Flowers, Swords and France

It was another fairly clear morning, with a gentle breeze blowing across the countryside. The wind in early autumn is always so refreshing and seems to indicate that this is a good time to go out and travel.

On the platform of a small rural station outside Paris, groups of soldiers had formed a neat array, standing on both sides as if waiting for something.

These soldiers, all wearing the same military uniforms as blue jackets and red trousers, stood on the platform with their heads held high, as if they were undergoing a review. Although there is not much solemnity and solemnity in his expression, it can still make people feel a unique oppressive force belonging to the army.

"How are you, Charles?" When passing by this group of soldiers, Major Lucien Lefrier, who was wearing a military uniform, asked the young man in civilian clothes standing next to him very carefully, as if he was worried. It's as if the other party is dissatisfied with his arrangement.

"My friend, why are you being so serious with me? Don't make it seem like I'm on a military parade. That's not a privilege I have." Charles smiled and gave him an answer, then patted him. His shoulders reassured him. "But, to be honest, I am really satisfied with your arrangement. It is comprehensive and I can see that you have put your heart and soul into it. Thank you for your hard work, Lucien."\u0026n｜万｜｜Bar｜ .[n][s ][b].mbsp;???"Oh, that's fine if you can say that. This is the first time I've received such a mission, and I'm afraid something will go wrong." After receiving such a positive reply from Charles, Lu Xi'an was obviously relieved. "Since you have no objection, that's fine. Now my people are ready and can set off at any time."

Ciel didn't answer immediately. Instead, he calmly took out his pocket watch from his pocket and looked at the time.

"It seems we don't have to worry yet, we still have a while." After confirming the time. he replied in a low voice. "Besides, even if we get there, we may not be able to leave immediately. We still have to hope that the train will come on time."

As they say, these troops have gathered today for an unusual military maneuver - not long ago, thanks to the efforts of construction crews and Ministry of Railways employees, the railway line from Paris to Le Mans All lines will be opened. The total length of this route is over 50 miles (approximately 200 kilometers). It greatly facilitates transportation from Paris to central France and will obviously become a lifeline for the country's economy in the future.

At the same time as the railway was opened, Charles had previously proposed "holding an exercise using railways to transport troops." It has also been recognized and implemented by the Ministry of the Army. After a period of preparation, the exercise will begin today. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Charles deliberately asked officials in the War Department to help. This exercise was assigned to Lucien's regiment. Because of this. These two people got together again today and participated in this exercise together.

Precisely in order to leave a good impression on Charles and others, and also to express his position, Lucien has been nervously making preparations among his troops since he learned of the arrangements of the Ministry of War, striving to obtain Let the first battalion of troops led by yourself prepare for the next exercise in the fullest spirit.

They have been gathering for a while, and the time is approaching the designated moment, but there seems to be no sign of the train entering the station. Although the soldiers remained silent, Ciel could feel a wave of doubt spreading.

but. Charles didn't have any special feelings about this. After all, it was impossible for trains in the mid-19th century to be completely punctual according to the scheduled timetable, let alone a newly opened line.

While waiting for the train to arrive at the station, Charles and Lucien stood in the front row, looking at the clear blue sky in the distance together.

It was early autumn at this time, and the cool and pleasant wind blew on the faces of the two people, so that they did not feel stuffy in their formal clothes. The sky was more like a piece of blue jade, covering the entire earth.

"What a perfect weather." Charles suddenly sighed, "Lucien, how are you doing recently?"

"Oh, I'm fine." Lucien replied quickly.

After a moment, he realized from Ciel's silence that the other party's intention was not just to say hello to him.

"Things have been going relatively smoothly recently, so everything is okay." He quickly changed his mind, "Char, everything is easier than expected..."

Why do these people always like to talk in roundabout ways? He couldn't help but feel a wry smile in his heart.

"Really? That's great." Charles also beamed with joy, "Have you found anyone with the same goals as us there?"

"There are quite a few people like this." Lucien replied in a low voice, "Not only did I find some people among my colleagues who also support the president, but even our leader himself also agreed very much with the president's ideas... …”

"Oh?" Charles turned his head and looked at Lucien, "That's not bad, wait..."

