In 1837, Emperor Franz I, who had ruled the Austrian Empire for decades, was finally called by God to pass away.
Because his mentally ill Crown Prince Ferdinand and his second prince Karl, who was of mediocre intelligence, also died before him, therefore, after the emperor's death, his grandson, the young Franz-Josef I, ascended the throne as emperor.
However, Emperor Franz-Josef was only 7 years old when he succeeded to the throne and was unable to govern the country. Therefore, his mother, the Queen Mother Sophie, had to be the regent to handle state affairs on his behalf.
As a result, from the emperor's accession to the adult age, the Habsburg Empire will be ruled by a woman, which is historically known as the Regency Era (1837-1855).
From a historical point of view, 18 years is like a fleeting time, and it will pass by quietly if you don't pay attention. However, for those who have experienced this era, everything is so vivid and unforgettable.
In the long history of Austria, there has never been an era as controversial as this era. Some people think it is elegant and gorgeous, some think it is dissolute and dirty; some think it is vigorous, and just as many people think it is chaotic; some people cheer it
The culture is prosperous and the martial arts is strong, but some people think it is morally corrupt and decadent; some lament that it relies on power and cunning to maintain the continuation of the empire, while others curse it for being utterly evil and bringing too much reaction to the world.
But no matter what, everyone admits that the Queen Mother Regent is a person with a strong personality. Just like this era, she has gathered praise and controversy at the same time. Her words and deeds, and everything she does
Her great achievements, as well as her famous romantic affairs, have attracted everyone's attention and have been talked about by future generations.
In later TV dramas related to Austrian history, the Regency Era, which lasted only eighteen years, occupied a disproportionately large amount of space. Perhaps it was because people were full of curiosity about this era and the men and women who dominated it, hoping to use this
Come understand and commemorate this man and this interesting era.
It was a Regency era that was full of glamor and filth at the same time. It was a Regency era that was both despised and remembered.
However, all this has nothing to do with Her Majesty the Queen Mother. She may be destined to shine in the history books, but she is just spending every day of her life happily——
Today, May 1, 1838, is also an ordinary day.
Under the warm sunshine in the morning, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager opened her eyes after sleeping on the royal bed for a whole night, and welcomed her new day.
Through the heavy curtains woven with silk, you can see how noble the Queen Mother's sleeping appearance is. The white silk underwear is pulled up to the shoulders, revealing a large area of fair skin, and on the towering peaks, there are even
There were fine red marks, inadvertently revealing evidence of being ravaged last night.
What is even more shocking is that she is not sleeping alone with her hands, but is hugging a slender and fit male body next to her.
The messy velvet quilts and sheets underneath the two people, as well as the speckled white and yellow marks on their bodies, seemed to quietly tell the absurdity of the two people last night.
As her consciousness gradually recovered, Her Majesty the Queen Mother's blurred vision slowly became clearer. She opened her sleepy eyes, and then looked at the young man in front of her quietly, as if she couldn't get enough.
This blond young man is naturally the well-known lover of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, the 27-year-old Duke Franz Bonaparte of Lechstadt.
As if sensing something, the blond young man slowly opened his eyes, and then he saw the lady in his arms for the first time.
Looking into her lover's eyes, the lady showed a charming smile.
"My darling, are you awake?"
Before he could reply, Sophie leaned forward slightly and kissed him.
The young man happily accepted this passionate good morning kiss, and when the two people's lips and tongues were touching, they couldn't help but hold each other tighter.
The two people's skin is touching, full of tenderness and sweetness. Although they have been together for many years, when they get along with each other, they still seem to be as passionate as when they first fell in love.
Maybe this is because their love for each other does not only come from physical attraction, but more from spiritual compatibility.
"His Majesty……"
After an unknown amount of time, a woman's voice penetrated through the thick bed curtains, awakening the man and woman who were still immersed in their world.
The two stopped kissing, and then Sophie frowned slightly, listening displeased to the sound that seemed to come from another world.
"What's wrong? Vera?"
Yes, she had already heard it, it was the voice of the female official next to her.
"The scheduled time is coming...Look...should it be time to get up and freshen up? After all, today's celebration is very important..."
