The Fox of France -
Chapter 42: The Brittany Club
"Regarding this matter," Armand began, "our play itself carries strong political undertones. When I was creating it, I knew that staging this work involved political risks."
At this point, Armand paused and continued, "Moreover, we chose to perform it during such a time, which itself is a politically charged choice. We have already considered the political risks. Even if something does happen, it would be nothing more than a stint in the Bastille."
When people spoke of going to prison, it was generally called 'feeding the rats,' but Armand referred to it as 'eating rats,' a small linguistic difference that carried significant implications. Both Armand and Robespierre knew that because the Bastille was often used to incarcerate nobles, there was likely no other prison in all of France that could compare to its conditions.
"And I believe, if our king were even slightly intelligent, we wouldn't be at risk of going to the Bastille," Saint-Just chimed in. "If our king decides to suppress the people, he should use decisive measures, swiftly arrest all the representatives of the Third Estate, and send them straight to the guillotine. Although this may lead to some chaos, the rebels would be leaderless, and they can be picked off one by one."
At this point, Saint-Just, with his handsome features, allowed a faint, mocking smile to creep onto his lips. "Moreover, most of these representatives are wealthy individuals – Mr. Robespierre, you're among the poorest among them, but even you, compared to most people in the Saint-Antoine district, are considered 'rich.' Some of them have hundreds of times more wealth than you. Eliminate these representatives, seize their assets, and use that money to recruit more troops and gain the loyalty of nobles and the impoverished who would support the king, and perhaps our king could survive this. Of course, such actions might lead to a civil war in France. He must be prepared for failure, like Charles I, who ended up on the guillotine. Nevertheless, considering the lack of leadership on the other side, I believe our king's position would be better than that of Charles I. If our king genuinely intends to do this, we'll likely be executed directly, and there will be no need for the Bastille."
With this, Saint-Just even lightly caressed his slender neck, exuding an air of "A fine head, who will sever it."
"Do you think the king would do such a thing?" Robespierre asked.
"He won't," Saint-Just said, his face wearing a scornful smile. "If the king had the audacity to be a tyrant, he wouldn't let that Austrian woman have her way. He also wouldn't come away empty-handed from the 'Assembly of Notables.' Overall, our monarch lacks both the courage of a despot and the wisdom of an enlightened ruler. He's not a king to be feared. So, I don't believe we're in any danger."
"Mr. Saint-Just," Robespierre praised, "you possess a remarkable level of composure and courage for someone of your age and appearance. Honestly, when I saw you perform as Spartacus just yesterday, I was quite surprised, but your performance was outstanding. I was astonished that someone as young as you could possess such strength. However, today's conversation has made me understand that a person's thoughts and abilities cannot be measured solely by age. Mr. Saint-Just, indeed, as you've said, our king lacks the audacity for tyranny. We are not fools, willing to let him have his way. These years of privilege and excess have drained the nation's treasury. The army is similarly starved of funds, rife with discontent. Moreover, the army is made up of the people of France. The army is composed of the people; it is not a soulless tool. If the king truly intends to take risks, he can only rely on mercenaries. However, if he can afford to pay mercenaries, he can certainly fund the French army. What do you think the French army would prefer? In fact, we are not entirely unprepared; many nobles and military officers are in contact with us. The king won't be able to hide any major actions from us. So, while your performance has its risks, they are not uncontrollable. After all, I invited you, and even if you didn't make the request, I would have considered your safety. So, you can rest assured; while there is some risk, the possibility of going to the Bastille is very small."
"Don't even mention the Bastille; we're not afraid of the guillotine," Armand said.
The group discussed the play further, and Armand and Saint-Just prepared to take their leave. Robespierre escorted them to the door but suddenly mentioned, "Oh, I almost forgot. We have a club, comprised of good friends who hope to bring about reform. I believe our philosophies align, would you be interested in joining?"
"What kind of club is it?" Saint-Just inquired.
