Flowers, Swords and France

"A person sent by Her Majesty the Queen?" Charles was slightly surprised.

Although he knew that Charlotte was a favored lady by Her Majesty the Queen, and that the two had a good personal relationship, suddenly sending a female officer next to her to look for her on such a night obviously meant something unusual.

Charlotte gave her husband a troubled look, then put the spoon in her hand back on the plate and left the restaurant.

As a last resort, Charles had to feed his son himself. The naughty child made him feel a little anxious, but he had no choice but to endure it and feed him while scolding him.

But soon, Charlotte came back with a strange look on her face and a short message in her hand.

Apparently, the female officer left immediately after seeing Charlotte in person and giving her the note she brought.

"What happened?" Charles asked in a low voice. "Why did Her Majesty the Queen write to you suddenly?"

"See for yourself." Charlotte replied in a low voice, and then handed the short strip of bamboo strips in her hand to her husband.

Charles took the letter.

This is a letter paper exclusively for the royal court. The pink letter paper is fragrant and has the emblem of the crown on it. Juan Xiu's handwriting is clearly visible on the letter paper. It is obviously a letter written by Her Majesty the Queen.

However, Ciel did not pay attention to the paper itself, but carefully read the content on it.

"Dear Charlotte, Your Majesty has been feeling unwell recently. Although he recovered quickly, he is very afraid that due to some unexpected circumstances, the political center of the empire will not be able to operate smoothly, so he plans to announce in the near future that Joseph Napoleon will be -Prince Bonaparte, as his heir, if anything happens to him, it will be his Royal Highness who will handle the affairs of the country.

At the same time, in order to increase the prestige of His Highness the Prince and to assist the already elderly Marshal Treville, he planned to send His Highness the Prince to the war front after announcing this decision. That's all I know now. Because these matters are quite important and related to you, I decided to inform you as soon as possible.

your friend. "

There is no seal or exaggerated signature on the signature, only the two simple letters C-B, which are the abbreviations of Carolina Bonaparte. Her Majesty the Queen said such important words in a tone as if she was chatting with a friend. matters.

No wonder she personally sent someone to deliver it to her at night.

Charles frowned and fell into thinking again.

This is really big news out of the blue.

He didn't expect that such news would come at such a time.

According to the family succession sequence, because His Majesty the Emperor has no heirs, his cousin Joseph should have been the priority successor to the Bonaparte family and the Imperial throne. However, His Majesty the Emperor announced this decision now, which really makes people feel uncomfortable. The blow was huge.

The relationship between this prince and him is not very good, and after obtaining the status of confirmed heir, his reputation and authority will definitely grow stronger, causing more trouble for himself.

What's even more worrying is that he will have to go to the front line.

In the original history, the prince also went to the front line, served as a division commander, and performed quite well - because there were enough outstanding officers to help him lead the troops in the war.

In the current world, he has been left behind and has not gone to the front line. Unexpectedly, he was still sent to the battlefield at this time.

Her Majesty the Queen was vague in her letter. She didn't know what position the prince would hold. Would he interfere with grandpa's command? Or even if he just serves as a division commander, will it make grandpa feel embarrassed?

Charles would rather be hit himself than see his grandfather encounter any trouble, and he is even less willing to see the honor of the Treville family being easily taken away by others.

Many thoughts were mixed in his mind, and the original joy in Ciel's heart was swept away.

Of course, Charlotte knew her husband's mood at this time. She didn't say much, but asked the servants to take away the two children, leaving only the couple in the whole restaurant, silent to each other.

"Charle, don't be anxious." After a while, Charlotte finally spoke, "His Majesty's decision has not been announced yet, we still have time."

Ciel nodded slowly, but still didn't speak.

"Your Majesty is doing this because he is probably worried about the empire. After all, the empire has only been established for a few years, and everyone still remembers what France was like without an emperor." Charlotte came next to Charles, and then whispered to her husband Said, "Considering His Majesty's age, he should confirm his successor as soon as possible to stabilize people's hearts. To be honest... this is not surprising. We have heard similar rumors for a long time."

"Your Majesty is not old yet, he still has time." Charles frowned and replied, "It is too early to determine the successor."

