Finale (3)

For a period of time afterward, Napoleon was extremely busy. First, representatives from all walks of life in Paris came to persuade him to stay: representatives of workers, businessmen, prospective France... and representatives of the entertainment industry, led by the Moulin Rouge. Everyone expressed their hope that Napoleon could serve one more term, and then another, and another... until "the small stone becomes a big stone, and the big stone is covered with moss."

After finally managing to get rid of these people—representatives of farmers and soldiers from all over France, and then representatives from various Europe countries—he assured them that France policy would be consistent and would continue to take care of everyone's interests.

Of course, Napoleon received widespread praise from these representatives and various media outlets throughout Europe. Newspapers from every country, even the most conservative ones with clear Royalist Party leanings and consistent opposition to the France Revolution, had to admit that Napoleon was a rare great man. Other newspapers unanimously sang his praises, summarizing it as. "Napoleon's virtue matches heaven and earth, his might shakes the world, his literary and military achievements are unparalleled throughout history."

Despite the numerous attempts to dissuade him, Napoleon showed no sign of wavering. Moreover, having already come this far, any further wavering would only make him a laughingstock.

As a result, many people began to have the idea of succeeding Napoleon.

Originally, everyone thought that there was one person who was very likely to become the next First Consul: Napoleon's brother, Lucien Bonaparte. Lucien had served as Minister of Ministry of Truth for many years with outstanding achievements, and as Napoleon's brother, he naturally had more support. Therefore, if he were to run for office, anyone else who followed would only be a figurehead.

Besides Lucien, several other people are also very likely to become the first prime minister. The first is Foreign Minister Talleyrand. In this era, in Europe, the Foreign Minister is generally the second-highest-ranking official after the head of state. For example, in the Britain, if the prime minister is unable to perform his duties due to certain special circumstances, such as suddenly being admitted to the intensive care unit due to illness, the foreign secretary will temporarily assume the prime minister's duties, although the foreign secretary may only learn of this through a report by RT (Russia Today).

Moreover, Talleyrand himself was quite capable. However, he had one problem in becoming First Consul: his reputation was not good. All of Europe knew that Talleyrand was a greedy man who wouldn't do anything without money. In terms of moral character, he was far inferior to Napoleon, who was practically a saint.

Another possible person is Fouché, the Minister of Police. Fouché's abilities are widely recognized. Moreover, he is known for his Fouché and has never been involved in any scandals involving abuse of power. He enjoys a reputation among the people for being honest, upright, fearless of powerful figures, and a staunch enforcer of the law. So much so that the France often include Fouché in their bets and oaths. For example, they might say, "If I were to commit XX, let Fouché arrest me the moment I step outside."

In general, Fouché's reputation was far superior to Talleyrand's. Moreover, the France people generally believed that Fouché's abilities, especially in handling complex matters, were also superior to Talleyrand's.

However, Fouché also had a problem: his image among the France people wasn't particularly approachable. Although the France generally considered Fouché an honest, fair, selfless, and fearless good man, their feelings towards him were more of awe than closeness, or even a complete lack of affection. This is understandable; generally, people who inspire awe are rarely approachable. Such people are often at a disadvantage in democratic voting. In contrast, Talleyrand, who always appeared smiling, seemed to be more likable.

Of course, if Lucien decides to run, then neither Talleyrand nor Fouché will stand a chance. His mere status as "Napoleon's brother" is enough to guarantee his victory. Although everyone knows Lucien is a playboy with a host of illegitimate children, if during his campaign speech several children of different races suddenly appeared, hugging his legs and calling him "Dad," not only would the France people not believe he was being framed, but even Lucien himself would immediately think, "Whose children are these?"

If this happened in the United States, a country based on Puritanism and ostensibly promoting religious freedom but actually quite rife with persecution, such an incident would certainly be considered a "scandal," and even centuries later, it would severely damage a politician's reputation.

But in France, the situation is quite different. After all, France has its own unique national circumstances. In France, a man of status and position who doesn't even have a mistress is considered a failure. Just like a France noblewoman, how unattractive would she be if she didn't even have a lover? So in France, it's common for husbands to introduce lovers to their wives, and for wives to help their husbands find mistresses. Lucien's promiscuous lifestyle, with many mistresses and illegitimate children, is not a problem at all; it's even considered an advantage, because it shows he's charming. In contrast, how boring and unattractive it would be for someone who spends their Fouché with only their wife.

"However, Lucien certainly won't participate in the election. Because if he were to participate, why would His Majesty Napoleon retire? But the most crucial question is who His Majesty Napoleon wants as his successor. Me, or Fouché? Hmm, Victor, if you were His Majesty Napoleon, who would you choose?"

In his villa, Talleyrand spoke with his friend, Victor Treville, who is now making a name for himself in the diplomatic arena. If Talleyrand does become First Consul, then Victor will most likely become the next Minister of Foreign Minister.

"I think you, Minister, are more likely to succeed," Victor replied.

"Why?"

"Because Fouché has done too much dirty work, His Excellency the First Consul is quite worried about him, even wary of him. Otherwise, he wouldn't have appointed his younger brother as Minister of Ministry of Truth. This is clearly a precaution against him. Fouché is practically flawless, but the more flawed he is, the less likely His Excellency the First Consul is to let him succeed him. He wouldn't even let my uncle become First Consul if he were to become First Consul. However, regardless of who becomes First Consul, Minister Fouché's position is unshakeable. As things stand, I think you, Minister, have the best chance, so I congratulate you in advance."