Just as Charlotte returned to the court, met Her Majesty the Queen, and appeared in front of the ladies of the court in an awe-inspiring manner, Charles was also in the same palace to meet his benefactor. Pen fun and pavilion www.biquge.info

He accompanied his wife to show that the Tréville family was rock-solid, that there was absolutely no rift due to Charlotte's sudden accident, and that they were unwavering in their support for his wife, and that he was also a way to show trust to the outside world that they were the two of them - as long as there was such grace, then others would have to keep a little jealous of the two of them in private, and the rumor would pass faster.

Of course, in front of His Majesty the Emperor, what they have to discuss will not be just some trivial matters in the court.

In the famous little study with vaulted doors in the Tuileries Palace, His Majesty the Emperor sat leisurely behind a walnut desk, looking nonchalantly at the young favourite opposite.

His Majesty the Emperor was in a very good mood today, and his well-maintained beard seemed to be cocked.

"It seems that the Russians have come to believe that we really have no intention of fighting them with arms." There seemed to be an overflow of smugness in his tone, more like a bloodthirsty desire, "That minister has been tricked by us in Fontainebleau, and he has faithfully fulfilled his mission and deceived his monarch, which will make Russia doomed!" ”

"Congratulations, Your Majesty." Charles duly congratulated His Majesty the Emperor and cheered him on, "From the information now received, the Russians' desire to march is no longer contained, so the Turks and Austrians are terrified, and are afraid that they will be crushed by the rolling chariots. ”

"Our diplomats have made it clear to the Turks that if they dare to resist the Russian aggression, then we French will regain the historical and traditional friendship between the two countries and help them resist that evil frenzy of aggression......" His Majesty the Emperor raised his index finger and made a gesture that was as expected, "so that after receiving such clear support from us, they have the courage to do their best with the Russians." As for the Austrians...... I have to say that it's a good thing to make them frightened, and only when they are too scared to possess their souls will they put aside their boring stubbornness to face reality and then be brothers with us. ”

It stands to reason that the monarchs of all European countries will call each other brothers, but since the accession of His Majesty Emperor Napoleon III, the situation has been different, and the monarchs of European countries, with their old pride, look down on this nouveau riche, and would rather call him "my friend" than call him brothers, which of course makes him haunted.

Now that he saw that the Habsburg emperor still wanted to call him brothers, and even came to flatter him in person, he was naturally filled with the joy of revenge.

"There is no doubt that in order to make the Austrians honest, of course we have to bang and beat them, and we have to make them feel the pressure from time to time. But Your Majesty, I think we ought to keep the intensity of this pressure in check, so that the Austrians do not turn away from us in a state of panic against us. Charles first echoed His Majesty's words, and then changed his mind to his own opinion, "Austria is a good tool, and I think we should find a way to hold them in our hands." ”

"yes, I forgot, we have a hardcore pro-Austrian here!" His Majesty the Emperor smiled slightly. "Charles, we will take a good reception to His Majesty the Emperor, as long as he is a brother to us, of course we must be generous."

His Majesty the Kaiser took pleasure in mocking Russia and Austria, and although Charles superficially agreed with him, he still implicitly reminded him that he should pay attention to maintaining relations with Austria, not to hurt their pride when Austria had already bowed its head for the time being, and to find a way to win over Austria.

However, His Majesty's answer was still unfathomable, and from his face, it was not clear whether he supported or dissupported Charles's opinion, but only said that he would receive this guest from afar, as if he did not understand the implicit meaning of Charles's words.

This evasive answer made Charles's mind unfathomable, but he was not easy to ask, so he was a little suspicious.

He promised in the presence of Prince Richard von Metternich that he would guarantee France's friendship with Austria with his future, and it was for this reason that the Austrian Emperor agreed to come to France and reconcile with the French Emperor. If the French emperor crossed the river and demolished the bridge, and after gaining face, he refused to make friends with Austria, wouldn't that put him in a very embarrassing situation? If you don't do it, you will have a bankrupt reputation.

