Marriage Matters

After the Olympic Games, Napoleon had some free time. Domestically, there were no major issues, but internationally, there were wars, all involving France in some way. For example, the French Navy was involved in the war against the Barbary Pirates, and even the marines would be deployed more frequently. However, this matter didn't require much of Napoleon's attention. Fighting the Barbary Pirates was simply too weak for him; he was far too strong, and it didn't really ignite Napoleon interest.

Meanwhile, in the Americas, the Spain were also engaged in fierce fighting with the Mexico. After paying a heavy price, the Spain recaptured Mexico City, but the Mexico, on the other hand, turned their attention to other Mexico cities. The Spain were surprised to find that their recapture of Mexico City not change the situation. At the same time, the area effectively controlled by the Mexico insurgents had more than doubled – most of Mexico's smaller towns had fallen into the hands of the insurgents, and most of the Spain plantations had been destroyed.

In short, Spain is now also embroiled in a "people's war" in Mexico, but it is barely holding on due to internal problems within Mexico itself. However, there shouldn't be any major changes in the short term, and there's not much to watch for now.

So Napoleon was genuinely a bit dispirited. He couldn't very well spend his days like Lucien, indulging in pleasure with a bunch of women, could he?

Of course, strictly speaking, Napoleon did have something to do: find himself a legitimate empress. After all, how could Rome emperor be without a wife?

Of course, as the First Consul of the French Republic, Napoleon was not short of mistresses. For a France of such a high position, having many mistresses was practically a necessity; otherwise, the France people would inevitably doubt his abilities.

But a mistress and an empress are two different things. Choosing a suitable empress is not easy. First of all, the empress's background is a major issue.

On this issue, the brothers had differing opinions. Napoleon felt that the best empress would be a princess. After all, princesses had undergone a lot of professional training, making it easier for them to handle matters requiring public appearances.

However, this idea was ridiculed by Lucien. Lucien stated that while princesses are generally not bad-looking, the political interests and forces behind them are too numerous. If France's power is insufficient and it needs to rely on the political forces behind them, it is somewhat necessary. But now, the stronger the political forces behind them and the more complex their political interests, the more troublesome it becomes.

"A princess is fine as a mistress, but to actually take her as a wife would just be asking for trouble," Lucien said dismissively.

As for Joseph first said, "Napoleon, to be honest, finding a wife is your own business, and you have the final say. This is one of the principles established by the Code. Besides, we've worked so hard for so long; if we don't even have the freedom to be willful in this matter, then we've failed miserably."

Napoleon was certainly happy to hear that, but Napoleon still indicated that he wanted to hear Joseph's opinion as well.

"Ah, if you insist on hearing my advice," Joseph said, "Then, as an elder in life, I can still offer you some suggestions."

I think that while there are many drawbacks to your desire to find a princess, as Lucien said, it's also quite important for both parties to be well-matched in marriage.

However, France is a republic, so marrying a wife with too many traces of the old aristocracy is very bad; it negatively impacts our image and our influence in other countries. Therefore, I personally suggest that you don't choose a wife from the old aristocracy. However, you can choose a wife from the new aristocracy."

"What old nobles, what new nobles?" Napoleon asked.

"The old aristocracy goes without saying, and the new aristocracy naturally refers to the Roman Nobility. Of course, in the eyes of many people, our so-called 'Roman Nobility' doesn't seem very 'aristocratic.' But this has its advantages. The first advantage is that it avoids damaging our image as revolutionaries and representatives of advanced thought by marrying a 'real princess.' It can even greatly enhance this image."

Furthermore, we all know that the decline of the old aristocracy was inevitable, while the Roman Nobility was the one with the future. Perhaps some people today look down on the Roman Nobility, thinking that our Roman Nobility isn't noble enough. But we ourselves cannot view it that way.

"Besides, in this world, outside of Rome, there are only barbarians. Napoleon, if you want people to take your Rome seriously, you must hold this view yourself. So a barbarian princess, in terms of status, may not even be as good as a Rome citizen, let alone a lady from Rome senator's household. What do you think?" Joseph replied.

In the true golden age of the Roman Empire, the daughters of Rome senators held a higher status than princesses from barbarian tribes—this was common knowledge beyond question. Furthermore, Rome at their peak would never have considered princesses from barbarian tribes when choosing their empresses.

As for Napoleon, upon closer examination, it really wasn't easy for him to go against this principle. Otherwise, wouldn't it be tantamount to declaring to the world that his Roman Empire was not legitimate? How could that be acceptable?

Napoleon thought for a moment and said, "But among the Roman Nobility, who are suitable candidates? There aren't many people who can become Roman Nobility these days... Their daughters seem to be of varying ages. However, perhaps your student's sister would be good, but I don't know what she looks like; it would be best if she were quite pretty..."

"I'll keep an eye out for you," Joseph said. "Lucien, you keep an eye out for him too," Joseph added.

"No problem." Lucien was quite interested in this kind of thing.

"Lucien, in fact, you should also consider finding yourself a proper partner," Joseph suddenly said. "You know I don't want to interfere with your lifestyle, but I hope you can quickly provide the family with a legitimate heir."

