Prince Monfort, after listening to the recent events in Paris, couldn’t help but feel anxious for Jerome Bonaparte.

Don’t be fooled by Jerome Bonaparte’s lighthearted portrayal, as if everything is under control. For someone who has personally experienced multiple coups, any operation involving Paris is never a sure thing, and slightest carelessness can turn what was meant to lure the enemy into a trap into a spark that buries the Empire.

"My dear child, I understand your resolve to uncover the mastermind behind this!" Prince Monfort sincerely advised Jerome Bonaparte, "But I still hope you don’t execute plans in such a dangerous manner; Paris is not an ordinary city!

Anyone who underestimates this city will inevitably suffer its backlash!"

Jerome Bonaparte naturally understood his father’s advice was not without reason.

Using Parisians’ fear of anarchists to divide the rebels is certainly a good strategy, but it’s not one that can be used frequently.

If sabotage occurs during every parade, even a fool will know there’s an official shadow behind it.

Thinking of this, Jerome Bonaparte fell into contemplation.

Seeing this, Prince Monfort continued to speak to Jerome Bonaparte, "Moreover, the reason things went so smoothly this time to suppress the parade is due to your ability to quickly divide the different political factions within the parade and rally the Parisians to your side!

If next time those rats in the gutter choose to use your method and sow discord between the Parisians and the government.

Then, what will you do?"

Jerome Bonaparte had no answer for this, aware that the relationship between the Empire and the Parisians is like a couple married for many years, where the impulse and passion of the honeymoon period have long been worn away, leaving only blandness.

Any external triggers will cause this already fragile relationship to completely collapse.

"Father, as I’ve said!" Jerome Bonaparte, in a heavy tone, resolutely replied, "If things really reach an irreparable point, I will lead the army to suppress Paris personally!"

"But mere suppression cannot truly solve the problem!" Prince Monfort responded again to Jerome Bonaparte, "Paris now differs from the Paris twelve years ago; it’s a city with a population of millions!

Even if the Guard Army completely suppresses Paris, the number of people you need to exile afterward will be far greater than twelve years ago!

Not to mention the enormous losses Paris will suffer during the suppression!

I think you also don’t want the Paris you’ve painstakingly built to be destroyed overnight by your own army!"

Jerome Bonaparte subconsciously nodded; Prince Monfort was indeed right. The Paris of today is entirely different from the Paris eleven years ago.

To build this city, Jerome Bonaparte poured in a lot of effort and an immense amount of francs, so to say he has no attachment to this city would be impossible.

Should Jerome Bonaparte one day aim cannons at Paris, he’s uncertain if he could actually give the order to bombard the city.

"I won’t deploy the army unless absolutely necessary!" Jerome Bonaparte’s tone softened somewhat, "After the previous parade, General Espinal has trained a competent force of armed police (actually selected from capable police and military personnel from the Outer Province)!

Should a parade occur, police in all districts will report to the Minister of Public Security at the fastest speed, who will then command them to replace the police to execute the suppression task!

If the situation in Paris truly becomes uncontrollable, I..."

Jerome Bonaparte remained silent, while Prince Monfort naturally understood what Jerome Bonaparte was implying.

"My child, I sincerely hope the Empire’s longevity can be like the Capet Dynasty’s for a thousand years, but you must know since the Great Revolution of 1789, no dynasty has lasted more than 15 years..." Prince Monfort seemed to realize his words were too pessimistic and quickly added, "Of course, no one wishes more than I do for the Empire to break this dismal curse!

But as a father, I still want to advise you.

If things truly reach an irreparable day, I still hope you can retreat appropriately like Louis Philippe did back then!

It’s for your sake and for Friedrich!"

Faced with Prince Monfort’s suggestion, Jerome Bonaparte clearly wasn’t willing to accept it and replied to Prince Monfort without hesitation, "Father! Even if fate no longer favors me one day, I’ll pave my own way forward!

The Bonaparte Clan may have failed monarchs but not fleeing ones!

If the Parisians are truly willing to sacrifice everything to perish with me, then I have nothing more to say; I’ll gladly face the gallows!"

