Flowers, Swords and France

"Nice to see you again, Mr. Summer." After the British Foreign Office official greeted him, Charles walked over with a smile and extended his hand to him. "This time it is me who will receive you. I hope that I can be here and make you feel as at home as I felt at your place before."

"I've felt it, sir." James Summer held Ciel's hand very enthusiastically and shook it, "I received a very warm reception from you, which really flatters me... lest I take responsibility. I cannot afford your enthusiasm.”

"I was once flattered by Her Majesty the Queen, so I hope to repay the British with the same enthusiasm, so there is no need for you to feel sorry. This is what I should do." Charles was still very kind, and then made a gesture to sit down. , "I am very happy to show my sincerity to the British."

"I have undoubtedly seen your sincerity, not only here, but also in almost all places." James Summer sat down obediently, and then still looked at Charles with great respect, "Your Excellency, the Minister, has authorized me to represent the United Kingdom. To the business community, thank you for your efforts in previous business agreements.”

The commercial agreement he mentioned refers to the commercial agreement previously concluded between Britain and France on coal exports. With the support of Charles, His Majesty Emperor Napoleon III instructed the Ministry of Commerce to change its old style and negotiate with the British at an extremely fast speed. An agreement was reached, and tariffs on coal exports were also deliberately reduced, which can be said to be the unique and efficient style of the new dynasty. His Majesty Napoleon III also took this opportunity to take a solid step in implementing his governing philosophy and opened a gap in France's old and outdated high tariff barriers.

In this agreement, British businessmen will certainly be able to obtain huge benefits, but the British government is not just grateful to France for the benefits obtained by the merchants, but for the sincerity reflected in it - Emperor Napoleon III and his loyal minions. They seem to be unswerving in their pro-British line, and for this reason they are even willing to make France make commercial concessions.

On the continent, the British have a staunch ally. It is powerful and has extremely significant influence, which is enough to enable the British to get encouraging help on the European continent and even the entire world. Even the British would find it difficult to refuse such help.

"Of course I am willing to help Britain in all aspects, but this matter is not only good for Britain, but also good for France, so this is a mutually beneficial agreement. With the development of French ship size and technology, the large-scale application of steamships will It is an inevitable trend, so we need your country’s coal very much.” Charles still said modestly, “His Majesty the Emperor and I firmly believe that two powerful countries like Britain and France should support each other economically. , jointly exert their powerful strength to maintain peace in Europe.”

"You are right, Mr. Treville. We also believe that Britain and France should cooperate closely, and when necessary." James Summer immediately agreed. "Only in this way can we create a new practical order for Europe and make it sustainable."

"New order, yes, what we want is a new order." Charles waved his hand rather boldly, "In such a new order, all ethnic groups can enjoy their due rights and interests, and the sovereignty of every country is guaranteed." can be respected, while two great nations serve as protectors of Europe, freeing every European nation from the fear of being trampled under the iron heel."

"What you said is really good, sir. Such an eloquent and passionate speech is rare in our country. Unfortunately, I am not a member of the parliament and cannot quote your words in parliament." James Summer He nodded repeatedly, obviously intending to compliment him, "I have to say, even if you were born in the UK, you can still make a big splash in the House of Commons!"

There is no doubt that what Charles said is very popular with the British. It is not about high-profile rights and sovereignty, but the tone that Charles did not say - the borders of every country should be respected, and big countries should not There should be no limit to expansion, and the European continent must maintain some kind of balance among the great powers.

And that's what the British want most.

However, Ciel's words may not come from his heart. In the final analysis, respecting the rights and interests of all countries is just a temporary measure. In the hearts of the empire's top leaders, restoring the glory of the old empire has always been a deep-seated dream.

France has just emerged from decades of turmoil. What it needs is to slowly regain its influence rather than become an enemy of Europe from the beginning. Of course, they are willing to find an excuse for themselves to exclude other major powers. The goal is to maintain European order.

After all, for the British at the moment, France is not an imminent opponent. The empire that has expanded to the Balkans and India and plans to continue to expand is.

"I am very happy to receive such praise from you. I also have a good impression of the traditional British political form. In your parliament, many policies related to the country and even the entire world have been well debated and implemented." Charles She complimented him with a smile at first, and then immediately became serious, "However, this political form sometimes brings us some trouble..."

"What kind of trouble?" James Summer asked immediately.

