Under the watchful eyes of the emperor and empress, the talented musician Chopin, who was exiled from Poland, completed his performance in an almost perfect state.
Although there were only two people in the audience, this was enough to become an unforgettable milestone in Chopin's life - because it was after this performance that he "became famous" and would enter the music altar that was looked up to by the world.
After he finished playing, both Agron and Teresa felt that the music was still lingering.
The couple both grew up in Vienna, and their appreciation of art was much higher than ordinary people's. Therefore, they were amazed by Chopin's ability to combine his talents in composition and performance.
After their eyes were opened, they all unanimously came up with the idea of "cherishing talents".
"Mr. Chopin, you have completely proven your talent, and I admire you very much." Aigron reached out his hand to the young musician, "Congratulations."
Chopin had not recovered from his passionate performance at this time, and his face was pale and tired. However, facing the kindness of His Majesty the Emperor, he certainly could not neglect it, so he gently raised his hand and shook hands with Aigron.
While shaking hands, Aigron also carefully observed the young man in front of him.
His forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat, and his pale skin was flushed due to exertion. Playing the piano with passion for two or three hours was indeed a "physical job". No wonder he was so exhausted. .
However, at least for the moment, Chopin looks very healthy.
However, Aigron knew that this was only temporary.
Historically, Chopin died of tuberculosis at the age of only 39. According to later records, his sister was infected with tuberculosis when he was a teenager and may have transmitted the disease to him. When he was about 25 years old, he began to officially become ill. Frequent high fever and coughing up blood.
In other words, although he is still healthy at the moment, there should be only a few years left before he becomes ill.
In the more than ten years after the onset of the disease, Chopin was repeatedly tortured by illness, and eventually died young, without having time to leave greater achievements. He was truly jealous of his talents.
This is really a pity...Aigron thought to himself.
Tuberculosis is still an incurable disease in this era. No matter in the West or the East, people talk about it in a "ghastly manner". Patients who have this disease can only watch their lives unfold in the midst of uncontrollable coughs. Wither, and be despised and distanced by the world.
In order to avoid infection, many specialized sanatoriums have been built in Europe, where tuberculosis patients are forced to undergo isolation and recuperation. As for the effectiveness of this "recuperation" and whether it accelerates the patient's death, it is a matter of opinion.
Of course, as a famous musician, Chopin in history was not forced to isolate. He had enough money to support his own life, and at the same time, he could also protect the people he came into contact with in his life. He and the famous female literature George Sang has lived together for several years, and the other party has not been infected.
When he thought that the genius in front of him would die young in more than ten years, the excitement in Aigron's heart suddenly disappeared without a trace, leaving only emotion.
However, is there nothing else to do except sigh?
Although tuberculosis is indeed an incurable disease, as an emperor, he has huge power and countless talents and scientific resources. He can also use his "hindsight" to help doctors avoid detours and find tuberculosis early. (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), help doctors find prevention and treatment strategies, and even help doctors develop effective drugs against tuberculosis, so that it no longer becomes an incurable disease.
All this is not only for the young talented musician Chopin, but also for the millions of poor people who are tortured by this disease. These people may not be all his people, but they also have the right to live in this land. Humanity under the blue sky.
And if I make such a huge contribution, wouldn't I have created immeasurable "merits"?
When you have power, you are more proud to save ten thousand people than to kill ten thousand people. After all, killing people is easier.
When he thought of this, Aigron, who was originally depressed, became excited again.
"Dear, what's wrong with you?" At this time, Teresa saw that her husband seemed to be a little distracted, so she asked with concern.
"It's nothing, I just suddenly thought of something else..." Aigron smiled sheepishly, and then focused his attention on Chopin again, "Mr. Chopin, I can confirm that you are not just the Polish people. I am proud of you, and you will also be a precious treasure of European civilization. Next, I hope that more people will be lucky enough to listen to your performance like me. I believe this will also be an unforgettable memory for them - I Please also take good care of your health, because only in this way will your artistic creations be long-lasting and praised by the world."
