Flowers, Swords and France

show_read);

The weather has been very bad recently.

I don’t know when the dense clouds will dissipate. In the gray sky, even the sun seems a little powerful. The strong winds are flowing freely in the streets and squares, leaving this city that claims to be the capital of the world immersed in the cold air of winter. . .

The gloomy weather made everything seem a bit depressing, as if everyone on the road looked inexplicably gloomy.

In the conference room of the Army Department, the atmosphere at this time was already very depressing and heavy, and it seemed that an unbearable storm was brewing.

"Gentlemen, as you can see, I am not here to finish my term in peace, but to accomplish some actual achievements! Yes, actual achievements! Something that will make me a qualified Army soldier. Achievements of leaders!” In full view of everyone, General Saint-Arnaud, who was sitting at the head of the conference table, said loudly with a serious expression, “Therefore, at least during my term of office, I cannot tolerate anyone or any official disobeying him. My will - do you understand?"

After he finished speaking, he looked around the conference room. Perhaps because the look was too harsh, the officials avoided his sight for a while.

Seeing that everyone was silent, General Saint-Arnault's tone softened a little.

"I know, this is Paris, this is the War Department, and there are too many reasonable or unreasonable rules to take into account. But... gentlemen, I just came back from Africa, where, as you all know, there is no entertainment. , there are no favors, and there are no rules or customs. There is only one principle in all, and that is... resolutely obey the will of the superior, there is no There is no excuse! In my opinion, as a military person, whoever disobeys the commander is violating the most important rules and betraying the country. We will shoot such people in North Africa. Here...well, of course I can't do this here, but he can't even think about his safety. If anyone thinks I'm joking, just come forward and try!"

Of course, the conference room continued to remain silent, and no official stood up to refute the minister's words face to face.

Of course not.

Seeing this scene, Charles suddenly felt a sense of relief in his heart.

At least at the beginning, the person he recommended with great bets on his future did not live up to his expectations, showing the tough style he needed and that has been proven historically.

Just as the Prime Minister promised, after talking to Charles, he did not block Louis Bonaparte's request. He soon took the initiative to propose to the President that he was too distracted by holding two posts and asked to appoint a person. Minister of War, and recommended General Saint-Arnaud as agreed in advance.

Louis Bonaparte was naturally very happy to see Count Opule taking such steps. He readily approved the Prime Minister's appointment and greatly praised the Prime Minister's efforts and contributions to the country.

As a result, Charles finally achieved his goal and made General Saint-Arnaud the French Minister of War, which was the theoretical supreme commander of the French armed forces.

After receiving this appointment, General Saint-Arnaud, who had been in Paris for a long time, went directly to the Ministry of War to take up his post without any further hesitation. At the first department meeting that he had just taken up his duties, this A minister who finally made his mark showed a resolute attitude and an intolerant determination as soon as he took office.

Whether it was a deliberate show or true intention, the toughness displayed by General Saint-Arnaud was enough to satisfy Charles.

Judging from the expressions of other officials, this killing stick seems to have had the effect it should have.

"Okay, I've finished what I need to say. I believe everyone already knows what kind of person I am." The general in military uniform still had a very stiff tone, "I hope that everyone can work closely together in the next time. Carry out my will. Next, please introduce yourselves..."

Then he turned his attention to the official sitting on his left.

The official, who had not yet recovered from the minister's murderous speech just now, was stunned for a moment, and then introduced himself hurriedly.

After he finished speaking, the general nodded slightly and then turned his attention to the next official. In this way, under his sharp gaze, every senior official of the Army Department introduced themselves with trepidation.

When it was Charles's turn to speak, as soon as he spoke, General Saint-Arnaud suddenly smiled.

"Oh, Mr. Treville, we know each other, so you don't need to introduce yourself."

This sudden smile and the friendly tone shown for the first time not only made everyone else look at each other, but even Ciel couldn't help but be startled.

Then, Ciel immediately smiled. "General Saint-Arnaud, don't worry. Although we have a personal relationship, I will never neglect the work you have assigned because of this. I must carry out your will with the greatest sincerity."

