"I'm glad to see you again, Mr. Summer." After the British Foreign Office official greeted him, Charles walked over with a smile and stretched out his hand. "I'm here to receive you. I hope you can feel the at home that I felt before."

"I have already felt it, sir." James Summer held Charle's hand very attentively and swayed. "I have been treated very warmly to you, which really makes me flattered... I am afraid that I can't afford your enthusiasm."

"I was once flattered at Her Majesty, so I hope to repay Britain with the same enthusiasm, so you don't have to feel sorry for it. This is what I should do." Charles was still very kind and then made a gesture to sit down, "I am very happy to show the British my sincerity."

"I see your sincerity, not only here, but also almost everywhere." James Summer sat down obediently, and then looked at Charles very respectfully. "Your Excellency the Secretary instructed me to represent the British business community, thank you for your efforts in the previous business agreement."

The commercial agreement he mentioned refers to the commercial agreement between Britain and France before on coal exports. With the support of Charles, His Majesty Napoleon III instructed the Ministry of Commerce to change its old style, reach an agreement with the British at a very fast speed, and deliberately lower the tariffs on coal exports, which is a unique and efficient style of the new dynasty. His Majesty Napoleon III also took this opportunity to take a solid step in implementing his ruling philosophy, opening a gap in the old, out of timely high tariff barriers in France.

In this agreement, British merchants could certainly gain huge benefits, but the British government did not only thank France for the benefits obtained by merchants, but for the sincerity reflected in it, Emperor Napoleon III and his loyal pawns seemed to be unswerving in the pro-British route, and for this reason they were even willing to make France make commercial concessions.

On the mainland, the British had a firm ally, powerful and extremely important influence, which was enough to allow the British to receive encouraging help on the European continent and even the entire world. Even the British could not refuse such help.

"Of course I am willing to help Britain in all aspects, but this matter is not only beneficial to Britain, but also to France. Therefore, this is a mutually beneficial agreement. With the development of French ship scale and technology, large-scale application of steamships will be an inevitable trend, so we need your country's coal very much." Charles said modestly, "His Majesty the Emperor and I firmly believe that two countries with strong strength, such as Britain and France, should support each other economically, share their strong strength together, and maintain peace in Europe."

"You are right, Mr. Treville. We also believe that Britain and France should cooperate closely and be necessary." James Summer immediately agreed. "Only in this way can we develop a new and practical order for Europe and allow this order to continue."

"New order, yes, what we want is a new order." Charles waved proudly, "In such a new order, all nations can enjoy their due rights and interests, and the sovereignty of each country can be respected, and the two great countries act as protectors of Europe, freeing each European country from the fear of being trampled by iron hooves."

"You are so good, sir, such an eloquent and passionate speech is rare in our country. Unfortunately, I am not a member of parliament and cannot quote you in parliament." James Summer nodded repeatedly, obviously trying to compliment him. "I have to say that even if you were born in England, you can still make a big splash in the House of Commons!"

There is no doubt that Charles' words were very fond of the British, not about high-profile such as rights and sovereignty, but rather the tone that Charles had not stated that the boundaries of each country should be respected, and great powers should not expand excessively, and the European continent must maintain a balance between some kind of strong powers.

And this is exactly what the British want most.

However, Charles' words may not come from the heart. After all, respecting the rights and interests of various countries is just a temporary solution. In the hearts of the high-level officials of the empire, restoring the glory of the old empire has always been a dream hidden deep in his heart.

France has just emerged from decades of turmoil and restlessness. What it needs is to slowly restore its influence rather than to be enemies with Europe from the beginning. Of course, they are willing to find an excuse for themselves to say that excluding other major powers is to maintain European order.

After all, for the British nowadays, France is not an imminent opponent, the empire that has expanded to the gates of the Balkans and India and plans to continue to expand is.

"I'm glad to receive such praise from you. I am full of favor for the traditional British political form. In your country's parliament, policies about the country and even the whole world have been well debated and implemented." Shire first smiled and complimented him, and then immediately became serious. "However, this political form will sometimes bring us some troubles..."

"What kind of trouble?" James Summer asked immediately.

