He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 171

(171) General Bonaparte Dreams of Conquering Egypt

The reception, soon to be a victory celebration, buzzed with people chasing their own ambitions.

“Hahaha! Commander Bonaparte, it’s been too long! We’ve been remiss in not properly honoring the hero who saved the nation until now!”

This was the Tuileries Palace, once the abandoned home of the royal family, now serving as the palace for the revolutionary government.

Danton, representing the revolutionary government, puffed out his round cheeks and raised his glass in a toast.

However, Napoleon barely acknowledged the gesture, his eyes constantly scanning the room.

Puzzled, Danton and the other Directors exchanged glances before Napoleon finally burst out, as if releasing pent-up frustration.

“More importantly, Lucien got married?”

“Huh? What? Oh, I heard he tied the knot recently. The Chairman, you mean?”

“He got married without my permission! Lucien! Where is he?”

Everyone was stunned.

First, they were surprised that he was unaware of his own brother’s marriage.

Next, they were even more surprised that he was expressing anger at a victory celebration.

And finally, they were surprised at their own inability to say anything in response.

In that moment, the highest-ranking officials of the Directory [the executive branch of the French government during the French Revolution] present at the party all came to a realization.

The true power in the room was Napoleon.

Just then, Josephine gently touched Napoleon’s arm, as if trying to calm him.

“He already ran off, Napoleone.”

Napoleon grumbled, then glared at Eugene and demanded.

“I might have allowed him to marry a noble lady from a prestigious family. But this? He married an innkeeper’s daughter? And Joseph, my brother, and my mother informed me after the fact!”

“Yes, Father. Uncle Lucien said it was a suitable marriage for a revolutionary.”

“Nonsense! I knew it the moment that guy started calling himself Brutus!” [Lucien was a fervent supporter of the French Revolution and adopted the name Brutus as a symbol of his republican ideals.]

In the original timeline, this incident occurred slightly earlier.

Lucien originally married Christine, the daughter of the innkeeper where he was staying, in 1794.

At the time, Napoleon had just achieved victory in Toulon and was rising to the rank of general, leading to his fury at Lucien’s unilateral decision.

Later, after gaining significant power, he even attempted to force a divorce.

However, Lucien defied him and maintained the marriage, which became a major point of contention between the two brothers.

But in this altered timeline, Eugene had helped Lucien rise to prominence sooner.

As a result, he didn’t have the opportunity to marry Christine, and it seems he proceeded with the marriage while Eugene was preoccupied.

Now, Napoleon was even more successful than he had been during the Toulon days.

Napoleon couldn’t contain his anger upon discovering this news in Paris.

Even in front of the most influential politicians in France.

Danton cleared his throat, attempting to steer Napoleon back on track.

“Ahem! General, aren’t there more pressing matters at hand?”

It was unbecoming to see Napoleon so worked up over personal affairs.

The current political climate in Paris was too critical to waste time on such matters.

More importantly, the election of a new Director was stalled because everyone was watching Napoleon’s every move, wasn’t it?

Napoleon took a deep breath and replied in curt French.

“Haa. I apologize for my outburst in front of such esteemed guests. My family affairs are a bit… complicated.”

“Speaking of which, I heard you got married and even had a child in Italy? That’s wonderful news. And Madame Bonaparte is here as well.”

“Thank you. Isn’t it all thanks to you, Directors? Being sent to Italy, and being able to start a family so smoothly.”

As Napoleon replied politely, Danton rolled his eyes and decided to cut to the chase.

“So, have you decided what to do with Pichegru?”

First, it was crucial to ascertain Napoleon’s stance.

Of course, Pichegru’s fate had already been determined before Napoleon’s arrival in Paris.

Eugene, Salicetti, and Auguste had consulted and reported their decision to the Council of Five Hundred.

They proposed that such talented individuals were needed in the New World [referring to the Americas, often used as a destination for exile or colonization].

This was a veiled suggestion to send royalists or coup plotters into exile.

But what if Napoleon’s views differed?

Napoleon replied bluntly.

“Hasn’t the Council already made a decision? I will abide by it.”

“Then, what about the treatment of other royalists?”

“Again, wouldn’t it be best to send them overseas? The farther away, the better.”

Instantly, the politicians attending the reception exchanged knowing glances.

They realized that Eugene’s proposal was, in fact, Napoleon’s idea.

