From Corsica to the Fourth Rome

"Oh? I see that Governor Bonaparte is obviously very interested in the art of painting?"

Duke Richelieu smiled and said to Lawrence. He was still leaning on a cane, but no one was helping him at this time. He and Lawrence were the only two people in this small area.

Lawrence turned halfway, picked up a glass of wine from the passing waiter, slowly put a sip of wine into his mouth, rubbed his throat and said:

"I'm just a commoner from Corsica. I don't have any talent for art, so I won't bother you to waste your time."

As soon as he finished speaking, Lawrence put the wine glass back on the waiter's tray and prepared to leave.

Duke Richelieu immediately called out to Lawrence and said with a bit of a smile:

"Actually, I have no interest in art, so let's talk about something we are both good at."

"for example?"

Lawrence said, frowning and taking a look at Duke Richelieu's expression. His faint smile made people couldn't help but feel that he really seemed to be a kind elder.

"Like politics."

Duke Richelieu took two steps forward with his cane, and with great difficulty walked closer to Lawrence with the cane, and then lowered his voice and said:

"The last time we met was at the Paris Comedy. At that time you said that you would carefully consider my proposal. I think this period of time is long enough. You should have considered it, right?"

Lawrence's brows furrowed even more tightly, and for a while he couldn't figure out Duke Richelieu's intention.

It was impossible for the Duke of Richelieu not to know that Lawrence had completely turned to the Duke of Choiseul, not to mention that Lawrence had directly beaten the grandson of the Duke of Richelieu into a eunuch in a duel a few days ago.

No matter how you look at it, the two sides are already incompatible with each other and are irreconcilable. However, the Duke of Richelieu went out of his way to ask Lawrence about the results of his considerations at this moment, which is really puzzling.

Considering Duke Richelieu's abnormal behavior, Lawrence did not refuse directly, but probed:

"Oh, so that's it. I thought you were going to mention your grandson. I haven't heard from him since the duel. How is he lately? How is he recovering from his injuries?"

Duke Richelieu's smile immediately froze, and even his peaceful eyes suddenly showed a touch of unnoticeable ferocity.

However, Duke Richelieu's determination was also extraordinary. After hearing Lawrence deliberately not opening and picking up certain pots, he only showed a moment of strangeness, and then quickly restored his amiable expression and said calmly:

"Are you talking about Falcone? He is still recovering from his injuries. I am not a doctor so I don't know the specific situation. I will convey your concern to him."

When the Duke of Richelieu spoke, Lawrence was constantly observing the changes in his expression. His face change that only lasted less than half a second was clearly captured by Lawrence.

"Humph, he really cares about his own grandson. Although I don't know why he showed such kindness to me, he obviously can't let go of his hatred for me."

After capturing the momentary change of face of Duke Richelieu, Lawrence could definitely draw a conclusion in his mind.

On the surface, Lawrence still looked distressed, holding his chest and sighing:

"That's good, that's good. Count Falcone's injury really worries me. We don't have to fight each other. I hope he can recover soon and devote himself to the field he loves again."

After hearing this, Duke Richelieu's beard trembled with anger, but he still suppressed his anger and said with a forced smile:

"Let's put Falcone's matter aside. Although he is my biological grandson, you defeated him in a fair duel after all. I won't say anything. But what I just said is How have you considered this proposal?”

Lawrence did not reply in a hurry, and after carefully studying Duke Richelieu's expression, he said slowly:

"I told you at the time that your conditions didn't seem very sincere, so I could only refuse."

Duke Richelieu was not surprised when he heard this. Instead, he showed a confident smile and whispered:

"You can actually think about it again. The terms drawn up by Duke Choiseul and you may soon be thrown into the trash."

Lawrence glanced at the Duke of Richelieu without changing his expression and said in a deep voice:

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Duke Richelieu did not explain, but smiled and shook his head, leaving an inexplicable sentence:

"You'll find out soon, and hopefully you'll make the right choice then."

Will you know soon?

