His Excellency the Count of Grandet

To tell the truth, Charles had visited the residence of the Duke of Orleans before, but this time the situation was completely different.

Not to mention that the servants flatter the high and depress the low, but between an ordinary middle-class son who has just grown up and a count whose wealth is already famous in Paris, most people will naturally show two different attitudes, and the difference is only to a certain extent.

So this time, Charles undoubtedly received a much more grand reception than before—at least he can guarantee that the tea he drank this time was better than last time, or that he was drinking it with his heart. up.

It was the weekend, and the Duke and his son were at home.Not too lucky for Charles, because neither the Duke of Orleans nor Ferdinand liked social activities very much.Therefore, it is obvious that Charles has timed it well this time, trying to make it impossible for outsiders to see anything.

"I've heard about it." After a brief exchange of greetings, the Duke of Orleans spoke without even needing to explain why he came.

Charles was not surprised.After all, the Duke of Orleans is a relative of the royal family, so he should be well-informed. "What do you mean?" he asked cautiously.

The Duke of Orleans frowned habitually.

Probably because of family inheritance, he also has an aquiline nose; but even though his nasolabial folds are deeply visible, the same nose does not have the gloomy and hostile look on his face that the Count of Artois has.

This is probably in line with the saying that people should be responsible for their appearance after the age of 30; because he is actually not as extreme as Count Artois, but closer to the king.

Because of this, Charles chose Philip's line.Not only because of his vague memory that the other party will become a certain king, but also because of the facts he has seen now-it doesn't take much consideration to choose between the Duke of Orleans and the Count of Artois!

Therefore, seeing the other party pondering at this time, Charles wisely kept silent.There are different methods for different people; and for a man like the Duke of Orleans, the more eloquent the tongue, the more eloquent the lotus flower, the more the effect is counterproductive.

Ferdinand sat on the other side and did not speak.Regardless of the issue of whether he is an adult or not, he has been exposed to enough things, enough to cultivate his own judgment——

Judging from the situation at home and abroad, it is obviously impossible to return to the dictatorship of the monarchy; if they want to maintain their greatest advantage as nobles, they can only make concessions to a constitutional monarchy.

Honestly speaking, the same decision was easier for Ferdinand than his father, the Duke of Orleans, or any nobleman over 40 years old.

Because he was unfortunately born after the Great Revolution, he had no empathetic impression of the previous aristocratic privileges, so naturally he couldn't compare whether it was worse now.What he can compare is his childhood life in exile for more than ten years and the time he spent after finally returning to Paris——

Obviously life in Paris is better!

Therefore, although Ferdinand already had a relatively clear idea, he was not in a hurry to express his attitude.

Support is one thing, being able to actually get what they want is another.This is not to say that he thinks that Charles will go back on his word, but it is always a good thing to be careful in everything, especially now that he is facing a very serious problem.

The three of them were relatively silent, only the slight sound of the fine porcelain cup lid colliding with the gold-painted tray for a moment.Charles waited patiently, during which the servant came up silently to change the tea twice.

Before switching to the third cup, the Duke of Orleans finally spoke again. "I heard you invited a lot of people?"

"That's right." Charles confirmed. "Your Majesty, I think you already know. Your Excellency the Earl of Villers, I have already received his written reply. There are also some friends in politics and business, you can see them when the time comes."

This is really what everyone has!

The Duke of Orleans thought, and sorted out the candidates in his mind—not to mention anything else, just from the political point of view, Charles invited almost all the people who stand for it!

Needless to say, the king is a faction that leans towards constitutional monarchy, although it is not obvious.The representative of this faction is Victor; given his relationship with Charles, he must also be invited.

Then there was the Count of Villers.This man closely followed in the footsteps of Earl Artois, and he could almost be regarded as half of the latter's spokesman.He nodded, which was almost half of Count Artois's nod——

Having said that, the royalists should do so.Their overly strict attitude has forced Michelle away, and they should learn a lesson, otherwise they are really stupid!

The other is the so-called "political and business friends".Shire has handled businesses such as wine wholesale, winery operation, public bond trading, factory construction, etc. During this period, he must have known many people.If everyone is invited, on the one hand, it will show that he values ​​friendship, and on the other hand, it will be invisible self-promotion, expanding the scope of business——

What kind of brain is this?A small profit, a big one can get an immeasurable future of money!

In normal times, there is no problem with this inference; but now, this is actually only one aspect of Charles' consideration.Because Ciel wants to cover up his inclinations as much as possible by treating everyone equally on the surface, and more importantly, he has to block Victor's movements and leave enough time for Victor.In this way, by the time the royalists find out that something is wrong, it will be too late!

Back to the Duke of Orleans.In his youth he supported the Republicans, and suffered so much that he is now particularly reluctant to take the initiative to express his views.And between the royalist faction and the republican faction, he is not inclined to anyone, but wants to take a balanced route in the middle——

But if the balance of strength between the two factions has changed significantly, wouldn't the result of taking the middle route be described as the consequences of going the wrong way?

