Eagle's Glory

As a veteran Bonapartist, the Marquis de Treville was the only person His Majesty had personally relied on, so he was the only person he trusted in Paris. He wanted to share his opinions with the Marquis and expected him to provide necessary help.

He soon met the Marquis, and after a short greeting, he relayed the original discussion between himself and Mr. Bowan to the Marquis of Treville.

Like the Count of Monte Cristo, the Marquis didn't know much about banking and finance, but he also had a shrewd mind. He understood basic logic and common sense, so he soon figured out Bowan's plan.

"That is, Mr. Bowan needs us to create chaos in order to intimidate his boss and other bankers to tighten money and cause market turmoil?" After listening, he made a conclusion.

"Exactly." Edmund liked to talk to smart people, because he didn't need to waste his words. "What do you think of this idea?"

"I think the idea is very good." The Marquis nodded, but asked again quickly, "But how large-scale turmoil is vague enough to satisfy him?"

"Mr. Bowan is not clear about this, but I think, at least we should do our best for it." Edmond Dantès replied, "His Majesty's declaration will be released publicly soon, and it is expected to trigger a strong reaction in the country. If we take the opportunity to create trouble at that time, I think it may cause a sensational impact."

"That's right..." The Marquis de Treville frowned, obviously thinking about a specific action plan, "That is, you mean that we should try our best to make trouble, but at the same time we must ensure safety, and we cannot be wasted Valuable human and material resources to wait for the real thing to happen, right?"

"I admit that it is difficult to do so, but I believe you can do it." Edmond Dantès nodded, "General, are you sure you can create a disturbance in Paris?"

"It's best not to be in Paris!" The Marquis shook his head, "Paris is our capital, and there are a large number of garrisons around it. If we make trouble there and no one else supports us, we will soon become the target of public criticism. By then we will All the energy will be put on avoiding the pursuit, but it will delay the big event."

"Then what do you think it should be?" Edmund asked back.

"It can't be in Paris, but it can't be in the backcountry, so we should find some provincial capital cities as targets. After all, they are not Paris, and the guards are not so strict." The Marquis de Treville replied after a moment of pondering, "If we are in Lyon, Big news broke out in one or two of the big cities like Lille or Marseille, and even publicly put out slogans to support the return of the Bonaparte family, so it must have really shocked the whole country. If there is a commotion, then everyone will feel the footsteps of the Bonaparte family coming!"

Edmund thought for a while, and agreed deeply.

Starting a riot is not a political action, but an economic action. I hope to use political tension to create economic turmoil. The ultimate goal will always be Paris, because Paris is France itself.

"Then do you think you are sure?" Edmund asked cautiously.

"I don't agree with this." The Marquis de Treville replied with a wry smile, "We do have many supporters. Recently, because of His Majesty's activity, the number of supporters has been increasing, but among these people who dare to take risks for the cause of the Bonaparte family After all, those whose lives are in danger are a minority, and whether they can be organized to create turmoil in one or two big cities is still unknown, and I can’t promise you anything.”

After a pause, he added, "It might be easier if you can get His Majesty's personal call."

"No!" Edmund shook his head subconsciously, "We cannot link His Majesty with the instigator of the riot, and he cannot publicly express his position on it."

Edmund is extremely loyal to His Majesty, so he does not want to see any stains on His Majesty's glorious reputation. It is one thing for a group of people to launch a "spontaneous" riot hoping to support the Bonaparte family. His Majesty publicly called for his support. It is another matter if the builders start a riot. He hopes that His Majesty will have a positive image of a builder, not a negative image of a destroyer.

The Marquis de Treville consciously made a slip of the tongue, and then immediately changed his words and made up for it, "I don't want His Majesty to publicly appeal or write any personal letters, I just want to inspire our most ardent and courageous radicals in person, Then things will be much easier. No one is willing to die for the Marquis of Treville, but someone is willing to die for Emperor Bonaparte, are you right?"

Edmund thought about it, and thought it would be a good idea.

Your Majesty came to Switzerland for the purpose of controlling his supporters nearby and interfering in the political situation in France. It is the right thing to meet some of the most enthusiastic supporters, and the supporters who can be interviewed by him must be the most loyal. Those, there will be no problem in confidentiality.

As long as it can be kept secret, the Bonaparte family will never be the "instigator" of the riot.

Everything was a spontaneous act, it was the enthusiasm of the people who sincerely hoped that the Bonaparte family would save the chaos in France was too intense, and the radical actions that erupted had nothing to do with His Majesty himself.

This is a situation Edmund can accept.

"Then let's work hard for this." He nodded, which meant that the first step of the plan was finalized.