"The Brittany Club. Originally, it was a club for representatives from the Brittany region, but after the Third Estate convened, more people joined. They are all friends who support constitutionalism, so we are considering changing the club's name to 'Friends of Constitutionalism.' How about it? If you're interested, I can introduce you."
"Sure," Armand replied, "I have a friend who would be a great fit. You may have heard of him – his name is Bonaparte, Joseph Bonaparte. He's a scientific genius."
"I've heard of him," Robespierre nodded. "Although I can't understand his writings. Well, can you wait for a moment? I will write an invitation letter and you can deliver it to him."
"We'd be happy to help," Armand said.
Robespierre went into his study to write the letter, while Armand and Saint-Just made themselves comfortable in the living room, sitting on the couch, waiting.
"Armand, do you think Mr. Bonaparte would be willing to join this club?" Saint-Just asked.
"Don't worry, I know Joseph and his political views. In fact, you know, many ideas in the script of 'Spartacus' come from him. He's definitely a progressive young man who supports constitutionalism," Armand replied, barely refraining from revealing that the song 'Slave's Song' was written by Joseph for him. He vaguely sensed that he might have made a mistake when Joseph handed him that song, considering Joseph's attitude at the time.
"I'm aware of that," Saint-Just said. "But I still have the feeling that Mr. Bonaparte may not be too eager to get deeply involved in politics. He seems more interested in his scientific pursuits. Well, I don't doubt his passion for constitutionalism, but I think he might love science more."
"Damn it! I didn't consider that," Armand shook his head. But then he immediately added, "This guy might really have that possibility. But it's just an invitation to a club, it shouldn't take up too much of his time. If he's really busy, he doesn't have to participate."
As they were talking, Robespierre returned from his study and handed a sealed envelope to Armand.
"I've written the invitation letter. I look forward to meeting this genius scientist at the club."
"Very well, Mr. Robespierre," Armand hesitated for a moment, then said, "Joseph has been busy with an important study lately, and it's been taking up a lot of his time... He might not be able to fully participate in the club's activities..." Armand hesitated.
Robespierre paused for a moment, then smiled, "Ah, Mr. Lavoisier, that's not an issue at all. It's just a club. No club expects all its members to be present all the time. After all, everyone has their own business, right? So, it's not a problem."
"If that's the case, then there should be no problem," Armand said.
...
Leaving Robespierre's place, Armand looked at the sky and said to Saint-Just, "Louis, Joseph lives not far from here, just across the street. I think it's about time for him to return home. I plan to go to his place directly and deliver the invitation letter. Would you like to come with me?"
Saint-Just thought for a moment, then shook his head, "Time is running out for the next performance, I should go back and prepare."
So, the two parted ways at the street corner. Saint-Just took a hired carriage back to the theater troupe's location, while Armand walked to Joseph's residence.
When Armand knocked on Joseph's door, Joseph was having dinner with his two younger brothers. Typically, if a time-traveler from a big eating country found themselves in the West, they'd cook Chinese food whenever they could because, generally, they wouldn't find Western food very palatable. This was especially true for those unfortunate time-travelers who ended up in a country where all they could find was potatoes, eggs, and sardines. However, Joseph enjoyed a genuine Western meal – bread and roasted lamb. This wasn't just because he was lucky to have ended up in a big eating country; it was because, in this era, the ingredients required for Chinese dishes were basically unavailable in France. Besides, Joseph had now achieved a certain status, and someone of his status was expected to avoid doing his own cooking. Furthermore, labor was cheap, so Joseph had hired a maid to help with the household chores.
Hence, when Armand entered and sniffed the air, he raised his eyebrows, deeply inhaled the aroma, and exclaimed, "Smells delicious! Is that roasted lamb? Well, Joseph, your life has improved significantly!"
Joseph inquired, "What brings you here at this time, Armand? Is there something you need?"
"Ah, I've come to deliver a letter, an invitation," Armand replied.
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