Flowers, Swords and France

"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..."

Ambassador Bismarck's words were very sincere and persuasive, "After all, France cannot rely on itself to confront other powerful countries. It needs friends. And I am your friend."

Although it seems strange to hear Bismarck claiming to be a friend of the French, there is a reason for it - in his conception, France is a powerful country that can be used, and in his diplomatic conception, he needs France To help him fight against Austrian power or at least to stand aside from Prussian expansion, French friendship was also indispensable.

Today, even Bismarck has not yet imagined a decisive battle between Prussia and France. That will only be feasible when Prussia has finally won the leadership of the German states. Today Prussia is still too far away from this.

"I personally think that Prussia's expansion of armaments itself means instability in Europe, and it also means instability in France." Under Bismarck's gaze, Charles replied with a smile, "After all, Prussia and we are the same. Neighboring countries, we can’t imagine that one day Prussia will throw several legions on the Rhine River, ready to attack France at any time.”

"Sir, your worries are simply ridiculous!" Bismarck's temper increased and he directly interrupted Charles, "Prussia is a small country compared to France. Its military strength is not as good as France's, and its strength is not enough. to shake France, and he had bigger enemies in his How could he be a threat to France? We are only satisfied with keeping our territory in the Rhineland, so why would we go against France for such a reason? In terms of friendship, I think you are making a big mistake.”

"As a French minister, I am grateful for your humble attitude towards the balance of power between Prussia and France. This humility is not easy for a Junker noble." Charles was not moved by Bismarck's harsh words at all. Still calm and composed, "However, even if France is stronger than Prussia, he has no reason to sit back and watch the existing balance in Europe be broken. Is Prussia's expansion of its armaments a defensive move? I don't think so. At this moment, Britain, France, and Russia, the three strongest countries in Europe, are fighting each other. No matter who wins or loses, their strength will be weakened in the next period of time, and no one has the option or interest to continue. To interfere in Europe... In such a free space, if Prussia allows its expanded military force to invade a certain country, then the whole of Europe will have a headache. What good will this do to Prussia? "

"Your Excellency, I still remember your words! You gave a speech yourself, declaring to everyone that France will not be satisfied with its current status, and that France needs to seek the respect it deserves... What powerful and reasonable words this is! Just because of you With these words, I regard you as a confidant, because I think so too. Prussia also needs to seek its rightful place. Bit! If our two countries work together, wouldn't it be easier for the existing order in Europe to change in a direction that is beneficial to us?" Bismarck looked at Charles sternly, unconsciously with a hint of sarcasm, "When did you think of Europe again? It’s surprising that Minister Treville is now the spokesperson for peace and the existing system!”

"Yes, I once said that, but times have changed. The person I was five years ago is not the person I am now." Charles shrugged, still smiling, "France is now on the right track, Europe It has also begun to recognize France's due status, so I think it is more beneficial to France to maintain this system. Sir, you are a diplomat, and of course you know that people like us never stick to a specific moment. It’s a standard, isn’t it?”

Bismarck frowned and swallowed secretly. The minister seemed to be smiling, but he was speechless, which made him really depressed. He didn't know how to provoke the general, because the other party had clearly said that all his words could be invalidated if necessary. Who can do anything to someone who is openly unprincipled?

"Mr. Treville, Otto von Bismarck will not particularly love or hate anyone. He will only weigh a person according to the scale in his own heart. This scale is his Ideal, anyone who helps realize his ideal in everything is his friend; anyone who blocks his ideal in everything can only become his enemy. In this There is no place for morality and kindness in this world." After a moment of silence, Bismarck's expression became more serious, "And I think the same is naturally true for His Excellency Minister Charles de Treville, so essentially we are. We should have a common language. Shouldn't we work together to turn Europe upside down? Look, how good this era has been for us? What an opportunity! Those kings and emperors are poor, well-dressed people who are panicking in front of the torrent of the times. They can almost only rely on others to show them the way! Therefore, the power of the country will be exercised by people like us, We should use it to immortalize history, right? You say France is satisfied with the status quo, but I don’t think so. Don’t you think so? Is a France held hostage by the British the France you want? Do you think a France limited to natural boundaries is the France you want? No, as a descendant of Napoleon, the French Empire should have greater aspirations. , If you are not adapted to such pursuit, then you have failed to live up to the mission given to you by history and failed to fulfill your obligations!”

In the oncoming wind, Bismarck talked about the blueprint for Europe's future to Charles, unnaturally giving some lessons, "Prussia is now accumulating strength. He can go north or south, and he can make Europe better." If you are indifferent to this kind of friendship, France will miss the opportunity and may even suffer from it!"

"What, does Prussia really want to provoke its neighbors? Including France?" Charles asked.

"Of course I don't mean this, but I think if France doesn't stand with us, it will definitely lose a lot in the future, including its honor and pride." Bismarck stared at Charles with an air of a challenger. .

He was not afraid of the minister's anger, because as far as he knew about Emperor Napoleon III and the ministers of the empire, these people rarely got angry, but would shrink from a tough attitude. He wanted to win the other party with such a firm attitude. respect.

