Flowers, Swords and France

Marshal Soult, the current Prime Minister of France, is in a very bad mood today. To be precise, he has been in a bad mood since Viscount Dillion, the son of the Lord Chancellor of the Seal, came to visit his house two days ago.

It was not because the foreign minister in his cabinet planned to overthrow him and seize his position. To be honest, he was not surprised. Every politician has ambitions. He was in a bad mood because he smelled an ominous atmosphere in the actions of the Foreign Minister, an ominous atmosphere coming from the court.

Without the secret approval of His Majesty the King, Guizot would never have dared to make such an obvious move, he could be sure of this. And since little Dilion came to report and warn, it was obviously because of something he discovered in the palace.

When he thought of this, the corners of the old soldier's mouth couldn't help but twitch.

"You ungrateful guy, you will regret it sooner or later." He cursed secretly in his heart, and then quickly regained his composure.

It is not that he has never faced crises before. Over the years, the stormy political situation in France and the ups and downs of the political arena have already cultivated a calm mind that is almost untouched by external things.

Cursing can't solve any problem, action can.

Although he didn't know where the other party would start, he knew very well that if he had to wait for the other party to attack like this, he would be in a passive position anyway. Leading troops in war and political struggle have one thing in common - holding hands. The side that has the initiative and can choose the time and place of the decisive battle is the one with the advantage. No matter what, you should take the initiative into your own hands.

So, how should we gain the initiative?

This was exactly what he had been thinking about lately.

He lowered his head and continued to work on the documents in his hands.

This is an official document submitted from the North African colonies.

"Dear Prime Minister: I hereby request your approval to allow us to assemble troops to break into and severely attack the Islamic guerrillas who have crossed the border.

These lawless Arabs who believed in evil doctrines hid in the territory of the Pall Empire (today's Niger, Africa) to regain their strength after we severely cracked down on them a year ago. Now, after a year of recovery, they are back again, often crossing the border to launch small groups of attacks, wandering around Algeria, killing a large number of officials and local security personnel, causing great damage to local order.

Therefore, in order to restore the honor and majesty of France, we ask you to authorize us to cross the border and penetrate deeply into the nests of these evil elements-and if necessary, I will destroy them completely by the most severe means, leaving no trace behind. .

The opportunity is fleeting, please respond as soon as possible.

The military and political governor of Algeria, the Marquis of Rabigonli and the Duke of Isley, Thomas Robert Bijaud. "

During the July Monarchy, France intensified its colonization of North and West Africa, including Algeria, and aroused strong resistance from local Islamists, triggering an anti-colonial guerrilla war that lasted for more than ten years.

At the beginning, due to improper tactics and flexible guerrilla tactics, the French army's raids were very unsuccessful, with heavy losses and nothing gained. However, after Marshal Bijaud took office as governor, he adopted extremely targeted combat methods to suppress and severely punished Brutal sweeps were carried out in areas where local guerrillas were active, and the bloodshed was so bloody that it sparked protests even in France itself.

However, under such bloody high pressure, within a few years, the Arab guerrillas gradually lost their base and soil for survival, and had to gradually move outward. The Niger region in southern Algeria naturally became a major target. land. After resting in the area, the guerrillas continued to sneak back to their homeland to carry out attacks, which made the French army extremely troubled.

Therefore, it was logical for Marshal Biro to request to expand the scope of the attack and attack the enemy's new nest.

After thinking for a moment, the Prime Minister wrote an instruction under the official document. "Agreed, overcome all difficulties and move on!"

He did not do this just because of military considerations, but because of other considerations.

Why didn't France take action there before?

Because Nepal is close to Nigeria, and Nigeria is a quasi-colony of Britain.

The French army's large-scale march towards Niger will definitely cause panic among the British, because Nigeria is now basically in the possession of the British. The French army's march towards Niger can easily be regarded as A direct threat to Nigeria.

There will no doubt be protests from the UK and France will have to back down under British pressure and people won't ask "why are we backing down" they will just see "weak and incompetent cabinet choices in the face of British pressure" "The Foreign Secretary is the executor of this shameful policy."

He now has no fear of a worse reputation, if only his foreign secretary would join him in a worse reputation.

The foreign minister's power has been greatly weakened by him without making a move. Power brings influence. When power is weakened, influence will be slowly eroded. As long as he persists, his competitor will soon slowly lose his qualifications to challenge his boss.

After approving this document, he continued to review other documents. Then he felt his eyes were a little dizzy, so he put down his pen and half-closed his eyes to rest for a while.

It is very hard, but for a politician, this "hard work of holding power" is the goal and motivation for him to fight for his whole life.

After a short rest, he gently shook the bell on the desk, and the secretary came in quickly.

