Under the cordial reception of Madame Valentine, Charlotte enjoyed a relaxing and happy afternoon, and in the evening, just as the lady said, the Count of Monte Cristo finished his business for the day and quietly returned home.
It stands to reason that as a promising imperial minister, the Earl will have endless entertainment every day. As long as he wants, he can live happily and revel in music every night (and he does not have to pay the bills himself); however, the Earl has always been indifferent. He said that except for official business, he rarely interacted with the outside world, and rarely attended various social activities. He went home directly when he got off work. After getting married, he almost cut off all contact with the outside world and enjoyed himself with peace of mind. own hard-won family life.
Of course, the outside world has privately complained about the Earl's "insulated state", but who made His Majesty so fond of him? Over the years, even if he did not go out to socialize, he could still be promoted step by step, which was extremely enviable.
When the Earl returned home, he originally wanted to be gentle with his wife and children, but as soon as he stepped into the house, he got the news that Miss Charlotte de Treville came to visit.
The Earl was certainly surprised by this guest from the palace, but at the same time he also welcomed him - after all, his young and lovely wife was currently recovering from childbirth, so it was a good thing to have a familiar friend by his side.
So, he immediately went to the living room to meet this unexpected guest.
At this time, Charlotte was chatting with Lady Valentine and drinking coffee. Just when she felt a little tired, the door of the living room opened and the Earl strode in.
The earl was originally strong and strong. After more than ten years of ups and downs in the officialdom, his movements were full of the majesty of an "important minister". His sharp eyes alone were enough to make people awe.
However, Xia Lu grew up in the palace and was used to seeing the big shots in charge of the country, so of course she would not be intimidated by this momentum. Instead, she stood up easily and calmly, bowed her knees slightly and saluted the earl.
"Miss Xia Lu, good evening." The count did not put on the airs of his elders, but greeted Xia Lu very friendly.
"Good evening, Mr. Earl." Xia Lu also responded very politely, "I came to visit unexpectedly without your permission. Please forgive me..."
"Why are you so polite!" The Earl shook his head nonchalantly, "We are very happy that you can come to our place."
The Earl has always had a good relationship with Lady Alice, so Aiwujiwu also likes Xia Lu very much; at the same time, Xia Lu is also the child he has watched since childhood, and he is even more fond of this child who has both beauty and talent, so he has a crush on Xia Lu. Lu's attitude is also very friendly.
"Charlotte just said that she wants to live in our house for a while." At this time, Mrs. Valentine interrupted with a smile, "My dear, what do you think...?"
"This is great." The count immediately gave the same reaction as the lady just now, "She can stay here as long as she wants."
However, like his wife, he immediately had the same suspicion - why didn't Xia Lu stay in the palace of Fontainebleau and come to his own home for a long time? What happened?
Xia Lu could see the suspicion in the earl's heart at this moment, and now that the real owner had appeared, she didn't want to continue to lie about it.
So, she picked up the coffee cup, took a sip gracefully and calmly, and then looked at the count with a smile. "Sir, can you allow me to talk to you alone?"
Although she smiled sweetly, the atmosphere in the living room suddenly became serious.
Lady Valentine and the count looked at each other, feeling a little suspicious.
After all, Miss Xia Lu is very popular in the palace. Maybe she came here with His Majesty's order.
"My dear, let me go and make you a cup of coffee, and I will bring it over after you have finished talking." Mrs. Valentine made an excuse, then stood up and left.
After the lady left, the earl looked at Xia Lu with doubts, waiting for Xia Lu to reveal the answer to the mystery for him.
Xia Lu lowered her head slightly, thought about her words, and then raised her head again to look at the earl.
"Mr. Earl, you are the police minister of the empire. You face the grassroots of the empire, so you must know the current situation better than any minister in the imperial cabinet... So, I would like to ask you, are we in a situation now?"
On the verge of an upheaval?"
The earl did not expect that Xia Lu would ask such a shocking question as soon as he came up. He was caught off guard, but he quickly calmed down.
If an ordinary child asked him such a question, he would either shut him up or answer that it is not your concern.
However, he keenly felt that Xia Lu at this moment could not be treated as an "ignorant girl".
"Perhaps the situation is not that serious, but there are indeed many dangerous signs." So, after a moment, he replied in a low voice, "The riots in major cities are increasing day by day, and it is vaguely possible to detect the conspiracy organizations colluding with each other.
Signs. The Empire is indeed facing a crisis."
Maybe it's not that serious...that is, it is.
Xia Lu smiled bitterly in her heart. She knew that the count was not someone who liked to exaggerate, and given his position, making such a judgment was naturally more "authoritative" than anyone else's.
However, even if the situation was serious, Xia Lu did not lose her usual calmness. She picked up the coffee cup and took a sip, and then continued talking unhurriedly, "I have been traveling to and from Paris several times recently, and I really feel that the atmosphere is getting more and more tense.