"A trouble of uncertainty in your country's policy, especially on a very imminent issue, we are afraid that your country will lose its direction in the heated debate." Charles explained calmly, "We are an empire, and the will of His Majesty the Emperor will be thoroughly implemented, and we can rule for many years. Maybe even until I am old, I can be active in politics, exert my influence, and allow the great connection between Britain and France to continue. But Britain may not be... Your country's government changes very quickly, and it is often lost in the quagmire of parliament. Sometimes it continues with very visionary policies and becomes difficult to move forward in a long debate... On ordinary issues, maybe this is not a problem for us, but on a matter of life and death, if our country takes action and your country hesitates, we will fall into an embarrassing and even dangerous situation..."

Although Charles said it more obscurely, James Summer certainly understood what Charles meant.

After Charles left the UK, although it only took a short year, there were very major changes in British politics. Due to some domestic problems, the Whig cabinet was strongly attacked in parliament. Prime Minister Russell had to announce the resignation of the cabinet, and Foreign Minister Parmeston resigned.

The successor to the prime minister was the Earl of Derby, the opposition Conservative Party, and the new cabinet formed was naturally the cabinet that originally belonged to the opposition.

Such an unexpected situation occurred, and it was naturally very reasonable for the top leaders of the French Empire to be afraid of the British's sudden policy shift.

And this is one of the reasons why James Summer came to France. He needed to eliminate this concern from the French and told them that Britain's policies have not changed.

"Yes, a lot of things have happened during this year, and some changes have occurred in our political circles, sir." He nodded first, admitted that this change does exist, and then immediately continued according to the previous statement. "But please believe that although some political views are different, there will be no difference in any party on the fundamental interests of the UK. The British people love to help the poor and the qualities of maintaining peace and tranquility on the European continent will never change, and the commitments made by our government will not change."

It is precisely because of the fear of the French retreat that the new government paid attention to maintaining the relationship between the two countries at the beginning of its establishment and focused on ensuring that the commitments and obligations of the previous government would be absolutely continued.

Because James Summer was responsible for receiving Mr. Treville when he visited the UK at the World Expo before, the upper-level officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thought they had some friendship, so they called him over, on the one hand, to facilitate communication between the two sides, and on the other hand, to show the British government's attention to Mr. Treville.

Whether it is the Queen of England or the Earl of Derby, they hope to continue this tacit understanding between Britain and France, and eventually turn this tacit understanding into a powerful power that is extremely powerful in paintings wherever they go.

After hearing the British diplomat's careful assurance, Charles became more serious and stared at the other party. "Can I think the Earl of Derby is promising us that if we have to resist a country that invades Europe one day, Britain will carry forward its old chivalrous spirit and resist with us?"

"We will do this, because it is our obligation." With an inexplicable pride, James Summer held his head high, "In this cause of peace in Europe, Britain will never fall behind France, no matter any party."

After a pause, he added, "Her Majesty the Queen is very happy to make the same promise to you, sir. She wants me to tell you that you are her friend and that you can get her kindness and help at any time."

"I am really very happy! The British proved why they are a great country." Charles was happy, obviously happy with such clear assurances from the British and the Queen's so attentive treatment. "Mr. Summer, I can also assure you that France has begun to take action, and we will mobilize all France's resources and do our best to resist any threat to European peace."

"We are doing these things too, sir." James Summer nodded slightly, "Now, the threat to peace has grown day by day. We need to seize the time to act with definite intelligence. The Russians have mobilized their troops on the border between Russia and Turkey, and the Russian diplomatic border has also begun a diplomatic offensive against Turkey. A Russian war against Turkey is probably imminent..."

"If anyone cares about it, Turkey may not be able to resist the Russian craze." Charles asked knowingly. "Turkey is a weak and corrupt country, and they themselves know this."

"Yes, we believe that this is the case. If there is no action, Turkey will suffer a terrible failure in this war." James Summer did not give the Turks any face at all, and nodded directly to express his approval. "And, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that this failure may be fatal. In other words, Russia may even take the opportunity to defeat Turkey in one fell swoop, making it difficult for Türkiye to recover from this failure."

"This is indeed a rather unpleasant prospect." Charles calmly commented.

"It is not only unpleasant, but also unbearable. If Turkey collapses, the Russians will break into the Balkans, or even Constantinople, the European fortress will collapse, and the Russians will get the freedom to enter the Mediterranean without any scruples. This prospect is unbearable for our government." James Summer's attitude became a little subtle. "Now the Turks have felt this threat. They are asking for help from our country, and our government has begun to mediate, hoping to calm this interference to peace."