"Your Majesty, judging from the circumstances before us, Russia is already a great enemy, and Prussia may at any time follow Russia as our enemy, and Austria is an extremely useful tool, both in terms of intimidating Prussia and in terms of restraining the Russians," and because of this consideration, Charles continued to persuade His Majesty the Emperor, "so I think we should continue to deal with Austria with full sincerity, both in dealing with the present and in planning ......for the future."

"Are the Prussians so terrible?" The Emperor asked rhetorically.

"I don't think they're particularly scary, but right now, they're the only military power on our border." Charles replied calmly.

Indeed, because of the Prince of Metternich's dominance, the Vienna system made special arrangements, the German territories along the Rhine were given to Prussia, and the southeastern part of France was blocked by the Kingdom of Sardinia, so that now there was only one power left in France's neighbors, Prussia, in other words, the only power that could prevent French influence from crossing its borders, and Charles's words were valid in every way.

"Okay, Charles, you've said this question many times, I understand everything, I'll think about it." His Majesty the Emperor waved his hand, indicating that he no longer wanted to talk about the subject, "but I think we should leave more flexibility for our foreign policy, and not limit the future now." ”

That's the problem. Charles sighed inwardly.

His Majesty the Kaiser, or the vast majority of the French, did not now consider the Prussians to be terrible, nor did they think that they were facing an imminent crisis, so they still believed that France was the number one power on the continent, and that there was no need to defend itself by means of alliances, but that they should leave flexibility for diplomacy.

Louis Bonaparte, in particular, was a mercurial and even somewhat capricious man, and he was even more reluctant to limit imperial diplomacy to a certain number.

Therefore, even if Charles took the trouble to emphasize the need to be friendly with Austria many times, he was still ambiguous and refused to give a clear answer, which also made Charles a little discouraged.

"Charles, you don't work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs now, so don't interfere too much in the work of your colleagues." Perhaps seeing Charles's frustration, His Majesty the Emperor laughed again, "Now, we don't have to think so far ahead, our goal is to win this war, and you bear a great responsibility for this, you should focus your main energy on this matter." ”

His Majesty the Emperor's advice was neither soft nor hard, so that Charles had to interrupt the advice, he could only nod, "I understand, Your Majesty, now I am doing my best to promote the production and transportation of the rear, and strive to use the domestic forces to support the expeditionary force to the greatest extent, I believe that I can provide sufficient supplies for this expeditionary force." ”

"That's your greatest contribution to the Empire, and I'm sure no one can do it better than you. By the way, your grandfather...... How are you feeling lately? After laughing for a moment, His Majesty the Emperor suddenly asked. I've heard he's feeling a little down—"

This question made Charles's heart sink suddenly.

Because of the recent Lerouche incident, the Marquis of Treville was furious several times, and finally managed to temporarily curb his anger under the persuasion of Charles, so that he did not make a bigger incident, and after the news came out, Grandpa naturally had to face more pressure, and he was full of resentment towards Charlotte because of this, and almost refused to meet Charlotte again.

It is precisely because of this incident that Charles has been feeling heavy lately.

However, he can't tell everything here, and there is no need for him to blow up his family affairs and make others laugh; Second, more importantly, his grandfather is the commander of the scheduled expeditionary force, and the person who was already a little enthusiastic about this position muttered in private that the old marshal was too old and afraid that his energy would be low, if he said this again, wouldn't it make his grandfather's status even more questioned?

"My grandfather recently ...... The mood is not bad. Finally, he pressed the mixed feelings in his heart and replied in a low voice, "He is now eager to try, and he is bent on establishing an immortal legacy for you, for the empire, and for himself." ”

"Is that so? That would be great, and I absolutely believe he will be able to do it. His Majesty the Emperor nodded slightly, as if to show his support for the Trevills in this way.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Charles bowed his head.

The two of them fell into silence all of a sudden.

His Majesty the Emperor could see that Charles was in a somewhat depressed mood now, and of course he knew why this energetic young man was depressed at this time.

