Eagle's Glory

"Okay, then let's go right away."

So, the two of them got into a carriage together and galloped towards the outside of Paris under the gray sky.

Their destination is the Bois de Boulogne on the west side of the outskirts of Paris. It is a favorite outing resort for Parisians, so it is easy to blend in with the crowd and gather in the crowd. In case of an accident, they can easily evacuate and escape. cover.

When the carriage came halfway, it was already raining lightly, and the carriage moved forward against the fine raindrops, leaving two shallow ruts on the smooth gravel road.

Edmond Dantès looked at the scenery outside the car window without saying a word, but felt a little nervous in his heart—after all, today is a gathering specially called by General Treville, and the participants are all important people. As a special envoy, he is absolutely Don't be stage fright or lose your composure and spoil His Majesty's important affairs.

"Count, the people there will be as excited as you. They haven't been so happy for many years." Perhaps seeing what he was thinking, General Treville suddenly said, "You are the one who brings them Messenger of hope, hope is the most precious thing in this world."

"Then how should I ignite their hopes?" Edmond Dantès asked back.

"I can't decide what you say or how to say it, because you are His Majesty's envoy, what you bring is His Majesty's will, I have no right to tamper with it and can only obey." The general shook his head, expressing that he was helpless.

Then, he stretched out his hand and patted Edmond Dantès on the shoulder lightly, as if entrusting him with something, "If you are in any doubt, you might as well imagine what His Majesty would say here!"

Speaking on behalf of His Majesty... Do I really have the qualifications and abilities?

The figure of that young man appeared in his mind again.

Although the two met not long ago, that young man has already left an indelible impression in his heart. He judged the situation without lack of passion, was good at calculating without losing magnanimity, and more importantly, he also possessed dazzling ambitions. .

No matter what others think, at least he deserves his allegiance.

Otherwise he wouldn't have come here.

Yeah, I'm already here, can I hold back?There is no more room for self-doubt, and I cannot lose face to my benefactor, because I am the Count of Monte Cristo, a part of the great cause of the restoration of the empire, and one of the people His Majesty relies on, and I must not lose my composure!

Thinking of this, Edmond Dantès was also full of pride.

If others can do it, then I can do it too. It is definitely not without reason that His Majesty trusts me, even if it is to prove that His Majesty is not mistaken, I must do it.

At the same time as he ignited his fighting spirit, the carriage drove them to a country house quietly.

This villa is small in size and hidden in the dense forest, but the view from the upper floor to the surroundings is very wide. It is obviously a well-prepared meeting place.

The Marquis de Treville led him to the villa, and then to the second floor.

The second floor is very spacious, and there is a long dining table on which various foods have been placed, waiting for the arrival of the participants.

Then, the Marquis de Treville made a gesture to let Edmond Dantès sit on the main seat, and he himself sat next to the count, which also reflected his status to some extent.

Officers older than him in age and seniority, either died in battle, or died of old age, or lived in seclusion, or simply changed their family and joined the Bourbon royal family, so now the Marquis de Treville is considered to be the most important and most important. Veteran supporters of the empire, faintly became one of the leaders of these Bonaparte supporters.

Although this status has never been confirmed, the Marquis de Treville, with his battle-tested prestige and unwavering loyalty, made other Bonaparte supporters secretly agree with this status.

And when His Majesty Emperor Napoleon II escaped from Vienna and restarted his career, he contacted the Marquis de Treville's family for the first time in France, and then assigned him an important task, which strengthened the special power even more. General Revell's status in the hearts of these people.

Without the Marquis de Treville running around, perhaps things would not have progressed so smoothly. His continuous mobility also allowed Bonaparte supporters to break through the barrier of time and stick together quickly.

After the two of them sat down, the room became silent for a while, only the sound of the pattering rain echoed in it.

As time passed, the sound of the rain outside became louder and gradually became a downpour. Edmond Dantès began to wonder if everyone else had decided not to come.

Fortunately, his idea was quickly proven wrong - gradually someone was led by the personal servant of the Marquis de Treville to sit on the second floor.

Then, the number of people increased, and finally the seats at the tables were filled.

Edmond Dantes looked at this group of people, and these people also looked at him.

There are old and young people in this group, but the majority are young people. It seems that it should be the result of General Treville's careful selection. Maybe he also thinks that hope must be pinned on young people.

Edmond Dantès made his expression serious and dignified, as the priest had taught him.

Although they were staring at each other, there was no sound in the room, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense.

As the host of the meeting, the Marquis de Treville took out his pocket watch and looked at it. He finally nodded and stood up.

"Gentlemen, I announce the official opening of our meeting—first of all, please allow me to introduce that this gentleman is the special envoy sent by His Majesty, the Count of Monte Cristo."

Under his guidance, everyone present nodded to Edmond Dantès at the same time.

Although he was a little nervous at first, Edmond Dantès calmed down at the moment.

This is the first time in his life that he has participated in a big scene as the protagonist, but he has no shame and stage fright. Maybe this is some kind of talent?

