Chapter 42, The Club of Brittana
"On the subject." "Our play has a strong political connotation, and when I created it, I knew that there was a political risk in performing it. β
Speaking of this, Armand paused again and said: "And we chose to stage it in such a period, which in itself is a politically charged approach. The political risks have been considered for a long time. Even if anything, it's nothing more than going into the Bastille to eat rats for a while. β
When people talk about going to prison, they usually call it 'feeding the rats', but Armand calls it 'eating rats', which means something completely different. The Bastille is even more common to the general public, but both Armand and Robespierre know that because the Bastille is often used to imprison the aristocracy, in terms of conditions, I am afraid that there is no other prison in the whole of France that is better than the Bastille.
"And, I think, if our king had been a little smarter, we wouldn't have been in danger of feeding rats in the Bastille." "If our king decides to suppress the people, he should take decisive and forceful measures to swiftly arrest all the representatives of the Third Estate and send them to the guillotine immediately. Although this may lead to some chaos, the rebels are leaderless and can be defeated individually. β
At this, a sneering smile appeared on the corner of Saint-Juist's handsome mouth: "Moreover, most of these deputies are rich peopleβMonsieur Robespierre, you are almost the poorest of these delegates, but even you, compared to most people in the district of Saint-Antoine, you are still 'rich'." And some people, hundreds of times richer than you. As long as we kill all the deputies, confiscate the assets, and use the money to win over more troops, as well as the nobles and poor who are willing to follow the king, then our king may be able to pass this hurdle. Of course, in doing so, there could be a civil war in France. He had to be prepared for a period of failure, and he would be prepared to go to the guillotine like Charles I. However, considering that the other side is leaderless, I think he is in a much better position than Charles I was back then. If our king really intends to do this, then we will most likely be directly beheaded, and it will be our turn to feed the rats in the Bastille? β
Speaking of which, St. Juste even gently stroked his slender neck, which was quite a bit of a "good head, who will cut it off".
"Do you think the king would do that?" Robespierre asked.
"No, it won't." A contemptuous smile appeared on St. Just's face, "If the king had such courage, he would not have been unable to control that Austrian girl." Nor will he be without anything at the 'Council of Dignitaries'. In general, our majesty lacks the courage to be a tyrant, and has the measure of an enlightened monarch. Not a king to be feared at all. So, I don't think we're in any danger. β
"Mr. St. Juster." Robespierre exclaimed, "You have a calmness and courage that is not befitting your age and appearance." To be honest, I was a little surprised when I first saw you play Spartacus yesterday, but your performance yesterday was so good that it convinced me perfectly, and I was amazed how a young person like you could have such power. But today's conversation with you has made me understand that a person's thoughts and strength are really not measured by years. Indeed, Mr. St. Juster, as you say, our king does not have such courage. Moreover, we are not fools and will do nothing and wait for him to do whatever he wants. In recent years, because of the privileged hierarchy and extreme luxury, the state has no money. The army is just as useless and full of discontent. What's more, the people of France are the same people who make up the army. The army is made up of the people, not a soulless tool. If the king really wants to take risks, the only thing he can really count on is mercenaries. But there is money for mercenaries, but there is no money for the French army, you say, what will the French army think? In fact, we were not completely unprepared, many nobles, and many officers were in contact with us. If the king really intends to make any big move, he can't hide it from us. So your performance has a certain risk, but the risk is not uncontrollable. After all, I invited you, and even if you don't ask for it, I'm here to keep you safe. So you can rest assured that although there are some risks, the chances of going to the Bastille are very small. β
"Don't talk about the Bastille, it's the guillotine, we're not afraid." Armand said.
A few more people talked about the performance, and Armand and Saint-Juste were ready to take their leave. Robespierre sent them to the door, and suddenly said, "Ah, there's something I almost forgot. Well, we've got a club full of good friends who want to make a change, and I think we're all close to each other, would you be interested in joining it? β
"What kind of club is it?" St. Juste asked.
"Club Brittany. What was supposed to be a club of delegates from Brittany was joined by more people after the Estates-General. They are all friends who support constitutionalism, so we are now considering changing the name of the club to 'Friends of Constitutionalism'. Well, if you are interested, I can be your introducer. Robespierre said.
