Kapitel 73: Chapter 73: Bernadotte
After locking Joséphine out in a fit of anger and subsequently allowing her back in at the plea of their two children, Hortense and Eugène, Napoleon's heart softened towards her. Perhaps it was the children's pleas that swayed him, leading to a temporary reconciliation over her infidelity.
With family relationships somewhat mended, Napoleon immediately began planning to seize power. The domestic situation was also gradually improving: the insurgents were being suppressed, Masséna had defeated Suvorov in Zurich, and Brune had forced the British to withdraw from Holland. The nation seemed to be progressing positively, which made the Directory believe they had overcome their difficulties. Consequently, their initially warm attitude towards Napoleon cooled. The legislators were outraged by Napoleon's unauthorized return, looking for an opportunity to accuse him of abandoning his troops and violating the forty-day quarantine regulation.
However, they dared not act rashly as Napoleon was widely admired and beloved by the public at the time. Any precipitous action against him might have triggered widespread backlash. Instead, they tried to remove him from the political scene by suggesting that he lead a new army on a campaign to Italy, effectively exiling him.
Napoleon, shrewd as ever, declined on the pretext of poor health, refusing to be sidelined. Disappointed by the Directory's increasingly cold stance, his resolve to stage a coup and seize power strengthened. He saw the current government as weak and incapable of leading France to greatness, believing only he, Napoleon, could truly elevate the nation.
In the intimate setting of Julie's mansion, conspiratorial meetings were held one after another. Joséphine was present at almost every meeting, leveraging her familiarity with societal intrigues and covert dealings. Utilizing her cunning, charm, and extensive experience, she vigorously supported her husband's plots. This was not only for Napoleon's benefit but also for her own, as her status would become even more secure if Napoleon's coup succeeded.
Before making his move, Napoleon carefully analyzed the key figures in the Directory to see who might oppose him, and he also checked whether the army was firmly in his control. He first thought of Fouché and Talleyrand. Fouché was a cunning and shrewd individual who had played a role in the downfall of Robespierre with the Thermidorians and now held significant power as the Director of Police; Talleyrand was a diplomatic talent, a noble with influence in the Church, and he shared common political views with Napoleon on many issues, such as the expedition to the East, maintaining close correspondence with him. If these two could be brought into his camp, Napoleon's chances of success would greatly increase.
Thus, Napoleon arranged a private meeting with Talleyrand and Fouché at his home.
During the meeting, both men, sensing Napoleon's authority and considering the potential benefits of a change in the political landscape to their own positions, did not hesitate to align themselves with him on all issues. The support from Fouché and Talleyrand significantly boosted Napoleon's confidence, marking what he considered the first step towards seizing power.
As for another government official, Barras, Napoleon regarded him as a cunning and greedy politician. Barras was known for his extravagance and corruption within the Directory, disregarding the hardships of the common people and indulging in his own pleasures. The public deeply despised him, and his disgraceful connections with Joséphine made it easy for Napoleon to decisively exclude him from his plans.
Regarding military support, Napoleon had no worries. Having campaigned for so long, he had numerous loyal generals under his command. General Moreau, commanding an army of 100,000, had publicly stated, "General Bonaparte is the only man who could conquer the world."
The situation was generally favorable, leaving only one concern for Napoleon: General Bernadotte, the current Minister of War. Bernadotte presented himself as upright and uncompromising, but he was also strategic and wise. He was one of the men Napoleon had most respected, having collaborated with him during the battles against the Austrians in northern Italy.
The relationship between Napoleon and General Bernadotte was complicated, adding a layer of intricacy to Napoleon's plans.
All of this starts with a woman named Désirée. Désirée was once Napoleon's lover, but he ruthlessly abandoned her. In a moment of despair, she attempted to drown herself but was rescued by Bernadotte, which led to their developing feelings for each other. Désirée eventually married Bernadotte and they had a son named Oscar. Because of this relationship, Napoleon could not count on Bernadotte's support, but he hoped at least for his neutrality.
Thus, Napoleon decided to make a move involving Désirée. Bernadotte deeply loved his wife and was devoted to her. Désirée, much younger than him, made him feel rejuvenated. As a dutiful and emotional woman, Désirée stayed home tending to their garden and taking care of their son when Bernadotte was not around.
Since the birth of their son Oscar, Bernadotte cherished his family even more. However, the shadow of Napoleon loomed over him, even influencing the naming of his son in a way that was hard to refuse. If it weren't for his genuine love for Désirée, he might have found the situation unbearable.
In recent days, many people had approached the Minister of War, cautioning him against Napoleon, the ambitious schemer. Napoleon's unauthorized departure from Egypt was a breach of military discipline, and many suggested that Bernadotte should bring him before a military court. Bernadotte himself raised this suggestion to Barras, who coldly rejected it, saying, "Napoleon's power is immeasurable, and given the people's love for him in France, we lack the power to overthrow him. Forget about it!"
Bernadotte wasn't driven by vengeance in wanting to bring Napoleon to military court; he acted out of a soldier's duty, unlike Napoleon who meddled in government affairs. This was one of the key areas where Bernadotte disagreed with Napoleon. Despite this, Bernadotte admired Napoleon, often proclaiming to many, "General Bonaparte's military genius is unparalleled and unprecedented."
...
Regarding the events with the Directory, Napoleon quickly received the news. He also knew Bernadotte's reaction. So, that evening, Napoleon, accompanied by Joséphine, visited Bernadotte's home.
"You look beautiful!" Napoleon exclaimed as he entered, complimenting Désirée.
Bernadotte, however, disliked the way Napoleon looked at his wife. He changed the subject and said, "What brings you here, General Bonaparte?"
"I've come to apologize!" Napoleon replied with a smile.
"Apologize for what?" Bernadotte asked, startled.
"Of course, for leaving Egypt without orders. I heard that for my return to Paris, you wanted to have me shot?" Napoleon continued with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Bernadotte immediately became serious and said loudly, "Yes, a soldier who deserts the battlefield is to be charged with desertion and executed by firing squad, especially a general!"
"Didn't I hear you were planning to leave the Directory?"
"Yes, but if the Directory had ordered me to arrest you, I would have done it," Bernadotte said firmly.
Napoleon, looking at the upright Bernadotte, nodded and said, "I really should thank you for sparing my life. However, now the Directory officials indulge in their own pleasures, neglecting domestic affairs and failing to resist foreign threats. The people are suffering greatly, and they even lost Italy. How could I not return under such circumstances? France is also my homeland. I have the right to protect it."
Bernadotte immediately realized Napoleon's visit was not just a casual one.
Then, Bernadotte took a sip of his coffee, looked up at Napoleon, and hinted, "I have always believed that a soldier's place is on the battlefield."
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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Rangliste 
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Stein