"I believe in your sincerity in serving the country, Mr. Treville." General Saint-Arnault nodded immediately and replied with a smile, "You are indeed a young hero that everyone praises, and you should be a role model for everyone. "

Under everyone's gaze, Charles and Minister Ren sang and complimented each other, showing off their close personal relationship and tacit understanding without scruples.

Sure enough, just as Charles expected, although this general always pretended to be a rough warrior on the surface, he was actually very scheming and knew what to do and who to be friends with. He has clearly expressed in front of everyone his attitude of cooperation with Charles, that is, the Bonapartists, which will undoubtedly satisfy those who promoted him.

But this is exactly the effect he wants - he doesn't need to abandon everything for the sake of principles, a gentleman who doesn't want to repay the recommendation and doesn't need support from his colleagues.

After the two complimented each other, General Saint-Arnaud withdrew his gaze again, and his expression returned to its previous seriousness.

"Okay, now that everyone has been introduced, I have gotten to know you." His tone became deeper, "I hope that in the future, everyone can work together with me to work together for the army, the stability of the country, and Work hard for the glory of the nation.”

"Pa" "Pa" "Pa"

As soon as he finished speaking, Ciel clapped his hands gently.

Then, other people immediately reacted and clapped together. The warm applause immediately filled the entire conference room, making the previously low and depressing atmosphere finally become more lively.

However, next, the words of Army Minister Ren brought the atmosphere back to freezing point.

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

"Before, due to some well-known reasons, the political situation was very unstable, and the Army itself was in a state of chaos. Even in North Africa, our soldiers were involved in fierce disputes because of different political stances. This kind of The chaotic state makes me feel very sad, and I hope that I can work hard with all my colleagues to restore the morale and discipline of the Army and make it a sword for the nation."

Although his tone was very calm, the underlying meaning of this sentence made others feel a deep chill. However, before the officials could react, the minister continued.

"Yes, the army is the sword of the country, and the sword should not have its own thoughts. He should be loyal to the country and the country's leader, be willing to obey the leader's orders and execute any orders given by him, and should not have any Hesitation, this is our calling. , is to restore the spirit in the army that should have been persevered to the end but has now been corroded. Let me start with my ugly words. Under my rule, if anyone, whether inside or outside the ministry, violates him. If he should abide by the rules...then he will destroy himself!"

You must obey the president's orders and implement his will, otherwise you will violate the military code and will be subject to the most severe sanctions. Such a straightforward threat will instantly knock everyone's mood to the bottom.

This is the first time they have received a clear and false threat to quickly choose a side (and only one side). But it will not be the last.

Before everyone could recover from this sudden blow, the Minister's blows immediately followed.

"Just to boost the spirit of the army officers and strengthen their discipline in obeying authority, I have decided to hold a military parade in the near future. The better, it is best to hold it within a month or two." The general looked at the table and said coldly. Leng said, "The president will personally attend this military parade. Basically every army in the north needs to send people to participate, so the scale may be very grand. Please prepare according to my will. Be sure to let The ceremony went smoothly, connecting the spirit of the president and the army officers and soldiers, and restoring order in the army!”

"Huh?" At this moment, silence could no longer be maintained in the conference room. Many people exclaimed subconsciously. They did not expect that the minister was so strong and planned to do whatever he wanted from the moment he came up.

"Your Excellency, can you reconsider this decision...?" Baron de Gerlot, the head of the Military Affairs Department, finally couldn't sit still and asked reluctantly, "I'm not questioning your decision. , it’s just... you suddenly proposed this decision now, it’s such a large scale, and you only gave such a little time grace, I’m afraid it’s a bit difficult...”

"Are you questioning my decision?" Before anyone else could agree, the minister asked directly.

"No, I didn't mean that..." the other party quickly denied.

"Listen, this is my decision, and your job is to find a way to implement it, because I am responsible for the president and you are responsible for me, and you must find a way to complete it!" The minister's answer was decisive.

Then, he looked at Ciel.

"Mr. Treville, it seems that everyone is having some difficulties. You should be responsible for coordinating this work and make it happen."

"Your will is your command, Your Excellency." Charles immediately bowed. r1152

show_read);