"Okay." "I also have a friend who is also very good. Maybe you've heard of him too, his surname is Bonaparte, well, Joseph Bonaparte, and he was a scientific genius. β
"I've heard of him." Robespierre nodded, "Although I can't read what he wrote." Well, can you guys wait? I'll go in and write him an invitation and ask you to bring it to him. β
"We're here to help." Armand said.
Robespierre went into the study to write the letter, while Armand and Saint-Juste went into the drawing-room by themselves, sat down on the sofa and waited.
"Armand, do you think Monsieur Bonaparte would like to join this club?" St. Juste asked.
"Rest assured, I know Joseph and his political views. In fact you take that from his ...... You know, a lot of the ideas for the script for Spartacus came from him. He was definitely a progressive youth who supported constitutionalism. Armand almost said that the "Slave War Song" was written to him by Joseph, and thinking about Joseph's attitude when he gave him this song, he vaguely felt as if he had done something stupid.
"I know that, too." "But I always felt that Monsieur Bonaparte was not very willing to get involved too much in politics." He seems to prefer to concentrate on his learning. Well, I have no doubt that Monsieur Bonaparte loved constitutionalism, but I think he probably loved science more. β
"Hell! I didn't expect that. Armand shook his head. But he immediately said, "This guy really has such a possibility." It's just an invitation from a club, and it shouldn't take much time to draw. If he's really busy, he doesn't have to participate. β
While the two men were talking, Robespierre came out of the study and handed an envelope to Armand.
"I've already written the invitation. I'm looking forward to meeting this talented scientist at the club. β
"Well, but Mr. Robespierre ......," Armand hesitated.
"What's wrong? Mr. Lavoisier? Robespierre asked.
"Joseph has been busy with an important study lately. It took a lot of his energy......," Armand said, "and he may, but not be, be able to fully participate in the club's activities......" Armand said with a stumbling face.
Robespierre paused for a moment, then laughed: "Ah, Monsieur Lavoisier, this is not a problem. It's just a club. No club requires all members to be present at all times. After all, everyone has their own thing, right? So, that's not a problem at all. β
"If that's the case, it should be fine." Armandau.
β¦β¦
Coming out of Robespierre, Armand looked at the sky and said to Saint-Juster, "Louis and Joseph live not far from here, just across the street. I looked at the time, and it was supposed to be time for him to go home. I'm going to just go straight to him and give him this invitation. Do you want to come with me? β
St. Just thought for a while, shook his head, and said, "Time is running out for the next performance, so I'd better go back and prepare first." β
The two parted at the corner of the street, and St. Juste got into a cab and went back to the troupe; Armand went on foot to Joseph's quarters.
When Armand knocked on Joseph's door, Joseph was having dinner with his two younger brothers. Generally speaking, if a traveler from the Eastern Eater accidentally crosses into the West, generally speaking, as long as there is a condition, he will make his own Chinese food, because most of the food in the West is really not very delicious in the eyes of foodies in the Eastern Eater. This is especially true for those who are unfortunate enough to cross to a country where there are only those potatoes and eggs and a 45-degree angle looking up at the stars and not blinking their eyes at sardines. However, what Joseph eats is still authentic Western food - bread and grilled lamb chops. It's not just that he was lucky enough to travel to the Western Eater. The French know how to eat, and they are famous all over the world. It is also because, in this era, all kinds of materials needed for Chinese food are basically unavailable in France. Moreover, now Joseph is already a person with a certain status, and a person with a status like him is a bit unorthodox in his own way. In addition, labor is cheap now, so Joseph hired a maid to help at home.
In the big food country of the later generations, the cost of inviting an aunt is not low. The income of a housekeeping aunt is significantly higher than the median income line. But in France in this era, it really didn't cost much to hire a maid who took care of the housework.
"It's so fragrant, it's grilled lamb chops, right? Well, Joseph, your life has changed so much. Upon entering, Armand shrugged his nose, took a few deep breaths, and smiled.
"It's okay, Armand, why did you come here at this time? Can I help you? Joseph asked.
"Ah, I'm here to deliver a letter, an invitation." Armand said.