Time flies, and in a blink of an eye it is June 18, 1826, eleven years later.
During these eleven years, Europe entered an era that was completely different from the previous turbulent twenty years, and very few major events happened.
On May 5, 1821, Napoleon died silently on the desolate island of St. Helena after six years of imprisonment.
On September 16, 1824, the emperor's old enemy, King Louis XVIII, who restored the Bourbon dynasty in France, also died contentedly in the Tuileries Palace, and his younger brother, Count Artois, succeeded him. The throne of Charles X.
Old Europe is resurrected.
The Bourbon Restoration, along with the three monarchies that formed the Holy Alliance - Russia, Austria, and Prussia - staunchly maintained the orthodox monarchy and tried to keep everything looking exactly like it was.
The more than 20 years of history from 1789 to 1815 seem to have been written off, as if nothing had happened, and nothing is no longer related to the disgusting names of Robespierre and Napoleon.
It seems that nothing can affect the luxurious, peaceful and comfortable palace life of Schönbrunn Palace anymore.
On this day, the warm breeze of early summer echoed gently in the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace. In the wide gardens, the geometric flower beds and lawns were as beautiful as ever.
In this intoxicatingly gentle and comfortable morning, a blond boy was walking among them.
He wore a plaid wool coat with a lapel, a turtleneck shirt, velvet breeches, and flat soft shoes with silver buckles.
These exquisite clothes, coupled with his delicate face, make him a handsome and handsome boy.
He walked forward slowly, and finally came to the top of the high ground in the large garden. There was a large building here. This was the triumphal arch of Schonbrunn Palace.
Standing under the tall pillars, overlooking the entire palace and gardens, the young man said nothing and seemed to be quietly meditating.
Logically speaking, this is the most vital time of the year, and his age is also the most vibrant and glorious time in a person's life. However, the expression on his face at this moment is too calm, making it difficult for people to see the young man. He should be high-spirited, but instead has a melancholic temperament that is inappropriate for his age.
However, if you are familiar with his identity, this will not be surprising.
He is the unfortunate man who was ousted from the throne of France, the successor of the man who must not even be named. Now he is trapped in the country where his mother grew up. It is natural for him to be depressed.
However, no one could imagine that the soul inside this thin, agile body with excellent blood had already been replaced once on that disastrous day.
Now, after spending eleven years in a new identity, Chu Ying, or Aigron, has become accustomed to the era he lives in, relying on the historical knowledge he learned due to his hobbies when he was studying, as well as people's respect for children. He perfectly concealed the secret that he came from another country and another era, and lived in this magnificent and beautiful Habsburg palace with the title of "Duke Lechstadt".
However, he could not get used to this kind of life under house arrest.
No matter how luxurious a birdcage is, it is still just a birdcage.
Although it can no longer be compared with the luxurious ostentation when he was the crown prince of the French Empire, to be fair, the Habsburg Emperor did not deduct much from his living treatment. Here he lacked nothing, he had a steward and a family around him Teachers also have a group of servants, but they lack freedom of action.
He could only huddle in the palace of the Habsburg family, bathing in the glory of the royal family, and living as a hostage.
In this unfree atmosphere, the poor Roman king in history only lived 21 years old and died of tuberculosis in 1832. Chu Ying herself did not know how long she could hold on, or she would be driven crazy.
In order to deal with this anger, he had been forcing himself to find other entertainments since he was a child, reading various books and newspapers, and eagerly learning all kinds of knowledge. Finally, he survived.
When will this kind of life end?
The young man raised his head again, looked at the blue sky and white clouds over Schönbrunn Palace, and asked himself this question several times.
No matter what, you must escape, not for the glory of the Napoleon family or the glory of France, but for yourself to gain the freedom you deserve. This luxurious palace must not become your destination. What it should bury is Ha The Busburg dynasty, rather than the successors to the French Empire.
"Your Highness——"
While he was still lost in thought, a tall man in military uniform came over to him while saying hello.
Aigron withdrew his gaze and then looked at the man approaching.
He is tall, has thick limbs, and has a square face. He has a typical Germanic military appearance. He is Captain Foresti, a member of his tutor group.
After Aigron reached the age of education, His Majesty Emperor Franz educated his grandson according to the practice of royal members and prepared a whole set of education team for Aigron. This team has been surrounding Aigron for several years. He devoted all his money to teaching, carefully and conscientiously educated him, cultivating his knowledge and proper demeanor.
Of course, in addition to teaching him aristocratic education, this team also has the task of turning Aiglon into a Germanized aristocrat and monitoring him nearby - this is tacitly understood by each other.
Ignoring the one thing that no one can change, he gets along quite happily with them. Except for the occasional conflicts due to different ideas during class, he can be said to be their proud disciple - at least Aigron has. This confident one.
Under his gaze, the man walked up to him and bowed respectfully to the young man. "Are you meditating again? Do you want us to wait a little longer?"