"Hahahahahaha...haha" However, under his gaze, Charles suddenly laughed, "Mr. Bismarck, I have to say that your joke is quite interesting. France's honor, she can go there by herself Take it, I guess you don’t have to work the Prussians, do you?”

"Hahahaha..." Bismarck stiffened in embarrassment for a while, and then quickly started laughing, "If you think this is a joke, then we'll see."

In the original history, after Germany was unified by Prussia in 1870, Bismarck and Prussia could intimidate the leaders of almost all countries in Europe, but unfortunately, they cannot intimidate anyone now. In people's eyes, Prussia is just a low-level European power. Although it has some strength, it cannot be said to be a decisive force on the European continent. It is more like a follower of the Russians.

Charles's laughter showed that he was not afraid of Prussia being disadvantageous to France at all, and did not even bother to argue. This was undoubtedly an implicit contempt and provocation.

So after Charles laughed, although Bismarck felt very unhappy, he just laughed along, turning his threat into a joke between friends, and secretly vowed to make the French See clearly how powerful you and Prussia are.

And he knew better that this time the persuasion had failed. The young minister was almost indifferent and was not moved by his proposal at all. He resolutely refused the proposal of France and Prussia to join forces to disrupt Europe. Bismarck She even doubted how serious the friendship he showed towards her was.

In the final analysis, he made some miscalculations. The previous French monarchs seemed to be very ambitious and wanted to get rid of the shackles of the old system on France. One of them, Minister Treville, even made a speech directly before he became famous, angrily criticizing The old European system had become obsolete, and a new system was required to be established under French leadership and given its rightful place in it.

This trend of thought made Bismarck overjoyed. It was not that he had any special affection for the French, but he found an opportunity for Prussia to seize chestnuts from the fire. As long as France was making trouble in Europe, Prussia would have a chance to seize chestnuts from the fire.

During the Napoleonic Wars, France, under the leadership of Emperor Napoleon, turned Europe upside down and even brought Prussia to the brink of national subjugation. However, in the end, the French Empire was wiped out, and Prussia received sufficient compensation for its consistent anti-French stance— -During the Peace Conference of Vienna, his territory was greatly expanded, and large areas of the Rhineland also fell into his hands.

Of course, Bismarck secretly hoped that France would continue to be so beautiful for once, and he was even more encouraged when the Second Reich launched a war against Russia just a few years after the Restoration.

He imagined that this group of militarists was full of expansion and aggressive policies. They had turned France into a pile of firewood, and with just a slight push, they would do what they wanted.

Unfortunately, he miscalculated. It seems that the rulers of France have now changed and become the maintainers of order. They have already felt that the existing order has become beneficial to France, so they are no longer so anxious to change everything.

Is this serious, or is it said deliberately because of being wary of himself?

Is this the opinion of Minister Treville alone, or the opinion of the entire new French ruling group?

When Bismarck laughed, many thoughts came to him, so that there was a hint of dryness in his whisper.

In any case, he was indeed rejected unambiguously. This was a setback, although both sides retained their dignity.

However, he did not intend to give up his idea. After all, even if Minister Treville could not make a breakthrough here, he could continue to try with others, especially with His Majesty the Emperor. His Majesty the Emperor was ambitious. He had been seeking to play his uncle all his life. If this logic continued, he might not be able to resist the temptation of expanding France's borders in Europe.

Although the prey were cunning and agile, he was convinced that he had a way to pull these people into his hands.

While the two were talking and laughing, the carriage had stopped, and Charles and Ambassador Bismarck came to his grand mansion.

Because of the previous notice, Lady Charlotte had already asked the servants to prepare for the reception and waited here, and then entertained the Prussian ambassador with a gentle and polite attitude.

As soon as he saw Charlotte, Bismarck immediately kissed her hand respectfully with the proper etiquette of diplomats.

"You are worthy of being the most dazzling pearl of this country, Lady Charlotte, it is my greatest honor to see you again."

"Oh, you are getting better and better at talking now, sir... No wonder you are an ambassador!" Charlotte couldn't help laughing. "But I always feel that there is a bit of a knife in your compliments."

"That's your illusion... In front of beautiful ladies, I am always a German gentleman." Bismarck answered gently, without any trace of his previous arrogance and toughness. "I admit that I am sometimes very aggressive, but that is just to compete with men for pride..."

"You see, isn't this answer already very tough? You are indeed a Prussian. Everyone says that you can't wait to wear a military uniform every day..." Charlotte said as she followed Charles and led the guests to her home.

And in the living room, a little boy quickly rushed towards the Treville couple and jumped directly into Charlotte's arms. "Mom!"

"Clovis, don't run around!" Charlotte grabbed the child directly, and her scolding was full of doting. "You are so old, but you don't know any etiquette!"

Then, she turned her son over to face Bismarck. "Call uncle!"

"Hello uncle..." Clovis said to Bismarck timidly.

Looking at this young child, Bismarck couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke his golden hair.

