French Empire: But Napoleon IV

Chapter 109 Speech to 10 People (Seeking First Subscription)

Eugène, who had long harbored this idea, swiftly issued the order. France was currently in a state of anarchy, or more accurately, a military government, allowing for decisive action.

Once the Olivier government comes to power, even if they were brought to power by Eugène, the speed of handling matters will inevitably be reduced by more than half in order to ensure proper procedures.

"Pietri, have five thousand copies of this letter made and posted throughout the streets of Paris. Notify all newspapers to publish the letter in full in today's morning paper."

By the way, I want them to publish a commentary exposing Troche's treasonous acts. I want every Parisian to see this letter before lunch today.

After Pietry left to receive his orders, Eugène looked at Pierre, the current commander of the Paris Gendarmerie, who had fewer achievements but had been promoted beyond his rank and was unlikely to be replaced anytime soon.

Eugene will definitely be going to the front lines to fight later, while Drema, at least, has command experience and can be used as a reserve mid-to-high-level officer.

But they couldn't let go of Paris either. Olivier was capable, but Eugène wouldn't feel at ease relying on him alone, especially with his mother Eugène by his side.

Therefore, Pierre is the defensive force left behind by Eugène. With Pierre and Piettry joining forces, there should be no organization in Paris capable of starting another uprising and causing trouble.

Although the original plan was not to let Pierre receive too much credit and continue to be promoted, but rather to let him take some time to reflect, it was still necessary to give Pierre some sense of participation.

"Pierre, make the arrangements. Hold a public rally at Place de la Concorde at 1 p.m. I want to personally announce Troche's crimes to the people of Paris and announce our next policy. Bring Troche to the rally as well, so he can be judged by the people of Paris."

"Understood, I'll arrange it right away."

Even if the evidence is conclusive, the empire has a bad reputation, and if they act rashly, they could easily be framed.

Instead of leaving the decision to the people of Paris, he could demonstrate his democratic side and convince them that he might actually be willing to vote on the political system afterward, thus further stabilizing the Parisian public.

Eugénie, standing beside him, watched her son intently the entire time. As she looked at the composed Eugénie giving instructions, she felt as if her son was radiating light.

Unaware of Eugénie's gaze, Eugénie, having finished arranging everything, looked at the letters on the table again and felt a pang of gratitude towards Trosch.

After all, this traitorous letter was practically the best gift God could give him. With it, he could bind the Republican Party and the capitulationists together.

Anyone can throw dirty water. With a little manipulation of public opinion, the people of Paris will understand that the so-called republic is nothing more than a fig leaf for a bunch of traitors.

But Eugène Napoleon was the one who truly led France to resist the Prussian invasion.

By noon, Concorde Square was already packed with people.

Upon learning that Crown Prince Eugene was to hold a public rally here and release evidence of Troche's treason, people from all over Paris flocked to the city.

Many people didn't even have time for lunch. Their enthusiasm for political participation transcended social status. Among the crowds that came from all directions were workers, farmers, small vendors, intellectuals... and even soldiers of the Self-Defense Forces who had just laid down their weapons early this morning.

The reason so many people came was not because everyone was there to see the Troche trial; some wanted to know what kind of future this young crown prince would bring to Paris.

The aversion to the imperial system could not be so easily eliminated, but the uprising of the republic did indeed fail.

Eugène's attitude toward Prussia and his attitude toward the people were unclear. Having been appeased by the bread earlier, the people of Paris were not in a hurry to launch a new communal revolution of their own.

A temporary stage was erected in the center of Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris. Armed police and gendarmes stood around the stage, with thousands of personnel maintaining order.

Although it wasn't even 1 a.m. yet, the number of people gathered at the scene had already exceeded 30,000, and people were still flocking to this huge crowd from all directions.

Everyone was waiting for Eugene's arrival, and as expected, by 1 p.m., the number of people gathered in the square and streets would definitely exceed 10.

In a corner of the crowd, among the 3 people, was the young worker named Alan, who had previously broken down and dropped his rifle when he thought of his brother.

In Alan's hand, he still clutched the letter his brother had written to him. The letter was not only crumpled but also a little damp, with many of Alan's tears on it.

There was no way around it; last night, when Eugène said, "Your sons, brothers, or elders are fighting bloody battles against the Prussians on the front lines, while you are shooting at your own compatriots in Paris,"

Alan, who had completely broken down, was filled with guilt, remorse, and self-reproach. The reason why Alan, who had been pardoned and returned home, came here was to hear what else Eugene had to say.

At 1 p.m. sharp, Eugène, accompanied by Pietre, Drema, and others, took to the podium on time.

When Eugène appeared on the stage, a sparse round of applause rang out in the square, a response to the bread he had distributed.

Otherwise, given Nash's defeat and collapse in World War III, the Imperial government would have found it difficult to gain widespread support.

The Empire's war against Prussia was partly due to internal problems that were about to explode, and the Empire needed to divert attention from these internal conflicts through external warfare.

Under these circumstances, the empire suffered defeat after defeat, and in Paris, where workers and financial aristocrats were the majority, the empire naturally did not gain much support.

Now that Eugene has won the uprising, many skeptical people are watching with a lingering doubt about the young crown prince.

The empire's corruption and incompetence left a deep impression on them.

Unfazed, Eugène stood on the podium, still smiling and waving to the crowd. Once the sparse applause subsided, Eugène picked up his megaphone and began what was, in what was supposed to be, the biggest speech of his life.

The sound carried through the brass loudspeaker throughout Place de la Concorde. This speech was a valuable opportunity to refine and transform the public, and Eugène had made considerable preparations for it.

"Citizens of France, good afternoon. Just last night, Paris experienced an unprecedented catastrophe. We French people turned on each other, and blood flowed like rivers. Countless compatriots lost their lives in last night's calamity, and countless families were torn apart. All of this should not have happened."

.