"We are troubled by the uncertainty of your country's policy, especially on a very urgent issue. We are afraid that your country will lose its direction in the heated debate." Charles explained calmly, "We are an empire. , His Majesty the Emperor's will will be thoroughly implemented, and we can be in power for many years. Perhaps even until I am old, I can be active in the political arena and exert my influence, so that the great relationship between Britain and France can continue. . But this may not be the case in the UK... Your country's governments change very quickly, and they often get lost in the quagmire of parliament. Sometimes they continue to have very far-sighted policies, but they also become difficult to implement during long debates... In normal times, Maybe this is no trouble for us, but on a matter of life and death, if our country takes action and your country hesitates, then we will fall into an embarrassing or even dangerous situation... "

Although Ciel spoke in a rather vague way, James Summer certainly understood what Ciel meant.

After Charles left the UK, although only a short year had passed, there were very significant changes in the British political arena. Due to some domestic issues, the Whig cabinet came under strong attack in Parliament, and Prime Minister Russell had to The resignation of the Cabinet was announced, followed by the resignation of Foreign Secretary Palmerston.

The person who succeeded the Prime Minister was the Earl of Derby from the opposition Conservative Party. Naturally, the new cabinet formed was also the cabinet that originally belonged to the opposition party.

When such an unexpected situation occurred, it was naturally very reasonable for the senior leaders of the French Empire to be afraid of the British's sudden policy change.

And this is one of the reasons why James Sammer came to France. He needed to dispel this worry of the French and tell them that British policy has not changed.

"Yes, a lot has happened during this year, and there have been some changes in our country's political circles, sir." He nodded first, acknowledging that such changes did exist, and then immediately continued according to what he had said before. , "But please believe that despite some differences in political views , but when it comes to the fundamental interests of the United Kingdom, there will be little difference between any party - the British love of helping others in crisis and the desire to maintain peace and tranquility on the European continent will never change. The commitments made by our government before , and the obligations we undertake will not change.”

Precisely because of the fear of the French retreating, the new government paid attention to maintaining relations between the two countries from the beginning of its establishment, and deliberately ensured that the commitments and obligations of the previous government would be absolutely continued.

Because James Sammer had been responsible for receiving Mr. Treville when he visited the UK during the previous World Expo, the upper echelons of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thought that there was some friendship between them, so they specially called him over. , on the one hand to facilitate exchanges between the two sides, and on the other hand to show the importance that the British government attaches to Mr. Treville.

Both the Queen of England and the Prime Minister, the Earl of Derby, hope to continue this tacit understanding between Britain and France, and ultimately turn this tacit understanding into a powerful force that can attract fans wherever it goes.

After hearing the British diplomat's deliberate assurance, Charles became more serious and stared at the other person closely. "Do I think that the Earl of Derby is promising us that if we have to resist a country that invades Europe one day, Britain will carry forward its old chivalrous spirit and resist with us??"

"There is no doubt that we will do this because it is our obligation." With an inexplicable pride, James Summer held his head high, "On such a cause that concerns the peace of the entire Europe, the United Kingdom will never Falling behind France is the case for any party."

After a pause, he added, "Her Majesty the Queen is more than happy to give you the same assurance, sir. She wants me to tell you that you are her friend and can have her at any time." of kindness and help.”

"I'm really happy! The British have proved why they are a great country." Charles beamed, obviously very happy with such a clear guarantee from the British and such attentive treatment by Her Majesty the Queen, "Mr. Summer , I can also assure you that France has begun to take action, and we will mobilize all French resources and do our best to resist any threats to European peace."

"We are doing the same thing, sir." James Summer nodded slightly, "Now, the threat to peace has grown day by day, and we need to seize the time to act - there is definite intelligence proving that the Russians have Troops are being mobilized on the border between Russia and Turkey, and the Russian diplomatic community has also begun a diplomatic offensive against Turkey. A Russian war against Turkey may be imminent..."

"If no one cares about it, Türkiye may not be able to withstand the Russian craze." Charles asked knowingly. "Türkiye is a weak and rotten country, and they know it."

"Yes, we also believe so. If there is no action, Turkey will suffer a terrible defeat in this war." James Sammer did not give the Turks any face, and directly nodded in approval, "And , Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that this failure may be fatal-that is, Russia may even take the opportunity to defeat Turkey in one fell swoop, making it difficult for Turkey to recover from this failure.”

"This is indeed a rather unpleasant prospect." Ciel commented calmly.