Jerome Bonaparte’s resolute answer worried Prince Monfort while also bringing him a sense of comfort.

The Bonaparte Clan needs such a blooded leader, and France equally requires a determined leader.

However, as a father, Prince Monfort still wants to persuade his son, "My child, even if you’re not considering yourself, you should think about Friedrich and Augusta!

Friedrich’s growth is inseparable from you, and Augusta certainly wouldn’t want to see you do this either!!"

"Father, there is an ancient saying in the East that goes, ’Children and grandchildren have their own blessings!’"

The future of the children should be determined by themselves (more than a decade later, Jerome Bonaparte recalled the words he had said before and wished he could slap himself)!

As for my wife, I believe she can replace me in educating Friedrich!" Jerome Bonaparte said firmly.

"Alas!" Prince Monfort sighed once again.

The whole room returned to silence.

After a while, to ease the atmosphere, Jerome Bonaparte shrugged, speaking lightly to Prince Monfort, "Father, do you think our previous conversation might have been too forward!

The contradictions in Paris have not yet reached the point of being irreconcilable, we still have ample time to reconcile the disputes!

Of course, if France could start the second industrial revolution, then the existing contradictions of the Empire would disappear!"

Every industrial revolution creates a batch of new positions, and if effectively utilized, it can mitigate labor disputes.

However, according to Jerome Bonaparte’s rough estimate, for France to enter the second industrial revolution, at least 6-10 more years are needed.

During this time, Jerome Bonaparte must use all means possible to extend the Empire’s life, whether through military or political measures.

...

Jerome Bonaparte’s conversation with Prince Monfort finally concluded before twelve o’clock, and upon leaving Prince Monfort’s bedroom, Jerome Bonaparte suddenly felt a pang of hunger in his belly. It was then he realized he hadn’t eaten anything for nearly 10 hours.

Thus, Jerome Bonaparte did not return to his bedroom but instead went alone to the dining hall.

After a while, the chef of Fontainebleau Palace appeared before Jerome Bonaparte, respectfully inquiring if he would like his meal served according to the previous menu.

"No need!" Jerome Bonaparte shook his head in response to the chef, "I can’t finish so many dishes by myself!

Just make two dishes randomly!"

"As you command!" The chef respectfully left the dining hall to prepare the dinner for the Emperor.

The servant standing beside Jerome Bonaparte asked eagerly if he would like a small glass of wine, Jerome Bonaparte shook his head and kindly said, "It’s late, you don’t need to stay by my side to serve!

If there’s nothing else, go rest early!"

The servant did not heed Jerome Bonaparte’s suggestion and remained standing by his side, ready to serve the Emperor at any moment.

A while later, the door of the dining hall slowly opened, but instead of the head chef, it was Augusta, Empress of the French Empire, who appeared behind the door.

Augusta, dressed in a white gown, gracefully stepped to Jerome Bonaparte’s side, then gently said to the servant, "You may leave! I will take care of the Emperor!"

The servant obeyed Augusta’s command, bowed to express respect to the Empress, and left. Augusta pulled out a chair beside the main seat, sat next to Jerome Bonaparte, and quietly observed her husband.

Being closely watched by Augusta, Jerome Bonaparte felt uneasy. He hastily asked Augusta, "Is Friedrich asleep?"

"He’s already asleep!" Empress Augusta replied affectionately to Jerome Bonaparte, "Before Friedrich fell asleep, he kept asking where you went!

Why haven’t you come back yet!"

Upon hearing this, Jerome Bonaparte imagined the pitiful sight of Friedrich asking Augusta, and he couldn’t help but sigh, jokingly saying, "Alas! I am neither a competent Monarch nor a qualified father!"

"No!" Feeling her husband’s disappointment, Augusta grasped Jerome Bonaparte’s hand earnestly, saying, "In Friedrich’s and my hearts, you have always been the most exceptional Monarch and equally a remarkable father!

Friedrich has always been proud of you!"

"An excellent Monarch constantly thinks of firing upon his capital, an excellent father continuously puts his child in danger, I’m truly a two-faced Monarch and father!" Jerome Bonaparte quietly jested.