Chapter 106: Reception and Order
As every man who followed the royal family to the Château de Fontainebleau hoped for it, the next day was a beautiful day. Pen × fun × Pavilion www. biquge。 infoSince yesterday, the continuous drizzle has stopped, and today it is a clear sky, the gentle sunlight is sprinkled on the earth, which makes people feel refreshed, and the soft spring breeze is gently drifting everywhere, spreading the fragrance between the green mountains and green water to every corner.
It was a great opportunity for a spring outing, and with great anticipation, the Jockey Club at the Château de Fontainebleau finally began.
There are a large number of people who follow the royal family to the Château de Fontainebleau, almost the entire court has moved over, and many celebrities from all walks of life and other provinces have also come, most of the people who came here are to take this opportunity to get closer to the royal family and be happy with the royal family, while a few people are purely tired of the dust and hustle and bustle of Paris because of the large population, and want to take this opportunity to recuperate in this royal palace.
Whatever their purpose, they are looking forward to the next project.
Since the Middle Ages, the feudal lords of France have attached great importance to force and competition, riding and equestrianism are the top priorities, and over the years, although the French dynasties have changed repeatedly, but the military tradition is deeply buried in the bone marrow of this country and nation, both young and old are very loved.
Moreover, since ancient times, people have been able to bet on this kind of horse racing to make a fortune for themselves. Because there are a large number of dignitaries and dignitaries who are here today, I heard that the amount of bets is also very large, which adds to people's expectations.
In the warm morning sunshine, tall and sturdy racing horses of different coats slowly paced to the side of the track, and the riders stood patiently next to their beloved horses, petting them and making final preparations.
These people were not professional riders, and some of the riders who participated in the competition were cavalry officers, because of the nature of cavalry, most of the officers were nobles, and they were eager to make a name for themselves here, show their faces in front of His Majesty the Emperor, and by the way, please their sweethearts.
In the distance, above the spectator seats, there was an area reserved for the women who had come to the Château de Fontainebleau, and some of the ladies, because they were married women, did not dare to cheer openly and boldly on their beloved lovers, but had to occasionally pretend to glance at each other while talking to the people next to them—a shy gaze that gave them more strength than a direct cheer for these enthusiastic young officers.
At the very front of the auditorium was a makeshift wooden platform, on which were placed some chairs, which, although unsightly, were the most distinguished people in the Empire today - in the middle, of course, the current owner of the Château de Fontainebleau, the protagonist of all the drama of today, His Majesty the Emperor and Empress of the Empire, and the people sitting next to them were the closest people to them, the princes and ministers of the Imperial Family, and the noblewomen closest to Her Majesty the Empress.
Under the looming gaze of everyone, they looked at ease, chatting and laughing between them, as if everything was under control, and they played the demeanor of "imperial magnates".
However, although Charles sat here with His Majesty the Emperor, his wife Charlotte was not present.
This was not because Charlotte had fallen out of favor in front of Her Majesty, but because she had recently become pregnant again, so Charlotte took the opportunity to avoid the trouble of coming with Charles to cheer for the Crown, and naturally stayed at home to recuperate, avoiding the pain of running between Paris and Fontainebleau - even now, she still disliked His Majesty the Emperor, although she had a good relationship with His Majesty.
Today's His Majesty the Emperor also carefully groomed himself as usual, wearing a military dress underneath, and wearing the Grand Cross Legion of Honor on his chest, with a reserved smile on his face, he talked to His Majesty the Empress and his relatives next to him from time to time, full of confidence in anticipation.
Of course, he had reason to be confident, the empire at this time, just like the rising sun today, was rising on the ground, and everything he wanted to do was now fulfilled in his heart, and the enemies he faced were all rolling aside, and he was convinced that the next enemies would be the same.
As the clock approached its predetermined moment, the audience slowly fell silent again, and everyone stopped whispering and looked at His Majesty the Emperor together, waiting for him to give the order for the horse race to begin.
His Majesty the Emperor, who was in the spotlight as usual, seemed to be confused, just glanced at Charles, as if he was urging something.
Charles nodded at him with a smile on his face, indicating that everything was going according to plan.
At that moment, there was a sudden commotion under the high platform, and Charles looked back to see that it was two royal attendants walking towards the stage with a tall middle-aged man wearing a tuxedo and a top hat.
He immediately made a gesture to beckon a janissary to come to his side, and then ordered him to let the front go quickly, and bring the gentleman before His Majesty.
Then he leaned forward slightly, and leaned into the ear of His Majesty the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, the Count of Litvinsky is here."
"Good." His Majesty said a word with great meaning, and then looked ahead again.
Soon, the Russian minister was brought to the group.
"I am honored to meet you, Your Majesty." As soon as he came to His Majesty the Emperor, Count Litwinsky ignored the surprised or curious gaze from his side, then took off his top hat and bowed to His Majesty the Emperor of the French Empire.
Although the Russians have always been synonymous with barbarism in the minds of Western Europeans, the count has been immersed in diplomatic circles for decades, and his words and deeds are already full of grace, especially when he is deliberately trying to curry favor with His Majesty the Emperor.