I don't know why, when I saw him in high spirits, His Majesty the Emperor felt a little jealous in his heart; But when he saw this favored minister so depressed, he felt a little pity.

After all, this is a loyal subordinate who has served him for so long, and he is still so capable of doing so much for himself.

"Charles, I hope you don't take certain things to heart, and I have decided to intervene myself and not allow anyone to slander you...... and your wife. In the end, His Majesty the Emperor couldn't help but say, "I will never allow any rumors against you to spread, this kind of rumor is not only against your attack, but also against the Empire, this must be an ugly deed done by people with ulterior motives in order to damage the image of the Empire, and it must be strictly stopped!" ”

His Majesty the Emperor's unmistakable relief and support surprised Charles a little, and he looked up at his Majesty in disbelief.

Ever since he ascended the throne, he had been very sophisticated, rarely showing his attitude in front of others in order to control his subordinates, but now he encouraged himself so clearly.

After all, he still misses his old feelings. My hard work was not completely in vain.

"Thank you for your support, Your Majesty......" Charles bowed to the Emperor again, and this time he was a little more genuinely grateful.

And his mood was much better.

……………………

Under the watchful eye of the guards, Charles left the study, ready to find his wife.

And just as he was about to cross the corridor and get to the garden, he unexpectedly met Matilda.

"Charles......" Matilda was looking at Charles with an excited expression. I was looking for you! ”

"Matilda......" Charles was stunned for a moment, then laughed in surprise!

It was as if a hot current rose from the bottom of his heart, and he suddenly felt that his abundant energy had returned to his body for a long time.

Matilda...... Long time no see. ”

When he was in a low mood, it was really a surprise to be able to meet her.

Ignoring this, he strode over to Matilda, wanting to give her an intimate hug and vent his frustration.

"Come with me, I have something to say to you." Upon noticing Charles' actions, Matilda's face flushed slightly, and she made a gesture to stop Charles' footsteps, then tilted her head to the side.

"Well, good!" Charles nodded immediately, and followed her into the garden.

However, Matilda did not take him to him, but took him along the path of the garden to a remote corner, and Charles did not say much, but followed her in silence.

"Right here, I have something to tell you......" When she came to the corner of the palace and made sure that there was no one on all sides, Matilda stopped, "Ah......"

She didn't speak, for by this time Charles had put his arms around her, then put his head on her shoulders and rubbed her cheek from the side.

"It's quiet enough here for us to have a good conversation."

"Sir, don't do this, this is in the palace!" Matilda hurriedly stopped him, but where could he stop it, he could only give up the struggle after a hurry, "You...... Can you listen to me......? ”

"I can, you name it." Charles put his arm around her, then listened quietly.

"Recently...... I've heard a lot of rumors about you lately because of that, and I think you've been under a lot of pressure lately......" Matilda turned her head with difficulty and looked at Charles, her eyes behind the lenses full of relief, "Please don't take this kind of thing too seriously, they're just jealous of you...... You're too shiny for them to find a place to attack you before, so now they have taken advantage of their chance, and of course they want to take advantage of it. ”

"Whatever others want to say, they can say it, I won't take it to heart." Charles shook his head, "As long as you still support me." ”

"Of course I'm rooting for you!" Matilda hurriedly replied, "I...... I was furious when I ran into them gossiping about you...... Not only are I angry with them, but also at myself, why can't I eliminate such trouble for you, this really makes me feel guilty...... In the end, I can only solemnly ask them to stop gossiping about you, and ask Her Majesty to proclaim an injunction to protect the honour of you and your wife. Hey, if only I could do more! I'm so sorry! ”

The words were so remorseful that Charles didn't know how to answer them for a moment.

