Four o'clock in the morning of November 9, 1799, saw a clandestine gathering taking place in the heart of Paris. In the quiet hours before the city stirred to life, a group of 60 officers from the 17th District and National Guard assembled at Napoleon's residence on the Chateau de Chantilly.
"Soldiers of the Republic! We stand at a critical juncture in our nation's history. The Republic, once a beacon of hope and progress, now finds itself mired in chaos and uncertainty. The very ideals we fought for are threatened by corruption and inefficiency. But fear not, my comrades. For I stand here today as a guardian, a protector of the government that has failed us. I ask for your loyalty, not to individuals who have lost sight of their duty, but to the ideals upon which this Republic was founded. We cannot allow our beloved France to wither under the weight of incompetence. We must seize this moment, unite in purpose, and forge a path toward stability and prosperity. Together, we can reshape the destiny of our nation. We can restore the values of equality, liberty, and fraternity that have been tarnished by those who sought personal gain. By taking action, by conducting this coup, we become the agents of change that France so desperately needs. Our purpose is not to destroy, but to rebuild. To usher in an era of strength, unity, and progress. So I ask you, soldiers of the Republic, to join me in this endeavor. Together, we can reclaim the spirit that once made France great. Our loyalty will not be to a failing government, but to the ideals that bind us as brothers-in-arms."
A moment of silence followed Napoleon's passionate plea. Then, one by one, the soldiers began to nod, their determination mirrored in their eyes.
As they stepped forward, pledging their loyalty to the cause, the course of history shifted beneath their feet. The stage was set, the actors assembled, and the fate of the Republic poised on a knife's edge.
Meanwhile, Napoleon's wife, Ciela watched his speech from the window and she couldn't be more proud of him.
"Good luck! My dear husband."
***
Six o'clock in the morning. In the Tuileries Palace.
Inside the opulent chambers of the Tuileries Palace, the Council of Ancients had gathered, their expressions a mixture of weariness and apprehension. Lucien Bonaparte, Napoleon's trusted brother, stood before them, his voice steady and authoritative as he addressed the assembly.
"Citizens representatives!" Lucien began. "I stand before you today to bring to light a grave conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of our Republic."
Whispers filled the room as the Ancients exchanged curious glances, their attention fully captured by Lucien's words. They leaned forward, eager to hear the details of this alleged plot.
"Recent intelligence has uncovered a Jacobin plot, orchestrated by enemies of the state who seek to undermine the stability of our government. These individuals, driven by misguided ideologies, plan to plunge our beloved Republic into chaos and anarchy."
Murmurs of disbelief and concern swept through the Council. The specter of the Jacobins still loomed large in the collective memory, their radicalism, and thirst for power a dark chapter in the nation's history.
Lucien's eyes scanned the room, his gaze locking with that of the skeptical Ancients. He knew he had to sway them, to convince them of the imminent danger that awaited.
"However, we have an opportunity to safeguard the Republic and ensure its survival," Lucien declared, his voice rising with conviction. "To thwart these treacherous plans, we must take decisive action. I propose two decrees that are essential to preserving the integrity of our government and protecting each and every one of us. The first decree grants General Napoleon Bonaparte command of all local armed forces, allowing him to effectively counter this Jacobin threat.
A murmur of hesitation rippled through the Council, some Ancients exchanging skeptical glances. The idea of placing such immense power in the hands of a single man was a cause for concern, even in the face of an alleged conspiracy.
"But fear not, my esteemed colleagues," Lucien pressed on in a reassuring tone. "Napoleon has proven time and again his loyalty to the Republic. He will serve as our shield, protecting us from those who seek to tear us apart."
Lucien's persuasive words swirled through the chamber, capturing the attention of the Ancients. Slowly, the tide began to turn, skepticism giving way to a cautious willingness to consider this course of action.
"And the second decree is to officially move today's session from the Tuileries to Saint-Cloud. This measure is necessary to ensure the safety of this esteemed assembly. We must not underestimate the reach and audacity of those who conspire against us."
The murmurs grew louder, the Ancients engaging in whispered conversations amongst themselves. Some voiced their reservations, others weighed the potential benefits of these drastic decrees.
Lucien's eyes, filled with determination, scanned the room, his gaze landing on each hesitant Ancient. He must make them believe that they are in danger, if not, then the coup will fail.
"Citizens representatives! I implore you to consider the future of our Republic. In the face of this imminent danger, we must act swiftly and decisively," Lucien concluded,
Silence hung in the air as the Council of Ancients contemplated the proposals set before them.
One by one, the Ancients began to nod in agreement, their hesitations fading as they recognized the necessity of these measures. The decrees were signed, the die cast and the Council prepared to embrace the uncertainty that lay ahead.
After securing their agreement, Lucien smiled in satisfaction, he had achieved one of his goals. Now it's time for Sieyes, Ducos, and Talleyrand to do their job.
***
Tuileries Palace, 10 am in the morning.
Napoleon and his army made up of local armed forces arrived in the Tuileries Palace.
Dressed in the general uniform, he addressed them inside the chamber.
"Citizen representatives! I stand before you today, summoned by the decree, ready to answer its call," Bonaparte declared in a determined expression. "In the face of a grave threat that looms over our beloved Republic, it is my duty to protect you from the insidious Jacobin plot that seeks to undermine our values and tear us apart."
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