Flowers, Swords and France

"Don't you hope to find some supporters among the Bonaparte family? Sir, although I am not in France and I am not well-informed, I seem to have heard that you are not very popular among the Bonaparte family... …If you could do this for us, wouldn’t you be grateful?”

When he heard the old woman say these words with such certainty, Charles suddenly fell silent.

He calmly looked at the other person again, and then wiped away the smile on his face.

He was not surprised by the other party's proposal. What really shocked him was that even in foreign countries, the fact that he had a bad relationship with the Bonaparte family branch was already known to everyone - even this old woman Everybody knows.

To be honest, he is not in a good mood now.

No matter who you are, when encountering this kind of situation, I am afraid that you will not be in a good mood.

Humph, you just said "gratitude" lightly and tried to trick me into going through fire and water. Aren't you treating me like a child?

"Madam, I have to say that what you said surprised me so much...Grateful! Kindness! You actually want to use this kind of thing to impress me and let me take risks to help you do such a thing?" Charles shrugged. He shrugged and smiled slightly sarcastically, "No, no, thank you. I can give as much of this kind of thing to others as I want, and there is no need for you to bring it to me again... Okay, I think we We've talked long enough, I need a break."

Perhaps because of Charles's sudden change of expression, the lady felt a little hesitant for a moment.

Finally, the smile on her face turned into a wry smile.

"It seems that you are not going to promise me. That's right. With our current situation, I can't give you a guarantee that can convince you... But, sir, as I said, isn't this important to you? Is there any benefit? If you can lure my grandson back to France, then...it won't cost you anything, right? On the contrary, whether he appreciates you or not, he can weaken the... Mr. Joseph Bonaparte's status and influence, I think this prospect is beneficial to you?"

This is true.

Nowadays, Louis Bonaparte has no legitimate legitimate children (and I don’t know if there will be any in this changed world). In theory, if he suddenly leaves the world, whether Charles is willing or not, Bonaparte will The leadership position of the Ba family will be transferred to Prince Jerome's branch.

Judging from Joseph Bonaparte's current attitude towards Charles, I'm afraid this is definitely not a good thing for him.

And if that day comes, Ciel will definitely not be willing to be a foolish and loyal minister. Sit back and wait for death.

Instead of being a traitor who betrays the Bonaparte family. Why not plan ahead and find an ally among the Bonaparte family?

This thought suddenly flashed through Ciel's mind.

This is not entirely unfeasible - if Jérôme Napoleon Bonaparte, who had just graduated from the military academy, was recognized by Louis Bonaparte as a member of the Bonaparte family, then even if his identity would be Subject to numerous restrictions, when necessary and when there is no retreat, Charles and his associates can declare him as one of the successors of Louis Bonaparte, thus turning a rebellion into an internal power struggle within the family. — can at least somewhat avoid the stigma of rebellion.

It wasn't that Charles was afraid of ruining his reputation, but that he was too tightly tied to the Bonaparte family. Moreover, he himself does not have a high prestige in France. If he really puts aside the golden sign of "Emperor", he has no confidence that he will be able to maintain the position he finally won.

Yes, if it is really possible to introduce this exiled descendant of the Bonaparte family to France, at least this method can be used to solve the problem that he has been secretly worried about.

As long as Joseph Bonaparte cannot succeed Louis Bonaparte by virtue of his natural qualifications, what does he need to fear from this man?

When he thought of this, his eyes looking at the old woman became much more relaxed.

"Madam, please don't misunderstand me. I didn't say your request was unreasonable. I just said that the risks you asked me to bear are not consistent with the benefits I see - that's all." Charles replied with a slight smile. He slowly changed his position without leaving any trace, "Considering the situation you and your children are in. I am not unsympathetic. You do have reasonable grounds for making your request."

