After reaching an agreement with the family members, Charles said no more and had dinner with the family, and he took the opportunity to form a united front with the family and showed his unwavering determination that he had no doubt about Charlotte and would remain steadfast in his side with her. Pen "Fun" Pavilion www.biquge.info

Although he and Charlotte have often quarreled since childhood, although they have often quarreled after they got married, and even recently almost broke up, but after an unexpected blow, Charles found that the emotional bond between him and Charlotte was so deep that he refused to doubt his wife because of Lerouche's strange appearance, let alone break with her.

Under his determination, the other members of Treville also expressed their unanimous position to protect the reputation of Charlotte and the newborn child, although unfortunately, the Marquis of Treville still did not take a stand, but these statements have given Charlotte enough courage to recover a little from the terrible blow.

And just as Charles expected, within a few days, the news that "Madame Tréville gave birth to a strange-looking child" had spread throughout the social world, and suddenly became popular news, and people were secretly talking about it.

Although no one would speak loudly about the news in a formal setting, given the power of His Excellency Chancellor Tréville, the curious people behind the scenes whispered, and some of them, out of curiosity, asked if there was something else to be said about it; Some people are full of malice and deliberately say something to defend Charlotte, but they hide a wit in the words, directly implying that Charlotte may be "careless", so that it leaves a bad result. There were even some who went even worse, simply linking the incident to the high-ranking officials and dignitaries of the entire empire, and denouncing the absurdity of the rulers of the empire.

This trend, like most rumors mixed with wind and politics finally converged in the court.

In the Tuileries Palace in the heart of Paris, ladies and gentlemen still gather today.

Her Majesty the Empress of the Empire had spent the winter in the Château de Fontainebleau, having just returned to the palace two days before, and with her return, of course, the entire group of ladies around her.

And the news about Charlotte has almost become their main topic of conversation in the past two days.

As Her Majesty's chief female officer, and at the same time deeply trusted and favored by Her Majesty, Charlotte usually enjoys the respect of this group of people, but also secretly envied by them, this jealousy has become extremely strong after accumulating for a long time, and now she can get a chance to vent, naturally like a flash flood.

Not only do they want to vent their jealousy, but they also want to ruin Charlotte's reputation in the eyes of Her Majesty so that she will fall out of favor.

"It's scary, a kid with purple eyes, haven't you heard of it? This will bring bad luck to the family, right? Among the flowers of the Tuileries Gardens, several noblewomen gathered, and one of them, dressed in a court dress and holding a fan in her hand, said in horror, "Our Charlotte is unlucky......

"yes, I think that's unlucky...... a younger lady nodded, her tone seemed to mean something, "Charlotte has to pick it too......

"Poof......hahaha," her words provoked a few chuckles. How unlucky, so pitiful! ”

They were all dressed in a very luxurious manner, setting off their own graceful and graceful, and even their smiles were very moving, which could compete with the flowers in the flowerbed that bloomed in early summer, but the implicit thing in their words was like an ice blade, coldly and sharply stabbing Charlotte who was not present, and I just wanted to stab her to the end at once.

"I heard that Mr. Tréville was not angry, he seems to have admitted the account." Another one joined in, she looked the youngest, and judging by her dress, she didn't seem to be married.

"It's a shame that our lovely Charles can endure it...... It's not easy, is it? The lady next to her replied, "He is such a beautiful and shrewd young man, what could Charlotte be dissatisfied with?" I don't understand how beautiful this young man is! And so capable! ”

"Maybe it's just too capable, so there are too many things, and I left my wife out in the cold." The lady who spoke at first replied casually, and in an instant she seemed to be perfecting the whole plot, "I've seen a lot of similar things, and some women are just so difficult to satisfy, aren't they?" ”

"That'...... So how could Charles endure it? I've met him a few times, but he's not the one to swallow his anger. The young lady just now was even more puzzled, "What a powerful young man that is!" Sometimes I envy her. ”

"I'm afraid you don't understand that......" a lady laughed weirdly, "haven't you heard, Charlotte's grandfather didn't know what magic she used when she died, the old man left the inheritance to his granddaughter, and even his own son and grandson could only watch from the sidelines, so this is a lot of money......"

"I see!" The young lady seemed to suddenly realize, "No wonder...... No wonder she is so arrogant, it turns out that she relies on this to suppress her family. ”

After a moment, she closed her eyes again as if she was a little apprehensive, "I...... If I were her, I would never do that, and I'm so satisfied with a husband like that! ”

"Although I can't be a lady now, if you want to be satisfied, maybe you have a chance?!" Madame laughed. "Our lovely Charles need solace too, don't they?"

Her words provoked laughter in the hall again, and these ladies all made fun of this young lady, bringing waves of laughter and laughter.

Matilda, who had been silent not far away, clenched her fists.

You people...... It's so vicious!

