CHAPTER 622: CHAPTER 613: ABDUL’S AMBITION

"I am honored to visit this ancient and great nation on behalf of the French Empire. As soon as I stepped into this country, I immediately felt a sensation completely different from that of the French Empire.

Here, the wisdom from the East meets the thoughts of West, giving birth to the great city of Constantinople.

In this diverse city, I see Arabs and Greeks supporting each other; I see Islam, Eastern Orthodox, and Catholicism coexisting peacefully here, a harmonious scene that I can never witness in Europe; because many European countries are still persecuting and fighting each other over religious issues!

Although we have the thoughts of Socrates, Rousseau, and others, we lack the wisdom from Eastern nations..."

Standing at the port dock, Jerome Bonaparte spoke eloquently in Greek (Jerome Bonaparte indeed could not speak Turkish but could speak Greek. Greek is the second most spoken language in Constantinople after Turkish, so many residents in Constantinople can understand a few words of Greek), assuming the manner of "nobody understands the Ottoman Empire better than I do": "Back home, there is a saying that to forge close relationships with others, it requires having lived through the same classroom, visited brothels together (some Wahhabi Imams in the crowd frowned), divided spoils together, and held the line together.

Currently, our army and yours are fighting on the Crimea Peninsula, battling for Turkey and Europe. The relationship between our two countries is that of comrades sharing the same trench.

Comrades should support and help each other to achieve common progress.

Therefore, I believe the relationship between the French Empire and the Ottoman Empire will reach a new height in the future!

The future of the Ottoman Empire will be as bright as that of the French Empire, and even if our two countries face rough times in the future, I believe we can overcome difficulties and achieve success! Thank you!"

As Jerome Bonaparte finished speaking, Abdulmejid immediately took the lead in applauding, with surrounding officials, soldiers, and even the public spontaneously applauding Jerome Bonaparte’s speech as well.

The applause continued endlessly, and residents at the port dock and windows never imagined that a foreign monarch would actually praise them.

The Ottoman Empire, long oppressed by the Russian Empire, had already grown accustomed to various insults, so they were pleased that Jerome Bonaparte did not insult them directly, let alone praise them.

Even the most imaginative Imam would not dare to think someone would come to praise them. Jerome Bonaparte’s words were like a dying sapling suddenly met by a refreshing spring rain.

The feeling was more satisfying than consuming opium, so even when the translators repeated Jerome Bonaparte’s words in Turkic, the Imams, regardless of how annoyed by foreign monarchs they usually were, couldn’t bring themselves to dislike Jerome Bonaparte—in fact, they felt as if someone finally understood them.

Thus, Jerome Bonaparte left a completely positive first impression on Constantinople.

After a while, the applause gradually ceased, and Abdulmejid also spoke: "I am very grateful for the presence of my friend, Emperor Jerome Bonaparte!

It proves that the relationship between France and Ottoman will not fade with time but will instead become more solid as time goes on.

I hope my friend will have a pleasant journey in Constantinople!"

After Abdulmejid finished speaking, Jerome Bonaparte also took the lead in applauding.

The New Army responsible for securing the port dock also shouted three times in both French and Turkic, "Long live Franco-Turkish friendship!"

Subsequently, Abdulmejid took Jerome Bonaparte’s hand, inviting him to sit together in the gilded carriage symbolizing the power of the Ottoman Sultan.

Inside the carriage, Abdulmejid slowly lowered the curtains; from the outside, only a vague silhouette could be seen.

Mahmoud, Rechid, and members of the French Embassy’s delegation also got into the carriages, which bore them toward the Topkapı Palace.

"His Majesty’s speeches are becoming more skillful!" Valerovsky, leaning against the carriage, couldn’t help but exclaim, then turned to Klein who was deep in thought: "Klein, what’s going on with you?"

Hearing Valerovsky’s call, Klein immediately snapped out of it. He shook his head and replied to the Valerovsky: "No... nothing?"

"Nothing? With your distracted look earlier, how could it be nothing?" Valerovsky responded to Klein.

"Your Excellency Valerovsky, I..." Klein started to say something but hesitated.