"What a lovely child." His tone was very sincere, as if he was expressing his true feelings. "Madam, you have everything that people envy!"

"Look at what you said." Charlotte couldn't help laughing, "Your children should be very cute too."

"Yes, they are very cute, but they are not with me." Bismarck was a little regretful, "They all stayed in my hometown with my wife."

He now has two sons and one daughter. The eldest daughter Mary is six years old, and the youngest son is just a few months old. It is precisely because of this that he can only let his wife stay in his hometown to take care of the children and go to work alone. Seeing Mrs. Charlotte and her children today, he couldn't help but think of his family. Only at this time, he is more like a man rather than a conceited politician.

"That's a good thing for you. No one can control you. You can enjoy yourself in Paris." Charlotte said with a little sarcasm.

"No, madam, I am a self-respecting person. How can I do such a thing to let my wife down?" Bismarck answered seriously, "She respects me very much and has been taking care of our family without regrets. I must repay her and my children with the same loyalty."

"Sometimes you Prussians really make me a little envious!" Charlotte couldn't help but sighed, "You understand the meaning of family better."

Then, she glared at Charles secretly, and Charles had to pretend not to see it.

While talking, the three of them came to the hall together, and at this time, Charlotte turned her head and looked at the two of them.

"Dinner will wait for a while. You can talk about national affairs first. I won't accompany you. The servant will call you to the dining room later." Then she nodded to Bismarck again, "Sir, please excuse me for a while..."

The original text is available at Six # 9 @Book/Bar!

Bismarck nodded quickly, and then made a gesture, "Madam, please do as you please, and don't be too accommodating to me."

"Goodbye." Charlotte turned and left with her son, leaving the two men alone. She naturally knew that the ambassador's visit was not just to say compliments to her.

After Charlotte left, the hall suddenly fell into silence. Just as Bismarck was thinking about what topic to talk to the minister, Charles suddenly spoke.

"Sir, how about we go and gesture?"

"Hmm?" Bismarck was a little surprised.

"I heard that you... you were a very courageous man when you were young. You dueled with many people when you were in college, right?" Charles asked lightly.

"I had a bad temper when I was young, and now I regret it." Bismarck answered quickly, and a bad premonition rose in his heart. "I should have read more books at that time."

"I don't think you regret it, do you?" Charles sneered slightly, "Sir, it's rare that we have time to get together alone today. Would you like to reminisce about the past with me? To be honest, I also fought with others many times when I was young, and I am still somewhat confident in my swordsmanship."

Bismarck couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.

After bringing guests to the door, you have to duel with swords? This is really not like the fashion today.

In the Middle Ages, the nobles were brave and fierce, and they had nothing to do, so dueling was commonplace, and it was also normal to duel with guests, but now the times have changed a lot, at least there is no such custom in France.

Did I offend him with what I said just now? Bismarck thought secretly.

If that's the case, it doesn't matter, because it's better for him to be angry than for him to be indifferent.

But he still couldn't believe that a treacherous man like Charles de Treville would be brave and aggressive, let alone do it so obviously.

"I haven't done this for many years... and I don't think it's good to do this."

"No, I don't want to duel with you, it's just a way of communication..." Charles still smiled, but there was a hint of wit in his tone, "You are a descendant of a Junker noble, your ancestors opened up the territory in East Prussia; and my ancestors also galloped all over France... So, I think sometimes we need to regain the legacy of our ancestors, right?"

Bismarck frowned.

He is a man with a very cruel temper, and he is even more arrogant in his bones. When others are aggressive, he never wants to back down.

And what's the need to back down? He was so angry just now, it's time to vent.

"You are more like a noble than I expected..." Finally, Bismarck could only nod helplessly, "Well, after all, you are the descendant of the Treville family... I am happy to communicate with you like our ancestors."

"Okay, please follow me." Charles nodded, and then took him to the side of the mansion.

Although it was already the era of muskets, there was still no shortage of places for collecting swords and fencing in the families of the great nobles. They soon came to an empty room with only a few shelves full of swords.

"You are more than ten years older than me. I think I should make some concessions in terms of weapons." Charles walked towards the shelves.

"No, on the contrary." Bismarck's face was full of confidence and pride, "I think I should give in to you, because you can't have more experience in duels than me."

"Okay, then let's have a fair fight." Charles picked two weapons directly from the shelf and placed them in front of Bismarck.

This is a sword for training, so it has never been sharpened. Rather than a sword, it is a thin metal rod embedded in the hilt. Bismarck was relieved when he saw the weapon.

He picked up one at random, and shook it a few times to test the feel. "Well, it's really good. It reminds me of the past..."

At this time, his eyes were already flashing with excitement, and he seemed to miss the green years of the past.

And Charles also picked up the remaining sword and looked at the other party steadily.

Of course, he didn't intend to take this opportunity to create an accident and kill the other party here. He didn't need to do such a mean thing.

He just wanted to fight with this great man directly.

He had been looking forward to this for a long time. What an interesting thing it would be!

Under Bismarck's gaze, he raised the sword in his hand and pointed it at the other party.