Flowers, Swords and France

Between non-committal diplomatic phrases, Charles revealed in the vague words characteristic of diplomats the conditions for his support of Count Bezukhov's plan.

The count agreed to him without any hesitation.

This is not surprising. Although it sounds heroic on the surface, no one really likes to fight with European powers, at least not the Count. What he wants to do is to transform the country. Before his career succeeds, he is most worried about foreign interference, not interference in other countries' affairs.

"I don't have any ill will towards the people of other European countries, and I have great affection for the French people, so I don't want to be an enemy to anyone." The Earl looked at Charles very simply, and then raised his hand, "Just give us once Given the opportunity to prove ourselves, we will do everything we can to make Russia a free and prosperous country. We are a country that only has goodwill and help for its European neighbors. We will never do things that harm European interests or threaten Europeans with guns like the old czars did. So I can agree to your conditions. Promise that I will never allow Russia to participate in the unnecessary disputes in Europe, and that it will fight only to protect its own well-being."

In front of Charles, Count Bezukhov gushed out a lot of very pleasant words, ensuring that once he took power, he would never let Russia get involved in European disputes again, let alone become an obstacle to France.

However, it is a pity that despite what he said so beautifully, Ciel did not accept everything.

Russia is Russia. Regardless of whether Russia is the same feudal political system as before, a constitutional monarchy, a republic or some other political system, Russia's basic national interests are still there, and so are its inherent ambitions. As far as the count is concerned, maybe he is sincere, but this sincerity will not mean much in the face of conflicts of national interests.

As long as Russia comes out of the quagmire of war and political turmoil and regains the strength it once had. It will inevitably want to expand its power and influence to Europe - and by then, France, which wants to dominate Europe, will definitely become a thorn in their side, just as France views Russia today.

Therefore, Charles will never put forward any naive conditions to the other party such as "I support you. You must remain permanently friendly with France in the future." This is simply impossible to achieve, regardless of whether Count Bezukhov agrees or not. any sense.

All he hoped for was the turmoil caused by Count Bezukhov. can hold Russia back for longer.

To sum up, it is not particularly important to him whether the count's cause can succeed. He only hopes that Russia will suffer as much damage as possible during the war and the unrest after the war, so that it will be difficult to give France a period of time in the future. His actions caused any obstacles - just for this reason, he would also vigorously help the count.

"I am very happy that you have such a lofty ideal, Count. Really, I am very touched." Charles looked at the other party very enthusiastically, "Like you, I also hope to make my own contribution to the well-being of Europe... ...Including the Russian people. So. I am not disgusted with your ideals, and... I am happy to see your wishes come true."

Seeing that this boy finally said something that was borderline, the earl finally felt relieved.

"Can I take that as some sort of guarantee from you?"

"I can only say that this is a hypothetical guarantee." Charles did not agree directly as he wished. "Suppose that one day in the future, France is forced to go to the battlefield with Russia due to the trick of fate. If we want to compete, then, for the sake of victory, of course it is also for the well-being of the Russian people. and freedom. We are willing to join you in opposing the Tsar and wishing for the liberation of all terrible servitude. Then, I hope, a new Russia will be as kind to all Europe as you hope. Then plunder and enslave other European peoples and countries..."

When Charles calmly said these high-sounding words, the Earl had been observing him, but he did not show any expression, so that the other party could not catch any of his thoughts.

The man looked young. But I didn’t expect him to be so experienced! The earl sighed secretly in his heart.

However, no matter what, his goal was finally achieved. He was promised a promise, and a connection with the French was established - a connection which would certainly be of great help to his cause in future times of need.

"So, can I think that at least we can be friends now?" Since it seemed that practical guarantees were unavailable, he settled for the next best thing and established some kind of personal relationship with the other person first.

"I think this is my honor." Charles stood up hurriedly and stretched out his hand towards the other party, "To me, you are a respectable senior and elder, and your ideas and ideals are also very impressive. I admire you. I am sure you can become a great person by relying on this."

"If I save this troubled nation, I think I can indeed become a great man." The old man was not humble, but also stood up, stretched out his hand and shook it with Charles, "At the same time, I thank you for your support. Help, even though it didn’t come immediately.”

The two people's hands were held together again, this time for a long time.

"So what can I do for you now?"

"First of all, I want my freedom back, because I didn't come to France just to see you, there are many other things to do." The count was not polite, but directly expressed his opinion, "In addition, Please arrange another passport for me. I will leave France in the near future - but I hope there will be no more problems with the passport this time..."

