His Majesty the Emperor's words seemed to be expressed in appreciation, but Xia Lu was not sure whether it was a sincere compliment or a sarcasm.
After all, if you say in front of His Majesty that you want to blow up the late Emperor's mausoleum, even if it is just a hypothetical, it is impossible for a normal person to be happy, right?
"I said, this is just a hypothesis. The bolder and more unconventional ideas, the more welcome I will be." As if he felt what Xia Lu was thinking, His Majesty the Emperor explained leisurely, "You are not talking about yourself.
The idea in my heart is to accept my order and assume that I am a heinous traitor who has a grudge against the empire, and then think about it from this perspective. I can tell this clearly——"
His Majesty's explanation really made Xia Lu calm down.
Now that she received His Majesty's encouragement, Xia Lu continued to "let herself go" and began to think of her own.
Bombing important buildings and causing chaos is obviously imperative, but besides that, there are many more important things to do.
Like killing government officials?
When she thought of this, Xia Lu immediately felt "inspiration" again.
"If we could kill a few important people before committing the crime, I would probably be more successful..." At this point, Xia Lu continued to carefully observe His Majesty's reaction, "For example, the Count of Monte Cristo is an excellent
The target - he is very famous. If he dies suddenly and violently, it will definitely cause a huge sensation at home and abroad, which can hit you hard; moreover, he is now the Minister of Police of the Empire, in charge of the security police and the entire country.
Secret police, if he dies suddenly and violently, it will definitely cause huge chaos in the police system in the short term... This will also make the order of Paris more easily destroyed."
There is another point that Xia Lu did not mention. In the "Bastille Plan" formulated by His Majesty to pacify Paris, the loyal and prestigious Count of Monte Cristo is the first choice for the commander-in-chief to quell the rebellion at that time. If he is suddenly killed.
If so, although His Majesty must have other candidates, they are definitely not as good as the earl. This is another heavy blow - but, theoretically, Xia Lu should not know about this plan yet, so she cannot say it out loud.
But even if there are only the above two reasons, they are enough.
"Assassinate Edmund..." His Majesty fell into thought slightly.
From his sight, it was obvious that he fully understood the seriousness of it.
"Yes, Edmund is very dangerous. He is so important that he will also become a thorn in the side of the rebels." After a moment, His Majesty nodded again and agreed with Xia Lu's view, "And we must not
Don't let Edmund make the slightest mistake."
Unknowingly, the topic of conversation between His Majesty the Emperor and the young Xia Lu began to deviate from the daily life of the palace, and turned to a strange and dangerous direction. And because Xia Lu's words often hit the point, His Majesty did not treat himself and a young man at all.
It feels strange for a child to discuss such a thing.
It was also inadvertently that Xia Lu finally began to get rid of the image of a "little child" and began to use her relationship with His Majesty to gradually participate in some of the most important and core issues of the empire, and would achieve her extraordinary life.
.
After a brief exchange, His Majesty the Emperor looked at the girl in front of him with admiration, "Xia Lu, it's not that I haven't considered these things you mentioned before, but you can think about these things at your current age.
I am very surprised... This also shows that your talent is indeed outstanding and you are capable of doing many things that ordinary people cannot do."
The personal approval from His Majesty made Xia Lu laugh out of excitement.
In her heart, His Majesty is not only the holder of the highest power in the empire, but also an elder who has watched her grow up. Being recognized by him is tantamount to showing that she has "grown up".
Perhaps because the topic just now aroused His Majesty's interest, His Majesty was obviously much more energetic than before. He asked Xia Lu again.
"Xia Lu, do you know what I like most about you?"
"I don't know." Xia Lu answered honestly. She had also thought about this question in private, but could not find an answer.
"Of course I like your youth and beauty." His Majesty replied with a smile. "Aren't all men like this?"
Xia Lu's face suddenly became very strange, she was happy but also a little disappointed.
"Hahaha... Of course, besides these, there are other things." Seeing Xia Lu's embarrassed look, His Majesty smiled even more happily, "You are very beautiful, but your charm is not just about being beautiful.