"Come on, it's already this time, what's the point of saying something like this?" Charlotte couldn't help but overtake him, "Can we force His Majesty to change his mind? No... This won't work, so we should think Way to face reality.”

After a pause, she continued, "We can rebuild the old relationship with His Highness the Prince. After all, he is a person who likes to show off and be vain. If we are willing to support him, he will accept us."

"We can put down our dignity and deal with him and say nice things to him, but this will not solve the fundamental problem." Charles shook his head slightly, "No matter what, he will never trust me like His Majesty."

Ciel actually spoke the truth in his heart.

With his character, if he had to bow his head, he would not care about dignity, but this was not a matter of dignity.

Prince Joseph Bonaparte has already accumulated his reputation among the Bonapartists over the years and has gathered many supporters and lackeys. No matter how Charles pleases him, he may not be able to squeeze in such a core of cronies now. Inside the circle.

If not, then even if he bows his head, he cannot avoid the consequences of being an emperor and a courtier. Even if the prince continues to reuse himself after he ascends the throne and becomes emperor, his favored ministers will definitely get greater reuse, and at that time, the huge foundation he has established and his power will definitely be full. It was a shock.

New favorites replaced the old dignitaries, and then divided the wealth of the old dignitaries to satisfy their own greed. There are so many similar examples in history that Charles simply did not want to lose his hope. Relying on such slim luck.

More importantly, he wants to achieve great things in this new world. How can he allow others to interfere with his path?

"No matter what, even if it is useful to repair the relationship, there is no need for us to confront a prince tit for tat." Charlotte still insisted on her opinion, "Besides, I think Her Majesty the Queen is more anxious than us, right? After all, if the prince is really After inheriting the throne of the empire, she will not be able to cope with herself. "

"In the end, it's all her fault. She has never fulfilled her obligations!" Charles couldn't help complaining, "When Princess Louisa came to France, she gave birth to the King of Rome two years ago, but what about her? It’s been almost two years, and there’s been no movement at all! If she could give birth to a crown prince, how could she be a prince?”

Obviously, His Majesty's decision to confirm the prince as his heir is just a helpless move. He doesn't like the prince very much. If the queen can give birth to a crown prince, then this decision will definitely be invalidated. Everyone will want to pass on their empire to the emperor. own blood.

"What's the point of just blaming a woman for this kind of thing? Isn't Her Majesty the Queen unwilling to give birth to an heir for the empire? She is also very anxious!" Charlotte was a little unhappy, "There is no rush to give birth to a child. Yes, she needs some luck. I believe God will favor her after all. What a good person she is..."

Ciel himself knew that what he said was a bit excessive, so he just shrugged and said no more.

Indeed, the most important thing for Her Majesty the Queen right now is the birth of an imperial heir. In a sense, she gave up so many things and married a man who was about the same age as her father. Wasn't the purpose of becoming the queen of this empire and the ancestor of this royal family?

If she was unable to get pregnant and the throne was passed on to collateral relatives, wouldn't her whole life become a joke?

Some time ago, Charlotte provided some prescriptions that were said to be able to promote fertility, and the queen followed the instructions. However, the emperor still had not arrived. It was precisely because of this that she was anxious, distressed, and frightened.

What's even more frightening is that His Majesty the Emperor is getting older and is about to turn fifty. If they don't seize the time now, they may not be able to succeed even if they try hard in the future. There is indeed no time left for them. Much more.

Perhaps His Majesty the Emperor made this decision precisely because he no longer had confidence in His Majesty the Queen to give birth to an heir in the short term?

It's hard to imagine Her Majesty the Queen's mood when she wrote this letter, but it must have been very uncomfortable.

When Charles thought of this, he picked up the letter paper in his hand and looked at it carefully, looking at the handwriting on it. The handwriting is neat and smooth, and very stable. There is no sign of being disturbed, and the tone is very calm.

She has actually practiced it, and she does have some concentration. Ciel couldn't help but admire it in his heart.

It's a pity that fate did not favor her.

However, Ciel is not a person who likes to accept his fate.

"The most important thing for us now is to appease Her Majesty the Queen and let her know that there is still hope for everything. After all, Your Majesty, this is only a temporary measure." After thinking for a moment, Charles spoke again, "Tomorrow I will go to the palace to see the Queen. Your Majesty, let’s hear what she has to say. The most important question is to find out what your Majesty plans to do with His Royal Highness..."