"Don't just criticize me," Lucien retorted immediately. "You should also solve this problem yourself as soon as possible."

"I already have a daughter," Joseph said.

"But a daughter cannot be considered an heir," Lucien said.

"Your sister-in-law is pregnant again, and this time it's probably a boy. After all, she already has a girl," Joseph replied.

In Joseph's mind, there wasn't much difference between daughters and sons; after all, he was influenced by the ideas of later generations. But in the eyes of people of that era, only men could be considered the best heirs to the family. Joseph didn't want to go against the entire era on this point.

"Joseph, I think that if a coin lands heads up the first time you toss it, the probability of it landing heads up the second time should still be fifty percent. This is basic probability knowledge, am I right?" Napoleon immediately seized on a mathematical loophole in Joseph's casual remark, and his eyes lit up.

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

"Exactly, exactly," Lucien, always eager for chaos, chimed in, "What an adorable little princess, but she doesn't even bear the surname Bonaparte."

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

"At least he's a boy. Unlike you guys..."

Lucien's words were too damaging, and as a result, he was attacked by his two older brothers.

The search for an empress for the Roman Empire officially began. First, the Sun published an article, seriously discussing who in the world was most suitable to wear the crown of the Roman Empire.

This question then attracted widespread attention. Indeed, the Roman Empire emperors did not yet have empresses. Although many people felt that Napoleon's Roman Empire was a joke, the entire Roman Empire was just a tiny country about the size of a Russia Tsar's hunting grounds. Some cynical people even privately referred to the Roman Empire emperors as the village chiefs of Rome. But everyone had to admit that this village chief was the most powerful person in all of Europe.

"Actually, compared to the Rome of history, His Majesty Bonaparte wasn't much less powerful." This is a common saying in many places. "His Majesty Bonaparte controlled the most powerful army in the world, just like the Rome of history. And most Rome in history—ah, all Rome, without exception—were practically penniless compared to His Majesty Bonaparte."

Therefore, many people, even many "old nobles," set their sights on Napoleon.

Today, throughout Europe, the positions of these former rulers are teetering on the brink of collapse. In particular, the feudal lords of some small Germany have either been overthrown and exiled or have been sidelined. Although they still put on airs as marquises, dukes, or even electors, some of their families are so poor that they can no longer maintain the basic dignity befitting their status.

However, these families' daughters were, by all accounts, princesses. So many of them set their sights on Napoleon, hoping to seize this opportunity to climb up to Napoleon. Not only would their family's financial problems be solved, but they might even be able to use Napoleon's power to restore their former glory.

Even Metternich sought out his old friend Talleyrand to discuss the possibility of a marriage alliance between the Habsburg and the Roman Empire.

"My friend, shouldn't your princess be married to a king or a prince?" Talleyrand asked in surprise.

"Is not His Majesty Bonaparte a monarch now?" Metternich countered.

"His Excellency the First Consul is also the Emperor of the great Roman Empire; he is certainly a monarch," Talleyrand said. "But doesn't your country deny the legitimacy of the Roman Empire?"

"Well, do we not agree on the matter of the legitimacy of the Roman Empire?" Metternich said. "I've heard that the Pope is ill, and quite seriously so. Everyone expects him to be called by God soon. Once a new Pope is appointed, we will reach an agreement with the Holy See and, of course, recognize the legitimacy of His Majesty Bonaparte's crown. Under such circumstances, would there be any problem with a marriage alliance between our two countries?"

Talleyrand thought for a moment and replied, "As a senator of the Roman Empire, I think I should be able to sound out His Majesty's opinion. However..."

Metternich knew that Talleyrand was a greedy fellow, and his "however" actually meant that he couldn't work for free.

"My friend, our country will never forget your contribution to the friendship between our two countries," Metternich said.

Having received the money, Talleyrand naturally had to do his job. So he did indeed go and report the matter to Napoleon. Of course, before that, he had also inquired about some things from other people.

"Ah, Senator Talleyrand," Napoleon said, "What is your opinion on this suggestion?"

"Your Majesty," Talleyrand replied, "From the perspective of the Roman Empire, Rome Empress should ideally be Rome. From the perspective of France has a history of intermarriage with the Habsburg. However, these marriages have often brought problems to France. After all, the Habsburg wield considerable political power. If the Empress is a member of the Habsburg family, she can easily use this to influence France politics. Therefore, although I have conveyed the Habsburg's wishes, I, as both Rome senator and the France Minister of Foreign Minister, do not approve of this marriage. My personal suggestion is that Your Majesty should choose a Talleyrand from among the Roman Nobility."

Napoleon glanced at Talleyrand, then said, "Senator Talleyrand, do you already have someone you think is suitable?"

Upon hearing this, Talleyrand laughed and said, "Your Majesty, nothing can be hidden from you. Hmm, I have a niece..."

Talleyrand naturally lauded his niece, but Napoleon was in no hurry to express his opinion, as he had other candidates. The Minister of Police Fouché, also had a relative, as did the Admiral of the Navy, Treville; and almost every department head had a relative.

In addition, a group of people at the Academy of Sciences of Sciences also had relatives, and some of them even vaguely indicated that they were willing to support Napoleon becoming a member of the Academy of Sciences.