"I hope everything can calm down." Shire certainly heard the coldness hidden behind the diplomat's words, "but I don't think we can place everything on people's kindness, especially I think the Tsar has no kindness."

"I can't judge a monarch, sir, but I think you're right." James Summer cleverly expressed his attitude towards the Tsar, and then laughed himself. "It is very likely that the Russians will not listen to advice, because the Russians only know their strength, and we have begun to mobilize the navy to prepare for all ominous events."

Both of them tacitly understand the so-called ominous situation, but they cannot be clearly stated at this time.

"I hope everything can be calm, otherwise... it will be too regretful." Charles sighed with a smile, "Please rest assured that the French Empire will do all its efforts to continue the European order."

"We also believe this." James Summer bowed to Charles, "Britain will use all its strength to curb the excessive expansion of a great power. Any country that resists aggression will receive help from us. Not only Her Majesty the Queen, not only the government, but our entire nation thinks so. You must never worry about this."

Speaking of this, there is no need to go deeper. James Summer completed his mission well, told Charles the British's determination to never give in, and also hinted to the French man that the war might be inevitable. In this coming war, they need France to be in line with them, otherwise Britain would not be able to pounce on all its strength.

The British government has judged that the Russians are preparing to incite war, and this is an excellent opportunity for the British who have long wanted to teach Russia a lesson.

"I have to say that your statement finally made me feel relieved." Charles smiled even more happily, "I sincerely wish you all the best in your next trip to Paris. His Majesty the Emperor is very happy that your country can award him the Order of Garter."

After the meeting at Port Calais, James Summer will go to Paris and bring the Medal of Garter there. The British Ambassador to France will award the Medal of Garter to the French Emperor, which is one of the oldest Knights medals in the world. It is also the highest medal of honor in the UK.

The scope of such medals is limited to the British monarch, the Prince of Wales and up to 24 living members, as well as a few exceptional members, such as foreign monarchs who are familiar with Britain, each time such an exceptional medal is issued, a special decree is required, and Louis Bonaparte will also become one of the recipients of this medal.

This is not only a medal, but also a declaration of the British royal family and government, recognition of the status of the French Empire, and recognition of the French Empire, and regard it as an important partner of oneself. This is of course great news for the vanity-loving Napoleon III.

"Mr. Treville, you are also an important friend of ours." James Summer bowed respectfully to Charles again. "Her Majesty the Queen will award you the Grand Cross Bath Order to show your friendship and thank you for your contributions to the bilateral relations."

In 1725, George I established the Order of Bath and set up the Order of Bath as a kind of honorary gift to his or her own or foreigners.

Its full name is the "Most Honorable Bath Military Medal", which is divided into three levels. The highest level of medal is the Grand Cross Bath Medal. It can be said that only a very small number of people can receive such honors. It is a special kind of grace to Queen Victoria specially awarded him such a medal.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" A little surprised, Charle immediately expressed his gratitude to Queen Victoria's Sheng Yi, "But... I am really a little nervous. After all, I just followed His Majesty's instructions and worked for the relationship between the two countries and did not make much contribution..."

Of course, James Summer would not take this kind of humility seriously.

"You are the most familiar French person in the British political circle, and you also showed enough respect for us during your visit to the UK last year... So this is the common opinion of the government and Her Majesty the Queen, so please do not refuse. Even if you are not in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs now, please continue to exert new influence in the bilateral relations in the future."

Since Charles left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Minister has also been replaced. The Marquis of Germany, Turgo, was resigned and the veteran diplomat Edmund Derei took over. However, the British understood that the diplomatic power of the empire will definitely continue to be in the hands of the imperial emperor, and his confidant think tank will definitely exert great influence on diplomatic issues.

"If this is the case, I will be disrespectful..." Charles smiled and expressed his gratitude, "I will return to Paris as soon as possible and receive the favor of your country."

Speaking of which, he has received the French Legion of Honor, the Austrian Leopold Medal, and now he will receive the Grand Cross Bath Medal, which are the top honors that ministers can get.

He was a little curious. Will Russia and Prussia also award him the highest medal and let him get a five-star gathering in the future?

Probably, he sneered and thought. (To be continued.)
Chapter completed!