"Your Royal Highness, I wish you and your Majesty all the best!"
"I wish you all the best." After hearing the Marquis's congratulations, Prince Talleyrand just smiled. "You are so loyal to the Bonaparte family and have been working for their family's career from beginning to end. I believe that this loyalty and
It goes without saying that the Bonaparte family will remember your merits, and they will reward you with sufficient rewards. However, no matter how glorious the reward is, you must first be alive to be eligible to receive it.
It doesn’t make any sense, so I advise you to be more careful and don’t put yourself in danger.”
After a pause, he added, "Whether we stand on the same side in the future or not, personally, I don't want anything to happen to you. After all, there are not many old bones left like us who have survived until now."
No matter who dies unexpectedly, it will be extremely regrettable, and our country will lose another historical witness."
The Marquis of Noirtier was a little surprised. He did not expect Talleyrand, who was always cold and ruthless, to say such tender words to him.
He believed that Talleyrand was not pretending to please him at this moment because he was deliberately "playing the emotional card" because his level was not high enough.
Therefore, he believed that the other party was telling the truth, and he did not want to see himself get into an accident and lose his life in vain.
Everyone will get old, even this old fox will get old. When you get old, you can't help but be a little sentimental. This is human nature.
"Thank you for your reminder. I also advise you to take care of yourself. When the country is about to fall into unfortunate chaos, your majesty and our country need to rely on your talents and reputation to stabilize the situation as soon as possible and save people's lives... You are burdened with more than
My more important responsibilities." The Marquis of Noirtier responded to the prince in a warm and reserved manner, "As for me, I have put my life and death aside decades ago. My relatives, my friends, and my enemies will never be forgotten.
Most of them have turned into loess, so what do I have to fear? Besides, I am indeed old. I can already feel the erosion of aging on my body every minute. I don’t know if I can still
How long can I maintain my current status? In this case, the only thing that interests me now is to use up the last bit of my remaining energy to illuminate the career I believe in! As long as I can do this, no matter when
When I go to see them, I will be smiling and have no regrets."
Prince Talleyrand was slightly touched by the Marquis's heroic confession, and finally he sighed.
"Hahaha, what an admirable person! You will never change. You are a person who does great things. Unfortunately, you are always unlucky."
Then, he asked, "Is there something wrong with your body?"
"Yes." The Marquis admitted unabashedly, "In the past two or three years, I have always felt that my physical exercise ability has been declining. I found a doctor and he said that this is not a normal functional deterioration, but a very possible one.
It is a symptom of a neurological disease. Maybe I will have a stroke before long, and then I will be paralyzed in bed and unable to do anything... Your Highness, do you think I need to be afraid of death in this case?"
Prince Talleyrand was silent for a while.
He knew that for an ambitious, proud and confident man like the Marquis, the fate of being paralyzed in bed and at the mercy of others might be worse than death.
So what else does he need to be afraid of?
Prince Talleyrand is now over seventy years old. He is also suffering from the torture of aging and feels that death is getting closer and closer. However, the countless money and power he has accumulated in half his life cannot save his life.
And an old man who was of the same generation as him, born in the same family, and had experienced the same events, was slowly withering away in front of him.
This inspired him more than any bloody tragedy.
"Yes, you are right. If people must die, it is better to die while doing great things than to die in bed mediocrely." He was silent for a moment, and then sighed.
Then he looked at Edmund again, "Mr. Count, although the Marquis of Noirtier is your ally, you may not know that this old guy was one of the best swordsmen in France. When he was young,
He almost never lost a duel in the palace, and he defeated several enemies after entering politics... That kind of vigorous and heroic appearance is still fresh in people's memories even after fifty years! But now he has to worry about his future
He is about to be paralyzed in bed. How sad and regretful! He is like this, and so am I. We don’t have much time. The future belongs to you young people. I don’t know what your plans are for the future, but I advise you to be careful.
Don’t hesitate, because you only have one life. Since you have the opportunity to reach the highest stage, you should ignite yourself and perform well! Just like us."
When Edmond Dantès heard this, he felt a fire burning in his heart, feeling both sad and a little angry.
The Marquis of Noirtier reminded him of his adoptive father, Father Faria.
Although his adoptive father had a completely different background and experience from the Marquis, he also possessed wisdom and courage. However, they were also facing the same old age. His adoptive father was already paralyzed and unable to move freely, and the Marquis seemed to follow in his footsteps.
, fate played a cruel joke on them, letting those who work hard to get stuck in the mud, and letting those with lofty ambitions break their wings and fall. How sad! How unfair!
When he thought of this, he couldn't restrain his sadness and almost cried.
The Marquis of Noirtier did not know that the count was complaining about his adoptive father, and thought that he was simply grieving for himself, so he was quite moved in his heart.
In order to ease the atmosphere, he took the initiative to smile and said, "Earl, you are His Majesty's confidant. You are destined to do great things in the future. Don't be sentimental just to ruin the old man. This is not good...and, I think,
Instead of worrying about uncertain things in the future, we should first think of ways to do what we have to do now. Maybe when my wish is fulfilled, my body will miraculously improve, hahahaha!"
Although he knew in his heart that this was just the Marquis forcing a smile, Edmund still nodded in agreement.
He knew that his greatest reward for the Marquis was to make his dream come true.
In this way, Edmund and the Marquis discussed with Prince Talleyrand for a while, and talked about some past events, until the guests and hosts had a good time, and they left Valese Castle at night.
At night, the surroundings of the castle seem more and more quiet. Sitting in the carriage carriage and looking at the brightly lit castle, it becomes more and more magnificent. Coupled with the surrounding rivers and fields, it looks so charming.
However, such beautiful scenery could not satisfy the owner of the castle. He only wanted to go to Paris again and taste the sweet taste of power in his hands again.
