Napoleon in 1812

Chapter 115

20. There is no sun rising forever - 3

On January 24, 1818, the Strasbourg talks, which had been going on for nearly a month, ended. The talks, which began under the grand name of discussing Europe's permanent peace and future order, were evaluated to have left a mark and meaning that would be engraved in European history as expected.

The person who hosted this huge event was Napoleon Bonaparte, and the main character was also Napoleon Bonaparte.

"In the end, the fake emperor of Corsica won everything with that hypocritical political show. The national interests of his nation, his reputation... and justification and support for the war to come."

While all Europe did not hesitate to praise Napoleon's name, there were not a few people showing hostility by seeing through evil tricks. Alexander I, the Tsar of the Russian Empire, was certainly one of them.

"Even a viper would not be this sneaky and weak. However, those who pursue apostles eventually collapse to the hero who walks on the royal road. Everything will fall into place, so don't worry too much, Your Majesty."

"Only the people of Western Europe, the Iiberals that are like dogs and pigs and live in vain delusions, are used on the tongue of the wicked Nabot. The diligent and sincere Slavs are offering their unchanging loyalty to Your Majesty."

"The time has come to avenge Hrodna's disgrace and humiliation. Your Majesty will be able to appreciate the fall of the fake emperor from the highest place."

In recent years, Alexander I became uncomfortable as praise for Napoleon increased significantly, mainly in European civil society, and therefore, to soothe him, the court nobles spoke by carefully choosing their words.

Britain's Ambassador to St. Petersburg, Viscount Cathcart , who was watching all of it, was clicking his tongue in sorrow. What was the difference between the public who was swayed by Napoleon, and them, who were blinded by their desire for revenge?

"So... How is our ally's preparation for the Great War going?"

To Alexander I's question, Viscount Cathcart answered with courtesy.

"The recruited generals performed well at the training center, raising their banner against Napoleon. The Army has begun to reorganize the regiment and is discussing a full-fledged strategy by setting up a joint staff headquarters. The Royal Navy is currently carrying war supplies to ports and naval bases, including Gibraltar, with fully-loaded ships. With this, preliminary work is underway to blockade the coast of France."

In fact, this was only diplomatic rhetoric, and Britain had yet to properly prepare for war. France's boundaries were very tight, but the biggest reason for the delay was the Strasbourg talks.

"It's a lot slower than I thought. If you're still at that stage, doesn't that mean that it will take you at least half a year to get ready for war?"

Alexander I could not have ignored this. Facing his dissatisfaction, Viscount Cathcart simply bowed his head and expressed his country's position.

"Westminster believes that entering the war with France right now would make it difficult to avoid criticism from the international community. The Grand Alliance countries will have to go to war with their own cause only after public opinion over Europe and its Union subsides. It would be perfect to be fully prepared before that."

Britain and Russia had already approved the formation of the 6th anti-French coalition more than half a year ago. This was because they realized that if they let France be, which became stronger over time, they would never be able to challenge it again.

In particular, the United Kingdom was feeling a real threat from France's economic growth. Indeed, its imports from European trade had decreased by 23% compared to five years ago.

At the height of its war against France, Britain was unable to formally trade with the entire European continent except for some countries. This was due to the trade blockade against Britain that had been established under the leadership of France.

Nevertheless, Britain had somehow found a smuggling route to sell its products to the continent, through which it was able to build huge wealth and economic power to fight France.

Now that the trade blockade had been lifted, free trade was possible again, but nevertheless, Britain's trade imports to Europe had decreased significantly, and that was due to France.

"The situation on your side (Britain) is more urgent than on ours (Russia), but politicians in your country are so generous and relaxed."

Alexander I was mocking him. He was not wrong because France's market share had risen as Britain's share of the European market had fallen.

In particular, the decline was noticeable in the cotton, weaving and wool industries, as well as in handicrafts and steel, all of which were industries in which France achieved rapid growth through the mechanical revolution.

The British had to punish France for stealing their patents and imitating their success. For their survival and benefit.

"Is St. James Palace's opinion (George IV's opinion) the same as the one of your politicians?"

"...I don't think that is something I will reveal, Your Majesty."

"You can think of it as important, of course, to look at public opinion and trends in the international community. However, in competitions between states, and between forces, victory or defeat is often determined by the leader's boldness and judgment. It seems necessary to remember that Alexander the Great's heroic charge at the Battle of Issus determined the outcome."

In the end, Alexander I was implying the words 'George IV is a coward'. Viscount Cathcart noticed this diplomatic disrespect but chose to remain silent rather than heating the discussion.

At this point, Russia was an ally that Britain could never let go. Rather than go against the Tsar, it was wiser to endure the humiliation.

"Even if there were 10,000 trouts, they would be no match for the weight of a single whale. The ambassador will have to engrave the lessons that His Majesty, the Tsar of Russia, said and prepare to fulfill his duties as soon as possible."

"The patience of the Slavs is not long. I hope you don't commit the foolishness of missing a decisive opportunity through passive intervention as in the last anti-French coalition."

The sarcastic remarks of high-ranking Russian aristocrats tested Viscount Cathcart's patience, but there was nothing he could do.

"...Is there anything else to do? War has become inevitable. We remember what our country must do for close cooperation with our allies."

For now, Viscount Cathcart, as always, soothed these arrogant and ignorant nobles by saying that Britain would help its allies with all its might.

"Historically, the larger the country is, the less patience it has. The Russian Empire has a bigger territory and more inhabitants than any other country, so keep this in mind."

Viscount Cathcart felt very reluctant at the last words left by Alexander I. However, as long as the Tsar showed the same brutality when dealing with the ambassador of an allied country and at war, he did not mind. He was just worried that Russia might have a different plan.

