Flowers, Swords and France

The revolution created by the French people and bankers did not limit its influence to just one country. It has suddenly shocked the whole of Europe. The three days of beacon smoke and artillery fire in Paris stirred up violent storms across the entire continent. Soon, everything will prove how unforgettable this year will be.

People watching this storm with either eager or worried eyes were not just on the mainland. On the other side of France, which was only separated by a narrow strait, countless eyes were watching what she was going through.

From this sister who has been entangled with her for ten centuries, she is sometimes cursed and sometimes blessed, but she will never be forgotten.

And this time, she was blessed—maybe.

At least that's how it seems to Mr Russell, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

[Since the Act of Union with Ireland was passed in 1800, the official name of the United Kingdom has always been the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland", and the British Empire (british-empire) is not its official name.

Prime Minister John Russell (John-Russell, 1792-1878) was a British Whig (Liberal Party) politician who was later made an earl by Queen Victoria in 1861. He was the first Earl Russell, and later the famous British philosopher Bertrand Russell was his grandson, the third Earl Russell. 】

And this is exactly why he made a special trip to Walmer Castle in Kent today. On such a national matter, it was necessary for him to consult this retired man who still has great influence in the House of Lords and the army, even though he is a Tory (Conservative Party), even though he was once an Irishman.

Under the guidance of the unsmiling servant, he quickly arrived at the master's study in the castle, and then the servant knocked on the door of the study. During the short period of waiting, the political leader of the world's most powerful country unexpectedly felt a little uneasy in his heart.

Soon, the door opened. After suppressing the discomfort in his heart, the Prime Minister gently walked into the study where the master was.

Then, he met the owner of the castle.

He was sitting on a lounge chair, looking out the window at the lawn and blue sky.

Although he was resting, the owner still looked full of energy. His angular face was full of concentration. Although most of his thick curly hair was gray, it was still neatly combed, as if to prevent the worries in his heart. Any bit of fortitude was destroyed by this old-fashioned attitude.

After hearing that the visitor was approaching, the old man turned his head and cast his gaze on the Prime Minister. And this sight was so hard that it could make someone bleed.

Just looking at this look, who can believe that he is already in his eighties!

The Iron Duke lives up to his name.

He gently raised his hand and motioned for the Prime Minister to sit opposite him, and the Prime Minister readily followed the Duke of Wellington's instructions.

The recliner swayed gently, making a vague buzzing sound.

"Your Excellency, Prime Minister, I am very surprised by your visit today." After the Prime Minister sat down, the Duke spoke softly, with a plain tone and simplicity, which was the Duke's usual style. "I hope it won't keep me from waiting to mow my garden."

"Don't worry, Your Excellency, I'm just here to ask for your opinions. I won't waste too much of your time." There was a hint of flattery hidden in the Prime Minister's smile, "You can take care of your garden later. ”

"Oh? Please tell me," the Duke replied calmly.

In this case, the Prime Minister does not intend to waste time.

"You must be aware of the unfortunate events happening on the European continent right now, right?"

"I do know something." The Duke nodded, but his expression was still so calm and casual, "But at most, it's just about where the turmoil happened and which dynasty collapsed, right? For me, these news are not as good as my garden. The violets in it are very important, they have been worrying me so much lately..."

"These things are not irrelevant to our country, Your Excellency." Seeing that the other party seemed to be uninterested, the Prime Minister hurriedly spoke.

"But isn't the government under your management now? Don't you have any confidence in the strength of this country?" That piercing gaze shifted to Mr. Prime Minister again, making him feel uncomfortable, "Or, Does Her Majesty’s political ax require us to crush another country?”

"I'm afraid, many countries have been crushed without our presence." The Prime Minister replied gloomily, "At least they have been crushed to pieces..."

The uprising that broke out in France on February 22 successfully overthrew the July Monarchy. The news that French Prime Minister Guizot sadly resigned and French King Louis-Philippe sadly abdicated and went into exile in England shocked the whole of Europe.

And this wave soon spread from the borders to European countries, stirring up new waves one after another. The conflicts that had been accumulated for a long time finally broke out in the most violent way.

On March 13, the story of Metternich, Prime Minister of the Austrian Empire, disguised as a woman and escaped from Vienna when he was besieged by repressed civilians and students, has spread throughout Europe and has almost become the laughing stock of all countries. In this way, the great diplomat who had traveled across European countries for decades bid farewell to the stage of history forever in a rather comical way.

In other parts of Europe, in Germany and Italy, this wave is also surging, making everyone frightened.

