Flowers, Swords and France

Just as everyone who followed the royal family to the Palace of Fontainebleau hoped, the weather was very beautiful the next day. Since yesterday, the drizzle has stopped for many days. Today, the sky is clear and the gentle sunshine is falling on the earth, making people feel relaxed and happy. The soft spring breeze is gently floating everywhere, spreading the fragrance among the green mountains and green waters. Arrived at every corner.

This is a good opportunity for a spring outing. With much anticipation, the Jockey Club at Fontainebleau Palace finally begins.

A large number of people followed the royal family to the Palace of Fontainebleau. Almost the entire palace moved here. Many celebrities from all walks of life and provinces also came. Most of the people who came here came to take this opportunity to get closer to the royal family. , to accompany the royal family to have fun, while a few people are simply tired of the dust and noise that Paris has gathered due to its large population, and want to take this opportunity to relax in this royal palace.

No matter what their purpose is, they are looking forward to the next project.

Since the Middle Ages, French feudal lords have attached great importance to force and competition, and riding and equestrian skills have been a top priority. Over the years, although French dynasties have changed many times, the military tradition has been deeply buried in this country and nation. Among the bones of my heart, both young and old love it very much.

Moreover, since ancient times, people have been able to place bets and gamble on such horse racing events to get a good fortune for themselves. Because of the large number of dignitaries who came here today, I heard that the amount of betting was also very large, which only increased people's expectations.

Under the warm sunshine in the morning, tall and strong racehorses with different coat colors slowly walked to the side of the track. The riders stood patiently next to their beloved horses, petting them and doing their final touches. Preparation.

These people are not professional riders. Some of the participating riders are cavalry officers. Because of the nature of cavalry, most of the officers are from noble families. They are all eager to make a name here, show their face in front of His Majesty the Emperor, and ask for help. To please your sweetheart.

And above the audience seats in the distance, there is an area specially designated for the women who come to the Palace of Fontainebleau. Some ladies are married, so they dare not openly and boldly cheer for their beloved lovers, so they have to use When talking to the people next to them, they occasionally glance at each other casually - for these passionate young officers, their shy gazes give them more strength than direct cheers.

At the front of the auditorium is a temporary wooden platform with some chairs placed on it. Although these seats are not impressive in appearance, the people sitting on them are the most noble group of people in the empire today - those in the middle. Of course, they are the current owners of the Palace of Fontainebleau, the protagonists of all today's drama, the emperor and empress of the empire, and the people sitting next to them are the group of people closest to them, the princes, ministers of the imperial family, and the empress. The ladies closest to His Majesty.

Under everyone's vague gaze, they looked calm, chatting and laughing while looking forward, as if everything was under control, and they fully demonstrated the demeanor of "imperial dignitaries".

However, although Charles sat here with His Majesty the Emperor, his wife Charlotte did not attend.

This is not because Charlotte has fallen out of favor in front of Her Majesty the Queen, but because she has recently become pregnant again, so Charlotte just took this opportunity to avoid the trouble of coming with Charles to support the royal family, and logically stayed Resting at home, escaping the pain of traveling between Paris and Fontainebleau - even now, she still dislikes His Majesty the Emperor very much, although she has a good relationship with His Majesty the Empress.

Today, His Majesty the Emperor, as usual, groomed himself carefully, wearing a military uniform and wearing the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor on his chest. With a reserved smile on his face, he talked with His Majesty the Queen and his close relatives from time to time. Talking to each other, looking forward and feeling confident.

Of course he has reason to be confident. The empire at this time, like the rising sun today, is rising on the ground. Everything he wants to do has now come true, and all the enemies he faces have fallen away. Going aside, he was convinced that the next enemies would be the same.

The time was approaching the scheduled moment, and slowly the whole place became quiet again. Everyone stopped whispering and looked at His Majesty the Emperor together, waiting for his order to officially start the horse racing.

His Majesty the Emperor, who was being watched by everyone, acted as usual, as if he was unconscious, and just looked at Ciel, as if he was urging something.

Ciel also nodded to him with a smile, indicating that everything was going according to plan.

At this moment, there was a small commotion under the high platform. Charles looked back and saw that two royal attendants were walking towards the stage with a tall middle-aged man in a tuxedo and a top hat.

He immediately made a gesture to call a guard to come to him, and then ordered him to let the front pass quickly and bring this gentleman to His Majesty.

Then, he leaned forward slightly and came close to His Majesty the Emperor's ear.

"Your Majesty, Count Litvinsky is here."

"Very good." His Majesty said a profound word, and then looked ahead again.

Soon the Russian minister was brought to the group.

"I am honored to meet you, Your Majesty." As soon as he came to the Emperor, Count Litvinsky ignored the surprised or curious eyes beside him, then took off his hat and bowed to the Emperor of the French Empire.

Although Russians have always been synonymous with rudeness in the minds of Western Europeans, this count has been immersed in the diplomatic world for decades, and his words and deeds are full of grace, especially when he intends to please His Majesty the Emperor, he is even more respectful.

