Solovyov in Tsarist Russia 1796.

Chapter 220 Madame Recamier in the Salon on Mont Blanc Street (Part 032)
Avenue Mont Blanc is not far from Avenue d'Italian or Avenue Montmartre, and is within easy reach.

Holding receptions here was also part of the daily routine of Paris, the cultural center of Europe. Many ladies held their own cultural salons. Some supported Bonaparte, some opposed, and some adopted a flexible moral bottom line.

Madame Recamier's salon included these three types of people. She married Mr. Jacques Recamier at the age of 15. It was the most terrifying period from 1793 to 1794. Everyone was worried about going to the guillotine. Mr. Recamier made this choice at a very delicate time.

He inherited the Recamier Bank, which was of some size in Paris, from his father. It was mainly engaged in financial activities for overseas trade, so his political attitude was also there. The Treaty of Amiens was beneficial to his financing business, and he also had trade channels to provide cashmere products from Spain to the French army. From a career perspective, it was extremely beneficial to him after the French Revolution.

Compared with those adventurers, he still had his own capital, the bank left by his father and the hat factory in Lyon, he owned industries in Paris and Lyon, as well as many places involved in foreign trade. After the First Consul proposed the establishment of the Bank of France, he also had the status of senior director and ranked ninth on the presidium of the board of directors. From the eighth year of the Republic to the present, he has been on the rise and seems to have reached his peak now. The salon established by his wife and this luxurious official residence is more or less a reflection of a political barometer.

However, Napoleon was different from the past autocratic monarchs, the Public Safety Committee and the Directory. He used the system of the Three Consuls in a salami-slicing manner to quickly seize power. It was not surprising that he became a lifelong ruler and even proclaimed himself emperor.

It also provides an example for later generations to follow, but fans' behavior should not be taken to an inappropriate level.

There were also some forces in France that opposed Napoleon. These people were trying to win over General Moreau, and this general, like the First Consul's brother, also favored Madame Recamier.

However, this salon has some special circumstances. It is not like the general salons in France. In theory, it talks a lot about everything, but does not do much in practice. The big talk always attracts some attention.

"Baron von Stirlitz, from Augsburg, I am here at the invitation of the young and distinguished lady."

"I know, sir, that you sent me a letter by post, and that you must not get into any trouble here."

From the words of the servant at the door, Solovyov knew that he was not famous for his literature and military achievements as he was in St. Petersburg. Instead, he became famous here in an unexpected way because he defeated six people who challenged him to a duel in one day.

This man also thought that he was a dangerous person, but he was also a little innocent. After all, the Gauls were always so belligerent. They were like this even before they drank the magic potion. Otherwise, there would be a big uproar.

"Sir, I am not carrying any weapon today, you don't need to worry about that."

"Okay, here's your pass, at the salon, it's better to talk about some healthy topics."

"Thank you too, sir."

But when he arrived at the venue, he was just an insignificant figure.

As for who to chat with, there are actually some rules to follow. Even if the tricolor flag has been displayed, there are always differences in circles and status.

But it was quite a coincidence. He also saw General Moreau coming here. He was considered a defeated general of Field Marshal Suvorov. He didn't know if there would be other French generals arriving. He didn't want to see General Scherer, otherwise it would be too much fun.

After all, it was he who commanded the hunters to capture him alive, and the other party would probably be embarrassed.

Moreover, there are some people who look very familiar, such as Bernadotte with a very recognizable nose, the biggest bargain hunter of this era. Of course, he still has some skills, but he wants to be a king in the future, which has nothing to do with the tattoos on his body.

He brought his wife with him today, who is the old lover of the First Consul. This means that Bernadotte is the brother-in-law of Napoleon's elder brother Joseph, and this relationship is very important.

However, Solovyov really did not find anything about this lady that Bonaparte liked. This might be the result of the "pregnancy makes people stupid for three years" effect after giving birth, and now she does not look very smart.

General Moreau then leaned over and started chatting with his old colleague.

Solovyov's attention was not on them, but on observing the people present in the salon today to confirm the wind direction today.

Madame Recamier came into the salon wearing Greek slippers and lay down on her French chaise longue. This posture was indeed very beautiful, and she sat there intentionally or unintentionally, showing off her beauty without losing her coquettishness.

Although she looks like this, she has actually maintained her innocence until now. However, her chest and white shoulders are no less beautiful than the "little fairy" in St. Petersburg. In fact, her figure is more slender, which makes her look very outstanding.

If Louisa had been as magnificent as she was, and had been a little more healthy and lively, Alexander might not have left the poor young queen to go out and look for the Polish girl.

By the way, the French also like to find Polish women, who are lively, enthusiastic and pious, and can promote stability. When the civil code is promulgated in the future, even the divorce rate can be reduced.

However, Louisa looked much purer than this actually innocent lady, and she also lived a simple life. As a queen, in addition to having a lover, she was also a model of a noble lady.

But Solovyov, the secret lover, apparently also maintained the queen's reputation. At least it seemed that it was all Alexander's fault. A poor young queen was at home taking care of the children, which was a plus point that could add a lot of points.

"You come from 205, Rue Montmartre, sir?"

While Solovyov was observing, a waiter came up to him and asked.

"Yes, I am Baron von Stirlitz."

"We're going to have a recitation later. Have you prepared any poems for today?"

"Sir, is today's topic poetry appreciation?"

"Indeed, Madam knows that you have some talent in poetry, drama, and novels, otherwise you wouldn't have sent a letter that looks like a parcel. At a time like this, you need to be prepared."

