"Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Empress’s special envoy is now outside the military camp!"

When Jerome Bonaparte heard Bulbaski’s report, a trace of doubt quickly appeared on his face.

Thus, Jerome Bonaparte suspected that his son had secretly "accused" him once again to Augusta.

As for why it was "again."

Because during this time, Jerome Bonaparte often used the guise of training Friedrich to torment him.

Including but not limited to, forcing Friedrich to converse in German, leaving Friedrich alone in the forest outside Fontainebleau Palace to survive an entire night alone, and more.

Every time Friedrich would run to Augusta to accuse Jerome Bonaparte.

Augusta, naturally understanding Jerome Bonaparte’s intentions for Friedrich’s growth, couldn’t help but complain to Jerome Bonaparte at the sight of Friedrich’s tearful little face.

Therefore, when Augusta’s envoy arrived, Jerome Bonaparte instinctively glanced at Friedrich.

Friedrich immediately understood the meaning in his father’s eyes and shook his head, indicating that he also didn’t know why the envoy had come.

That’s right, Augusta should not yet know about this matter (referring to Jerome Bonaparte’s forcible demand that Friedrich undertake the award ceremony on his behalf), Friedrich hadn’t had time to accuse Augusta!

After ruling out Friedrich’s accusations to Empress Augusta, Jerome Bonaparte thought of another possibility.

Could it be that there are visiting guests at Fontainebleau Palace?

Jerome Bonaparte pondered for a few seconds and became more convinced of this possibility.

Now that the award ceremony was over, Jerome Bonaparte could return to Fontainebleau Palace at any time.

However, Jerome Bonaparte still chose to let the envoy enter the military camp to report the situation.

If the situation was not particularly urgent, then Jerome Bonaparte chose to have lunch with the army before returning to Fontainebleau Palace.

The army is the foundation of the Empire’s peace and stability; Jerome Bonaparte would never pass up any opportunity to strengthen ties with the army.

"Bring the Empress’s envoy into the military camp!!"

Jerome Bonaparte immediately instructed Bulbaski, who then left to carry out the orders.

The villa was left with only Jerome Bonaparte and Friedrich Bonaparte, father and son. Jerome Bonaparte turned his gaze back to Friedrich and asked lightly, "Friedrich, you seemed very nervous on stage just now. How do you feel now?"

"I’m not nervous anymore!" Friedrich responded blandly like a little adult.

"That’s good!" Jerome Bonaparte nodded and gently caressed Friedrich’s forehead, speaking with heartfelt seriousness, "You will experience many such events in the future. I hope you can gradually overcome your inner tension!

Strive to maintain the composure and calmness that an imperial heir should have, so you can gain more supporters!

A monarch who lacks the courage to face the army does not deserve to rule this defiant country!" 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"I understand, Father!" Friedrich solemnly nodded.

"And!" Jerome Bonaparte continued to admonish Friedrich, "You must also listen to what I just said on stage!

The army indeed is the pillar of the Bonaparte Clan’s rule in the Empire, but it isn’t the only pillar.

Therefore, we cannot rely too much on the army!

Excessive reliance will only lead to the Empire being led around by the nose by the army!"

Jerome Bonaparte’s advice left Friedrich Bonaparte feeling somewhat confused.

Clearly, his father had just said on stage that the army is a friend of the Bonaparte Clan, so why did he change his tune immediately off stage.

Seeing Friedrich’s confusion, Jerome Bonaparte immediately realized he wasn’t facing a somewhat mature-thinking adult but rather a child only 5 years old.

In a child’s worldview, there’s only black and white; they mostly can’t navigate between the black and white like adults.

Even a slightly precocious child like Friedrich is destined not to understand these nuances.

In order to prevent Friedrich from having a mental breakdown, Jerome Bonaparte decided not to discuss overly complex political thoughts with him.

So, Jerome Bonaparte gently touched Friedrich’s forehead again, smiling as he said, "Forget what I just said, and do not tell anyone!! Some things you won’t understand now, but will become clear when you grow up!"

"Hmm!" Friedrich nodded, deciding not to dwell on what Jerome Bonaparte had just said.

Just half a minute after Jerome Bonaparte and Friedrich finished their conversation, Bulbaski appeared in front of Jerome Bonaparte.

