April 1857

As the snow begins to thaw, the weather in early spring is always very cold, especially after the night, when the cold wind howls through the streets, giving people a chill that pierces through the marrow.

Because the weather is so cold, the streets are no longer pedestrianized, and only a small number of horse-drawn carriages are able to move through the streets at great speed, braving the cold wind.

In the darkness of the night, the carriage made its way through the labyrinthine streets of Paris, making no sound except the sound of horses' hooves, and finally quietly entered a luxurious mansion.

When the carriage came to a halt in front of the steps of the vestibule, a young man of thirty years old, dressed in a black coat and a black top hat, stepped down in a proud manner, and then, guided by a silent servant, he walked down the dark corridor.

There was a coldness in his demeanor and politeness, and there was a faint heaviness, obviously preoccupied.

"How's the Count's health?" After walking for a while, he couldn't help but ask in a low voice.

"It's barely okay, sir." The servant replied respectfully, "It's just that I've had a bad cold lately, so I can't work properly for many days." ”

"It's really worrying." Charles frowned, "The Earl has an important mission for the country, and is one of the most important dignitaries of the country, please help him stay healthy." ”

"Of course we know that, sir. But he never listens to us, and always stays up late to work," the servant's face darkened, and he defended himself, "since the young master ...... And Miss...... Hey......"

Speaking of which, it seems as if there is something unspeakable. He sighed repeatedly.

The young man also felt that he had nothing to say, and at last he only shrugged his shoulders.

This young man was none other than Charles de Treville, Duke of Kerson, who had come to visit his master today.

In the tumultuous summer of 1855, he was transferred from the post of Minister of Transport to Minister of the Exchequer in order to clean up the financial mess that had ended since the end of the Crimean War and to eliminate the risks posed by the government's high debt. Continuing his own hot political path.

There is no doubt that he is still one of the most powerful people in the empire, and his influence is greater than in previous years.

He did not hesitate to use his present power to cultivate cronies and pursue personal interests in order to strengthen his position, and the owner of the mansion, Count de Beauvan, was one of the allies and helpers on whom he now relied so much.

Monsieur de Beauvan was a well-known banker and now president of the Banque de France, one of the most sought-after figures in the French economy. His words can make the financial world tremble a few times.

Because of his fame and strength, he was made a baron in the time of King Louis-Philippe, and after the establishment of the empire, he finally accepted the title of count after several gracious invitations from His Majesty the Emperor, and with the help of Charles, became president of the Banque de France more than three years ago.

It is precisely because of the help of the other party that the charr will be so handy in implementing his fiscal policy. The Banque de France has largely cooperated with his efforts, and it seems that the previously volatile monetary policy has slowly returned to stability over the course of more than a year.

And now. He still needs the help of this big man.

The servant led him all the way to the corridors of the mansion, and then to the door of the study, the deepest part of the mansion, where the count went about his daily business, and it was easy and undisturbed.

The servant knocked on the door, and after getting a reply from inside, the servant opened the door for Charles to enter. Then he bowed and pushed away. The Earl and the Duke never allowed anyone to be around when they were talking in secret.

Charles entered, closed the door casually, and then he walked inside, to the deepest part of the study.

Sure enough, the Count himself was already waiting there.

His hair was mostly gray, and his face was wrinkled. It seemed that he no longer had the vigor of the past, only his eyes were still flexible, and his face did not look very healthy, perhaps because he was still sick, and his hands were slightly trembling, and he could see that he lacked vitality.

However, contrary to the weak expression of his illness, he had a very happy smile on his face.

After a casual glance at the door, he didn't pay much attention to Charles, and only looked at his chest, because on his chest, a child was snuggling.

This is a very beautiful girl, about three or four years old, with chestnut hair very fine, with milky white skin and delicate features, like a doll. The Count smiled and kept stroking her with his hands, making her laugh all the time, and the Count laughed as if he had taken a lot of pleasure from it.

"Your Excellency, I sincerely hope that you will stay healthy." Charles walked up to them quietly.

