Eagle's Glory

What's more, this is just a promise. The Orleans family has not yet come to power, and everything is empty talk. Even if they come to power, as long as they lose their influence, they can cut it off at any time.

In 1815, the Bourbon family repented and did not give the annuity to Napoleon, so Napoleon on Elba Island was furious, and finally decided to counterattack and fight back to the mainland.

So... I can't pin my hopes on these people. Since they can betray Bourbon and the Republic, why can't they betray themselves?

Refuse!

"So you plan to use 600 million per year to buy France?" He asked with a little sarcasm.

"First, 600 million is not a small amount, it is enough for anyone to live without worry; second, I am not proposing to buy France from you, because in fact you do not own it, not an inch." Gao Mr. Deng calmly answered Aigron's question, "In my opinion, my proposal will not do you any harm. You just need to give up something you have never had, give up a delusion that has been completely unrealistic, and you can get A reliable future, enjoy the life you deserve, and let our entire nation enjoy the peace it deserves... Isn't this very good? Your Highness, please think carefully."

Aigron raised his head, looked at the blue sky and pure white clouds, and was speechless for a while.

"Mr. Gordon, I have no objection to you personally. I believe it is out of your enthusiasm to take such a big risk to propose, but..." He shook his head lightly, "If the price of freedom is to Others begged for mercy; if I could live like a man by the Duke of Orléans, and never set foot in France; I died in a ditch because of poverty! My dignity cannot allow me to agree to your proposal, sir, I am sorry."　　

15. The choice of nation

"My dignity cannot allow me to agree to your proposal, sir, I am sorry."

Under the warm clear sky, Eggron replied in a calm but extremely firm tone.

Mr. Phoenix-Gordon looked at him blankly, and the two of them just stared at each other.

There was no room for compromise—Mr. Gordon made this judgment just by looking at the other person's expression and eyes.

The middle-aged man did not expect that the boy in front of him was still so young, but he already had such a firm willpower and the confidence to firmly believe that he was right.

Although he was much softer and more handsome than his father, but this look could not help but remind people of that person.

Is this the fate that France cannot escape?There will always be these monsters who can confuse people's hearts and make her go through life and death!

He couldn't help letting out a sigh.

"This poor nation... She has done something wrong, God always calls her doom!"

Phoenix Gordon, as a person who has never left the French political arena since his youth, has witnessed almost all the major events that have happened in France over the past 30 years.

As a young man, influenced by the Enlightenment, he was a staunch supporter of the revolution, and during the high tide of the revolution he participated in republican activities.

But with the bloody massacres of the Great Revolution, and the leaders of various factions in the National Assembly killing each other again and again, he began to doubt everything he believed in before, and then changed from a republican to a supporter of a constitutional monarchy.

Although he began to be active in the political arena during the imperial era and was received by His Majesty the Emperor because of his outstanding ability, he also admired Emperor Napoleon very much, but in his heart he was very disgusted with the imperial militarism and believed that the war that had lasted for many years should end soon.And the destruction of the empire just confirmed his judgment.

Since then, he has firmly believed that France can no longer follow the old road of the supremacy of the king and the extravagance of the princes and nobles; but he also believes that radical revolutions, greedy expansion, and militaristic empires It will definitely not bring the future to France.

He is eager to take a path of moderation. Although this path is not so glamorous, it can also end the bloody counter-offensives, bring peace and stability to people, and heal the wounds of the nation.

It was for this purpose that he no longer pledged allegiance to the restored Bourbon royal family, but chose to join the camp of the Duke of Orleans.

It is true that the Orleans family has many stains. They have repeatedly betrayed their promises, betraying both the royal family and the revolution. I will not forget that they fled from France in a moment of national crisis while playing with the wind——

However, he believes that the Duke of Orleans himself is the most suitable candidate to lead France to the middle road.

He is a branch of the French royal family and one of the highest-ranking nobles, but his living habits are very common, and his daily life is simple. Be loyal to family.He does not have the arrogance and extravagance of the royal family, the bloodthirsty madness of the revolutionaries, and Napoleon's great success. If he ascends the French throne, France will usher in an extremely rare era of peace.

calm!That's all he thinks France needs.

[In history, after the success of the Duke of Orleans usurping the throne in 1830, he once said bluntly in a speech in Parliament that "we are following the path of the mean". 】

In order to achieve this goal, he devoted himself to the command of the Duke of Orleans, devoting himself to making suggestions, running around, trying his best to expand his prestige and influence, and to seek the favor and acquiescence of the European powers. In this regard, he has made great efforts. Fewer grades - Even if he's not one to take credit, he can't help but be complacent about it sometimes.

