SWDnovel Chapter 29: Drawing Big Pieces, Pieces That Can't Be Enough
Chapter 29: Drawing Big Pieces, Pieces That Can't Be Enough
Since Eugène Napoleon has said so, there's no need to worry about whether it will be effective or not.
The effect was evident in Olivier's shocked expression, his mouth agape and unable to close it for a long time.
The former prime minister stared at Eugène in disbelief. He had never imagined that an heir to the Bonaparte family would say such a thing.
To put it bluntly, after spending time with him, Olivier came to believe that all Bonapartists were supporters of autocratic rule and beneficiaries who lived off the glory of the empire.
As it turned out, the Crown Prince before them understood the empire's ills better than any liberal.
"Since Your Highness sees it so clearly, what is the point of telling me this?"
"Mr. Olivier, I cannot watch France perish in my hands. The Empire certainly has many problems, but now that the Republicans want to overthrow the Empire, it will only plunge France into greater chaos."
Republicans are all talk and no action; they lack the capacity and a mature system to govern a country under Prussian invasion. The Orleansists and Bourbonists are only interested in restoring their own dynasties.
If Bonaparte falls, the three forces will fight each other, which will only tear France apart. And at that time, I think the Prussians will ruthlessly tear off a large chunk of the French Empire.
After all that buildup and self-deprecation, Eugène began to reveal his intentions. The Republican Party wanted to overthrow the empire—that was a fact everyone knew.
Eugène was only describing the worst-case scenario, one that has clearly never occurred historically. However, at least from Olivier's perspective, this worst-case scenario seems to be emerging at present.
Eugène wanted to exploit this to force Olivier to consider the bigger picture and his own unfulfilled political career.
He wanted this former prime minister, who, despite stepping down, still wielded considerable influence within the liberal camp, to work for him.
The Second French Empire was destined to collapse; what Eugène Napoleon wanted to establish was the Third French Empire. Without the collapse of the Second Empire first, he couldn't settle his debts, much less confiscate his property.
However, Eugene, who did not want to oppose most of the capitalist class and wanted to preserve most of his power to fight against Prussia as soon as possible, needed a leader of the capitalist class to work for him.
In order to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control, Eugène Napoleon was willing to offer some grand but empty promises first.
As the first-generation uncle and the third-generation father, he had made many such verbal promises, so how could he, as the fourth-generation descendant, not make them?
"What I want to do is not to maintain the old empire, but to build a new France. I want to abolish autocratic rule and establish a true constitutional monarchy."
I will nationalize the army, reform the finances, and implement educational reforms, making France a truly free, equal, and powerful nation. And for all of this, I need your help.
Partly true, partly false, constitutional monarchy was destined to be the historical trend. Eugène Napoleon would not completely hinder the pace of development, but the necessary retention of power was certain.
It is also true that a new France should be established, because only then can the debt be resolved and new borrowing space be created.
However, such half-truths are the most deceptive. Olivier, standing in front of Eugène, felt his heart skip a beat as he looked at the extremely serious Eugène Napoleon.
Olivier, filled with resentment and unwillingness, could not believe that his lifelong dream of a constitutional monarchy would be uttered by an heir to the Bonaparte family.
It's worth noting that Napoleon III only agreed due to internal pressure, and there were various obstacles and delays in its implementation. Olivier wouldn't be surprised if the French emperor changed his mind at any time.
Now, Eugène's offer of a promise surprised Olivier, who was surprised by the Crown Prince's open-mindedness.
Of course, while Olivier was overjoyed, he also retained a certain degree of rationality.
"Your Highness's words truly moved me, but why should I believe them? His Majesty also promised to implement reforms before, but after becoming emperor, he forgot all his promises."
"I am different from my father. He came to power through a coup and needed to maintain his rule through autocracy. I took over this responsibility when the empire was in its most perilous time. I knew that only reform could save France."
I can assure you that, provided I can stabilize the situation, I will enact a constitution establishing a responsible cabinet system, where the cabinet is accountable to parliament, not the emperor. I will transfer full executive power to the prime minister, retaining only the supreme command of the military and the final say in foreign affairs.
Once I've reorganized the army and stabilized the situation, I can say whatever I want.
However, Olivier was clearly unaware of this idea; he couldn't have imagined that a 14-year-old boy was already making empty promises when he made them.
Olivier, who is now moved by what he has heard, even feels that Eugène, like himself, has the talent of an idealist.
Unbeknownst to Olivier, he had already labeled himself a kindred spirit, and Eugene continued to escalate the persuasion.
"Sir, you can become a member of the French Academy first, and you can write your book without being bothered. But I hope you can stay in Paris and watch what I do."
"If Montauban really messes things up, if France really faces a life-or-death crisis, I hope you can step up and help me stabilize the situation."
"At that time, I will reappoint you as Prime Minister, giving you full authority over government affairs and allowing you to implement your reforms. Together, let's build a completely new France."
Lore!
Eugène's three sentences completely killed the game. Olivier watched as Eugène stood up, extended his hand to him, and looked at the prince's determined eyes.
Thinking of him distributing bread to the public, thinking of his innocent death at the hands of the Republicans, and thinking of his contributions to stabilizing Paris during this period.
With these positive impressions, Olivier could find no reason not to trust Eugène. Moreover, Eugène reminded him of his own youthful ideals and the efforts he had made for reform.
This might be his last chance to realize his dream. Without further hesitation, Olivier stood up and said that he had originally intended to serve Eugène.
"Yes, Your Highness, I promise you. I will stay in Paris and temporarily live in seclusion in my apartment in the Saint-Germain district. I will keep an eye on you, and if needed, I will do everything in my power to help you."
"That's wonderful, Mr. Olivier. I think from today onwards we are comrades-in-arms."