After Her Majesty Queen Carona came to France, she was introduced to Her Majesty by her father, because she was about the same age, and she was cautious and very noble-minded, she was appreciated by Her Majesty Queen Carona, and was regarded as a friend of Her Majesty, and was called to Her Majesty's side from time to time.

After two people have been together for a long time, sometimes they will transcend the difference in identity and say some considerate words between friends.

It is precisely because of this relationship that Matilda's status in the court has also skyrocketed, and she is regarded as an existence that cannot be easily offended. Fortunately, her personality is not as strong as Charlotte's, and she rarely conflicts with people, so she does not cause widespread jealousy.

"Matilda, what's wrong with you?" A noblewoman finally saw Matilda's abnormality and greeted her. "Uncomfortable?"

"I hear you...... What you just talked about. Matilda held back the anger in her heart and whispered.

"Oh, is that so? Are you also interested in this topic? Hearing Matilda say this, the other party's interest also rose, "You must be sympathetic to our lovely Charles, right?" This young man has always been very popular. ”

"No...... It's not like that, why should I sympathize with him?! ”

Matilda finally couldn't bear it anymore and asked the other party directly.

"Huh?" The lady looked at Matilda suspiciously, not understanding why she had suddenly exploded.

"I think by talking about this kind of thing, we are discrediting a righteous young man and his wife. They just got a child, and we should bless them and not belittle them so much. Matilda looked straight at the other party, her gaze behind the lenses firm and calm, "It's completely unfounded to make an unprovoked attack because of some unfounded speculation." Mr. Tréville is blessed that he has not suffered any misfortunes, so I do not feel at all that I need to sympathize with him. ”

"It's ...... Is it teaching me? Because of Matilda's attitude, the lady's face changed, "You...... Talk to me like that? ”

Matilda frowned.

It is a terrible thing to offend people in the court, and some small things will be hated for a lifetime, and the education she received since she was a child has made her more aware of the importance of being kind to others.

When the news first broke, she was secretly worried about Charles and Charlotte, and then things quickly turned into taunts and attacks against the young couple, just as she feared.

At first, she could bear it, but when she heard that others had already teased Charles like this, she finally couldn't bear it anymore.

If you offend, you will be offended, am I still afraid of you?

"I'm not teaching you, ma'am, but I'm just reminding you that we are in the middle of the court, and we should be more cautious in what we say and do, rather than degrading others for some unwarranted speculation." Matilda looked at each other unceremoniously, "Charlotte, we've been in contact so many times, can't we see who she is?" She is not the kind of person who would ruin her own reputation and that of her husband, and the accusations against her are baseless! If we were to judge blood by hair color and eyes alone, what would Adam and Eve look like? Aren't we the same as their children? Then why are your eyes and hair different from mine?! ”

This sharp rhetorical question, and unrelenting attitude, made the other party's face pale, but Matilda ignored it at all.

"Charlotte is the chief lady of Her Majesty's majesty, and a member of the court, and a friend of ours, and in our position, we should spare no effort to protect her reputation, and the honor of the whole court, in the presence of unfavorable evidence, or others will only look at our jokes? You're right? ”

The other party's face became even more ugly, and just as she was about to say something, a lady-in-waiting officer from Her Majesty's side came over and whispered that Her Majesty had summoned Matilda and invited her over.

Matilda immediately took the order, and as she was leaving, she heard a few distinct words.

"Who does she think she is......?"

"How dare a broken daughter be so arrogant? Sooner or later, call her good-looking! ”

She closed her eyes.

Compared to the criticism that Charles and Charlotte endured, the attack was a breeze in the face.

Soon, she followed the lady to the deepest part of the garden, where Her Majesty, the Empress of the present French Empire, was sitting idly in the gazebo, lazily gazing at the flowers around her.

"You may be seated, Matilda." As soon as she saw Matilda coming, she smiled kindly, "I just saw that you seemed to be arguing with some people, so I quickly called you away, didn't disturb your interest?" ”

It's a rare honor to call you between her and Matilda.

"Thank you very much, Your Majesty." Matilda bowed respectfully to each other before sitting down, "Thank you for pulling me out of the ridiculous mud, it's so uncomfortable to talk to them. ”

"Why did they offend you?" Her Majesty asked with a smile.

"For the sake of some of the previous gossip that they viciously attacked Charlotte and His Excellency Chancellor Tréville, I ...... I couldn't see it anymore, so I stood up and explained it to them. ”

"Hah! It turns out that there is still reason to talk about in this court? Her Majesty smiled even more heartily, "But this rumor is also interesting...... What do you think? ”

"This is a vicious and ridiculous rumor, unfounded." Matilda immediately replied, "Your Majesty, we ought to put a stop to the rumors in the court, and not to discourage one of His Majesty's most trusted ministers by letting such a thing happen......"

