When Bulbaski informed Jerome Bonaparte of the Old Guard blocking the road, Jerome Bonaparte immediately felt it was tricky.

Jerome Bonaparte first thought of "veterans’ rights," something that was not uncommon in the 19th century, nor even in the 21st century.

Especially with improved conditions in the Imperial Army.

After Jerome Bonaparte ascended the throne, in order to promote healthy reforms in the French Army and to forge the image of the Bonaparte Clan prioritizing the army, Jerome Bonaparte not only retired soldiers who exceeded their service years but also worked to improve the treatment of French veterans,

ensuring every veteran could receive a certain amount of pension after reaching a certain number of years (the pension could only cover basic expenses).

If they didn’t wish to receive a pension, they could find re-employment under government department guidance.

This was only for ordinary soldiers, while those who retired from the Guard Army enjoyed much better treatment.

As for the Old Guard who followed his grandfather through battles, their treatment was even better.

Not only did they receive condolences from the Imperial Government every year, but they were also granted a generous pension every month.

When imperial celebrations required them to stand out, they could receive additional allowances.

These Old Guard veterans in the Second Empire enjoyed retirement benefits comparable to those of some retired mid-level public officials.

In theory, the high salary of the Old Guard indeed carried a risk of embezzlement.

The Old Guard’s momentary dissatisfaction, choosing to block Jerome Bonaparte’s carriage, was not impossible. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

However, mobilizing so many people for veterans’ rights, was it necessary?

Jerome Bonaparte reconsidered and dismissed this thought.

As Jerome Bonaparte was in deep thought, Bulbaski cautiously proposed an idea that was enough to send Jerome Bonaparte’s blood pressure through the roof.

"Your Majesty, shall we command the soldiers to drive them all away?"

"Mr. Bulbaski, do you think the Empire’s problems are not enough!" Jerome Bonaparte responded to Bulbaski with suppressed anger, his tone teasing.

Bulbaski lowered his head, not daring to utter another word, silently waiting for Jerome Bonaparte’s command.

Jerome Bonaparte stood in place, pondered briefly, and then sighed deeply, saying to Bulbaski, "It’s better to handle this myself!"

Upon speaking, Jerome Bonaparte gently waved to Friedrich on the carriage.

Quietly sitting in Augusta’s embrace, Friedrich looked out the window at Jerome Bonaparte beckoning him and instinctively glanced at Augusta.

Augusta naturally understood that Jerome Bonaparte intended for Friedrich to see more of the world, she loosened her embrace of Friedrich, softly saying to him, "Go, your father is waiting for you!"

Friedrich slowly stood up, pushed the door open, and then cautiously stepped onto the stairs.

The surrounding cavalry saw the situation and wanted to support Friedrich, to prevent him from falling.

"Let him walk down from the carriage on his own!" Jerome Bonaparte calmly said.

The soldiers stopped upon hearing Jerome Bonaparte’s command, while Friedrich slowly walked down from the carriage box and came before Jerome Bonaparte.

"Let’s go!"

Jerome Bonaparte held Friedrich’s hand and walked toward the direction of Fontainebleau Town, and soon they arrived at the front of the convoy.

The residents of Fontainebleau Town and the Old Guard, upon seeing the arrival of Jerome Bonaparte and Friedrich Bonaparte, hastily responded, "Greetings to Your Majesty, Crown Prince!"

Since the residents of Fontainebleau Town hadn’t rehearsed, their response was quite scattered, all voices mingling noisily into Jerome Bonaparte’s ears.

Jerome Bonaparte smiled and said to the residents of Fontainebleau Town on the scene, "Good morning," and then pushed Friedrich Bonaparte forward, saying, "Friedrich, quickly greet these uncles and aunts!"

Friedrich timidly said, "Good morning!"

The residents of Fontainebleau Town revealed extremely delighted smiles upon receiving the Crown Prince’s greetings.

Then, Jerome Bonaparte led Friedrich to the front of the Old Guard, he glanced at the Old Guard’s wrinkled military uniform and the medals on their chest.

He pointed to the Old Guard and said to Friedrich, "Friedrich, this old gentleman is one of the soldiers who searched along with your grandfather!

No matter when, you must always respect him!

Do you understand!"

Friedrich looked at the Old Guard’s clothes and medals, and replied to Jerome Bonaparte in a particularly earnest young voice, "Understood!"

Then, Jerome Bonaparte pushed Friedrich forward, saying, "Go! Convey your sentiments to this old gentleman!"

