The train departed from Fontainebleau Town heading directly north, soon merging from the branch line onto the main Paris-Strasbourg route, then continued traveling north-northwest.

Due to the insufficient power of steam engines in the mid-19th century, the train operated at a speed of only 40-60 km/h, allowing the passengers to fully enjoy the scenery along the journey.

Sitting by the window side, Friedrich placed both hands on the glass, gazing intently at the beautiful landscape outside. From Friedrich’s expression, Jerome Bonaparte could see joy and excitement.

"Father, look over there!"

Friedrich shouted loudly. Jerome Bonaparte looked in the direction Friedrich was pointing.

About 300 meters from the train, a few low cottages stood on the field, beside which was a windmill roughly three stories high.

Jerome Bonaparte suddenly recalled recently explaining the utility of windmill houses to Friedrich, using pictures as references.

Back then, Friedrich had developed an interest in such windmill houses, but due to all the grain grinding and flour production in Fontainebleau Town being handled by steam engines, there were no actual examples there.

Now, Friedrich’s wish had been fulfilled.

Subsequently, Jerome Bonaparte decided to test Friedrich.

As the Crown Prince, Friedrich must possess some knowledge of human culture.

Otherwise, he might make a blunder like the "cake queen" joke.

"Friedrich, do you know what those windmills are used for?" Jerome Bonaparte asked Friedrich in a lighthearted tone.

Friedrich immediately put away his joyful expression, displaying a contemplative look.

Empress Augusta, sitting nearby, also spoke to Friedrich, "Friedrich, think carefully!"

Jerome Bonaparte and Augusta quietly awaited Friedrich’s answer. After a while, Friedrich’s eyes lit up, and with a slightly excited tone, he responded to Jerome Bonaparte and Augusta, "I remember now!

That house, like a windmill, is for grinding grain and making flour!"

"Why doesn’t Paris have houses like these?" Jerome Bonaparte decided to test Friedrich again and asked once more.

"Because... because..." Friedrich stammered and couldn’t answer, forgetting what his father had said initially.

"Because all of Paris’s flour is ground by steam engines; wind power grinding no longer meets Paris’s needs!" Jerome Bonaparte didn’t trouble Friedrich and kindly explained, "Whereas most rural areas outside the big cities still maintain the traditional way of life from centuries ago!

Many people have never seen the urban prosperity; they are the ones who use windmill houses the most!"

Upon hearing Jerome Bonaparte’s explanation, Friedrich displayed a puzzled expression; he couldn’t understand why his father was saying this.

"Friedrich, I have told you before! The foundation of the Empire lies with the farmers living in the countryside; it is they who, with their votes, placed the Bonaparte Clan on the throne of the Emperor of France!" Jerome Bonaparte spoke to Friedrich with particular seriousness, "Hence, we must help them!

Improve their lives and make their wallets affluent!

Only by doing so will they continue to support us unwaveringly!

This is the political contract that the Bonaparte Clan has forged with the farmers living on this land!

Any monarch who violates the political contract will inevitably be overthrown!

Friedrich, you must remember never to betray your base at any time!

This is my advice to you!"

Jerome Bonaparte feared Friedrich might betray the farmers just as William II historically betrayed the Junkers.

(William II always considered himself the Emperor of Germany and scoffed at the title of King of Prussia, the true source of his power.

When World War I was over, the Junker Nobility completely abandoned William II, and by the time he wanted to reclaim the title of King of Prussia, it was too late.)

If the Second Empire lost the farmers’ support, the Empire would be like a sandcastle on the beach, collapsing at the first touch.

Jerome Bonaparte would sooner expect the Seine River to flow backward than rely on the city people with republican ideas to steadfastly support the Empire.

"I understand, Father!" Friedrich nodded to Jerome Bonaparte, "When I grow up, I will give them (the farmers) lots and lots of candies and cakes to let them continue to support us!"

Hearing Friedrich’s innocent words, Jerome Bonaparte couldn’t help but chuckle.

Jerome Bonaparte knew that some things were not yet the time to discuss; it would have to wait until Friedrich grew a bit older.

Jerome Bonaparte gently touched Friedrich’s head and affectionately said, "Good! I think they will certainly be delighted to receive your candies and cakes!"

...