The more nervous I am, the more nervous I am. Although there is no actual evidence, I think a major unrest similar to that of 1830 may be imminent..."
Seeing Xia Lu speaking so pessimistically, the earl frowned slightly, but did not refute. After all, he was a practical person and did not like to sing high-pitched words and talk about self-deception.
"Does Your Majesty think so too?" he asked Xia Lu.
"Your Majesty is not sure, but he believes that it is indeed possible, and even if there is only one percent chance, we must treat it with one hundred percent seriousness... Only in this way can the empire survive the crisis safely and survive.
." Now that the words have reached this point, Xia Lu doesn't want to go around in circles anymore, "So, your Majesty sent me to Paris in the hope that if unrest does occur, I can help you survive the crisis and protect us until the end.
An important capital..."
After understanding the cause and effect of the matter, the count was suddenly speechless.
The Earl understands His Majesty's cautious attitude of "as if facing a powerful enemy". After all, he took advantage of the great turmoil in Paris to overthrow the Bourbon family and ascend to the throne. Naturally, he will worry about "the recurrence of past events."
However, sending a teenage girl to "help" him... made him feel a little hard to understand.
There is no doubt that Xia Lu is indeed a very smart and excellent child, but even so, she is just a girl who has been pampered since she was a child. How can she help herself on such a huge issue? You will be lucky if you don't cause trouble for yourself.
.
Alas, Your Majesty has pampered this child too much and allowed her to act so willfully. Is this a game of house? She is having fun, but what should I tell Your Majesty if she makes a mistake?
What to tell Lady Alice? The count suddenly felt a headache.
Xia Lu quickly noticed the contempt in the earl's eyes. Although she knew this was an inevitable reaction, she still felt very unhappy.
The girl's proud self-esteem has been cultivated since she was a child, and she does not allow others to touch her, even if that person is an elder who has cared for her since she was a child.
So, Xia Lu put down her coffee cup calmly, and then faced the imperial police minister with a smile.
"Mr. Earl, don't you believe that I can help you solve your problems? Or do you doubt His Majesty's judgment?"
The weight of such a big hat was of course too much for the earl, so he quickly shook his head in denial. "Of course I'm not doubting you, Xia Lu... It's just that you are still too young and inexperienced after all, so it is inevitable that something will happen in such a big matter."
question."
"Age is just an excuse people use to justify their incompetence!" Xia Lu replied decisively, "Before I left, His Majesty told me that when he was my age, he was already planning to escape Austria and fight for France.
The throne... He believes that I can also achieve achievements at this age. I am extremely grateful for your Majesty's encouragement and trust, and I believe that I will never live up to this trust. I can do it!"
At this moment, the girl's blue eyes were radiating with blazing light, and her golden hair was like a burning fire, making it difficult to look directly at her.
The earl, who was accustomed to the world, was certainly not intimidated by her aura, but facing the passionate girl at this moment, he was slightly infected.
"Xia Lu, I understand your determination to repay His Majesty's kindness and protect the empire, but after all, this is not a game, but a matter of life and death. If something happens to you, I really can't explain it...
"He sighed and tried to finally persuade Xia Lu to give up.
However, Xia Lu's thoughts would certainly not be changed by the count. On the contrary, the count's doubts aroused her strong fighting spirit, and she had to make the other party nod.
"Mr. Earl, it seems that you still don't believe me. Then, I have to regard your doubt as a denial of my ability. To put it more broadly, it is also a denial of His Majesty's judgment - because you do not recognize His Majesty's judgment.
Trust me."
Having said this, she suddenly stood up from the chair, then raised her hand and pointed to the count opposite, "So, in order to protect my own reputation, and more importantly, in order to protect your Majesty's reputation, please allow me to be bold and like Christ
Lord Mountain Earl issued a challenge to show my determination with the sword - please give me this opportunity!"
Facing the girl's invitation to challenge him, the earl's face became even more ugly.
He has fully felt how strong the determination this seemingly timid girl has at this moment, and she even does not hesitate to draw a sword against him.
But how could I accept such a challenge? I am a minister with a heavy responsibility and the fate of thousands of people. How could I fight with others bravely and ruthlessly with swords?
Besides, if you fight a little girl, it would be a joke if you win, but it would be an even bigger joke if you lose. There is no need to fight at all.
"Oh, you are worthy of being Miss Agnes's disciple..." So, he could only sigh helplessly. "Since you have already mentioned this, what else can I say? I can't question Your Majesty.
It’s your decision, right? Well, Xia Lu, let’s grant your wish, I hope you don’t make any mistakes.”
Seeing that the earl finally relented, Xia Lu's tense face bloomed with a smile again.
The bright smile immediately relaxed the tense air in the room, and she sat down again, picked up the cup and took a sip of the cooled coffee.
