CHAPTER 319: CHAPTER 315 ANGLO-SAXON FOREIGN POLICY THINKING AND MARRIAGE

"Good! You’ve done remarkably well!"

Jerome Bonaparte applauded Valerovsky for the successful completion of his mission to Britain. In his plan, reaching a consensus between Britain and France in the Near East would have meant the task was completed.

Valerovsky’s exceeding expectations was indeed beyond his imagination.

Valerovsky wore a reserved smile as he acknowledged Jerome Bonaparte’s praise: "This proves precisely that under your leadership, France has gradually become an indispensable part of Britain!"

"Haha!" Valerovsky’s flattery made Jerome Bonaparte burst into hearty laughter: "Cousin, since when did you learn to flatter others!"

Valerovsky smiled without responding. After a moment, Jerome Bonaparte stopped smiling and inquired about the specific situation of the British Cabinet: "Is Prime Minister Russell still in charge of the British Cabinet now?"

"Before I left Britain, Prime Minister Russell was still serving as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom," Valerovsky told Jerome Bonaparte.

"So, you mean that Prime Minister Russell’s position is very likely to be overturned by the opposition?" Jerome Bonaparte frowned slightly, his tone turning serious.

According to Jerome Bonaparte’s residual memory of "history," the Russell Cabinet was dismissed around 1852.

"There’s a significant possibility!" Valerovsky explained to Jerome Bonaparte: "As far as I know, Lord Russell has been challenged multiple times. The challenges aren’t just from the external Tory Party; even colleagues within the Whig Party are challenging his position as Prime Minister."

A smile played at the corner of Jerome Bonaparte’s lips as he leaned back slightly on the sofa: "If I’m not mistaken, the challenger within the Whig Party should be Mr. Palmerston!"

Valerovsky nodded indifferently: "Mr. Palmerston has never been satisfied with his position as Minister of Foreign Affairs and has attempted multiple times to challenge Prime Minister Russell’s position."

"It seems our Prime Minister Russell is indeed about to face a cabinet crisis!" Jerome Bonaparte showed a schadenfreude smile.

Although Britain and France had become quasi-allies, it did not prevent Jerome Bonaparte from harboring deep malice towards Britain’s frequent cabinet upheavals.

Which of the political elites in Britain and France didn’t know that the Anglo-French alliance was merely a temporary union driven by shared interests that would dissipate once the "external" crisis subsided, leaving the two to point their bayonets and rifles at each other under the guise of unity?

Jerome Bonaparte never shied away from viewing Britain with the utmost malice, even suspecting that Britain’s concessions in the Mediterranean and Pacific were largely to guard against the Holy Alliance and the United States extending its reach into the Pacific.

With the annexation of California, the United States was now fully qualified to make its moves in the Pacific.

Even if it remained relatively weak, its internal potential had already surpassed that of the New Continent.

Once the two industrial revolutions concluded, the industrial output of the New Continent would completely overshadow Old Europe.

At that point, the United States would only have to wait for the opportunity to play the "devoted offspring" narrative.

Jerome Bonaparte believed that hardly anyone could conceive that within just two generations, those driven to the New Continent would enact a "hero’s return."

The topic drifted afar.

After a brief moment of schadenfreude, Jerome Bonaparte returned to the main topic. After pondering for a while, he continued to inquire: "If Prime Minister Russell’s cabinet collapses, then the series of negotiations we had with Minister Palmerston would be..."

Jerome Bonaparte’s concern was not unfounded. The Tory Party and Whig Party had different agendas, and their foreign policies would naturally differ.

If the Tory Party chose to ally with Nicholas I against France for the sake of European peace, Jerome Bonaparte would have to consider when to flee to Britain for refuge.

"Your Majesty, there’s no need to worry!" Valerovsky reassured Jerome Bonaparte confidently: "My meeting with Minister Palmerston was in the presence of Prince Albert!"

"Prince Albert?" Jerome Bonaparte was stunned for a few seconds, his previously slightly furrowed brows relaxed: "If that’s the case, then Britain’s foreign policy shouldn’t see much change."

Even the typically cautious Prince Albert’s participation in the Franco-British diplomatic actions clearly indicated the Hanover Royal Family’s stance.

[PS: In Jerome Bonaparte’s subconscious, Prince Albert of 1848 ≠ Prince Albert of 1851, the former guarded against the Republic’s revolution and the potential upheaval in Europe instigated by the Russian Empire.

By 1851, the nations had reached near stability, the threat of revolution had receded, and Albert was likely to change his previous views.

Diplomatic inclinations would change in response to the shifting times.]

