Make France Great Again

Jerome Bonaparte's words hinted at a sense of threat, making Baron Hubert feel a sense of humiliation deep inside.

This psychological superiority stemming from his pedigree was twisted in the face of absolute power, nearly making Baron Hubert curse Jerome Bonaparte.

If not for the opportunistic value concept forged during Metternich's era that held Baron Hubert's tongue, he might have ignited a diplomatic crisis at the Elysee Palace.

"Once war begins, there's no possibility of it ending hastily!" Baron Hubert replied to Jerome Bonaparte with his neck stiffened, adding, "We must impose certain punishments on Prussia!"

"Alas!" Jerome Bonaparte sighed to himself, spreading his hands in a helpless gesture towards Baron Hubert, "If the Austrian Empire insists on severely punishing the Kingdom of Prussia, the French Republic naturally has no interest in backing the Kingdom of Prussia."

Then, Jerome Bonaparte's tone shifted slightly threateningly, "However, your country's bonds on the Frenchman's stock exchange may face some turbulence. I believe the entire French people don't wish for their money to be used for invading enemy countries."

This time, Jerome Bonaparte blatantly threatened the Austrian Empire, warning that if it did not hold back, he might request that Austrian bonds decline significantly.

Compared to the Saar Region, Jerome Bonaparte was more afraid of the Kingdom of Prussia vehemently turning to the Russian Empire in anger.

This would mean that once the Crimean War commenced, the Kingdom of Prussia would inevitably join the ranks of the Russian Empire.

According to the damned German Confederation War Law, if any country within the German Region goes to war, all the states within Germany would rise up to attack.

This means that once the Kingdom of Prussia starts a war with England and France, the Austrian Empire, being the big brother of the German Region, would have to declare war along with its little brothers.

In an instant, the Crimean War would turn into a European war, with Russia, Austria, and Prussia versus England and France, and those fickle states might also join the assault on France.

If the Kingdom of Britain and France indeed cooperated, Russia + Prussia + Austria + numerous small states could not match them. However, in the past and in the "future" of history, the only thing worth trusting about Britain is that they are not trustworthy.

The bloody history of World War I and World War II profoundly demonstrated the Anglo-Saxon's approach to allies. Jerome Bonaparte had reason to believe that once France's offensive weakened, the Kingdom of Britain would immediately frantically retreat to the British Isles.

Moreover, 19th-century wars were far from comparable to the ethnic wars of the 20th century; Britain might join the victor's ranks without any psychological burden.

The world where only France is hurt would be born.

As the joys and sorrows between people cannot resonate with each other.

Baron Hubert equally did not know that this "madman" Jerome Bonaparte was plotting a war against Russia in his mind; in his heart, the actions of the French Republic seemed undoubtedly like a "betrayal."

"I will convey your suggestions to the Prime Minister!" Count Hubert calmly responded.

"I personally hope the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia can join hands to jointly maintain world peace!" Jerome Bonaparte concluded to Baron Hubert.

"Yes!"

Filled with rage, Baron Hubert hurriedly left the Elysee Palace, and Jerome Bonaparte once again summoned Valerovsky to order the invitation of James Rothschild to the palace.

Valerovsky looked surprised at Jerome Bonaparte's command.

Everyone in Paris knew the president's actions against the Rothschild Clan. Now inviting the Rothschild Clan might mean the president wants to reconcile with the Rothschilds.

Despite the surprise, Valerovsky still obeyed Jerome Bonaparte's order to visit Rothschild's Paris mansion to invite James Rothschild.

As the carriage from the Elysee Palace entered the gates of the Rothschild family estate, the guard at the gate turned and hurried into the mansion to report to the new butler.

Hearing it was a carriage from the Elysee Palace, the new butler trembled slightly, showing a mix of fear and resentment on his face. His father had been forced to replace his master and enter prison because of that person from the Elysee Palace, and he was still imprisoned. How could he not harbor hatred towards the Elysee Palace?

Immersed in hatred, it took a long time before the butler returned to his senses and said, "I will report to the master now, you must entertain the distinguished guests from the Elysee Palace well!"