This time he was appointed by the Duke to come to the capital of Austria to carry out a mission. The mission itself has been successfully completed, but before going back, he had a whim—if he could convince the leader of the Bonapartists, who was left in Schönbrunn Palace, Napoleon's heir, let him accept national reconciliation and give up his status as a pretender to the throne, and even persuade him to support the Orleans family, wouldn't it be a more worthwhile trip?

If he succeeds, it will not only be a great contribution to the Duke of Orleans, but also an indelible contribution to the prosperity and peace of this nation.

However, after only a few words, he knew that he had completely failed, a complete failure.My own ideas did not get any response from the young man, and the negotiation conditions that were carefully thought out, the other party didn't even bother to bargain, could only be reduced to ridiculous wishful thinking.

What else can I say?What else can I do?

He bowed his head.

"I implore you to reconsider my proposal, Your Highness." He wanted to make a last desperate effort. "Is it any good for you to continue this hopeless insistence?"

"Sir, I've made it very clear, and it's the same if you ask me to repeat it ten times—I won't give up my rights." Aigron replied without thinking, "Maybe you're right , this is doomed to be just a hopeless insistence, even rhetoric that is divorced from reality, but even so, I will never forget that I was born to rule this country, so just watch me drown in this dream!"

So, no hope.Phoenix Gordon could only sigh.

He was annoyed, frustrated, depressed, and even painful. These negative emotions lingered in his mind, and finally turned into anger, a powerless heartache.

"What does it mean to be born to rule? Have you forgotten that your ancestors were only islanders of a small island? The Bonaparte family was not even French a few decades ago! Didn't your father take advantage of the revolution to destroy this country?" Timing, launched a coup and stole this country? What qualifications does he have to pass on France to you as a private property?" Angry and heartbroken, he was no longer as polite as before, "Could it be that the Bonaparte family will not Spare this poor country? She has shed enough blood!"

"You're right about this, and I don't deny it, but, is this only the responsibility of the Bonaparte family? You think too highly of us." Aigron was not angry, but sneered, "That's right, The Bonaparte family was just a group of islanders decades ago, and they became French only thanks to the grace of His Majesty Louis XV. However, the Bonaparte family has no crystal ball and no magic. It cannot hypnotize 3000 million people and let them put Didn’t the French choose the throne for themselves on their knees? The war began in the Republic era, and the guillotine was carried forward by the Revolutionary Party. How can Bonaparte be blamed?”

As he spoke, the smile on his face deepened, "So, it is the French who choose to bleed, and then enshrine the person who can best lead them to bleed. If the French like to bleed, then you can blame Bo What about the Nabal family? They chose everything by themselves, we must respect the choice of the nation, and you are self-righteously guiding a nation, aren't you, sir?"

"You...you..." Aigron's words made Mr. Gordon speechless for a moment.

"Did I say something wrong? I live in Austria now, I don't have a single soldier in my hand, and I don't have a few coins. If the French abandon me, then I can't make any more splashes, and I don't have any money." It may cause trouble to anyone, even if I say that I am the son of God, it will only be regarded as a joke, and there is no need for you to be afraid of me or win me over." Aigron continued without haste.

"As you can see, all I can rely on is the choice of the French people themselves. If the French people themselves want to choose Bonaparte and want to regain the glory they once dreamed of, how can you block the choice of the nation? I suggest that you stop making unnecessary efforts to convince me, and just wait for God's verdict. Maybe God has destined me to be abandoned by France and die as an unknown pawn. Then you can save the Duke of Orleans Isn't it ideal to spend 600 million a year?"

What a ruthless declaration!Mr. Gordon could not help gasping.

Back then in the National Assembly, he had seen too many more ruthless words, but he never thought that he would hear such contempt for a nation and such irresponsibility from a teenager who was only a teenager. declaration.

His eloquence was excellent, and what he said was hard to refute, but the more he was like this, the more he could feel his indifference to the French, just like Napoleon often did.

Heir indeed, nothing has changed.

The more beautiful the smile on the young man's face, the more ferocious and frightening he looked at this moment.

It's time to end.

"Okay, I understand what you mean, Your Highness." He bowed again, ending the conversation between the two, "I am very grateful that you took the time to receive me, although our two opinions are completely inconsistent, but It’s probably a good thing to exchange opinions with each other.”

"I am also very glad to meet you, sir." Aigron replied with a smile, "It is always a pleasure to see people who are different from usual."

The two were speechless and bid farewell silently.