The female officer's voice was very low, revealing a nervousness, fearing that Her Majesty the Queen Mother would be doomed if she expressed her anger.
Sophie was indeed very unhappy, but she also remembered that today was indeed an important day.
Yes, today she will hold a victory celebration to celebrate the empire's victory in northern Italy.
After the death of the old emperor, because the heir was too young, and the affair between the empress dowager and the duke had long been a scandal known to everyone in the European courts and even on the streets, the enemies of the empire began to make moves.
The Kingdom of Sardinia, which had always coveted the dominance of Lombardy and the entire Italy, took the opportunity to declare war on Austria, trying to seize the wealthy and glorious city of Milan in one fell swoop.
Because of the chaos caused by the succession of the throne, the Austrian army was unfavorable in the war, and Vienna was also in panic. Those who opposed Her Majesty the Empress Dowager within the royal family and government also desperately made noise, demanding that the Empress Dowager be deprived of the regency and replaced by other royal relatives.
The regency situation is extremely bad.
However, internal and external troubles did not intimidate the Empress Dowager Regent. With the help of the Duke, she quickly reorganized the imperial government, drove away the opposition, and stabilized the situation within the empire; then she sent her most trusted Duke to Milan to reorganize
The army finally defeated the Kingdom of Sardinia.
After the sudden defeat of the Kingdom of Sardinia and its submission for peace, the European powers also recognized the new leadership system of the Austrian Empire in behind-the-scenes transactions, and Her Majesty the Queen Mother's rule was consolidated. From now on, she can rule this ancient country in her own way.
empire; she can get along with her beloved in the way she likes, and no one can disturb the happy life she dreams of.
Today is the day of the victory celebration. The Queen Mother and the Duke hope to use a lively and glorious celebration to commemorate their victory and further announce to the world the coming of a new era.
It was precisely because she knew the meaning of this day that despite all her reluctance, Queen Mother Sophie had to sigh, struggle to get up, arrange her clothes casually, and then get out of bed.
And the Duke also got out of bed.
The female officer just lowered her head and pretended not to see anything. Anyway, she was already used to this scene.
Under the service of her confidant, Sophie quickly changed her clothes and then freshened herself up. The Duke also accompanied her.
Because today was a large-scale celebration, Sophie put on a gorgeous palace dress. Not only did her face and hair have a completely new look, she also wore a ribbon and the Star Cross, which symbolizes the highest honor for Austrian women.
The Duke also wore a military uniform, and on his chest was the Maria Theresa Cross awarded by his lover for winning the war.
After the two of them were dressed up, the man was handsome and the woman was dignified and beautiful. The medals were shining brightly on their chests. When they stood together, they even looked like husband and wife. Of course, in terms of substance, it was almost the same.
After dressing up, Sophie kept looking at her lover, her eyes showing great attachment, but her expression looked a little impatient.
"My dear... these boring celebrations are so boring!" Sophie sighed impatiently, "I really don't understand why the old emperor likes to make pomp and show so much. Does he think everyone is wearing fake smiles and fancy clothes?
Isn't it fun to say things that no one cares about? Well, to me it just wastes a few hours of my life and reduces the time the two of us spend alone. When I think about it, I can't help but want to kill them.
Drive them all far away."
"Okay, don't say such things." The Duke shrugged, "They won the victory for you, so that you and I can be together like we are today. Even if it's not for the country, we have to be grateful."
"It's not like I didn't repay them with money and medals!" Empress Dowager Sophie pouted, "Oh, forget it, just think of it as passing the time. By the way, will you go hunting with me in a few days? Let's go
It’s a fun few days in the countryside.”
Sophie looked at the Duke again, and then smiled slightly, "I have been exhausted both physically and mentally over the past year, and I urgently need a rest!"
Although Her Majesty the Queen Mother is now thirty-one years old, because of her maintenance at all costs, and because she is nourished by love all the time, she looks like she is even a little girly when she is acting coquettishly.
Charm.
The Duke's heart moved slightly.
Yes, after a stormy sea, it’s time to take a good rest (and indulge) for a while...
"This is my honor, Your Majesty." He nodded quickly and agreed.
"Then it's settled!" Sophie looked happy.
The two people looked at each other, as if they were thinking about the days of the upcoming outing.
