The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 944: 36 Chapters Dividing France_2

For instance, on the Iberian Peninsula in Spain, perhaps the initial smooth sailing of the Spanish campaign made Soult complacent. He even harbored ambitions of crowning himself King in Portugal while the conflict was still unresolved, which caused rifts with several other marshals.

As Soult indulged in the soldiers’ cheers of ’King Nicholas,’ the Duke of Wellington had already taken command of the British forces on the peninsula, leading his troops to land in Mondego Bay, a hundred miles north of Lisbon.

As for Marshal Soult’s performance against the Duke of Wellington, it can be summed up in one sentence: In short, he never won.

However, this can’t be considered too shameful, because even Napoleon Emperor himself never won against Wellington.

Of course, saying this might be unfair, after all, Napoleon only engaged with the Duke of Wellington once. Besides, in the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon was making blunders, so much so that Arthur saw many historians speculate that the reason Napoleon underperformed in the Battle of Waterloo was probably because his hemorrhoids were acting up, it was painful.

Regarding this issue, Arthur had always wanted to ask someone to clarify, but Louis was too young at the time and most likely wouldn’t know if his uncle had hemorrhoids. And Soult, being a close confidant of Napoleon and having campaigned with him for years, would certainly be the most aware of Napoleon’s health condition.

The only problem now is, Arthur felt, asking Marshal Soult in front of so many guests, especially a number of ladies: ”Did Napoleon really have hemorrhoids?”

This question was really too rude.

But this question troubled Arthur greatly. Before obtaining an admission from Marshal Soult himself, Arthur did not intend to believe the conclusions of historians.

Because, to some extent, some historians and journalists have almost identical professional ethics.

How dare they assertively say Napoleon had hemorrhoids?

As if they had physically inspected it.

This is even less credible than the claim that Napoleon’s former wife Josephine smelled like cheese.

After all, that was admitted by Louis himself.

”Hmph.” The habitual rigor of the head of the spies made our Sir Arthur Hastings unable to help but exhale lightly through his nose. He was still pondering what kind of euphemistic way to ask, so Marshal Soult would not feel offended.

Arthur mumbled rehearsing the dialogue: ”Your Excellency, I heard those phrenologists say that noble people usually have extraordinary features. Is there a possibility that the Emperor might have an extra piece of flesh compared to ordinary people?”

Agares used his pinky nail to pick up a piece of apple, seeing through the boy’s intentions in an instant: ”Arthur, you little rascal, I advise you not to do this. Only a Contractor of a devil as tasteless as Baal would ask such a question during a meal.”

Arthur merely glanced at the Red Devil: ”Agares, you always boast about being knowledgeable, yet you don’t even know if Napoleon had hemorrhoids.”

Agares remained unfazed, the Red Devil retorted mockingly: ”Anyway, aren’t they planning to transport Napoleon’s coffin back to Paris? If you don’t mind, you can check then.”

”I’m not so base to that extent, that’s insulting to the corpse.”

Agares chewed on an apple slice: ”What’s the big deal? You speak as if you have never been a corpse yourself.”

Just as Arthur finished speaking, he suddenly heard a murmur coming from the corner of the room.

”My friend, His Majesty cannot promise to appoint you as a minister or head of a department at this time. If we truly serve as ’public servants’ due to our political views, both you and I cannot be complacent with our positions. The advantage of a parliamentary government is its ability to eliminate the past trouble of direct dismissal of ministers by the King. Our parliament is like a hotel, where public opinion often delivers unforeseen guests to us. However, rest assured, His Majesty the King will always know how to place a loyalist like you.”

”Mr. Thiers, I understand your point. As public servants like us, we indeed must bear the solitude. But, take a look, despite having exerted the same effort during the revolution and both having professional knowledge as bankers, over the past three years, Lafitte has served as Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer, Perier has served as Prime Minister and Home Secretary, and even someone not as capable as myself, like Jusco, has now become the head of the Great Paris Police Hall. And me? I haven’t even had a chance to serve the people.”

Thiers coughed: ”Edmond, you must blame yourself. Your stance during the revolution was simply too indecisive. His Majesty has reservations about your position, suspecting you may be a latent Orthodox Party member.”

The old banker in the high hat got flustered upon hearing this: ”Orthodox Party? My God! Mr. Thiers, I assure you, I have never been orthodox in my life. During the Great Revolution period, I first supported the Girondins, later turned to the Jacobins, then to the Directory. During the imperial period, I supported Napoleon. During the Bourbon Restoration, I generously loaned to Louis XVIII, and now after the July Revolution, I am a true Orleans Party member.”

Upon hearing this, Thiers slightly knotted his brows, although this gesture was subtle, it was all caught by Arthur’s eyes.

It was apparent that Thiers, a giant in Parisian politics, was getting a bit impatient.

With a sarcastic tone, he warned: ”Edmond, what you need most now is to wait. Besides, isn’t your current situation quite good? Your wit, cleverness, and sound judgment have allowed your entire family to bask in the King’s grace. Each member of your family is like a silkworm nibbling on the mulberry leaves of this towering tree known as the government.

By the grace of His Majesty and leniency after the revolution, your eldest son still serves as a lifelong city magistrate after the revolution. Your second son, during the Bourbon Restoration, was merely a cavalry captain, but now? Not only was he not dismissed, but he was promoted to Colonel Commander.

Your third son is an official in an outlying province and is the most promising among them. I dare say, it won’t be long before he is promoted to district chief of Paris and might even hold a position in the Parliament. His position is quite secure, more stable than mine because his post is never influenced by cabinet changes. Whereas I, live in constant fear of cabinet reshuffles.

Although you do not hold an official position, His Majesty’s unnoticed grace has already quietly showered upon your family like raindrops. You haven’t become the Senate President, nor have you held a seat in Parliament, but the salary and annual income your family receives is far higher than any minister in the Cabinet!

Most importantly, with such privileges, you don’t even have to worry about inciting jealousy. In the initial stages of constitutional implementation after the revolution, few could fathom those inconspicuous yet exquisite areas on the platter, only the smartest people could harvest from them. Be content, Edmond, do you think it’s easy for me in the Cabinet, or for Jusco in the Great Paris Police Hall?”

Edmond heard that Thiers was getting a bit angry and immediately put on a smile to soothe him: ”Adolphe, don’t be mad. I know your work isn’t easy, so I’m thinking of sharing some of the burden with you? Of course, if you want to shoulder it alone, I also believe you have that ability. But... there’s one thing you got right, my current life is indeed quite good, and the sons all have promising futures. Only...”

Thiers raised an eyebrow: ”Only what?”

The old banker sighed: ”You should know, I have three daughters, the eldest and second are both married. But the youngest, her standards are high, she’s been spoiled since childhood, resulting in her now constantly saying she won’t marry anyone but nobility. I figure, if this drags on, she’ll end up an old maid. So, if you get to see His Majesty and the Queen, could you ask if her majesty is in need of a maid of honor? I’d like to send my dear little Alice to see the world.”