Flowers, Swords and France

Although the death of the Duke of Treville caused a sensation in the social world at the time, it soon disappeared into obscurity after the Duke was buried. It became only an occasional topic of conversation among a few people, while most people had buried it indifferently. Reached the deepest part of memory.

After all, this world is for living people.

In the afterglow of summer, several carriages drove towards Charles de Treville's mansion from different directions at the same time.

They are all French ministers to several major European countries. They were specially summoned by Charles after he took office. At that time, in order to leave them enough preparation time, he also deliberately set the time for today a few months later.

These envoys were also quite knowledgeable. After receiving his information, they all arranged their own affairs and then rushed back to France.

As soon as they returned to the country, they held a meeting with His Excellency Minister de Turgot and His Excellency de Treville in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to introduce each other. Treville also gave a long speech, which was full of information. This is my first time here, please take care of me and give me some advice.

Then, he invited several ministers to a dinner at his residence, and the ambassadors agreed with understanding. They all knew in their hearts that what they heard from Mr. de Treville there was not the best. As for it being a bunch of meaningless clichés, they have no right to refuse such an invitation.

As soon as they got out of the car, they were respectfully guided by the servants and approached the center of the magnificent mansion.

Some of the ministers had served in the government a few years ago when the July Monarchy was still around. Many of them had been to this mansion that once belonged to the Prince of Jourville, but they all knew enough not to show this. Instead, they all Pretending to be here for the first time, he looked around and let his servant lead him.

They were soon led into the garden behind the mansion.

The garden was originally very large, and since the Trevilles moved in, they have renovated it. They built a glass pergola between the two rows of trees at the back door, and then placed some tables and chairs here casually. , as a place for summer recreation and chat.

Late afternoon. The heat in the air has gradually disappeared, and the cool breeze has begun to blow everywhere, passing between the trees, making it even cooler under the pergola.

The Trevilles, on the other hand, were dressed in formal attire. Holding hands, we welcome every guest with a friendly smile.

Several months have passed. Not only has the season changed from early spring to late summer, but the mansion has also swept away the gloom of the Duke's death and returned to the cheerful atmosphere of the past - with one difference. That is to commemorate her grandfather, the hostess Charlotte still wears a black dress.

But this is not a problem, the black dress makes her look more dignified.

She chatted with each minister with a gentle smile, her expression cold, calm, but not impolite, just like the wife of a senior diplomat. No, I should say, just like the ladies with the highest status in society.

Like the other dapper ministers, de Treville wore an embroidered gown. Wearing the red ribbon of the Legion of Honor on his shoulders and a medal on his chest, he looked like a typical important person in the diplomatic community.

I have to say that dressed like this, he is indeed very handsome and upright, showing the high-spiritedness of a successful young man.

While they were talking and laughing, the servants brought up glasses one after another.

This dark mass surprised the guests. Upon closer inspection, they discovered that it was a layer of chocolate sauce, and underneath the chocolate sauce was a pile of crushed ice. There was white smoke coming out of the cup because of the water vapor.

"It's a bit hot today, and I feel quite uncomfortable wearing so many clothes. But there's nothing we can do about it, we are diplomats, and we can't lose our grace no matter how hot it is..." Charles smiled humorously. Then he took a glass from the table, "This is a cold snack that my wife made for me recently. It feels good to eat it in this weather, so I specially brought it out to entertain you today. Please treat me." Let’s taste it together?”

After saying that, he picked up the small spoon. The crushed ice cubes and chocolate sauce were directly put into the mouth.

The other envoys followed suit and started eating with their spoons. After tasting the food, they unanimously praised Mrs. Treville for being excellent.

In this era, it is still not easy to prepare and preserve chocolate, so refined chocolate is still a relatively luxurious dessert. When paired with ice cubes, in the hot summer, this cold spot can be regarded as a treat in itself. An act of showing off wealth.

However, as a famous figure in the Bonaparte family, de Treville did not need to show off in this way. He was just entertaining guests.

In this way, in the dusk of sunset, a group of well-dressed and serious men wearing fancy dresses and medals, under the watchful eye of Mrs. Treville, enjoyed the cold snacks given by the host while talking to each other. , full of laughter and laughter.

