Flowers, Swords and France

"Char, our exercise went very smoothly this time, and the team leader is also very satisfied with the results."

Under the shining of the setting sun, Lucien Leflair, still in military uniform, stated to Charles next to him with a serious expression, "From my personal perspective, I can travel dozens of miles in one day. This is an unheard-of experience, and it can even be said to be an epoch-making progress that can change the future war situation..."

"So, didn't you find some problems?" Before Charles could speak, Albert next to him suddenly asked.

After taking a daytime train and arriving at the city of Le Mans, two hundred kilometers away, Lucien's team immediately conducted combat exercises in the predetermined suburbs according to the scheduled exercise plan, and then returned to the prepared military camp. Rest inside.

On the second day, these soldiers completed the scheduled exercise subjects according to the original plan, and successfully completed this plan. It wasn't until the afternoon that Lucien and Charles, who had been watching from the side, were able to seize the time to take a rest.

As the deputy chief engineer responsible for supervising the progress of the project and the safe operation of the newly opened line, Albert happened to be here recently, so the three of them got together, and after finishing the busy day, they came together. Go for a walk in the outskirts of the city of Le Mans. "It's not like there are no problems..." Lucien lowered his eyelids slightly, as if hesitating.

"Just say it, Lucien, although I used to work in the Ministry of Railways, I am still from here!" Charles saw what Lucien was thinking, so he also said with a smile. "Besides, what we are talking about now is of great use to the country, and I will not listen to anything about it."

"Actually, I don't have any objections. I just think that since the railway is such a good thing, it should be maintained and improved with more care..." Lucien smiled awkwardly, and then continued, "Charles, although we The planned exercise plan was achieved, but there are still some pity points. First of all, we are only an infantry regiment. If we need to transport heavy equipment, it will take a lot longer, so we need to develop. Come up with a special transportation method for heavy equipment.”

"Even without the cannon, is it enough to suppress the riots of the mob?" Albert asked curiously.

"The biggest task of the army is to fight the enemy troops. It is not to suppress the riots, Albert." Lucien replied seriously, "Although there may not be a large-scale war in today's environment, we must consider the future." "Well, I have discovered this problem," Charles nodded and agreed with Lucien, "I will find a way to solve it. Lucien, what you just said is first, are there any other problems? "

"There are more important questions, Charles." Lucien hesitated. Still said it, "I think the military's opinions should be taken more into consideration in the planning and construction of railways, because some lines may not be economical, but they are of great military significance, such as leading to some sparsely populated areas. Lines in border areas. If planned entirely based on economic needs rather than military needs, it may cause huge inconvenience to military operations... Of course, this may require closer communication between the military department and the Ministry of Railways.”

"Well... what you said makes sense." Charles frowned slightly. Obviously thinking carefully about the question raised by Lucien, "This really must be considered."

"It's not just planning. In terms of actual operations, I think the Ministry of Railways should also consider military needs." Seeing that his suggestions were adopted, Lucien also became excited and continued, "I think you all also We know that a large-scale military operation is a huge project, and the mobilization of personnel and materials is very frequent. In order to avoid the rush when the matter comes, we We need to scientifically plan the resources at hand in advance, be able to concentrate the maximum transportation capacity when necessary, and arrange the schedule in the most efficient way to meet the needs of military operations as quickly as possible. Under the conditions, I am afraid that the existing structure of the Ministry of Railways is not capable of fulfilling the important task... Even the current army command system cannot meet the requirements. "...

"Then what you're saying is that we need specialized smart minds to plan, and then leave it to specialized smart minds to execute?" Albert seemed to understand something.

"Yes, I thought about it yesterday and found that the use of railways in the military is both important and complicated, especially in the future when there are more and more railways and timetables become more and more sophisticated. For this reason, I think there should be A dedicated agency to assist the railway operations department in order to use the railways as efficiently as possible to meet the needs of the Army and the war effort in times of need."

"Look, look, you are so dedicated. You can't say anything about war!" Albert shouted exaggeratedly, but with a smile on his face, obviously just joking. "Lucien, you just ran out to practice and get some fresh air. Are you too serious?"

"This is our duty..." Lucien replied awkwardly, "I think we should pay attention to these issues..."

"Okay, Lucien, I understand what you mean. You mean that the army needs to set up a special agency to "assist" in managing the railways, right?" Charles couldn't help laughing. He knew that Lucien was afraid that Charles would think he was criticizing his previous work in the Ministry of Railways, so he said it in such a roundabout way. "It's okay. You can speak freely in front of me."

"Yes, I think the army should know the railways very well, should know the existing transportation capacity and idle potential transportation capacity, know the passing capacity of each transportation hub, carefully formulate alternative transportation plans, and help the civil department manage the railway system. Only in this way can we maximize the effectiveness of the railways... I do think that the Ministry of Railways needs to refer more to the opinions of the army when planning railways in the future."

