At Palmerston's initiative, the men stopped their verbal conversation and began to drink and talk about nonsensical topics.

When Charles had quietly and tactfully told them all the truth, apart from the seemingly vague encouragement, Foreign Secretary Palmerston and Prime Minister Russell did not say anything further, and they only chatted with Charles, apparently not wanting to reveal any more details to Charles.

Enough had been talked about, and it would be inappropriate for them to talk more now - until the last moment the British wanted to maintain a pre-emptive position and decide for themselves whether to participate or not to participate in some radical "peace-keeping operation".

Knowing their style and motivations, Charles did not want to do anything but force them to take a stand, but instead talked and laughed with them.

Years of experience have already taught him that if a person really wants something from someone else, then he had better show that he doesn't care so much about it.

As the conversation dragged on to near noon, Prime Minister Russell glanced at Palmerston, apparently feeling that it was time to take his leave.

"Mr. Treville, I have to say that the conversation with you today has been very pleasant, and that you are more skilled in this craft than I thought." Palmerston raised his head slightly, then added meaningfully, "You have presented us with an attractive picture that at least allows us to look forward to, and I hope you will be able to make it happen." ”

"I think we're all gentlemen. And gentlemen are supposed to keep their promises, not just us. The same goes for you. Charles hit back with no humility or arrogance, "We are happy to keep our credit in order to maintain the goodwill of the British." But we are not so sure about the UK. ”

"The British also keep their word." Palmerston sneered and waved his hand, "But I am afraid you have misunderstood what I mean—I am not doubting the credibility of you or Monsieur Bonaparte, but I am worried about the stability of the nascent regime to which you belong, and if you cannot maintain this stability, even if you or Monsieur Bonaparte are so keen to maintain the friendship between England and France?" It doesn't help. ”

"Judging by the nostalgia of the French for the Bonaparte family and the empire, our regime is quite solid." Charles replied without thinking, not at all taking his implied sarcasm and concern to heart. "Besides. If you have good intentions and wish that we would be able to hold on to our power, you should take the initiative and be friendly to remove this instability from us, and do not forget that there is still a large number of people in England in the present royal family of Orleans......"

As soon as Charles mentioned this, Palmerston's face was a little uncomfortable.

Of course, he would not expel the royal family of Orleans in order to curry favor with Bonaparte - and that was a good hand. Maybe you'll be able to use it sometime.

"The late His Majesty Louis-Philippe I was an old friend of the English people, and although he lost his throne by an unfortunate disaster, he still retained our friendship. He and his family are not criminals, just poor people who have to leave their homeland because of the mockery of fate. The kindness of the English cannot allow us to fall into the trap again. Palmerston's face was still smiling, "If someday." You also ended up in this situation because of a moment of carelessness, because of this friendship we have today. I can also conclude that Britain will want to extend its warm arms to you, too. ”

"I don't think I need to accept your kindness. France needs me, and I'll stay there. Charles rejects this 'kindness'.

"French, I know, I've been there for a long time." Palmerston shook his head disapprovingly, "They are impulsive, irritable, and fickle, and it is almost impossible to follow one principle...... So, even in your current privileged position, I think you should be more careful, after all, the previous governments, who were once as high-spirited as you are, felt that they could manipulate the country at will, and none of them survived for twenty years. How many times have I seen a change of government in France in my life? ”

"When you were in France, the country was in the midst of unprecedented turmoil, so you might have a biased impression of the French." Charles expressed his displeasure with this conclusion rather implicitly: "In fact, the French respect principles as much as everyone else, and are happy to maintain order. The turmoil that happened before was just because their governance was so bad that the people couldn't bear it. And we...... We serve our country and our nation with great zeal, and the people will not abandon us - and if there is such a day, we can accept it. ”

Although he said that, Charles actually didn't have much confidence in his heart.