"Yes, we must not let him interfere with grandpa's work." Charlotte and Charles had been together for so long, and naturally they quickly understood what her husband meant. "It's best to ask what kind of work His Majesty intends to put him in charge of on the front line."

"Yeah." Charles nodded, and then stuffed the snacks on the plate directly into his mouth, "Okay, I'm going to the study. I'll write a telegram and give it to him tomorrow so that he can be mentally prepared."

After saying that, he stood up directly and planned to leave.

"Charle, don't worry, I will always help you. As long as we are united, no difficulty will be difficult for us." Charlotte also stood up, walked to her husband's side, and kissed his cheek.

Then, she raised her hand and pointed at her two sons, "And they..."

"Yes, thank you, I love you." Charles also kissed his wife, then turned and left.

At noon the next day, Charles rushed directly to the palace to meet with His Majesty the Emperor and report to him on the recent work of the headquarters. However, this was just a cover for him. After meeting with His Majesty, he immediately went to the Queen's chamber to meet with him.

As one of His Majesty's most trusted ministers, His Excellency Minister Treville naturally has the privilege to go to the palace to see her from time to time. However, after all, Her Majesty has a special status, and Charles rarely goes to see her to avoid suspicion.

However, the situation was different today, and he couldn't care less.

Under the guidance of the female officer, he quickly arrived in front of Her Majesty the Queen.

"Mr. Treville, it's nice to meet you." Her Majesty Queen Carolina didn't seem surprised by his arrival. She sat in her seat and looked at him calmly, "How is Charlotte lately? ?I miss her very much."

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty." Charles replied very respectfully, "Charlotte is fine now, but she can't go to the palace often because she is busy taking care of the children. She has received your greetings and is very grateful to you. I came here today just to convey her gratitude.”

At this time, several female officials from the palace were watching. Of course, Charles would not be stupid enough to tell the news she had passed on last night, so he had to give a hint.

"As long as everything is fine with her, it will be fine. The current situation is changing, and we should all take care of ourselves." Her Majesty the Queen was still very calm, but there was something unusual in her tone. "By the way, you must be quite busy recently, right? I heard His Majesty say that you have been worrying about the supplies ahead..."

"I am indeed working hard for this." Charles bowed again, "Although it will be a bit tiring, compared to the soldiers on the front line, I am already very relaxed and comfortable. I am afraid that I have not fulfilled my responsibility. , so that they suffer undue sacrifices..."

"Yes, in this era, we should share the joys and sorrows with the country. Now that the country is at war with a powerful enemy, we should also set an example." Her Majesty the Queen nodded, seeming to be deeply moved by Charles's words, "Your Majesty was originally very I hope to go to the front line to boost morale, but unfortunately I have been in poor health recently, so I have to give up.”

"I deeply admire Your Majesty's determination and enthusiasm. I believe our soldiers will shed tears of gratitude for this..." Charles said such polite words slowly, while his mind was spinning rapidly, trying to figure out what Her Majesty the Queen said. The profound meaning in the poem is, "Even if he doesn't lead the expedition himself, the soldiers will muster up the greatest courage to fight for the empire to the end."

"Having said that, in a battle of such an unprecedented scale, if the Bonaparte family were absent, it would be a shame for Emperor Napoleon's spirit in heaven..." Her Majesty the Queen's expression became slightly strange, "Your Majesty decided Let the Guards participate in the expedition, and the Guards need a distinguished leader. I think Your Majesty will carefully consider the leader."

I see.

Ciel finally understood.

Since he ascended the throne and proclaimed himself emperor, His Majesty the Emperor followed the example of his uncle and mobilized elite troops from the entire army to rebuild the Guards, and gave them very generous treatment, intending to turn them into the Guardsmen he could most rely on.

When the war between France and Russia came to a critical juncture, it was time for this Guards Army to go to the front line.

Although he himself was unable to go into battle in person due to physical reasons, it was a matter of course for a prince to command the Guards.