Edmond Dantès stood up and looked at the group solemnly.

"Thank you very much for coming." His tone was very solemn, revealing a sense of sadness, "On behalf of Your Majesty, thank you for your unswerving loyalty during this difficult period. He will definitely remember what you have done for the Bonaparte family. sacrifice, and he will never forget those who have given their lives for the Empire and were unable to attend."

Perhaps infected by his expression and tone, the atmosphere in the room suddenly became solemn. The people present lowered their eyes, and they all recalled something.

"Gentlemen, let us toast to Mr. Special Envoy, and thank him for bringing His Majesty's greetings." A moment later, General Treville raised his glass, breaking the heavy calm. "This is the good news we've been looking forward to for so many years! It's worth celebrating."

"Cheers!" Others picked up their glasses one after another, facing each other from a distance.

The scarlet wine swayed in the glass, and then flowed into people's mouths, lubricating the atmosphere in the venue.

"My lord, we haven't heard of your name and experience before. May I ask why you are so trusted by His Majesty and given such a heavy responsibility?" Taking this opportunity, General Treville asked this question on behalf of everyone present.

"I was imprisoned in Chateau d'If for 1815 years because I delivered a letter for the emperor in 12." Edmond Dantès said calmly, as if it had nothing to do with him. "I thought I would rot there for the rest of my life, but fortunately His Majesty rescued me. Since then, I have made up my mind to work for Your Majesty."

"Oh!" His words aroused the amazement of all present.

Pop, pop, pop.

General Treville applauded lightly, then commented,

"Admirable loyalty indeed, sir, you have suffered."

Like a command sign, the others applauded, applauding the loyalty of the Count of Monte Cristo.

Edmond Dantès clearly felt that the distance between him and these people suddenly narrowed.

Yes, is there anything stronger than a shared sacrifice?

He instantly realized how ridiculous he was back then.

That's right, none of the people here thought that he just "accidentally" participated in the conspiracy of the restoration of the empire. He only said this, and everyone regarded him as an accomplice.

If the party doesn't believe it, then the enemies of the empire certainly won't believe it either.

This is just as it should be.

Your Majesty is right, since I have participated in this game, there is no other way out for me in this world, either win or lose, victory is the winner, and failure is the criminal.

It's ridiculous that that silly boy didn't expect this, and swaggered home, letting so many people know this terrible secret!

I took my life lightly and it was my fault that I got to that point; now God has given me another chance and this time I will never allow myself to fail again!

Yes, it must be successful.

"Each of us has lost a lot." A young man with a mustache laughed, then looked up at Edmond Dantès and said, "Count, I salute you."

"This is the Duke of Elchingen." General Treville explained in a low voice in his ear, "Mr. Michel-Louis Ney, he is the son of Marshal Ney."

"Oh!" Edmond Dantès opened his eyes wide.

"You can call me Alois, that's what everyone calls me." The young man nodded to him with a smile. "Since my father died, my brother and I have made up our minds to follow his business."

Marshal Ney was one of the bravest generals under Emperor Napoleon. Because of his outstanding military exploits, he was successively awarded two heavyweight titles by the emperor, Duke of Elchingen and Prince of Moscova.

However, with the crash of the empire, in 1815 he was sentenced to death by the restored Bourbons and was eventually shot.

Marshal Ney left four sons. The eldest son Joseph Napoleon Ney, born in 4, inherited the title of Prince Moskva, while the second son Michel-Louis Ney, born in 1803, chose to inherit the title of Prince of El The coat of arms of the Duke of Hingen.

Since their father's death, the two brothers have been protesting and complaining to the French government, but they can only watch their father's reputation damaged.The harsh reality inspired their hatred of the Bourbons - when they grew up, they were rejected from the Polytechnic Institute and were not allowed to join the French army because they refused to sign a declaration of allegiance to the Bourbons.

In order to join the army, the two brothers chose to serve in the Swedish army, and were awarded the rank of lieutenant in the end, which can be regarded as fulfilling their father's last wish. However, what they are thinking of is of course not staying in the cold northern Europe, but looking forward to something else.

So, when they returned to France, General Treville successfully contacted them, and a few words aroused the desire and hatred deep in their hearts.

"I heard the general said that His Majesty needs to recruit officers?" the young man asked.

"Yes, His Majesty now wishes to form a volunteer army, but he lacks experienced and loyal officers, Your Excellency the Duke." Edmond Dantès replied hastily.

"That's great, I volunteer to serve His Majesty." The young Alois held his head high and looked at the Count of Monte Cristo confidently. "No matter where Your Majesty wants to go, I am willing to drive it!"

Having said that, he became excited again and raised his glass again, "Come on, let's toast to His Majesty's cause!"

"Cheers!" Edmond Dantès quickly picked up the wine glass, and together with the others, took another sip of the oasis.

He is very happy, because His Majesty's urgent needs are being slowly resolved, and the service of the Duke of Elchingen is tantamount to allowing His Majesty to obtain the talent he most desires.

