Chapter 594 Napoleon's Imperial Art (Second update, please subscribe)
Louvre Museum, Paris.
Napoleon III was miserable as emperor!
His suffering was not caused by bladder stones, but because his empire was in the midst of a new round of political crisis, just like in the past.
Although the opposition won less than 35% of the votes and seats in the just-concluded fifth legislative election, as in the past, the vast majority of farmers still voted loyally for the empire, and many people, even radical republicans, believed that the empire was stronger than ever.
As emperor, Napoleon III never lost a national election or referendum, although sometimes he won very narrowly, and he always managed to make public opinion support him.
But as an emperor, he knew that the glory of the empire was fading. Not only were there conflicts between parties, but even the support of the army for him was weakening.
Just as Napoleon III was worrying about these problems in his study, the door of the study opened.
"Congratulations, Father, we have won the Legislative Council election once again!"
The person who walked into the study was the Crown Prince Eugene of the Empire, who was wearing the uniform of an army captain. As early as during the Franco-Prussian War, Eugene accompanied his father to the front line and fought against the Prussian army in Saarbrücken. After graduating from the military academy last year, Eugene served in the Guards. After learning that the election of the Legislative Group was over, he specially asked for leave to congratulate the emperor on his victory.
"Eugene!"
Looking at his son walking into the study, there was not much joy on Napoleon III's face.
"It's just an election, and I'll never lose an election like this!"
Louis motioned his son to sit down, and as a father, he gave his son a political lesson, or the "imperial art" of the European royal family.
"Eugène, remember that elections are nothing more than a simple political game. The name of Bonaparte is enough for us to win the support of the majority of peasants. They will definitely be our biggest supporters. Power and wealth can win the support of the elites. With their support, we will not lose the election."
Napoleon III was conceited about the election, not only because of the support of the peasants, but also because he had read a lot of books during his years in prison, and he also became enlightened and learned a lot. The most important thing was that he understood the necessity of political tactics - because there were too few Bonapartists, he had to win over more people. With superb political skills, he constantly compromised with old enemies and pulled them to his side. He deeply knew that most elites and officials only cared about whether their power and wealth could be protected, and did not care who their masters were. For them, all they had to do was lure them with benefits.
"Father, this is why we need to keep giving favors to farmers and citizens, so that they will support us in the election, right?"
Eugene, the crown prince, asked by analogy.
"That's true. After all, I became the emperor through the people's election. In order to maintain the crown, we must care about the welfare of the lower classes. After all, they are the majority, and we should be full of sympathy for them."
In fact, as a member of the generation that grew up after the Great Revolution, he seemed to sincerely believe in many of the spirits of the Great Revolution. Of course, he also longed to establish his own authoritarian rule.
"But this is not enough. The empire needs more than just elections. Eugene, my child, remember, the empire needs glory!"
Looking at his son who seemed to be lost in thought, Napoleon III said helplessly.
"Three years ago, when we defeated Prussia and occupied Luxembourg, the political environment was the most stable. At that time, everyone was immersed in the military victory, even though..."
Although the victory was not perfect, although he was just a little bit away from failure and even almost became a prisoner of the Prussians, but so what? In the end, he "defeated" the Prussians.
Then the whole of France was once in the glory of defeating Prussia. After all, in the past ten years, Prussia was a small military power. They defeated Denmark and Austria.
But so what?
But they were still defeated by France. As for any secret agreements or private talks, of course, they are all unknown.
The most important thing is that France enjoyed that victory at that time.
"But now, no one remembers the glory of the victory of the war three years ago. As the glory of the empire fades, political disputes will intensify. Eugene, people's attention must be diverted. Only in this way can we maintain the stability of France. And only in this way can we win the support of the army!"
As emperor, Napoleon III was very upset!
Unlike his uncle who was famous all over the world, he never received unreserved admiration in the army. Instead, he relied on the cooperation with senior officers in the army to maintain his regime. In order to win the support of the army, he could only launch wars again and again.
"Without the support of the army, the country's power cannot be stable. In order to gain their support, we must use victory to intoxicate and bribe those senior officers who want wealth and glory. Only then will the officers support us and help us maintain our rule."
How risky is that?
Louis was of course well aware that with military victory, the army would always support him and his kingdom would be very stable, but if he failed, his dynasty would lose the support of the military and collapse.
This is certainly also the reason why he has been "cautious about war" in the past few years. It's not that he is being extremely cautious, but the shadow of the Battle of Sedan has always loomed in his heart.
He is really scared!
Of course he was not afraid of death, he was afraid of losing the crown, losing everything.
"But we must win the war! Because the loser will lose everything. My uncle is like this, and so are we. Eugene, remember, we need military glory to win glory for the crown and use military victory to win the support of others, but no one will tolerate losers."
Of course Eugene took his father's teachings to heart. For the 18-year-old boy, these were not profound principles. All he needed to do was learn and remember them. Then they talked a lot more. Louis was full of expectations for Eugene. He asked his son about his service in the army from time to time.
"The army, Eugene, remember, in France, the army guarantees the survival of all dynasties. If there are barricades in Paris every few years, if the army suppresses them, the dynasty can survive. If the army does not suppress them, then the dynasty will collapse immediately. Therefore, you are not just serving in the army, but like your uncle, you must achieve a glorious military victory at the right time. Only then will the army become your true supporter!"
Looking at his son, Louis' tone was full of anticipation. He believed that one day, his son would truly win the admiration of the soldiers and the support of the army like his uncle. Before that, all he could do was to please the soldiers.
Eugene naturally nodded in agreement with his father's advice. As a descendant of Bonaparte, he certainly hoped to re-establish Bonaparte's prestige on the battlefield.
"And your mother? Have you ever been to her?"
"She's been there before. She's accompanying Zhu Di."
Zhu Di... When Napoleon III heard this name, his expression became a little unnatural.
Although he has accepted the fact now, he still feels a little sad every time he thinks about it.
"Zhu Di is getting older and older, very smart and beautiful, and will definitely..."
Before Eugene could finish his words, he noticed that his father's face seemed a little strange, so he asked.
"Father, what's wrong with you?"
Napoleon III's face turned blue and sweat appeared on his forehead due to the pain. He spoke with difficulty.
"Go, go call the doctor..."
(End of this chapter)
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