In the Old Guard’s eyes, a mix of excitement and regret, Friedrich approached him and offered a slightly imperfect salute.

The Old Guard raised his slightly trembling hand and returned the salute to Friedrich, repeatedly saying, "Good child!"

Immediately afterward, Jerome Bonaparte approached the Old Guard. Rather than criticize him for blocking the road, he inquired whether the Old Guard had encountered any difficulties.

"Sir, you are a hero who has fought for the Empire! The Empire will never treat a hero like you unfairly!" Jerome Bonaparte solemnly told the Old Guard, "If you encounter any difficulties, or if you have encountered any injustices, you can inform our government departments!"

Saying this, Jerome Bonaparte deliberately raised his voice, "We will solve your problems personally!"

The Old Guard’s eyes showed even more emotion upon hearing Jerome Bonaparte’s response.

The Old Guard, having experienced decades of ups and downs, knew of Jerome Bonaparte’s "little tricks," but these "little tricks" were sufficient for him.

None of the Monarchs following Emperor Napoleon genuinely cared for them like Jerome Bonaparte did, not even with a simple greeting.

"Your Majesty, please forgive my impulsive behavior!" The Old Guard apologized to Jerome Bonaparte, his voice choked with emotion.

"Old sir, I forgive your impulsiveness!" Jerome Bonaparte replied to the Old Guard, "Now please tell me your difficulties, so that I can better help solve them!"

"Actually..." When discussing the issue, the Old Guard suddenly became shy, seemingly embarrassed about the motive for blocking the road.

"No matter the difficulty, I will do my utmost to solve it for you!" Jerome Bonaparte encouraged the Old Guard to speak out.

"Actually, I represent the residents of Fontainebleau Town, asking you whether you intend to abandon Fontainebleau Palace?" The Old Guard asked Jerome Bonaparte.

Although the Old Guard’s words were quite reserved, Jerome Bonaparte immediately understood the reason for the roadblock.

It turned out that the residents of Fontainebleau Town feared he would abandon Fontainebleau Palace, thus blocking the road to prevent his departure.

Fontainebleau Town’s prosperity relied heavily on the support of Fontainebleau Palace.

During Jerome Bonaparte’s few months residing at Fontainebleau Palace, the town’s economy showed significant improvement, with many nobles opting to spend money in the town when passing by, indirectly boosting the town’s economic prosperity.

If Fontainebleau Palace lost its status as the royal residence, then Fontainebleau Town would instantly revert to its former state.

To protect the town’s economy, the residents of Fontainebleau Town were unwilling to let the Emperor leave Fontainebleau Palace.

However, to avoid conflict, the town’s Old Guard took responsibility for blocking the road.

After all, the Empire’s tolerance for the Old Guard was evident to all.

The Emperor would not vent anger on a 70-year-old man.

Understanding this, Jerome Bonaparte kindly said to the Old Guard, "I assure you, I will not abandon Fontainebleau Palace!

Fontainebleau Palace will remain as the Empire’s secondary residence, and my family and I will spend two to three months there every year!"

After receiving Jerome Bonaparte’s assurance, the Old Guard’s wrinkled face revealed a relieved smile, and he hurriedly bowed and apologized to Jerome Bonaparte, "Your Majesty, I’m sorry for taking up your precious time!

Please believe that the residents of Fontainebleau Town will always be loyal to the Empire!"

"I believe you!" Jerome Bonaparte pointed at the medal on the Old Guard’s chest, responding solemnly, "During the First Empire, you residents living near Fontainebleau Palace joined the Imperial Army and followed my uncle in battles everywhere!

Now, your children have joined the Second Empire’s army and follow the Empire in campaigns across the land! (Nearly a quarter of the new generation from Fontainebleau Town has joined the Imperial Army)

With such loyal citizens, how can I not believe!"

Following Jerome Bonaparte’s words, the residents of Fontainebleau Town, amidst the Old Guard’s soldier’s scolding, cleared a path.

However, Jerome Bonaparte did not return to the carriage; he walked at the forefront with Friedrich, receiving the attention of Fontainebleau Town’s residents.

Once Jerome Bonaparte passed through the town, he opened his pocket watch to check the time, noting it was already the scheduled departure time.

Jerome Bonaparte and Friedrich quickly returned to the carriage, which started rushing again.

Soon, Jerome Bonaparte’s convoy arrived at the train station outside Fontainebleau Town.

By now, the original scheduled departure time had already passed by about 15 minutes, prompting Jerome Bonaparte and the others to seize the moment and board the train.

Time passed by nearly half an hour before the train blew the first whistle signaling departure.