"In addition, my mentor, my respected elder, Prince Talleyrand, would like to know you a little bit......"

"What?" This unexpected sentence made Aiglon, who was originally calm, moved, "Prince Talleyrand? Be...... That person? ”

"There is only one Prince Talleyrand in the world." The ambassador smiled slightly, "That's right, it's the same Prince Talleyrand who once served as the Imperial Foreign Minister—"

Aiglon couldn't help but frown slightly.

"As far as I know, he has already broken with the Empire, so he has nothing to do with me."

Talleyrand, the name is so well-known -

Although none of his contemporaries liked him, no one had to admit that his political vitality and ability to see the wind and steer the rudder absolutely surpassed all of them.

It has been 37 years since the outbreak of the Revolution, and in these turbulent years, France does not know how much turmoil has occurred, and almost no one has been able to make it all happen.

People who used to show off their might and glory for a while often end up in a gloomy situation not long after, or even have a different head; Even if he ascended to the highest throne, he could not protect himself, whether it was the likes of Robespierre and Barras, or Napoleon, who once shook the whole of Europe, they did not escape the bloody reckoning.

However, Talleyrand has performed miracles with his shrewd calculations and judgment of the situation, and during these 37 years he has constantly changed courts, avoiding all bloody liquidations, and although he has experienced several changes of government, he has always been active in the political arena, enjoying power and glory.

Every master he has served hates him, but in the end he can only pinch his nose and continue to use him, even if there are occasional times of downfall, but he can save his net worth, hibernate and quietly wait for the next change of government.

At the end of the Napoleonic era, although he was the Foreign Minister of the Empire, he already felt that the Empire was on the edge of a precipice, so he needed to find a way out sooner. So while he embezzled and took bribes, he took the initiative to betray the intelligence of the empire, which brought heavy losses to the interests of the empire, but he used such a positive performance in exchange for the trust of the Bourbon family, escaped the subsequent liquidation, and was even reused by the Bourbon royal family, turned into their representative, participated in the Vienna Peace Conference, and continued to run the European chessboard.

Of course, such a man is too shrewd to have any loyalty to speak of, so it is absolutely impossible to gain the trust of any master, and his reputation is so bad that the Bourbons will always remember that he once betrayed the dynasty.

So, after the Bourbons had stabilized their position, they sent him away from the distance.

However, Talleyrand still kept a large amount of money, estimated at more than 200 million francs, including a large amount of real estate and art. After his forced retirement, he lived quietly in the Château de Valençaed, 300 kilometres away in the beautiful Loire Valley, enjoying his old age in luxury and opulence.

Of course, no one believed that this old man, who was over 70 years old, would enjoy his retirement in peace, after all, he was probably born for intrigue and betrayal......

Of course, it was impossible for Aglon to believe that this man would just want to say hello to him on a whim.

Seeing Aiglon's expression full of wariness and suspicion, the ambassador smiled hypocritically, "I can understand your feelings, Your Highness, I admit that Prince Talleyrand is a difficult figure to like, but please believe that the experience and wisdom he has accumulated over the years of serving the country will be helpful to anyone." ”

Hmph, he was also full of experience and wisdom when he betrayed his masters—Agron said coldly in his heart.

"So, what does he need to know about me?" He suppressed the impatience in his heart and asked.

"Although His Royal Highness has retired due to his advanced age, he has never given up his interest in European affairs, and he hopes to use the last remaining energy to continue to serve and benefit the country." "That is why he firmly believes that the existing European order has been unjust in its treatment of France, and it is also true of yours – and he also believes that we have an opportunity to redress these injustices by peaceful means," replied the ambassador in a mild tone. ”

"I really didn't know that there had always been one of my sympathizers in faraway France!" "Well, then, I would like to ask what can I do for this sympathizer?" ”

"In fact, it should be said the other way around, Your Highness, what can we do for you?" Earl Taylor Wyn looked at Aiglon unhurriedly, "Everyone says that you are a wise prince, and I have seen it with my own eyes, and I admit that it is, and because of your wisdom, I think you will be able to put aside your emotional barriers and look at your own interests from an objective point of view." ”

Aiglon didn't speak, but waited quietly for the other to say what to say.