When he saw him, the little girl on the count's chest also made a groan, and looked very happy, got up from her chair, and opened her hand to Charles. Charles quickly reached out and hugged her, and put her in his arms.

"Oh, thanks, I'm healthy." The Earl looked at the little girl reluctantly, "I think it's rare to have a cold to rest, I really wish I could rest for a few more days...... However, Liana is getting more and more naughty now, and I can't even control her! ”

Then, he rolled up his sleeves and showed Charles the tooth marks on his arm in a conspicuous manner, "She was running around on the ground today, I picked her up, and she actually bit me, it's really unusual!" ”

He laughed as he spoke, clearly not angry about it.

"Oh, that's a bad boy!" Charles pinched the little girl's face exaggeratedly, making her giggle, "I'll punish her for you." ”

"Alright, don't pinch so hard! Young people just don't know what is good or bad. The Count looked at his granddaughter with some distress, "Sit down, sit down!" ”

Charles sat down with Liana in his arms.

"Why did you come to my house today?" The Count curled his smile a little, and began to become serious.

"Count, I need your help so badly that I have to disturb your rare vacation." Charles wasn't polite either. "As soon as you rest, many things will not be able to be carried out, and many people will oppose me, especially on the issue of increasing the foreign investment transaction tax......

Since becoming Chancellor of the Exchequer, Shire has taken a number of approaches to salvage the government's precarious fiscal situation. One of these measures is the increase in transaction tax on foreign investment and capital gains tax on banks. France has a well-developed capital and banking sector, as well as a large number of foreign investments, and the imposition of these taxes will help to expand the government's fiscal revenue.

In addition, when the cost of foreign investment increases, banks will be more enthusiastic about domestic investment, and in fact, domestic demand will increase.

But there is no doubt that his moves will naturally provoke strong opposition from the domestic financial community, some of whom are also well-known within the Banque de France, so Charles needs the Comte de Beauvois, president of the Banque de France, to speak to the scene.

"You're in too much of a hurry." The Count did not say anything directly. Instead, he sank his face, "You've only been in the seat for less than two years, and you haven't figured it out up and down, so you want to make it so intense, what's in it good for you?" ”

"Time is of the essence, there is no need to hesitate." Charles replied very simply, "Today's government finances are like castles on the beach." If we are not careful, there is a risk of capsizing, and we need to do some drastic measures. Besides -- I'm getting a little impatient with the current situation. Now that I have to face the noise of the outside world for every decision I make, how can I make people do things? I need to create a precedent so that the government can interfere in the financial community as needed, rather than having it override the government. ”

"In a sense, you may be right, but even if it's the right thing, you have to do it the right way, otherwise it will become wrong." The Count pursed his lips. "What's the benefit of you getting people to turn against you so fiercely now?"

He did agree with Charles' reasoning, but from the banker's standpoint, he was also opposed to the government imposing heavy taxes on their capital investments, so when many of his colleagues approached him. Nor did he directly refute their arguments.

"Don't tell me any nonsense that is necessary at the moment - what good is it that you are so worried that everyone has such a big opinion of you? To put it bluntly, you have done so much for our Emperor Majesty, and if he takes away all his glory and fame, and you are left with nothing but disgust, what good will you gain? The Earl's tone was very cold, but it made Charles's heart cold, "Charles, you have to keep His Majesty the Emperor in a sense of crisis, so that he needs you, and if you have done everything, he will think that you are dispensable." Don't forget, it's in the nature of monarchs to be ungrateful. ”

"Do you mean that we have wasted all the power and influence we currently have and done nothing?" Charles could not agree with him, "Your Excellency, think about it, as long as the two of us join forces, nothing in the financial world will be able to resist, and the more we fight them, the more your power will grow, until finally, the Banque de France under your leadership will become the undisputed master of all." We should not tolerate a network that connects the whole of Europe and is self-contained. ”

As he spoke, the Count kept looking at him, a young man whom he had watched grow up, and under his gaze he had gone from a down-and-out nobleman to a duke and chancellor of the empire, and still so energetic and ambitious.

