Flowers, Swords and France

"If this kind of effort is taken as true by your country, then... we will also hope that your country will cherish our country's efforts..."

After hearing what Charles said, the prince and the foreign minister each looked at each other, and their expressions finally became serious.

At this moment, this young man who had always seemed to be slippery finally revealed his hint for the first time.

In the silence, Palmerston turned to look at Prime Minister Russell, who was still expressionless, and then emphasized to him again in English, especially what Charles said under the seemingly ordinary words. Hidden things.

"Did he really say that?"

After asking this question several times, Prime Minister Russell finally nodded clearly.

Then he looked at Ciel and asked in English.

"So, may I ask, Mr. de Treville, what kind of sincerity and efforts does Mr. Bonaparte want to make to maintain order and peace in Europe?"

Although he understood his question, Charles still pretended to be quite confused, and then looked at Paul Bilott sitting next to him, as if waiting for him to translate the Prime Minister's words to Listen for yourself.

It wasn't until Charles glanced at him with an expectant and threatening look that Paul Bilott woke up from the initial shock.

Yes, he obviously understood, but he asked me to translate it in a serious way!

Translating to people who can understand is ten times more difficult than translating to people who cannot understand.

If you don't understand, then even if the meaning is slightly different, the other party won't care; but if the other party can understand what others mean at all. That will especially test the translation skills - he will compare the speeches between the two people, and then see from them whether he is qualified to be an assistant.

Not to mention. Just opposite, there was a British Foreign Secretary who was proficient in French looking at him.

Oh my god. Is this luck or torture?

"The Prime Minister is asking how much effort the President intends to make for order and peace in Europe." After a moment, Paul Bilott suppressed his uneasiness and slowly explained to Charles in French.

Until this moment, it was still absolutely difficult for him to accept that in this seemingly casual meeting, the top figures from the two countries had already discussed such an in-depth topic.

After hearing his words, Ciel nodded slightly, not knowing whether he was satisfied with his cooperation in this drama. Still satisfied with his translation that he grasped the main idea.

"The sincerity of His Excellency the President can of course be guaranteed by all the strength of France." Charles replied carefully, while keeping a close eye on Palmerston's old but still charming face, "He is willing to use France's We will use all our strength to support the efforts of peace-loving powers to maintain the established order in Europe.”

"All strength?" Palmerston frowned, and then glanced at Charles with a little doubt, "Do I think that this includes France's military strength? Including its entire army and navy—— ?”

Although this sentence seems a bit redundant, Charles can certainly hear the question implicit in it - Bonaparte and you. Can you fully speak for France? And, can you completely control every move of the French army?

"It must be so." After a moment of silence, Ciel replied decisively. "Your Excellency the President entered the Elysée Palace with 10 million votes. In terms of legitimacy and representativeness. Is there anyone in Europe today who can represent a country better than him? He has the expectations of the people across the country, and he naturally has the right to The sword of the nation is commanded. Moreover, our troops are willing to follow the president's banner to maintain peace and order in Europe."

"I heard that when you were serving in the War Department, you participated in a large number of personnel reforms within the Army?" Palmerston was not moved by Charles's cliché. "Then I believe it. No one in France understands the strength of the opposition in the army better than you..."

"I find no opposition in the army." Charles interrupted.

"Huh?" Because he was a little surprised, Palmerston almost seemed to laugh and looked at Charles in astonishment.

This is indeed nonsense - if there was no opposition, why would Louis Bonaparte and his loyal assistant spend so much effort to reorganize and purge the entire army's command? So many people were sent to the border and even to North Africa. What are they if they are not the opposition?

"We have no opposition in France." Charles looked at Palmerston with an unswerving attitude, "Maybe some people have different opinions from us on certain matters, but on major issues, They will not object to such fundamental issues when it comes to the honor and interests of the country - they are as willing as we are to safeguard the honor of the country and the military itself. . Maybe some people will question some of our actions, but when the motherland needs it, they will never resist the call of the motherland. They will uphold the tradition of the army and bravely fight with fearless courage and perseverance. Join any struggle - no matter how great the risk, even if it costs your life."