"Okay, Mr. Ambassador, this is not in the palace today, we don't have to be so formal, otherwise it will be too restrained......" His Majesty the Emperor immediately showed a very cordial smile, and then stretched out his hand to signal him to straighten up, "Today is the time for everyone to take a vacation, there is no emperor here, there is no ambassador, only two people who are going to watch the horse race." ”
Then His Majesty gestured to an empty seat beside him.
"You see, I've reserved a good spot for you beforehand, and the view here is excellent, and you can watch this horse race well, and I don't think you will be disappointed."
"Thank you very much for the privilege you have bestowed upon me, Your Majesty." The Count bowed again, then put on his top hat again, and sat down carefully beside His Majesty the Emperor.
Although he was already very happy that the French Emperor had received him so quickly, he couldn't help but be even more surprised when he found out that the place where he had received him today was such an occasion.
If it is in the palace, then everything is tainted with a cold court atmosphere, everyone is business, and it is difficult to say anything, but in this private occasion the situation is completely different, he can speak freely in a private capacity, and even make various promises happily with His Majesty the Emperor.
Moreover, it was certainly a rare privilege to come and talk to His Majesty the Emperor of the French Empire in full view of the public, and it was certainly a declaration of great diplomatic significance, which proved that the French Empire really wanted to improve relations with the Russians, and that they were happy to show it to the outside world.
Isn't diplomacy a series of ceremonies and displays?
It seems that his coming to France to take up a post is destined not to be a waste of time.
With a sense of relief and ecstasy, he looked at Charles, who was sitting a short distance away, and nodded at him very kindly.
It seems that this money has not been spent in vain, although this person is morally corrupt, but the principle of collecting money and doing things is still done to the end, and he can continue to communicate in the future.
Charles felt his gratitude, and nodded at the ambassador with the same smile, as if to say, "You see, I'm an old friend of the Russian people, right?" ”
And at this time, as soon as he made a decision, His Majesty the Emperor smiled and spoke at him.
"Mr. Ambassador, I hope that you will have a good impression of France and of us during your short time in Paris."
"My impression is very good, Your Majesty." The ambassador immediately replied courteously, "Please believe that in Russia there are not as many people who like Russia as there are those who like France, and I like France and your empire very much." And for you...... I am full of respect, you are a rare great man of our time, with you, France can get rid of the previous nightmare and shadow, and move towards a new era of prosperity. ”
"Hey, didn't I say that? Today is just a private occasion, you don't need to say it so nicely......" His Majesty the Emperor couldn't help but laugh.
However, his smile proves that he is very useful for this flattery.
Indeed, what emperor does not like to flatter?
The ambassador was overjoyed, and then looked back at the audience in the distance, and although he couldn't see the faces of the people opposite, he seemed to be able to feel the jealous gazes of countless colleagues from other countries in the distance, and this feeling made him even more joyful.
"Your Majesty, I'm glad you were able to treat us so kindly." The Count whispered to His Majesty the Emperor, "Please believe that we in Russia are a very warm people, and that he will cherish all his friends. ”
"I have always had a good impression of Russia, and I also hope to get her favor, but unfortunately, although I have been extending an olive branch since I ascended the throne, the favor has never come." His Majesty the Emperor replied with a smile, not looking angry.
"Those were some old regrets, and today, the gloom has completely dissipated...... Your Majesty, I am here today precisely for the friendship between two countries. The ambassador straightened up, and then looked at His Majesty the Emperor earnestly, "His Majesty the Tsar's appointment of me as Ambassador to France has given me an opportunity to realize my ideals, and I sincerely hope that the two great empires will be able to join hands in the future and make an unparalleled contribution to the prosperity and stability of Europe......
Just as he was about to pour out another word to His Majesty the Emperor that he had prepared a long time ago, suddenly His Majesty the Emperor put his hand into his bosom and interrupted him.
Then he was shocked to find that His Majesty the Emperor had taken out a gold pocket watch from his bosom.
"Oh, it's time." His Majesty the Emperor whispered, then looked up at the ambassador, "Sir, the time has come, let's watch the galloping horses together, right?" ”
"Yes, Your Majesty." The ambassador had no choice but to swallow the words in his heart.
Then His Majesty the Emperor stood up and looked at the riders in the field in the distance.
Then, he raised his hand slightly, as if it were weighing a thousand pounds.
The starters and players, who had been watching His Majesty the Emperor all along, immediately made their final preparations.
It seemed as if a long time had passed, and as if there was only a moment, and His Majesty's hand waved down heavily.
"Rush!"
A great cheer suddenly resounded throughout the land, and then the shiny-haired horses rushed forward with the momentum of an arrow from the string, and the sound of the horses' hooves resounded through the earth densely, drowning out the other sounds, like a whirlwind that suddenly rushed over the field.
Looking at the horses galloping quickly on the grass in the distance, not only the male audience was cheering, but even the ladies fell into a fanatical attitude, as noblewomen, they usually have to pay attention to their manners, and even dare not easily say the wrong thing, by the opportunity of this special occasion, they are finally able to let go of their usual reserves, and find the kind of indulgent happiness that ordinary people should have.
One piece, the tsunami-like cheers of the mountains soared into the sky, and the whole earth shook slightly under the galloping horses and the cheers of the crowd. (To be continued.) )