Make France Great Again-Chapter 131: Preparing to Dismiss the Cabinet

Jerome Bonaparte’s sudden question left Minister Liu Aili at a loss. novelbuddy-cσ๓

Everyone in Paris knew that the current commander of the Italian Army was the "staunch" Order Party Marshal Biron. Just last month, Marshal Biron was shouting in Lyon about "marching on Paris" to overthrow the "red elements."

God! Does the President intend to act against Biron?

Thinking of this, Liu Aili couldn’t help but feel a tingling on his scalp. He should not have accepted the position of Minister of War from the very beginning, this position is simply a pit of fire.

At this juncture, Liu Aili could only cautiously respond with probing words: "I believe Marshal Biron is stern in his leadership, and under his command, the Italian Army’s combat effectiveness is steadily on the rise!"

"Oh? Right, I almost forgot that Marshal Biron is also the Commander of the Italian Army!" Jerome Bonaparte suddenly realized an issue: Marshal Biron, the "Grand Emperor" of the Italian Army, would pass away in September this year, making the idea of transferring Liu Aili to serve as Commander of the Italian Army somewhat challenging in execution.

"Mr. President!" Liu Aili looked confusedly at Jerome Bonaparte, not understanding Jerome Bonaparte.

"Minister Liu Aili!" Jerome Bonaparte, picking up a knife and fork to cut the foie gras on his plate into small pieces, said to Liu Aili: "Frankly, you are no longer suitable for the position of Minister of War!"

Jerome Bonaparte’s calm words reached Liu Aili’s ears as so cold that his burning body became "frozen" the moment Jerome Bonaparte said "you are not suitable for the Minister of War," leaving his mind blank and unsure of how to respond to Jerome Bonaparte.

Although Liu Aili had said he shouldn’t have taken on the role of Minister of War and understood in his heart that he would eventually be dismissed by the President or Prime Minister, when Jerome Bonaparte "laid his cards on the table," he found himself unable to accept the outcome.

It was you who recalled me from the Legislative Assembly, and now it’s you who believe I’m not suitable to be Minister of War.

A nameless anger surged within Liu Aili’s heart. If he weren’t a politician, he would have directly got up and left.

Because he was a politician, even if his teeth were shattered, he had to smile and say, "Well done."

"Mr. President, I know that I am not skilled enough to fulfill the duties of Minister of War!" Liu Aili forced a smile, speaking dryly to Jerome Bonaparte.

Seeing Liu Aili’s funeral-like expression, Jerome Bonaparte became more determined to consolidate power in his own hands, not wanting to become like Liu Aili, a piece easily discarded.

The Order Party must die, the Empire must be born.

To ease the awkward atmosphere, Jerome Bonaparte raised his glass and said cheerfully: "Mr. Minister, thank you for your work in the Ministry of War these past few days!"

Liu Aili forced himself to raise his glass and drink the brandy, coughing twice at its bitterness.

A servant nearby quickly handed Minister Liu Aili a white handkerchief. Taking it, Liu Aili wiped the corner of his mouth and apologized: "Mr. President, please forgive my rudeness!"

"Mr. Minister, I understand your feelings right now!" Jerome Bonaparte comforted Minister Liu Aili, then shifted his words: "I also understand and respect your choice to remain neutral, but I hope you also understand my position, Changarnier, that old fellow, has been getting more and more out of line lately!"

Jerome Bonaparte’s candid response brought a bit of warmth to Liu Aili’s cold heart, as he also realized that with the downfall of the Mountain Party and Republican Faction, the enemies between the President and the Order Party no longer existed. Next, either the President would suppress the assembly to become a powerful President or the assembly would suppress the President, turning him into a puppet.

[PS: Liu Aili believes Jerome Bonaparte merely wants to act as a powerful President and get through the four years smoothly.]

As a President who is the nephew of the Emperor, how could he tolerate an assembly pointing fingers over him, there is simply no possibility of neutrality between the President and the Order Party.

The Ministry of War was merely the first wave of the President’s offensive against the assembly.

Having "understood" these things, Minister Liu Aili felt somewhat at ease, unwilling to help the President against the assembly, nor to assist the assembly in opposing the President, clearly indicating that he is not suitable to remain in this position.

"Mr. President, I do not wish to be drawn into the whirlpool of party struggle, and I also understand your will." Liu Aili couldn’t help reminding: "But as a Minister about to be dismissed by you, a humble officer who fought alongside the Emperor, I still want to remind you that the Ministry of War is a massive and bloated bureaucratic organization! If not necessary, I hope you will not disturb them, because once their interests are touched, no matter how much they respect you, they will unhesitatingly strike back against you. I know these people too well; they won’t oppose you while you’re in power, but if, by chance, one day you accidentally fall from grace, they’ll undoubtedly counterattack without hesitation?"