"Now, everything is still unknown. Let's communicate with His Majesty first to obtain his approval, and then I will make a plan for it." After receiving the earl's approval, the Marquis de Treville continued to make suggestions.

Although "creating riots" seems simple, in practice it can be described as a myriad of tricks. It is necessary to select a city, gather manpower, raise weapons and funds and transport them to the destination, formulate a specific action plan, and then use the most stringent Attitude implementation plan, every link can be called a thousand threads.

Fortunately, General Treville had really led thousands of troops before, and had too much experience in organization and command. Among the supporters of the Bonaparte family, there are countless veterans who fought in the past, so it is invisible The difficulty is reduced a lot.

But even so, this is a very hard and huge job. Considering that these convened people have to try their best to escape unscathed, it is even more difficult.

The Marquis de Treville had to put all his energy into it before he could hope to complete it.

For the Marquis, who had bid farewell to the army for many years, this was a challenge he hadn’t encountered for a long time. He felt a little embarrassed, but also felt excited once again. His heart, which had been silent for a long time, seemed to be warming up for swords and blood again. Jump up.

To him, a peaceful life is nothing more than a poison that corrodes the will, and he will always love those days of swords and swords.

The long-lost excitement caused a cruel light to flash in his eyes, and also made his mind run faster than usual.

"Taking advantage of this opportunity, Your Majesty should form a quasi-army in the country that can go into battle at any time." After thinking for a while, he made another suggestion, "The number does not need to be large, but it must be smart and capable and can be called at any time. In this case, Not only can we create turmoil, but when it is really necessary, we have the opportunity to react in the first place."

Before Edmund could answer, he continued, "I know, you may find it very difficult to do so. But it's actually not that difficult. You see, His Majesty has commanded many troops from France in Ioannina. Volunteers, some of them have very rich combat experience. If they are allowed to sneak back to France in batches, even if there are only a few dozen of them, they will be enough to serve as core officers and form a combat team. Many of us have been soldiers. With basic training, they can easily recapture their past experience, making us a permanent armed force."

Edmund also felt that the Marquis was right, but how to keep secrets was a problem. Even if the army of hundreds of people did not wear uniforms, it would be difficult to gather around Paris.

"Then where do you think they should be assembled and trained?"

"A border province adjacent to Switzerland, such as Lorraine. The terrain there is complicated, and the sky is high and the emperor is far away. As long as you buy a large manor, it is not a problem to raise hundreds of people, and there are no ignorant neighbors to disturb." Trey The Marquis of Weir obviously has a plan in mind, "And after His Majesty arrives in Switzerland, where he is only a few tens of kilometers away, His Majesty can contact them at any time to ensure that it is only loyal to His Majesty himself."

Edmund thought about it carefully after hearing this, and found that this is really feasible.

After the founding of the Principality of Ioannina, there was basically no fighting in the territory, and the knights under His Majesty's command gradually stayed away from the battle, and instead stationed in the Principality and became the guard army. Also became rich.

There were quite a few French people there, and they were not afraid of being interrogated when they sneaked back to the country. If His Majesty recruited these experienced people to serve as officers, they could indeed quickly set up a shelf.

Although it is definitely not qualified to fight with the regular army, it is at least a force. As long as it is force, it will be useful.

However, since the matter is too big, he dare not make a decision for His Majesty immediately.

"I will report these to His Majesty, and let His Majesty make a decision." He pondered for a moment and replied to the Marquis, "Now, His Royal Highness has arrived in Switzerland to prepare for His Majesty's personal visit. I will find a chance to go to Switzerland Meet Your Highness, and take a look at the border provinces to find a suitable place."

"I think it's most appropriate to leave all of this to you." The Marquis de Treville nodded with a smile. "Mr. Earl, this time we both have a heavy responsibility on our shoulders."

"Yes, I hope God will take care of us and let us both go well." Edmund replied solemnly.

"It's not just the two of us, all of us must succeed, because we can't afford the price of failure." The Marquis shook his head, then looked at Edmund again, "All of us have lost too much, Fortunately, we are gathered under His Majesty's command again... Fate will not allow us to fail again, we have to gamble everything."

"Yes, never fail!" Edmond's blood boiled with enthusiasm.

At this point, the Marquis de Treville smiled slyly again. "By the way, since everyone is in such a good mood today, let me tell you some good news in advance."

Edmund looked at the other party suspiciously, waiting for his next words.

"I have already made a request to the reclusive Marshal Soult to meet him through several of my friends, and just yesterday I received a reply that the Marshal decided to meet me in the near future. If you want to visit together, Now you can make preparations." The Marquis took it easy.

"What?" Edmund was shocked at first, and then overjoyed.