"It is not only unpleasant, but intolerable. If Turkey collapses, the Russians will penetrate into the Balkans and even into Constantinople. The fortress of Europe will collapse and the Russians will be given peace of mind." Freedom of access to the Mediterranean, such a prospect for our country The government is intolerable." James Sammer's attitude became a little more subtle. "Now that the Turks have felt this threat, they are asking our country for help, and our government has also begun to mediate, hoping to remove this threat. The disturbance to the peace subsides.”

"I hope everything can calm down." Charles certainly heard the coldness hidden behind the diplomat's words, "But I think we can't pin everything on people's kindness, especially since I don't think the Tsar has any There’s so much kindness to be said for it.”

"I can't judge a monarch, sir, but I think you're right." James Summer expressed his attitude towards the Tsar tactfully, and then laughed himself. "It is very possible that the Russians will not listen to advice. Because the Russians only know strength, we have begun to mobilize the navy to prepare for any ominous situation. "

Both of them tacitly understood the so-called ominous situation, but they could not say it outright at this time.

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

"I hope everything can return to peace, otherwise... it would be such a pity." Charles sighed with a smile, "Please rest assured that the French Empire will do its best to continue the European order."

"We are convinced of the same." James Summer bowed to Charles, "Britain will use all its strength to curb the excessive expansion of a big country. Any country that resists aggression will get our help. It’s not just Her Majesty, it’s not just the government, it’s our entire nation, and you have absolutely nothing to worry about.”

At this point, there is no need to go further. James Summer completed his mission well, telling Charles the British determination to never give in, and also hinted to this person that war may be inevitable. A French dignitary. In this upcoming war, they need France to keep pace with them, otherwise Britain will not be able to pounce on it with all its strength.

The British government has judged that the Russians are preparing to provoke war, and this is an excellent opportunity for the British who have long wanted to teach Russia a lesson.

"I have to say that your statement finally made me feel relieved." Charles smiled even more cheerfully. "I sincerely wish you all the best in your next trip to Paris. His Majesty the Emperor is very happy that your country can issue this award." Award him the Order of the Garter."

After the meeting at the Port of Calais, James Sammer will go to Paris and take the Order of the Garter there, and the British Ambassador to France will award the French Emperor the Order of the Garter - this medal is the oldest in the world's history. One of the oldest knightly orders. It is also the highest medal of honor in the United Kingdom.

The scope of the issuance of this medal is limited to the British monarch, the Prince of Wales and up to 24 living members, as well as a few special members, such as foreign monarchs who have good relations with the United Kingdom. Each time such a special medal is issued, a special decree is required, and Louis- Bonaparte will also be one of the recipients of this medal.

This is not only a medal, but also a declaration that the British royal family and government recognize the status of the French Emperor and the French Empire, and regard it as an important partner. This is of course great news for the vain Napoleon III.

"Mr. Treville, you are also an important friend of ours." James Summer bowed respectfully to Charles again, "Her Majesty the Queen will award you the Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath to show your friendship. friendship and thank you for your contribution to the relationship between the two countries.”

In 1725, George I established the Knights of the Bath and established the Order of the Bath as an honor to be awarded to dignitaries from this country or foreign countries.

Its full name is 'The Most Noble Military Medal of the Bath', which is divided into three levels. The highest level of the medal is the Grand Cross of the Bath Order. It can be said that only a very few people can get such an honor. Queen Victoria specially awarded him this A medal is considered a special grace.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Although he was slightly surprised, Charles immediately expressed his gratitude to Queen Victoria for her kindness. "But... I am really scared. After all, I am just following your Majesty's instructions to work for the relationship between the two countries. There is no Make a great contribution..."

James Summer would certainly not take such humility seriously.

"You are the most familiar French dignitary in the British political circles, and during your visit to the UK last year, you also performed well enough to earn our respect... So this is the common opinion of the government and Her Majesty the Queen. Please do not refuse. Even if you Now that you are not in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please continue to exert new influence in the relations between the two countries."

Since Charles left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Minister has also been replaced. The Marquis de Turgot resigned and the old diplomat Edmond de Ruy took over. However, the British understand that the empire's diplomatic power will definitely remain. It will continue to be in the hands of the emperor, and his trusted advisors will certainly exert great influence on diplomatic issues.

"In that case, I will be disrespectful..." Charles smiled and expressed his gratitude, "I will return to Paris as soon as possible to receive the favor of your country."

Speaking of which, he has already received the French Legion of Honor, the Austrian Grand Cross of the Order of Leopold, and now he will receive the Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, which are the highest honors a minister can get.

He was a little curious, would Russia and Prussia also award him the highest medals in the future, so that he could have a five-star medal?

Probably, he thought with a sneer. (~^~)