After all, the changes that have taken place in France in the past 60 years have been too frequent, even today when Bonaparte staged a coup d'état and subdued all the opposition with an iron fist, and God knows how turbulent waves are brewing in France now under the apparent calm, and how many dissident thieves are secretly waiting for an opportunity to do the same thing as Charles.

Of course, in terms of face, he naturally needs to speak with confidence.

"A Talleyrand wouldn't answer that." Palmerston looked at Charles with interest, "He'll give a much more flexible position, isn't that prince serving a lot of people?" ”

"Talleyrand is only for himself, without loyalty or principle, but Trevil has these things." Charles replied with seeming certainty, "Talleyrand betrayed Bonaparte, and Tréville would not—he would only be loyal to the Bonapartes in return for their reward and favor." ”

"Oh? Is it? But shouldn't you think more about the country? The Bonapartas would make mistakes, but France had to always be there. Palmerston shrugged, "I'd rather deal with someone who is more flexible than someone who could fall at any time......

What does that mean?

Openly encouraging himself to secretly betray Bonaparte?

Charles frowned, secretly speculating on his statement.

Is it a personal opinion, or is it some established strategy of the British government? Is it out of a desire to prop up a trustworthy man in France, or does it want to stir up infighting among the French top brass in order to profit from it?

"Sir, I think you have a biased view of France and the French, and if you would like to know more, I would be happy to help you know more about it later—after all, I am in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and we will have many opportunities to deal with each other in the future." After a moment of silence, he turned away from the subject, without completely rejecting the possibility of getting closer to the British in the future.

In his opinion, the aura of danger was too strong, and he couldn't just pick it up, but he shouldn't just waste the opportunity.

Anyway, what he got today was enough for him to go back and deal with Louis Bonaparte.

"I'm more than happy to do what you say." Seeing that Charles had already understood, Palmerston did not continue, "Being able to deal with young talents like you, I sincerely feel that the times are progressing......"

After saying this, Palmerston and Prime Minister Russell stood up at the same time and bid farewell to Prince Albert.

And Charles, whose energy and brain power have been exhausted, also said goodbye to the prince because of some lack of energy, and prepared to go back to the room to rest.

Paul Birot followed him nervously and respectfully, and he didn't dare to make a sound. After this experience, he once again realized that this peer was much better than him, and that he was able to deal with the British Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary so calmly.

No wonder he was able to win such a position!

And under his gaze, Charles walked thoughtfully through the English royal palace.

His expression was solemn, as if he was thinking about some important question, and he did not say a word until he walked back into the room.

Just as he opened the door and was about to walk in, Charles suddenly stopped in a hurry.

With such a non-warning action, the unprepared Paul Bilout almost bumped into him.

Charles turned his head slightly, and after making sure that no outsider could hear him, he whispered to the attendants behind him.

"Mr. Bilot, do you know the Russians?"

"I ...... I don't know. After a moment of astonishment, Paul Bilout replied in a low voice.

"You don't know any of them?" Charles was a little surprised, "You seem to have been here for a few years, don't you even know a person from the Russian embassy?" ”

"Huh? If you want to say that......" After a moment of hesitation, Paul nodded reluctantly, "I know one or two people, but I've never been in touch, I just know the name." ”

"Good, that's enough." Charles smiled and nodded, "I'm going to give you an order." ”

"What order?" Paul Bilot looked at Charles in amazement, and a bad premonition suddenly rose in his heart.

"A good thing that will make you rich." Charles grinned, "Sir, go find a Russian, and tell him that you had the privilege of attending an important meeting between France and England as a translator, and then ...... You will tell them what you heard today. ”

Then Charles spread his hands, "Look, isn't that enough to get a great sum of money from them?" ”

"Oh my God!" Paul's eyes widened, and he almost cried out, "Sir, are you doubting my loyalty?" I'm not going to be treasonous, even if it's ......"

"No, you're going to be ordered to commit treason once." Charles interrupted him, "It's an order. (To be continued......)