Flowers, Swords and France

With an inexplicable relaxed mood, Prince Richard von Metternich happily left the residence of His Excellency Minister Treville. It can be said that he returned home with a full load tonight, and what he got even exceeded his original expectations. He got He gave an unambiguous guarantee, making him believe that in the empire of the Bonaparte family, Franco-Austrian friendship was worth looking forward to.

He even looked forward to it himself, hoping that he could persuade the Emperor to bring his fiancée to Paris to attend the 20th birthday celebration of Queen Carlona, ​​as his friend hoped. If he could really do it If he reaches this point, then he has laid a solid foundation for the amity between France and Austria, and at the same time achieved extraordinary diplomatic achievements for himself.

At that time, he could truly inherit his father's career, instead of just inheriting a surname and living in the shadow of his father's outstanding reputation like he does now.

And Charles walked all the way to the door, and the smile on his face did not disappear until he saw off Richard. He was as happy as Richard, because he also saw his victory from tonight's exchange—— Of course, there is still a long way to go before final victory.

Although full of suspicion and fear of interference from Western European countries, the Russians were ultimately unable to restrain their unquenchable territorial ambitions and absolutely began to take risks and march towards Turkey. And Turkey, which is already old and decaying, cannot resist the Slavs' advancing military machine. It must ask for help, and it will ask for help at all costs.

Although the Austrians were afraid of Russia, they did not dare to stand up and directly resist the Russians when Russia was so powerful. They could only choose armed neutrality and hope that someone could stop Russia for them; and Although the Prussians are pro-Russian, they are also unwilling to see the Russians dominate Europe, so under such circumstances they would rather remain neutral, then regard themselves as mediators between the East and the West, and take advantage of the opportunity to enrich themselves.

Just as what happened in history, everything was so clear and clear. Every country was acting in accordance with its own interests. At that time, only Britain and France united to organize an unrivaled force to stop the rolling waves. The advancing Slav army. They are ready.

When he thought of this, Charles felt a sense of pleasure in watching the huge machine run smoothly.

It was almost late at night, but his spirit was still very high. He strode out of the study and returned to the living room, only to find that his wife and Agnes had not rested yet, teasing their son there.

"Have you not rested yet?" Upon seeing them, Ciel couldn't help laughing again, then walked in front of them, picked up Clovis, and then ruffled his hair.

"Be gentle!" Charlotte couldn't help being frightened because of Ciel's sudden attack, and immediately ordered Ciel.

Although her voice was loud and always had a commanding tone, her expression no longer had the antagonism between the two people before, and she seemed much gentler.

Because she and her husband were often away from each other before, coupled with the mental pressure caused by other things, and the depression that mothers must have, her mental state was unstable and she often got angry at people. However, in recent times, Charles has noticed an increase in He spared the time to stay at home and accompany Xia Lott, coupled with Agnes's company, her mental state has improved a lot. As she is about to give birth, her belly has become more bulging, her face has become rounder, and her skin has deteriorated due to long-term labor. Living in seclusion, he becomes fairer and smoother, and his whole person is filled with an aura of grace and luxury.

"I'm just teasing him." Charles smiled at his wife, and then smiled at Agnes next to him, "I'm so glad that you like him too... What a lucky boy!"

Just as Charles said, Agnes liked this little child very much. Ever since she came to live here, she often took pleasure in teasing him, so that Clovis was now closer to her than to her father. Of course, Charles did not I won’t be jealous about it, but I’ll be happy about it.

"Of course I am lucky to have such a good mother," Agnes replied calmly, "but my father may not be too proud."

"I think I won't be a drag on him." Charles replied with a wry smile.

"That's not necessarily true. In order for him to be proud of you, you still have too many things to do." Agnes took Clovis from his hand, then pinched the child's face, amused. He laughed, and she couldn't help laughing herself, "This kid is quite cute."

As she spoke, she slipped her hand down and gently kneaded the child's hand for a while. "The flexibility of the hand is also good and the movements are flexible. I think it is a good material for learning swordsmanship. I can start teaching it in two years." If I had laid the foundation from the beginning, he would have achieved much more than you..."

"Well...he's still young, so he doesn't need to practice so early..." Charles hesitated for a moment, and the smile on his face stiffened, "Besides, as my son, he doesn't need to fight with anyone. Damn it, there’s no point in learning this…”

It wasn't that Charles was opposed to his son practicing swordsmanship, or that he hated swordsmanship, but he just couldn't bear to torment him.

Because of the habit she formed from practicing swordsmanship in her early years, she is one of the first people to get up here every morning. She practices her swordsmanship while maintaining her touch. It is precisely because of this diligence that she is able to maintain the stability and agility of her movements. At that time, Charles suffered a lot because of this habit of hers. She got up early every morning and was tortured terribly.

He really couldn't bear his son to have to suffer like this at such a young age.

"Charle, there's nothing wrong with this, right?" But Charlotte said, "Our ancestors have been practicing swordsmanship since they were young, right? Besides, it's easier to lay the foundation at a young age... There's no harm in letting your son learn it early. ”

"Wouldn't it be good to exercise his will and develop his physique while he is still young?" Agnes still smiled, grabbing Clovis's hand and making a gesture of drawing a sword. , "As the heir of the Treville family, what can you do if you are not good at swordsmanship!"

Although Ciel wanted to say that times have changed and it didn't matter if nobles didn't know how to use swords, but when his wife and aunt both said the same thing, he didn't have the courage to insist on refuting. "Well, since you say so...then I don't have any objection. Let him start learning in two years."

Hey, son, you will have to work hard for that... He sighed in his heart.

"That's true." Agnes teased the child in her arms again, obviously in a good mood.

