French Empire: But Napoleon IV

Chapter 81: The Gaze Returns to Paris, the Plan Begins

At 8 a.m. on September 5, at the Vincent military camp in the eastern suburbs of Paris.

The severe industrialization of Paris resulted in intense air pollution, producing a leaden-gray morning fog unique to industrial societies.

It covered the entire camp like a wet rag.

Horse hooves pounded the muddy ground, leaving a trail of marks of varying depths. The 3.6 soldiers of the 13th Army were arranged in thirty square formations.

Each soldier's baggage contained three days' worth of dry rations, sixty rounds of ammunition, and a tin identification tag engraved with the word "Paris," a symbol of the Paris Legion.

Eugène stood on the reviewing stand, his dark blue marshal's uniform pressed perfectly, and the saber at his waist was the one Napoleon I had used in the Battle of Austerlitz.

Eugene was certainly not a marshal, but that didn't stop him from wearing a marshal's uniform at such a time to see the soldiers off and leave a lasting impression on them.

As for whether he would be attacked by the military or the government, Eugene didn't care. At this point, he treated the government's words as utter nonsense.

Without using a brass megaphone to speak, Eugène stood on the stage with his mouth shut, his gaze sweeping over the young faces.

Most of these people are workers and farmers from the outskirts of Paris. Just two weeks ago, they were carrying hammers and hoes, but now they can obey orders without question.

As Eugène's gaze swept over them, the soldiers all straightened their chests, eager to show off in front of His Highness.

As the noise gradually subsided and the entire square fell silent, Ou Rencai walked to the brass megaphone in front of him and began to give a loud speech to the soldiers of the 13th Army through the loudspeaker.

Deep down, I always said it was my last speech, but that last time never really ended. Just like telling myself to start working hard tomorrow, Eugène's speeches were the kind of speeches where I'd work hard tomorrow.

However, compared to his previous frequent speeches, Eugène now speaks much less often.

Previously, the goal was to quickly win people's hearts and minds. Now that most people have been won over, continuing to give high-intensity speeches will only breed resentment.

On the occasion of the 13th Army's departure for the expedition, I believe that delivering a rousing and inspiring speech would be very effective.

"Soldiers, today you are heading to the Marne front. Your families are in Paris, your homes are in Paris. I swear to you, as long as I, Eugène Napoleon, live, I will not let the Prussian hooves set foot on Paris."

"I will remain at the Tuileries Palace, to the death with Paris. On the day of your triumphant return, I will personally conduct the parade for you at the Arc de Triomphe. All those who return alive will be granted land and honors by the nation."

Long live France!

"Long live His Highness the Crown Prince!"

To avoid aesthetic fatigue, and having already said everything that needed to be said, Eugene didn't need to continue emphasizing the sense of honor to the soldiers. He simply reiterated his stance and matters concerning the soldiers' own interests.

The soldiers, genuinely moved by Eugène's renewed promise, shouted with joy and waved their rifles vigorously.

For soldiers who had just received their full pay in gold coins, could take hot showers twice a week, and received timely medical treatment when wounded, Eugene, like Joan of Arc, represented their inner faith in France, a country steeped in religious beliefs.

This kind of faith is based more on material foundations. If material things stop, the feelings will probably be wiped out before long.

However, this was more than enough. The morale of the 13th Army was soaring on September 5th, which was simply unbelievable.

Standing beside Eugène, watching the soldiers below shouting, Conrobel sighed softly. As the plan progressed, Conrobel had also come to know Eugène's complete scheme.

The fact that they were going to attack their own people, and that they were acting in such an extreme and unorthodox way, made this old marshal, who was not very capable, quite worried.

"Your Highness, are we really going to transfer all three armies? The Republicans have at least 10,000 rifles, and numerous banks are backing them."

"Marshal, vipers are only easy to fight when they come out of their holes. If I leave the army in Paris, they will only hide in the shadows and plot. Only when they feel they have an opportunity will they jump out, and only then can we uproot them all at once."

While cheerfully waving to the soldiers below, Eugène softly responded to Conrobel's concerns.

The arrow was on the bowstring, and it had to be released. This plan had to be carried out, and Eugene alone would bear the blame.

Moreover, history is written by the victors. As long as he wins, the future French people will have no way of knowing that the republican rebellion was, from beginning to end, the result of Eugène's entrapment operation.

"Drema has been infiltrating them for a month. We know everything about their meetings and plans. I have people monitoring all the sewers and underground passages in Paris. If they dare to make a move, they will not be able to escape Paris."

Cornelius wanted to say something more. This marshal was indeed not suited to such conspiracy theories, but in addition to his rigidity, Cornelius also possessed the characteristic of loyalty.

Because it was Eugène's request, Conrober would comply; however, the request was too extreme, so Conrober didn't want to comply...

The two logics looped back and forth, and in the end, Conrobel didn't crash due to the code conflict. Conrobel, who was loyal to the superior code, chose to nod and accept it.

It was mainly because of their time together that Conroy realized that this young crown prince never fought an unprepared battle, so he was willing to trust Eugene's choice.

While the two were talking quietly, on the square, as the bugle sounded, the 13th Army began to set off in an orderly manner.

The long queue stretched southeast along St. Anthony's Avenue, seemingly endless. Due to the sheer number of people and the immense pressure on transportation capacity, they had to depart from multiple train stations.

The streets along which the army marched were crowded with citizens who came to see them off, waving tricolor flags and throwing flowers and bread at the soldiers.

At this time, the battle on the Meuse was going well, rekindling the Parisian people's hopes for the empire. The boiling kettle of Paris was cooled somewhat by the fighting on the front lines.

Standing on the reviewing stand, after watching the last soldier leave, Eugène turned around and gave orders to his personal guard captain, Royal.

"Inform Drema that the original plan can proceed. From now on, Paris is under martial law, and all people entering or leaving the city will be subject to strict checks."