In the following period, Jerome Bonaparte did not continue to test Friedrich. Friedrich continued to admire the scenery and architecture along the way and occasionally asked Jerome Bonaparte about the names of the buildings. Jerome Bonaparte always patiently answered Friedrich’s questions.

Soon, the train carrying Jerome Bonaparte arrived near the train station on the outskirts of Paris.

At this moment, on the platform of the train station near Paris.

Ministers from various departments of the French Empire (Minister of the Seal Mornay, Minister of Finance Fuld, Minister of Justice Rue) and senior French officers had been waiting on the platform for some time. As soon as the train came to a complete stop at the platform, the band immediately played the Second Empire’s quasi-national anthem "March to Syria".

Amidst the gradually soaring music, Jerome Bonaparte and his family of three stepped off the train.

"Long live the Empire, long live Bonaparte!"

Mornay and the senior officials present shouted in unison to Jerome Bonaparte, while the senior officers expressed their admiration for Jerome Bonaparte through salutes.

Jerome Bonaparte waved with a smile, then walked up to Mornay, shook hands with Mornay, and said, "Mr. Mornay, thank you for all your hard work during this period!"

"It is my duty!" Mornay humbly responded to Jerome Bonaparte.

Subsequently, Jerome Bonaparte shook hands with Mornay and others one by one, expressing his gratitude.

All the ministers humbly stated that these were their responsibilities.

After shaking hands with everyone, Mornay appeared again in front of Jerome Bonaparte and informed him that representatives of the French Legislative Corps had been waiting for the Emperor at the Bourbon Palace for a long time, eagerly anticipating his arrival.

Jerome Bonaparte nodded and then, surrounded by imperial officials and generals, headed to the carriage prepared especially for them.

Jerome Bonaparte first helped Empress Augusta and Friedrich Bonaparte onto the carriage, then asked Mornay if there were any extra war horses.

Mornay naturally understood Jerome Bonaparte’s intention and tactfully expressed his concerns about the security in Paris.

Although it had been quite some time since the last parade, no one could guarantee the complete absence of lurking Blanquists in Paris.

If those Blanquists chose to assassinate the monarch at this moment, then Mornay and others would be guilty beyond words.

Jerome Bonaparte was naturally also aware of Mornay’s concerns.

However, after a brief consideration, Jerome Bonaparte still chose to ride a war horse to the Bourbon Palace.

Hence, Jerome Bonaparte disregarded the opposition from Mornay and others and insisted on riding to the palace.

Unable to dissuade him, Mornay had no choice but to agree to Jerome Bonaparte’s request, and Jerome Bonaparte mounted a hastily prepared war horse, accompanied on both sides by the French Minister of War Vayang and the French Chief of Staff Nie’er.

After settling Jerome Bonaparte, Mornay and others respectively boarded their already prepared carriages.

"Let’s go!"

Jerome Bonaparte rode at the front of the procession, followed by the imperial generals also on horseback. Behind the imperial generals were carriages carrying the Empress, the Crown Prince, and senior imperial officials.

The entire procession moved forward in an orderly fashion and soon entered the city from the outskirts of Paris.

As Jerome Bonaparte gradually approached the central district, the number of pedestrians on both sides of the road also gradually increased. By the time Jerome Bonaparte’s team reached the main road, the number of pedestrians on both sides was too many to count.

If it weren’t for the police and temporarily mobilized soldiers maintaining basic order on both sides of the main road, the streets would likely have been completely blocked by the crowds.

On horseback, Jerome Bonaparte felt the thousands of gazes from both sides of the road, and a hint of pride appeared on his face.

In all of France, only he could receive such "worldwide attention" treatment.

Amid the gaze of the masses, Jerome Bonaparte arrived near the Bourbon Palace.

Those who had long been waiting at the gate of the Bourbon Palace, such as Bijou, upon seeing the magnificent procession and Jerome Bonaparte on horseback in the distance, all displayed varying degrees of astonishment on their faces.

When the procession reached the gate of the Bourbon Palace, Jerome Bonaparte dismounted from his horse, first warmly shaking hands with the guards at the palace, then walking up to Bijou, shaking hands and embracing him.

Surrounded by Bijou and others, Jerome Bonaparte, who had been absent for nearly half a year, once again stepped into the Bourbon Palace, representing the highest authority of the Empire.

He would meet representatives from various sectors of Paris here and receive their most sincere welcome.