"Well said, it makes sense." Charles couldn't help clapping his hands, "Lucien, thank you for your explanation. Now my thoughts are clearer. It seems that I specially picked you this time. It's really You've found the right person! If it's convenient, after you go back, you can further improve your ideas and write a written report to me. Try to be as detailed as possible, I will read it carefully as an important reference. "

"If that's the case, that's great!" Lucien was obviously overjoyed, looking at his friend with gratitude, "Charles, I was worried that you didn't take my opinions seriously."

"How could that be? As long as it's useful. I listen to everyone's opinions." Charles smiled and replied, "Okay, let's end the professional discussion now, Lucien, it's a rare break. Let's take a good walk and chat."

"Well, okay." Lucien quickly agreed.

The topic quickly turned from serious military affairs to daily chats. The three of them walked around aimlessly, talking about the interesting things that happened in Paris recently and the jokes they heard recently. For a while, the three young people were very happy and forgot the passage of time.

Inadvertently. They strolled to the embankment of the Loire River, sandwiched between two fortress-like terraces.

The terraces are full of grape trellises or rows of fruit trees, which are earthworks to prevent soil erosion. This path is opened from the foot of the high terrace. It is almost completely hidden by the trees on the lower terrace. And just below them is the surface of the Loire River, which is flowing all the way.

It is now dusk, and as time passes, the sun sets and burns the white clouds in the sky. The clouds in the sky are like burning golden or orange, and these clouds float and wriggle in the air. Endowing every detail of this magnificent scenery with endless changes.

Three young men, one in military uniform. Two in civilian clothes, just look at the sky. Immersed in the magnificent scenery in the countryside.

"What a beautiful view! Where else in Paris can you find such a scene! It's a pity that none of us can draw, or we could ask someone to draw this scene!" Albert shouted after a while, "The three of us are standing on the high platform, with the background of the sky full of clouds and golden light... I dare say it will become an excellent work of art."

"You are really shameless, Albert..." Charles couldn't help laughing.

"What is there to be ashamed of?" Albert asked with a smile.

As usual, Albert was dressed very exquisitely, his clothes were of good quality and well-cut, and his hair was neatly combed. However, perhaps because of his busy work, although he still had the style of a fashionable young man in the past, his eyebrows had become more stable.

It's really not a boast... Charles commented secretly without jealousy.

He turned his eyes again and looked at Lucien next to him. He was a few years older than Charles and Albert, and with many years of military experience and life experience, his skin color was slightly dark and his face was angular. Although he was taking a walk, he had a serious expression and walked very neatly. With the contrast of his military uniform, he looked serious and upright.

These are my friends.

Friends who are truly trustworthy and trust me.

Charles turned his head slowly and kept looking at the sky in the distance, and did not speak for a long time.

Just as Albert was a little confused about his reaction and was about to ask a question, Charles turned around and looked at his two friends.

"Albert, Lucien, can you listen to me for a few words? A few words from my heart." Charles looked at his two friends in a serious tone that was rare in normal times. "There are only three of us here now, and I can only say these words from my heart to you."

This was one of the most sincere moments in his life.

His sudden solemn expression surprised the two people next to him, but they soon regained their composure.

"What's the matter, Charles?" Lucien asked.

"Go ahead, Charles." Albert smiled.

"You all know that we live in an era where everything is very unstable. Everything may suddenly be possessed, and everything may suddenly disappear." Charles suddenly raised his head, looked at the orange sky, and watched the changes. Uncertain, like clouds that are as mysterious as fate, "Nothing can withstand the test of disasters one after another, and everything changes at a frightening speed. In just sixty years, we buried We buried three dynasties, an empire, and a republic, cut off the head of a king, and drove two kings and an emperor to a foreign land - all this happened in just sixty years, so What will happen next, and what will not happen? Who can say clearly. Will there be an empire or a new dynasty under our republic?

My friends, no one dares to guarantee the future as long as he has any sense. You know that I am loyal to the Bonapartists, but what will happen in the future? Can we say now that the president will fulfill his wish? And then stay high on the throne forever? I am naturally confident in front of others, but I can tell you that I have no confidence..."

Albert and Lucien didn't say anything, they just looked at each other and then lowered their heads, as if they also felt Charles' feeling of "being cold at high places".

Ciel took a deep breath, then sighed heavily.

"Precisely because everything is so uncertain. So we can laugh at the eternal things, because we get loyalty and friendship, so we laugh at them... But no matter how cynical we are, we know that it is not them that are sad. And It’s us. Just because we know how precious these things are, we never dare to abuse them…”…

"Charles?" Albert finally seemed to understand something.