After the British Ambassador, Viscount Cathcart, left. The rough Slavs, who had been belligerent as ifthey would declare war against France immediately, erased all signs of war as if they had been washed away.

The cynicism and sarcasm were typical characteristics of sneaky characters trying to perform tricks. By now the whole of Europe was excited about what was happening in Strasbourg.

Alexander I, who clearly watched the people's madness swirling around it, was able to realize two main facts.

First, never allow freedom and power to civil society and the people. At the Strasbourg banquet, freedom, romance, human rights, and anti-war ideologies were considered to have blossomed and made progress on philosophy and ideas, but paradoxically, Alexander I felt very reluctant to them.

Permanent peace throughout Europe, the return of the revolutionary spirit, the rise of republicanism... These absurd sounds, which seemed to be full of pretentiousness, were aiming at Russia's tyrannical and absolute monarchy. Whether it was intended or not.

'Although the sneaky French and Nabot started it all, all of these divisions were eventually caused by the people's desire for freedom, equality, and political power.'

For Alexander I, the meaning of the Strasbourg talks and banquet was a collective action in which commoners dared to openly demand equality and power from all European monarchs following the French Revolution.

In order for that not to happen in Russia, serfs had to be controlled and suppressed more strictly and more thoroughly. Alexander I's reactionary tendencies became stronger after seeing the reaction of European civil society after the Strasbourg talks.

Second, Napoleon Bonaparte had to be removed for the future of the Slavic Empire. As soon as possible. Although he was a fake emperor from lowly origin without any legitimacy, he was still at the top of an empire.

He succeeded in numerous wars and expeditions and revived France, which had collapsed, making it a hegemonic power in Western Europe. He was a man whose abilities one could not help but acknowledge, even Alexander I. There had been Austerlitz, Friedland, and then Hrodna.

Although he was told by his officers that they were confident of winning, it was burdensome to deal with Napoleon, who had smashed the Russian army three times, and with the Great Army he was leading.

The image of the French fanatically supporting Napoleon, who was holding a political show over the emperor's seat, was certainly a threat to Russia.

'Then... Wouldn't it be best to make sure that this man doesn't go on this great stage at all and then wage a war?'

'Complete exclusion', that was an operation that the Russian intelligence department had been preparing for a long time. Alexander I, the Tsar of the Russian Empire, asked a question to a staff officer from a noble of the court.

"How is the organization and evaluation of the corps evaluated by your official prior to the Great War?"

"The 1st Corps, commanded by Marshal Bennigsen, is in excellent condition. Captain Bagration's 2nd Corps is also working on training while inspecting the border with Poland. The rest of the Cossack cavalry is exploring the terrain and the possible paths in the meadow, looking for where a large army could pass."

Many Western European countries used to compare Russia to a powerful and ignorant bear, and Russian generals were well aware of it. However, a beast with only strength and no brain could reign for a long time in Eastern Europe after destroying the Ottoman Empire.

In particular, Russia's military was more capable of learning and application than any other European group. The Russian army, which had been confused by French artillery forces in the Battle of Hrodna, had since spurred the development and expansion of its artillery forces and was only seeing now the results.

"700 field guns, 650,000 shells, and 185 tons of gunpowder are prepared. All of the artillery officers in charge of them are soldiers with proven excellent qualities and loyalty. Napoleon's Great Army will melt away under the fire of the Empire."

It meant that preparations for the war were close to the end. Alexander I smiled in satisfaction when the officer said that if the Tsar were to give the order, he could immediately cross the border and march on the continent.

'The island bastards have always been whining ahead of important things. They are lazy people who can barely keep pace when we force them by kicking their buttocks.'

Britain was clearly afraid of France and Napoleon. That was why they were hesitating about war. Viscount Cathcart made several excuses, but Alexander I understood it like this.

Therefore, Russia intended to carry out an event that would make the war against France inevitable for Britain.

"The French Emperor won't even have time to feel the afterglow of the party."

At the words of the court nobles, Alexander I smiled and drank alcohol. Yes, before it was too late, the giant had to be eliminated.

"The speech you gave at the Rohan Palace was very touching and progressive, but at the same time it was very dogmatic. You sometimes seem to think that you are the only member of the Bonaparte family."

Napoleon was a giant of the era who led historical talks and was praised and admired by numerous European monarchs, nobles, and celebrities. But even he was just a husband who was ripped off by his wife at this moment. Napoleon, who was riding a carriage with Marie-Louise on the way back to Paris, had to hear this shot from her as soon as he entered the carriage.

"It's an honor to serve Your Majesty the Great Emperor."

"I ask for a gentle journey."

Napoleon roughly accepted the coachman's greetings, and thought hard about the words to appease the upset Marie-Louise. But how could he respond... Napoleon brought up the most normal thing.

"I'm sorry I couldn't pay attention to my family's grudges. I will take appropriate measures against them in the near future."

"Sigh... It's true that they came in and out of the small palace where I stayed, but I'm angry for other reasons. If you give up the position of Emperor and dismantle the imperial family... What will happen to me and Charles?"

Only then could Napoleon, the indifferent husband, know. What he did wrong.

"Thanks to your indifference, my position and Charles' have become very difficult. But even so, didn't you think of the ordeal and persecution that Charles, the heir of your blood, will face in the future?"

"I'm so sorry. But I will make sure that you and Charles are not persecuted inside France."

"Yes, as a wife, I can't blindly object to my husband's decisions. But at least we could have discussed this in advance. How can we make the future of our family..."

Napoleon, who was guilty of many sins, had no choice but to listen to all of her complaints.