With that, the butler directly ran to the second-floor study of the mansion, now at the study door, he knocked heavily on the door.

Inside, James Rothschild's aged voice came, "What happened?"

The butler outside quickly said, "Master, someone from the Elysee Palace is here!"

"What? Elysee Palace!" A hint of surprise appeared on James Rothschild's face. He hurriedly got up, opened the door, and urgently asked the butler outside, "Where are they now?"

The events at the beginning of the year left James Rothschild with a deeper impression of power, and his style became increasingly cautious.

"They should be..." Before the butler could finish his sentence, the neigh of a horse came from the mansion, and the butler quickly pointed outside the window and added, "Outside the mansion!"

"Let's go, downstairs!" James Rothschild quickly supported himself on the stairs to go down, with the butler closely following him down.

When James Rothschild and the butler arrived in the living room, they happened to see Valerovsky slowly stepping down from the carriage.

The old face of James Rothschild, full of wrinkles, showed a polite smile, and he hurried forward to warmly shake the hand of Valerovsky, saying, "Secretary Valerovsky, welcome to my humble abode!"

Valerovsky evidently did not expect James Rothschild to greet him with such enthusiasm, and he quickly responded, "I apologize for the sudden interruption, Baron! With heavy responsibilities at work, I had no choice but to courageously come to you."

When James Rothschild heard the word "work," his expression momentarily froze, then he resumed his smile and praised Valerovsky for his diligence.

Since they knew each other during the Orléans Dynasty, after some brief pleasantries, they got down to business.

[At that time, Valerovsky was an interesting young man to James Rothschild, but now the times had changed, and Valerovsky had become someone whom James Rothschild had to bow to.]

"Mr. President asked me to invite you to the Elysee Palace. He said there is an urgent matter he wishes to discuss with you!" Valerovsky responded kindly to James Rothschild.

An urgent matter?

Valerovsky's answer made James Rothschild's heart feel as if it were being clenched tightly by an invisible hand.

Could it be that the President still wants to take action against the Rothschild Clan?

Thinking of this, a wave of sadness rose in James Rothschild's heart. What exactly did they do to offend the President, causing him to press them so hard?

"I understand!" A wry smile involuntarily appeared at the corner of James Rothschild's mouth.

A man who once wielded power over life and death in the financial world of France, now tasted the bitter experience of being controlled by others.

Truly, fortunes do turn, next year it could be my house.

Valerovsky naturally noticed James Rothschild's mood at the moment, but he chose not to comfort him. In his heart, he was also pleased to see such high and mighty figures fall to the mortal realm.

At Valerovsky's "invitation," James Rothschild entered the carriage.

The carriage slowly started, and watching it move farther away, the butler could only silently pray in his heart for James Rothschild's safe return.

The carriage, carrying Valerovsky and James Rothschild, soon arrived at the Elysee Palace. Under Valerovsky's guidance, James Rothschild reached the study room.

"Welcome!" Jerome Bonaparte warmly invited James Rothschild to sit, and there was not a trace of the slightest "dissatisfaction" visible on his face?

If someone was unaware of the previous events, they might subjectively think that Jerome Bonaparte and James Rothschild were possibly timeless friends!

"Mr. President!" Despite the visible enthusiasm on Jerome Bonaparte's face, James Rothschild dared not show any hint of overstepping; he expressed due respect to Jerome Bonaparte with great humility.

After James Rothschild took his seat, Jerome Bonaparte continued with a warm expression, inquiring into James Rothschild's well-being.

James Rothschild grew increasingly wary of Jerome Bonaparte's next move, fearing what new tricks he might have up his sleeve.

Jerome Bonaparte and James Rothschild transitioned from topics of family to economy, and then from economy to politics.

"Baron James, what is your view on the situation between Prussia and Austria?" Jerome Bonaparte asked Baron James Rothschild in a casual tone.

The cautious James Rothschild realized that this question might not have been posed by Jerome Bonaparte lightly, and he could only boldly echo Jerome Bonaparte's previously advocated peace theory, "I personally believe Prussia and Austria should adhere to the concept of peaceful development, both maintaining restraint to preserve peace!"