People around him have long been accustomed to his state of deep thought from time to time, and some even think that the melancholy His Highness is more charming than usual.
"No, I'm just staring at the scenery in a daze." Aigron shook his head, "Let's start at the scheduled time."
"Okay." The captain nodded.
Foresti is an officer in the Austrian Imperial Army. Although he has a low military rank, he has considerable military experience. He is responsible for Aiglon's military education.
It is worth mentioning that in 1809 he participated in the Battle of Wagram between France and Austria, and was seriously injured and almost died there.
However, the captain has never hated Napoleon or Aiglon because of this. In his opinion, it is natural for soldiers to be injured when fighting. He even has some vague admiration for Emperor Napoleon - of course, that is just the admiration of soldiers for soldiers.
The captain opened his hands, revealing the two practice swords he was holding.
Then he handed the hilt of one of the swords to Aiglon.
Yes, today as usual, they will practice swordsmanship here.
For several years, in addition to strictly teaching Aiglon military knowledge, he also taught swordsmanship. He was a very excellent swordsman in the army.
Learning swordsmanship from him was something Aigron himself had strongly requested a few years ago.
He knew that the Roman kings in history were frail and sick since childhood, and died early due to illness. Therefore, in order to avoid this bad luck, he decided to exercise from the beginning of his education.
In order to make this request acceptable to the court, he decided to use swordsmanship as an excuse - after all, this could gain more understanding and approval from the court than doing gymnastics or other fitness methods.
His innocuous request was quickly agreed to by the court, and from then on, he started practicing with the captain who was proficient in swordsmanship every one or two days.
Although the captain had paid great attention to restraint, at first, the young man would almost fall and get bruises all over his body.
However, Aigron didn't complain at all. Every time he fell down, he would get up again and continue the rigorous contact, refusing to slack off.
As time went by, his height grew little by little, and his movements began to become more agile and powerful. Even when two people were fighting, he was able to parry and counterattack, which was a huge improvement.
The amazing willpower of His Highness the Duke amazed the people in the palace.
Aiglon casually took a sword from the captain's hand, and then as usual, the two of them took two steps back, then saluted and made a starting gesture.
Aiglon narrowed his eyes slightly, stared at his opponent, and lowered his upper body slightly to adjust his breathing; while the captain seemed quite calm, just standing there looking at his distinguished student, and motioned for him to attack.
Aigron leaned forward, then took a lunge, raised his sword and stabbed straight into the opponent's chest.
The captain swung his sword to block, then twisted it hard, and then slashed it down diagonally.
Aiglon stepped aside, dodging the captain's attack, and then stabbed him in the shoulder again during the gap between his movements.
In this way, the two people fought together with swords, and Aigron kept using his own steps to attack his opponent while moving.
Captain Foresti, on the other hand, calmly blocked his attacks and launched counterattacks from time to time, allowing the students to learn how to deal with them.
The two of them kept moving, circling between the pillars, and Aigron became more and more happy as he fought. In this state of complete selflessness, he no longer had to think about any troubles, and only needed to enjoy the excitement of competing with others.
However, it is impossible for the troubles in the world to leave him, even at this moment.
"Can you please stop for a moment, Your Highness?" The two men, who were fighting fiercely, heard a greeting from the side.
Captain Foresty was the first to stop his movements and quickly retreated, while Aigron had no choice but to end his practice.
He turned around and found that the person who interrupted his elegance was Count Maurice von Dietrichstein, the head of education beside him and the real guardian appointed by His Majesty the Emperor.
The earl is thin in stature and has a rather long face. At first glance, he appears to be a very serious person.
He was knowledgeable and personable, and was even once a close friend of Beethoven.
When he was in charge of Aiglon's education, he was very strict and abided by his duties, but the relationship between the two was not bad.
"What's the matter?" Aigron asked impatiently.
"Your Highness, I'm sorry to disturb your enjoyment -" the Earl also bowed slightly, "but there are important things that force me to interrupt your practice in advance."
"Well, it doesn't matter." Aiglon replied with an obviously unhappy expression, "Then what is it?"
"His Royal Highness Prince Metternich would like to see you——" the count replied.
Metternich.
The name, and his position as Prime Minister, were certainly enough to interrupt Aiglon's elation.
His Royal Highness has no obligation to wait for him.
"Okay then." Aigron had no expression on his face, not wanting to show his emotions to anyone.
He handed his sword to Captain Foresti, "Thank you for your guidance."
"Your Highness, you have made great progress. Although you are not my opponent yet, I believe that as long as I give you a little more time, you will be able to surpass me." Captain Foresti's face showed pride that could not be concealed. , "Although I am only your student, I think the judgment I make should be very objective."
Eggron looked at the captain.
It's always a pleasure to get along with pure soldiers.
What's more, who doesn't like to hear compliments?
"Thank you." He replied calmly.
