"In addition, my mentor, my respected elder Prince Talleyrand, also hopes to get to know you..."
"What?" The words he heard unexpectedly moved the originally calm Egeron, "Prince Talleyrand? Is that... that person?"
"There is only one Prince Talleyrand in the world." The ambassador smiled slightly, "Yes, it is the Prince Talleyrand who once served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Empire——"
Aiglon couldn't help but frown slightly.
"As far as I know, he has already broken with the empire, so he has nothing to do with me."
Talleyrand, this name is really too famous——
Although no one of his contemporaries liked him, everyone had to admit that his political vitality and ability to adapt to the changing circumstances definitely exceeded everyone else.
It has been 37 years since the outbreak of the Revolution. During these ups and downs, there have been countless turmoils in France, and almost no one can allow themselves to start from the beginning and end from the end.
People who once showed off their power and were famous for a while often end up in disgrace soon after, and even their heads are missing; even if they ascend to the highest throne, they cannot protect themselves, whether they are temporarily prosperous like Robespierre, Barras, or others.
Napoleon, who once shook the whole of Europe, did not escape the bloody reckoning.
However, Talleyrand created a miracle with his shrewd calculation and assessment of the situation. During these 37 years, he kept changing his family and avoided all bloody liquidations. Although he went through several changes of government, he was always active in politics.
On the stage, enjoy the power, glory and wealth.
Every master he had ever served hated him, but in the end they could only hold their noses and continue to use him. Even if he occasionally fell into despair, he could preserve his wealth, lie dormant, and quietly wait for the next government
Change.
In the late Napoleonic era, although he served as the Empire's Foreign Minister, he already felt that the Empire was on the edge of a cliff, so he needed to find a way out early. So while taking bribes and corruption, he took the initiative to betray the Empire's intelligence and bring benefits to the Empire.
He suffered heavy losses, but with such positive performance, he gained the trust of the Bourbon family and escaped the subsequent liquidation. He was even reused by the Bourbon royal family and became their representative and participated in the Vienna Peace Conference.
Stay in charge of the European chessboard.
Of course, such a person is too shrewd and has no loyalty at all, so it is absolutely impossible to gain the trust of any master. Moreover, his reputation is so bad that the Bourbon family will always remember that he once betrayed the dynasty.
Therefore, after the Bourbons stabilized their position, they sent him away again.
However, Talleyrand still retained a large amount of money, which was estimated to be more than 200 million francs, including a large amount of real estate, art and other wealth. After he was forced to retire, he lived quietly 300 kilometers away, with a beautiful scenery
Enjoy your wealthy and luxurious later life in the beautiful Valensay Castle in the Loire Valley.
Of course, no one believes that this old man who is over 70 years old will enjoy his retirement life peacefully. After all, he is probably born for conspiracy and betrayal...
Of course, Aigron couldn't believe that this person would just want to say hello to him on a whim.
Seeing Aiglon's expression full of wariness and fear, the ambassador laughed hypocritically, "I can understand your mood, Your Highness, I admit that Prince Talleyrand is a difficult person to like, but please believe that,
The experience and wisdom he has accumulated from serving the country for many years will be helpful to anyone."
Hum, he was also full of experience and wisdom when he betrayed his masters - Aiglon said coldly in his heart.
"Then, what does he need to know about me?" He suppressed the impatience in his heart and asked.
"Although His Royal Highness the Prince has retired due to old age, he has never given up his attention to European affairs. He also hopes to use his last remaining energy to continue to serve and benefit the country." The ambassador replied in a gentle tone, "That's right.
Because of this, he firmly believes that the current European order is unfair to France, and the same is true for you - and he also believes that we have the opportunity to correct these injustices through peaceful means."
"I really didn't know that there was always a sympathizer of mine in far away France!" Aigron replied with a slight sarcasm, "Then, I would like to ask, what can I do for this sympathizer?
"
"In fact, it should be the other way around, Your Highness, what can we do for you?" Earl Telewin looked at Aiglon calmly, "Everyone says that you are a wise prince. I have seen it with my own eyes.
Later, I admitted that this was indeed the case. Because of your wisdom, I think you can put aside emotional obstacles and look at your own interests from an objective perspective."