Perhaps because she has been influenced by Charlotte recently, or because her wallet has bulged, her clothes are much more refined than before. The fine silk skirt shows off her still good figure - of course this is different from persistence. Years of training are also inseparable. She is now a bit more noble than what Charles remembered her as, but her slender fingers are still flexible and strong, and her eyes are still so alert and full of energy. It doesn't look like he is nearly forty years old.

"How was your conversation with Richard?" Charlotte asked casually, "This guy is quite cute and he speaks nicely. If it weren't for the fact that I am pregnant now, I would like to entertain him."

"You will have many opportunities to entertain him in the future, and he will bring his wife here." Charles replied with a smile, "And he will treat you more attentively, because I gave him great pleasure."

He then briefly explained his conversation with Richard.

Of course, he might just tell all the diplomatic secrets and just talk in general terms. At the same time, Charlotte and Agnes were not very interested in foreign affairs such as Russia and Prussia, but they heard what was behind it. Then their attention came up.

"The Emperor is coming?" Charlotte was surprised at first, and then smiled, "Great! Last time we went to Austria, they entertained us very graciously, and we finally have the opportunity to repay them. And if you can come by the way, If he comes to our house as a guest, then others will definitely not be able to compete with us..."

When Charles made such a proposal, he focused on diplomatic considerations, to demonstrate the efforts of the two countries to promote the amity between France and Austria, and to please Her Majesty the Queen. However, Charlotte's considerations were different - she paid most attention to family status. And if His Majesty, the Emperor of Austria, could make a special trip home, then it would be difficult for anyone to match the illustrious family status of his family.

So even from this perspective, she strongly supported the emperor's visit.

"It's not certain yet, it's just a suggestion." Charles said to his wife flatteringly, "But I think that as long as the Russians continue to put pressure and we show some sincerity, His Majesty the Emperor will face Realistically, after all, didn't our Queen grow up in Austria? They will take this into consideration, and if he really comes over, I will find a way to have him come to our home, and then you will. She is the most glorious hostess in France."

"That's great, Charles!" Charlotte smiled, obviously very happy.

After a moment, her smile gradually softened, "Speaking of which, it is really not easy for Her Majesty the Queen. She is only twenty years old and has already experienced so many things. God knows how she endured them one by one! I used to be by her side to help her relieve her boredom, but now I can’t see her for several months, and I’m really worried about her.”

"She is a queen, is she still in need of someone to relieve her boredom?" Agnes asked with a hint of sarcasm.

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

"The more empress you are, the lonelier you are, especially Bonaparte's empress, isn't it?" Charlotte asked back. "She has lived a hard enough life. She has to endure her dislike of certain people while at the same time trying to please His Majesty the Emperor without appearing too disrespectful in front of us. Isn't this hard work? Just ask Your Majesty the Emperor. He still dotes on her, but this kind of doting cannot offset his romantic affairs in private. "

Maybe Charles was overthinking it, but as he listened, he always felt that Charlotte's words were somewhat sarcastic, and he couldn't answer it, so he lowered his eyes and pretended not to hear.

"You are right, being a queen is indeed not a good job." Agnes nodded, "It is quite pitiful to marry a husband who is not much younger than her father."

"Even if she is pitiful, she is still a poor person with a crown on her head. We must treat her respectfully and serve her." Charles was not sentimental, "If I do this, she will be very happy and she will rely on us in the future. "

"So, you are planning to let Her Majesty the Queen be your patron?" Although she had never understood Charles' political stance before, Agnes was a smart person after all, and she immediately understood the implicit meaning of the words, "If it can be done, it would be pretty good."

"If she is willing, then she can become a member of our political group, or the leader--" Charles smiled and immediately added, "Of course, it is a leader on the surface. I respect her, but I have no need and no obligation to obey her every order. I only do what is beneficial to me."

"What a complicated game, only you enjoy it." Agnes did not intend to delve into it, so she stopped asking, "Anyway, this kind of thing is your own decision, just remember to be cautious at all times. Of course, as one of your subordinates, I will follow your orders."

"It's really embarrassing for you to say that. You are not my subordinate, but someone who helps me." Charles was a little embarrassed. "I have no right to order you..."

"Isn't that the same thing? Anyway, I'm serving you and getting paid from you." Agnes smiled, "By the way, when are you going to Giverny?"

According to the previous schedule, Charles was going to Giverny yesterday to inspect his factory there, encourage the production of military equipment, and call all the railway officials in his department to come to him for a lecture. However, because he suddenly received a request from Richard to visit, he temporarily postponed the schedule.

"If there are no other accidents, tomorrow afternoon." Charles hesitated and replied.

"Okay, I know." Agnes nodded, "Then I'll prepare my luggage as soon as possible."

"Huh? Are you going too?" Charles was a little surprised.

"I have authorized Agnes to be my full representative to inspect the place. Since these lands and factories are under my name, it would be bad if I just ignored them. I have to know the specific business situation, right?" Charlotte interrupted, "I think this is better."

"Besides, there will be many people coming there, and I have to keep an eye on them for you." Agnes reminded emphatically, and then asked back with a smile. "According to the agreement we reached, I should go to serve your wife, right?"

Are you really starting to check the accounts? And you have to watch me by the way... No, watching me is the main purpose, Charlotte doesn't care about the accounts that much, otherwise she wouldn't have told me openly in person.

After thinking about it, Charles wanted to say something, but he couldn't find the right words for a while.

In the end, he could only whisper, "Then please don't make it difficult for me, she is very respectful to you."

"Of course, I said I won't beat her again." Agnes smiled and emphasized again, "If she knows what's good for her."