Eagle’s Glory

As the sun rises from the horizon, Edmond Dantès begins his peaceful day again.

Although before, he was traveling back and forth between Paris and Switzerland with His Majesty's important responsibilities, but since Aigron returned to Paris, he has been idle during this period. Aigron was traveling outside, and Theresa and Prince Talleyrand did not talk to each other. What plans did he have, as if he was suddenly forgotten by the whole world.

If it were anyone else, he would definitely not want to lag behind others at this critical moment of competing for official positions, so he might be anxious. However, because Edmund does not have a strong desire for power, he is happy to be at ease. He, Emily and Eugenie's mother The girl stays in the mansion she bought from Tangglars every day, as if she has become a gentleman enjoying peace, enjoying the harmonious family atmosphere.

On this day, after breakfast, he listened to Eugenie's morning exercises and sang while reading the books he had recently bought, intending to pass the time.

However, his leisurely life was finally shattered by the outside world - at this moment, an attendant who came from the Tuileries Palace came to the door and said that Princess Theresa wanted to summon him.

Since Her Royal Highness the Princess had an order, he naturally did not dare to neglect it, so he dropped the book in his hand and hurried to the palace.

Under the guidance of the attendants, he was brought to Princess Theresa.

Princess Teresa, who was pregnant with Liujia, could not hide her tired look even though she was dressed extremely exquisitely. It was obvious that she had been very busy during this period, but perhaps because she was slowly getting in touch with the highest power, she already had The aura of calmness and self-importance made Edmund fearful and fearful, and he did not dare to show any slightness.

At this time, he also noticed that Prince Talleyrand was actually here, and he couldn't help but secretly wonder what happened.

After he saluted and greeted him, Teresa glanced directly at Prince Talleyrand, signaling the prince to go straight to the topic.

"Mr. Earl, I'm sorry that I have neglected you during this period. In fact, neither Your Majesty nor I have forgotten your previous achievements. We are just preparing to use the right opportunity to reuse you -"

"I have never felt that I have been left out, Your Highness." Edmund quickly replied, "As far as I am concerned, Your Majesty has been a life-saving grace to me, and it has also changed my life... His kindness to me, I do. Nothing can repay the loss, and I am not qualified to ask for more.”

"We have always admired your humility and sincerity. You know how to value yourself, which means that you can go further in the future." Prince Talleyrand looked at Edmund with a little more appreciation in his eyes. "Your Majesty, you are very grateful. You trust far more than anyone else, so you will surely become an important minister of the empire... But before that, we must solve some minor problems with you.

"

"What's the problem?" Edmund was stunned for a moment.

"Your identity." At this time, Teresa took over, "Edmund, don't get me wrong, we are not referring to your origin. Neither His Highness nor I will mind your origin, and you are now You are a noble of the empire. It couldn't be truer. The key question is that after you enter the government and become an important minister, you will be scrutinized by the outside world. At that time, what name should you use to stand in front of everyone? ?”

After a pause, she explained, "The name Edmond Dantès is certainly a good name, and you must be very fond of this name, but this name is not suitable for display in the public eye. You can understand ?"

After just a moment of thinking, Edmund understood what Theresa meant, even more clearly than Theresa.

The name "Edmond Dantès" is not only the name of the wronged victim, but also affects too many things.

If he continues to use this name and is exposed to interested people, then they will easily be able to trace back his past grudges and bring out Tanglar, Fernand, and Villefort.

Then, it will involve the sudden bankruptcy of Tanglar Bank, the violent death of Marquis Fernand de Morcerf, and the reputations of Villefort and Marquis Noirtier... The consequences will be extremely extreme. serious.

For example, what would happen if Miss Agnes knew that it was her fault that her family almost went bankrupt? He would probably be furious and even think that everything was planned and ordered by His Majesty.

What would happen if Emily and Eugenie knew that their family's downfall and their forced flattery were all their own fault? Forced by their livelihood, they will probably continue to rely on themselves, but in their eyes, they are definitely not the image they have now, more like a robber.

What will happen if Count Morcerf's colleagues and subordinates know that they secretly killed the count?

Each and every one of them is a fragment that should be sealed in history. Although Princess Teresa does not know all these things, it is enough for her to think that Edmund must make a clean break with the past.

After thinking about all this, Edmund suddenly became enlightened.

Although he is obsessed with revenge, he has no special attachment to this name. After all his relatives have passed away, what does it matter whether he can continue the surname Dantès?

"If His Majesty wants me to serve him in another capacity, I am bound to do so." Under Theresa's expectant eyes, Edmund responded after only a short hesitation.

Theresa was extremely satisfied with his performance, so she nodded to Talleyrand again.

"I'm glad you made a wise choice." At this time, Prince Talleyrand spoke again, "So have you found any aliases for yourself in the past?"

"I have used several identities, but the most commonly used name is Joseph Faria, with an Italian background." Edmund briefly explained the relationship between Father Faria and himself to Talleyrand.

"I see... I really want to meet this priest." Talleyrand sighed after hearing this, "He is a remnant of the old times like me."

"If you are willing, you will be able to see him soon. His Majesty has sent someone to Ioannina to report the good news, and they will be picked up soon." Edmund was also happy.

"Although there is nothing wrong with this name, as a future imperial minister, you should not be Italian, but French." Prince Talleyrand suddenly changed the subject, "Although there are many foreigners serving as high-ranking officials in our country's history. There is a precedent, but people nowadays are more and more concerned about nationality and origin. If you are considered a foreigner, you may be affected by this in the future——"

"Then should I change my name to another one?" Edmund hesitated.