Aigron did not speak, but quietly waited for what the other party would say next.
"Wise people are usually full of ambition. This is not a fault. On the contrary, it is a fault for him to give up his ability to benefit mankind and settle into obscurity." The ambassador lowered his voice and continued, "At present, France is suppressed by the Holy Alliance.
It needs to get rid of its shackles; and you are also restrained. Although you hope to prosper in Austria, you must admit that the Russians and Prussians cannot restrain their disgust for you anyway, so if you want to achieve your goal, you must win over foreign aid, and
France will be your best support——"
"You seem to have forgotten that I am also disgusted by France." Aigron responded coldly.
"That's just a small historical misfortune! In any case, we have to admit that that era was once the glory of the French." The ambassador shrugged exaggeratedly, "Although the Bourbon family is full of resistance to you for various reasons.
, but I believe that as long as there is a group of people with enough weight, your interests and France's interests can be aligned."
At this point, the ambassador laughed ambiguously again, "I think Prince Talleyrand is the best person to reach this historic reconciliation."
That’s it! Aigron finally understood what the ambassador wanted to say from these ambiguous words.
Prince Talleyrand found himself through the ambassador, not because he was nostalgic for the empire, but because he wanted to establish a relationship in advance.
He was jealous of the Bourbon dynasty and was forced to retire and live in seclusion. However, this was by no means an outcome that a person who had been a political animal his whole life wanted to get. So he was unwilling to be lonely and began to look for the capital to make a comeback.
At this time, he saw signs that he might be successful in Austria, and he started thinking again, trying to get closer to her, and then use himself as a weight for him to make a comeback again.
Although he habitually conceals his ambitions under rhetoric such as "French interests" and "European balance," glory and wealth are probably what this prince pursues throughout his life.
However, how could he imagine that his pursuit was definitely not just to become an important minister of the Austrian Empire in the distant future.
But even so, it is necessary to deal with the other party.
He didn't know what Talleyrand wanted to do in the future, but he knew that no matter what he wanted to do in the future, he would inevitably have to deal with the prince again in the end.
Regardless of whether we are friends or foes in the future, it is never a bad thing to have some contact first.
After all, as his guardian had tried to persuade him, what he needs most now is to show his face on the European stage...
"I understand." When he thought of this, Aigron made a decision, "I am very grateful to Prince Talleyrand for his concern for me. I think what you said is very reasonable. For me in the future, if I can have
It is definitely a beautiful thing to be backed by a big European country, and there is no pity to give up the grievances of the past - as you said, history is fleeting after all, how to create a better future for various European nations and countries
, is what our younger generation needs to pay attention to.”
"It's great that you have this awareness!" Seeing the young man being so enlightened, Earl Telewin was overjoyed. "I believe that as long as peace-loving people work together, Europe will have a better tomorrow!"
Prince Leon is very happy to serve as an older mentor and provide you with his experience and wisdom to help you better contribute to Austria and Europe."
"That's good. I really need the elder's guidance." Aigron looked at the other person with a half-smile. "If one day, I can visit him in person and listen to his guidance, it will be even more important to me."
A moment worth remembering!”
"With your current status, I believe you will do it sooner or later." The ambassador looked at Aiglon with encouragement, "I think Prince Talleyrand will also look forward to the day when he meets you -"
The two complimented each other, half seriously and half perfunctorily. Although the conversation was full of fancy diplomatic rhetoric, they still understood each other tacitly - Aigron admitted that he could put aside his hatred and accept Talleyrand's kindness;
Talleyrand promised to provide care and guidance in the future.
Although both parties have little sincerity and do not believe in the sincerity of the other party, political negotiations usually start with intentions. This is a good start.
The two of them changed the topic with smiles on their faces, and then chatted for a while. Earl Telewin had experienced ups and downs in his life, and had seen many things and traveled to many places, so the conversation was not going to be a dull moment.
.
"Mr. Ambassador, actually I don't understand something." After a while, Aigron asked casually. "In the imperial era, you were an exiled nobleman and Prince Talleyrand was the foreign minister of the empire. You should
There is no relationship, so why do you call him your mentor?"