"Is it really that ridiculous?" Her Majesty Queen Carona asked rhetorically. "And, my friend, why are you so angry?"

Matilda was momentarily speechless.

It was true that she didn't have the confidence to say that the rumors must be false, but she really couldn't stand the ridicule of Charles in front of her, and she didn't want to see her beloved being laughed at in private. When Charles was subjected to such an unprovoked attack, she felt as if she had been attacked, painful and irritated.

"Now that His Excellency Chancellor Tréville is firmly behind his wife, I believe that Charlotte is absolutely innocent." After a moment of silence, Matilda replied, "Moreover, this is someone else's family matter, and now that everyone else thinks it's okay, we can't bother ourselves......"

"It's not wrong to say that mediocrity disturbs themselves, it's just Charlotte's family matter, why should we judge others?" This sentence made Her Majesty the Queen nod, "Actually, Charlotte is ...... Even if it's true...... That's fine, I don't think Mr. Tréville is an honest man, wouldn't it be fair for Charlotte to take revenge? ”

This Matilda didn't dare to pick it up.

"In short, there is really no need to talk about this matter, and we don't need to pay attention to family affairs for others." Her Majesty Queen Kalona laughed again, "So what do you think we should do to defeat this rumor?" ”

"I have seen rumors ten times more absurd and vicious than this one, so I know that rumors are just parasites attached to hatred and jealousy, and that they come and go as fast as they come, and that if we can remain steadfast and continue to support Charlotte, the rumors will soon pass." Matilda raised her head and looked at Her Majesty the Empress, "Your Majesty, I beg you to issue a decree prohibiting the discussion of this matter in the court, punishing those who dare to slander Madame Treville, and at the same time you may personally receive Charlotte to express your condolences to her, and at the same time show that her position is unshakable......"

"Slap, slap, slap" Suddenly, Kalona applauded.

"Your Majesty?" Matilda was confused.

"My dear friend, you want to go with me." Queen Carona squeezed her eyes, "I've summoned Madame Trevier, she'll be here in a moment, and I've missed her after so long not seeing her." ”

"What about you...... Then why do you ask me...... "Matilda was surprised and delighted.

"Trick you, can't you?" Her Majesty said confidently that it was only then that she could see from her smile that she was still a girl under twenty years old.

This smile is a little narrow, full of ridicule for friends. "I'm good friends with Charlotte, she's genuinely respectful to me, and she's a warm-hearted person, so she's having something to do right now, and I should help her, shouldn't I? Besides, her husband has also done me a great deal of credit, and recently asked the Emperor of Austria to come over to congratulate me on my birthday - of course, I only tell you that. Kings can't make deals with their courtiers, so I can't say that I'm willing to help them for merit, I'd rather say it's for friendship. ”

Then, there was a little more sly in her smile, "But...... I'm curious, my friend, why are you so indignant? I'm going to repay Charlotte and her husband, but what about you? From what I've observed, isn't your relationship with Charlotte too good? I saw you fight that day, so why are you so anxious about her and even quarrel with other people? This isn't like your usual style. ”

"I ...... I ......" Matilda's face flushed slightly, but she quickly calmed down, "My father and my brother have both been blessed by Mr. Treville, so I want to repay him......"

"Sure enough, it's for Mr. Treville......" Her Majesty understood something, and laughed, "I'll just say, that guy is not honest at all, and Charlotte did nothing wrong!" ”

In the laughter of Her Majesty, Matilda seemed to want to say something, but she raised her hand to stop her, "Okay, you don't need to say something against my will, I won't interfere in your affairs." But...... I'm a bit of a pity, why do girls like you have to like someone like that? There are so many people who can make you choose ...... calmly."

"Your Majesty, this is my private matter, you don't have to worry about it, I appreciate your care for me, but I am a stubborn person, and I will not change my opinion because of others." Matilda interrupted Her Majesty's words with some rudeness, and her attitude was firm and calm, "Besides, I ...... Even if I had done something dishonorable, I would not have done anything vicious to secretly attack Madame Treville, and I am convinced that she was innocent. ”

"You're all very good people, so why do you have to be fooled by that kind of person?" Her Majesty frowned, and finally sighed.

Matilda was silent, and at this moment, led by the lady-in-waiting, Charlotte also came over.

"It is a pleasure to be able to come back to see you, Your Majesty." As soon as she saw the queen, she saluted.

"Charlotte, we've missed you!" Her Majesty hurriedly beckoned her to sit down as well, and then looked at Charlotte carefully.

Maybe it's because she just gave birth, she is now weak and pale, and the corners of her eyes are a little puffy, and she doesn't seem to have slept well or even cried many times, which is really pitiful to see. However, from her demeanor, you can still see some of the strength and arrogance of the past.