It can't be said that his thinking is wrong, maybe this is the difference between young people and old people.

Am I really old? He lowered his face slightly, and saw the little granddaughter in the duke's arms.

Although she was still ignorant and only knew how to giggle, the future would only be theirs.

"Well, when I'm done recuperating, I'll hold a meeting of the directors in two days and tell them about the current situation and my decision." After a moment of silence, he nodded slightly, "However, your drastic measures must be eased up a bit, not so urgently, we must take care of the perception of the entire financial community, and I will show me all the measures you have prepared, and I will review and revise them one by one." ”

"If I don't, will you object to me?" Charles asked.

"I'm sorry, I'll be against it." The Count shrugged, "Unless His Majesty the Emperor grants you full powers and guarantees that our position will remain rock-solid." Can he guarantee it? ”

Obviously, there is no guarantee, although Charles feels that His Majesty the Emperor's reliance on him will not change, but he is a realist after all, and will not make such a naïve judgment.

Charles fell back into thought.

"Okay. I agree with you, and I will try to make my measures as gradual as possible so that the opposition does not rise so loudly. "After a few moments, he made a decision, because the Count's support was crucial to him, and he had to take care of the other party's thoughts." In four or five years, I'm going to get everything done, and no one will be able to oppose us. ”

"The premise, of course, is that you can remain Chancellor of the Exchequer for another four years and continue to have the trust of the Emperor." The Count added with a slight sneer, "Otherwise, you wouldn't have been able to do that." ”

At this point, Charles was silent for a moment, and he lowered his head and teased his daughter.

"Actually, I know that you are in such a hurry because you are afraid that I will die suddenly one day, right?" After a long silence. The Count asked suddenly. "You're afraid I'm dead, you don't have enough supporters, so you want to get everything done now."

"I didn't mean that!" Charles hastened to deny it.

"Come on, Lord Duke!" The Count laughed, "We are all sane realists, and we need no need to disguise it with these polite words. Actually, I think it's strange if you're not so worried! That's right, I'm old now, and my body is not as good as before......"

Of course. His body was so weak because of the terrible accidents of his children.

After a sigh. The Count was silent again, and the study was silent again.

After hesitating for a long time, Charles finally couldn't help it, he probed to observe the other party's expression, and finally slowly spoke, "If you don't think this concern is unfounded. So...... Just let Lola out and forget it. ”

Upon hearing this, Count de Beauwon's eyes widened quickly, and his face twitched slightly, but since it had already begun, Charles was bold enough to continue. "She's your only living child, and she's got a good brain, and she's pretty ......."

"But she killed her brother." The Count replied coldly. "She killed her brother with her own hands and without mercy."

"But you didn't kill her, you were reluctant to kill her, that means you still love her." Charles continued his exhortation, "The past is over, Maurice can't be resurrected, you just face reality......"

"Bastard boy, are you just thinking about interceding with your lover! She killed my son, the only son! The Count's face turned red and he roared at Charles, "Don't think that now that we work together, you can dictate to me!" She must pay for her sins! ”

On the day Lola gave birth to Liana, Count de Beauwon, who had already guessed the truth but remained quiet, directly detained his daughter. As early as when Lola was pregnant, he randomly found a duke from Italy as a nominal husband for his daughter, so Liana was born as the legal heir, and Lola could only be placed under house arrest at home, occasionally with her daughter, and the family's affairs were completely uninvolved.

After learning of the earl's decision, although Charles was a little aggrieved for Liana, he still acquiesced to the earl's disposition, after all, he was the bitter master and had the right to retaliate in any way.

However, in the past two years, seeing that the Earl is getting older and older, Charles has also moved to persuade him to let Lola return. However, after several attempts at him, the Count was furious and refused to agree to his proposal.

On other matters, he was shrewd and far-sighted, but on this issue he could not get around the corner, and he understood what Charles said, but he could not forgive Lola in any way.

