Descending On France 1780
Chapter 255: Widow of Maraisson Castle 248

Chapter 255: Widow of Maraisson Castle 248

Anning had just settled in Versailles when someone came looking for him.

The visitor was someone Anning knew—Paul Balas, whom he had met once before in Italy.

Anning met him in Louis XVI’s study. It was in this very study, years ago, that Anning had forced Louis XVI and his Austrian Woman to move to the Palais des Tuileries.

As soon as Balas entered the study, he went straight to the point: "You’re finally back. Now, only you can prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. Paris is in such fear now that even the members of the Parliament are afraid they might end up on the guillotine!"

Anning: "Has it come to that?"

Balas: "I don’t believe you’re unaware of the current situation in Paris! Before Marat was assassinated, Robespierre was like a ballast for the situation, consistently striving to prevent matters from becoming too extreme.

"After Marat’s death, this ballast went mad himself, now frantically sending people to the guillotine. He seems intent on commemorating his deceased friend by continually sending the old nobles to their death."

Anning: "I am already aware of this situation."

"You already know? And that’s it?"

"What else?" Anning retorted, "You want me to stage a coup and depose Robespierre? No, I won’t do that. Of course, I won’t just sit by and watch things unfold either. I will go see Maximilien tomorrow."

Balas: "You have to talk some sense into him! Restore his reason and calmness! If this continues, a considerable part of the National Assembly will become the enemies of the Jacobin."

Anning looked at Balas, thinking that after the Jacobin were overthrown, the corrupt and inept Directorate formed by the Thermidorian faction was only good at lining their own pockets.

Anning did not wish to see these people in power.

At least the Jacobin had the ideals of the revolution, although their methods were too extreme.

The Thermidorians were all opportunists and careerists.

Thinking this, Anning’s gaze towards Balas sharpened.

If France were to be handed over to these people, it would be better—Anning suppressed the thought rising in his mind.

For now, it would be better to pull the Jacobin back in line. Robespierre was a man of integrity and discipline, and Anning felt relatively reassured with him at the helm of France.

Anning: "Anyway, I will advise Maximilien. I believe I still have enough influence over him."

Balas looked very worried. He hesitated and then said, "But some people are rumoring that Robespierre is unhappy with your control of the troops, and he might want to send a different military Special Commissioner..."

"Who said that?" Anning interrupted Balas, "This is sowing discord between me and Robespierre. Whoever does this must be an enemy of France; it could even be an Austrian spy! Is it you, Mr. Paul Balas?"

Balas shook his head like a rattle drum: "No, no, no, it wasn’t me! It’s just something people in Paris are saying..."

"That’s why I’m asking who is saying it. If you know, tell me, and I’ll immediately dispatch the Twilight Knight to arrest them!"

When it’s time to act, one must act decisively.

Balas was immediately at a loss for words.

Anning: "So, it couldn’t be you who is stirring up trouble, right?"

"General, you know me! I have always been utterly loyal to you!"

Anning sneered: "Hmph, I will see your loyalty."

Anning was very clear about Paul Balas’s historical character. But since Balas was somewhat capable, otherwise Anning would have taken him down long ago.

Now by doing this, Anning had essentially warned Paul Balas to stop harboring any crooked thoughts.

At that moment, the door to the study opened, and Christina came in: "Mr. Balas, why don’t you stay for lunch?"

Balas shook his head repeatedly: "No, no, I have to return to Paris. Given the situation there, I can’t be away for too long."

Anning: "Mr. Balas, are you currently serving as a judge in Paris?"

"No, I am the Special Commissioner. Well, I must take my leave now." Without waiting for Anning to respond, Balas retreated toward the door.

After Balas left, Anning said to Christina: "This Balas, what do you know about him?"

Christina: "He has a good relationship with Mrs. Boarne of Malmaison Castle. It’s the talk of the social circle that Paul Balas is going to marry that widow."

Anning raised an eyebrow, "Goodness, Mrs. Boarne of Malmaison Castle, a familiar face indeed. Originally in history, she would hook a penniless and unknown Napoleon, and become a bridge between Napoleon and one of the Governors of the Directorate, Paul Balas."

But now history has changed. Although Napoleon hasn’t made a name for himself yet, he has become the ’General’s confidant’ and gained a significant position by virtue of this status.

The current Napoleon, frankly speaking, is no longer a match for widows like Josephine. When he returns from Sedan, there will be plenty of noble families in Paris wanting to marry their daughters to this Corsican boy, the ’General’s favored one.’

Christina, sensing a change in Anning’s expression, asked curiously: "Do you know this Mrs. Boarne?"

Anning: "Ah, I’ve heard of her."

He casually replied and then realized something, quickly looking at his fiancée’s face, only to see Christina pouting: "When did you hear about her?"

Anning: "I heard it from Napoleon."

But Christina didn’t believe it: "You heard it from Napoleon who is currently defending Sedan? I didn’t realize he had so much free time."

Anning: "Er, that was before he went to Sedan. Then he told me that there’s a charming widow at Malmaison Castle, quite lovely."

Christina: "Oh, is that so? Napoleon even has a preference for widows, this is new to me."

Anning gave an awkward smile, then changed the subject: "Let’s eat, after our meal I need to go into the city to find Maximilien."

Christina sighed: "Alright, serious matters are important. Do have a good talk with him."

**

After lunch, Anning went into the city.

To avoid being recognized and causing a commotion throughout, Anning took a carriage straight to the National Assembly.

Passing by Revolution Square, Anning noticed that besides the original guillotine, two new guillotines had been erected.

The guillotine was already an extremely efficient execution tool, yet even this wasn’t meeting the demands, necessitating the setup of two new ones, indicating the current state of Paris.

The National Assembly was still in the same adapted building from the royal stables, next to the ruins of the Palais des Tuileries.

Over these days, the ruins of the palace had been cleared, turning it into a vast square.

At the entrance of the National Assembly, a guard approached the carriage with a serious expression: "Stop! According to the orders of the National Assembly, no carriage may come within 100 meters of the National Assembly!"

Anning opened the carriage door and stepped out.

The guard gasped, "My God, long live Your Excellency!"

Anning gently waved his hand in response, then looked at the stairs before him.

According to Anning’s memory, there was no private space in the National Assembly where he could speak alone with Robespierre.

Once inside the hall, whatever he said could be overheard by those nearby.

Thus, Anning said to the doorman: "Please inform the Chairman for me, I will be waiting in my carriage for him, I need to have a discreet chat with him."