"My poor friend!" Seeing such a haggard Charlotte, Queen Carona couldn't help but feel a little pity, "You have really suffered during this time. ”

"If you want to be a mother, you have to suffer, what can you do?" Charlotte smiled wryly. "But fortunately, the mother and son are very safe, and everything is worth it."

If you usually hear this, you may feel that you will show off, but on this occasion, Her Majesty always feels that there is a bit of bitterness in her words.

"Since everything is going well, that's great." After a moment, Her Majesty smiled and comforted Charlotte, "Recently...... Recently, there have been some not so pleasant rumors in the palace, but don't worry, rumors are just rumors after all, and they will definitely not affect my opinion, and they will definitely not shake your position with me...... I'm still going out of my way to support you, and when you're well, come and see me more, right? I've always been bored without you in the palace. ”

"Okay, I'll be back with you as soon as possible." Charlotte was greatly moved and nodded hurriedly. "Thank you ......"

She also knew how precious it was for Her Majesty the Queen to be able to summon her immediately and express her support in person under such circumstances, so of course she was very happy.

"Don't just thank me, it's all Matilda's advice, she's angry at the rumors that have attacked you, and she argues with many people to protect your reputation." Her Majesty laughed again, "Matilda also asked me to issue an injunction against anyone in the court from talking about this kind of gossip, and I am ready to do so. ”

"That's ......," Charlotte was surprised, and looked at Matilda suspiciously, wondering why she did it.

Matilda was also a little embarrassed and hurriedly looked away.

"I have so few friends, how boring would it be if you were to quarrel with each other?" Her Majesty smiled and said, "Okay, have you brought the child?" Let me see......"

"Well, I've brought it over." Charlotte nodded immediately, and then the female officer behind her brought a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Her Majesty was initially a little surprised when she saw the child's appearance, but she soon looked at the child carefully.

In particular, the pair of crystal clear eyes that refracted a strange light made her a little, as if she was admiring some jewelry.

"What a lovely child!" After looking at it for a long time, Her Majesty suddenly sighed.

Then, teasingly, she put her finger in the baby's mouth and let him suck hard, and she giggled. "In the future, he will definitely become a very lovely young man, with such beautiful eyes!"

The old marquis would be furious at doubting the bloodline, and she didn't care about that at all, so she was able to appreciate the beauty with pure objectivity.

"I am so grateful that you can say that, Your Majesty." Charlotte cautiously approached Her Majesty's side, then lowered her voice and said, "Your Majesty, can I ask you for one thing?" ”

"Huh?" Her Majesty was a little surprised, "Tell me, what's the matter?" ”

"I ...... I would like to ask you to be his protector and assist me in taking care of this poor child. Charlotte pointed to her youngest son, tears faintly appearing in the corners of her eyes, "This is my only plea to you, please ...... For the sake of my respect and hard work for you all these times, please grant my request, can you? I'm so worried about this child's future...... I couldn't sleep at the thought of people bullying him and laughing at him......"

Charlotte's affectionate words made Queen Carona stunned for a moment.

From Charlotte, she suddenly remembered her old father, the father who had taken care of her since she was a child, cared for her, and aged and deceived.

I don't know when her own child will be born?

As Her Majesty the Queen, it would be a dereliction of duty if he could not fulfill his legal obligations and bring an imperial heir to this empire who was sufficient to continue the national lineage.

"Parents in the world are really pitiful...... she finally sighed with a little sourness, "Well, let me also taste what it is like to be a mother beforehand." ”

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Charlotte stood up again and bowed down to Her Majesty the Queen gratefully, "I will never forget your help to us today, you will be Your Majesty whom our family has always honored. ”

"Hey, it's a little embarrassing to say such solemn things at this time." Her Majesty couldn't help but laugh, "If you really appreciate me, come and see us more, let's have fun together, and by the way, plan how to receive that emperor." ”

His Majesty Franz-Joseph is scheduled to come to Paris soon to attend the celebration of Her Majesty's twentieth birthday, which has been regarded by the French court as the most important thing at present.

"My husband and I will be there for you." Charlotte also smiled slightly, "His Majesty Franz-Joseph will surely return to us satisfied." ”

"That's great." Her Majesty nodded in satisfaction, and then picked up Lelouch again, "Let me see this little guy again, shall you?" ”

Charlotte willingly walked away with Matilda next to her.

"Thank you." After leaving the pavilion, Charlotte whispered to Matilda.

"No thanks......" Matilda lowered her head and looked at her feet, "this is just a small compensation I owe to you." After all, I still haven't given up on my wishes. ”

Charlotte's expression became a little strange, but in the end, she didn't say anything, but just greeted the group of ladies in the garden.

And at this time these people also saw her, and after the initial shock, they immediately burst into smiles, as if they were not the ones who had just mocked her.

"Good luck, ma'am." Matilda was behind her, in a voice that no one could hear.