Eagle's Glory

The "battle" with Chanel not only vented his desire, but also seemed to sweep away the long-standing pressure in his heart.

After he took care of it, he said goodbye to his wife, and then came to the office alone, and at this time his secretary Leon Esposito was already waiting here.

"Good morning, Your Majesty." Leon saluted him immediately.

"Good morning, Leon." Aegron greeted, "How is Earl Taylor Wen?"

"He left in the early hours of the morning." Leon replied quickly, "He seemed very anxious, so he didn't plan to greet you in the morning before leaving, but left early in the morning. I followed your instructions and sent someone Escort him, it is estimated that he will be able to leave the country tomorrow to take up his post."

In theory, Eggron can let him die in an "accident" at any time now, but since he has promised Chanel not to take his life immediately, he has no interest in the earl.

"Well, I wish him a smooth journey and don't die on the road. It doesn't matter if he dies or not, at least let me contact Talleyrand first." Aegron shrugged, "Is there any good news today?"

"A letter from the Count of Monte Cristo has arrived," replied Leon.

"Show it to me." Aigron immediately recovered.

According to his previous agreement with Edmund Dantès, Edmund will write a report to him at a fixed time every month, describing in detail his experience and progress during the month; If there is something wrong, write another letter in code language urgently and send it to him as soon as possible.

What I received today was the monthly report normally written by Edmund Dantès.

Leon handed the report to Aigron, and then Aigron took out the letter paper and read it carefully.

In the letter, Edmund stated his recent conversation with the Marquis of Noirtier, which was written in such detail that even the matter of Prosecutor Villefort was not concealed.

Aigron was a little surprised by the sudden news, but soon relieved.

In the original book, after the Count of Monte Cristo returned to Paris, the Marquis of Noirtier had a stroke and was paralyzed, leaving only his eyes to move, but that was 1838 and now it is 1828.

In other words, Noirtier is not yet paralyzed, but is still healthy.Since he is healthy, it is impossible for him, a hardcore Bonapartist, not to contact the Marquis de Treville, and he will naturally find Edmund here.

He didn't think about how to deal with the matter of Prosecutor Villefort, but since the Marquis is so virtuous, he promised Edmund that he could propose a duel after three years, so Egron would not interfere more. In his opinion, this is how to deal with it fine.

In the original book, although the Marquis of Noirtier is a conspirator, he has a brave and upright character, and even singled out a duel against General Flavin-Quesnel, the Baron of d'Epinay.

Egron naturally appreciates this kind of brave, resourceful, loyal, bold, and politically experienced person, and he is willing to join him, which is simply what he wished for.

In the letter, Edmund Dantès also mentioned that the Marquis wanted a position as the speaker of the parliament, and Aigron was ready to agree to this condition without any consideration. To really realize the other, at least put on a posture of inclusiveness and responsiveness, so that those with lofty ideals can see hope.

Besides, the Marquis de Noirtier would have deserved such a compliment.

With this in mind, Aigron wrote a reply letter, in which he praised Edmond's progress and encouraged him to make persistent efforts, and then he specifically warned him that the Marquis of Noirtier is A seasoned veteran, expert in the organization and execution of intrigues, old but equally respectable, let him take more advice from the Marquis.

In order to please the Marquis of Noirtier, he also specially commended the old man's loyalty and contribution to the empire with rather exaggerated words, and then promised himself that he would definitely reward his loyal ministers after the matter was accomplished, and he could get any reward he wanted .

After writing all this, Aigron handed his personal letter to Leon, and Leon would naturally take it to the messenger, take it back to France by the same route, and then send it to Edmond.

Undoubtedly, at this distance, the efficiency of information transmission between the two sides will become very low. It is impossible for Aigron to control the situation in Paris in real time, so he can only fully delegate power, set a general direction, and then let the people there To play, it is impossible to do everything by yourself and give advice on everything.

