After a brief but decisive discussion with Citizen Barras, Napoleon wasted no time in setting his sights on a daring conquest: Egypt. Taking a page from the real-world Napoleon's playbook, he recognized the potential of invading Egypt to disrupt British influence in India. Barras' immediate endorsement of the plan revealed his ulterior motive—to dispatch Napoleon far away from the political intrigues of Paris. With clarity of purpose, Napoleon dedicated himself to meticulously crafting a comprehensive campaign, one that would not fail similarly to the real Napoleon Bonaparte.
A week later, Napoleon finalized his plan and was ready to present it to the Directory in Paris. He was in his office, stowing documents inside the leather briefcase. Just as Napoleon finished securing the last document inside his sturdy leather briefcase, the door to his office creaked open. Startled, he turned his gaze towards the entrance, and there stood his beloved wife, Ciela.
"Love?" Napoleon called. "Is there something I can do for you before you leave?"
Napoleon's keen eyes immediately noticed a folded letter clutched in Ciela's hand. The sight of it piqued his curiosity, for he had not expected any correspondence at this particular moment.
"Darling…a letter has arrived for you," Ciela said, handing Napoleon the letter.
Napoleon tilted his head to the side, wondering who was the sender of the letter. He grabbed the letter and opened it, revealing the impeccable penmanship that adorned the page. His eyes scanned the opening lines, which addressed him as "Dear General Napoleon Bonaparte." The formality of the letter intrigued him further, urging him to immerse himself in its contents.
[Dear General Napoleon Bonaparte,
I hope this letter finds you well amidst your preparations for the grand campaign in Egypt. It is with great admiration for your strategic acumen and unwavering dedication to our nation that I extend this invitation to you.
I humbly request your esteemed presence at my estate, Chateau de Valois, nestled amidst the serene French countryside. I believe it is of utmost importance that we engage in a private and confidential discussion regarding matters of national interest. The nature of our discourse is of significant consequence, and I trust in your discretion.
I propose a meeting at three o'clock in the afternoon, whereupon we shall have the opportunity to exchange insights, perspectives, and aspirations that shall shape the future of our beloved France.
It is my fervent hope that you shall honor me with your presence and grant me the privilege of engaging in dialogue that will undoubtedly contribute to the success of your forthcoming expedition.
With great anticipation,
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord]
Reading the last line of the letter, Napoleon's eyes widened in recognition. Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, the current foreign minister of France. Based on his knowledge of history, Talleyrand served as Napoleon Bonaparte's foreign minister after the coup of 18 Brumaire until 1807. However, their relationship had soured, leading to a loss of Talleyrand's confidence in Napoleon due to his ambitions.
However, one undeniable fact was Talleyrand's exceptional diplomatic skills. Despite this, his loyalty had always been questionable. Talleyrand had shown a propensity for switching sides when his current master's power was waning or no longer secure.
Napoleon pondered aloud, what should he do? Should he entertain Talleyrand's invitation and go to his estate or ignore the letter? He weighed the pros and cons. Talleyrand may be a good diplomat but it is the loyalty that Napoleon wanted from him.
"What is my love? Whose letter was it?" Ciela asked, snapping Napoleon out of his train of thought.
"It is an invitation from Talleyrand, I'm sure you know Ciela," Napoleon revealed.
"Talleyrand?" Ciela repeated, gasping softly. "You should meet him," she urged.
"Are you sure?" Napoleon asked. "You know that he has loyalty issues right?"
"Yeah, but that was when Napoleon was losing his grip on power. But my darling, you are not the Napoleon Bonaparte of my world. If you aspire to lead France, you'll need allies, and there's no better candidate than him. The fact that he's inviting you signifies that he sees potential in you. If you're concerned about possible betrayal in the future, don't worry, I'll handle him."
Napoleon scoffed softly. "You sound scary dear, but okay, I will meet Talleyrand."
***
Two hours later, Napoleon arrived at Chateau de Valois, Talleyrand's estate. He stepped out of the carriage and the butler outside the gates greeted him.
"General Napoleon Bonaparte, my master is waiting for you in the drawing room," the butler said politely. "If you would be so kind as to follow me."
Napoleon nodded and followed the butler through the grand entrance of Chateau de Valois. The opulence of the estate was evident in every intricate detail, from the marble floors to the lavish tapestries adorning the walls. As they approached the drawing room, Napoleon's anticipation grew, mingled with a hint of caution.
The butler opened the doors, revealing a spacious room bathed in soft candlelight. Sitting by the fireplace, wearing a tailored suit, was Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, pouring a scotch whiskey on the rocks.
The butler immediately leaves, leaving Napoleon alone with him.
