Chapter 375: A Conspiracy Among Subordinates
Over the years, thanks to France, the influence of the Holy See has steadily waned. Even within the walls of Ro, there are daring individuals who mock the Vatican. It's not that the Vatican doesn't want to suppress these troublemakers; it's the rampant heretical thoughts in Italy these years. Many have been swayed, to the extent that works by apostates like Voltaire circulate freely, and due to French ties, the Vatican can't forbid these materials. Blasphemous and seditious words like "superstitious demons and a nine-headed serpent" openly spread on the streets. Should the Vatican take decisive action against them, these people might revolt.
As for the military might the Vatican holds, well, ever since Napoleon marched into Ro and the Vatican's army switched sides, from the Pope to the underage thieves in the city, even within the ranks of the current army, there's skepticism. Few believe the Vatican's forces would stand by and face the rebellious citizens of Ro. It's even plausible that, if things turn sour, the Vatican's army might side with the Roman populace. Of course, if those "Roman citizens" are part of soone's plan, that soone is undoubtedly known.
So, suppressing them isn't an option, not in this lifeti. It's left to the Swiss rcenaries, clad in half-armors, wielding pikes, to barely maintain the fa??ade of the papacy.
Moreover, the troublemakers behind the scenes might very well be Austrian nobles. Though the Vatican faces difficulties in this matter, the Emperor—no, His Majesty the King—completely understands the Vatican's unavoidable dilemma. In truth, Austria and the Vatican have reached tacit agreents on many issues. However, these matters can't be publicly disclosed. So, should a few muddled Austrian nobles create disturbances, shouldn't the Vatican show so tolerance? Without Austrian support, those Italians might dare to divide the Papal States. The French, in all probability, would joyously welco the Pope to Avignon.
Therefore, though sacrilege occurred during the relay of the Holy Fla, the Vatican had resolved: "We have seen nothing."
As the Holy Fla continued its journey, countries began their preparations for the Olympics. Each nation ford its Olympic committee, readying their teams for the Paris Olympics.
anwhile, the French Olympic Committee officially announced the event lineup and registration rules. The events, actually leaked through various channels earlier, were already common knowledge. The official announcent rely confird these speculations.
The main events of this Olympics included athletics: sprints of 100 and 200 ters, along with the marathon. Field events covered discus throw, javelin throw, high jump, and long jump.
There were also ball gas, but at this ti, basketball hadn't been invented yet. Football existed but lacked rules—it was essentially a lower-class pasti and considered undignified in this era. As for sports that would later be regarded as noble activities by the aristocracy, even the golf beloved by the cognoscenti, originated from shepherd boys' gas in Scotland and was transitioning to a sport. Yet, these weren't the primary reasons; the crux was that the French weren't adept at these gas. So, during this era, the only suitable ball ga was tennis, rich with French characteristics.
Initially a ga for nobles, tennis trickled down to commoners and beca a gambling tool. Later, post the Sun King's prohibition on its civilian play, it remained a legal sport in aristocratic circles. After the revolution, tennis returned to the masses, now becoming the most familiar ball ga for the French. During France's military campaigns, this ga spread to other European nations, making it more than just a French sport. Thus, tennis beca the sole ball ga in the French Olympics. In a bid to promote French culture shalessly, the French categorized tennis into "clay court tennis" and "grass court tennis," introducing singles and doubles, thereby creating several firsts at once.
Apart from these, an important event was equestrianism, comprising speed and obstacle races.
Then ca fencing and shooting.
In fencing, athletes used foils without points and competed in two events: thrusting and dual fencing (a longsword coupled with a defensive dagger).
As for shooting, it naturally served Bonaparte's Armants. It included 10-ter pistol shooting, 100-ter rifle shooting, and a simulated hunting with two-way flying discs competition.
Participants used their own firearms in these contests. However, Bonaparte's Armants had prepared specially optimized guns for French athletes. Hence, those using other companies' firearms had almost no chance of winning. This competition beca the finest advertisent for Bonaparte's Armants.
After circling Italy, the Holy Fla finally boarded a ship headed for Spain. The French fleet escorted the vessel carrying the Holy Fla throughout the journey. Upon the Fla's arrival in Spain, the Barbary Pashas breathed a sigh of relief, and both the French military fleet and the Spanish fleet departed.
The Barbary Pashas couldn't help but thank Allah for protecting them, driving the infidels away. Unbeknownst to them, within the Turkish palace, a conspiracy against them was underway.
French envoy Saint-Mérand was discussing the Barbary issue with the supre and subli Sultan Selim III of Turkey.
"Your Majesty, let's face the reality. Admitting reality itself doesn't harm anyone; it's denying it with closed eyes that truly damages a nation. Presently, while the Barbary Pashas bear allegiance to Your Majesty in na, in actuality, they're independent states. Shouldn't they, as your Pashas, frequently pay their respects? But since you ascended, when have they visited Your Majesty?
And if Barbary truly belongs to Turkey, shouldn't it pay taxes to Your Majesty? Over these years, while the Barbary Pashas have earned considerably, your reforms have struggled due to inadequate funds. Why don't you exercise your rights there?
Supre Majesty, if you intend to reclaim Turkey's legitimate rights in Barbary, as long-standing allies, we French can assist you. Of course, we're not unconditional; in fact, we can achieve a win-win in this matter..."
Reviews
All reviews (0)