Fortunately, Edmund and the Marquis of Treville are the kind of shrewd, capable and resourceful people. Aigron believes that they can give full play to their abilities and create the situation he wants for Aigron.

Then, Aigron took Edmund's letter and came to Father Faria.

Compared to the almost depleted image a few days ago, the priest's complexion is much better now, but he can still see the exhaustion of old age.

As usual, he was dictating documents to his secretaries.

"Your Majesty!" Seeing Aigron approaching, he quickly stopped what he was doing and saluted the young man.

"Father, Edmund has sent a letter." Aigron briefly explained the situation, and then handed the letter to the secretary next to the priest.

Edmund and the priest were like father and son. After receiving the letter, he naturally wanted to tell the priest that he was safe; and more importantly, he also wanted to get some advice from the priest.

The secretary picked up the letter and put it in front of the priest, and helped him read the letter. It was obvious that the priest was quite happy after seeing that everything was fine with Edmund, and his eyes became brighter.

"Your Majesty, it seems that Edmund is going well."

"Yeah, he didn't live up to our expectations..." Aigron nodded, "However, there are still many difficulties waiting for him. We can only wish him good luck."

From Aigron's expression, the priest could see that he was slightly worried.

The priest immediately tried to figure out what the young man was thinking.

As a core member of Aigron and the prime minister of the Principality, he also knew about Earl Taylorwin's visit last night, and even more knew who was behind the Earl.

"Are you worried that Talleyrand will not be so easy to conquer?" he asked in a low voice.

"I'm a little worried, but...Talleyrand is the kind of person who is icing on the cake. He always only serves the winner. That is, he will not risk his life for me. If everything goes well for me, he will be happy to help me; but If I show a slight decline, he will immediately abandon me, he is not worth worrying about, and he is not worth placing any expectations on." Aigron replied with a wry smile, and then changed the topic, "Compared to Talleyrand, I care more about Orleans Family, I heard from the earl last night that the Orleans family is also trying to contact Prince Talleyrand, and it is definitely not just Prince Talleyrand."

Aiglon and the Bourbon dynasty are two extreme opposites. Leaving aside those who are downwind, the core supporters on both sides have clear hatred, and it is almost impossible to transform each other; however, the Orleans family is different. He likes to buy people's hearts and make friends with people from all walks of life, which is also attractive to those who are anti-Bourbon.

Moreover, this family has huge wealth and is a young branch of the royal family. It has a wide appeal. At this point in time, the Orleans family can also become a popular new core of power.

On the original historical line, it was this family that stood up to reap the fruits of victory after the 1830 revolution, and the Duke of Orleans (later King Louis-Philippe I) ruled France for 18 years from this year until It was overthrown by a new revolution in 1848.

Although 18 years does not seem to be a long time, in that turbulent century, being able to control this capricious, violent and cruel country for 18 years is already very rare.

In other words, the Duke of Orleans is in the same ecological niche as him at this time, has the same purpose, and is in a more convenient position.

Competitive niche rivals are more vigilant and annoying than blood feud rivals.

What was even more frustrating was that he didn't have any means to attack them at this time, he could only watch them woo heads everywhere like himself in preparation for seizing power.

Under the questioning of Father Faria, Aigron told the other party his worries, of course, except for those things on the original history line.

"That is to say, besides attacking the royal family, you also want to damage the Orleans family, lest they affect your plan?" The priest listened quietly and asked after he finished.

"Yes, it would be best if there is a way to have the best of both worlds." Aigron nodded and admitted.

"It's not easy." The priest blinked and fell into thought, "Although the royal family hates the Orland family, they are also part of the royal family after all, and you are different. You are their sworn enemy. Seriously offended the king's nerves...Of course, I'm not that you did something wrong, I'm just like the current situation."

"Yes, the reality is like this." Aigron nodded, "Father, what can you do?"

