Chapter 223 208, Abandoning public service for private reasons
Chapter 1170 208, Abandoning public service for private reasons
The births of Joseph and Fran quietly added two new members to Aigron's list of "relatives", but this did not affect Aigron's pace. He still carried out his various plans in an orderly manner.
Riding on the east wind of economic recovery, the imperial government headed by Prince Talleyrand expanded public expenditures within the limited fiscal space, especially investing in the construction of the railway that Aiglon was obsessed with. Because of these positive measures, the major cities
Employment is also booming, the chaos of the past has become a thing of the past, all walks of life are happily welcoming the arrival of the prosperous period, and it seems that the empire's rule has become rock solid.
——Of course, whether all this is a "castle in the air" still needs to be tested by the next economic recession cycle. Once the economic crisis comes, if the empire cannot respond well, then everything about it may disappear, just like its predecessor, the Bourbon family.
Same.
In addition to the economy, the empire's diplomacy is also making gratifying progress. Although until now, the monarchs of many countries still dislike the Bonaparte family very much because of past grievances, but after more than a year of "adaptation", everyone has accepted it.
The existence of another Emperor Bonaparte - at least, no one is willing to launch a war destined to be costly just because of a name. Even isolating and blockading France seems to be too costly.
It is precisely based on this spirit of realism that the once frozen diplomacy of various countries towards France has been thawed. Even the Russian Tsar, who had the toughest attitude and even quarreled with Aiglon in the distance, responded with indifference after the Polish rebellion was eliminated.
The attitude of the two governments acquiesced in the unofficial contact between the two governments. Among them, Pushkin, the great poet that Russia is proud of, also played a big role by using his connections in Petersburg to connect the threads.
In short, although there is no official statement from the two governments, anyone with a discerning eye can see that it won't be long before they "bury the hatchet" and send ambassadors to each other again.
Although the two kings will still despise and hate each other in the future, in official documents, they will call themselves brothers because this is the need of the national interest.
Aigron knew that the reason why he was able to accomplish such remarkable diplomatic achievements in just over a year after taking the throne was because of his flexibility and adaptability, but more importantly, because of the strategies and connections Prince Talleyrand used.
Appointing this notorious prince as prime minister was certainly a reward for him regardless of past grudges, but he also used the other party to consolidate his rule and passed the most dangerous "debut" stage. The two of them each got what they needed.
, Aigron also remembers this credit in his heart.
And now, since the previous goal of "normalizing relations" has been achieved, like a master of poker, Prince Talleyrand, who is strategizing, is ready to play his next round of cards.
He and Aigron had already discussed the next diplomatic strategy, which was to fight and pull Austria, exerting pressure and intimidation on the one hand, and appease and win them over in various ways at the same time, and finally win over this big country that is both strong and weak.
Tend to your own position, even if you cannot turn it into a submissive ally, at least let the two countries form a tacit understanding on many important issues - especially in restricting Russia's expansion.
Aigron and Prince Talleyrand have made a lot of preparations for this. While they secretly encouraged the Kingdom of Sardinia, which was dissatisfied with Austria, to make moves, they also tried their best to distance themselves from the wave of Italian nationalism and resolutely not to intervene in Italian disputes.
Prepare to use constant pressure to force the old emperor and Metternich to have a good talk with him.
And this effort has begun to bear fruit in just a few months.
On this day, when Aiglon came to Paris as a routine to handle government affairs, Prince Talleyrand brought his secretary to see him, and Aiglon also readily accepted the request of his prime minister.
"Your Excellency, Prime Minister, I hope you came to see me with good news." As soon as the two met, Aigron said with a smile.
"Of course, Your Majesty." A slightly sinister smile appeared on Talleyrand's wrinkled face.
Then, he raised his hand and waved a letter in his hand, "Meternich wrote to me privately, asking me from a gentleman's point of view whether the French government has any opinions on the current situation in Italy-"
Although the prince's expression was calm, his movements seemed shaky, showing an age that could not be concealed.