"I understand your feelings, and I don't intend to make you make any decisions that go against your will, but I have an obligation to remind you that if you are not willing to cast Lola, what are you going to do with her? She's going to have to come out sooner or later...... You can't wait until Liana grows up, can you? Charles tried to persuade the other party with a calm attitude, "Since she is going to come out anyway, it is better to ......"

"I'm in good health, why can't I wait! I can take care of Liana growing up! I can give everything to my granddaughter! The Count was still angry, "You had better pray that I live longer, or the day I die, the day she dies, I will take her to the funeral for Maurice!" Then you will take your daughter and live well with my wealth! Isn't that just right for you bastard? ”

Charles was speechless.

When it came to this point, it was evident that the Count had lost his mind. It's time to go on.

"Okay, okay, you can deal with these matters yourself, I won't say more." He wiped the sweat from his head and waved his hand repeatedly, "Let's talk about the arrangements in a few days." ”

After he changed the subject. The Earl, who had been very excited, gradually calmed down, and his face turned pale again.

"Did you bring all those documents with you today? I'll see later. ”

"I have already brought it, what time is the minutes, please reply as soon as possible, send someone to send it to me, and we will unify our position before the meeting as soon as possible." Charles replied as he pulled out a few folded pages of paper from his pocket.

After handing over the papers, Charles stroked Liana's back, just before Grandpa roared in anger. Liana was a little frightened, so she buried her head in Charles's arms, and Charles had to gently comfort her daughter.

Just when he felt that the trip had reached its goal and was about to retire first, a strange noise suddenly sounded at the door.

Charles and the Count looked at each other, then confirmed that it was not an illusion.

How can anyone come here? Both of them were amazed.

However, before they could ask questions, the door opened.

A woman in a black dress appeared in their sight.

She was not very tall, but her face was very pale. It seems that the sun is often missing. Her facial features are very delicate, and she looks much younger than her real age. However, at this time, there seemed to be a mist in her eyes, as if she had been possessed by some demon.

The two men in the study were shocked at the same time.

Although Lola was only under house arrest by the Earl and had a certain freedom of movement, she was never allowed to go upstairs, let alone get close to the study. However, she somehow ended up here now.

What's even more horrible is that she also has a gun in her hand.

This...... What the hell is going on!

Charles looked back at the Count in shock, only to find that he had not said a word, but had stared at his daughter without a word of begging for mercy.

"Lola. Don't do that! He turned his head again in a panic and shouted at Lola.

Lola, however, ignored it, closed the door with her hands behind her back, and walked over to the two men step by step.

Perhaps because of her high concentration, her pace was strange, as if a doll was staggering along.

"I should have killed you directly!" The earl, who had been glaring at her angrily, suddenly scolded, ", I actually showed mercy to someone like you!" ”

Then he stood up suddenly, as if he wanted to fight his daughter.

"Bang!" A gunshot rang out, and then the Count fell backwards, as if struck by some evil spirit.

However, even when the gun was fired, Lola's expression was calm, as if nothing had happened.

What a grim expression! Was it the same when she killed her brother? This strange thought flashed through Charles.

In the previous moment, Charles hugged Liana in his arms even more forbiddenly, he did not want his daughter to witness this sudden and terrible scene, and secretly prayed that this incident would not leave a shadow in his daughter's heart.

Then he turned his gaze to look at the Count, who was lying in a pool of blood on the ground. The old man's face was distorted by the severe pain, and he gasped for breath like a carp that had been fished ashore, and he was visibly weakened.

He looked at his daughter with hatred, then slowly stopped struggling.

Finally, he looked at Charles, but could only blink, his lips moving but unable to speak.

Until he stopped convulsing and Madoru lay on the ground with his eyes open, Charles still didn't receive reality unmistakably.

A big man who has influenced the entire French and even European financial circles for decades, and just like that, was suddenly killed by his own daughter?

However, this is the reality.

His almost innate calmness overcame panic and fear, allowing him to miraculously maintain his sanity. And Liana was already fainting from the sudden sound of the gunshot, and the suffocation he had forced into his arms—perhaps that was the best thing for her.