"It is not the fault of a wise man who is usually full of ambition, but on the contrary it is the fault of him who gives up his ability to benefit mankind and is willing to be obscure." The ambassador lowered his voice and continued, "France is now held hostage by the Holy Alliance, and it needs to shake off its shackles; And you are also pinned, although you want to make it in Austria, but you must admit that the Russians and Prussians cannot restrain their disgust with you in any way, so you must win in foreign aid if you want to achieve your goals, and France will be your best back——"

"You seem to have forgotten that I am equally disgusted by France." Aglon replied coldly.

"That's just a small misfortune in history! In any case, we must admit that that era was once the glory of the French. The ambassador shrugged exaggeratedly, "Although the Bourbons are full of resistance to you for various reasons, I believe that as long as there is a sufficient number of people from it, your interests and the interests of France can be fitted together after all." ”

At this, the ambassador smiled ambiguously again, "I think Prince Talleyrand is the best person to be able to reach this historic reconciliation." ”

I see! Aiglon finally understood what he was trying to say from the ambassador's veiled words.

Prince Talleyrand found himself through an ambassador, not because he was nostalgic for the empire, but because he wanted to get in touch with him in advance.

He was suspicious of the Bourbons and forced to retire into seclusion, but this was by no means the fate that a person who had been a political animal all his life was willing to get, so he was unwilling to be lonely and began to look for the capital to make a comeback.

At this time, he saw signs that he might be able to rise to prominence in Austria, and he moved his mind again, wanting to get closer to him, and then use himself as a weight for him to come out again.

Although he habitually disguised his ambitions under rhetoric such as "French interests" and "European balance", glory and wealth were the prince's lifelong pursuit.

However, how could he have imagined that his pursuit was definitely not just to become an important minister of the Austrian Empire in the distant future.

But even so, it is necessary to perfunctory the other party.

He didn't know what Talleyrand wanted to do in the future, but he knew that whatever he wanted to do in the future, he would inevitably have to deal with this prince again in the end.

Friend or foe in the future, it's never a bad thing to have some connection first.

After all, as his guardian persuaded him bitterly, what he needs most now is to show his face on the European stage......

"I see." As soon as he thought of this, Agron made a decision, "I am very grateful to Prince Talleyrand for his concern for me, and I think what you said is also very reasonable, for me in the future, it would be a beautiful thing to have a European power as a backing, and there is no pity to give up the past grievances - as you said, history is a passing thing after all, and how to create a better future for all European peoples and countries is what our young generation needs to pay attention to." ”

"It's great that you have this kind of awareness!" Seeing the young man so uplifted, Earl Taylor Wyn was overjoyed, "I believe that as long as peace-loving people work together, Europe will have a better tomorrow!" Prince Talleyrand is more than happy to provide you with his experience and wisdom as an elderly guide to help you better contribute to Austria and to Europe. ”

"That's good, I do need the guidance of the elders." "If one day, I can visit him in person and listen to his advice, it will be an even more memorable moment for me!" ”

"With your current position, I'm sure you'll be able to do it sooner or later." The ambassador looked at Aglon encouragingly, "I think Prince Talleyrand is also very much looking forward to the day when he will meet you—"

The two men praised each other, half earnestly, half perfunctorily, and although their words were full of fancy diplomatic rhetoric, they were tacitly acknowledged to each other—Aiglon admitted that he could put aside his grudges and accept Talleyrand's kindness; Talleyrand, on the other hand, promised to take care of and guide him in the future.

Although neither side has any sincerity and does not believe in the sincerity of the other, political negotiations usually start with intentions, and such a good start is already a good start

The two of them changed the topic with a smile on their faces, and then chatted for a while, Earl Taylor Win's life can be regarded as ups and downs, and he has seen many storms and places he has run, so it is not enough to let the chat be cold.

"Mr. Ambassador, there is one thing I don't really understand." After a while, Aglon asked casually. "In the Imperial Age, you were an exiled nobleman, and Prince Talleyrand was the Foreign Minister of the Empire, so you should have nothing to do with each other, why do you call him a mentor?"

