Eagle’s Glory

"You urge France to hold a popular vote for its future..."

Eggron listened quietly to Father Faria's advice without saying a word.

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

Napoleon III in history was particularly fond of embellishing himself in the name of the people. Many major events in the empire were decided by referendums - of course, he was able to do it himself by cleverly designing the referendum issues and specific voting time points. Decide the direction of the "referendum" and use the so-called people's mandate to endorse its own legitimacy.

Naturally, he had his own reasons for doing this. Compared with the Capet family that had ruled France for thousands of years, the Bonaparte family was alone and did not have the kind of legitimacy that left everyone speechless. 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 20 generations, but this is not the case with the Bonaparte family. It is difficult for them to make people believe that they are born to rule this country. nation.

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

Therefore, if you want to convince others, you must put a sacred coat on the rule of this family. In the past, rulers would choose religion, but religion is not easy to use in France today, although everyone admits that they I am a Catholic but not many people really take religion seriously.

Since the old religion doesn't work, then we have to try the new "religion", which is the theory of popular sovereignty brought about by the rise of Enlightenment. The Bonaparte family recognizes that the sovereignty of France does not belong to this family, but to the entire nation. body, and this family only acts as the chief citizen, exerting necessary administrative powers, and commanding the army to defend the people and protect the country. This seems to make sense in theory.

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

This is quite simple, just make sure that the person who dares to ask is speechless.

There is no doubt that the so-called popular sovereignty is just a cloak. In essence, it is the violent rule implemented by the Bonaparte family with the help of the army. However, if the country can run smoothly, the "cloak" is a must, and the violence must be hidden. Underneath layers of beautiful veils, instead of showing them on the stage with arrogant teeth, it will only make the audience boo.

"What you said makes sense. I will consider it carefully." Aigron nodded.

Seeing Aiglon's reaction,

Father Faria was a little surprised. He did not expect that this young man would accept his opinion so easily.

From his understanding of His Majesty, he knew that although this young man was modest on the outside, he was stubborn, proud and extremely confident in his heart. Such a person would never want anyone to share his authority - in fact, he did He strives to ensure absolute dominance over his followers, even as his cousins ​​are sidelined and unable to exert influence.

So how could he easily admit that the whole people could decide his stay and whereabouts?

However, His Majesty agreed so easily, which showed that His Majesty's political understanding was much better than he thought, and that he did not follow the wrong person. When he thought of this, Father Faria was filled with joy.

Aigron didn't know that his image in the priest's heart suddenly improved a little bit. He just followed the guidance.

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

If there hadn't been that disaster, Father Faria would have achieved greater success, right? It's a pity indeed.

Both of them were sighing secretly, but Father Faria took the lead in adjusting his emotions, and then took the initiative to explain his intentions to Aiglon.

"Your Majesty, don't worry, all this will not affect your authority, but will make you disadvantageous. People are everywhere, they are in different classes, receive different education, and their situations are also different, so they Their opinions and demands are destined to be very different. 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 do not need to please everyone. You only need to please those with the smallest price and the largest number of people. The largest group of people, everything you advocate will give them the respect they want, and with their support, you can have enough resources to bribe and suppress those who oppose you. As long as you can become The balancer between the various classes, then at least they will accept you as co-owner. I admit that this is not a perfect political system, but it is much better than the previous political systems in French history, and you don't have to feel guilty. "

"Yes, I think so too." Aiglon nodded, "Father, your words coincide with the proposal of the Marquis of Noirtier. You have both seen the real problems and put forward a proposal based on the reality. The plan that suits me shows that you are all very discerning people.”

"You're flattered." The priest smiled modestly, "It's not important to make suggestions. There are smart people around you. What's important is the courage to make correct decisions and firm execution. These are the qualities necessary for a leader. And you’ve proven that you’re right for this position – you’re so much more important than me.”

After flattering you, the priest changed the topic and returned to the original topic, "Your Majesty, everything I said is just the measures you need to take, and no matter what measures, they must be based on 'good governance'. If you can lead the country to prosperity and allow your people to live and work in peace and contentment, then no matter what you say is right, everyone will cheer you, even if there are people with evil intentions who clamor, no one will listen; if you cannot lead When the country becomes prosperous, 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 conscientiously to lay the foundation for your family. Only then can you hope to pass the country on to your next generation.”

