CHAPTER 356: CHAPTER 351 PRINCESS AUGUSTA

"My dear brother, you’ve finally returned!"

Upon hearing Mathilde Bonaparte’s sarcastic tone, Jerome Bonaparte showed a helpless expression on his face.

He certainly understood that his sister was displeased with him not visiting her proactively. After all, it’s he who is getting married, not Mathilde. The bride (from the Kingdom of Wurttemberg) had already been sent to their doorstep, yet he was unwilling to meet her at the first opportunity. It was indeed inconsiderate of him.

"I’m truly very sorry!" To prevent his sister from further "sarcasm," Jerome Bonaparte immediately softened and apologized, saying, "I was just discussing some financial matters with Minister Mane..."

Once again, Jerome Bonaparte brought up Mane as a shield. This provided a good explanation for the delay due to Vilnius’ crying.

Although his sister consistently mocked him with words (something Jerome Bonaparte had become accustomed to), she was more concerned than anyone else when it came to the stability of the Empire.

During the time Jerome Bonaparte served as President and ascended as Emperor, the affairs (related to social engagements) of the Tuileries Palace and Elysee Palace were all managed by Mathilde.

This included, but was not limited to, organizing literary salons, donating to welfare hospitals, and preparing charity balls, etc.

The Bonaparte Clan’s good reputation in Paris and throughout all of France was partly due to Mathilde.

As expected, upon hearing that Jerome Bonaparte was discussing financial matters with Minister Mane, Mathilde naturally connected this to the recent issuance of bonds by the Ministry of Finance. Her expression shifted from levity to seriousness as she inquired, "Is there another problem with finances? Do you need my help?"

"No need!" Jerome Bonaparte shook his head and replied, "The short-term national debts are doing well. Mane plans to issue a new round of national debt soon!"

"Good to hear!" Mathilde’s face once again displayed a smile. She suddenly realized that the room was not only occupied by her and her brother, and that the previous conversation seemed to have little connection with the day’s intended agenda. So Mathilde quickly gave a playful smile to the girl next to her, saying, "I sincerely apologize..."

"It’s nothing, Sister Mathilde!" Princess Augusta of Württemberg showed a gentle smile and subsequently directed her gaze toward Jerome Bonaparte.

Jerome Bonaparte likewise turned his gaze toward his cousin Augusta.

At this moment, Augusta was dressed in a fluffy white court gown. Her round, fair face was set with a pair of light blue eyes as clear as water, making her exceptionally mesmerizing. Her other features were also very graceful, and her black, cascading hair fell like a waterfall, giving her an overall aura akin to an elder sister from the neighborhood. The only flaw in her beauty was her rather unremarkable chest, which led her to lack some allure.

(PS: Historically, Augusta married on June 12th, 1851. Here, due to Jerome Bonaparte’s coup and ascension to the throne, the Kingdom of Württemberg decided to wait a little longer.)

Compared to the slightly quirky Vilnius and the "sharp-tongued" Mathilde, Augusta evidently possessed more of a royal aura.

Jerome Bonaparte, no matter how he tried, could not connect the elegant princess before him with the snot-nosed girl of over ten years ago.

Girls really do change when they grow up!

Jerome Bonaparte couldn’t help but exclaim in his heart.

Subsequently, Mathilde Bonaparte enthusiastically facilitated a connection between Jerome Bonaparte and Augusta.

Jerome Bonaparte and Augusta also gradually became more familiar with each other.

"I have some matters to attend to, so I’ll be going first!" Seeing that the two were communicating without any hindrances, Mathilde Bonaparte seized the opportunity to get up and excused herself.

The room was now left with only Jerome Bonaparte and Augusta, both of whom exchanged a glance without speaking.

After a while, Jerome Bonaparte decided to break the silence and spoke first, "Cousin, you’ve grown up! I remember the last time we met, you were only this tall!"

Saying this, Jerome Bonaparte gestured at the height he remembered Augusta to be.

"Hmm?" Augusta also recalled the past memories with Jerome Bonaparte. She similarly smiled in response, "Your Majesty, that was nearly twenty years ago!"

"Please, don’t call me Your Majesty!" Jerome Bonaparte waved his hand at Augusta and said, "Let’s stick to our previous way of addressing each other!"

"Yes, Your Ma..." Augusta quickly corrected herself, "Cousin!"

Jerome Bonaparte and Augusta talked for a long time in the room, and reminiscing made them completely dispel any awkwardness, becoming closer.

Outside the door, Mathilde eavesdropped on the laughter coming from the room, and her face also broke into a satisfied smile as she murmured to herself, "Not bad at all!"