Aiglon knew that the prince's health had become increasingly weak recently, but because he was afraid that his political opponents (or competitors who coveted his position as prime minister) would accuse him of being "too old and sick to take on the responsibility", he deliberately showed himself to be in good spirits in front of others.
He even secretly dyed his hair - of course, he still wanted to show off, but he secretly dyed a quarter of his already completely white hair black.
Although he knew this well in his heart, Aigron did not point it out. He just gently took the letter from Talleyrand's hand.
Eggron was very familiar with Metternich's handwriting, so he knew at a glance that it must have been written by him himself.
The content of the letter was very brief. Metternich first used a lot of clichés to compliment his immortal "old-timer" Prince Talleyrand, and then calmly asked from the personal position of an "old friend" what the French government said about Italy.
Views on the issue, whether to support the Carbonari Party or the House of Savoy's rebellion.
Although the words are plain, there is hidden sharpness between the lines, and even a questioning meaning.
How many wars and weapons were laid out in such "plain" words!
However, it is obvious that Metternich wrote to Talleyrand in a private capacity, without using an official statement, and was delivered through private channels. This shows that although he formally made the issue clear, he still thought about it.
Leave room for both sides.
At this point, it is clear whether he wants to compromise or show off.
After Aigron read the letter, he felt confident and threw the letter on the desk aside.
"It seems that the Austrians are finally a little anxious."
"Yes, we are a little anxious, but not anxious enough." Prince Talleyrand nodded, "This shows that what we have done so far is correct. We have made the Austrians anxious, but the strength is not enough.
It’s better to give them a little more headache—”
"Then how do you think we should respond to him?" Aigron asked.
"Since it is a private protest, it is worthless at all. We can even turn a deaf ear to it completely." Talleyrand replied nonchalantly, "Besides, he came to test me in a private capacity, so I will use my personal status to test it."
Just respond to him with your identity - you don't have to come forward at all. Once you come forward, it will make this bitch feel that he has more leverage, which will cause unnecessary trouble. Don't worry, I can deal with him by myself.
, we must make him subdue!"
Originally, Aigron didn't think there was anything wrong with Talleyrand's answer, but when he thought that Metternich must also be in Vienna loudly cursing Talleyrand as a "bitch" at this moment, he felt a little unable to help laughing, and even almost laughed out loud.
.
These two bastards have been in the political arena for decades. They must be sympathetic to each other. They fight and cooperate, but they must admire each other very much in their hearts. Moreover, they still have a close relationship in private. Eggron has no doubt that Ta
Prince Leland must have also secretly sold a lot of information to Metternich - that was the case in the past, and it is the case now.
Huh, the waves behind the Yangtze River push the waves ahead. If you can defeat both of these guys, that will be a great achievement in life...
With a wonderful sense of excitement, Aigron nodded slightly, "Okay, then I'll leave it all to you, Your Excellency Prime Minister, you have never let me down, and this time is definitely no exception -"
After putting a high hat on the other party, he then asked the other party again, "So in your opinion, when will the Austrian official relent and allow us to formally negotiate?"
"This depends on the development of the situation and specific operations, but I think that if everything goes well, maybe they will secretly come to negotiate with us within two or three months. After all, they are the ones who are anxious now. Austria's current weak state makes it difficult for them to negotiate.
They urgently need peace at home and abroad, and it is they who seek it from us." Talleyrand replied.
"In other words, maybe within a short period of time, you will send a secret delegation to Austria to contact Metternich?" Aigron asked again.
"Of course." Talleyrand wondered why His Majesty, who was always smart and astute, actually asked him to spend so much extra money.
However, the answer was soon revealed.
"Then, I do have a wish, and I hope you can fulfill it for me."
"What do you want to do, Your Majesty?" Talleyrand immediately became alert, and then asked cautiously, fearing that Aiglon would cause trouble.
"My personal attendant, the Marquise de Giverny, has stayed in the Austrian court before, and she is also very concerned about it. So if possible, I hope to send her to go to Vienna with the delegation you sent. She can't
Participating in specific negotiations is just as my representative——"
Of course Prince Talleyrand understood that the so-called Marquise de Giverny was actually His Majesty's maid, Mademoiselle Chanel.
