Descending On France 1780
Chapter 286 - 279 When the master of Malmaison sets his sights on the incorruptible

Chapter 286: 279 When the master of Malmaison sets his sights on the incorruptible

Paul Balas, though no longer in Paris, remained attentive to the situation in the city, having the newspapers from Paris collected and sent to him daily.

He also maintained communication with many people who stayed in Paris, learning about the movements of Robespierre and others through their letters.

One day, as he read the newspaper, he saw a piece of news: Frost reported to the National Assembly about the situation of the prisoners of war, requesting instructions on whether and how to exchange the prisoners.

While drinking coffee, Balas muttered, "Why should he apply? He could decide everything by himself, what could the Parliament do to him?"

Louis Lalewilly, a friend of Balas, commented, "Perhaps he is truly loyal to the Parliament, like a saint, with no personal desires of his own."

Balas shook his head: "No, from my impression of Frost, he’s not the saintly type. He, like you and I, is merely human, and being human, he harbors ambitions and serves his own interests."

"No, that’s not it. He might think this issue is insignificant, and it’s fine to leave it to the Parliament to decide."

Balas paused, as if pondering something, then laughed, "However, his submissive behavior might make some in the Parliament feel good about themselves. I guess it won’t be long before they start to nit-pick at Frost, and an angry Frost might just overthrow the Parliament."

Louis Lalewilly laughed, "That would be our cue to return to Paris."

"Exactly."

Like Balas, opportunists who found staying in Paris exceedingly dangerous, fled first. Fouché, followed by Talleyrand, were among the first.

Now, only the dull and the genuinely committed revolutionaries remained in Paris.

Yet, the killings did not cease.

**

As Balas read the newspaper for the following day, Anning returned to Paris.

On one hand, he wanted to see how the Parliament would discuss the issue of redeeming prisoners, and on the other hand, theoretically, he needed to report the outcome of military actions to the Parliament.

After all, the leader of the French Republic, in name, was the National Assembly, not General Frost.

Moreover, Anning needed promotions for his subordinates, which officially required the approval of the National Assembly.

Anning arrived at Versailles Palace that evening, and his fiancée Christina had prepared a lavish meal for him.

During dinner, Christina suddenly said, "Anning, do you think we should move out of Versailles Palace?"

Anning frowned slightly, "What’s wrong? Is it uncomfortable living in Versailles?"

"Of course it’s comfortable, but more and more people think our living in Versailles indicates that we have designs on the throne."

Anning replied, "It’s just because this place has many houses suitable for barracks, where else in Paris can accommodate so many troops at once?"

Christina said, "Paris already accommodates two hundred thousand National Guards, organized efficiently by Lazar Cano. You just led these two hundred thousand into battle, didn’t you? So now, telling people it’s for stationing troops is hardly believable."

Anning quirked his lips, "Then shall we move to your father’s Royal Palace? Are there still servants taking care of your father’s house?"

Christina smiled, "I knew if I suggested it, you would agree."

"Of course, you’re my fiancée. I will certainly fulfill such a request."

Christina laughed, "If we move to the Royal Palace, we’ll be living close to Robespierre..."

Anning replied, "No, doesn’t he live near Gasnier Street? How did he move near the Royal Palace?"

"He just moved. The old residence was too complicated in its surroundings."

Robespierre had been living in that old and worn house since he came to Paris for his studies, and he never changed it.

Anning personally asked Robespierre why he was so fond of this house, and Robespierre said that he liked the landlord’s cooking.

In this era, it is assumed that landlords cook for their tenants.

Anning: "Robespierre has also moved to a new house..."

"And he got a new overcoat." Christina continued, "We all think maybe he has taken a fancy to some girl, the ladies of Paris are all talking about it."

Anning raised her eyebrows: "So with Paris being like this, the ladies still continue with their tea parties?"

"Recently the use of the guillotine in Paris has begun to decrease, and some of the guillotines at the squares have even been dismantled. Now, only the guillotine at Revolution Square remains."

Anning was thrilled: "Really?"

Could it be that the Jacobins in this timeline are actually showing restraint?

Christina: "You seem very happy?"

"That’s natural, if Paris continues in chaos, it will also affect our organization’s logistics. We might soon have to expand beyond our borders, and for that, we need a stable rear area."

Christina: "So the fighting continues... I really would like to join you on the battlefield."

Anning: "Your current position is also very important, continue telling me about Paris, what you’ve heard at the ladies’ tea parties. You just mentioned Robespierre’s romantic interest, I’m interested in that!"

After all, if Robespierre is really in love, then perhaps he won’t turn into a terror tyrant.

In another timeline, Robespierre remained a steadfast revolutionary until the end, he just went mad.

Anning really wants to give Robespierre a good ending.

Christina: "That’s just what the ladies at the tea party said, they even encourage Josephine to flirt with Robespierre."

Anning slightly frowned: "Isn’t Josephine Paul Balas’ lover?"

"Mr. Balas is now away from Paris as a Special Commissioner, ever since Mr. Fouché went to Lyon in the same capacity, they’ve all received their assignments from Parliament." Christina paused, "So Josephine feels a bit lonely and has set her sights on Robespierre."

Anning thought to herself, that’s just like you, in real history, after Napoleon went to Italy to wage war, Josephine quickly found herself a young lover, and not only that, she took this young lover to Italy to see Napoleon.

At that time, while reading Napoleon’s Life, Anning thought that since Napoleon didn’t blow this woman’s head off with a gun, it must have been true love.

"So Josephine intends to pursue Robespierre?" Anning asked with a spectator’s mentality.

Christina: "She sent an invitation to Robespierre for the tea party, but she has never received a reply. Now she says every day at the tea party that Robespierre has got a new overcoat because he’s taken a fancy to some girl."

Anning was somewhat disappointed: "So it was just a rumor, I thought Robespierre had really fallen in love."

"Actually, I myself feel there might be something there." Christina leaned forward slightly, "I specifically went to observe the Parliament session, choosing a spot in the gallery suited to observe Robespierre. Since I’m your fiancée, everyone made room for me."

Anning: "Hmm, and then?"

"Robespierre is now dressed very meticulously, you wouldn’t recognize him from before. His wig is new, and all his clothes are carefully coordinated, even his tie is tied immaculately."

Anning frowned slightly: "I don’t recall ever seeing Robespierre dressed up so carefully. My impression of him has always been that he gets by with just any appearance, which is why he wore that same green overcoat for so many years.

"That won’t do, help me get ready, I’m going to see my old friend tonight."

Christina: "Okay, I’ll prepare your evening attire right away. You’ll bring a guard, right?"

"Of course, I’ll bring a guard."

Although there’s really no need.