The Fox of France - Chapter 547 (Patreon)

Chapter 547: Grand Finale (3)

During the following period, Napoleon was incredibly busy. First, there were representatives from various sectors of Paris who came to persuade him to stay in office: representatives from workers, entrepreneurs, prospective French citizens... as well as representatives from the entertainment industry led by the Moulin Rouge, all expressing their hope that Napoleon would serve another term, and then another, and so on, until "small stones become big stones, and big stones become mossy."

After finally dealing with these people, there came the representatives of farmers and soldiers from all over France, followed by representatives from various European countries. He assured them that French policies would certainly continue and would still take care of everyone’s interests.

Of course, among these representatives and throughout the European media, Napoleon received various praises. Regardless of the country, even the most conservative newspapers, which clearly favored the royalists and traditionally opposed the French Revolution, had to admit that Napoleon was a rare great figure of his time. Other newspapers unanimously began to sing praises, summing up that, "Napoleon’s virtue matched the heavens and the earth, his authority dominated the world, and his civil and military virtues were unparalleled from ancient times to the present."

However, despite many persuasions, Napoleon did not waver. Moreover, having come this far, any wavering would have made him a laughingstock.

Therefore, many people began to harbor thoughts of succeeding Napoleon.

Initially, everyone thought that one person was very likely to become the next First Consul. That would be Napoleon’s brother, Lucien Bonaparte. Lucien had been the Minister of Truth for many years, with outstanding achievements, and being Napoleon’s brother, he naturally had more support from the people, so if he were to run, no one else even stood a chance.

Besides Lucien, there were a few others who were very likely to become the First Consul. The first was the Foreign Minister Charles Maurice de Talleyrand. In this era, in Europe, the Foreign Minister is generally considered the second highest official after the head of state. For instance, in the UK, if the Prime Minister was suddenly unable to perform his duties due to illness and had to be hospitalized in intensive care, the Foreign Secretary would temporarily act as Prime Minister, although he might only find out about this through a report from Russia Today.

Talleyrand himself was quite capable. But the problem with him being the First Consul was his bad reputation. Everyone in Europe knew that Talleyrand was greedy, refusing to work without payment. In terms of moral character, he was far inferior to the saint-like Napoleon.

Another likely candidate was the Minister of Police, Joseph Fouché. Fouché’s capabilities were widely recognized. Moreover, he was known for being incorruptible, having never been involved in scandals of abusing power for personal gain. He had a reputation among the public for being upright and unyielding, fearless of power, and steadfast in law enforcement. To the extent that when French people swore oaths, they often invoked Fouché’s name, such as saying, “If I lie, may Fouché arrest me as soon as I step outside.”

All things considered, Fouché’s reputation was far better than Talleyrand’s. Moreover, the French people generally believed that Fouché’s ability, especially in handling complex matters, was stronger than Talleyrand’s.

However, Fouché also had a problem: he was not perceived as affable enough by the French people. Although they recognized him as a good, just, selfless, and brave man, their feelings towards him were more of reverence than closeness, even lacking any sense of warmth. This is normal, as people who command respect are often hard to feel affectionate towards. Such people tend to be at a disadvantage in democratic votes. In contrast, Talleyrand, who always appeared with a smile, seemed more likable.

Of course, if Lucien decided to run, then neither Talleyrand nor Fouché would stand a chance. Merely being “Napoleon’s brother” was enough for him to win easily. Although everyone knew Lucien was a playboy with many illegitimate children. If during his campaign speech, several children of different skin colors suddenly clung to his legs calling him "Dad," not only would the French public not think someone was framing him, but even Lucien himself would first wonder, “Which of these children are mine?”

If this were in the United States, based on Puritanical values and professed religious freedom but actually quite hypocritical, such an event would be considered a "scandal," and even centuries later, such an incident would severely impact a politician.

But in France, the situation was different. After all, France has its own national conditions. In France, a man of status without a mistress would be considered a failure. Just as a French noblewoman without a lover would be seen as utterly unattractive. So in France, it is

 common for husbands to introduce lovers to their wives and wives to find mistresses for their husbands. Lucien’s promiscuity, his many mistresses and illegitimate children, were not a problem at all, but rather a point in his favor, as it demonstrated his charm. By contrast, Fouché, who spent his life faithful to his wife, was seen as boring and lacking charm.

“However, Lucien will definitely not run for the election. Because if he were to run, why would His Excellency Napoleon consider retiring? But the key issue is actually whom His Excellency Napoleon wishes to succeed him. Is it me, or is it Fouché? Hmm, Victor, if you were His Excellency Napoleon, whom would you choose?”

In his villa, Talleyrand and his friend, the emerging star in the diplomatic field, Victor Treveil, discussed this. If Talleyrand really became the First Consul, then Victor would most likely become the next Foreign Minister.

“I think you have a higher chance, Minister,” Victor answered.

“Why?”

“Because Fouché has been involved in too many dirty jobs. The First Consul is quite worried about him, even wary of him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have appointed his own brother as Minister of Truth. This is clearly a preventative measure. Minister Fouché can hardly be faulted, but the more so, the less likely the First Consul is to let him be his successor. He might even prefer my uncle to take over rather than let him. Regardless, no matter who becomes the First Consul, Minister Fouché’s position is unshakable. From what I see, I think you, Mr. Minister, have the greatest chance, so I must congratulate you in advance.”

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