"I am honored to visit this ancient and great nation on behalf of the French Empire. As soon as I stepped into this country, I imdiately felt a sensation completely different from that of the French Empire.
Here, the wisdom from the East ets the thoughts of West, giving birth to the great city of Constantinople.
In this diverse city, I see Arabs and Greeks supporting each other; I see Islam, Eastern Orthodox, and Catholicism coexisting peacefully here, a harmonious scene that I can never witness in Europe; because many European countries are still persecuting and fighting each other over religious issues!
Although we have the thoughts of Socrates, Rousseau, and others, we lack the wisdom from Eastern nations..."
Standing at the port dock, Jero Bonaparte spoke eloquently in Greek (Jero Bonaparte indeed could not speak Turkish but could speak Greek. Greek is the second most spoken language in Constantinople after Turkish, so many residents in Constantinople can understand a few words of Greek), assuming the manner of "nobody understands the Ottoman Empire better than I do": "Back ho, there is a saying that to forge close relationships with others, it requires having lived through the sa classroom, visited brothels together (so Wahhabi Imams in the crowd frowned), divided spoils together, and held the line together.
Currently, our army and yours are fighting on the Cria Peninsula, battling for Turkey and Europe. The relationship between our two countries is that of comrades sharing the sa trench.
Comrades should support and help each other to achieve common progress.
Therefore, I believe the relationship between the French Empire and the Ottoman Empire will reach a new height in the future!
The future of the Ottoman Empire will be as bright as that of the French Empire, and even if our two countries face rough tis in the future, I believe we can overco difficulties and achieve success! Thank you!"
As Jero Bonaparte finished speaking, Abduljid imdiately took the lead in applauding, with surrounding officials, soldiers, and even the public spontaneously applauding Jero Bonaparte’s speech as well.
The applause continued endlessly, and residents at the port dock and windows never imagined that a foreign monarch would actually praise them.
The Ottoman Empire, long oppressed by the Russian Empire, had already grown accustod to various insults, so they were pleased that Jero Bonaparte did not insult them directly, let alone praise them.
Even the most imaginative Imam would not dare to think soone would co to praise them. Jero Bonaparte’s words were like a dying sapling suddenly t by a refreshing spring rain.
The feeling was more satisfying than consuming opium, so even when the translators repeated Jero Bonaparte’s words in Turkic, the Imams, regardless of how annoyed by foreign monarchs they usually were, couldn’t bring themselves to dislike Jero Bonaparte—in fact, they felt as if soone finally understood them.
Thus, Jero Bonaparte left a completely positive first impression on Constantinople.
After a while, the applause gradually ceased, and Abduljid also spoke: "I am very grateful for the presence of my friend, Emperor Jero Bonaparte!
It proves that the relationship between France and Ottoman will not fade with ti but will instead beco more solid as ti goes on.
I hope my friend will have a pleasant journey in Constantinople!"
After Abduljid finished speaking, Jero Bonaparte also took the lead in applauding.
The New Army responsible for securing the port dock also shouted three tis in both French and Turkic, "Long live Franco-Turkish friendship!"
Subsequently, Abduljid took Jero Bonaparte’s hand, inviting him to sit together in the gilded carriage symbolizing the power of the Ottoman Sultan.
Inside the carriage, Abduljid slowly lowered the curtains; from the outside, only a vague silhouette could be seen.
Mahmoud, Rechid, and mbers of the French Embassy’s delegation also got into the carriages, which bore them toward the Topkapı Palace.
"His Majesty’s speeches are becoming more skillful!" Valerovsky, leaning against the carriage, couldn’t help but exclaim, then turned to Klein who was deep in thought: "Klein, what’s going on with you?"
Hearing Valerovsky’s call, Klein imdiately snapped out of it. He shook his head and replied to the Valerovsky: "No... nothing?"
"Nothing? With your distracted look earlier, how could it be nothing?" Valerovsky responded to Klein.
"Your Excellency Valerovsky, I..." Klein started to say sothing but hesitated.
"What is it?" Valerovsky looked at Klein curiously and encouraged him to share his doubts.