"I can agree to both of these opinions." Charles nodded and agreed without any hesitation.

"Please let the other people go as well. They are all people I can trust, and they have no ill intentions towards France. Detaining them is too much." The count made his request again.

"I'm really embarrassed by this request." Charles smiled apologetically at him, "Otherwise, I can give them limited freedom, but they can only move freely around Paris, and every once in a while You must report to my people, and if you want to leave Paris, you must be accompanied by my people. Sir, I know this condition is very harsh, but please understand my concerns."

The Earl hesitated again, thinking about the conditions proposed by Charles, and finally reluctantly agreed.

"Okay. If you insist on doing this, then I have no choice. I will tell them and let them do it according to your words."

"I'm really grateful for your generosity." Charles laughed heartily. "So do you have anything else you want me to do?"

"I want my son Andre to stay in France for a long time and let him be responsible for our private communication. Is this okay?" The count continued to make his request.

"Of course you can. Andre is a good man. My friends and I like Andre very much. As long as he wants to stay here, no one can drive him away." Charles shrugged and continued to be generous. Agree to the other party's request.

"This prodigal son, God knows how dissolute he must be to make you all like him!" Seeing Charles commenting on his youngest son like this, the earl did not feel happy, but smiled bitterly, "Hey, I feel sorry for this little son. It's just that he was too pampered, and it turned out that he was so arrogant! Andre, I really lived up to this name..."

"It sounds like that Andre is your friend?" Charles asked curiously.

"Yes, that Andre's name is Andrei Bolkonsky. He is a very kind-hearted patriotic young man. He is kind, wise, helpful, and has no bad intentions towards anyone. He also helped me a lot. ..." The count sighed, as if he recalled something.

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

"Is he still here?" Charles asked casually.

"No, he has been dead for decades." The count replied calmly, "Since 1805. He fought many battles with your emperor, and finally died on the battlefield when France invaded Russia - if enough By chance, it might be your grandfather's men who killed him."

Ciel suddenly felt very embarrassed. "Uh... uh..."

"You don't have to be sorry. Who can control the war? Bullets are merciless. You have no obligation to take responsibility for things that happened decades ago. I don't bring this up to accuse you." The count is still Ciel was calmer than expected, "In addition, I feel honor for his death rather than regret, because he was to defend Russia. Death of my mother is ten thousand times better than dying in a hospital bed. If a new round of foreign invasion of Russia suddenly comes one day, I will also pick up my gun and my gun. My friend fought just as well, and I hope that fate will grant me a similar death so that I can contribute to the inevitable victory of Mother Russia.”

"I...I appreciate your patriotic enthusiasm, but I think it is better for people to be alive than dead." Charles vaguely smiled to avoid arguing with him about the war decades ago. , otherwise, he would neither praise nor criticize.

"Yes, yes...it's been decades and I don't need to mention it. Now we have to talk about another Andre." The count also smiled, "I also want to ask you to do me a favor - —Hasn’t Andre been helped by you to import starch to France? I hope you can help him expand this business so that he can sell as much agricultural products in my territory as possible to France - of course. I can guarantee that I will give you the best price.”

These sudden words shocked Ciel.

Count Bezukhov had looked impassioned and awe-inspiring just now, but now he suddenly mentioned business issues, and he was so enthusiastic about it, which was really hard for him to accept.

"Since we have become friends, I don't think you will refuse this kind of free help, right?" The earl looked at Charles with interest, "Mr. Treville, I have already seen it. , you have really great power in France, and the people at the port also give you face, so if you If you want to help, this little thing can be done. In this way, we can hide our money and personnel exchanges in business. Not only can my people come to France, but your people can also go to Russia. , in the name of a legal agricultural product importer, no one will doubt me if I am here.”

Uh...this statement makes sense, right? Ciel couldn't help but feel moved.

"However, you can also make a lot of profits from it." He couldn't help but laugh again, "I thought you valued ideals more."

"Ideals are important, but to realize them, money is indispensable. I have said it many times. I am not a stubborn person. Instead, I like to be down-to-earth. For my career, my expenses are very high. I must do everything I can to manage my lands to raise enough funds for this great adventure." The Count was not embarrassed at all. "Don't look at me as an old man. Over the years, I have made myself a good enough operator. Many people follow my example."

"That's really... unexpected!" Charles couldn't help but sigh, "Well, we have a pleasant cooperation, Mr. Count." (~^~)