That's all, although you are a delicate young lady, I can tell that you have the iron will inherited from General Treville, as well as extraordinary agility and determination, and... just standing with you
When we are together, we can feel the endless vitality...the vitality that is not limited by anything in the world, but only moves forward for ourselves. It can infect everyone around it, just like the sun is shining.
…as bright and dazzling as your hair.”
As he spoke, His Majesty raised his hand and gently stroked her slender, smooth blond hair, "If I want to describe it simply, it is that this vigorous vitality makes me feel very kind, and even makes me feel very kind.
I saw my own soul... Xia Lu, although you and I are different in almost everything from gender to origin to growth experience, but somehow, I think you are very similar to me, and your soul makes me
I feel the resonance, so I have liked you since I was a child and have treated you as my own. Alas, I even think that even my own children are not as satisfying as you! This is really a joke from God..."
I look like His Majesty? This should be the top compliment, right?
Xia Lu's head was already a little confused, but she clearly felt what His Majesty meant.
She quickly thought that His Majesty, who rarely revealed his heart in front of people, revealed his thoughts to her today. The significance of this was extraordinary.
"Your Majesty, I am very grateful that you value me so much... I have received countless favors from you since I was a child, and I will always remember this kindness in my heart. So, if I can help you relieve your worries, even the smallest thing
, I’m happy to do it.”
Regarding Xia Lu's loyalty, His Majesty just smiled and said, "Xia Lu, based on the friendship between your mother and I, even if you don't do anything for me, I will let you live a happy life with no worries about food and clothing; you can become a recipient.
The eldest lady that everyone envies, be the most dazzling flower of wealth in the empire, enjoy all the glory and wealth in the world, without having to worry about anything... In this case, you can really put aside those endless, carefree pleasures
, to face the cold, harsh and definitely not fun real world?”
"Your Majesty, I know that you can certainly use the magic of power to make my life forever full of magnificent balls, jewelry and leisure. You can fill my life with similar things, leaving me no time to think about what is happening in the world.
What - and in the eyes of most people, this is incomparable happiness; however, I am a little greedy. No doubt I do like the above things, but I don't want to be drowned in a sea of jewels, rather than in artificial
I would rather live in the cold reality than live in confusion for the rest of my life in the weaved illusion of wealth!"
Faced with His Majesty's question, Xia Lu replied without hesitation, "I don't want to just be the most luxurious puppet on the stage you built. I want... I want to be the same person who builds the stage and changes like you."
Stage person! Of course, in my comfortable leisure time, I am willing to play the role of a wealthy puppet and show off my wealth and beauty in various ways, but that is just a pastime and not the life itself that I pursue, so please let me
Let me become a part of your career, the empire’s career. Didn’t you say that I’m a bit like you? Then I believe I can do a good job too!”
His Majesty held his hand firm, and then he looked down at Xia Lu from a high position, as if to detect the "quality" of her determination. Xia Lu, on the other hand, remained calm and stared at His Majesty with awe-inspiring eyes.
Firm without hesitation.
She is getting closer and closer to adulthood. She no longer wants to be simply regarded as a young and ignorant child. She wants to hold power like His Majesty who raised her, instead of simply being a rich and wealthy person.
A bird (even a canary with the most gorgeous feathers)... In the final analysis, she wants to prove to the "adopted father" who raised her that she is the best child, the undisputed one among the younger generation of the empire.
A leader, worthy of being loved and trusted by him.
The two people's gaze did not last long. In the end, His Majesty nodded slightly, seeming to agree with the girl's determination.
"Yes... the child will grow up eventually, and it's time for you to make a choice." His Majesty smiled slightly, then turned to look at the vast sky outside the greenhouse glass, "You don't want to be a canary
, I want to be a phoenix...as expected of you."
His Majesty first murmured to himself, and then turned into a long sigh.
"I have to say that I am indeed infected by you. It would be great if I really had a child like you..."
"But I am your child, Your Majesty..." Xia Lu shamelessly smiled and acted coquettishly to Your Majesty, "Does it really matter whether we are related by blood? You took care of me when I grew up, loved me, and gave me all this.
