Eagle’s Glory

The beautiful Seine River meanders through the city of Paris. There is a small island in the middle of its wide river. Parisians call it Ile de la Cité.

It is located in the center of the city, near Notre Dame Cathedral and adjacent to the Supreme Court. However, it is a prohibitive place for Parisians because there is a prison on this island with an area of ​​less than two hectares.

Since the time of Charles V hundreds of years ago, the Ile de la Cité has been used as a prison. Countless prisoners with severe sentences have been imprisoned here for hundreds of years, accumulating countless grievances and blood. These grievances and blood have made it famous in Paris. It looks eerie and terrifying to human eyes.

During the Revolution, this prison also played its role efficiently - thousands of nobles, clergy and "reactionaries" were imprisoned here, most of whom passed through and were sent to the guillotine. The most famous one is the beheaded queen.

Regimes changed one after another like a revolving door, but the Ile de la Cité prison remained unchanged. It became the epitome of the violent machine of human society. It is indispensable whether it is a wise king or a tyrant, whether it is a good government or a bad government.

Today, the prison welcomed several visitors who were not prisoners—Prosecutor Gerard de Villefort, who brought the Count of Monte Cristo to the prison in the name of interrogating the prisoners. .

Although this is a scary place that Parisians talk about, Villefort, as a prosecutor, has been here countless times, so he doesn't feel any discomfort. Instead, he likes the gloomy and cold atmosphere here. .

To his surprise, the Count of Monte Cristo who came with him looked as normal and did not show any discomfort at all.

The prosecutor, who had been secretly observing the count, couldn't help but admire the count's calmness more and more.

Of course, what he didn't know was that this noble Earl had served more than ten years as a serious prisoner in the Chateau d'If Prison, which was isolated in the Mediterranean Sea. He still had an unforgettable memory of that place. In the Earl's opinion, Compared to the hell-like prison of Chateau d'If, the conditions here are much better, and of course you won't feel uncomfortable.

but,

The Earl was also watching with cold eyes, secretly remembering everything he saw. For the Earl, this place may be closely related to his work in the future, so seizing this opportunity to "get familiar with the business" is also the proper meaning of the title.

Prosecutor Villefort was well-known, and of course the warden tried every means to please him. After they arrived at the Ile de la Cité prison, the warden cooperated with all their requests and made the necessary registration procedures. Afterwards, they were brought to a spacious room, and the prisoner they wanted to interrogate was quickly brought in front of them.

Villefort and the Count of Monte Cristo sat behind the desk, while the once-famous prisoner could only stand - the state's violent institutions quietly reminded the two sides of the current status gap in this way.

"Marshal Marmont, I am Prosecutor Gerard de Villefort. I have been ordered to come to interrogate you today. Please cooperate with my work." After seeing the other party, Prosecutor Villefort first explained his purpose.

Yes, this felon in custody is the "famous" Marshal Marmont. After being captured by Aigron in Lyon, Aigron kept him in his own hands. When Aiglon came to Paris, he conveniently took him into custody. He was transferred to the Ile de la Cité prison to await arraignment and sentencing.

Marshal Marmont was only 56 years old this year, and he could still be considered in his prime. Even a few months ago, he could still see strong energy and a powerful demeanor. However, at this moment, his tall body seemed a bit rickety. , his face was also extremely haggard, and he looked ten years older than his original age.

However, this was not the result of the prison officials deliberately mistreating him - although he is now behind bars, he is still a marshal after all. The changes in France in the past few decades have also made the prison officials dare not wait until they get the death order. The abusive marshal had an enmity with him, so his living conditions in the prison were actually quite good. He had a private room and fixed breaks, and his food was much better than other inmates.

But the psychological torture could not be erased. Marshal Marmont lost his former honor and the followers who usually surrounded him and fawned over him. Even the marshal's scepter, which he rarely left his hand, was confiscated. , this psychological gap is more unbearable than the physical torture, which is why he has become so depressed.

However, even if he fell to this point, the marshal still maintained his composure on the surface. After all, for him, he was now in a desperate situation. Even kowtowing and begging for mercy might not be useful. In this case, he might as well keep his last dignity.