"You don't have to blame yourself...... It's not your fault at all. After a long time, he raised his hand and gently stroked her smooth and fair face, "Actually, I can handle these things by myself, you don't need to make enemies for yourself." ”

"How can I stand idly by when you are in such trouble, I can't do it! I just hate that I can do so little. Matilda lowered her gaze, as if she was still grieving about it, "However, everything will be fine, and I will support you as much as I can, a power that may be small but useful to you." ”

"Don't worry about me," Charles continued, then whispered into her ear, "no matter what, I'm a winner, and I can always win." ”

“…… That's what worries me about you. Matilda was anxious, struggled hard, turned around, and looked at Charles head-on, "You don't need to push yourself, obviously you are very uncomfortable...... You are also anxious and depressed, why do you have to force yourself so much? Is it bad to spit out bitter water? ”

This interrogation made Charles stunned again.

As Matilda watched him, he found himself barely able to hide himself as he normally would.

Only at this time could he feel the depth of the depression and anger in his heart.

"What's the solution? That's all I can do! After a long silence, he let out a long sigh and then looked at the distant sky, "I must stand strong, or I can't imagine how it will end." ”

Yes, in Charlotte, and even in front of Fran, although he was extremely respected and even blindly believed, he also carried a huge responsibility because of it, and he could not play the role of a person other than the perfect man.

But he himself knew that he was not perfect, that he had all kinds of weaknesses, and that all the weaknesses that people usually have, and that these weaknesses could only be covered up and restrained, and could not be completely set aside.

Right now, he's anxious and miserable.

Although he knew that these gossips and vicious attacks would not cause him any real harm, the pain could not be avoided.

But he could only hide all these anxieties, he was afraid of shattering their beliefs, and more importantly, he knew that he couldn't add more pressure to Charlotte.

Charlotte had cried for an unknown number of times because of this, and she almost had a nervous breakdown, and now she was able to barely get up her spirits, which was also the result of Charles's efforts to soothe her, but if even he himself showed that anxiety, God knows what would happen to her.

Maybe it was because he hid well enough, maybe it was because of the deep-rooted blind belief in him, Charlotte finally found a spiritual support and stabilized again, and others could still see the confident and conceited minister, even His Majesty the Emperor only vaguely felt that he was a little depressed, but he didn't think that this pressure was too great.

Matilda, on the other hand, could feel the depression in his heart and was worried about it.

"If you can't get off the stage in front of others...... Then at least in front of me, please rest for a while! Pretending to be okay when you're in pain will only double your pain, so you need a place to vent...... There's no one here, it's just me, you can vent without any scruples, it's okay......" Matilda suddenly looked away, as if she was a little embarrassed, "because...... Because the person I love is not an omniscient and omnipotent you, but a person who can go on even if you are anxious and afraid, even if you are worried... Therefore, you can vent in front of me, and I will not underestimate you because of this, nor will I be sad and hopeless because of it, on the contrary, I will be even more happy, because only in front of me you have no reservations......"

"Yes...... Is that the case? Charles' eyes widened.

"yes, do you think I need a perfect person to support myself?" Matilda asked, "No, I don't, my mind can support itself." Sir, no one is perfect, and no one needs a god to keep him company, and I have known this for a long time...... What I like about you is that you are not perfect, and of course not everyone likes that, it's just me. ”

Truly...... There's really not much more to say.

Charles only felt a sore nose and almost burst into tears.

He suddenly stretched out his arms, hugged Matilda horizontally, and then picked her up.

"Huh!" Matilda's face turned white with fright, "What are you doing?" This is the Royal Palace! ”

"I care so much!" Charles laughed, "You've made me happy, I should reward you." ”

“…… These are two different things! Matilda was even more anxious, "Let me go." ”

"It's one thing!" Charles leaned down and kissed her on the lips.

It wasn't until a long time later that they separated.

"Sometimes you're really like a child, headstrong and foolish, and you don't care what people say." Matilda's face was completely red, and her voice was staccato, and she didn't know whether to blame or laugh, "If you keep doing such nonsense, what will you do in the future?" ”

"Isn't it good to be willful a few times?" Charles asked rhetorically, "People should always be willful a few times, isn't it me who you like?" ”

"Occasionally...... Occasionally, yes. Matilda closed her eyes. But only occasionally! ”

Then, she opened her eyes softly and looked at Charles, "Are you feeling better now?" ”

Charles nodded heavily, and he was in high spirits again. "Much better!"