You've killed so many people in your life, and now it's fair to get such a result. Looking at the Count's body, which was obviously already slowly cooling, Charles thought silently.

However, he did not have time to lament for others, and his danger had not yet been lifted. The woman with the gun was standing in front of him, and perhaps soon he too would be victimized.

"Lola...... Lola, it's all over. Charles looked up at the expressionless woman, "Don't go any further, think about you." Think of our daughters! Now you still have a chance to redeem it all, I know your father treated you badly, but now that he's dead, your wish has come true, hasn't it? You can inherit your father's family business, I can help you do it, as long as you continue to cooperate with me like him, Lola, while there is still a chance, don't let everyone burn! ”

Charles wasn't just begging for mercy. That's exactly what he intended.

The death of the Count would deprive him of one of his most powerful helpers, and at this time, he needed them more than ever. It is better for the wealth of the Count de Beauvant to pass into the hands of someone normally, rather than become a mystery because of a murder. As long as Lola is willing to continue working with him, his best course of action is for her to safely inherit her father's fortune - no matter how much effort it takes.

Of course, Lola couldn't compare to her father, so many of his envisioned careers had to slow down. Walk slowly, it's really heartbreaking!

Although the death of the Count saddened him. But he had to think more than justice.

Lola didn't answer, but walked over to Charles, and then stopped two or three paces away.

"Lola, have you figured it out? Now only I can help you, or you'll lose everything. Even living is worse than dying! Ever since you were detained, I have been the only one who cares about you and has been speaking for you, even if he had listened to my advice beforehand. Then all these disasters would not have happened. Charles continued his persuasion, "Alright, Lola, the previous events are history, let's not mention it, think of our daughter!" ”

As he spoke, he pushed his daughter away to prevent Lola from suddenly going crazy, and as a result, he accidentally injured his daughter.

Lola's eyes narrowed slightly, as if mocking him for begging for mercy when he was dying.

“…… You bastard, lowly brute, ruthless and unrighteous dog mongrel, you're telling me this now! Suddenly, Lola scolded loudly, her face full of shocking black gas, "When you raped me in such a despicable way, did you worry about me?" You don't, but you feel like you can trample on my dignity, and you have a sense of accomplishment, right?! Later, you deceived me, and when I was locked up by my father, did you care about the child? You...... How dare you say these things to me? ”

Sensing that something was wrong, Charles opened his mouth to say something more, but he was never given a chance again.

"Bang!"

"The murder of the mentally disturbed Mademoiselle de Beauwon, the death of the Count de Beauvang and the Duke of Kersson"

The next day, the Parisian newspapers reported the super-big news with the same headline, and followed up on it with unprecedented intensity.

People watched the relevant news with great interest, and then discussed the inside story of this case in the streets and alleys, the murder case of the wealthy family is the most able to attract people's attention, not to mention the death of two big people at one time this time? And after this murder, the ownership of the huge wealth of the De-Bowang family has also become the focus of everyone's attention.

A lot of inside information, true or false, spread all over the streets, but none of them expressed grief for the deaths of these two big people.

The truly sad person has been washing his face with tears all day long, and he will never appear in front of people again.

………………………………

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Lola's eyes narrowed slightly, as if mocking him for begging for mercy when he was dying.

“…… You bastard, lowly brute, ruthless and unrighteous dog mongrel, you're telling me this now! ”

She walked up to Charles, then abruptly threw the gun away, then she reached out, slipped down her chest, and grabbed Charles' gun.

Relieved that she needed an orgy outlet, she had waited too long for such an opportunity, and the bastard chose to forget about her crimes, as she expected.

Worthy...... Worthy of being the father of my daughter.

Charles's heart slowly sank in front of the touch from time to time, and he looked at Lola in front of him with wide eyes, and the afterglow fell on the Count's body lying on the ground.

Suddenly, he felt a strange feeling of excitement.

How can I get hard in this situation? He asked himself incredulously. (To be continued.) )