "When you are free, I would like to ask you to take me there to have fun. Do you think it's okay?"

Charles' smile stiffened slightly.

At the beginning of his tenure, he used the department budget to secretly set up a club. This club was specially used to entertain officials in his department, as well as entrepreneurs and businessmen related to the railway industry. After one or two years of operation, it has become the most luxurious place for enjoyment in Paris, almost becoming an urban legend in Paris. People are secretly discussing it, so it is not surprising that Ambassador Bismarck knows about it.

But it was a bit too inappropriate for him to make such a request. It was not something an ambassador would say, and even a friend could not say it to his face.

Charles believed that Bismarck was definitely not a fool, so he said this with a purpose, although he did not know what he meant.

"If you want to go, I will take you there if I am free." Charles replied in a polite but reserved tone, "But... it has been a bit noisy over there, which is really not suitable for our conversation."

"Noisy is better, isn't it?" Even though he heard Charles' reservation, Bismarck still had no intention of giving up, "I think any one person in your place is much more valuable than knowing a hundred people at those flashy banquets in Paris."

"Oh?" Charles seemed to understand something.

"Yes, Paris is a lively place, and people are very hospitable. I have met many people, some are even members of famous families. It is my honor to know them." Bismarck waved his hand, "However, I have to Said, what I want to know more is the person who is running this great country, that is, the real elite of this country. Those people have always lived in simplicity. Come on, I don’t know many people in the social scene. I’m afraid I can only recognize a few from you. For example, those big financiers and big business owners are the real driving forces of this era. I need to know them, too. Only in this way can I truly promote friendly relations between Prussia and France. I am convinced that only people like you can unite this group of people."

Charles finally understood what he meant. The ambassador was indeed ambitious. He was not satisfied with his fame in the French diplomatic community. He wanted to get to know some truly powerful people, and he happened to be the one he wanted. Rely on the medium.

"I'm afraid you praise me too much. I'm just a public servant of the empire." Ciel still avoided the topic.

"Please don't be modest, Your Majesty, you are a truly clear-headed person, perhaps even clearer than anyone else." Bismarck stubbornly continued his words, "Your Majesty likes to please the nobles. But you are really silently I have to say that you have done a great job in building a group of industrialists and financiers. At least now you have brought France into a new era. I think if I want to fulfill my responsibilities, I must contact this group. Otherwise, I will be derelict in my duties as an ambassador!”

"Okay, I'm really embarrassed if you keep talking like this..." Seeing that his words were getting more and more dangerous, Charles quickly waved his hand to stop him, "Okay, okay, I promise you, in a few days I’ll take you there, but today, let’s make Charlotte happy. She is also very impressed by you and wants to see you again.”

"I hope I won't bore Madam." Bismarck finally laughed.

But to be honest, he was still a little disappointed because the minister took him home and the person he met was his wife.

These French dignitaries all live a dissolute life. He has heard it said a long time ago that if these people really feel that they are confidant with someone, they will take people to party with their mistresses, because there will be no such occasion. No matter the restrictions, we can discuss all issues. The current situation can only show that this minister seems to be friendly to him, but he still has reservations in his heart.

Of course, I haven't had a close relationship with this minister yet, so it's normal to still have a psychological distance.

After the carriage bypassed the bustling streets and began to approach the outskirts of the city, the streets began to become looser and the carriage became much faster. The strong wind that hit them when the carriage was galloping also made the two people feel more comfortable.

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

"To be honest, I am very envious of Your Majesty and you, because you have got rid of the liberal mediocrity that is poisoning the world now and have truly devoted yourself to practical work. You have tamed the damn parliament and let the chattering people inside Demons will not harm the world, but in the end you have really made achievements, allowing a person who was in crisis just a few years ago to The country jumped up and was able to compete with the most powerful country!" Bismarck loosened his collar, and then complimented Charles loudly, his words became a little fierce, "And our Prussia... situation is ridiculous, Everyone says we are a military country, and now we are sitting in front of a parliament with a bunch of Bourgeois bastards telling us what to do!"

"Parliaments are occasionally useful, but they must be restricted." Ciel nodded and agreed with the other party's statement.

"So, this is also a problem facing our country... We need funds to expand our armaments, but Parliament has been unable to pass appropriations, leaving us with no resources to do this." Bismarck continued, "What are these bastards shouting about peace? , but forget that only the bayonet can bring peace.”

"Prussia wants to expand its armaments?" Charles heard the key, "Aimed at whom?"

"It's not aimed at anyone, it's just for self-protection." Bismarck shook his head, "Please understand us, we are a small country, surrounded by powerful countries, and we are a plain, with nothing but our chest to stop the enemy... At a time when Europe is in such chaos, we must expand our armaments to enhance our ability to defend ourselves.”

After a pause, he added emphatically, "If I can do this, I will become a popular person in front of His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness the Prince... Maybe I can even become the Prime Minister of the Kingdom because of this. "

"What if France does not support Prussia's expansion of armaments because it does not think it is necessary?" Charles suddenly asked.

This unexpected reply made Bismarck immediately tense up.

"Then you are totally wrong, Your Excellency. It is also in France's best interest if we arm ourselves, isn't it? Because we can become France's barrier against Austria and Russia..."