After hearing Villefort's self-introduction, the marshal's expression remained unchanged and he just nodded slightly.

"I know you."

Just a few syllables, and then he fell silent again, thus showing his contempt for the other person.

When he is in power, what kind of thing is this guy? He is just a reptile, and he is not even qualified to talk to himself. However, at this time, he has fallen into despair and can only be slaughtered by others. Even such a small person can show off his power in front of him.

This is fate, and he can only accept it.

The marshal's contempt made Villefort secretly resentful, but he did not get angry. He just introduced the man sitting next to him to the marshal, "This is the Count of Monte Cristo. He is your Majesty's confidant. He is also I am ordered to participate in your trial.”

The marshal glanced at the count again, but didn't say much. It was obvious that he didn't like this little follower either.

This arrogant attitude made Edmund very angry.

Although he has become very powerful in the past few years of experience, he is full of contempt and disgust for the marshal who betrayed the emperor. Seeing that he dared to put on such an air after seeing that he has reached this level, he Of course it was unbearable.

So he spoke directly, "Marshal Marmont, I call you that just because you still retain this title for the time being, not to show respect for you. In fact, you have tarnished this title! Put away your arrogance. Now you are just a prisoner, you are not qualified to show off like this in front of us."

Edmund's merciless words deeply hurt Marshal Marmont. The corners of his mouth twitched, and then he glared at the count in front of him with hateful eyes.

"Despicable little thing, what qualifications do you think you have to speak to me like this? You didn't even know how to drink milk when I was leading troops to fight for France! You are just that little guy's lackey, don't show off in front of me You are so arrogant! Let me tell you, you are in power now, but don’t just think about showing off your power. Maybe in a few years or more, you will be here as a stepping stone for others. When that day comes, you will cry. when!"

The marshal's curses and insults shocked everyone present, and the most intolerable one was the count himself.

He stopped talking and stood up from his seat. Then he walked up to the marshal and slapped him hard.

"Bang!" A huge sound echoed in the room. Before anyone could react, he punched the marshal again, hitting the marshal's abdomen hard, then another punch, and another punch...

Although the marshal was in good health after serving in the army for many years, he was old after all. Under this merciless beating, he let out a painful groan. At this time, the others finally reacted and hurriedly rushed to start a fight. The two people separated, and by this time the marshal had been beaten to a pulp and looked miserable. His original arrogant expression was replaced by painful moans.

Amidst the horrified gazes of everyone, Edmund looked around, his sinister and cold eyes making everyone shudder.

"Listen, this old thing said that I am His Majesty's lackey. Yes, I admit it, and I am proud of it. Compared with this old dog, I only have and will always have only one master, so I don't No matter what escape route is needed, I will not think about it. I will do my best to serve His Majesty, and I will never be afraid of any revenge!

Maybe we won't be able to laugh for a long time, maybe I won't be in office for a long time, but at least within the foreseeable future, I can do a lot of things, so if any of you dare to play tricks on me secretly, then Just wait for my merciless punishment! If you think you can withstand His Majesty's wrath better than any other marshal, you can give it a try! "

Such murderous words, coupled with his fierce words at the moment, immediately had the effect of killing a chicken to scare the monkeys. Everyone was silent and silent, even more ignoring the count's ridiculous and rough behavior.

After the marshal was beaten violently, he couldn't stand up for a while and could only lie on the ground and moan. No one helped him stand up, and no one dared to say a word of comfort. They just let the marshal lie on the ground in a mess.

This lackey! At this time, Villefort was more shocked than others.

During this period of time, he had many contacts with the Earl. The Earl had always been a shrewd and capable figure in his mind. However, today in front of him, he showed in such a straightforward way how ruthless he could be when necessary. hot.

Although he said this to everyone present, he always felt as if he was warning himself.

Yes, I have no way out... I can only go one way to the end. He strengthened his original thoughts.

In the silence, the marshal finally regained his breath and reluctantly stood up again. Even at this time, he still wanted to maintain his last dignity, so he glared at the count, but his embarrassed look had already made this kind of "Dignity" is gone.