Then, Sophie seemed to think of something again, "By the way, how is the theater you bought doing? When will it open? I would like to go and see it with you."
"I don't think my appearance will make anyone happy. Everyone of them curses me, ruins your reputation and that of the royal family, and steals the power of the empire." The Duke replied calmly, "Every day, the Vienna Police Department can be found on all streets.
I don’t want to be booed on the first day my theater opens when anonymous articles are found on the streets cursing me.”
"No, my darling~" Queen Mother Sophie raised her hand and pinched the Duke's fair face teasingly, "They are just jealous of you because you are accompanied by the most beautiful Queen Mother in the world."
Then, she shrugged nonchalantly, "Besides, what if they shout? You are by my side, and I am by your side, isn't that enough? Many people in the world are so boring,
You have to point fingers at other people's lives, but in fact, how can they have the merit of size? What you have done for Austria is a thousand times greater than their combined total. You can just ignore their chirping and trample them under your feet.
That’s it!”
Sophie's comforting words made the Duke just smile.
He didn't care at first.
In this world, he only cares about the people he loves.
From the moment he decided to stay in Austria forever for her, he had made up his mind to use all his talents to try to protect the future happiness of the two of them.
He didn't know if this was a situation that his grandfather had deliberately planned, but he found that the late emperor did not put many obstacles between the two people, but seemed to acquiesce to their absurdity.
Many, many years have passed since he came to Schonbrunn Palace. He has stayed in Austria for so long that people have almost forgotten his original surname, and even he himself can hardly remember it.
What he cares more about is that he and Sophie are together and will always be together.
Now, although he does not have a high official title because he is too young, everyone knows that the 'Slutty Lady' almost obeys his words, and he actually participates in ruling this country.
This is both an honor and an obligation, so even for the future life of him and Sophie, he must work hard for the continuation of this aging empire.
Unconsciously, the two people hugged and kissed each other again.
In the splendid palace, two hot hearts came together, making the cold palace seem to become warmer.
After a long time, the lips parted again, and then Sophie, with her face flushed, looked at her beloved with a smile.
"By the way, Aigron, I have a gift for you."
"What gift?" the Duke asked curiously.
"Aigron, what I owe you the most in my life is that I selfishly kept you by my side so that your great surname could not be passed on. Even if we have children, these children cannot use your name... You have done everything for me
There are too many sacrifices, and I feel guilty and painful every time I think about it." When she said this, Sophie suddenly covered her face, as if she was very ashamed, "Under the current circumstances, I can't get pregnant again, so...
…”
"So what?" asked the Duke again.
"I have secretly negotiated with the Savoy royal family in Sardinia. I can tolerate their offense and not seek to cede territory, but they must also make corresponding compensation." Sophie blinked, "You can take this family
Passed on."
The Duke was stunned for a moment.
"I'm not pursuing this."
"But I pursue it." Sophie pulled him, sat on the sofa together, and hugged her lover tightly. "Although my heart aches when I think about this, I am willing to make some sacrifices to repay you.
sacrifice."
"..." The Duke didn't know what to say.
"Okay, okay! Let's not make such an expression on such a great day." Sophie suddenly laughed again, "How about... we... be... happy... again...
……Down?"
Her voice was very low, with an irresistible charm.
As if out of shyness or deliberate provocation, she picked up the ivory folding fan studded with pearls on the coffee table next to her with her right hand, unfolded it to cover the lower half of her face, and then looked at the Duke with smiling eyes.
.
Then, with her left hand, she gradually pulled up the hem of her skirt, and her slender legs wrapped in silk stockings were revealed to the young man's eyes.
"We'll have to wait..."
"Just live now, who cares about waiting?" Sophie interrupted him.
Then, she snickered and asked, "Then, what else do you want me to order you for? My darling~"
In the blink of an eye, it was as if a thousand words were spoken.
The Duke's heart skipped a beat.
Even though so many years have passed, he still finds it difficult to resist every time he is tempted by her.
There is still a little time left before the celebration, so it seems like it’s not a bad idea to relax first...?
Before he could think about it, his body had already acted on its own initiative and pressed directly on the legs.
"Hmm..." Her Majesty the Queen Mother let out a soft sigh.