"Oh! What a compassionate gentleman you are! The De-Treville family is indeed the most noble family in France!" Upon hearing Charles's reply, Ms. Patterson knew that her persuasion had worked. Her face couldn't help but reveal that confident smile again. "Mr. de Treville, please understand that I am an American. Although I have lived in Europe for a long time, I have never been used to your convoluted way of speaking - so, since you are here As for prospects, let me tell you directly. As long as you can fulfill my wish, we can pay you a large sum of money and promise you that my grandson will always regard you as a benefactor and a helper in the future. , a guide.”

"Why do you believe I can do it?" he asked in a low voice.

"I believe you can do this, and everyone believes you can do it - you are the person Mr. Bonaparte relies on and trusts the most. Everyone says you are his most capable assistant and have helped him a lot. . And he rarely rejects your suggestions. Therefore, I believe that although what I ask you to do may be difficult, you can do it if it is left to you. Besides, Even if it doesn't work, what's the loss to you? We have no means to retaliate against you, everything depends on your own preferences." At this point, Ms. Patterson's voice also lowered, "In addition, Britain. The government will also be very happy to see a Bonaparte who grew up in the United States among the French royal family - yes, this is not just the Duke of Wellington."

That's it... It turns out that's the case, Ciel finally understood in his heart.

After several exchanges with British dignitaries, he always felt that the British attitude was somewhat ambiguous.

Now it seems that everything is very clear.

The Duke of Wellington and other British dignitaries were still suspicious of Louis Bonaparte, feeling that he was too ambitious and might threaten British interests when he became powerful.

Therefore, as a certain insurance measure, they wanted to use Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte as a member of the royal family and de Treville as the core to support a pro-British faction in the French government, and then use these pro-British factions The British sent measures to restrain him so that he would not draw a sword against Britain like his uncle - or in the worst case scenario, replace him with those who hold a more moderate stance towards Britain.

The reason why they chose Treville is probably because they have seen that Charles has no moral integrity and will not dwell on the historical issues left over half a century ago.

This proposal was too sensitive, so they did not raise it in person even during the interview with Charles. Instead, they spoke of this conspiracy through the mouth of an old woman who seemed to have nothing to do with the two governments - so , regardless of whether Ciel agrees or not, they can deny this conspiracy afterwards.

Well, the ancient continental balancing policy has sprouted a new bud again.

In order to maintain their status, these British people really worked hard.

"It seems that you are more prepared for today than I just thought." Ciel sighed softly.

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

"Of course, do you think I would do nothing beforehand, but rush over as soon as I hear you are here?" Ms. Patterson replied with a sneer, "Pleading and tears are meaningless to you. Yes, isn't it? Well, tell me, sir, how far, for God's sake, are you willing to go for your own sympathy, or, rather, for the sake of the Duke's friendship? What about one step?”

Ciel did not answer immediately, but fell into silence.

Ms. Patterson stopped talking and quietly waited for Charles's answer - in a sense, the Duke and the British government were waiting for his answer.

"I will do what I can." Until a few minutes later, Charles replied slowly, "That is to say, I will convey your request to the president, and - I will express myself in front of him Sympathy.”

Yes, he is not opposed to giving himself a reputation as a pro-British figure when France currently needs Britain to support the situation.

A relieved smile slowly spread on the lady's wrinkled face, and she shook slightly.

Until this moment, she showed a little bit of weakness.

"Thank you, sir! Please believe that we will never be as ungrateful as them!"

"Really? I hope so." Ciel smiled and nodded. "If everything can be done, I sincerely hope that your grandson will add glory to this great family and work hard for the friendship between our two countries as the British expect."

This is irony.

He can confidently assert that, let alone a Bonaparte who grew up in the United States, even if a pure Englishman becomes the emperor of France, that person will definitely defend himself if the situation requires it. The rule of the British Empire is ruthless and ruthless - in the face of the desire to maintain power, all emotions are insignificant and unworthy of mention.

"He will, he will definitely..." the woman murmured. "My grandson is a hundred times better than that poor descendant of that princess!"

Then, she clenched her fists unexpectedly and took a deep breath.

"Mr. de Treville, his and that princess's child is destined to be trampled to the ground by your and my grandson!" (To be continued ~^~)