Though Augusta, this cousin, might not be too stunning (as aesthetic standards in France and indeed throughout Europe involved the chest), overall, she was cheerful and intelligent.

With her managing the affairs of the Tuileries Palace, Mathilde could be somewhat at ease.

Her brother was good in every way except for his lack of interest in balls and connections with the aristocracy.

Rather than engaging with traditional aristocrats, her brother preferred to associate with those nouveau riche (industrial bourgeoisie, bankers, and military men).

From time to time, they are invited to the Tuileries Palace for parties, even establishing a routine of a small gathering every week and a big one every fortnight.

If it weren’t for the assistance on the side, the Bonaparte Clan would truly be regarded as a nouveau riche family by others.

Now, with Augusta’s support, Mathilde no longer has to worry constantly about the balls.

Mathilde, whose thoughts still linger in the aristocratic stratum, is unaware that the influence of the bourgeoisie can completely destroy the entire noble class, causing the aristocracy to lose its last piece of cultural pure land.

In general, everything has dual aspects. On the surface, Jerome Bonaparte is snubbed by some old aristocratic powers, almost relegating the Bonaparte Clan back to the ranks of the nouveau riche. However, he is also greatly favored by many new upstart bourgeoisie and middle-class, and many of the Orléans Faction’s bourgeoisie elite have completely become supporters of the Bonaparte Faction.

In the 19th century, when the influence of the old aristocracy was still prevalent, Jerome Bonaparte was the only person who could let go of pride and equally treat the bourgeoisie elite.

Even Britain, the so-called bourgeoisie monarchy, also reveals contempt for the elite.

Mathilde is very satisfied with the "sister-in-law" in the room, and she begins to ponder over the issue of the wedding.

In the room, Jerome Bonaparte and Augusta continued to chat warmly, talking for nearly over two hours, as if they had endless topics to discuss.

Augusta’s wisdom convinces Jerome Bonaparte that his cousin is indeed the most suitable person to be the Empress.

Stunning looks and perfect figure are not necessary conditions for an Empress; the possession of political wisdom is the most important criterion.

Especially in a country like France, Louis XVI’s cake queen and historical Empress Eugénie are evidently not qualified Queen/Empress.

A foolish Queen/Empress will only accelerate the collapse of a regime.

If the cake queen back then had political wisdom like her mother Teresa, the Bourbon Dynasty might not have been overwhelmed by the Great Revolution.

Similarly, if Empress Eugénie had the wisdom of Emperor Napoleon’s first wife, Empress Josephine, the Second French Empire would not have collapsed so rapidly.

Thinking of this, Jerome Bonaparte decided, and said "affectionately" to Augusta: "Cousin, are you willing to be the most noble existence in France! You will witness the glory with me in the coming years!"

"I..." Princess Augusta naturally understood that her appearance here was meant to closely connect the Württemberg Kingdom with France, she firmly responded: "Your Majesty, I am willing to be your wife!"

Seeing his cousin Augusta agreeing to the alliance, Jerome Bonaparte immediately grabbed Augusta’s hand and pressed it to his lips.

"Welcome to France! Empress!"

The door to the room slowly opened as Jerome Bonaparte led Princess Augusta out.

Mathilde, standing at the door, looked at Jerome Bonaparte with satisfaction.

"Thank you! Sister!" Jerome Bonaparte expressed gratitude to Mathilde Bonaparte.

Mathilde Bonaparte nodded in satisfaction and responded, "Hmm! You’ve finally matured a little!"

Afterwards, Jerome Bonaparte brought Augusta to his father, Prince Monfort.

At Jerome Bonaparte’s request, Prince Monfort summoned all the members of the Bonaparte Clan residing in Paris.

In front of many members of the Bonaparte Clan, Jerome Bonaparte publicly announced that Augusta would soon become the Empress of the French Empire.

All the Bonaparte Faction clansmen, except Pierre Bonaparte, smiled.

As for why Pierre Bonaparte was sullen, the reason is simple, according to the succession order of the Bonaparte Clan.

If Jerome Bonaparte were to pass away unfortunately, Pierre Bonaparte would be the first successor, essentially the Crown Prince of the Bonaparte Clan.

The arrival of Princess Augusta makes it highly likely that Pierre Bonaparte would miss the throne, so his attitude towards Augusta is understandable.

Of course, Pierre Bonaparte does not know that Jerome Bonaparte has already considered bringing his "brother" and "nephew" into the House of Bonaparte.

Once they join the Bonaparte Clan, they are undoubtedly the closest candidates to the throne.

This means that Pierre Bonaparte is three ranks away from the throne.

Moreover, he is older than Jerome Bonaparte, making it impossible for him to have any chance of becoming Emperor.