Flowers, Swords and France

"Forced to buy them?" Albert was a little confused, "That's good...but is it possible? They are in a foreign country after all."

"Of course it won't work in the short term, but in the long term - we have to try this." Charles replied in a low voice.

Although he was evasive, his friend immediately understood the meaning.

"You mean... one day we might go to war with Prussia and take the Krupp factory into our hands?"

"That's a bit too biased - what I mean is that we must, through various peaceful or non-peaceful means, at the appropriate time, contain Prussia's inevitable expansion of power and... deprive them of becoming a European hegemon through the Rhineland capabilities and possibilities " Charles replied carefully, "There are not many choices before us. Either do nothing and watch them become the most powerful industrial country in Europe through the coal and iron of the Rhineland, or use decisive measures before. There are only two ways to stop them."

"Okay, Charles, you are already a minister. You don't have to talk like a diplomat anymore, right?" Albert couldn't help but laugh, "In the end, it's not what I meant after all your talk."

"It is precisely because I am a minister that I cannot speak so openly and fiercely." Charles spread his hands, "Besides, we are discussing an issue related to the direction of European history, and we must decorate it with politeness."

"It is a pity that you have left the Foreign Office." Albert shrugged. "By the way, don't you support European peace in your public speeches? Why do you completely change your tone when you speak in private?"

"Yes, I love peace. For a country, peace is a means, but it is definitely not an end. If peace is beneficial to her, then she should maintain peace. If peace is not good for her...then temporarily abandon peace and use various means to It is inevitable to seek another kind of peace for ourselves." Charles replied almost naturally, "If it is just peace for the sake of peace, then why not just disarm now and invite foreigners to occupy it? "

"Okay, okay, I won't talk to you about these topics anymore - anyway, these are topics you big guys come to worry about." Albert shook his head and looked around, "I'll just follow your instructions. ”

"Then, I think maybe you can make up for this regret." Charles smiled slightly.

"Are you...are you kidding?" Albert was shocked again, "I...I'm going to be a diplomat? Hahahaha..."

"I don't understand what's so funny about this. You have a good family background and good manners. With these two things, wouldn't you be able to be a diplomat?" Charles smiled deeper and deeper, "Actually, I I really think you are quite suitable to be a diplomat. You are good at deceiving and pleasing people, and you are even better at figuring out other people's thoughts - and in fact, you are also cautious in your words and deeds and will not be easily seen through. Oh my God, as you say this That said, I feel like you are a born diplomat!"

"Okay, okay, stop joking." Albert pushed him.

"I'm serious, you can be a diplomat if you want." Charles still smiled, "And after all, I knew some people in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before, and they can make you a diplomat - think about it Well, you can go to the capitals of European countries every now and then to see the people there and... um, the beautiful ladies? "

"This sounds interesting, doesn't it?" After Charles's encouragement, Albert suddenly felt a little moved and no longer rejected the idea. "Let me think about it carefully...ah, it's so hot!"

As he spoke, he reached out and loosened his tie.

Because there are many steam-driven machines inside this factory, the water vapor is filled, which makes people in formal suits feel very uncomfortable.

Charles looked around and made sure that all production was in order. He also felt that it was a little too stuffy to stay here. Then he turned to look at Desmond, the chief engineer here.

"Sir, after today's inspection, I am somewhat satisfied with your work performance. I hope you can continue to work hard and improve all the deficiencies. Remember what I told you, the production of arms must be focused on In the highest priority position, the production progress of other products cannot be delayed too much, because these productions are also extremely important, understand? "

"I have to say that you have made some requirements for me that are too difficult to achieve..." Desmond said with a grimace.

"That's why I promoted you to chief engineer and let you receive such a high salary." Charles shrugged, "If you feel that what I proposed is too high and beyond your ability. …You can bring it up now.”

"No, no, no, that's not what I meant, sir. In fact, I am very willing to serve you!" After hearing Charles' threat, the engineer quickly defended himself.

Then, Charles led his group of people out of the huge factory area and came to a nearby farm belonging to Charlotte.

Due to serious industrial pollution, the output of farmland has actually dropped significantly compared to before, but the scenery is still good, so every time Charles comes to this factory to inspect, he will come here to rest, but Charlotte is Won't come.

Because they had been notified by telegram in advance, the mansion that had accumulated some dust was cleaned to make it easier for Charles and the group of people he brought to move in.

What is the most rural area? Of course it’s wine.

As soon as they arrived here, they plunged into a feast of fine wine and delicious food. Charles originally wanted to please these military representatives and let his friends have fun here without having to worry too much in the countryside, so he It was very casual. As soon as everyone sat down, they chatted with each other without restraint, and then quickly fell into a state of drunkenness under the influence of alcohol.

The group of people chatted and joked with each other here, and soon entered the most common topics among men.

At this moment, a group of women walked in quietly, which immediately aroused their exclamation. Then, the men's shouts and the women's laughter and curses were mixed together. They are all Albert's "friends", and they came here on a special train yesterday in order to fulfill Albert's promise to George.

After seeing this group of women with heavy makeup, George, who was already very drunk, opened his eyes wide, as if he had seen some monster.

"Kid, look, have I fulfilled your wish?" Albert patted him heavily on the shoulder, "Take up your courage and let them turn you into a real man! A man who moves forward bravely, A fearless man..."

"Ah! This! This..." the young military cadet shouted incoherently, as if he had not yet recognized the reality. Although he had already had a similar vision in his heart, when it actually came true, he was still a little unbelievable.

"Nana, Nini... you two take him up and let him enjoy it. This young man is my friend. You must be serious." Albert raised his hand and pointed at two of them. The woman then called out the girl's name, "By the way, he is still a baby, you have to let him leave better memories!"

"Hahahaha!" Amidst the roar of laughter in the restaurant, two giggling women took George's hands and pulled him outside.

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

There are many empty rooms upstairs, and any one of them is enough to leave a very deep memory for this young man. I'm afraid it won't be long before this corrupt and degenerate group will have a new member.

In the midst of the roar of laughter, the remaining people became even more dissolute. They continued to drink and drink, and then laughed unscrupulously with the women next to them.

But Charles was not involved at this time. He stood up and left the room.

It's not that he has any noble morals, but he has no interest in women who can get his hands on them with just a few clicks. Lucien and Viscount Alex de Lautrec also came out, Neither of them wanted to take part in such an orgy for their own reasons.

In their drunken stupor they decided to go out to the balcony to play cards and immediately went there.

Charles's sister did not rest either. As soon as she arrived at the mansion, she asked the servant to saddle her horse and then left the mansion on horseback. Although at the servant's request, two people followed her. They followed her from behind, but at her strong request, the two men had to let go of the distance. They could only follow from a distance, watching her carefully, fearing that something might happen to the minister's sister.

Fran didn't just want to go out and see the scenery. In fact, she drove the horse and walked through the forest and country trails directly according to the path in her memory.

The weather was a little hot, which made her feel a little uncomfortable, but she silently endured this inconvenience.

Soon, she came to the door of another country mansion. After stopping the horse, she ordered the people following her to hold her horse and wait outside the door, and not to disturb her, because she wanted to see a friend of hers here.

Then, she pushed open the fence and walked into the mansion.

It was much more dilapidated than the last time I came here, and the weeds stained the surrounding fences a greenish color. There were also some cracks on the steps. She had become accustomed to a wealthy life in recent years, but when she encountered this decadent appearance, she suddenly felt a sense of beauty.

Then, with some nervousness, she walked up the steps and knocked gently on the door.

"Is there anyone?" (~^~)