"It's not difficult to divide them, but the problem is that the more we emphasize that the Orleans family is different from the royal family, the more we are helping them, because they originally wanted to cut off and usurp the throne..." The priest pondered for a moment, and then suddenly Looking at Aigron, "Your Majesty, do you want to try the strong medicine?"

"What strong medicine?" Aigron was a little puzzled.

"Marquis Noirtier is right. Even if you want to be a warlord, you must first bind yourself to the people. Since you have nothing now, you might as well announce that you will give everything to the people." The priest smiled With a touch of deceit, "You make a public manifesto declaring that you are for a republic, for universal suffrage without property restrictions, against a hereditary House of Peers, and for all the decisions of the people. Then you urge France to act for its own future. A plebiscite, no doubt this cannot be achieved, but you can create a storm of opinion with it. I think the Duke of Orleans would never agree to this, and it would put him on the opposite side of the people, republicanism The critics will also find him an enemy, and it is impossible to cooperate with him. Since we cannot divide Orleans and Bourbon, then we should at least tell the people that they are both in the same gang! You are on the side of the people side."　　

116, declaration

"You urge France to hold a referendum on its future..."

Aigron quietly listened to Father Faria's suggestion, without saying a word.

It's not that he thinks the priest's proposal is absurd or unfeasible, but because his proposal is too close to reality, and even vaguely coincides with the original historical line.

In history, Napoleon III especially liked to paint himself in the name of the people. Many major events in the empire were decided by referendums—of course, he was able to decide by himself by cleverly designing the topics of referendums and specific voting times. Decide the direction of the "referendum" and use the so-called people's mandate to endorse your own legitimacy.

He naturally has his reasons for doing this. Compared with the Capet family that has ruled France for thousands of years, the Bonaparte family is alone and does not have the kind of orthodoxy that makes everyone speechless——Ca The heir of the Pei family does not need to explain to the French why he can be king, because his ancestors have been kings for more than [-] generations, but the Bonaparte family is not. It is difficult for them to believe that they are born to rule this country. nation.

What's more, their ancestors were not even French, but a group of Italians and islanders.

Therefore, if you want to be convincing, you must put a sacred cloak on the rule of this family. In the past, the rulers would choose religion, but in today's France, religion is not very easy to use, although everyone admits that they are Is Catholic but few people really take religion seriously.

Now that the old religion doesn't work, we have to try the new "religion", that is, the theory of popular sovereignty brought about by the rise of enlightenment. The Bonaparte family recognizes that the sovereignty of France is not in this family, but in the whole nation. , and this family is only as the chief citizen, exercising the necessary administrative power, and commanding the army to defend the people and protect the country, so it seems to make sense in theory.

Of course, some people may ask, "Why should your family monopolize the cause of leading the nation and defending the country?"

This is simple, just make sure that the person who dares to ask can't speak.

There is no doubt that the so-called popular sovereignty is just a cloak, and the essence is the violent rule of the Bonaparte family with the help of the army. However, if the country is to run smoothly, the "cloak" is a must, and the violence must be hidden in one place. Under the layer upon layer of beautiful veils, if they cannot show their teeth and claws on the stage, it will only boo the audience.

"You make a lot of sense, I will think about it carefully." Aigron nodded.

Seeing Aigron's reaction, Father Faria was a little surprised. He didn't expect this young man to accept his opinion so easily.

As far as he understood His Majesty, he knew that although this young man was humble on the outside, he was stubborn and proud inside, and he was extremely confident. Such a person would never want anyone to share his authority—in fact, he did Always trying to ensure his absolute dominion over his followers, even his cousins ​​were sidelined by him and unable to exert influence.

So how could he easily admit that the whole people can decide his fate and belonging?

However, His Majesty agreed so easily. It can be seen that His Majesty's political understanding is much stronger than I imagined, and I did not follow the wrong person. Thinking of this, Father Faria also felt very relieved.

Aigron didn't know that his image in the priest's heart had suddenly become a little higher, and he just followed the guidance.