"I protest!" He shouted with all his strength, "I am a marshal, and I cannot be treated with such insult! I want to protest to the King of Rome and Talleyrand!"

"You can protest at any time during the interrogation." Villefort replied politely, and then pointed to the count next to him, "However, the person receiving the request is Mr. Count, and it is up to him to judge whether it is reasonable."

The marshal's face twitched again. It was obvious that this implicit humiliation was another heavy blow to him.

These two men used their literary and military methods to remind the marshal who once stood high in the clouds. Now he has nothing and can only be manipulated by others.

He has been locked into an airtight cocoon, and no matter how hard he struggles or protests, the outside world will not know - or in other words, the outside world will not care at all.

The psychological and physical pain surged at the same time, causing the marshal's originally high head to hang slightly.

"Kill me. Isn't this what he wants? There's no need to play any tricks. I'll just admit whatever crime you want me to plead guilty to. Give me a good time." He said it dejectedly in a tone of giving up on everything. .

"I'm sorry, this is not something we can decide. Our duty is only to clarify the facts of your crime, then define and impose penalties, and finally submit it to His Majesty for approval." Prosecutor Villefort sneered.

Then, he took out a stack of paper from his briefcase and had it delivered to Marshal Marmont, "Your Excellency, Marshal, we are currently investigating your unauthorized surrender in 1814 and your deliberate sending of troops into the enemy's territory. Regarding the cannon muzzle incident, we investigated many people who witnessed it, and combined their opinions to write a confession. You can take a look at it, and if there is anything to add, we will write it down."

Marmont's trembling hand took the stack of paper and turned it over a few times.

Then, he threw the papers to the ground, "It's generally true, it was indeed me who did it, but I didn't do it for my own future, I did it for the fate of France. For that tyrant, we have died a million Young man! A million mothers are crying and moaning, but that man still wants to use the last bit of France's bones and blood to carry out a hopeless struggle to keep the throne he usurped... In this case, as a son of the motherland, I can only I can do my best to preserve the vitality of the nation. If this is a crime, then I plead guilty, but I will never regret it!"

"Hmph, that sounds nice. Every great evildoer never forgets to paint himself." Edmund snorted coldly, and then laughed disdainfully, "For the country and the nation? Then why did you do it until 1814? Do you want to serve His Majesty the Emperor all the time?

You enjoy the title of marshal and the glory and wealth bestowed by His Majesty with peace of mind, but in the end, you are completely deprived of yourself, as if you were a bystander from the beginning to the end! Well, even so, what did you do for your motherland after your betrayal? You agree with the hypocrite to execute one of the bravest marshals in France. You continue to enjoy the glory and wealth gained from your betrayal. But what about the victims? What have you done for them? Nothing at all! All you have left is a reputation that will be despised forever! "

Under the count's ridicule and curse, the marshal fell silent for a moment.

It wasn't that he was scolded by the count, but that he suddenly remembered the young man's response to him when he ran to Austria to see the King of Rome - now, everything seemed to have happened again, but he couldn't even see his face. He has no qualifications and can only be humiliated by his minions.

How unwilling! But maybe this is fate...

At this time, the marshal was completely despairing, and for a while he no longer had any ideas.

That's it, that's it, let's just let them do what they want.

Seeing the marshal's despair, Villefort knew that the time had come.

"We have interrogated many people about the details of some events that year, but some key information is incomplete due to the missing parties. For example, the sudden death of Count de Morcerf left us without an extremely important piece of circumstantial evidence... …Your Excellency Marshal, so I still want to ask you some questions.”

A smart person doesn't need to play many tricks at all. He only needs a few words of advice to make the other party come back to their senses.

The despairing Marshal, upon hearing the prosecutor's suggestion, suddenly felt a surge of vicious ecstasy.

"Dead...? He is dead...?" The marshal hissed and laughed wildly, "Hahahaha, pathetic and ridiculous Fernan, it turns out that you didn't get rich after selling me... Hahahaha..."