Aigron's high-level praise made even Chopin, who had always been proud, feel a little "flattered". However, he did not take it personally and simply accepted His Majesty the Emperor's words. "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. From now on, I will definitely concentrate on my creation and contribute more works to the world."
When the topic shifted from Poland to music, the tragic atmosphere in the conversation disappeared. The three people chatted happily and the atmosphere was extremely harmonious.
But in this harmonious atmosphere, Teresa had another idea.
Although Chopin was a helpless exile, with his talents, even if he went to London or Vienna, he would definitely not lack fans and ensure a worry-free life.
In other words, he can actually settle in any country, and the upper class in any country will treat him as a guest - even the Russian Tsar will give him a favor as long as he is willing.
However, Teresa is also a bit "talented". She feels that such artists should stay in their own country, so as to show the brilliance of the couple's governance in the world.
Of course, artists all have their own personalities, and if you want to retain them, you may have to pay some high-standard treatment, but this is not a problem for her.
After making up her mind, she took the initiative to ask Chopin questions.
"Mr. Chopin, what are your plans for your next destination? Where do you plan to settle?"
"Your Majesty, I haven't thought about this issue carefully." Chopin shook his head. "For more than a year, I have traveled back and forth between several countries, and I just came to Paris not long ago."
"Then do you like our country and the city of Paris?" Teresa asked again.
"I like it very much, Your Majesty." Chopin immediately replied without hesitation, "This country treats me very warmly and appreciates my talent, and I will always remember that I am half-French in blood...Paris also makes me linger and forget to leave. I even have a soul resonance, it’s my favorite city besides my hometown Warsaw.”
"So, before I can return to Warsaw one day, can I invite you to live in Paris for a long time?" Teresa asked with a smile, "We will warmly entertain you, and I believe that with your talent, you will be able to Popular among the public, you can enjoy a very refined and comfortable life here——"
Faced with Teresa's warm invitation, Chopin was immediately moved.
Of course he could see that Her Majesty the Queen's words were indeed from the bottom of her heart, which made him feel "recognized".
Considering that she was the one who said good things just now and made a clear promise to donate money to help Polish refugees, she was also kind to her at home.
Now that she has given her face like this, it seems that she can't shirk it either emotionally or rationally... What's more, she really likes this country.
"Since you said so, I can't refuse your kindness." Therefore, Chopin did not hesitate anymore, but gave a clear reply to the other party. "Your majesty, I will remain in Paris with great gratitude and render my service to the people of France to the best of my ability."
"That's great!" Teresa smiled brightly, "Then, besides this, I also have a merciless request. I wonder if you can agree to it?"
"Please tell me, it is my pleasure." Chopin replied.
"My husband and I have considered setting up an art group in the palace, so that our children, as well as the children of some close ministers, can receive artistic influence from an early age. We are struggling to find enough famous teachers, and your arrival, It can alleviate some of our difficulties..."
In other words, let me teach piano playing to the children of the royal family and some of the courtiers? Chopin immediately understood what Her Majesty the Queen meant.
Then, he fell into hesitation.
Logically speaking, this is a great grace for ordinary artists, and it would be too "ignorant" to refuse.
However, Chopin also had the pride of a talented artist. What he wanted more was to perform with all his heart under the cheers of the audience, perfect his artistic achievements, and be a "King of Children" and a tutor. Even if he had the aura of the royal family, he would be It's not very attractive to him.
During his hesitation, Theresa also saw Chopin's concerns, so she immediately dismissed the other person's concerns.
"I know that you prefer composing and performing, and don't want to waste too much energy on children, but don't worry, we just intend to let the children appreciate the charm of the supreme art from an early age, so as to prevent them from getting into the bad habits of glitz and dissoluteness. I have never thought about making them really good musicians... so the pressure on your education is not great. You can just come over and guide them regularly. As for what they can learn, you don't have to be responsible for it."
