Flowers, Swords and France

"Since you have spoken so sincerely, I have nothing to refuse..." As if he was moved by Count Litvinsky's words, Charles put the cigar directly on the ashtray, and then Looking at the other party with interest, "Okay, even if I am willing to do something for the sake of friendly relations between the two countries, what should I do?"

"What you need to do is not much, but it is very important -" Seeing that the other party had already reached the point, the Earl began to become serious and put down his cigar. "As we all know, you are deeply favored by His Majesty the Emperor of your country. "If you explain clearly to him the importance of maintaining friendly relations between the two countries, I think... I think some of the ice that currently exists between our two countries will soon be melted."

"Undoubtedly, I hope that the ice between our two countries will melt as soon as possible, but... from what I have seen and heard before, your Majesty the Tsar and your court are not willing to interact with us. It’s not that we don’t want to interact with your country.” Charles smiled and explained the fact to the other party, “We have always extended a hand of friendship to your country, but unfortunately we were rejected by your country every time.”

Because there was some kind of sarcasm hidden in these words, even with the earl's sophistication, he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. However, many years of experience as a diplomat had already worn away his personality, and he had developed the ability to express emotions and anger. Self-restraint, so he quickly hid this little bit of embarrassment deep in his heart.

"What you said is not entirely true, Your Excellency. In fact, our government has always attached great importance to France's status as a great power, and very much hopes to maintain friendly relations with such a great power. This is also the will of our Tsar Majesty. He said: His Majesty the Emperor of your country and you "I have no ill feelings towards you." He said this untrue statement with almost no hesitation. "Our government had kept a little distance from your country before. It was just because the political situation in France was too chaotic at that time and we felt at a loss. , so I can only watch on the sidelines for the time being..."

Ignoring Charles's slightly sarcastic look, he continued, "You have to understand us. We are a monarchy in Russia. We advocate the monarchy system and orthodox principles. These principles are incompatible with a republic. At that time, Unfortunately, a revolution broke out in France. As a monarchy, of course we will feel that we are related to a common people. It is really difficult to deal with China, so please understand our hesitation. Fortunately, God finally blessed France and turned France into a monarchy again, so I think there is no misunderstanding between our two countries now. , we also very much welcome the Bonaparte family to be included in the holy family of European monarchs..."

Although his words were loud and full of flashy diplomatic rhetoric, Charles could still hear the essence - we didn't deal with you before not because we hated you, but because France is a republic, and now the republic has been If you destroy it, then we can have a good relationship.

Of course, Charles knew that these words may not be true, but at least he had given Louis Bonaparte and him a step down, and he was willing to climb up to this step.

"Holy monarchy! Yes, this is what we want." He clapped softly and secretly praised the other party's flawless words. "Mr. Ambassador, can I understand your words as Russia appreciates France?" "

"We respect the choice of God and the French people, and we will not raise any objections on this matter." The count immediately expressed his attitude, "At the same time, our Tsar Majesty also very much hopes to establish a personal friendship with the Bonaparte family. He believes that The two empires should join hands—"

"His Majesty the Emperor will definitely be very happy for your statement." Charles looked at the other party with some surprise, as if he didn't understand why the other party suddenly expressed his hospitality so clearly.

You must know that only half a century ago, these two families were sworn enemies. Even if you plan to change your course now because of the needs of the situation, you still have to be more reserved...

Of course Count Litvinsky couldn't hear Charles's inner murmur. In fact, the mission he now shouldered was so important that he couldn't help but be reserved with the French. He just wanted to quickly convince the French to follow the Russian policy. Move at your pace.

"It's not just His Majesty who is happy, but you too, aren't you?" He raised his head and looked at Charles, "I think your sister has told you our attitude when she returned to France, right? "

"..." Charles did not speak, but began to ponder.

"Yes, you should have felt our sincerity, right?" Seeing that Charles was already wavering, the Earl also felt relieved, "And His Majesty the Tsar also told me unmistakably that as long as you are willing to become a friend of Russia, as a As the defender of relations between the two countries, we will spare no effort to support you without mercy, and use all means we can to support you."

Charles was not secretly happy about it. On the contrary, when he heard this promise, he immediately felt wary.

Because this commitment is too heavy.

Of course, when others give you so much, they hope to take more from you - at least on a diplomatic level, this is true.

"I can't thank His Majesty the Tsar enough for your regard for him." Therefore, Charles looked at the other party with calm but suspicious eyes, "But unfortunately, I am a minister of the French Empire first, and secondly I can be a friend of the Russians. "

"Of course." The Earl nodded in understanding. "But I think these two things are not opposite, but unified - your efforts for friendship between Russia and France are not only beneficial to you personally, but to everyone, even some Good for all of Europe.”