"This is after the Restoration." The ambassador replied with a smile, "After I returned to France, I was very favored by His Royal Highness and received a lot of care, so I am full of gratitude to the prince and regard him as my mentor, and I am happy to repay the prince in my own way." ”

Aiglon understood that after Count Taylor Wyn returned home, while serving the Bourbon family, he was co-opted by Talleyrand, so he secretly instigated himself behind the back of the Bourbon family. This is not surprising – it is strange to expect such a person to have much political integrity.

"So, I may ask what kind of resume you have held since you returned to France?" Aiglon continued, "This question is somewhat personal, I'm just curious – you can choose not to answer it. ”

"It's nothing, it's my pleasure to ask that." The ambassador replied with a smile, "To be honest, I was a child at the beginning of the Revolution, and my parents ventured out of France, so when I first returned to France, I was almost unfamiliar with it. Fortunately, the royal family blessed me with the appointment of a special prosecutor and sent me to the south, so that I really had a chance to integrate into this great country......"

"Special prosecutor? What is it? Aglon asked curiously.

"It's just responsible for suppressing the riots." The ambassador's expression became serious, "1815 was the year when everything was in chaos, and we had to make a lot of effort to stabilize France...... I have exhausted a great deal of effort to minimize the casualties and suffering of the people, and I have exhausted all my efforts to heal the wounds of the nation. ”

"I see...... "Aiglon nodded, looking at the other with very understanding eyes, "This must not be an easy job, you really worked hard. ”

"For the sake of the country, I should sacrifice everything, and this hard work is nothing." The ambassador shook his head, "After surviving the first few years, everything was much easier, because of my political achievements, I was appreciated by the court, I was transferred to Paris as court clerk, and then I entered the diplomatic ......"

The ambassador followed in a flurry of stories about his résumé and interesting stories he had encountered over the years, and Agron listened quietly, occasionally saying a few words of cordial praise.

The atmosphere between the two of them also became relaxed and pleasant.

After a long time, the ambassador finally got up and took his leave.

"Your Highness, I am truly satisfied with everything I have seen and heard with you today." Before leaving, the ambassador once again saluted Agron respectfully, "I am convinced that if you have enough talent and ambition, and enough magnanimity, you will be able to create a better future for both countries." ”

"I am also convinced that I can help you create a better future." With a smile on his face, Aiglon kindly extended his hand to the Ambassador, "Goodbye, Mr. Ambassador." ”

"Goodbye, Your Highness." The ambassador shook the young man's hand, then turned to leave.

Aiglon kept his smile on his face, watching the other man leave, and he didn't let his smile freeze until the door closed again.

Then, he turned his head to look at Chanel, who had been silent next to him. "It seems that we can rule out the possibility of recognizing the wrong person."

"Yes, Your Highness...... It's him, and there's no going wrong with that! Chanel said word for word, "I...... I've remembered what he looked like, and I'll never forget him......"

Although her tone was calm, Aiglon could hear the gritted resentment.

He could understand that when encountering such an enemy who shared the sky, Chanel's reaction was the most normal.

"I'm very happy with your performance." Aiglon changed the subject, "Although you have caused him to be suspicious, everything is within normal range, and he has no suspicions. ”

This is normal, no matter how cunning the Earl is, he would never have imagined that he would meet a mortal enemy here, right?

For him, those slaughtered victims were just a ladder for his promotion, and he had forgotten it for so many years, so what did he need to care about.

"I obey all your orders, Your Highness." Chanel looked at Aiglon.

Then, she walked up to Aglon, "If that day comes, you...... Will you be able to give him to me? ”

"If there is a day, there is no doubt that it will." Aiglon nodded without hesitation.

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Chanel had a smile full of joy and anticipation on her face.

Then she leaned down and kissed Aglon on the cheek.

Caught off guard, Aglon looked at her in amazement, and she stepped back away.

"Please allow me to trespass, Your Highness......" she lowered her head and blushed slightly, "I just want to repay you......"

Aiglon looked at the excited Chanel, and then smiled bitterly.

"Okay, that's okay."