That is, become one of the counselors and teachers? This condition really made Chopin's worries disappear.
"Since you said so, I really have no shame in refusing, Your Majesty." So, he no longer hesitated and agreed directly. "I'd be happy to help you."
It's just a matter of taking some classes, and no one requires them to produce any educational achievements. They can also get the title of "Royal Advisor", so why not do it.
"Thank you, sir." Teresa also politely thanked Chopin. "I believe that you will become a rising star in Paris's social and cultural circles... It will be proud to have you."
After being warmly entertained by the couple and performing his art with all his heart, Chopin left the Palace of Fontainebleau with great achievements. He is bound to become famous and become a famous figure in the future.
After he left, Teresa and Agron talked about Chopin's performance just now.
"Your Highness, I'm sorry, I just took matters into my own hands when I was happy..." She smiled sheepishly at her husband, "But I think this should also be an opportunity! Didn't you talk about the palace idol group before? Although Our children are still young, but if Eugenie and Valentine can get guidance from such talented teachers, they will surely be able to implement this idea more easily."
"I think so." Aigron just agreed with his wife calmly.
Teresa's proposal clearly reflects her "talent-cherishing" mentality. After all, art sponsorship has been her family's "traditional business" for hundreds of years, so she is naturally familiar with it.
When she proposed it just now, Aigron watched indifferently and did not say anything to stop it - however, his mentality was slightly different. Although he also appreciated Chopin's talent and talent, he was more concerned about political factors.
The fact that he received Chopin today and then treated him favorably was tantamount to setting a benchmark and showing his solidarity with the Poles. This was also a political gesture.
Anyway, it's nothing to lose to him, so it's good to just do it this way.
The only concern is that Chopin has tuberculosis lesions. Even if it is still in the incubation period, it is still infectious to a certain extent, so corresponding protection must be done.
"A good thing is a good thing, but...you have to be careful." Aigron lowered his voice and answered his wife, "I heard that his sister had tuberculosis. He lived with her day and night before he went into exile. There is no guarantee that he will not be a little bit. Lesions.”
"What?" Teresa's expression changed upon hearing this, "Why didn't you tell me earlier... or stop it? This... this is so good."
Although she cherishes her talent, she is a mother after all, and she is not willing to let her children have too much contact with someone who may be at risk of tuberculosis.
At this moment, she suddenly fell into a dilemma. After all, she had already invited someone else to take this position in person. If she took it back immediately, it would be too rude and inappropriate.
"Don't worry, Teresa." Aigron gently hugged his wife and comforted her with gentle words, "This gentleman is very cautious and cautious. He also takes the initiative not to have too much contact with others, which shows that he has a kind heart. Besides, You have said just now that you will not let him come here frequently, you will only give him occasional guidance. When the time comes, you will just need to take precautions, and there is no need to let him come into direct contact with our children."
Aigron was quite confident about this. After all, George Sand, who lived with him for eight years, was not infected historically. This shows how careful Chopin is usually - or it is possible that Chopin's tuberculosis may be inherently less contagious.
Because of this, he didn't say anything to stop it.
"Okay..." Under his comfort, Teresa finally relaxed a little,
Of course, after a while, people will naturally disinfect the piano room.
At this moment, Aigron thought of another interesting thing, "How about letting Xia Lu learn from him? Although she is young, she must be very talented in music. After all, her mother played so well." good."
When he mentioned the children in the palace, Aigron immediately thought of Xia Lu. After all, her mother Alice had a "very close relationship" with him, and her father Edgar was even exiled abroad by him. He seemed to have a feeling for her in his heart. "Father-like" self-awareness.
Of course, the more important reason is that this child who inherited both Edgar and Alice's appearance is indeed very cute.
After all, he is a very cute child. If he can be nurtured, he should be nurtured. Maybe he can really achieve something?
(End of chapter)