After hearing this, Lawrence immediately became alert to Duke Richelieu's words. Combined with Duke Richelieu's special attendance at the banquet and the arrival of Justice Maupe, Lawrence gradually had a bad premonition:

"As expected, he is coming for me and the Duke of Choiseul. Judging from his tone, he should take action after the banquet officially starts. There is no time to make any preparations at this time. Let's just wait and see what happens."

After silently making up his mind, Lawrence did not want to tangle with the Duke of Richelieu anymore. Anyway, he would definitely not be able to get any valuable information from this old fox, so he left directly and said coldly:

"If that's all you want to say, then I'll excuse you."

After that, Lawrence ignored Duke Richelieu and walked away.

Shortly after Lawrence left, Justice Maupe was seen slowly walking over. He had obviously been observing from the sidelines for a long time.

Justice Maupe stood next to Duke Richelieu, staring at Lawrence not far away. After looking at it for a while, he said:

"So you told him? What was his attitude?"

The smile on Duke Richelieu's face gradually faded, and then he shook his head and said coldly:

"He seems to be determined to follow Choiseul, but it doesn't matter. After tonight, he will think carefully about who he should seek refuge with. I will have to trouble you to deal with him later."

Justice Mopp nodded slightly, stared at Lawrence for a while, shook his red robe and said:

"I should be able to deal with such a young man, but I don't know why you value him so much."

Duke Richelieu waved his hand with some disdain and said:

"This Bonaparte himself is not important at all. What is important is that he somehow got into the relationship between the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. Although I know that Choiseul must have contributed to this, the relationship between this Bonaparte and the Crown Prince It’s progressing too fast.”

After saying that, Duke Richelieu glanced sideways at Lawrence and said with a gloomy face:

"To be honest, if I had known that he could have such a close relationship with the Crown Prince, I should have given him a better condition. But it doesn't matter. From tomorrow on, if he still wants to stand with Choiseul, then He and his little Corsica are ready to get out of France."

"Well, that's what that old bastard Richelieu told you?"

After finishing the conversation with Duke Richelieu, Lawrence went directly to Duke Choiseul and repeated the content of the conversation to him.

"It's really weird."

Duke Choiseul also shook his head with some uncertainty and tried to analyze:

"His tone is obviously trying to recruit you again. Under normal circumstances, he would say such stupid things only if his brain is broken."

Lawrence also added approvingly:

"But now there is a change, which is the banquet tonight that Duke Richelieu mentioned."

"That's right, and I listen to what he means."

Duke Choiseul touched his chin, looked at Lawrence meaningfully, and said slowly:

"It seems that he has determined that you will definitely stand on his side again, which means that the target he is about to attack must be closely related to your core interests."

Lawrence also nodded twice understandingly, understanding that Duke Choiseul was asking him to show his loyalty, so he shook his head and said:

"But it is impossible for me to stand on Richelieu's side. Duke Richelieu cannot completely let go of the matter of Count Falcone. Even if he temporarily resolves his differences with me for political interests, in the end if Duke Richelieu takes charge If I have the power, I will definitely not be able to escape the liquidation.

After hearing this, Duke Choiseul showed a satisfied look, grabbed Lawrence's hand and said:

"Your political consciousness and sense of smell are really outstanding, Governor Bonaparte. As long as you stand firmly by my side, I will stand firmly by your side, no matter what tricks Richelieu may play."

"Thank you for your trust, Your Excellency the Duke." Lawrence nodded gently and said.

"Then, whatever that old bastard wants to do, he will definitely do it around King Louis."

Duke Choiseul said, took out his pocket watch and looked at the time, and said to Lawrence:

"The time is almost up. King Louis will be arriving soon. I would like to see what tricks Richelieu wants to play."

Sure enough, within a few seconds of Duke Choiseul saying this, the music in the Hall of Mirrors suddenly changed in style.

What was just a lively, melodious waltz played by violins and orchestral instruments was instantly transformed into a magnificent epic music dominated by horns and snare drums, which sounded majestic and exciting.

As soon as they heard the change of music, Duke Choiseul and other nobles quickly stood up from the bench and carefully arranged their clothes. Many people even took out small mirrors and hurriedly arranged them like ladies. They have some messy wigs.