"Yes, I just want to tell you that you are the only friends I cherish." Charles was still looking into the distance, as if he was embarrassed to face them, but his tone was full of feelings, "The word 'friend' It's too stingy. I have lived for more than twenty years and can only give it to you two. I hope you can accept it without disgust, okay?"

Under Ciel's gaze. Lucien nodded. "Of course, Ciel, we are friends, how could I not accept it?"

Albert didn't answer at all, just shrugged lightly.

"Okay, that's great. I hope. Until the day I leave this world, I can still proudly say that no matter what happens, we can be loyal to each other." Charles was full of sincerity. looked at them. "As long as I still have the strength left, I will do my best to help you; even if fate mocks me in various ways and makes me fail accidentally, I will never let you suffer innocently."

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

"What nonsense are you talking about!" Albert patted Charles's shoulder hard, "Will I turn my back on you if you are unlucky? Don't look down on people like this, Charles. We have known each other for so many years. Do you still have to doubt me?"

"Charles, you have helped me so much, I will never abandon you." Lucien also replied tremblingly. "Although I haven't known you that long, I am only grateful for you. You are my friend, and I don't need to guarantee much else."

Watching the two friends confess their feelings to each other in an almost heart-to-heart manner.

Ciel couldn't help but reveal a smile of complete relief on his face.

"Is that so? Great...at least we are on the same page."

"Is that necessary?" Albert shrugged.

In this way, they stood by the embankment, admiring the rich and beautiful thousands of miles of fertile fields in central France.

This section of the river is lined with delightful vineyards and outlines a semicircular bank of rocky hills. And looking far away, on the light blue sky, there are many gardens and castles. Under their feet was the endless river. From morning to night, there were always boats sailing on the water. The almost never-ending breeze in the basin inflated the white sails on the boats, which were dyed almost golden under the setting sun. .

Yes, this is really an extremely beautiful picture, even Ciel couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

It's a pity that after the railway came into being, this picture could not last long. What I saw now might be the last time in the picture scroll and the last ray of sunset.

But even this moment is enough, isn't it?

He held out his hand, and the other two men each took a hand.

"Thank you, I will never let you regret it." He murmured to himself.

[The city of Le Mans is the intersection of the Union River, the Sarthe River and the Loire River, the largest river in France. Thanks to this geographical advantage, Le Mans was an important land and water terminal in history, and goods departing from Paris were loaded here. By boat, you can reach Nantes via rivers and canals. However, after the construction of railways across France, shipping traffic in Le Mans gradually shrank and was finally abandoned completely. 】

Under the afterglow of the setting sun, the three young people looked side by side at this spectacular picture in the distance. The feelings that had already been ignited in their hearts were fueled even more intensely by the golden light.

"Did you see that place? Lucien?" As if to temporarily vent the excitement in his heart, Charles picked up his cane and pointed in a direction in the distance.

Following his cane, Lucien cast his gaze into the distance.

As far as the eye can see, it is a large manor surrounded by vineyards. Among the gaps between green trees, countless roses and flowers of various colors, the deep mansion is looming. In the late summer and early autumn, it is the time when hundreds of flowers are in full bloom, which makes the manor look particularly beautiful.

"You mean that manor?" Lucien asked.

"Yes," Ciel smiled, "Is it beautiful?"

"Well, it's indeed pretty." Lucien nodded and agreed with Charles. Inadvertently, he used an envious tone and said, "I wonder who its owner is? I'm really blessed. It will be very comfortable to spend the summer in a manor like this."

"Yes, I think it's beautiful too." Charles nodded, "And I know who it belongs to. This is the property of Prince Jourville (Louis-Philippe's third son), although he himself is not here , but it has always been well managed.”

Ciel's tone was very calm. Then he suddenly turned to look at Lucien, with that very cheerful smile on his face. "But that's just for now...it will be yours soon! Lucien! Your Matilda will definitely have a great time here."

"Huh? What are you talking about, Charles?" Lucien looked at Charles doubtfully, as if he didn't understand what he meant.

Ciel didn't say anything, just continued to look at him with a smile.

Albert seemed to understand something and laughed.

"But... Charles, this place is good, but I don't have money..." Lucien hesitated a little, "Are you planning to buy it? No, don't be like this, the price of such a good place must be very expensive, right? , don’t spend money, I can’t accept it.”

This sentence vividly expresses how much he is still confused about the way the nobles behave; how much he is still ignorant of the country's treacherous political situation and rules. So much so that both Albert and Charles burst out laughing at the same time.

But only in this way can he be the most reassuring friend.

"Don't worry about this, Lucien." After laughing for a while, Charles replied slowly. "It won't be worth anything before long."

Then, he raised his head again and looked at the endless sky.

"Not just that, we won everything."