"Mr. Minister, thank you for your advice!" Jerome Bonaparte first expressed his gratitude to Liu Aili, then resolutely declared: "Remember two months ago, I told you, even if before me is a bottomless abyss, I will undoubtedly jump down without hesitation!"

Jerome Bonaparte’s determined expression reminded Liu Aili of the Emperor over thirty years ago. Wasn’t the Emperor also this determined?

If he were still young, he would definitely follow the Emperor’s nephew without hesitation to accomplish great things.

Now he’s old, and his mindset has become conservative; rather resigning than engaging in this turmoil.

"Mr. President, since you’ve already made up your mind, then I sincerely wish you success!" Minister Liu Aili also raised his glass, speaking to Jerome Bonaparte.

"Hmm!" Jerome Bonaparte nodded, and the two crystal-clear wine glasses clinked together with a "ding-dong" sound.

Liu Aili and Jerome Bonaparte simultaneously drained their glasses of brandy, and the manservant beside them swiftly refilled their drinks.

Liu Aili carefully squeezed half a lemon with a knife and fork, the lemon juice flowing onto the sturgeon meat. The sourness of the lemon combined with the tender sturgeon meat and special sauce was an unparalleled delight as he chewed gently in his mouth.

Jerome Bonaparte quietly waited for Liu Aili to finish his meal. When Liu Aili’s Adam’s apple moved up and down, Jerome Bonaparte finally spoke, "Mr. Minister, I wonder which position you would prefer, Deputy Commander of the Strasbourg Army? Deputy Commander of the Italian Army? Or perhaps Governor of Algeria?"

Jerome Bonaparte nakedly allowed Liu Aili to choose from military appointments as compensation.

Liu Aili showed a surprised expression, and Jerome Bonaparte waved his hand, saying, "Mr. Minister, I just believe you should depart from the whirlpool of the Minister of War! You are an excellent general, and such a distinguished officer should not be buried!"

"Deputy Commander of the Strasbourg Army, then!" Liu Aili’s choice surprised Jerome Bonaparte. He didn’t choose the lucratively rewarding position of Governor of Algeria but instead opted for Deputy Commander of Strasbourg.

"I am grateful for Mr. President’s generosity in offering me so many choices!" Liu Aili displayed a smile that seemed to mock himself as he said, "I’m already old! I don’t wish to be involved in any conflicts, nor do I want to undertake any dangerous work! The Deputy Commander of Strasbourg is a good job!"

"I got it!" Jerome Bonaparte nodded in response to Liu Aili.

"However, Mr. President! I would like to know who will ultimately replace me in my work!" Minister Liu Aili inquired of Jerome Bonaparte.

Jerome Bonaparte remained silent.

"I was presumptuous!" Liu Aili apologized to Jerome Bonaparte.

"Currently, Major General Renio of the Roman Expeditionary Army!" Jerome Bonaparte said, "I plan to have him take your position to lead the Ministry of War."

"So it was him!" and only then did Liu Aili understand why Renio, after being newly promoted to Major General, had been appointed as the commander of the Roman Expeditionary Army.

So, it turned out that the President, to ensure a smooth transition to his position, had paved the way for him.

Renio’s treatment made Liu Aili feel envious while also somewhat schadenfreude, and he looked forward to Renio’s performance upon returning to the country.

Minister Liu Aili, after calming himself, half-jokingly said, "It seems, Mr. President, you aren’t preparing to dismiss me immediately!"

"Indeed!" Jerome Bonaparte nodded in agreement with Liu Aili’s idea, "I still hope, Minister, that during this remaining time before your departure, you can help me tidy up the Ministry of War! We will not forget the contributions you, Minister, have made!"

Liu Aili pondered for a moment before speaking, "I will do my utmost to serve Mr. President!"

...

After all the discussions were over, Liu Aili set out on his return journey personally accompanied by Jerome Bonaparte.

Watching the silhouette of Liu Aili’s carriage elongate and fade into the distance, Jerome Bonaparte turned and headed back to the Elysee Palace.

"Your Majesty, did Liu Aili really agree?" Percy, who was walking beside Jerome Bonaparte, asked.

"He has agreed!" Jerome Bonaparte responded.

"That’s great!" Percy clenched his fist excitedly, "At last, we can give those guys a taste of their own medicine!"

"Percy!" Jerome Bonaparte called out in a cold tone.

"Yes!" Percy responded quickly.

"Until we reach the final step, please make sure to remain cautious!" Jerome Bonaparte reminded Percy with a cold tone, "Any slight negligence could take everything from us!"

"Yes!" Percy responded seriously.

Meanwhile, in the carriage, Liu Aili gazed out at Paris with misty eyes. Under the shroud of night, Paris seemed so silent, evoking a sense of fear, and the conflict hidden beneath the undercurrents was about to begin.

"A tumultuous period!"

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