Just when he was about to say something, a slight buzzing sound suddenly came from the distance, causing him to stop talking unconsciously.

As time passed, the sound became louder and louder, and it was obvious that something was speeding toward him quickly.

This is the roar of "Woo...", this is the squeaking sound of wheels running over the rails, this is the sound that represents a new era of civilization.

Charles turned his head. In his sight, the rails extended forward to the distant skyline, as if merging with the sky. At this moment, a black dot emerged from the distant horizon. Gradually, the black dot became larger and larger, and slowly people could see its outline clearly.

This is a huge steel creation. Perhaps after being stained by coal smoke for a long time, its appearance is extremely bright black. It is facing Charles' face. The upper part is round. As it keeps speeding forward, the axle connected to the front of the car keeps driving back and forth rhythmically, pulling the wheels of the lower part.

It whistles and moves forward with white smoke, as if it is a giant beast crawling quickly from the rails, giving people an indescribable visual impact.

Although it does look a bit ugly at first glance, after observing for a while, between the rough and hideous steel outlines, there is actually some beauty belonging to another world.

It is such a beautiful monster that leads mankind into a new era.

"What a beautiful thing!" Charles couldn't help but sigh suddenly as he watched the train coming from afar.

Due to the loud noise, Lucien next to him didn't hear Charles' words very clearly, but he had no time to care about what his friend was thinking, because the soldiers behind him were making a commotion, so that even the originally dense queue became a little loose.

Lucien, who wanted to show off in front of his friends, suddenly felt a little embarrassed, and then hurried to the soldiers, and shouted loudly with his officers to maintain the order of the queue again.

Charles didn't feel dissatisfied with this situation. He knew that among these soldiers, there were many people who had never seen a steam locomotive in their lives. Seeing this hideous mechanical creation for the first time, they would be a little guilty, right? So he could understand their commotion.

The train was getting slower and slower, and gradually slid towards the platform where Charles and others were with a sharp friction sound. In a sound similar to sobbing, the train finally stopped.

He took out his pocket watch again and checked the time.

Seven minutes off.

Although it would be an unacceptable result in the future, at least it was still within the acceptable range.

The original text can be read in the Six # 9 @Book/Bar!

In the midst of the hustle and bustle, Charles ignored everyone around him and raised his head again, looking at the train parked in front of him.

I supervised the construction of this railway line, and the train was also purchased by my people. Even the funds for its construction were raised by issuing bonds.

This is a creation I left for this world. Although it is not perfect, it is already amazing enough.

Then, he slowly turned his head and looked at the officers and soldiers behind him. Lucien and his officers had restored order, and then nodded to Charles, indicating that he was ready.

These people also turned over according to my request, and will continue to go to the place I designated according to my request... Have I been able to do so many things?

An inexplicable sense of accomplishment suddenly surged from Charles' heart, making him feel an indescribable sense of pleasure all over his body. It was the most direct reward brought by success.

No, this is not enough, I have to do more, I can get more... He closed his eyes, and then opened them again.

With a very happy smile, he shouted loudly to Lucien and his soldiers.

"Gentlemen, cheer up! Our outing is about to begin!"

His joke, as expected, attracted a burst of laughter, and then a small cheer.

Being able to take the train is a new experience for almost every soldier at this time. Whether officers or soldiers, they are full of curiosity and eager to try.

However, although he said it so lightly and happily, Lucien still did not dare to take it lightly. He loudly repeated the military discipline and asked the soldiers to keep quiet in the train and not to cause trouble. At the same time, he asked the officers to pay careful attention to their soldiers so that they could understand the command system of the reorganized troops after arriving at the station. Although he had said it several times before, he still had to repeat it again before leaving until everyone answered loudly that they understood.

Then, the soldiers walked into the carriage from the platform in an orderly manner.

After confirming that everything was ready, Charles gave the conductor an order.

"Let's go!"

Charles himself did not realize that with this order, the army of this country also ushered in a new era.

The long whistle sounded again, and the train slowly moved, bathed in the golden sunshine, and greeted the blue sky in the distance.