"This happened after the Restoration Era." The Ambassador replied with a smile, "After I returned to France, I was very favored by His Highness the Prince and received a lot of care from him, so I am full of gratitude to the Prince and regard him as my
As a mentor, I am also happy to repay the prince in my own way."
Aiglon understood that after returning to the country, Count Telewin served the Bourbon family, but was attracted by Talleyrand at the same time, so he would secretly instigate himself behind the Bourbon family's back. This is not surprising——
It is strange to expect such a person to have much political integrity.
"Then, may I ask, what experience have you held since returning to France?" Aigron continued, "This question is somewhat personal. I'm just out of curiosity - you can choose not to answer."
"It's nothing. It's an honor for me that you want to ask these questions." The ambassador smiled and replied, "To be honest, I was a child when the Revolution just started and was taken out of France by my parents. So when I first returned to France, I was very concerned about it.
Almost everything about it feels strange. Fortunately, the Wang family gave me a favor, appointed me as a special prosecutor, and sent me to the south. Only then did I really have the opportunity to integrate into this great country..."
"Special prosecutor? What is this?" Aigron asked curiously.
"He was just responsible for suppressing the riots." The ambassador's expression became serious. "1815 was a year when everything was in chaos. We had to spend a lot of effort to stabilize France again... I was ruined a lot.
With my strength, I finally minimized people's casualties and pain, and I have exhausted all my efforts to heal the nation's wounds."
"I see..." Aigron nodded and looked at the other person with a very understanding look, "This must not be an easy job. You have worked really hard."
"I should sacrifice everything for the country. This hard work is nothing." The ambassador shook his head, "After the first few years, everything became much easier. I suffered a lot because of my political achievements.
Due to the appreciation of the palace, I was transferred to Paris to serve as palace secretary, and then I entered the diplomatic world..."
The ambassador kept talking after him, talking about a series of his resume and interesting things he had encountered during his years of work. Aigron just listened quietly and occasionally said a few words of kind praise.
The atmosphere between the two people also became relaxed and happy.
After a long time, the ambassador finally stood up and left.
"Your Highness, I am really satisfied with everything I saw and heard from you today." Before leaving, the ambassador saluted Aiglon again. "I am convinced that you have enough talent and ambition, as well as enough magnanimity.
You can definitely create a better future for both countries."
"I also firmly believe that I can help you create a better future." Aigron smiled and extended his hand to the ambassador cordially, "Goodbye, Mr. Ambassador."
"Goodbye, Your Highness." The ambassador shook the young man's hand, then turned and left.
Aigron kept his smile on and watched the other party leave. It wasn't until the door was closed again that he allowed his smile to solidify.
Then, he turned to look at Chanel, who had been silent next to him. "It seems that we can rule out the possibility of mistaken identity."
"Yes, Your Highness... it is him, there is no mistake!" Chanel said word by word, "I... I have remembered his appearance, and I will never forget it...
"
Although her tone was calm, Aigron could definitely hear the resentment gnashing her teeth.
He could understand that Chanel's reaction was the most normal when encountering such a sworn enemy.
"I'm very satisfied with your performance." Aigron changed the subject, "Although you once aroused his doubts, everything was within the normal range, and he didn't have any doubts."
This is normal. No matter how cunning the count is, he never imagined that he would encounter a life-and-death enemy here, right?
To him, the victims of the massacre were just a ladder for his promotion. He had forgotten all about it after so many years, so there was nothing to care about.
"I obey all your orders, Your Highness." Chanel looked at Aigron.
Then, she walked up to Aigron and said, "If that day comes, you...can you hand him over to me?"
"If that day comes, there is no doubt that it will." Aigron nodded without hesitation.
"Thank you, Your Highness!" Chanel's face showed a smile full of joy and expectation.
Then, she suddenly leaned down and kissed Aiglon's cheek.
Under the surprised gaze of Aiglon, who was caught off guard, she backed away again.
"Please allow me to overstep, Your Highness..." She lowered her head and blushed slightly, "I just want to repay you..."
Aigron looked at the extremely excited Chanel, and then smiled bitterly.