Descending On France 1780
Chapter 303 - 296 results

Chapter 303: 296 results

Although Anning was worried about Christina’s capability for secrecy, the result came quickly.

A few days later, Christina found Anning: "Dan Dong seems to have some reservations about the current Robespierre."

Anning looked at his fiancée: "How do you know?"

"His mistress told me," Christina shrugged, "Dan Dong has complained to his mistress more than once, saying ’Maximilien is going too far,’ ’There should be a more appropriate way to handle things.’"

Anning couldn’t help but facepalm.

Is that really the case?

Although it’s only complaints during the sage time on the mistress’s bed, it’s the small hole that could break the levee.

Originally, in history, it was after witnessing unrestrained violence that Dan Dong gradually transitioned from the radicals to the Tolerance Faction.

Now this process has already begun.

Anning stroked his chin, contemplating a strategy.

Maybe he could get Dan Dong away from Paris, to the more stable south—after all, the south has been more obedient since Napoleon had bombarded the Royalist Party with grapeshot.

Give Dan Dong a job in the south, such as drafting local laws.

But... would Dan Dong leave?

Not to mention the historical Dan Dong, based on Anning’s many years of friendship with him, this guy wouldn’t leave Paris easily; he has his own ambitions and aspirations, which can only be realized on the stage of Paris.

Perhaps it was time for a direct conversation with Dan Dong.

While Anning was thinking about this, Christina continued: "I actually admire you, you’ve guessed it right again."

Anning could only show a bitter smile.

Christina said: "But what are you planning to do, confront Dan Dong directly? Asking him to give up that idea? That will only backfire. I suggest you spend more time with him, play some bridge, and let him vent his dissatisfaction."

Anning nodded: "Okay."

But Christina added: "But by doing this, it will definitely trigger a chain reaction; Paris will think you support Dan Dong, and the balance of power in Parliament will instantly shift. In Paris today, whoever you are close to, their power will inflate."

Anning couldn’t help facepalming again.

Yes, there’s that problem.

But it still had to be done, to stifle the spark that could lead to their falling out.

Anning said: "I need a schedule that will allow me enough time to chat with Dan Dong."

Christina said: "Dan Dong will attend a ball at Maraisson Castle tonight, are you going?"

Anning frowned, why does it have to be there?

"Does he... often go to Maraisson Castle?" Anning asked.

Christina replied: "Yes, often because both his mistress and his wife are good friends with Madame Boarne."

Anning cursed silently: Damn.

**

At this time, Josephine Boarne was writing a letter to Paul Balas.

"My dear Balas, I have to tell you a few pieces of news that you will certainly be interested in.

"Firstly, I have a new good friend, he is General Frost’s confidante, Brigadier General Napoleon Bonaparte; I often have enjoyable chats with him at the salons.

"Next is Dan Dong, the one you call the square-headed lion, Dan Dong. He seems to have some objections to Robespierre’s actions. Many gentlemen in Paris have already sensed this tendency, and all those who secretly oppose Robespierre are quietly contacting him.

"But for now, he remains Robespierre’s intimate comrade-in-arms in Parliament, advancing and retreating together.

"Given time, the situation in Paris may change significantly because of this.

"There’s another piece of news you might find interesting. General Frost has been frequently attending social events in Paris lately, and his fiancée has been eagerly gathering intelligence.

"This lovely fiancée is still a novice in intelligence gathering, and she appears to be too inclined in her behavior. I have reason to believe that General Frost has become wary of you and may be collecting information about your profits.

"You’d better watch out for yourself. Right now, anyone General Frost denounces could be sent directly to the guillotine.

"My advice is that you should come to Paris in person and express your loyalty to General Frost.

"Your loving Josephine Boarne from Malmaison."

After finishing the letter, Josephine carefully placed it into a thick envelope, then took a candle and dripped several drops of wax onto the opening of the envelope, pressing a clear seal with the decorated side of her ring into it.

This was the method of the time to ensure that letters were not opened by others.

The decoration on the ring was specially cast, so if there was any problem with the pattern in the wax, it would be known that the letter had been opened.

Then Josephine looked up at Cavalry Lieutenant Charles, who was sitting quietly on the sofa in the study, waiting.

"Please deliver this letter to Paul Balas. Be absolutely sure that no one other than Balas learns its contents."

Charles took the letter: "Leave it to me, I won’t even know what’s in it!"

After he finished speaking, he turned to leave, but Josephine pulled him back, leaned in close to his cheek, and gave him a light kiss.

The young Cavalry Lieutenant, as if infused with an elixir, became instantly exhilarated: "This... I’m off!"

He turned around and excitedly rushed out.

Josephine went to the second-floor window and waited for the Lieutenant to appear at the doorway, which didn’t take long.

As soon as the Lieutenant stepped out of the castle, he turned back to look towards the window where Josephine stood. Once their eyes met, Josephine smiled and waved at him.

Indeed, this was the power of Josephine Boarne; she knew how to play young men around her finger, getting them to serve her devotedly.

Josephine had no doubt that the letter would reach Paul Balas’ hands that very night.

**

Cavalry Lieutenant Charles galloped all the way to the post station, and before dismounting, he shouted to the stationmaster: "Change horses!"

Upon hearing the voice, the stationmaster recognized a regular and personally brought out a saddled horse that was ready.

Just then, a clutter of hooves was heard coming down the road.

At the sound, Charles knew that a troop of cavalry was charging towards the station.

He turned his head and saw a small squadron of cavalry kicking up dust, sprinting at full speed towards them.

This was an unusual sight; galloping at such a speed, the horses would tire out quickly.

Even more unusual was that each cavalryman was leading an extra horse, which was clearly to ensure a full-speed journey by swapping mounts to rest the horses.

Curious, Charles called out: "Where are you heading? Do you have an urgent mission?"

The leading cavalry officer reined in his horse in front of Charles and then lifted a lantern to observe Charles’ face.

"Cavalry Lieutenant, good." The officer said, "Are you Cavalry Lieutenant Charles?"

"Yes, I am?" Charles had not yet grasped the situation, "What’s the matter?"

"I am Noachian Muller, an officer of General Frost’s personal guard. We are certain that you have a counter-revolutionary secret letter!"