This is the best of times, and the worst of times. As Europe's radiance spreads across the world, no one knows that behind it lie the blood and tears of countless people. When we turn our gaze to the Rhine, to that land that has never truly submitted to any power, the war has already begun.
Just last night, Lin Xingyue was a history teacher. This morning, she has become the puppet emperor of France, a pawn of the Bonapartists. But a storm is coming. The shadow of the Franco-Prussian War has already fallen over France, and Bismarck is pointing his sword at Paris, at this French empress who has yet to come to her senses. Either glory endures, or the crown is lost.
But perhaps they have forgotten that the French tricolor once flew beneath the sunlight of Marengo and tore through the clouds in the icy winds of Austerlitz!
If our dignity is destined to be crushed, if our homeland is destined to wear Prussia's chains, then how is living any different from kneeling?! Look! Look at our future! If the ending is already set, then tell me: will you still give your precious lives and crimson blood for the French Empire?”
“We will!”
This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to actual people or events is purely coincidental. Please do not imitate.