...To me, you are my father, and I am willing to be your most loyal and capable daughter, fighting to protect your career and never giving up until death, because this is the meaning of my coming to this world.
.”
Even though he was used to hearing all kinds of flattering words, His Majesty could not help but be moved by Xia Lu's expression of loyalty.
Indeed, it doesn't matter that they are not related by blood. The companionship, love and kindness over the years are the bond between them that transcends blood ties.
"Then, Xia Lu, you are welcome to join my cause." His Majesty extended his hand to Xiang. "From now on, it will be our common cause."
Xia Lu immediately stretched out her right hand without hesitation and took His Majesty's hand.
Growing up, they had shaken hands countless times, but this time, it was of great significance. Xia Lu's "growth" was recognized, and her determination to become a phoenix was also recognized and encouraged by His Majesty.
But does this really mean that at this moment, she became a "Phoenix"?
Of course it's impossible.
Although she is ambitious, she is still very young after all. It is like a rough stone that has just been unearthed. It still needs too much experience and beating to finally turn into a dazzling diamond, but she is confident that she can do it.
Do it.
As a result, she was Charlotte de Treville, the darling of fate, she believed so.
"Xia Lu, although you do have the same potential as me, you still lack too many things after all. Since you want to participate in my career, you should work hard to grow. Don't think that you are only ten years old.
I'm five years old, so there's no need to rush. You can take your time in the future. Fifteen is already an age where you can do big things. When I was fifteen, I was already planning how to escape from Schonbrunn Palace, and I completed it when I was sixteen.
To achieve this feat... I am eager to learn knowledge while daring myself to risk my life, and this is also what you lack - I don't mean knowledge. Although your knowledge is not as good as mine when I was fifteen, but
It's enough. You need to face danger, and then extract the courage to not be afraid of life and death, or even control life and death. Only with this courage can you truly change yourself and get rid of the fate of the canary and do something great.
Come."
"Then how should I grow?" Xia Lu asked impatiently, "Your Majesty, please don't worry about my courage... Although I haven't really faced life and death until now, I believe I will never be afraid.
"
"Really? Then let me see... There is a good opportunity now." His Majesty replied pointedly, "According to your personal judgment, Paris will stage a grand show, and it will also become the world
The coldest and harshest stage, so what could be more capable of making people grow than being on such a grand stage?"
"Do you want me to witness possible riots and counterinsurgency with my own eyes?" Xia Lu quickly reacted and then took a breath of cold air.
"Witness? How is that enough?" His Majesty laughed slightly mockingly, and then he gently patted Xia Lu on the shoulder, "I hope you will participate... and become a part of this drama. You will
Become a player on the side of the empire. Whether this is a decent role or a villain role, I can’t tell clearly, but this is the only choice you can make in your life, and I believe you will not refuse.”
Xia Lu was shocked at first, but soon her mood suddenly cheered up.
"Do you want me to help you put down a possible rebellion?" she asked tremblingly.
"Suppressing the rebellion is a matter for soldiers, and you cannot accomplish it alone." His Majesty replied calmly, "I only give you two tasks: first, protect Lady Valentine and their children, and let them
The Count of Monte Cristo has no worries; secondly, collect as much information as possible on the leaders of the rebel party so that we can carry out liquidation after the rebellion. The rest is up to you - Xia Lu, I am sorry that I gave you one
It’s not a glamorous coming-of-age ceremony, but I believe this is what you want. So, answer me now, are you willing to go through fire and water for our cause? It’s still too late to regret now.”
"I am willing, Your Majesty!" Xia Lu hugged the young man in front of her to express her determination, "Participate in big events and take risks for you... This is the coming-of-age ceremony that I dream of. It is more valuable than any jewelry.
I am happy and thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. I will use my performance to prove to you that I have grown up and can take on important responsibilities..."
"Then, I wish you good luck, beautiful lady." His Majesty lowered his head slowly, and then kissed the forehead of the girl in his arms as his blessing, "Protect yourself, for me
, your life is more important than ten thousand gangsters. In order to prevent me from bloodbathing Paris in my rage, please stay alive, Xia Lu."