From Corsica to the Fourth Rome

"The endless sea is always soothing, isn't it, Major?"

On the Mediterranean Sea, a fleet flying the Iris flag was sailing smoothly towards Ajaccio.

On the flagship of the fleet, a tall three-masted sailing ship, Duke Choiseul was looking at the blue sea with great interest, sighing with emotion to a major officer beside him.

For the Duke of Choiseul, who has lived in the Palace of Versailles all year round, this opportunity to go to sea is indeed rare.

The major officer nodded meticulously, looked at the hazy outline of Ajaccio in the distance, and said casually:

"Your Majesty the Duke, we are about to arrive at the small fishing port."

The officer's tone did not conceal his disdain for the backward Corsica, but also mixed with a bit of disgust, because he would stay in this barbaric land for a long time as the commander of the French garrison in Corsica.

“Small fishing port haha”

The Duke of Choiseul heard the major officer's complaint, waved his hand and said with a smile:

"If Ajaccio is handed over to the British, it won't be long before it is no longer a small fishing port."

"Yes, I understand."

The officer said seriously, knowing that Duke Choiseul was advising him to accept this responsibility. After all, Corsica is a very important strategic location for France.

"But speaking of the British"

Duke Choiseul's expression became more solemn, he looked in the direction of Ajaccio and said:

"That Bonaparte has caused quite a stir. No wonder the English envoy has been inviting me to dinner a few days ago. It seems that he wants to test France's attitude towards Corsica."

The major officer had also previously learned about Laurence Bonaparte's treatment of the British in Ajaccio, whether it was burning British warships or executing surrendering officers, which shocked the officer.

However, as a Frenchman, especially a French soldier, the officer secretly admired Lawrence's behavior. After all, it was a good thing to see the British guy being defeated.

This also made the major officer somewhat fond of Governor Bonaparte, whom he had not yet met.

"Then how did you express your position?"

The officer asked following Duke Choiseul's words.

The Duke of Choiseul snorted indifferently, seeming to remember the British envoy's face, and waved his hand and said:

"I told him directly that if he wants to sit at the negotiating table with Bonaparte, I will welcome it. But if the British army wants to land on Corsica, then wait for a firefight with the French army."

The major glanced at the Duke of Choiseul with deep concern. Almost every French officer knew that the Minister of War was an active militant and he would not make any compromises with the British.

The British probably took this into consideration and did not directly launch a retaliatory attack on Corsica. Instead, they first asked the special envoy to France to test the French's attitude towards Corsica.

Although the United Kingdom is not afraid of another Seven Years War with France at this time, the game between great powers is not just a game after all. If there is no direct profit driver, the British are not willing to fall into the quagmire of war again.

"anyway"

Duke Choiseul suddenly narrowed his eyes, looked in the direction of Corsica, licked his lips and said:

"Lawrence Bonaparte probably calculated that France would become Corsica's solid backing before he dared to attack the British."

"That means he took advantage of us." The officer frowned.

"It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter"

Duke Choiseul was not angry at Lawrence's little calculations, but said slowly and nonchalantly:

"The benefits he earned from France will only be spit out in subsequent negotiations."

"So that's it."

The officer nodded with deep understanding. The Duke of Choiseul had helped Lawrence solve this big problem with the British, so Lawrence would inevitably make concessions during the negotiations because of this.

Of course, what Duke Choiseul did not expect was that Lawrence had already prepared the content of this concession.

On the afternoon of April 15, Lawrence led the cuirassiers and waited in the port of Ajaccio. The masts of the French fleet could be vaguely seen on the distant horizon.

The welcome ceremony on the pier was of a high standard. The surrounding blocks were classified as controlled areas and decorated with Corsican flags and French fleur-de-lis. Lawrence also personally led the patrol team to greet them.

Lawrence on horseback watched the fleet on the sea slowly approaching here, and casually joked to old Sean next to him:

"Now I can understand how Paulie felt when he greeted William Pitt."

Old Sean smiled awkwardly, scratched his head and said:

"Of course you are different from Pauli. He betrayed the country and the people. You are different."

Lawrence just smiled and said nothing. If the time was fixed in 1770, I am afraid that the history books would also list him as a villain who sought power and usurped the throne and betrayed the country to France.

But Lawrence doesn't care about the evaluation of these descendants, after all, it is a matter behind his life.

For him, how to preserve the existence of Corsica and improve the welfare of the Corsican people is the most important thing at the moment.

About an hour later, the French fleet finally docked at the port of Ajaccio.

Duke Choiseul walked off the deck surrounded by his entourage, turned his head and looked at the desolate surroundings, and couldn't help but frown.

If this is the most prosperous town in Corsica, then Duke Choiseul feels that he has underestimated the poverty level in Corsica.

"Okay, at least there's no bad smell here."

Duke Choiseul shrugged and comforted himself.

"It is an honor to see you again, Your Excellency."

Lawrence showed an impeccable smile, turned over and stepped on the stirrups, jumped off the horse, walked up and bowed slightly and said.

Duke Choiseul squinted at Lawrence, bowed to Lawrence with equal etiquette, and said with a smile:

"I almost forgot, now I have to call you Governor Bonaparte, right?"

Lawrence smiled and spread his hands. After the coup two weeks ago, he had written a letter to inform the Duke of Choiseul about the current situation in Corsica.

After the two exchanged greetings and courtesy, Duke Choiseul waved to the major officer behind him, motioning for him to come forward, and then introduced to Lawrence:

"This is...or should I say, it will soon be, the commander of the French garrison in Corsica, Jean-Martial Philibert Serrurier."

The officer stepped forward, saluted Lawrence, and said in fluent Italian:

"Governor Bonaparte, just call me Jean Serulier or Serulier."

"Serurier?"

Lawrence looked at the officer in front of him in surprise. He really didn't expect to hear this name here.

Jean-Martial Philibert Serrurier was one of the twenty-six marshals of the First French Empire in history.

Although Serurier is very ordinary compared to the illustrious imperial marshals such as Berthier, Davout, and Murat, he also has outstanding qualities: good management skills and keen political acumen. consciousness.

Historically, Serurier was just an ordinary captain until the Great Revolution. After joining the Revolution, because he made the right choices in a series of political positions, he was quickly promoted to brigadier general and followed Napoleon was promoted to Marshal of the Empire in the process.

Lawrence looked down at the ribbon on Serurier's cuffs. The pattern on it showed that he was a major officer at this time.

In Lawrence's memory, the historical Serrurier was transferred to the Corsican garrison in 1770, but at that time he was only a lieutenant.

In the current timeline, Serulier has come to Corsica as a major commander of the garrison. In Lawrence's view, this is not just a coincidence. It should be that Serulier does meet the requirements of this position.

At least because of his fluent Italian he had an advantage over other officers.

"A warm welcome to you, Major Serrurier."

Lawrence smiled and waited for Serurier to finish saluting, then shook hands with him and said.

Of course, Lawrence would be more happy to see a familiar historical figure come to Corsica than a completely unfamiliar garrison commander.

Because this means that it will be much easier for you to communicate with them.

Even with his understanding of these people, when Lawrence wants to control them, things will undoubtedly become easier.

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