"Can it be a long poem or a short poem?"

"Of course, sir, your talent is greatly admired by the lady." However, when the servant saw Solovyov's handsome and delicate appearance, he thought that the lady might like this young man, but the key point was the poems he brought out and his performance at the meeting.

Solovyov had prepared in advance. In an environment like the Paris Salon where keyboard politics is popular, he had to touch upon some politics or mention civic norms.

In fact, he was not unprepared. Madame Le Brun's son-in-law had a painting that depicted the returning Roman citizens, but only his dead wife and crying daughter were seen.

As for the topic he was preparing, he remembered the centurion who was just passing by, Lucius Urenas. Even though he had been here for many years, the centurion's story still left a deep impression on him.

As for the previous one, he stayed for too long, and I don’t know what he wanted to express in this long poem. Anyway, his words and deeds are inconsistent.

The people who were listening, even some celebrities who were just there to create atmosphere, began to shake their heads. After seeing this, Solovyov was certain that his level must be better than this person's, at least he had made a lot of preparations.

"Well, Baron, it's your turn now."

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Baron Max Otto von Stirlitz from Augsburg. You may have heard recently about the one who killed six people in a one-day honor duel in Butte Chaumont. This happened to me. Don't be surprised, I am not a combative person, but people who like writing and poetry have a bit of temper and it is inevitable to use knives and guns. Of course, now I am in Madame Recamier's salon, and I am honored that the lady can give me such an opportunity."

Of course, when Madame Récamier saw such a handsome young nobleman, her eyes began to light up, just like the portrait painted by Gerard that she hung on the wall.

Madame Staël was beside her, and she whispered in her ladyship's ear: "He is a lovely little brother, naughty, impulsive and a little mischievous."

Solovyov thinks that sometimes. The Looney Tunes skunk is indeed more realistic, and it is really a French skunk.
But he didn't hear this until Madame Recamier mentioned it in her reply letter to him many years later.

"Julie, you have to pay attention to your performance. A handsome appearance is like your beauty. The key is his talent and whether he has valuable qualities."

"What I brought is a long poem. The background is after Caesar returned from the expedition to Gaul. It tells the story of a centurion and a veteran of the legion. If you have read "The Gallic War", you may have some impression of Lucius Urenas, because he and Titus Polo, another centurion of the 11th Legion, fought bravely in the battle against the Gauls."

Moreau and Bernadotte were a little interested. Although they didn't like Caesar, Caesar's abilities in civil and military affairs, as well as the fact that he was a very versatile writer, were not inferior to Cicero, who made a living by speaking and writing. As for the 23 knives, that was a matter for the future.

"An interesting young man. From his upright posture, I can tell that he was a soldier in the past, perhaps a Russian officer."

"Victor, you mean he served in the Russian army?"

"There are many such officers in Russia from all over the Alemanni, and even their tsars and empresses."

Bernadotte also agreed with Moreau's opinion, and Solovyov's subsequent performance on the stage was still very outstanding, especially his accent which made the lady feel familiar. This strong southern French accent, although further south than her hometown of Lyon, was closer, like the accent of Marseille.

"My dear, I don't think this is a long and happy poem."

Desiree understood what was meant. In fact, everyone present could understand that this story was not so pleasant. After all, there were indeed people who did the same thing in the back.

“It’s a bit ironic, especially in Paris.”

"But whoever dares to duel with him will have to fight with a gun. Bernadotte, my dear friend, he looks gentle, but he is not easy to mess with. Even if Michel is called, he may not be his opponent."

"Ney? If it's a sword fight, I think Ney can beat him. After all, such a skinny and pretty boy, even if he is an excellent gunner, he may not be good at fighting, but he may have some skills in shooting or commanding troops."

When Moreau heard this, he remembered that he was defeated by a shriveled old man and that Suvorov's movements were too fast.

He also could not have imagined that Solovyov was the last disciple of the old man. Although there was no time to teach him his skills, he had learned a lot and could only rely on self-study.

However, the ladies and young ladies present were more interested in the handsome young man, especially since he looked to be in his early 20s. There was a hint of murderous intent in his every move, which the soldiers could sense.

At the same time, some older middle-aged men began to worry about their young wives, especially when the baron came upstairs. Such a tragic story was in line with the impression of the Romans.

After all, he still has some skills, but he didn't dare to use them to expose his identity. He was also glad that no one who knew him was here today.

The world is not that big, and he does have acquaintances in Paris and nearby places. Madame Lebrun recently went to Montargis with her daughter and son-in-law. If they come back in a few days, Solovyov may inevitably expose his identity when he meets this family.

Apart from the fact that he was a baron and came to Paris from abroad, the only other information he had was his address, 205 rue Montmartre, which was true.

After he finished his recitation, it was Madame Staël who first gave her evaluation.

"A sad story, I really hope this doesn't happen in France."

As for the idea, it is difficult to describe it in detail. In the end, the veterans of the legion found the priest. In order to avoid being too explosive, the content has been changed a lot. At least the ending sounds neither good nor bad.

"Madam, in any country, officers and soldiers serving on the front lines should be given priority, including generals. I don't mean to offend you."

When he said this, he was looking at Moreau.

"All soldiers' relatives should be taken care of. I have served in the army before and was an adjutant. Even a noble lady would often worry about her husband."

The effect was good, but he didn't expect his writing to be impressive, as these ladies were more concerned about their appearance.
(End of this chapter)