On the contrary, he secretly admired Father Faria's ability to master the new changes of the times without any hints - you must know that he has been in prison for more than ten years, during which he was isolated from the world!

If not for the catastrophe at the beginning, Father Faria would have achieved greater achievements, right?It is indeed a pity.

Both of them were sighing secretly, but Father Faria adjusted his emotions first, and then took the initiative to explain his intentions to Aigron.

"Your Majesty, don't worry, all this will not affect your authority, but will make you everywhere. People are everywhere, they are in different classes, they receive different educations, and their situations are different, so they Their opinions and demands are destined to be very different, and it can even be said that they are destined to conflict and quarrel with each other. In other words, you cannot please everyone, and you don’t need to please everyone. The most groups, everything you advocate, let them enjoy the respect they want, and with their support, you can have enough resources to buy and suppress those who oppose you. As long as you can become Balancer between the various classes, then at least they will accept you as a co-lord. I admit that this is not a perfect government, but it is much better than those before in French history, and you don't have to feel guilty. "

"That's right, I think so too." Aigron nodded, "Father, your words coincide with the Marquis Noirtier's proposal. You have both seen the problems that exist in reality and proposed a solution based on reality. It is suitable for my plan, which shows that you are all visionary people."

"You have been honored." The priest smiled modestly. "It is not important to make suggestions. There are smart people around you. What is important is the courage to make correct decisions and firm execution. These are the necessary qualities for a leader. And you've shown that you're right for the position - you're so much bigger than me."

After the flattery, the priest changed the subject again and returned to the original topic, "Your Majesty, everything I have said is just the measures you need to take, and no matter what measures you take, they must be based on 'good governance'. If you can lead the country to prosperity and let your people live and work in peace and contentment, then whatever you say is right, everyone will cheer for you, even if there are some evil-minded people who shout, no one will listen; if you can't lead If the country is going to prosper, no matter how many tricks you play, you will eventually be ruthlessly abandoned by the fickle people of this country. So if you return to the throne one day, you must keep your mission in mind and work hard to lay the foundation for your family. Then you can hope to pass the country on to your next generation."

Although the priest's words were a bit harsh, Aigron understood what he meant.

Governing the country is the most important criterion for the king, and the use of power is only to maintain power. If the power is not used well, it is only natural to be overthrown.

Aigron has never believed in the ghost tricks of the divine right of kings, so he is more able to accept this set of arguments than those "orthodox monarchs".

He also believes that with the help of his understanding of the general trend of history, he can do this—at least he can do a good job in his own generation in a stable manner. As for whether his descendants will live up to their expectations in the future, it has nothing to do with him.

Next, Aigron continued to have a long talk with Father Faria. He put on a rare humble posture, talked less and listened more, and got more valuable lessons from Father Faria, and in his heart , I gradually had a draft of how to move the next chess.

"Thank you, Father, you made me feel enlightened." At the end of the conversation, Aigron said to the priest sincerely, "With you, I always feel like I am touching the light of reason."

"Your Majesty, if my suggestion can help your career by even one percent, it will be a great honor in my life." Father Faria replied with a smile, "I don't know if I can see you enthroned." But I believe that you will be able to do better than your predecessors and lead that country into an era of unprecedented glory."

"I hope so!" Aigron laughed loudly, "And I believe that you will be able to see it alive. God will not allow you to leave me prematurely, so you can watch with peace of mind."

Then he said goodbye to the priest.

After returning to the residence, Aigron did not rest, but came to the study, and with the enthusiasm that had been aroused, he personally drafted a manuscript—or, a manifesto.

After writing, he continued to carefully consider, delete, and revise every word. By the time the manuscript was completed, it was already midnight.

At this time, his excited spirit subsided a little, and a sense of drowsiness began to make him drowsy.

He opened the door of the room, and found that his secretary, Leon Esposito, was actually sitting on the desk outside the door, dozing off with his head propped up—it seemed that although he didn't know what document he was writing, he had been Waiting for his own draft to help him with the paperwork.

