The Fox of France

Chapter 410: A Matter of Marriage

After the Olympics concluded, Joseph Bonaparte found himself with some leisure time. There were no major domestic issues at the moment, but internationally, there were wars with some connection to the French. For instance, the ongoing war against the Barbary pirates posed a challenge for the French navy, and even the Marine Corps would be more actively involved. However, Napoleon wasn't particularly concerned about this matter; defeating Barbary pirates was a relatively easy task for him, given their weakness compared to the might of the French forces.

In the Americas, the Spanish were engaged in lively battles with the Mexicans. After reclaiming Mexico City at a great cost, the Mexicans redirected their efforts towards other cities. Surprisingly, after the Spanish regained Mexico City, they found that the situation didn't improve as expected. The area controlled by the Mexican rebels actually expanded by more than double. Most of the smaller Mexican towns had fallen into the hands of the rebels, and the plantations of many Spaniards were destroyed.

In summary, Spain found itself engulfed in a "sea of people's war" in Mexico. However, due to internal issues among the Mexicans, Spain managed to hold on for the time being. Nevertheless, no significant changes were expected in the short term, and there wasn't much drama to witness.

So, Napoleon found it challenging to muster enthusiasm. He couldn't spend his time carousing with women like Lucien.

Of course, strictly speaking, Napoleon had things to attend to – finding a legitimate empress for himself. After all, how could the Emperor of the French be without a wife?

As the First Consul of the French Republic, Napoleon wasn't lacking in mistresses. Holding such a high position in France practically required having numerous mistresses to avoid arousing suspicion among the French people about his capabilities.

However, mistresses and empresses were different matters. Selecting a suitable empress was not an easy task. Firstly, the empress's background was a significant concern.

On this matter, Napoleon's brothers held different opinions. Napoleon believed that the empress should preferably be a princess, as they had undergone professional training and were more convenient for public appearances.

However, this idea was mocked by Lucien. He argued that while princesses might generally be aesthetically pleasing, their political interests and entanglements were too complicated. If France's power was insufficient and required support from their political connections, it might be necessary. However, with the increasing strength of their political connections, the more complicated it became.

"Princesses are fine as mistresses, but marrying one as an empress would only bring trouble," Lucien disdainfully remarked.

As for Joseph, he expressed, "Napoleon, my friend, the matter of finding a wife is ultimately your own decision. This is one of the principles established by the Code. Besides, after our hard work for so long, if we can't have some freedom in such matters, we would be quite a failure."

Napoleon was pleased to hear Joseph's words, but he still wanted to know Joseph's opinion.

"Ah, if you insist on hearing my opinion," Joseph said, "then, as an elder in life, I can offer you some advice. I think, to find a princess may have its drawbacks, as Lucien mentioned. However, in a marriage, compatibility between the two families is essential. Considering that we are a republic, marrying into the old aristocracy may not be ideal for our image and influence in other countries. Therefore, I suggest you look among the new aristocracy."

"What do you mean by old and new aristocracy?" Napoleon inquired.

"The old aristocracy, needless to say, refers to the nobility of Rome. Although many see our 'Roman nobility' as not quite 'noble,' this has its advantages. Avoiding a 'real princess' helps maintain our image as revolutionaries and representatives of advanced thinking. It can even strengthen that image significantly. Moreover, the decline of the old aristocracy is inevitable, while the Roman nobility is the true nobility with a future. Some may still look down on our Roman nobility, thinking they are not noble enough. But we shouldn't see it that way. Outside of Rome, there are only barbarians. Napoleon, if you want others to take your Rome seriously, you should adopt this perspective. So, a princess from the barbarians may not even compare to a Roman citizen, let alone a lady from the household of a Roman senator. What do you think?" Joseph responded.

The daughter of a Roman senator outranked a barbarian princess in status, a common understanding during the heyday of the Roman Empire. Napoleon, upon careful consideration, found it difficult to go against this point. Otherwise, it would be akin to proclaiming his Roman Empire as less legitimate to the world.

Napoleon thought for a moment and said, "But among the Roman nobility, are there any suitable candidates? The number of those who can be considered Roman nobility is not many these days. Their daughters seem to be either too old or too young. Maybe your student's sisters might be a good choice. I'm just not sure about their appearance; they should preferably be attractive..."

"I will keep an eye out for you," Joseph said. "Lucien, you should also pay attention."

"No problem," Lucien, quite interested in such matters, readily agreed.

"Lucien, in fact, you should also consider finding a formal companion for yourself," Joseph suddenly suggested. "You know, I don't want to interfere with your lifestyle, but I hope you can quickly contribute a legal heir to the family."

"Don't just pick on me," Lucien retorted immediately. "You should solve this problem for yourself too."

"I already have a daughter," Joseph said.