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When Aigron walked back to his original position, Phoenix Gordon had already left with Mr. Genz.

He continued to take Chanel and resumed the interrupted walk.

"Your Highness, what did that guy tell you just now? You look unhappy..." Chanel asked courageously.

"Ah, he asked me to give up the imperial throne and be loyal to the French government, and he can pay me a lot of money for this." Aigron replied casually.

Chanel's expression was suddenly filled with horror and horror, she opened her eyes wide and looked at Aigron in amazement.

"Your Highness, you...you won't agree, will you?"

"No, I didn't." Aegron shook his head, "I told him that I would rather be trapped and die for the rest of my life than bow to the traitors."

"Great!" Chanel breathed a sigh of relief, and patted his chest happily, "I knew, Your Highness, you will never give up..."

"So you see, if the French themselves are willing to bleed, who can blame us?" Aigron shrugged, and then muttered softly, "I don't agree, but they don't like it."

"Your Highness, what are you talking about?" Chanel couldn't hear clearly, so he asked again.

"It's nothing, Chanel, thank you." Aigron smiled and looked at her again, "Without your encouragement, I wouldn't get better so soon."

"It's just what I should do." Chanel blushed slightly, lowering her gaze.　　

16. Request

Accompanied by Genz, Mr. Phoenix-Gordon took the carriage and set foot on the way back to Vienna.

Along the way, his expression was dignified, and he no longer had the excitement and anticipation when he came here before, and this kind of emotional change, of course, did not escape Mr. Genz's sophisticated eyes.

"It seems that this is a very unsuccessful visit?" He whispered to Gordon in the galloping carriage.

To be honest, he was really curious, what kind of mood did the special envoy of the Duke of Orleans meet with Napoleon's heir, and what topics he would talk about.

"Quite unsuccessful indeed." Mr. Gordon smiled sadly. "It worries me a lot."

"Worried about what?" Genz asked immediately.

"To us, and to you." Mr. Gordon replied in a muffled voice. "I can already be sure that the Duke of Reichstedt has not given up everything he has lost. He still firmly believes that he is qualified to dominate France."

Although he deliberately controlled his expression, Mr. Gentz's eyebrows still twitched slightly.

"It's not a secret to us. Your Highness is at a young age, and it's normal to have some grand dreams." He didn't reveal his true thoughts, but answered vaguely. "A person will always have some delusions in his youth..."

"If his ambition is destined to be delusional, then this is a good thing for all of us, but... I am afraid that because of the selfishness and mutual hatred of various countries, it will eventually make everything difficult to deal with." Phoenix -Gordon shook his head, "Don't forget, it wasn't until 1813 that European countries really united to march against Napoleon, and finally subdued this terrible great man..."

Mr. Gentz ​​fell silent suddenly.

"I know what you think in Austria. You want to hold this card in your hand and use it to frighten everyone, especially us French, and take the opportunity to win concessions. But this kind of sophisticated diplomacy, in the end, in the end It may bring endless disasters to everyone, including yourself." Mr. Gordon shook his head slightly, appearing to be dispirited.

"Maybe in the hands of our generation, this situation will not happen, but we are destined not to survive this young man. When our generation is dead, those who witnessed the Napoleon era will have withered. At that time, there will be no one. Remembering the cruelty of blood flowing like a river, the children only remember glory and glory, they are tired of peace, they regard compromise as surrender, and patience as obsession, then he will have a lot of opportunities to display those delusional fantasies!"

Seeing that he was a little excited, Mr. Genz smiled reluctantly. "I didn't expect you to be so disgusted with the Bonaparte family."

"No, I'm not disgusted at all. Even today, I still admire the emperor. He brought the whole nation to glory with his supreme genius, and then destroyed it with his own hands. I'm not qualified to comment He can only look up." Mr. Gordon replied with a wry smile, "It's just that our poor country can no longer bear another Napoleon's fantasies."

"In your opinion, does this young man really have this ability?" Mr. Genz's expression became serious. "Being a new Napoleon is not done by blood."

"At least mentally, he has this ability. There are not many people who can refute me to the point where I have nothing to say at a young age." Mr. Gordon smiled wryly, "I don't know if he has this ability in military affairs. , if not, wouldn't it be more terrible? Paris was occupied by foreigners twice under Napoleon, and I don't want to see a third time..."

Seeing that Gordon was so afraid of Duke Reichstedt, Genz narrowed his eyes slightly, as if thinking.

"You Austrians, and especially Herr Metternich, like to play tricks and intrigues, but I implore you not to play with fire on this matter, or you will be burned yourself." Mr. Gordon emphasized again, "Make sure he doesn't It is in all of our interests to take the throne again."