Aigron was very satisfied with the secretary's conscientious performance, and at this time, Leon woke up when he heard the door opening, and then quickly stood up to pay tribute to Aigron. "His Majesty……"

"Good evening, Leon." Eggron nodded to him with a smile.

Then, he didn't say anything encouraging, but directly handed the manuscript he had just written to the other party, "It's just right, copy it in three copies, and then file the manuscript directly."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Leon took the manuscript, and glanced at it with the help of candlelight.

Immediately afterwards, his face changed drastically, obviously a little unbelievable, but he looked up at Aigron a few times, only to find that His Majesty looked calm and did not mean to be joking.

He was a little unbelievable, and couldn't help but want to ask Aigron why he wrote such a declaration.

"I, François-Joseph-Charles Bonaparte, solemnly declare my heart to the people of France in the sincerity of my heart.

Not long ago, I set foot on a beautiful and rich province in France, and kissed this land. When I stood on the land of France, my soul resonated with it.

This land and the people on it are what I swore to protect, and I have not forgotten this oath until now. I am willing to use all my intelligence and stamina, and my whole life, to help it move towards prosperity and prosperity. To be rich and strong, regardless of any rewards, is not only my duty, but also the sacred mission entrusted to me by my father - he still called the name of France until the last moment of his life, how dare I forget it for a moment? !

However, it is very regrettable that although I was warmly cheered by people where I set foot, because of some supporters of reactionary forces, I had to end my journey with tears and reluctantly bid farewell to my motherland.

What grieves me is not the misery that I cannot return to my country, but the gloom that hangs over the country.The people of this country are sinking into the abyss of poverty and strife. The upper class is decadent and quarreling, fighting for a little profit, but forgetting the people and the people who support them!

This is shameless betrayal and stupid arrogance. In this great country of ours, the people will never tolerate such incompetence and reaction. Those great people told us 30 years ago what we can do, and After 30 years, we must prove that we are worthy of our ancestors.

Today, the situation is critical, the whole country is facing a crisis, and turmoil seems to be imminent, but those big men are still singing and dancing, as if no one cares about the wailing and pain of the poor!This shameless betrayal must end.

It is not me who decides everything, but you, all you people, all I can choose is to participate in the great cause of all of you and witness the great glory of 30 years ago... I believe we can do it.

I don't care about my reputation, I don't care about whether I have authority, I just want to see the people decide their own future... So, I hereby declare that I support a great movement in my country to drive away these shameless Betrayers and reactionaries, realize the republic system we once had, let the people control the sovereignty of the country, make all crises disappear invisible, let justice reappear in the world, and let us move towards a new era of peace and prosperity...

Let me tell you, in order to buy my conscience, both King Charles X and the Duke of Orleans sent envoys to secretly ask me to issue a declaration of allegiance to them in exchange for money, a huge compensation!But I refused, because in my heart, the only one worthy of my allegiance is France and her people, they are not worthy!

So I implore you, at least listen to my voice, I believe that as long as we act together, the future will be in my hands..."

Leon trembled more and more as he looked at it. He didn't understand why His Majesty suddenly wrote such a declaration.

"His Majesty……"

"Is there a problem, Leon?" Aegron asked back.

"You support the republic?" He seemed to be looking at Aigron in disbelief.

"I must say, at the moment I support it." Eggron replied with a half-smile.

"At this moment?" Leon seemed to understand something.

He wanted to ask again, but Aegron raised his hand to stop him, "Okay, don't ask any more, just copy it verbatim, and also, call Prince Charles over tomorrow, I have something to tell him—"

After giving the order, Aigron dragged his tired body back to the bedroom, and finally fell asleep.　　

117, awe

Of course, Leon had to follow Eglon's order. He dragged his tired body and copied the declaration His Majesty had just drawn up; he didn't go to bed after that, but stayed strong until after the morning, and sent someone to inform Prince Charles, Your Majesty want to summon him.