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

For kings, governing the country is the most important standard. They use power only to maintain power. If power is not used well, it will be natural for them to be overthrown.

Aiglon has never believed in the trick of divine right of kings, so he is more accepting of this theory 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 be able to do a good job safely in his own generation. As for whether his descendants will live up to expectations in the future, it has nothing to do with him.

Next, Aigron continued to have a long conversation with Father Faria. He rarely adopted a humble attitude, spoke less and listened more, and got more valuable lessons from Father Faria, and in his heart , and gradually began to have an idea of ​​how to move the next move.

"Thank you, Father, you gave me a feeling of enlightenment." At the end of the conversation, Aigron said to the priest sincerely, "When I am with you, I always feel like I am touching the light of reason."

"Your Majesty, if my advice can help your career even one percent, it will be a great honor for me in my life." Father Faria replied with a smile, "I don't know if I can see you ascend the throne. That day, but I believe that you will be able to do better than your predecessors and lead that country into an unprecedented glorious era."

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

Then he took leave of the priest.

After returning to his residence, Aigron did not rest. Instead, he went to the study room and drew on the enthusiasm that had been aroused to draw up a manuscript - or, in other words, a manifesto.

After writing, he continued to carefully review and delete every word. By the time he finished the manuscript, it was already early in the morning.

At this time, his excited spirit subsided slightly, and a wave of sleepiness began to make him drowsy.

He opened the door to the room, and then found that his secretary Leon Esposito was sitting on the desk outside the door, leaning his head and dozing off - it seemed that although he didn't know what document he was writing, he had been writing it. They are all waiting for me to finish the manuscript so that I can help him process the files.

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

"Good evening, Leon." Aigron smiled and nodded to him.

Then, without saying any words of encouragement, he directly handed the manuscript he had just written to the other party, "Just right, make three copies of it, and then file the manuscript directly."

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

Immediately afterwards, his expression changed drastically, and he was obviously in disbelief. However, he raised his head and glanced at Aigron, only to find that His Majesty looked calm and composed, and did not mean to joke.

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

"I, François-Joseph Charles Bonaparte, solemnly declare my voice to the French people in my most sincere manner.

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

This land and its people are what I have sworn to protect, and I have not forgotten this oath until now. I am willing to use all my intelligence and body, and my whole life, to help it prosper and prosper. To be rich and powerful without any consideration in return is not only my obligation, but also the sacred mission entrusted to me by my father - he was still calling the name of France until the last moment of his life, how can I dare to forget it for a moment? !

However, it is very regrettable that although I received warm cheers from people wherever 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 makes me sad is not the misery that I cannot return to my motherland, but the gloom and gloom that pervades this country. The people of this country are sinking into the abyss of poverty and strife. The upper class is decadent and quarreling. They fight for a small profit, but they have forgotten the people and the people who support them!

This is a shameless betrayal and foolish arrogance. In this great country of ours, the people will never tolerate such incompetence and reaction. Thirty years ago, those great people told us what we can do. And thirty years later, we must prove that we are worthy of our ancestors.

Nowadays, the situation is critical, the whole country is facing a crisis, and unrest seems to be imminent. However, the big shots are still singing and dancing, as if no one cares about the wails and pain of the poor! This shameless betrayal must end.

It is not me who decides everything, but you, all your people. All I can choose is to participate in everyone's great cause and witness the great glory thirty years ago... I believe we can do it.

I don't care about my reputation or reputation, nor do I care about whether I have authority. I just want to see the people decide their own future... Therefore, I hereby declare that I support the emergence of a great movement in my motherland to drive away these shameless people. Traitors and reactionaries, realize the republican system we once had, let the people control the sovereignty of the country, eliminate all crises, let justice return to the world, and let us move towards a new era of peace and prosperity...

Let me tell you, in order to buy my conscience, King Charles X and the Duke of Orleans once sent envoys to secretly request 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 people worthy of my allegiance are France and her people, and they are not worthy!

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

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

"His Majesty……"

"Is there any problem? Leon?" Aigron asked.

"You support the Republic?" He looked at Aigron in disbelief.

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

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

He wanted to ask again, but Aigron raised his hand to stop him, "Okay, don't ask anymore, just copy it verbatim. Also, call Prince Charlie 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.