Except for the Bonapartist members, this was the first time they had confirmation of this.

Suddenly, Lafayette stepped forward and inquired.

“What are your thoughts on the current situation in the Council? You must be aware of it, given that your brother is the Chairman.”

“Hmm, I’m embarrassed to admit, but that brother of mine doesn’t even inform me about his own marriage.”

“Then you can find out now. We haven’t been able to elect a Director. Former Director Salicetti suggested we discuss it after the Commander arrives. Former Director Auguste agrees.”

Danton and the other council members visibly paled.

Lafayette had been too direct.

However, as a former general and leader of the Feuillant Club [a political club during the French Revolution that advocated for a constitutional monarchy], Lafayette possessed a boldness that other politicians lacked.

He acknowledged Napoleon’s power but wasn’t intimidated by him.

Napoleon stared at Lafayette for a moment, then replied just as bluntly.

“I’m merely a soldier. I’m simply fulfilling my duty as the commander of the Italian garrison.”

Then, Talleyrand asked with his characteristic elegance.

“Then, how long will the Commander be remaining in Italy?”

Currently, all the royalist members of the Council of Five Hundred were slated for removal.

Additionally, many military personnel dissatisfied with Napoleon, particularly those aligned with Pichegru, were to be exiled to the New World.

This would essentially lead to a reorganization of the political landscape.

The nature of this reorganization would depend on Napoleon’s intentions.

Would new elections be held?

Would the constitution be revised entirely?

Was he perhaps contemplating a military dictatorship?

Napoleon already commanded the most powerful army and controlled the largest financial resources in France.

Furthermore, he was in a position to thwart any coup attempts and label anyone a traitor.

The newly established security agency, the Surêté [French intelligence and counterintelligence service], served as proof of this.

Ironically, the head of the Surêté was the former royalist traitor, Rochejacquelein.

The lives of the revolutionaries were now in the hands of a former royalist.

This was why politicians couldn’t help but be intensely interested in Napoleon’s next move.

Suddenly, Napoleon fixed his gaze on Talleyrand and smirked.

“What are you implying, Monsieur Talleyrand?”

Instead of mincing words, Talleyrand presented a proposal that Danton and Lafayette had already agreed upon.

“I would like to offer the General the position of Commander-in-Chief of the French Army. Of course, this appointment will be formally confirmed after the new Directory is established.”

First, they would satisfy him with the highest military rank.

This was the consensus among the leaders of the Directory.

Of course, whether Napoleon accepted the offer was entirely his decision.

All the reception attendees watched Napoleon’s lips, waiting for his response.

Napoleon finally spoke.

“Where will the new Commander-in-Chief be deployed?”

Just as the reception attendees were about to breathe a collective sigh of relief, Talleyrand calmly announced.

“Ireland, the key to strangling England.”

In other words, he was being asked to lead the charge in the Great War against England.

***

It was clear that France had no choice but to confront England at this point.

“Talleyrand, that fox, made an interesting proposal. Ha! Ireland, to go there and die on some ship?”

However, the generals, who might not be politically savvy but possessed keen strategic minds, couldn’t help but react strongly.

The angriest among them was Lan, known for his impatient nature.

He had arrived in Paris ahead of the others at Eugene’s request and had taken the lead in organizing the coup.

In particular, when Marceau left Paris to deceive the enemy, Lan had commanded the National Guard in his place.

As a result, he had become well-acquainted with the politicians in the Council of Five Hundred.

In Lan’s opinion, this was undoubtedly a trap.

The other generals seemed to share his sentiment, their expressions reflecting their unease.

But Napoleon, maintaining a calm demeanor, rose from his seat and changed the subject.

“Let’s introduce ourselves first. This is Marceau, the commander of the National Guard and a member of our [Cleves – likely referring to a secret society or inner circle]. This is Augereau and Masséna. Lan has already been introduced, correct?”

They were gathered at the old Madame Fageri’s mansion.

In truth, Napoleon didn’t own a residence in Paris.

However, he had no choice but to reside in his wife Josephine’s mansion.

As soon as the reception concluded, the generals had followed Napoleon to this location.

Most of them were familiar with each other, but there were also some new faces.

For instance, the key members of the Italian Army and the commander of the National Guard, Marceau.

Marceau, known for his affable nature, smiled and extended his hand to Augereau.

“It’s an honor to finally meet you. I’ve heard many tales of your exploits on the Italian front.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Augereau.”