Another Ney serving another Napoleon, nothing out of the ordinary, is there?

And at this time, I also understood why the Marquis of Treville specially summoned so many young people to come together - it seems that he hopes to use this as an opportunity to let these people serve His Majesty.

So he glanced at the Marquis de Treville, and the General himself nodded to him with a smile.

These young people were selected by the Marquis, so their loyalty and professional ability should pass the test, at least not too bad, enough to meet His Majesty's needs.

It is a pity that this general cannot serve His Majesty in person for the time being, but his contribution to the empire and His Majesty is absolutely impossible to be obliterated.

One day, His Majesty will repay him a lot.

"Thank you for your hard work, General. I will report your performance to His Majesty one by one. His high hopes for you have never failed." He couldn't help expressing his feelings.

"This is what I should do, Earl." The Marquis de Treville replied proudly, "Over the years, many of my old colleagues have wavered, rebelled for the sake of glory and wealth, and fell to their knees Other people's feet. But I am different, I would rather stick to my original oath - I will only serve the Bonaparte family and never change the family. Being loyal to the duty itself makes me feel extremely happy and peaceful!"

"Your Majesty will never forget your loyalty and achievements, General." Edmond Dantès was deeply moved by these words from the bottom of his heart.

He looked around again and found that other people also looked moved.

Yes, if it is not for loyalty, then what is the need for everyone to persist, and why would they take risks to come here?

And so was he.

Edmond Dantès is no longer what he used to be. He is no longer that ignorant sailor, but the Count of Monte Cristo bestowed by His Majesty the Emperor himself. A group of people talk about each other as equals, no one thinks about it, and no one cares that he used to be a penniless little sailor.

The people present here can be said to be full of princes, but I can fight against them, because of what?

Because he participated in His Majesty's cause.

In this eager atmosphere, Edmond Dantès once again deeply felt how much he expected His Majesty to succeed.

My achievements are closely bound up with Your Majesty, if Your Majesty ascends to the throne, then I will surely share the glory, revenge is only a snap of the fingers; if His Majesty loses unfortunately, then everything he has now will be lost There will be nothing, and all hope will be lost, and the old state will be returned again.

It is impossible for him to accept this result.

Therefore, His Majesty's career must be successful, no matter how many obstacles God has set up in it, he must be successful. For this goal, I should give everything, even if I stick out my chest and stand in front of that young man as a human shield, I will not be afraid.

Because only in this way, Edmond Dantès will truly come to the world in the name of the Count of Monte Cristo, and wipe out those enemies he hates so much.

Thinking of this, Edmond Dantès' heart was already surging, and the red wine he had just drank seemed to be overwhelming at this moment, making his mind unable to have a moment of peace.

Every word the young man said echoed in his mind, and he now recognized them from the bottom of his heart.

"...Tell me, do you want revenge? Do you want to be a naive sailor all your life, talking about your innocence; Did you offend someone you can't afford to offend? Answer me!"

Yes, I only wanted to be an ignorant and happy sailor, but fate took everything from me.Alright, since fate makes me nowhere to go, then I will simply break down all obstacles and trample them under my feet!

Excited, he finally broke through the barriers of reason.

Whatever I was, but now I am only the Count of Monte Cristo, destined to serve His Majesty, this is the path I have chosen, and it is the only path I have.

Under the guidance of surging passion, he stood up resolutely, picked up the wine glass in his hand again, looked at the people around him excitedly, and gave them encouragement with arrogant and eager eyes.

"Let us toast to His Majesty, and wish him success!" He hissed, "Long live the Empire!"

Although his voice was not loud, his surging passion easily infected this group of people who also harbored resentment and were always thinking about counterattacking and trying to regain everything they had lost.

They also picked up their wine glasses one after another, and echoed the Earl loudly.

"Long Live the Empire!"　　

53. Farewell to Nobody Watching

"Long Live the Empire!"

The shouts that sounded successively from all over the place finally converged into a chorus of cheers.

After the cheers, the people present once again toasted each other, toasting the empire, His Majesty, and their own future.

And Edmond Dantès, in his capacity as His Majesty's special envoy, kept talking to everyone, praising their loyalty, and encouraging them to make persistent efforts and continue to serve the empire.

This group of people has been suppressed for too long. No matter what the reason is, they all have great hatred with the current Bourbon dynasty, and it is impossible, or disdainful, to get the favor from the royal family. In the quagmire of life, they finally saw a new dawn.

The boy escaped from Vienna and without hesitation issued a call to France, declaring that he would never give up the family business.

And this finally ignited their hopes.

Although all the people present knew that this was a difficult undertaking with no certainty of success, they didn't care, and would rather devote themselves to it—after all, since they had nothing more to lose, why not go to How about a fight?

During the toasts again and again, the people present all entered a state of excitement due to the stimulation of alcohol. They chanted words and shared their loyalty to the empire with each other. Many people even expressed their willingness to leave France on the spot to serve His Majesty.

In this excited atmosphere, the meeting ended smoothly.