French Empire: But Napoleon IV

Chapter 65 The Republican Party's Plot, Target Approaching

On August 30, Eugène held the first medal awarding ceremony for the Paris Legion at the Versailles barracks.

In the past two weeks, 120 soldiers have been awarded the "Defenders of Paris" silver medal for their hard work and outstanding performance.

These medals were designed by Eugène himself. How could Eugène not know that small honors and rewards could more effectively stimulate the soldiers' competition?

Despite being called a small reward, Eugène's design is anything but lacking. It is made of a combination of silver and gold, with Napoleon's eagle emblem engraved on the front and the words "1870 Paris" on the back.

At the award ceremony, Eugene personally pinned medals on each of the award-winning soldiers and presented them with bonuses.

First prize: 100 francs; second prize: 50 francs; third prize: 20 francs.

"Soldiers, you are the pride of France, the guardians of Paris. You have proven with your sweat and hard work that you are qualified French soldiers."

"I assure you, as long as you fight bravely to defend France and Paris, all soldiers who distinguish themselves will receive generous rewards and rapid promotions. After the war, all participating soldiers will receive land and pensions from the state..."

This was his last speech. Well, Eugène wasn't sure if it was the last, but he felt that this kind of formal speech was probably the last one before the end of the Franco-Prussian War.

Therefore, Eugene did his best to promise his soldiers a rosy picture, offering a series of benefits that could be obtained as long as they remained loyal.

Eugène only ended his speech after he had painted a picture of a pie in the sky until all the soldiers below were "full." This time, Eugène did not sleep in the military camp but returned to the Tuileries Palace.

On the same day, August 30th, at the Old Carpenter's Tavern in Montmartre, Paris.

The tavern was dark, with only a few dim kerosene lamps flickering.

The decision to hold the meeting in an old pub instead of in the attic was naturally due to the presence of outsiders. The original dozen or so core Republican members remained unchanged, all sitting around a table with grave expressions.

The person who brought the meeting from the attic to the pub, Drema, sat at the corner of the table, a glass of absinthe in his hand, with just the right amount of anxiety on his face.

This period of undercover experience has significantly improved Drema's acting skills.

Drema's military police uniform was wrinkled and his hair was messy, making him look like a disgraced and down-on-his-luck officer.

"The situation is getting worse."

The time agreed upon by Eugène and Drema was approaching, and Drema prepared to take action, gradually stirring up the ambitions of the Republican Party and inciting them to rebel.

Therefore, feeling that it was time, Drema put down his glass and spoke in a low voice.

"That kid Eugene is a devil. In just half a month, he trained 120,000 new recruits to be quite professional."

Now, all the soldiers are completely devoted to him, constantly addressing him as "Your Highness the Crown Prince." Those people we used to have in the army don't dare speak up now, afraid of being reported.

Senucci, who was the guarantor for Drema, was the first to speak, frowning.

This vice governor of the Bank of France was determined to break free from the empire and embrace a new republic.

"How is their army's training progressing? When will they be deployed to the front lines?"

"It will be soon. I saw the order signed by Cornwall at the military police headquarters yesterday. The first batch of the 13th Corps will depart on September 5 to support McMahon on the Meuse River front."

The second batch of troops, the 14th and 15th Armies, will depart on September 10th. At that time, only slightly more than 10,000 people, along with gendarmes and police, will remain in Paris, bringing the total force to less than 30,000.

"Very good."

His eyes lit up; there was no better opportunity. Blanqui immediately slammed his fist on the table. In his view, with the support of the military police and enough party members of their own, they were perfectly capable of quickly launching a revolution.

Once they occupy Paris, the fortifications dug by the Paris Legion will be at their disposal, regardless of whether the Imperial army reacts or the Prussian army attacks.

They could rely on the city's defenses and the Republic's troops elsewhere to conduct more favorable resistance or negotiations.

"This is the opportunity we've been waiting for. As long as Eugène withdraws the main force, Paris will be ours. Then, when we raise our voices, the citizens of Paris will respond to us. We will be able to overthrow the Bonaparte family's rule and establish a republic."

"Blanki, calm down."

It wasn't that easy to take the bait. Gan Bida, who didn't advocate for violent regime change in the first place, shook his head, indicating that the matter wasn't that simple.

"Eugène is a very cunning man; he couldn't possibly be unprepared. Moreover, even if he transferred three armies, the 30,000 men he left behind are not to be underestimated. In particular, the veterans from the 13th Army are very strong in combat. We only have less than 10,000 rifles; we can't possibly be their match."

"So what do we do? Just keep waiting like this? If we keep waiting, and the Prussian army reaches the outskirts of Paris, we'll have no chance at all."

It is true that Gambit was a leader, and it is also true that he acted as the true leader in the government later established by Troch.

However, Gambit's prestige within the diverse Republican Party was not as strong as one might imagine. Gambit was merely a leader chosen through compromise. Throughout his time, Gambit maintained an anti-Prussian stance, but historically, the Republic clearly did not unfold as Gambit had hoped.

Therefore, Blanqui was also very impatient with Gambida, who was always going against him. Given Blanqui's status, he really didn't need to be too polite to Gambida.

"Of course not. What we need to do now is continue to build up our strength and wait for the best opportunity. Drema, you will remain with the gendarmerie and keep a close eye on Eugène's movements. Notify us immediately as soon as his main force leaves Paris."

It's clear that it's impossible for you to directly stand up and express your opinions; I don't agree with them at all.

Therefore, Gambitha could only go along with everyone's ideas and try to delay the Republican Party's progress in carrying out an armed revolution.

"Cenucci, you're in charge of contacting the various workers' organizations and rank-and-file officers of the civil defense in Paris, and getting them ready. At our command, they must seize all key positions as quickly as possible. Also, expedite the weapons and ammunition situation; the more the better."

"Don't worry, I've already contacted the arms dealers in Lyon. They will deliver two thousand rifles and fifty thousand rounds of ammunition to us by September 3rd. That should be enough, including the military police."

When it came to matters of power, Senucci became both penniless and generous, no longer stingy.

Gambia was speechless at his friend's pragmatic actions. He could only look at Drema again, hoping to get some truly good or bad news from the former military police commander.

Unfortunately, Drema, this 007, is destined to stand with Blanche and the others, and the news that Gambida wanted to hear about things not going smoothly is destined to be impossible.

"Drema, how are your military police brothers doing? Are they willing to work with us?"

"No problem, I've already spoken with three battalion commanders and more than a dozen company commanders. They're already dissatisfied with Eugène, and as soon as we make a move, they'll bring their men to join us. Then, with our combined efforts from within and without, we'll definitely be able to take Paris in one fell swoop."