"This... I can tell you the truth." After hesitating for a while, Mr. Genz finally decided to tell the other party the truth, "Your Excellency, the Prime Minister does not intend to let him inherit any inch of land, nor does he intend to lift the opposition. His control—even if Metternich and I are no longer alive in the future, our successors will never change their minds."

After hearing Genz's assurance, Phoenix Gordon's expression finally relaxed a lot, and he let out a sigh of relief.

"After all, you are still a little sensible..."

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Of course, Eggron had no way of knowing the secret conversation between Genz and Gordon. After the visitor left, he resumed his usual life track.

His course education is still continuing, but because of his previous injury, he doesn't have to take physical courses, but mainly courses such as language, mathematics, history and philosophy.

In this kind of unchanging and boring life, there is no shortage of bright colors.

Princess Sophie would come to him from time to time, take him to relax, and try her best to make him happy-this is probably because of the compensatory psychology after the horse crash.

Today is cloudy and the temperature is cool and comfortable. She took Aigron to the garden to paint and sketch together.

Her Royal Highness is wearing a royal blue long dress today. In this era, there is no synthetic dye that can dye this special blue color. It can only be made by crushing lapis lazuli from Afghanistan. These expensive lapis lazuli are even more expensive than Gold of the same quality is more expensive.

Against it, Her Royal Highness looks even more radiant.

At this time, she was sitting on a marble bench, holding a paintbrush in her hand, frowning slightly, gazing at the distant scene calmly, and there was a stand in front of her, on which a canvas was laid out.

Of course, the education the princess received included painting, and she also put in a lot of hard work, and her skills are considered outstanding, but she never likes to let her paintings go out, and she basically destroys them every time she finishes them, and a very small number of them are very satisfied. , will only be collected, and occasionally take it out to appreciate it for yourself.

Right now, she's waving her paintbrush without distraction, next to her oval wooden palette, and a teenager standing quietly.

After a while like this, she let out a long sigh of relief, and then put the paintbrush on the stand, and the outline of a painting appeared on the canvas - several statues hidden among the bushes.

"Aigron, I'm sorry to keep you waiting for so long, it must be boring, right?" She smiled apologetically at the boy.

"Actually, I feel pretty good." Aigron replied, "It's better to watch you draw pictures here than to look at the faces of a group of old men."

"Are you praising me or hurting me?" Princess Sophie couldn't help laughing.

"A complete compliment, I can assure you." Aigron replied sincerely.

"Well, I'll accept it." Princess Sophie nodded with a smile, "I'm also very happy to see that you have recovered so smoothly recently."

Although the weather is gloomy now, Her Royal Highness is obviously in a good mood, and the conversation and laughter are full of pleasant atmosphere, which even makes Egron feel better.

While the two were talking and laughing, Princess Sophie suddenly changed the subject.

"Aigron, I heard rumors that His Majesty the Emperor wants to find you a marriage partner."

After saying this, she narrowed her eyes narrowly, "Do you feel very much looking forward to it?"

Aigron was stunned for a moment, then shook his head, "I don't have any sense of expectation. For me, I'm afraid I haven't reached the age of marriage yet. I still have too much to learn, so I'm not interested in thinking about it for the time being." Kind of thing."

Although it was a surprise, he quickly figured out the intention - the Austrian royal family probably planned to tie themselves here for a long time, and if there was an heir, wouldn't he be dispensable?

So he subconsciously wanted to refuse.

"It's not that I want you to get married now, it's just looking for someone..." Princess Sophie smiled and shook her head, "I think it will take about a year or two when everything is handled properly, and you will be an adult by then. It's actually pretty good..."

Before he could reply, Princess Sophie turned her head and looked at him seriously.

"Remember what I told you last time? I don't know which princess can be so lucky to be by your side all the time - I have thought about it for you, if you can marry a Habu If you are the princess of the Fort family, your situation may be greatly improved, especially if your father-in-law has a great say in this family...it should be able to make you free."

"What a shabby father-in-law, I don't need it! Napoleon said that the thing he regretted the most was marrying a Habsburg princess. The unlucky king who went to the guillotine was also killed by the Habsburg princess... ..." Aigron pouted, with a disapproving look on his face, "Compared to Habsburg, I would be more than happy to be by your side, the longer the better."

"I'm discussing with you seriously!" Princess Sophie blushed slightly, and then angrily scolded, "Don't keep using such words as a shield, do you think I haven't heard enough of them since I was a child? "