"But a daughter can't be considered an heir," Lucien argued.

"You have a sister-in-law who is expecting, and this time it might be a boy. After all, there is already a girl," Joseph replied.

In Joseph's mind, the difference between daughters and sons wasn't significant, influenced as he was by modern thinking. However, in the eyes of people of that era, only sons could be considered the best heirs for a family. On this point, Joseph didn't want to go against the entire era by himself.

"Joseph, I think when you flip a coin for the first time and it lands heads up, the probability of landing heads up again when you flip it a second time should still be fifty percent. This is basic probability knowledge. Am I not correct?" Napoleon caught a mathematical flaw in Joseph's casual statement, and his spirits immediately lifted as he focused on it.

"At least all my children are legitimate. Unlike some people..." Joseph immediately retorted.

"Yeah, yeah," Lucien, always eager to stir things up, chimed in. "Lovely little princesses, but none with the last name Bonaparte."

"Lucien, my daughter at least has the status of a princess. What about your illegitimate children?" Joseph countered.

"At least they are boys. Not like yours..."

Lucien's words dealt a heavy blow, and then he found himself besieged by his two brothers.

The matter of finding an empress for the Roman Empire began to be formally pushed forward. The Sun Gazette published an article discussing who, on a global scale, was the most suitable person to wear the empress's crown of the Roman Empire.

This question quickly attracted widespread attention. Indeed, among the many royal families around the world, who was the most suitable candidate to become the empress of the Roman Empire?

Of course, everyone's answer was clear – the empress of the Roman Empire must be a person with the name Bonaparte!

The three Bonaparte brothers, after some discussion, agreed on a candidate.

Their choice surprised many people. The candidate wasn't from the Roman Empire, nor was she a princess. She was just a girl who hadn't even reached adulthood. Her name was Bonaparte Charlotte, the daughter of Lucien Bonaparte.

Her mother was an Italian lady, and her father was Lucien Bonaparte, who was the younger brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. Lucien was known for his eloquence and talent in writing.

Charlotte Bonaparte had a mix of both her parents' features. She had inherited her father's blond hair, blue eyes, and fair skin. Her facial features were delicate and charming, giving her an enchanting appearance.

The choice of Charlotte Bonaparte surprised many, but considering the current situation and the Bonaparte family's perspective, it made sense.

Firstly, Charlotte was the daughter of Lucien Bonaparte. In terms of blood, she was a genuine Bonaparte, and the Bonaparte family could not be questioned.

Secondly, she was only twelve years old. Marrying her to Napoleon would be a long-term investment. Not only would it maintain the bloodline, but it would also allow her to grow up with the empire.

Lastly, Charlotte was still young and had no political ties. Marrying her wouldn't involve complicated political considerations, unlike other princesses or noble ladies.

Although this choice was unconventional and might raise eyebrows among the traditional nobility, it was a strategic move for the Bonaparte family.

Once the decision was made, the Bonaparte family announced the news to the public through the Sun Gazette. The announcement caused a stir in various countries, with many expressing surprise and curiosity about this unexpected choice.

In the Bonaparte family residence, Joseph Bonaparte sat with Napoleon and Lucien as they discussed this matter.

Joseph spoke first, "Napoleon, the choice of Charlotte Bonaparte may seem unconventional, but it's a wise decision considering the circumstances. She is a genuine Bonaparte, and her young age is an advantage. She can grow up with the empire, and her marriage to you ensures the continuity of the Bonaparte bloodline."

Napoleon nodded in agreement. "You're right, Joseph. Charlotte is a Bonaparte, and that's crucial for the legitimacy of the empire. I believe that, as she grows older, she will become a fitting empress for the Roman Empire."

Lucien, always the one to express his opinions freely, added, "I agree with both of you. Charlotte is a bright and talented girl. I'm sure she will bring honor to the Bonaparte name."

With the decision made, the Bonaparte family began preparations for the wedding. Despite the unconventional choice, the Bonapartes were confident that this union would strengthen their position and ensure the continuity of their legacy.

The wedding of Napoleon Bonaparte and Charlotte Bonaparte became a highly anticipated event, not only within the Roman Empire but also in the eyes of the world. People were eager to witness the union of the powerful Emperor with a young and promising member of the Bonaparte family.

As the preparations for the wedding progressed, Napoleon took the opportunity to spend time with Charlotte and get to know her better. Despite the age difference, Napoleon found Charlotte to be intelligent, charming, and full of potential. He believed that their union would not only secure the future of the Bonaparte family but also contribute to the prosperity of the Roman Empire.

As the wedding day approached, the excitement and anticipation reached new heights. The world awaited the moment when Napoleon Bonaparte would officially take Charlotte Bonaparte as his empress, solidifying the next chapter in the history of the Roman Empire.

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