Even Duke Richelieu, who had limited legs and feet, immediately stood up with his cane.

The nobles who got up quickly lined up in two long queues on both sides of the Hall of Mirrors consciously and orderly, waiting for the coming arrival.

Although Lawrence was not familiar with the rules of the Palace of Versailles, judging from the battle, it was undoubtedly the arrival of Louis XV and other members of the royal family.

Duke Choiseul was not as serious and nervous as the others. Instead, he smiled and patted Lawrence on the shoulder and said:

"Relax, young man, this is your first time meeting the king."

Lawrence smiled and nodded, not feeling nervous at all. After all, Lawrence believed in the idea that princes, generals, and ministers should be independent, and kings were just ordinary people who had power.

As the drumbeats in the music gradually became denser, a burst of neat footsteps also sounded at the door of the Hall of Mirrors, followed closely by a long and loud announcement with a long tail:

"His Majesty the King has arrived——"

The nobles who were closer to the door immediately lowered their heads humbly and submissively, glancing at the door with only the corner of their eyes. Most of the nobles behind also looked at the entrance of the Hall of Mirrors with reverence.

Walking at the forefront was an elderly man with slightly white temples but full of energy.

His upper body was wrapped in a thick blue robe, which was embroidered with golden irises. On his shoulders was a bright white gold cape, with a small pure gold cross tied at the front of the cape.

On his lower body, he wore the same thick pure white stockings and high heels as the nobles present, but his boots, like his robes, were embroidered with the fleur-de-lis, the symbol of the royal family.

There is no doubt that no one except the current King of France, Louis XV, is qualified to wear this outfit.

Louis XV, who is sixty years old this year, still looks energetic and seems to be able to rule France for a long time.

Next to Louis XV is a beautiful woman holding his arm. She is Madame Du Barry, the king's official mistress.

Behind Louis XV and Madame Du Barry were Crown Prince Louis and Crown Princess Marie. This couple obviously didn't get along very well, they just seemed to be inseparable and walked together with a bit of embarrassment.

After that, there are some ordinary members of the Bourbon royal family, including Louis XV's several thirty-four-year-old daughters who are still unmarried, and the two younger brothers of Crown Prince Louis, namely Louis XVIII and Charles X in history. .

Of course, among these royal members, the most eye-catching one is undoubtedly the current King.

Louis XV had a pleasant and comfortable smile on his face. He first stood at the door and glanced at the luxurious and magnificent Hall of Mirrors with satisfaction. Then he took very steady and slow steps towards himself as the nobles on both sides welcomed him. The throne walked away.

On this long corridor of less than 100 meters, Louis XV also stopped and walked. After taking only two steps, he would stop to say hello to a nobleman on both sides.

"Oh! Richelieu, my old friend, it's so nice to see you. How is your health lately?"

Louis XV caught a glimpse of Duke Richelieu in the crowd, excitedly took two steps forward, held Duke Richelieu's right hand, and greeted him caringly.

"Everything is not bad, Your Majesty." Duke Richelieu smiled lightly and returned the greeting to Louis XV without being disrespectful.

"It's good to hear you say that." Louis XV nodded with a smile, then looked at Justice Maupe next to Duke Richelieu and said:

"Ah, Marquis Maup is here too. Not bad. Enjoy this wonderful time."

"Yes, I will, Your Majesty." Justice Mopu lowered his head and said quite respectfully.

Lawrence, who witnessed this scene, frowned slightly and whispered to Duke Choiseul:

"It seems that Justice Mopu is indeed highly regarded by the king."

Duke Choiseul said not surprisingly:

"Of course, after all, the Paris High Court has challenged the king's power not once or twice. Justice Maupp's behavior of suppressing the Paris High Court is naturally liked and supported by the king."

"if it is like this"

Lawrence thought for a moment, but his brows furrowed even more tightly. Then he glanced at Justice Mopp, clenched his fists and lowered his voice and said:

"I should be able to guess what the damn Duke Richelieu is planning to do."