"Since you are not going to interfere, then we will just watch." The Duke replied calmly, as if he was not moved by the horrific events at all. "Europe always needs some changes."

Although his tone was very flat and reserved, the Prime Minister understood what he meant - the Holy Alliance led by Russia, and the European order covered by the Holy Alliance, did need some changes.

"But we should always make sure that those changes are beneficial to us." The Prime Minister responded equally implicitly. "That's why I came to consult you."

The Duke cast his gaze out the window, waiting for the Prime Minister's next words.

"I have received news from Mr. Bonaparte. He is planning to leave as soon as possible to return to France. The purpose is of course self-evident. He is impatient. Even the former King of France, who had imprisoned him for six years, does not want to meet and reminisce..." In order to dilute the serious atmosphere in the room, the Prime Minister deliberately made a little joke, "I came to visit you today just to ask what I should do best under Mr. Bonaparte's application." ?”

"You are the Prime Minister, you can do whatever you want, as long as you put the interests of this country first." The Duke replied with words that were quite comforting to the Prime Minister.

"But, you know, I only took up this position two years ago. I am not skilled in diplomacy, and I am still not particularly clear about the positions and considerations of previous administrations. Especially considering that This issue is serious and I think I should act with caution, Your Excellency." The Prime Minister replied carefully, "As our respected senior, I think I should listen to your opinion."

[The Duke of Wellington briefly served as Prime Minister of England in 1834. 】

The Duke lowered his gaze.

"In other words, Louis Bonaparte wishes to return to France now?"

"Yes." The Prime Minister nodded, "It's not that I don't understand the considerations of my former colleagues, but... if Napoleon's nephew is really like that monster, then it will be a huge mistake for us to let him come to power. ...So I have to be careful on this issue.”

"If you want to ask my opinion, then let him go." The Duke replied directly.

Read the original article in Liu#9@书/吧!

His answer made the Prime Minister frown, and then he listened attentively to the Duke's next words.

"M. Louis Bonaparte has some ability, but nothing more. To be compared with that uncle is just an insult to Napoleon. When we defeated his uncle forty years ago, he was a little guy; forty years ago Years later, he's still a little guy. Don't worry about him too much." The Duke expressed his opinion, "Besides, what if there is another Napoleon? If we can defeat one, we can defeat another one. Sir, you have the power to defeat this empire. That’s too dismissive and it’s bad for your job.”

“In other words, do you think that even if Mr. Bonaparte achieves his goal, he will not be able to harm British interests, but will abandon the old prejudices that should be abandoned, as we wish, and instead cooperate with us to contain the Slavs? "

"Yes." The Duke nodded.

"Are you sure?" The Prime Minister was still hesitant.

"There is an absolutely certain future in the world." The Duke replied with some displeasure, "But I can assure you that no matter what happens, I, as well as the army of this country, whether it is the army or navy, will be able to defeat all enemies for this empire. . I have defeated Napoleon's marshals one by one, and even he himself bowed before me. This country defeated that man without fear of any danger a few decades ago, and decades later, this country actually defeated him. It’s ridiculous to be afraid of a phantom.”

Then, he turned to look at the clock next to him, "Do you have any other questions? I have to go to the garden."

The Prime Minister knew that his visit could only go so far today.

However, his purpose was achieved, and he had received enough answers to make up his mind.

"Thank you for taking your precious time, Your Excellency the Duke." The Prime Minister stood up and expressed his sincere respect.

…………

After the Prime Minister left in a hurry, the Duke of Wellington also ended his rest and came to the garden as scheduled to take care of his flowers. Even at the age of eighty, his schedule is still very regular.

He was born in the same year as the man who shook the world, defeated his men, and directed his final performance on the stage of history.

He spent decades making the proud nobles living in this island country forget his Irish origins and that he was the grandson of Baron Mornington, and instead remember him as the Iron Duke of the Sunless Empire. , when the prime minister faces a difficult problem, he will think of consulting him.

After completing this achievement that would have made him famous for centuries, what he cares about most now is the sick violets in the garden.

Suddenly, when he was standing in the garden courtyard, the old man's habits reminded him of the time when the gunfire was flying, and those bright stars. In the end, they had all disappeared forever in the dust of time, only Only a few people were left.

What is left of Europe today?

Nicholas Romanov, John Russell, Louis Philippe, Frederick William, Louis Bonaparte... what are these?

"A bunch of little guys."

He muttered suddenly.

Then the Duke refocused his attention and took care of his violet. (To be continued.)