"Your Excellency Valerovsky, why did His Majesty co to Constantinople?" Klein asked Valerovsky, "There was no need for him to co personally, was there!"
"You don’t understand! His Majesty’s personality has always been to do things himself whenever he can, and never delegate them to others," Valerovsky told Klein, "I guess the reason he ca personally might be because he himself wanted to co out for a change of scenery!"
"Ah!" Klein looked at Valerovsky in surprise, judging from his expression. He seed sowhat skeptical about Valerovsky’s speculation.
"What’s there to fuss about!" Valerovsky shrugged and told Klein, "His Majesty is also human! It’s impossible for him to stay only in the Tuileries Palace, so taking this opportunity to co here is quite reasonable!
And Klein, you need to be prepared!"
Looking at Valerovsky’s serious face, Klein also inexplicably began to feel nervous, "Excellency Envoy, what should I prepare for?"
"Prepare for the conversation when you et His Majesty the Emperor!" Valerovsky shrugged and lowered his voice to Klein, "His Majesty is likely to ask you so questions about the Holy Land and Syria Province. When the ti cos, just answer truthfully! If you’re lucky, you might beco the consul of the Holy Land!"
"? Consul of the Holy Land?" Klein subconsciously swallowed, as he was rely Valerovsky’s secretary, and the position of consul was far too distant for him!
"But you need to acquire French nationality first, and your age might not be sufficient! At that ti, there may be an envoy from Paris appointed to the position of consul of the Holy Land, but this consul is rely a titular position, and you will beco the true uncrowned king of the Holy Land!" Valerovsky paused, then asked Klein, "By the way, do you want to acquire French nationality?"
"Of course I do!" Klein decisively replied, as changing his nationality to obtain the consul position was a deal too good to pass up.
"As long as you are willing to acquire French nationality, everything will be easily resolved!" Valerovsky sighed with relief and remarked, "By then, I can return to Paris with peace of mind!"
"Your Excellency, you’re returning to Paris?" Valerovsky’s response made Klein sowhat flustered, and he hastily asked Valerovsky.
"Yes!" Valerovsky nodded and replied, "I have held this position for almost a year now, and it’s only right to return. Moreover, this ti back, I might be taking over De Luyis’s position as Minister of Foreign Affairs!"
Upon hearing that his boss would be serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Klein felt relieved, as he wouldn’t have to worry about being unsupported in the court.
After all, he was just an ordinary (slightly talented) Greek, and everything he had ca from Valerovsky, making their fortunes intertwined.
No one wanted Valerovsky Envoy to rise to a high position more than he did.
"Klein, you need to be fully prepared!" Valerovsky Envoy sternly instructed Klein, "Your response will determine your future career! This is a once-in-a-lifeti opportunity that you must seize with all your might!"
"Yes!" Klein also responded with a firm tone.
After a while, the carriage slowly ca to a stop.
Topkapı Palace was in sight.
Jero Bonaparte and Abdul Majid I both entered the Topkapı Palace, with Grand Marshal Mahmoud and Pri Minister Rechid following closely behind.
The party made a grand entrance into the palace, and a magnificent banquet was to be held at Topkapı Palace.
During the ti before the banquet began, Jero Bonaparte and Abdul Majid I needed to receive greetings from the dignitaries of Constantinople.
During this period, Abdul Majid I and Jero Bonaparte also had many discussions, including on the issue of ironclad battleships.
"Jero, the new warship of your French Empire is really impressive!" Abdul Majid I said softly to Jero Bonaparte.
"Thank you for the complint!" Jero Bonaparte responded in a calm tone.
"I wonder if this new warship is available for sale to us!" Abdul Majid inquired of Jero Bonaparte, then added, "If not available for imdiate sale, can we place an order with the French Empire?"
Upon hearing Abdul Majid’s question, Jero Bonaparte instinctively wanted to refuse, as the French Empire still had a temporary advantage in ironclad battleship technology.
Once the order was accepted by the Ottoman Empire, the Kingdom of Britain would inevitably copy it.
At that point, their advantage would no longer exist.
However, he thought again...
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