Caffeine made her more energetic, and she continued enthusiastically, "Sir, I think you know better than me the importance of Paris to our country. Just because it is so important, it can determine the empire, the
Our destiny may be turned upside down in just a few days... Because of this, the survival of the empire depends on whether we can quell the turmoil in Paris as quickly as possible and at the least cost possible. We must seize Paris.
In your hand, you won’t hesitate to drown it in blood, and this is also the original intention of the Bastille Plan, are you right?”
"What?"
When he heard the words Bastille Plan, the count was once again surprised and moved.
Of course he knew this plan well. As His Majesty's plan has been deduced for many years, once an uncontrollable riot breaks out in Paris, the Guards stationed near Fontainebleau will be immediately dispatched to rush into the city to quell the chaos, and he himself
, is the overall commander of the entire plan.
She already knew even such secrets. It seemed that His Majesty had already told her everything... the Count thought to himself.
Although he didn't understand why His Majesty trusted this little child so much, since His Majesty did this, he must have deep intentions, and he could only choose to obey.
"Yes, you are right. In order to defend the capital, we will pay any price." The Earl sighed softly, "Of course, no one hopes that things will really get to this point. If this plan can
It would be best if it is kept on the shelf...I hope there will be no day when it is actually used."
Seeing the count's reaction, Xia Lu secretly said she was lucky.
Fortunately, before he left, his mother told him about this plan. Now he suddenly brought it out during the conversation, and as expected, he bluffed the earl. Now he no longer doubts his authorization, but will actually use it.
Think of yourself as a "colleague" - although suspicion and contempt are still inevitable, at least he will allow himself to use some of his resources, and that is enough.
Of course, there are risks in doing so. The Count may communicate privately with His Majesty at any time and ask why he knows about the Bastille Plan.
However, since he has caused a fait accompli, His Majesty will not punish himself because of his pampering. Instead, he will acquiesce to the reality. At most, he will just blame his mother for a few words in private. This price is still affordable.
.
In the final analysis, this world is the most realistic. As long as you do things well, no one will care about the means you use; conversely, if you mess up things, no amount of reasons and excuses will help.
Therefore, we must do things well and never allow failure!
"No one wants to really use artillery fire in the capital, but when the matter comes, we must not hesitate or shrink...because losers are not qualified to use mercy as an excuse. Failure is failure, and you will lose everything and become
The object of being bullied and ridiculed." Xia Lu said coldly, "If you want to show mercy, just wait until you win. The winner is not criticized, are you right?"
Such a cold statement left the earl speechless, but he knew that Xia Lu's words were right.
"You are indeed a good student of His Majesty...these words are just like what he said." Finally, he sighed.
"I still have a lot to learn from Your Majesty." Xia Lu replied with a smile, "You have worked hard for the country and dedicated yourself to it, and I also want to learn from you."
The count just spread his hands and ended this unpleasant conversation.
==============================
Just the day after the conversation, following an order from the Minister of Police, the Count of Monte Cristo, Javert, the senior police detective in the ministry, quietly came to the Count of Monte Cristo's house.
At this time, Javert was already in his fifties. Many marks of time had appeared on his face, and his hair was a little gray. But even so, his straight body was still strong, and his serious face still made criminals and colleagues think...
All looked intimidated.
He is a very smart person, he can peel off all kinds of inconspicuous clues, find out the clues of criminals, and finally bring the criminals to justice; but at the same time, he is also a very simple-minded person, he does not smoke
He doesn't drink, he doesn't have any bad habits, and he doesn't accept bribes or extort criminals' families like his colleagues. He doesn't even have any interest in starting a family or finding a mistress. All his energy and interests are dedicated to the job assigned to him by the government.
Law, order, authority and judgment are the whole world in his eyes. He does not consider anything else and is not interested in anything else.
As for whether the law is just? Is the order fair? He never considers such questions, because to him, the "existing" law and order must be sacred; the orders of the government and the orders of superiors are also unquestionable, even more so.
There can be no mistake.
And the Count of Monte Cristo, who stands at the top of all police officers and serves as the Minister of Police, is the embodiment of "justice". His words must be correct. He is prepared to obey any order of the count without hesitation.
However, today, what awaits him will be an order he did not expect.
After arriving at the count's luxurious mansion, Javert kept his eyes open and was brought to the count by his servants. To his surprise, there was a charming and lovely blond girl standing next to the count who was sitting upright.
Javert, who was doubtful, glanced at the girl with eyes that were purely studying the "objects on site" without any desire, and then bowed to pay tribute to the minister.
"Mr. Javert, you are the best detective in our department. Your work performance over the years has left my predecessor and myself speechless...and now, I hope you will complete a major task." Count.
There was no greeting, but an order was given directly.
Javert held his head high, silently indicating that he was ready to accept any order.
However, the following bizarre order still caused some strange twitching in Javert's expression, which was like a stone sculpture.
"Next, you have to listen to this young lady's orders." Your Majesty the Minister gently pointed at the girl next to you. "Remember, you face her just like you face me. You must obey any of her orders.