Chapter 1707 - 1613: Dust Settles

Chapter 1707: Chapter 1613: Dust Settles

Mo Chenigo looked at Talleyrand’s calm demeanor and couldn’t help but grit his teeth.

He knew that if he spoke of the events that were about to unfold, he would undoubtedly be finished in Venice’s political arena—currently, France’s influence over Venice surpassed the combined influence of other countries.

However, the task Vienna assigned to him was to cause a "diplomatic disaster" for France, a goal he had yet to achieve.

He suddenly stood up and proclaimed, "To my knowledge, the French army stormed into Rome to find a person of noble status.

"This gentleman is clearly closely connected with the rebels and may even be their main organizer.

"Someone saw, on that day, the French army receiving him near the rebels’ headquarters, after which they immediately withdrew from the city of Rome."

A sinister smile curled his lips: "Intelligence from various sources indicates that he should be a member of the French Royal Family, a young royal not yet of age."

Currently, the age of majority in France is 21. In the direct royal line, the Count of Artuwa’s two sons are 24 and 27, respectively. The Count of Provence has no children.

Mo Chenigo was just short of directly naming Charles.

Yes, the major European powers have planted spies in Rome, especially Austria, which once ruled Northern Italy and can easily gather information from the Revolutionary Party.

The Austrians, based on the French army’s reactions, deduced that the person in the Revolutionary Party’s headquarters was likely France’s second prince.

Thus, they planned to seize this rare opportunity to trip France in international politics. If lucky, they might even tear apart the Mediterranean Security Organization.

Talleyrand immediately perked up, yet his face displayed surprise: "If I’m not mistaken, are you referring to His Highness Charles?"

"That is highly possible."

Talleyrand paused for two seconds, looking toward the Venetians: "You mean to say the Prince of France went to Rome without an army, merely to mingle with the rebels and even engaged in their command?

"Hmm, are you also suggesting that His Highness Charles received orders from His Highness the Regent King? After all, no one else would have the authority to dispatch him.

"Perhaps the General Staff also helped him devise an operational plan, and the King and Queen sent him off in a carriage."

Mo Chenigo said coldly, "Seems like you’re admitting to it?"

Talleyrand exchanged glances with those around him and suddenly burst out laughing: "Haha, this is absolutely the funniest joke I’ve ever heard, haha."

The representatives from Milan, Genoa, Parma, and other countries followed suit with laughter, "You are truly humorous."

"Haha, how could this be possible?"

"This sounds like a story concocted by a third-rate author after getting drunk."

"His Highness the Regent King sent his own brother to command a rebellion? Haha."

The serious atmosphere in the hall instantly dissipated.

This was Joseph’s proactive attack strategy.

Using a more exaggerated narrative to bury the little truth others had gathered.

In the future, whoever brought up Charles’ trip to Rome would surely be responded to with the "joke" Talleyrand just told.

Soon, the accusations against Charles would truly become mere anecdotes.

"Everyone, please be silent." Mo Chenigo waved his hand and said, "I have evidence, and more than one rebel in Rome witnessed His Highness Charles with their own eyes..."

Talleyrand rudely interrupted him: "Please, don’t spew nonsense anymore. Everyone knows His Highness has been in Milan attending the ’Mediterranean Silk Exhibition.’"

Several Milan nobles nodded in agreement.

Mo Chenigo immediately retorted: "There were 9 days between the end of the exhibition and the French army’s departure to Rome to pick him up, so that doesn’t explain anything."

Talleyrand smiled and looked at the Parma diplomat: "Baron Distiani, perhaps you could inform this gentleman where His Highness Charles was during that time."

The latter bowed slightly and addressed the assembly: "On the 24th of last month, His Highness Charles came to Parma to visit Her Highness the Crown Princess.

"His Highness and her beloved brother have been bird hunting at the palatial residence in the Tarro River Valley, and only left five days ago. You see, during autumn, the herons and red-necked ducks are everywhere."

Yes, Joseph could not miss such an obvious loophole.

As Talleyrand headed to Milan, he already sent his sister, married in Parma, his handwritten letter.

Princess Therese, understanding the gravity of the situation and needing to protect Charles, agreed without hesitation to provide false testimony.

Now, even if someone became suspicious and went to Parma to inquire, all they’d hear would be consistent with Talleyrand’s account—

Princess Therese indeed went to the palatial residence in the Tarro River Valley last month with Prince Ludovico, and their retinue wasn’t large.

As long as the prince and a few trusted attendants kept their stories aligned, no one would spot a flaw.

Mo Chenigo exclaimed in frustration: "That’s impossible! He was clearly in Rome..."

Talleyrand lowered his face: "Are you going to use the nonsensical words of a few Roman rebels to slander His Highness Charles and ignore the testimony from the Parma Royal Family?"

Not to mention the others at the banquet; even Mo Chenigo began doubting whether the information provided by the Austrians was erroneous.

Talleyrand then pressed his advantage: "Your earlier remarks were an insult to all of France, and to Parma as well! I will issue a protest note to the Venetian government."

He feigned an expression of fury as he forcefully pulled out a chair, pretending to leave the table.

The Milan Foreign Minister hurriedly stopped him, then looked at Mo Chenigo, saying coldly, "Mr. Mo Chenigo, before you explain your exceedingly rude behavior, I would ask that you leave this place."

The Venetian representative opened his mouth but didn’t know how to defend himself, so he could only hang his head and leave the hall.

After the banquet, representatives from various countries gathered around Talleyrand, slowly walking down the corridor.

"Your Excellency Archbishop, our country is willing to assume the main military tasks in suppressing the rebellion." The Modena representative eagerly declared, "and provide half of the logistics for the Allied Forces."

Currently, the Vatican had relocated to France, and once the rebels were dealt with, the situation in Rome would be perfectly resolved.

To most Northern Italian countries, this was a given. Especially monarchies, which couldn’t allow a revolutionary government that used violence to expel its rulers to emerge.

And Modena, being closest to the Pope State, was most enthusiastic about deploying troops.

The Foreign Minister of Florence also promptly added, "Our country can dispatch 600 soldiers."

"Our country will provide 400 soldiers, as well as 3 warships."

"Our country will send..."

Talleyrand raised his hand, pressing down slightly, and smiled: "Indeed, restoring order in Rome should be expedited. However, direct military intervention may not be the best course."

The country representatives exchanged looks of confusion at his words.

They were unaware that the Regent of France differed entirely from the rulers of this era. He did not detest Rome’s insurgents; on the contrary, he empathized with and supported them.