"No, you can continue to use the name Joseph Faria. After all, many people already know this name. It's better to make a mistake. It's just that... the origin needs to be slightly changed." Talleyrand thought while thinking. Leisurely replied, "You can make it up like this - your mother is French and the daughter of an exiled nobleman. She ran to Italy to escape the war and then married your father. And after His Majesty Emperor Napoleon came to power, because of him An amnesty decree was issued, so your mother took you back to France to live for a long time, until she was forced to return to Italy in 1814... As for the life and genealogy of your mother and grandfather, give me some time to look back, I can It has been compiled very strictly and completely for you, and it will definitely look fake."

Edmund couldn't laugh or cry when he heard this. He didn't expect that he was just a young sailor from Marseille, but in the end, he turned out to be the offspring of a French and Italian aristocracy.

After the impact of the Great Revolution, etiquette has collapsed these days, and it is not uncommon for people to pretend to be nobles. For example, Fernand gave himself the identity of Count Morcerf.

However, it is also a forgery, and there is a distinction between superior and inferior. Prince Talleyrand helped himself to forge, and was able to get the approval of the two majesties, then it is "real", more real than the real thing, and with such a A resume is enough for him to avoid being scrutinized by the outside world.

Moreover, judging from Prince Talleyrand's effortless performance, it is obvious that this is not the first time he has done such a thing...

"Thank you, Your Highness." Edmund bowed and thanked the other party, "Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to take care of these little things for me."

"No, your matter will not be a trivial matter, because you are destined to have a bright future." Talleyrand shook his head, and then looked at the other party seriously, "Count, according to His Majesty's wishes, you have had enough rest now. It’s time to serve the country... Of course, you still lack experience after all and need to learn from the basics slowly. Which job do you want to do?"

Prince Talleyrand's words made Edmund sigh with emotion again.

This is tantamount to letting himself "select" jobs. Whether it is a financial officer, a tobacco monopoly, or a customs inspector, he can choose any lucrative position at will - and he said this in front of Princess Theresa. , so he will never regret it.

Is this because Talleyrand likes himself? Absolutely not, this is of course His Majesty's face.

Since ancient times, people with backers have been able to get things done easily, and this will never change.

He quickly dispelled these inappropriate thoughts in his mind, and then looked at Prince Talleyrand calmly, "Your Highness, as you said, I lack experience and have little prestige. I don't think I am suitable to hold a very important position now." I don’t think I know the government better than you do, so... I dare to ask you, what do you think I should do best?"

Prince Talleyrand did not answer immediately. Instead, he looked at Theresa and laughed.

"Wonderful." He laughed approvingly, "Edmund, to tell you the truth, we just guessed what kind of response you would make, and your calmness and your self-knowledge both satisfy me. You are very Modesty, but normal people have forgotten everything at this time, but you still remain calm... His Majesty did not misjudge you, you will definitely be very promising."

Prince Talleyrand's praise made Edmund a little embarrassed for a moment, but in his heart, he was naturally very happy to be praised so much.

However, he did not reply, but quietly waited for Prince Talleyrand's arrangements for him.

His wait did not last long, and soon Prince Talleyrand spoke again. "Count, to be honest, you remind me of someone, an old friend of mine."

"Who?" Edmund asked quickly.

"Fouchet," answered the prince.

Edmund and Teresa looked at each other, obviously a little surprised by the answer.

As a veteran of political speculation, Fouche's reputation was as bad as Talleyrand's, and neither of them had a favorable impression of him.

And their eyes all fell on Prince Talleyrand.

The prince just smiled slightly, "I know that you all hate him, and that guy's personal character is indeed something that people cannot praise. But he has been able to survive so many ups and downs, making every ruler hate and reuse him. That must be his ability. In fact, he is a very smart and capable person. He established an efficient police network from scratch. He once helped Emperor Napoleon monitor every corner of the empire. He also used himself The small budget established a special operations team, allowing him to handle matters in private that are inconvenient for monarchs - of course, more often than not, it is helping him handle his own private affairs, which you don't want. Just study..."

At this point, Talleyrand laughed slyly. Obviously, this was a joke to Edmund, "Although you two have very different personalities and cannot be compared with each other, this kind of calmness and coolness can't be compared." , and the ability to make decisions calmly and calmly, but they are very similar. It is also very regrettable that since Fouche's death, there has not been another person similar to him in our country for more than ten years, so that the entire domestic supervisory system has been leaked. Regarding formality, Earl, if you don't mind, I suggest you try the police department. Of course, we can't be too conspicuous at the beginning. You will get an inconspicuous position in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Then it depends on your own performance...how is it?"

Prince Talleyrand's words made Edmund feel a little dazed for a moment, because he didn't know whether what the other party said was true or false.

What are the similarities between me and Fouche? It was still a little hard for him to imagine. But since it was the prince who said this, he could only believe it a little bit first. After all, Talleyrand would not make fun of himself on such a matter.

So, should you go and do it?

It is true that the police department is not an attractive position compared to the lucrative official vacancies such as financial officer, tobacco monopoly, and customs inspection, but for Edmund, he does not care about money at all. , for him, everything existing is enough to satisfy him, and he will not expect too much.

In comparison, if he can really accomplish something like Fouche, then he will obviously be able to help His Majesty even more.

He can assist His Majesty in suppressing those rebels with evil intentions. Although this will affect his reputation, what is the use to him?

Okay, let's do it.

"If you think I am suitable, then I will gladly accept the appointment." Without much hesitation, he leaned forward and accepted the appointment.