Before he came to France, when His Majesty gave him the task, the most important and core one was to find a way to help His Majesty get the support of Soult and Marshal Moncey. As a result, he has been at a loss for two or three months. When he entered the door and was distressed about it, he heard this good news, which made him not only overjoyed.

"Of course I would!" he blurted out.

However, he soon hesitated again, "However, the marshal doesn't know of my existence, and he might not be willing to see a nobody like me..."

"That's easy." The Marquis de Treville smiled calmly, "I visited the Marshal as a retired general, so you can go with me as my former adjutant and now my entourage. The Marshal's attitude is also ambiguous right now. , we can’t have a direct showdown with him, we’ll just play it by ear when the time comes.”

"Then everything will be according to your arrangement." Edmund certainly would not have any objections to this, "General, you have served His Majesty so hard, His Majesty has always kept it in mind, I think even if the Marshal is on His Majesty's side, The person he trusted most in the military will always be you"

At this compliment, General Treville just laughed and said nothing.

Isn't this what it should be?　　

140, Sirte

Even after leaving the residence of the Marquis of Treville, Edmund was still grateful for the progress of the Marquis.

That's Marshal Soult!

Even though he had no military experience before, and had rarely dealt with French regions other than Marseille, he had heard of Marshal Soult's reputation.

After the fall of Napoleon, Massena, Davout and other commanders, he is now the well-deserved first commander of the army in France, a commander with unparalleled experience, even if he looks at Europe, after the death of Kutuzov and others, he is only in the Under the Duke of Wellington.

Although at present, he is disliked by the royal family of Bourbon, cast idle, and unable to participate in secrets, but his past experience, his reputation, and his potential prestige in the army cannot be erased.

Some people's power comes from their position, and they have nothing after leaving the position, and no one will care about him; but some people are different, they are the embodiment of "prestige" and "power", they use their own glory His victories and experience have convinced the people around him, even if he has no position, as long as he stands there, someone will obey him-as Napoleon proved after landing in France in 1815.

In terms of prestige, Soult is definitely not as good as Emperor Napoleon, but it is enough to be the arm that Aigron needs.

Before Edmund came to France, His Majesty had clearly issued instructions to him, and he must find ways to get the support of the two Marshals Sirte and Moncey.

It is best to be able to get the support of the two marshals at the same time, at least one of them must be recruited.

After all, unlike Emperor Napoleon, although Napoleon II is the sole direct heir of the emperor, after all, he has not personally been in charge of the French army, and it is impossible for him to have the same prestige as the emperor in the hearts of the soldiers. He needs the age of empire Those famous ministers in the future will give him a platform to win the support of the soldiers.

For Edmond Dantès, His Majesty's wish is an order he must fulfill.

After working so hard for so long, now he finally has an idea, so how can this not make him happy!

After receiving this good news, Edmund put down all his affairs and waited for the news of the departure of the Marquis de Treville.

Just two days later, he left Paris with the Marquis de Treville and headed south.

Along the way, Edmund and the Marquis of Treville chatted and discussed, and from the Marquis, they got a general understanding of Marshal Soult's current situation.

As we all know, although Marshal Soult has excellent abilities, his integrity is not so outstanding.

In 1814, Emperor Napoleon abdicated, and he immediately took refuge in the Bourbon royal family who had returned home, and once served as Minister of War; and in 1815, Emperor Napoleon landed from Elba Island. Like Marshal Neyin, he hesitated And took refuge in the emperor's side.

However, the fiasco of Waterloo brought catastrophe to the two marshals. After the war, Neyin was tried and shot. Marshal Soult was a little luckier and was sentenced to exile in a small town in Germany. His life was finally saved. up.

Three years later, the atmosphere of terrorist liquidation in France finally calmed down. Relying on the intercession of former colleagues, King Louis XVIII finally pardoned Soult and let him return to France.

This time Sirte has learned his lesson. He has repeatedly declared that he is now the most loyal royalist and only wants to serve the dynasty. His obedient performance made the king quite satisfied, so he resumed his The rank of Field Marshal and the noble title of a Dalmatian Duke.

Of course, the king is not a fool, he never believed in the loyalty of Marshal Soult, let alone forgive him for his repeated jumps in 1815. Although his title was restored, he was never assigned any important post again. It is also impossible to give him another chance to lead troops.

As a result, Marshal Sirte was forced to go idle and returned to his hometown in the south.

Being bored, Marshal Soult decided to invest in some industry to pass the time, so he founded a

A "National Association for the Exploration and Development of Ales Mine and Coal Mine" surveys the coal mines in the Cevennes near his hometown and wants to develop the coal deposits in the small town of Ales near his hometown.