"I see." The Duke of Orleans made up his mind.No matter what, he had to see with his own eyes how far Shire could do it.The actual situation is the decisive factor in his final judgment! "Then I will trouble you to take this trip." He stood up and told Ferdinand at the same time, "I still have something to do. You can accompany the young Mr. Grandet for a walk in the garden."

Ferdinand got up as promised, and Charles thanked the Duke of Orleans.And when they walked in the early spring garden with a hint of chill, they realized that it was not the best choice to go out at this time—it was still cold, there were no flowers, and most of the plants and trees had just turned green.

But they didn't really come out to see the scenery.The relationship between Ferdinand and Charles is much more familiar than that between his father and Charles, so the atmosphere is obviously relaxed.

"I know my father will agree." Ferdinand said as soon as he opened his mouth, "but I have to let my father say it himself."

Charles nodded. "Thank you for helping me during this process." Although everyone has their own considerations, and no one will be unconditionally nice to others—especially in the current situation—we always have to say kind words.

Ferdinand shook his hand, apparently unwilling to talk further. "Since the matter has been set, you don't need to say more." He looked up at the sky, and asked again: "Has the time been set?"

Charles said the answer he had prepared long ago. "Let's wait until spring really comes. Your Majesty, your father and you are all first-class dignitaries. I want to wait for them to inspect the roadbed and trains before they officially open to traffic. Make sure everything is safe. And at that time, take the train to Bordeaux Everyone can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.”

"You are very thoughtful." Ferdinand nodded. "Honestly, I'd rather ask you about other things than safety and views. But they might be presumptuous."

"Just say it." Charles said.But from this hesitant attitude, he already had a preliminary estimate of what the problem was.

"If you only look at it from a businessman's point of view, some of the people you invited must be unqualified." Ferdinand said directly. "Some people can't bring you any benefits. This is still a conservative view." He paused, and then said: "You know, but you still did it."

This is obviously not finished, but there is obviously no need to say it later - why does Charles do something that is not beneficial?

"That's probably because, if you don't do it, it will cause greater harm." Charles replied, tacitly. "There is no problem with your identity, but I am not."

Ferdinand stopped and stared at Charles more carefully.

This is undoubtedly the default.Charles tried to be equal to a bowl of water, or he hoped that in the eyes of others, he was a sandwich biscuit that no one dared to offend.

But that can't be the truth.As long as you put yourself in Charles's position and think about it, you will know that this is absolutely impossible-who has nothing to do with giving away tens of millions of francs?No one is Shire!

That is to say, Charles did it on purpose for others to see.Originally there were only two greatest possibilities, but now that one is obliterated, the rest of the truth emerges——

Charles is trying to confuse others' attention, hoping to prevent himself from becoming the focus of conflict.

The most successful and effective way to shift the focus is undoubtedly to create another new focus that is eye-catching enough.

"Can I assume that you also sent an invitation to Rothschild?" Ferdinand asked suddenly.

It is really difficult to invite Count Artois and guard against Count Artois.At this time, a bigger target is needed to divert the attention of Count Artois - Rothschild just fits this requirement perfectly!

"We are considered acquaintances. It doesn't seem good if we don't send it? After all, there are so many places on the train." Charles said innocently, "But in the end it depends on Mr. Rothschild's own wishes."

But both of them knew that it was impossible for James not to agree.The other party wanted to control French finance for many years, how could he easily let go of a great opportunity that might succeed?

Even if James knew in advance that this was a pit, he couldn't resist the temptation to jump into it!

After this meeting, two letters previously sent to Italy and Belgium also arrived in Paris.

Angel's reply was that he had to think about it again, after all, he already had several appointments in hand; as for David, he agreed without hesitation - going to Brussels was not voluntary on his own accord, and he also wanted to return to Paris in his dreams ah!It is not an exaggeration to say that if you draw a wine label for Shire, you may be able to jump back with Shire's good interpersonal relationship!

Considering that the three painters in Paris have already agreed, there is only one Ingres left now...Charles smiled slightly, and wrote another letter to Florence, emphasizing that Géricault and Delacroix had already agreed. accepted--

That's exactly how Michel hinted at Charles: Thrill!

Artists usually have some persistence that outsiders can't imagine, such as classical painting style or romantic painting style, who is more noble.This description tends to be exaggerated, but the genre is also quite intense.

The key point is that Ingres, Jericho, and Delacroix happened to be in such a situation!The same topic, isn't it a great opportunity to compete?

While Charles was waiting for another reply, the king sent someone to send him a message, asking if Charles would mind if he brought a few more people.Of course, Charles readily agreed to this kind of etiquette question, thinking that it must be some nobleman Gasser.But on the day when he got the list, he stared at the piece of paper, feeling a bit unable to turn his head——

Needless to say, the nobles with virtue in the first few names, but Victor Hugo?Is it the Hugo he imagined?