Since Britain’s attitude towards the Russian Empire remained as historical, Jerome Bonaparte could freely and boldly engage in certain provocative actions against the Russian Empire.

As long as France is not the one to fire the first shot, that’s enough.

"By the way!" Valerovsky said in a low voice to Jerome Bonaparte after pondering for a moment, "Prince Albert asked me to convey to you that he and Queen Victoria want to visit Britain. However, they are a bit intimidated by the Republic’s strict regime."

Jerome Bonaparte clearly understood Prince Albert’s insinuation; they were implying that it would be best if the Republic’s regime could transform into an imperial system.

Albert’s hint undoubtedly struck a chord in Jerome Bonaparte’s heart. In order for France to smoothly accept his claim to the throne, he had already dispatched his subordinates to various places for extensive promotion, creating a trend of people eagerly anticipating his ascension.

To gain the support of the "elites," he frequently wrote letters to governors and generals across various provinces.

For governors and generals who did not comply, he was equally ruthless, punishing them with a thunderous stance.

Among the many governors, Georges Ossman of Bordeaux Province was always at the forefront of the flattering crowd.

Considering Baron Georges Ossman’s abilities throughout history, Jerome Bonaparte was already considering appointing him as the governor of Seine Province.

Of course, domestic support alone was far from enough; international support was also essential.

This July, Jerome Bonaparte expressed his desire to become the Emperor of France to Pope Pius IX through channels of the Bonaparte Clan.

In August, Pope Pius IX indicated through someone that as long as France could continue to protect the Pope State and respect the clergy, he would represent God in agreeing to Jerome Bonaparte’s coronation. If more sanctity was required, additional compensation would be needed.

Upon receiving this oral message, Jerome Bonaparte immediately sent Falu to the Pope State to represent France in handling many matters regarding the coronation with the Pope.

Currently, Prince Albert’s verbal support was undoubtedly a powerful assist.

However, considering Britain’s long-standing ambiguous diplomatic strategies, Jerome Bonaparte’s heated mind cooled down once again. He cautiously asked another question: "When Prince Albert spoke with you, did he mention any opinions on Bonaparte ascending the throne?"

Valerovsky was silent for a moment, then shook his head and replied, "Prince Albert did not mention it!"

"Britain’s diplomacy is still as smooth as ever!" Jerome Bonaparte sighed and shook his head.

"What’s the matter? Did Prince Albert deceive us?" Valerovsky looked at Jerome Bonaparte in confusion.

"Not exactly!" Jerome Bonaparte shook his head again, a mocking expression appearing on his lips: "Britain has always wanted to maintain its transcendent position. Until the last moment, it will not reveal its cards! Whether dealing with the Russians or agreeing to my coronation, they always leave some room for maneuver! This is Britain’s survival political rule!"

Saying this, Jerome Bonaparte recalled a satirical British drama called "Yes, Minister" in the future, which profoundly elucidated the British bureaucratic system. Until the last moment, they would never personally commit.

"Then we..." Valerovsky paused for a moment and stopped abruptly.

"I never expected that group of Anglo-Saxons to give us a definite stance!" Jerome Bonaparte nonchalantly said as he clenched his hand into a fist and vigorously waved it twice: "As long as we are strong enough, we can overcome everything!"

"I have always firmly believed in this too!" Valerovsky responded to Jerome Bonaparte without arrogance or subservience.

After Jerome Bonaparte and Valerovsky chatted idly for a bit longer, there was a knock on the door. De Morlay appeared and reported the arrival of Princess Mathilde to Jerome Bonaparte.

Jerome Bonaparte showed a reluctant expression on his face: "Morlay, my dear brother-in-law! Could you please tell my sister that I have already left the Tuileries Palace and that she should come another time?"

"Your Majesty, I’m afraid that won’t work!" De Morlay, trying hard to suppress his laughter, said very seriously to Jerome Bonaparte: "The Princess has been waiting in the drawing-room for a long time..."

"No need! I’m already here!" Princess Mathilde’s voice came from behind De Morlay, causing Jerome Bonaparte’s expression to become even more intriguing, "Sister!"

"My noble Emperor!" Mathilde spoke with a strangely accented tone of French. "Do you really not want to see me?"

"No... of course not!" Jerome Bonaparte quickly shook his head in denial: "How could that be?"

"Then why do you keep avoiding me everywhere?" Princess Mathilde retorted discontentedly at Jerome Bonaparte.

Jerome Bonaparte could only obediently listen to Princess Mathilde’s "reprimand."

Princess Mathilde first glanced at Valerovsky and then at De Morlay, then said in a huff, "I only want to ask you one question: when and with whom are you planning to get engaged?"