He invested most of his property in the mine, and drew up some plans to bring the rich local coal mines to the nearby canal, and then sell the coal mines to the outside world through the canal.

In order to achieve this goal, he has been settling in the small town of Ales recently.

[On the original historical line, Marshal Soult’s large investment ended in failure—the reason was that although the coal mine was developed, the transportation cost was extremely high because of the inconvenient transportation in the mountains...so in 1835 In [-], the "Coal Mining Exploration Association" founded by Sirte was officially dissolved.

This failed investment caused Sirte to suffer huge property losses.

But it doesn't matter, because after 1830, Soult, who was originally on the historical line, had already joined the Orleans family and became the pillar of the Orleans family in the army. , this property loss is nothing.

However, at this time, Prime Minister Sirte, who was an extremely human minister, still did not forget the sweat he had shed. He used his power to order the construction of a railway in the town of Ales, and then solved the problem that the coal mines here were difficult to transport. question.

At this time, Prime Minister Sirte must have looked down on the little money from the coal mine. The reason why he deliberately spent the state budget to build this railway is probably to satisfy his obsession.

After all, what's the point of holding power if you can't get rid of the block in your heart if you're a man? 】

When he learned of the current situation of Marshal Soulte, Edmund Dantès couldn't help being a little dumbfounded.

A marshal with such a successful resume, a marshal who used to have great prestige and great power, now, the cat is in a small town, studying how to dig coal mines?

Even Edmund thought it was too condescending.

It is impossible for Marshal Soult to be satisfied with the status quo. In his heart, he will definitely not want to live a life like an industrialist in this obscure mountain village, but I believe that he is always thinking about looking for opportunities to return to the center of power. , to re-enjoy the thrill of power.

——And this also means that His Majesty has a basis for cooperation with him!

Of course, having a basis for cooperation does not mean that they will definitely cooperate. Although the Marquis of Treville and the Count of Monte Cristo do not know the development of the historical line, they both know that people like Marshal Soult will definitely get all the benefits. The favor of the conspirators who hope to break the status quo, that is to say, the one who will win him over will definitely not be the only one of the Bonaparte family.

The Orleans family can also spend a lot of money to buy the loyalty of the marshal.

Therefore, for Edmund, on the one hand, it is necessary to seize the time, and on the other hand, it is necessary to prescribe the right medicine. Before anyone else, it is necessary to persuade Marshal Soult to fall to the side of the Bonaparte family—at least the Marshal cannot let it go Fall to the other side.

In this way, they traveled day and night, from the great plain of Paris to the rolling hills in the south, and finally came to the small town of Ales surrounded by mountains.

It was noon at this time, and under the guidance of the guide, the Marquis de Treville brought Edmund, who played the role of his entourage, to the residence of Marshal Soult.

This is a big unremarkable house with two floors, gray brick structure, and relatively small windows. It looks like the residence of an ordinary rural small landowner. It is really difficult to connect it with the "marshal".

The remote countryside is silent even at noon. Except for the chirping of birds and insects, there are hardly any human voices. Especially the surroundings of this house are very empty, which makes people feel extremely lonely.

Standing outside the house, the Marquis de Treville couldn't help but feel a little sad.

The former Marshal Soult held 10,000+ troops in his hands, and he also served under Marshal Soult once. I have seen him give orders and scold Fang Qiu with his own eyes. How high-spirited it is!

One order from him may affect a country and the fate of tens of millions of people, and how many passionate men he will die in a single battle!

However, now, he has lost the power he once had, and can only live in a small village that no one cares about, and be a coal mine owner in obscurity, and he can no longer have any influence on history.

This is the price of losing power.

Power is so important, it is like air, it cannot be left for a moment.

The Marquis de Treville once again reminded himself in his heart what he needed and desired most.

After calming down, he tidied up his dusty clothes, and then put on a respectful demeanor, and walked outside the door of the big house.

"Who? Stop!" A middle-aged man shouted loudly, ordering these uninvited guests to stop, then he walked over and looked at the leader, the Marquis de Treville, with vigilant eyes, "Who are you?"

From the alert attitude and walking posture of the other party, the Marquis de Treville judged that this middle-aged man must have served in the army - it seems that he was also taken by the marshal as an entourage after retiring from the army.

"I'm General de Treville, and I'm here to visit His Excellency the Marshal." He gently informed the other party about himself.

"General Treville!" The middle-aged man had obviously heard the name of the general, and his attitude softened a lot. He looked at the general again, trying to judge from his demeanor whether someone was there. counterfeit.

Soon, he made a judgment.

"Come in!" He opened the door and moved away.

"Thank you." The Marquis of Treville nodded, then walked in with his head held high, and came to the house.