And he soon guessed why His Majesty was so persistent in wanting to send her to Austria - obviously, he wanted her to visit Princess Sophie.
The lingering feelings are really lingering... I really didn't expect this prodigal prince to be so persistent. After thinking about it, he couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
Of course, although he knew it in his heart, he did not reveal it. After all, His Majesty still had to take care of his face.
Moreover, this is not a big deal. How can a mere little girl make a big difference?
Besides, Talleyrand had also met Chanel, and knew that she was modest and low-key, not the kind of woman who would become domineering as soon as she was favored, and would not cause trouble for him.
Therefore, although Aigron was obviously "abolishing public affairs for personal reasons", he had no interest in quarreling with his master over such a trivial matter.
After pretending to ponder for a moment, he nodded slightly.
"Your Majesty, although this is against diplomatic practice, since this is your Majesty's wish, then I will naturally fulfill it for you... I will negotiate with Metternich, and I don't think he will do anything about such an unimportant matter.
It’s hard for you. As long as the Marquess of Giverny keeps a low profile, he doesn’t mind if she shines for once.”
After receiving Talleyrand's assurance, Aigron breathed a sigh of relief.
His plan has taken another solid step forward.
Until now, Prince Talleyrand had only thought that Aigron was a capricious and wantful person. His imagination was certainly not enough to guess the shocking goal behind this move.
If he knew, he would definitely not agree to such a willful and crazy act, and would even reprimand Aigron in person. Unfortunately, how could he imagine that His Majesty, who has always been shrewd, cold and good at weighing things up, would do such a thing regardless of the interests?
What's going on?
It is precisely because you can't think of it that you have blind spots.
In short, during the conversation between the two people, the tone was set for the international diplomacy of the two countries. Aiglon was happy to let Talleyrand control it. He believed that the other party would get things done.
But just when he wanted to say goodbye to Talleyrand, Talleyrand spoke again and mentioned another topic.
"Your Majesty, I heard that you have privately arranged a marriage for your cousin, Prince Charles, to the Princess of Mecklenburg-Schmeling."
"Yes, that's right." Although Aigron was a little surprised, he still admitted, "Is there any problem?"
"Why didn't you inform me when you were doing this?" Talleyrand asked.
"This is my family matter, of course I don't need to trouble you-" Aigron replied.
"The royal family does not have family affairs. Your every move affects the country," Talleyrand's expression became serious and he solemnly warned Aigron. "Besides, you should understand that bad things develop from small things, and it is very easy to prevent them from happening."
important."
"So, what do you think is wrong with this?" Of course Aigron would not be fooled by Talleyrand's few words, so he frowned slightly and asked the other party again, "Do you think this marriage is inappropriate?"
"No, I don't think it is inappropriate. On the contrary, I think it will help the Bonaparte family enhance their prestige. I just think you should not bypass the government to get things done. After all, if your measures are consistent with
The government's inconsistent steps will cause chaos at home and abroad, which will further affect our country's prestige abroad——"
In fact, Aiglon knew that Talleyrand was afraid that he would bypass him in diplomacy and affect his authority, so of course he would not say it out loud.
He was still willing to show some respect for this highly valuable veteran.
"I was actually a little surprised at how quickly this matter progressed. I just casually said a few words to Princess Maria. Unexpectedly, she took it very seriously and immediately mobilized the network of my mother and grandmother to take the lead in getting the matter done——
If you think I dare not hide it from you, I can ask Maria to write you the detailed story later..."
"So it's Her Royal Highness Maria? She actually has her heart..." Prince Talleyrand thought thoughtfully, and then laughed slightly sarcastically. "It seems that she wants to use her performance to wash away her shame... Then I
I feel relieved. I think she can be used more in the future, after all, she has a special status."
"She has always been full of gratitude for your previous help, so she will definitely be willing to serve you." Aigron nodded lightly, and then said goodbye to his Prime Minister.