Behind Bulbaski was a lady dressed in a black and white form-fitting gown. She was the Lady-in-Waiting to Empress Augusta, Countess Elizabeth de La Croix, and also the wife of General MacMahon of Algeria’s First Division.

Being the wife of one of Jerome Bonaparte’s most trusted generals (though MacMahon joined the Orthodox faction after 1870, he was loyal to the Second Empire before then, which is why Jerome Bonaparte naturally had considerable trust in him), Countess de La Croix enjoyed a noble status in the Bonaparte court.

Not only was she the most trusted Lady-in-Waiting of Empress Augusta, but she was also her closest friend.

In order not to betray the trust the Empress placed in her, Countess de La Croix actively distanced herself from the Orthodox faction[1]and frequently inculcated her loyalty to the Second Empire to her husband far away in Algeria.

In Algeria, under his wife’s influence, MacMahon became increasingly loyal to the Second Empire.

After Countess de La Croix greeted the Emperor and the Crown Prince, she immediately curtsied to Jerome Bonaparte.

"Madam!" Jerome Bonaparte smiled back at Countess de La Croix.

Subsequently, Jerome Bonaparte inquired about the purpose of Countess de La Croix’s visit.

Countess de La Croix informed Jerome Bonaparte that she had arrived at the camp on the Empress’s orders to convey Her Majesty’s message to the Emperor.

(Jerome Bonaparte was quite annoyed by Countess de La Croix’s formality, but considering she was MacMahon’s wife, he continued to inquire with patience.)

"What happened at the Fontainebleau Palace?" Jerome Bonaparte asked Countess de La Croix.

"Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Empress asked me to inform you that the nephew of Governor Said of Egypt visited the Fontainebleau Palace today and specifically requested a meeting with you!" Countess de La Croix replied to Jerome Bonaparte,

"Governor Said’s nephew?" Jerome Bonaparte frowned, deep in thought.

Bulbaski, who clearly already knew the identity of the visitor, hurriedly addressed Jerome Bonaparte, "Your Majesty, Governor Said’s nephew is the second son of Ibrahim, who is Governor Said’s brother, and his name is Ismail. He studied at the French Military Academy for some time!"

"Ismail!" Jerome Bonaparte suddenly recalled that this Ismail seemed to be the heir to Governor Said Pasha of Egypt.

Then, to confirm his suspicion, Jerome Bonaparte promptly asked Bulbaski, "Is this Ismail the heir to Said Pasha!"

After a moment of thought, Bulbaski responded to Jerome Bonaparte, "Indeed! Ismail is Said Pasha’s legitimate heir!"

"Why does he want to see me?" Jerome Bonaparte turned his attention to Countess de La Croix.

Countess de La Croix shook her head and replied to Jerome Bonaparte, "Her Majesty the Empress did not tell me this!"

"Then..." Jerome Bonaparte paced back and forth before stopping and responded, "Please return to the Fontainebleau Palace immediately and convey to the Empress that I will return to the Fontainebleau Palace after lunch!

If the guest is in a hurry, he need not wait for me!"

"Yes!" Countess de La Croix nodded and turned to leave. Jerome Bonaparte suddenly thought of something and called out to Countess de La Croix, "Wait a moment!"

"Your Majesty, is there anything else you wish to command!" Countess de La Croix turned and inquired of Jerome Bonaparte.

"If you have time, could you ask your husband if he is willing to succeed Marshal Canrobert and become the Commander of the Guard Army?" Jerome Bonaparte asked Countess de La Croix.

Marshal Canrobert’s loyalty was unquestionable, yet he was also a general prone to hesitation.

Particularly when making significant decisions, Marshal Canrobert’s indecisiveness often led to missed opportunities.

Jerome Bonaparte felt that in tackling the Paris issue, it would be preferable to select a decisive general.

Given MacMahon’s "outstanding record" in history, Jerome Bonaparte believed that he ought to take command of the Guard Army.

When Countess de La Croix heard that her husband might become the commanding officer of the entire Guard Army, she did not feel elated at first; instead, a wave of panic overwhelmed her.

Being by the Empress’s side, she more or less knew some information and also understood the weight and responsibilities that came with the position of Paris Guard commander.

[1]Countess de La Croix’s father was an Orthodox nobleman, hence Countess de La Croix was deeply influenced by the Orthodox faction from a young age.

Due to his wife’s influence, MacMahon chose to align with the Orthodox faction after 1870 in history.