"The Guards are the most elite armed forces in our country, and are responsible for the garrison of the palace and the capital, so it is best not to deploy too many troops." Charles replied to Her Majesty the Queen in a very formal manner, "In addition, the last It is best to determine the command relationship between the Guards generals and the frontline headquarters in advance to avoid unclear responsibilities and affecting the war. "

"These matters are matters that only Your Majesty needs to pay attention to. I don't dare to interfere too much." Her Majesty the Queen shook her head and said that she did not want to care about this. "I just hope that Your Majesty's health will get better as soon as possible. The empire needs his health. "

"I also very much hope that your Majesty will be in good health. This is the most precious wealth of the empire." Ciel smiled slightly, "Please take care of yourself."

His words did not make Her Majesty the Queen happy. Instead, they made her frown and sigh softly.

"Why……"

Of course Ciel understood what she was sad about.

Her body still shows no signs, so how can it not make people worry.

"Your Majesty, at this critical juncture, you should be strong and help His Majesty the Emperor tide over the difficulties. If even you are discouraged, how can the subjects be motivated?" Charles deliberately lowered his voice and tried not to let go. His own words sounded like clues, "We sincerely hope that you can overcome all difficulties, and we are willing to pay any price to protect you!"

"What?" Queen Karona was a little surprised.

"If His Majesty is temporarily unable to see things due to physical reasons, then the entire country will need a helmsman. I implore you to muster up the courage to assume your responsibilities and temporarily take charge of the country's affairs. After all, this is not unprecedented in the empire..." Charles Kan The conversation seemed to be discussing a historical issue, "When Emperor Napoleon went to war, he also asked Queen Louisa to serve as regent, and she did a very good job. I think your wisdom, courage and astuteness are absolutely outstanding." I won’t be beneath her…”

"Is that so..." Her Majesty the Queen slightly widened her eyes.

This minister had received his notice, which meant that although he knew that His Majesty had decided to let the prince be his regent when he was in poor health, he still had to support him.

At this juncture, Charles's statement was tantamount to saying that he absolutely supported Her Majesty the Queen and would not make any other plans.

This certainly made Her Majesty the Queen very pleased, which meant that her expectations were not in vain.

"Sir, don't you know that you said something very inappropriate? His Majesty is in good health now, and we don't need to discuss similar issues!" After a moment of joy, Her Majesty the Queen regained her composure and extended her hand to Charles. "Well, I'll have afternoon tea with a few ladies later..."

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I was just assuming. After all, it is my duty to consider the country. I must work hard to maintain the rule of the Bonaparte family and the long-term stability of the empire." Charles apologized without any sincerity, then walked forward, took the hand of Her Majesty the Queen, and gently kissed her right hand with a silk glove.

"Goodbye, Your Majesty."

Her Majesty the Queen's slight smile was charming.

She was not dressed very formally today, just wearing a pink dress, but this dress set off her figure, and the diamond brooch with the Bonaparte family crest on her chest told the world that she was standing at the top of the wealth and glory of this empire.

This is a smart and rational woman, not only her bloodline deserves the title of Queen.

She was brought to France by Charles, but even Charles at that time did not expect that she had adapted to her role so well and could use her power as easily as her husband.

This might be a talent.

Charles took a last look at her.

Then, he walked back respectfully and left the Queen's reception room.

His steps were still steady and his attitude was very serious, but his thoughts were still coming one after another.

Her Majesty the Queen did not seem to be knocked down by the disaster. On the contrary, she was still very calm. More importantly, she knew how to use her power and relied on herself very much.

The only flaw was that she did not bring an heir to the empire, so she was excluded from the most core circle of the empire by the Emperor.

Charles brought her to France to find an ally in the royal family from the beginning, and he had achieved his wish. Therefore, he absolutely did not want this ally to depreciate, at least not when he needed it.

Therefore, he should find a way to solve the Queen's problems.

But the question is back to square one again - Her Majesty the Queen has made so many efforts, but still has nothing to show for it. So even if she continues to work hard, will she succeed?

In the original history, Queen Eugenie brought an heir to the empire, but Queen Karona is not so lucky now.

What if fate really abandons her?

He is not a man who is willing to accept his fate. Although he is usually polite and aristocratic, he is still the ambitious and energetic barbarian in his bones. When the threat comes, he will never sit and wait for death, even if he takes risks.

If all other attempts prove to be futile, then, maybe, I can do it for Her Majesty?

A crazy idea suddenly came into his mind.