“Haha! I’ve already introduced myself. It’s good to be acquainted with Augereau here, General Marceau.”

Then Masséna chuckled and chimed in.

“Wow, I’m meeting the hero of the Vendée battlefield! You’re the one who captured Rochejacquelein during that civil war, right? Oh my, Rochejacquelein is here?”

It could have been a sensitive topic.

The other generals subtly glanced at the head of the Surêté, Brigadier General Rochejacquelein.

But Rochejacquelein simply smiled and raised his glass.

“I surrendered to General Eugene, but I also owe a debt of gratitude to General Marceau.”

Napoleon nodded slightly and surveyed the room.

“Good, now that everyone is here, shall we begin our discussion?”

Masséna, Augereau, and Lan of the Italian Army.

National Guard Commander Marceau and Surêté Chief Rochejacquelein.

Eugene, Duroc, Marmont, and Hippolyte, who were original members of the Cleves de Napoleon.

Here, Berthier, the chief of staff, and Napoleon’s closest aides were gathered in one place.

Among them, the only one who wasn’t a general was Eugene’s adjutant, Hippolyte.

Even politicians like Salicetti or Lucien hadn’t been invited.

Napoleon stood at the center of the gathering, surrounded only by his subordinate soldiers.

“Everyone must have noticed. The politicians in Paris are afraid of our Italian Army and the National Guard.”

“Isn’t that inevitable? The Northern Army is practically disbanded. The Rhine Army is occupied with guarding the border. All that’s left is the Flanders Army, but I heard the commander there is your brother’s brother-in-law, General?”

“Even if that weren’t the case, Hoche isn’t ambitious. Hehe.”

Just as Napoleon was about to lightly retort to Masséna, Augereau asked with a serious expression.

“Commander, are you perhaps contemplating a coup?”

Instantly, everyone held their breath.

Now that they thought about it, only soldiers were present in this room.

If they were to raise an army, they possessed the strength to overthrow Paris in an instant.

If anyone could stop Napoleon, it would be Hoche or Moreau, but both were apolitical soldiers.

Smiling faintly, Napoleon questioned Augereau.

“Wouldn’t I be capable of doing what someone like Pichegru attempted?”

“That would be treason against the revolutionary government.”

“Nonsense, it could be seen as protecting the revolution. Of course, I’m not planning a coup. Instead, I’m looking at a bigger picture.”

Augereau felt a momentary sense of relief, followed by a frown.

From Augereau’s perspective, a staunch supporter of the revolution, it was good that Napoleon wasn’t planning a coup.

Because it would mean he wouldn’t have to clash with his beloved commander.

But what could be a bigger picture than a coup?

Suddenly, he began to feel uneasy.

In fact, the other generals seemed to be thinking along the same lines, blinking their eyes incessantly.

A man who could make stellar generals feel uneasy.

Napoleon raised both arms and declared.

“It’s easy to mistakenly believe that Paris is the key, but everyone is wrong! The real key is London.”

“Yes? What do you mean?”

“In the first place, what power did Pichegru have to stage a coup? Wasn’t it the British who were pulling the strings behind the scenes, causing this mess? And why did the war even break out? Again, it’s because England supports other countries on the continent with money.”

Napoleon asserted, his eyes gleaming with intensity.

“We must seize England.”

At that moment, Berthier, who had been silent until now, asked in surprise.

“Surely, you’re not actually going to Ireland?”

“Am I insane?”

“Then where to?”

Napoleon smiled and exclaimed.

“I’m thinking of Egypt! Because that’s the path to seizing India, the true lifeline of England! Just like Alexander did!” [referencing Alexander the Great’s conquests, which included Egypt and extended towards India]

At this moment, everyone froze.

Alexander, India, Egypt.

The conquering king, the vast peninsula in the distant East, and the desert land south across the Mediterranean.

An expedition that would sound like the ravings of a madman to anyone who heard it.

That was Napoleon’s gamble, not a coup or a seizure of power.

Suddenly, Hippolyte whispered to Eugene in a very low voice, as if urging him.

“Hey. Why didn’t you tell me the general was crazy?”

Eugene scratched his head for a moment, then replied, also in a low voice.

“It’s not that, but I knew he would do this.”

So, Napoleon had declared his famous Egyptian expedition.

At this crucial moment, just before seizing power.