Charlotte listened to their compliments with a smile. Although she knew in her heart that they were deliberately complimenting her because of her husband's status, she was still very happy.

Yes, this dessert was indeed prepared by her for her husband, and it can be regarded as a spice to the couple's life.

"Speaking of which, I am indeed very sorry. I am really sorry to have troubled you all so much just because I took up my new post..." After taking a few bites of shaved ice, Charles, who was refreshed, raised his head in high spirits, "I called everyone here today, and I will apologize to everyone first."

He apologized, but who among the people present dared to take it seriously? Of course, everyone said it was okay, and they had long wanted to go back to Paris.

"Thank you for your magnanimity..." Charles bowed slightly to them, and then continued with a smile on his face, "Of course, I am actually doing this to better carry out my work. I think you all know that although I have been involved in the government for several years, I have never engaged in diplomatic work. Therefore, for me, if I can get to know you as soon as possible and establish a basic understanding of our country's diplomatic work, it would be the best..."

He glanced around, and although he was smiling, no one dared not to take it seriously, and they all expressed their willingness to help Mr. Treville master the methods of work as soon as possible.

To be honest, these people were so kind to him, on the one hand, because he was so popular at the moment; on the other hand, it was because he came from a famous family like Treville, so he could win their recognition.

Compared with other government departments, due to historical and practical reasons, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the department with the most aristocrats in the French government. In particular, almost everyone is of aristocratic origin - otherwise, how can they get basic respect in the capitals on the European continent?

Among a group of nobles, if Charles was not named Treville, I am afraid that even if other conditions were the same, it would be difficult to get such a warm response from them.

"Everyone has worked hard today. We have prepared a sumptuous dinner. We will enjoy it together after we have rested." Charles made a gesture, "I hope to make up for the mistakes I made to you."

After that, he frowned again and sighed slightly, "Of course, at this moment, it is really a pity that our Minister cannot come to the banquet together..."

Everyone paused uncomfortably, and the atmosphere suddenly became cold.

The original text is available at Six # 9 @Books/Bar!

Didn't you fail to invite the Minister? Everyone asked in their hearts, but no one asked it out loud.

"However, I thought about it carefully later. Although our Minister is a very good diplomat, he is old after all... Sometimes he doesn't have that much energy. I can't bother him with my own little things," Charles continued calmly, "So, considering this, I didn't invite him. It's really a pity to think about it..."

"…………" Everyone looked at each other at the same time.

A deputy openly said in front of other subordinates that the Minister is now old and weak and can't manage. This is obviously a very serious behavior, or he is planning to do his own thing.

However, since everyone is here, they are all mentally prepared for Treville to express such a statement.

It's just that they came a little early.

Some people were indifferent and did not want to participate in the power struggle between Treville and the minister, while some were quite eager to seek benefits for themselves by taking advantage of the dispute between Charles and the minister.

"Charles, look at how you talk!" While they were still thinking, Charlotte calmly rebuked her husband, "Look, no one is having a good time!"

Then, she turned her head and looked at the ambassadors, "I'm sorry, everyone. Charles is still young and energetic, so he often doesn't speak very properly. If there is any offense, please don't take it to heart. Please speak freely and don't be influenced by him!"

The cooperation of the Treville couple soon left them no room for delay. Since the hostess announced that everyone would speak freely, everyone had no time to express their opinions.

Everyone spoke up, but they were all very irrelevant, fearing that they would be regarded as having defected to a certain party.

Charles first looked at them with a smile, and then looked at a person who was not very conspicuous.

"Mr. de Radney?"

The focus of his sight was a middle-aged man who looked thoughtful. This was the ambassador to the Kingdom of Sardinia, Mr. de Radney.

Nowadays, the Kingdom of Sardinia certainly does not have the glorious status it had when it unified Italy later, and the ministers stationed there are naturally not the most valued, so Mr. de Radney also consciously accompanied the last seat, and even kept agreeing with others.

"Huh?" Obviously he was also surprised that he was the first one to be called. (~^~)