Palmerston listened to Charles in silence, and then translated his words again to the Prime Minister.

Paul Bilott, who was next to Charles, was completely stunned.

This is not an empty talk to promote friendship and peace, it is more like a declaration of war.

The question is, who is this directed at?

Mr. Treville's declaration of force could even be regarded as a direct threat on other occasions, but it was not so similar on this occasion, and he simply couldn't understand it.

"In other words, your country can use all its military strength to maintain the shaky peace in Europe?" Prime Minister Russell asked again, "As long as the president and your country get the honor they deserve?"

Paul-Bilott translated the Prime Minister's question to Charles in a slightly trembling tone.

At this time, he already understood that this was a very important meeting - although he did not yet understand what it was about.

Even a few hours ago, he never imagined that he would have the opportunity to be a participant and witness in such an important conversation.

"Yes. We love peace, and we also pursue honor..." After listening to the young man's translation with seriousness. Charles immediately nodded again, "Our country has hundreds of thousands of soldiers who are eager to win honor for the country. And we can use these hundreds of thousands of soldiers at any time to maintain peace in Europe. This is our sincerity. If we maintain peace The price is blood and suffering. If defending Europe requires fighting evil sinners...then we will have the courage to take all risks and participate in the sacred cause of defending Europe."

"Perhaps there is too much sincerity... too much?" Palmerston still looked unmoved, but raised his eyebrows. "Sir, France has already pursued an honor once in my lifetime. I must say it was a very glorious honor."

He already understood the conditions Louis Bonaparte offered through this young man.

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

Louis Bonaparte wanted to proclaim himself emperor and rebuild the empire, and France wanted to get its due status in Europe. As long as he got these "due honors", he could act as a defender rather than a destroyer. Participating in this European order that has been confirmed and maintained for many years can even help Britain in its crusade against "Europe's sinners" if necessary.

However, in the eyes of the British, whoever disturbs the balance of the continent is the sinner of Europe. Britain's desire to conquer a certain country at this time does not necessarily mean that they want France to gain some kind of dominance.

so. The real key question is here - what kind of honor does Napoleon's nephew want to get in Europe?

"It goes without saying that that honor is indeed glorious, so much so that some people are still nostalgic for it." Ciel readily admitted this. But the conversation soon changed, "However, imaginary careers will eventually be crushed by reality. France has recognized reality and is happy to find a dignified position that still belongs to it in reality. The president has already been with his uncle. We have learned enough lessons. We also understand that empires have limits after all, and we should and must live in harmony with our neighbors - we do not want to ignite war throughout Europe. "

"If Mr. Bonaparte understands the truth, then I must admit that an empire is better than a republic." Palmerston smiled amiably. "History over the years has proven that monarchy is always better than mob rule."

This was the first time he admitted on behalf of Britain that Louis Bonaparte had the freedom to stage a coup and even proclaim himself emperor in the near future - as long as he faced reality as he promised and was willing to work with peace-loving powers to maintain peace.

After receiving such a guarantee, Ciel seemed very excited and bowed to him again.

"Thank you very much for your answer, sir."

However, he was cursing in his heart that Britain was too cunning to exchange such a "virtual" recognition for France's "real" commitment, but he could only express his gratitude in person. "But... in the eyes of many people, just getting recognition that is bound to come is not a commendable honor."

"What kind of honor do you want?" Palmerston asked, "Of course honor is good, but pursuing honor too much may be very harmful..."

"We just need some understanding and understanding from you..." Ciel replied bravely.

"France has gone its own way in North Africa, and it seems that it has not been approved by me." Palmerston immediately blocked his road.

"If there is only North Africa, I don't have to think about going back, sir." Charles shrugged slightly distressedly, "If I agree to your conditions here, the moment I set foot on French soil, I will Arrested for treason."

"You can apply for asylum with me. I would be happy to keep you in England for a few more years." Palmerston replied in a serious tone.

"Pfft..." Ciel was finally amused by his humor.

After laughing for a while, Ciel finally shook his head.

"Okay, sir, then I have to make it clear to you what the president directly explained to you." (To be continued...)