"What is it?" Valerovsky looked at Klein curiously and encouraged him to share his doubts.

"Your Excellency Valerovsky, why did His Majesty come to Constantinople?" Klein asked Valerovsky, "There was no need for him to come personally, was there!"

"You don’t understand! His Majesty’s personality has always been to do things himself whenever he can, and never delegate them to others," Valerovsky told Klein, "I guess the reason he came personally might be because he himself wanted to come out for a change of scenery!"

"Ah!" Klein looked at Valerovsky in surprise, judging from his expression. He seemed somewhat skeptical about Valerovsky’s speculation.

"What’s there to fuss about!" Valerovsky shrugged and told Klein, "His Majesty is also human! It’s impossible for him to stay only in the Tuileries Palace, so taking this opportunity to come here is quite reasonable!

And Klein, you need to be prepared!"

Looking at Valerovsky’s serious face, Klein also inexplicably began to feel nervous, "Excellency Envoy, what should I prepare for?"

"Prepare for the conversation when you meet His Majesty the Emperor!" Valerovsky shrugged and lowered his voice to Klein, "His Majesty is likely to ask you some questions about the Holy Land and Syria Province. When the time comes, just answer truthfully! If you’re lucky, you might become the consul of the Holy Land!"

"Me? Consul of the Holy Land?" Klein subconsciously swallowed, as he was merely Valerovsky’s secretary, and the position of consul was far too distant for him!

"But you need to acquire French nationality first, and your age might not be sufficient! At that time, there may be an envoy from Paris appointed to the position of consul of the Holy Land, but this consul is merely a titular position, and you will become the true uncrowned king of the Holy Land!" Valerovsky paused, then asked Klein, "By the way, do you want to acquire French nationality?"

"Of course I do!" Klein decisively replied, as changing his nationality to obtain the consul position was a deal too good to pass up.

"As long as you are willing to acquire French nationality, everything will be easily resolved!" Valerovsky sighed with relief and remarked, "By then, I can return to Paris with peace of mind!"

"Your Excellency, you’re returning to Paris?" Valerovsky’s response made Klein somewhat flustered, and he hastily asked Valerovsky.

"Yes!" Valerovsky nodded and replied, "I have held this position for almost a year now, and it’s only right to return. Moreover, this time back, I might be taking over De Luyis’s position as Minister of Foreign Affairs!"

Upon hearing that his boss would be serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Klein felt relieved, as he wouldn’t have to worry about being unsupported in the court.

After all, he was just an ordinary (slightly talented) Greek, and everything he had came from Valerovsky, making their fortunes intertwined.

No one wanted Valerovsky Envoy to rise to a high position more than he did.

"Klein, you need to be fully prepared!" Valerovsky Envoy sternly instructed Klein, "Your response will determine your future career! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you must seize with all your might!"

"Yes!" Klein also responded with a firm tone.

After a while, the carriage slowly came to a stop.

Topkapı Palace was in sight.

Jerome Bonaparte and Abdul Majid I both entered the Topkapı Palace, with Grand Marshal Mahmoud and Prime Minister Rechid following closely behind.

The party made a grand entrance into the palace, and a magnificent banquet was to be held at Topkapı Palace.

During the time before the banquet began, Jerome Bonaparte and Abdul Majid I needed to receive greetings from the dignitaries of Constantinople.

During this period, Abdul Majid I and Jerome Bonaparte also had many discussions, including on the issue of ironclad battleships.

"Jerome, the new warship of your French Empire is really impressive!" Abdul Majid I said softly to Jerome Bonaparte.

"Thank you for the compliment!" Jerome Bonaparte responded in a calm tone.

"I wonder if this new warship is available for sale to us!" Abdul Majid inquired of Jerome Bonaparte, then added, "If not available for immediate sale, can we place an order with the French Empire?"

Upon hearing Abdul Majid’s question, Jerome Bonaparte instinctively wanted to refuse, as the French Empire still had a temporary advantage in ironclad battleship technology.

Once the order was accepted by the Ottoman Empire, the Kingdom of Britain would inevitably copy it.

At that point, their advantage would no longer exist.

However, he thought again...