He gently pointed to the pile of documents on the table that he had reviewed and annotated. "Copy these to each receiving department." His old and dry hands were already covered with wrinkles.

"Yes." The secretary responded, walked over and took the documents away, and then reported in a low voice. "The Minister of the Interior has arrived and is waiting in the room."

"Very good, ask him to come in." The Prime Minister's tone was still a little tired.

"Yes."

The bald and short and fat Minister Duchart came in soon. He quickly saluted, and there was a hint of trepidation in his smile, like a middle school student meeting a teacher. "Sir, I came here at your call..."

The Prime Minister raised his head and looked at the other party coldly. His cold expression concealed his fatigue well.

"I have something important to tell you." Then he motioned to the other party to sit on the sofa opposite the desk.

The minister sat down obediently, but looked at the Prime Minister flatteringly.

"Last time you reported that a Bonapartist rebel organization was found, right?" The Prime Minister's tone was very steady. "And then you captured a few low-level personnel?"

"Yes, Prime Minister." The minister laughed, "Under your wise command and guidance, my brave subordinates have demonstrated their excellent talents..."

The prime minister gently raised his hand to stop the other party's meaningless nonsense. "So, how is the interrogation of these personnel going? Have you dug out any senior members?"

The minister's cheering expression just now suddenly became a little embarrassed, but soon returned to normal. "As you know, these rebels are very cunning, and the internal organization is also very strict. They use aliases to each other, and we have captured low-level members and don't know too much about the situation..."

"No need to explain, tell me what new progress and results you have made." The prime minister interrupted him impatiently.

The minister quickly took out a few pages of paper from his arms. "This is an excerpt from our interrogation records of the captured rebels, and important information is recorded in it."

The prime minister waved his hand, and the minister walked up obediently with a smirk and handed the document to the prime minister.

"In addition, we have issued wanted orders for several high-ranking officials that the rebels have already revealed. All localities will keep a close eye on them, and any suspicious persons who meet the characteristics will be arrested."

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

The Prime Minister picked up the interrogation records and browsed through them casually.

"These followers of Bonaparte really can't be underestimated." He commented coldly.

"Yes, the rebels are indeed very cunning, but since you are in charge, these rats can only hide in the ditches without seeing the sun forever..." The minister still smiled flatteringly, "Next we will keep a close eye on them, and if there is any movement, we will catch them!"

The Prime Minister has been flipping through the records without saying a word.

"Mr. Kong Ze, whom I recommended to you before, is indeed smart and capable. This operation was planned and commanded by him. The results are very significant and you are not disappointed."

"Very good." The Prime Minister nodded, "You can convey my praise to him and tell him that I will prepare a medal for him and that promotion is waiting for him."

"He will be very happy. I thank you for him first." The minister replied with a smile, "With your words, he will definitely do his best in the future..."

"Why do you want to do your best, Your Excellency?" The Prime Minister suddenly spoke, but his eyes were still on the documents.

"Hmm?" The minister who was talking nonstop was a little puzzled.

"The more these rebels are happy, the more His Majesty will feel the importance of our existence, isn't it?"

The Prime Minister's eyes were still on the documents, and his voice was very low, but it sounded like thunder in the minister's ears.

He suddenly raised his head and looked at the Prime Minister, with a horrified look. "You mean...you mean...?"

"Did I say anything?" The Prime Minister suddenly raised his head.

Under the gaze of such a terrifying gaze, the minister broke out in a cold sweat again. "Of course you didn't say anything, I understand, I understand."

"Understand what?" The Prime Minister's face seemed really strange, and then he looked up at the small wall clock next to him. "Sir, please think about what to do next. For your contribution, I am... cough... cough..."

The Prime Minister suddenly coughed violently.

"Sir!" The minister was startled and hurried forward.

"Cough... cough..." The Prime Minister was still coughing violently, and reluctantly finished speaking, "For your... cough... contribution, I will... never... never forget... cough..."

"I understand." The Minister's face was now full of solemnity, and he held the Prime Minister's wrinkled hand tightly, "I have always remembered your support for me, and I am absolutely loyal to you!"

"That's good... cough..."

In his life, he witnessed Louis XVI ascending the guillotine, experienced the demise of Emperor Napoleon, participated in the last funeral of the Bourbon Dynasty, and learned of the death of the Russian Tsar who once stepped into Paris with great pride. He survived, becoming more and more prominent and powerful.

However, in the end, he will also face "time", the most terrible enemy of mankind, and will be helpless like those great men.

Time, your ruthless hands have destroyed so many strong men and so many great deeds!

When leaving this office, the Home Secretary, who had been submissive and submissive in front of the Prime Minister like a low-level clerk, almost immediately regained his serious expression.

The Prime Minister is already 78 years old. Is he really still a worthy target to follow and serve?

Maybe we should really listen to what they say?

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