This is human nature, Edmund thought.
Different from the past, now he has tasted the power in his hands, so he can vaguely understand Talleyrand's choice.
"Don't be envious. If you are successful, you will also have these things, Edmund." As if he could see what he was thinking, the Marquis of Noirtier, who was sitting next to him, suddenly spoke, "But, real men don't
You should be addicted to these external things. The money and beauty that power brings are wonderful, but power itself is even more fascinating. With power, you can drive all things, implement every whim of your own, and even write history according to your own wishes.
...That is much more exciting than any material enjoyment! Believe me, we once had the great power to control a nation. We took it and shook the whole of Europe, making the earth tremble for us. That is more exciting than any personal enjoyment.
Mesmerizing.”
Edmund also agreed.
To be honest, he doesn't have any ideals of "changing everything", let alone any plans to exert power, but his benefactor does, and his obligation is to assist his benefactor as much as he can.
He had no doubt about this.
"I didn't expect that your swordsmanship was so powerful-" He changed the subject.
Edmund had known that the Marquis was good at swordsmanship before, but he didn't expect that he was so good when he was young. According to Prince Talleyrand, he was simply the top swordsman in the country - he believed that Prince Talleyrand would not brag casually.
"It's all in the past, there's nothing to mention." Although the Marquis replied humbly, there was always a sense of pride in the corners of his eyes. "I was indeed able to do some tricks at the beginning, but now...well, my body
It’s no longer what it used to be, and I can’t play anymore.”
"I really admire you, because I am also very interested in swordsmanship -" Edmund replied.
"Oh? That's great. Who do you study under? Maybe I know him." The Marquis suddenly became interested.
This question actually made Edmund blush.
He hesitated awkwardly, and finally decided to tell the truth, "You know, I was in prison in my early years, and only after I got out did I have the opportunity to learn swordsmanship, and it was not considered an apprenticeship, I just learned a few skills from Miss Agnes.
…”
"Agnes? Miss de Nodelien?" the Marquis blurted out, obviously he had heard about Agnes for a long time, "I have heard about some of her deeds - hum, we French people are really getting more and more famous.
Aren't the young people ashamed that a girl is allowed to show off her power now that she is so bad? Even if I am older now and my health is not good, otherwise I would be willing to teach her a few tricks."
Edmund also knew how to deal with the world, and he understood that the Marquis's implication was that he was not sure of winning Agnes, so he did not challenge...
He didn't point it out, he just nodded and agreed with the Marquis, "You are naturally more powerful, but there is nothing you can do about it because you are old and weak."
The Marquis, who was already interested, was even more happy after hearing Edmund's compliment.
"Since you are interested in swordsmanship, we might as well compete and learn from each other when we have time in the future." He proactively suggested, "I am physically inconvenient now, so there is no need to duel. I am just giving you some pointers based on my experience. I hope I can give you some help.
."
"Of course!" Edmund nodded immediately and agreed, "Please give me your advice."
"I used to be busy with politics, and never thought about teaching swordsmanship. Later, I was too busy hiding in Tibet, and I had no time to think about such trivial matters. Now I can teach my experience to young people, and they are also my comrades.
I'm lucky..." the Marquis replied with a smile.
While smiling, his face suddenly froze, as if his bones were stuck in his throat.
Edmund was surprised at his expression at first, but suddenly he understood again - the Marquis must have thought of the grudges between himself and his son, and also thought that he would have a duel with Inspector Villefort three years later to settle the grudges.
.
So, it was the sword he taught himself that killed his son?
When he thinks of this, he must be unhappy.
Edmund could understand the old man's mood - although Inspector Villefort had done many evil things and ruined his life, he was the son of the Marquis after all, and it was human nature for a father to love his son. Even if the political stances of the two parties were hostile, the father and son were still
After all, they are father and son.
How could he really want to see his son die by the sword?
However, with the pride of the Marquis, it was impossible for him to beg him to spare his son - after all, Edmund had an irreproachable reason for seeking revenge. Being able to fight in a duel instead of just shooting coldly would give the Marquis face.
So he could only dwell in his heart.
Normally when the two of them were in contact, the Marquis put this matter aside, but when he mentioned swordsmanship just now, it aroused his father's hidden pain, so he suddenly froze in his excitement.
When he thought of this, Edmund felt quite uncomfortable.
To be honest, he admired the Marquis of Noirtier very much. This old man had an extraordinary spirit. He not only had the power and vision of a politician, but also had the open-mindedness and boldness of having seen the world. His personality was full of charm. He could almost be regarded as his best friend.
If it weren't for the old hatred, there wouldn't be any shadow in their relationship.
It's a pity that now this shadow lies between the two people, which is impossible to ignore.
Seeing the old man's painful and depressed look, Edmund suddenly had the thought "How about I forgive his son?"
But after just a moment, he swallowed these words back.
His father died tragically, his lover remarried, and he was imprisoned for more than ten years... The decisive driving force behind such a tragic situation was this sanctimonious prosecutor.
So I can't forgive, I can't forgive.
Even if he gives up everything, he will make Inspector Villefort pay the price he deserves like other enemies.
Just like that, an awkward silence fell between the two people.
It was not until a moment later that the Marquis broke the silence.
"When will you have time to study?"
Edmund also pretended that nothing happened just now and answered in a low voice.
"I will be free when you are free."
"Well, let's start after we get back. I don't know when my body will collapse, so I have to hurry up." The Marquis said gently, "At your current age, there is no chance of surpassing or approaching Miss Agnes.
Yes, but there are some tricks that can be learned. Those are the skills I have honed in many life-and-death fights. If you use them suddenly, you will definitely be surprised."
"How could I fight with her..." Edmund only felt a little funny, "I just want to become more powerful, that's all."