"Okay, Mr. Ambassador, today we are not in the palace, we don't need to be so formal, otherwise it will be too restrained..." His Majesty immediately showed a very friendly smile, and then stretched out his hand to signal him to stand up, "Today is everyone's holiday time, there is no emperor or ambassador here, only two people who are going to watch horse racing."

Then, His Majesty pointed to an empty seat next to him.

"Look, I've reserved a good seat for you in advance. The view here is excellent. You can watch the horse race well. I think you won't be disappointed."

"I am very grateful for the honor you have given me, Your Majesty." The count bowed again, then put on his hat again and carefully sat down next to His Majesty the Emperor.

Although he was originally very happy that the French emperor received him so quickly, he couldn't help but be more surprised when he found out that the place where he was receiving him today was such an occasion.

If it was in the palace, everything would be tainted with a cold court atmosphere. Everyone was doing official business and nothing could be said. However, the situation was completely different in this private occasion. He could speak freely in a private capacity and even make various promises with His Majesty the Emperor happily.

Moreover, it was certainly a rare honor to come to the side of His Majesty the Emperor of the French Empire to talk in public, and it was definitely a declaration with great diplomatic significance. This proved that the French Empire really wanted to improve relations with the Russians, and they were also happy to show this to the outside world.

Isn't diplomacy a series of ceremonies and displays?

It seems that his visit to France will not be in vain.

With a sense of relief and ecstasy, he looked at Charles who was sitting not far away, and nodded to him very friendly.

It seems that the money was not wasted. Although this person is morally corrupt, he still follows the principle of taking money to do things. They can continue to communicate in the future.

Charles also felt his gratitude, and then smiled and nodded to the ambassador, as if to say, "Look, I am an old friend of the Russian people, right?"

At this time, he had just sat down, and His Majesty the Emperor smiled and spoke to him.

"Mr. Ambassador, I hope that you will have a good impression of France and us during your short stay in Paris."

"I have a very good impression, Your Majesty." The ambassador immediately replied attentively, "Please believe that in Russia, there are not as many people who like Russia as there are people who like France. I like France and your empire very much. As for you... I have even more respect. You are a rare great man in this era. With you, France can get rid of the nightmare and shadow before and move towards a prosperous new era."

The original text is available at Liu # 9 @shu/bar!

"Hey, didn't I say it? Today is just a private occasion. You don't have to say it so nicely..." His Majesty the Emperor couldn't help laughing.

However, his smile proved that he was very happy with this flattery.

Indeed, what emperor doesn't like flattery?

The ambassador was secretly delighted, and then looked back at the audience in the distance. Although he couldn't see the faces of the people opposite him, he seemed to be able to feel that there were countless jealous eyes from his peers from other countries in the distance. This feeling made him even more happy.

"Your Majesty, I am very happy that you can treat us so friendly." The count whispered to His Majesty the Emperor, "Please believe that we Russians are a very enthusiastic nation, and they will cherish all friends."

"I have always had a good impression of Russia and hope to gain her favor. It's just a pity that although I have been extending an olive branch since I ascended the throne, the good impression has never come." His Majesty the Emperor smiled and replied without appearing angry.

"Those are some regrets of the past, and today, the haze has completely dissipated... Your Majesty, I came here today for the friendship between the two countries." The ambassador straightened up and looked at His Majesty the Emperor sincerely, "His Majesty the Tsar appointed me as the ambassador to France, which gave me an opportunity to realize my ideal. I sincerely hope that the two great empires can join hands in the future and make unparalleled contributions to the prosperity and stability of Europe..."

Just as he was about to pour out his long-prepared flattery to His Majesty the Emperor, His Majesty the Emperor suddenly put his hand into his arms and interrupted him.

Then he was surprised to find that the Emperor took out a gold pocket watch from his arms.

"Oh, the time has come." The Emperor said softly, then looked up at the ambassador, "Sir, the time has come, let's watch the horses galloping together?"

"Okay, Your Majesty." The ambassador had to swallow the words in his heart.

Then, the Emperor stood up and looked at the riders in the field in the distance.

Then, he gently raised his hand, as if it weighed a thousand pounds.

The starters and contestants, who had been watching the emperor, immediately made their final preparations.

It seemed like a long time had passed, and it seemed like only a moment, and the emperor's hand swung down heavily.

"Go!"

A large cheer suddenly resounded across the earth, and then these shining horses suddenly rushed forward with the momentum of an arrow from a bow. The sound of horse hooves resounded densely across the earth, drowning out other sounds, like a whirlwind that suddenly blew across the wilderness.

Looking at the horses galloping fast on the grass in the distance, not only the male audience cheered, but even the ladies fell into a fanatical attitude. As noble ladies, they usually pay attention to their manners and appearance, and they dare not even say the wrong thing easily. Taking advantage of this special occasion, they can finally let go of their usual reserve and find the kind of indulgent happiness that ordinary people should have.

A tsunami-like cheering went straight to the sky, and the whole earth was shaking slightly under the galloping horses and the cheers of the crowd. (~^~)