Jerome's sarcasm left Dr. James awkward for several seconds. This revolution stirred by the London Stock Exchange [Note 1], did not ignite a revolution at its birthplace but rather sparked a grand revolutionary movement across the English Channel, which in turn forced Britain to reform.
To maintain his last shred of patriotism, Dr. James retorted stiff-neckedly, "We Anglo-Saxons are a people with a spirit of contract and would never behave like those French mobs!"
"Puhahaha... spirit of contract?" Jerome couldn't help but laugh out loud.
This laughter made Dr. James feel a surge of annoyance, and he couldn't help but counter, "Your Highness, what's so funny about that!"
Jerome restrained his laughter, and with an extremely warped expression, responded: "Sir, is your so-called spirit of contract that factory owners can freely dismiss workers? Does it represent a spirit of contract that the poor can freely starve to death? Is the abolition of the Poor Law also a spirit of contract?"
Jerome's barrage of questions left Dr. James speechless. As someone with petit bourgeois attributes, he partially sympathized with the lower classes while simultaneously detesting change.
Any change could potentially make his class fall, and the mere thought of having to associate with those filthy workers made James feel wholly uncomfortable.
Not to mention the Kingdom of Britain's continuous demonizing propaganda against the revolution, which led those middle-class people to prefer reform over revolution.
After a long while, James continued to counter, "The revolution brings only destruction and chaos, providing opportunities for ambitious people. Your Bonaparte Clan was the beneficiary of those riots back then! Of course, you'd go all out to promote the revolution!"
"Sir!" Concerning the issue of the Bonaparte's honor, Jerome's expression turned extremely solemn; he brushed off the dust on his jacket and said with a serious tone, "The Bonaparte Clan has never been the beneficiary of the revolution! The glory of the Bonaparte Clan never came from an ancient surname but from all the people of France.
The Bonaparte Clan was chosen by the people of France to act as their representative. When France doesn't need Bonaparte, the French will make France exit the stage! Revolutions may bring about unruly riots, but riots cannot last long! A new government will arise! Whether it's a republic or an empire, it's merely a product to maintain order! Besides, the French are not a people who only know how to riot. Revolutions always have their peaks and troughs, and the Bonaparte Clan is not an extremist family; we equally yearn for a set..."
While proclaiming his conservative theory of the revolution, Jerome carefully observed Dr. James's expression.
Dr. James initially resisted Jerome's answer until Jerome mentioned upholding the current order and system and making appropriate reforms, at which point Dr. James's expression gradually showed some agreement.
Hopefully, everything goes smoothly!
Jerome thought silently in his heart.
"Alright! Your Highness, I'm merely a doctor, and I'm not interested in political topics!" Dr. James, still yearning for more, said hypocritically to Jerome.
"Sorry, Doctor!" Jerome also pretended to respond apologetically, "Whenever I speak about politics, I tend to ramble endlessly!"
"Hmm?" A glint flashed in Dr. James's eyes, but he continued to inquire casually, "Your Highness, I hear that France is holding a general election! I wonder if you're going to participate?"
"Of course!" Jerome nodded without hesitation, then added, "It's not just me; the entire Bonaparte Clan will be participating!"
"Do you intend to return to France?" Dr. James's tone became slightly anxious, seemingly overly concerned about the Bonaparte Clan's situation.
"I have said that as long as the people of France need us, the Bonaparte Clan can return to the stage at any time!" Jerome replied with a smile.
Then, with a change of tone, he added, "However, the Bonaparte Clan is not willing to disrupt the order under the current system! The age of revolution is over, and the Bonaparte Clan does not wish to undertake the task of disrupting Europe!"
"You can't..."
Dr. James seemed to want to say something, but Jerome immediately interrupted him, reminding him, "Doctor, the topics we are discussing have already exceeded the boundaries between a doctor and family members. I'm starting to suspect that I'm facing not a doctor but a British bureaucrat!"
It was only then that Dr. James realized he might have overstepped. He gave an awkward smile and turned to enter the room.
Jerome, who was staying where he was, muttered quietly, "I wonder if these words will reach Buckingham Palace. It's really something to look forward to!"
Inside the room, Dr. James explained to Louis Bonaparte and Miss Howard about the intravenous injection and the condition of Napoleon III's body.
"You mean Louis's body can't hold on much longer?"
Although Miss Howard had already anticipated the answer in her heart, she couldn't help but shed tears when the doctor delivered the death sentence.
"Yes," Dr. James said regretfully, "Your Highness's illness was discovered too late; all we can do now is extend his life as long as possible! Although the method of intravenous injection is somewhat risky, it might allow your highness to hold on a little longer!"
"Risking his life just to prolong Louis's life a little longer! I disagree!" Miss Howard rejected Dr. James's suggestion.
Dr. James turned his gaze to Jerome, hoping that Jerome could persuade Miss Howard!
"Doctor, I agree with your proposal!" Louis Bonaparte's weak voice came from the bed!
"No, Louis, that's too dangerous!" Miss Howard held Louis's hand and responded, "I can't lose you!"
"Howard, it's nothing to worry about!" With a hoarse voice, Napoleon III consoled, "I have once gone through the hail of bullets in Italy, this risk means nothing to me!" [Note 2]
The critically ill Louis Bonaparte seemed to have regained his former vitality, with an indescribable confidence and calmness exuding from his body.
At Louis Bonaparte's request, Miss Howard agreed to the intravenous injection treatment plan.
PS: 1. In 1847, the potato famine in Ireland led to fluctuations in the British securities market. The hyped-up railway bubble was ruthlessly shattered along with the fluctuations and spread throughout Europe. In the face of a dual blow of economic downturn and the potato crisis, the Parisians launched a grand Great Revolution.
2. In 1831, Napoleon III and his brother participated in an anti-Pope uprising in Rome, but ultimately did not fully participate due to the rebel leader's attitude towards Austria and France.