"So, what does your country want from France?" Charles asked. "If this issue is not clear, I would not dare to be a friend of the Russian people. After all, to be honest, some of my colleagues do not have a particularly good impression of Russia."

"Your Excellency, I have read a speech you made a few years ago. This speech also caused a commotion in Europe at the time." The Earl did not answer directly. Instead, he skirted the topic and focused it on Charles. , “Although you did not hold an important position at the time, your speech was concise and organized. Clearly - you said at that time that the existing order in Europe was being impacted, destroyed, and at risk of collapse, and as a major country, France had the obligation to step forward in this situation and seek a new stable order for Europe. It also allows the people of various European countries to bask in the sunshine of peace again..."

"Yes, that's what I said at the time." Charles nodded.

Of course, his words at the time were not so pacifist. Instead, the subtext was "France must only get a peace that is beneficial to itself and commensurate with its strength and status before it rises to defend the European order." It was murderous in nature, but now the two people They all just pretended to be confused and showed their warm side.

"To be honest, when I read it before, I was greatly inspired and I very much agreed with your opinion. It's a pity that it was too late when I saw it!" Count Litvinsky sighed, "You are right. Yes, the existing order in Europe has been greatly shaken, and it can even be said to have collapsed. The Holy Alliance, which was originally so strong, is now crumbling, and the monarchy is also being shaken by terrible revolutionary ideas. Fortunately, you were in France at this time, annihilating the Republic, and curbing this evil craze, allowing Europe to temporarily regain peace... However, even so, the crisis is not over yet, and the lava is still calm on the outside. The volcano is restless and may erupt at any time... Therefore, we Russians believe that it is no longer possible to maintain peace in Europe as we did in the past."

Ciel didn't speak, just looked at the other person quietly, waiting for him to show his cards.

"Nowadays, both Austria and Prussia have been greatly weakened by the previous frenzy, their ability to act has declined, and they themselves are even the ones in need of our help. So from our point of view, maintaining order in Europe is very important. France must stand up, and France should also stand up. "Maintain the stability of the entire Europe." The count did not disappoint Charles, and finally said, "France's status should be recognized, and Russia is willing to form some kind of joint force with France to jointly maintain order in Europe and eliminate everything. possible disasters, even if necessary, use force.”

"It sounds... this is indeed very touching." After pondering for a long time, Charles finally nodded.

The ambassador's words undoubtedly made it clear that the Russians have now faced the fact that the Russo-Austro-Prussian alliance exists in name only, and are willing to recognize some kind of order that is beneficial to France. This is indeed a big concession, or a very big concession. Obvious co-optation.

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

"You see, how friendly we are to France." The count spread his hands in an exaggerated manner, "Your Excellency, as long as our two countries stand on the same side, most of the matters on the European continent can be decided. The French can expand their influence as much as they want on their own frontiers without worrying about other people's faces..."

After all, this is his true intention.

Previously, when the Bonaparte family took advantage of the turmoil after the revolution to rise rapidly, out of the old grudges between the two families and out of contempt for them, His Majesty the Tsar had been deliberately indifferent to France, allowing Louis Bonaparte and The pride of his comrades was also shaken.

However, what he didn't expect was that this group of people would stabilize the situation so quickly, allowing France to regain calm from the turmoil and be able to display its power again.

What's even more worrying is that the Tsar originally thought that other countries would despise and reject the Bonapartes like him, but he was wrong. Almost at the same time as Bonaparte's rebellion, the British recognized this original enemy. And it seemed to be very friendly with the empire, and the Austrians also began to show friendship. Even Russia's closest ally, the Prussians, also showed some wavering.

Therefore, His Majesty the Czar's initial move seemed to be a huge diplomatic blunder. Not only did he not isolate France, but he also gave himself an aggrieved opponent.

Especially now, the Russians want to take some big actions, but they are shocked to find that they are actually showing signs of being isolated. European countries are either clearly opposed to them, or they are ambiguous and refuse to express their stance.

So, for Russia, the most worrying thing now is no longer the revolutionary plague, but the problem of a collective anti-Russian front in Europe, especially not allowing the most powerful European countries to unite against Russia.

Therefore, trying every means to pry France out of the British chain and break their tacit understanding is the main focus of Russia's foreign policy now. In order to achieve this goal, His Majesty the Tsar is even willing to show goodwill to those he despises, and Count Litvinsky does not mind being respectful to Treville. (~^~)