"So, Monsignor, how should I properly address you? Shall I refer to you as such, acknowledging your previous role as a bishop? Or perhaps, Your Excellency, given your esteemed position as Ambassador to England during the revolutionary government? Or would Minister be the more appropriate designation, recognizing your current responsibility in overseeing France's foreign relations?"
Talleyrand slowly turned around, his gaze fixed on Napoleon. A hint of a smile played on his lips as he studied the renowned general standing before him. Despite his elegant appearance and the air of authority that surrounded him, there was a noticeable limp in his step—a consequence of his club foot, which he had carried since birth. Undeterred by his physical condition, Talleyrand exuded a commanding presence, his piercing eyes reflecting a lifetime of political maneuvering.
"Most people just call me Talleyrand, just Talleyrand," Talleyrand said, handing him a glass of scotch whiskey with a gracious nod.
Napoleon accepted the glass, savoring the aroma before taking a thoughtful sip.
"Please have a seat, General Bonaparte," Talleyrand gestured towards an elegant armchair placed opposite him. Napoleon obliged, settling into the plush seat as he maintained a watchful gaze on Talleyrand.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this invitation, Talleyrand?" Napoleon asked. "I must confess, your letter caught me by surprise."
"Well, General Bonaparte, I'm interested in meeting the man who had defeated Austria on his own. And in your campaign, I had noticed that you established republics in Italy with you as its president."
"So you know a lot of things about me then huh?" Napoleon let out a chuckle before sipping another sip of the scotch whiskey "Tell me, Talleyrand, what exactly is it that you seek to discuss?"
Talleyrand leaned forward, his gaze steady and intense. "General I read the constitution you have placed in the republics that you established and I must say…I expected something more revolutionary from you."
"You mean the concentrated government that I established?" Napoleon corrected. "It is true that I believe in strong leadership and centralized power. In times of instability, a firm hand is necessary to guide the nation toward progress and prosperity.
"Indeed, stability is vital, but the problem with your concentrated government is that power is in the hands of one man, and you knew what happened three years ago, where Robespierre lost his way and became a tyrant."
"Did you just invite me over here to discuss the constitution, Talleyrand?" Napoleon asked.
"Nope, you can consider me asking the constitution as the prelude for my true intention. You see, the republics you established, you are the one governing it right? So does that mean you have an interest in political power?
At that moment, Napoleon realized what Talleyrand was doing. He wanted to know if Napoleon was interested in getting involved in the politics of France, and if Napoleon said he has an interest, then Talleyrand would do anything in his power to help him because, at the moment, he knew that the current government is weak and unpopular to the people. He is looking for someone who he can serve.
"Well, Talleyrand can I be honest with you?"
Talleyrand raised his brow, surprised by Napoleon's sudden seriousness.
"By all means, General Bonaparte, I'll be as silent as the grave," Talleyrand said.
"You know, the National Convention, the Legislative Assembly, and the Directory, all of them did their own politics but none of them truly cared for the people. I am disgusted by the way our country has been governed," Napoleon admitted, his voice tinged with frustration. "I am tired of the infighting, the corruption, and the disregard for the needs of the French people."
"And you believe that you could govern it better than them?" Talleyrand inquired.
"I am saying that they could do better," Napoleon paused, collecting his thoughts. "But I also believe that I have the vision, the determination, and the ability to bring about the change that France desperately needs. I am not driven by personal ambition but by a genuine desire to serve the people and build a nation that thrives on equality, justice, and progress."
Talleyrand leaned back in his chair, his expression contemplative. "General Bonaparte, throughout my years in politics, I have encountered many individuals who claimed to have noble intentions but ultimately succumbed to the temptations of power, wouldn't that be the same to you?"
"No," Napoleon said without hesitation.
Talleyrand nodded and sipped his scotch. "Very well, General Bonaparte. To realize that vision, you will need allies, and I am more than welcome to help you."
"And would you be loyal to me?" Napoleon asked, smirking.
Talleyrand chuckled softly. "As long as you are working for the best interest of France, I will do everything in my power to serve you."
"That's fine to me," Napoleon said, and he pulled out his timepiece. "I'm afraid that I have to go, Talleyrand, I have a meeting with the Directory about the campaign I proposed."
"You mean in Egypt?" Talleyrand inquired. "I was informed of your plan by Barras. Is it really wise for you to lead the expedition yourself? Because, as you may already know, they are sending you far away from France."
"I am well aware of their intentions, Talleyrand," Napoleon replied. "But this expedition is an opportunity for me to prove myself to the people of France. If I succeed in the campaign, conquering Egypt and Asia, it will undoubtedly enhance my reputation and garner support from the people."
"In that case, good luck with your presentation, General Bonaparte," Talleyrand said.
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