Capítulo 74: Chapter 74: The Brumaire Coup
Upon hearing Bernadotte's words, Napoleon immediately became defensive, countering sharply, "So, you're satisfied with the current government? What if I were to form a new government, you wouldn't approve?"
Napoleon, always sharp in his discourse, struck to the point again.
"I only commend soldiers who ride into battle! As for the rest, it's not my concern," Bernadotte responded unequivocally.
"And what if I said I intend to change the current government, even if it means being forceful?" Napoleon stared intensely into Bernadotte's eyes, his tone laden with threat.
"Yes, as long as the government commands, I will take up arms again!" Faced with the overt threat, Bernadotte did not flinch.
The two men glared at each other, neither willing to back down, filling the already tense atmosphere with a sense of impending conflict.
Noticing the strained conversation, Désirée quickly halted her chat with Joséphine and tugged at Bernadotte's clothes. Feeling his beloved's concern, Bernadotte's expression softened immediately. He clasped his wife's hand as if to reassure her not to worry.
Seeing Bernadotte's mood soften, Désirée whispered to Napoleon, "Napoleon, you wouldn't create a bloody incident, would you?"
Napoleon, observing every subtle change in Désirée and noting Bernadotte's softened gaze following her cue, seized the opportunity to assure her, "That depends on whether Bernadotte cooperates! However, I will do my utmost to ensure that there is no bloodshed."
"He won't cause you trouble!" Désirée turned to her husband and said, "Dear, isn't that right?"
Bernadotte replied with a wry smile, "But don't expect any supportive action from me!"
"Good!" Napoleon slammed the table and stood up, saying, "As long as you stay out of it, I'll be grateful!"
Originally, he hadn't expected Bernadotte's support, neutrality was sufficient. Without Bernadotte's knowledge, the corrupt officials of the Directory were no match for him.
Having achieved his intended goal, Napoleon was pleased. After continuing their conversation for a little longer, he happily escorted Joséphine out and left.
November 9, 1799 (18th Brumaire), 7 AM,
The fog was dense. Napoleon's home was bustling with activity; guests walked in the garden discussing the changing political situation, everything proceeding according to plan. At 7 AM, the two legislative bodies were scheduled to convene. When representatives of the National Assembly arrived at the chamber, none realized the significance this day would hold for France. The first to arrive were the conspirators, and those not meant to be there hadn't received meeting notifications. Once a quorum was reached, Lucien in the Council of Five Hundred and his accomplices in the Senate jointly proposed appointing Napoleon as the Commander of the Paris military district.
Privately already aligned with Napoleon, Sieyès opened the session by stating, "The Republic is in danger, and only one person can save it—General Bonaparte. I propose that he be appointed the commander of the Paris garrison to defend Paris and preserve peace."
At this point, the deputies were still confused, and spurred by Sieyès's instigation, the proposal was quickly approved.
Having been appointed commander, Napoleon then designated Leclerc as his deputy and addressed the troops: "Soldiers, we have shared hardships and created vast wealth, conquered vast lands. Now, some are squandering these achievements. Do you accept this?"
The soldiers responded in unison, "No!"
Napoleon continued, "If now you are called upon to defend our Republic with your lives and support your comrade Napoleon, General Bonaparte, would you do it?"
Again, the soldiers shouted, "Yes!"
Encouraged by the soldiers' support, Napoleon was elated; he was now confident to address the issue with Barras.
Immediately, Napoleon went to Barras's residence, where he found him bathing. Hearing of Napoleon's arrival, Barras hurriedly wrapped himself in a bathrobe and came to the living room.
"Napoleon, what brings you here?" Barras was clearly panicked, especially upon seeing the soldiers behind Napoleon.
"Mr. Barras, do not be afraid. I've come with Talleyrand to speak a few words, then we will leave, and you can continue your bath," Napoleon said softly to Barras.
"I came today to inform you that Sieyès and others have resigned. France is now leaderless and urgently needs someone to save her. I came today to hear your thoughts on this matter. Who do you think could handle it?"
Stammering, Barras replied, "It... it must be you... General Bonaparte!"
"But I think the parliament is a useless waste; it only interferes with my governance and affects my strategies," Napoleon slowly approached Barras and said.
At these words, Barras's forehead broke out in cold sweat, and he muttered, "Of course, of course... it's just that I..."
"You just need to sign here, and I guarantee your safety and a handsome reward," Talleyrand, who was standing by Napoleon, quickly stepped forward and handed him a pre-drafted resignation letter.
Barras, holding the resignation letter, hesitated. On one hand was his life, and on the other, wealth and status, both of which he found hard to let go.
Seeing Barras undecided, Napoleon turned to his aide and said, "Let the soldiers return, Mr. Barras doesn't need them here, do you?" Although Napoleon's question seemed to seek Barras's opinion, the underlying threat was clear. With no other choice, Barras resignedly signed his name.
Barras could never have imagined that this young man whom he had promoted would rise so swiftly and even overpower him.
...
"Now that Barras has been dealt with, it means all five Directors have been eliminated. It hasn't been easy," Napoleon sighed with relief as he stepped out of Barras's luxurious house. So far, things had gone smoothly, and the Republic's five Directors had been sequentially dealt with; now things were mostly under control.
However, Napoleon knew that tomorrow at Saint-Cloud, he would face greater challenges. His brother Lucien, understanding his feelings, said, "This matter must be completed within a day! You are too lenient! The Council of Five Hundred has realized they've been deceived. Tomorrow, who knows what they might stir up. We must immediately send someone to purge the councils and arrest the troublemakers."
"Let's not push them too hard. If possible, I still hope for a peaceful transfer of power. If we make enemies everywhere, even if we succeed, others will drive us out," Napoleon refused Lucien's suggestion, still hopeful. He wanted to ascend to the pinnacle of French power peacefully.
"Alright then," Lucien nodded, having no choice but to agree with Napoleon.
The next morning, the streets were bustling with crowds and vehicles of all sizes, all heading towards the Palace of Saint-Cloud as if attending a grand event. Napoleon also traveled there by carriage, bringing only a few attendants to avoid attracting too much attention. His principle today was to act according to the constitution. No one could claim any illegality about yesterday's events. The chambers meeting in the suburbs to discuss security were certainly entitled to appoint a new Commander of the Paris military district! The Directors' resignations were voluntary. Today, a public meeting would be held to amend the constitution and appoint three provisional consuls. Thereafter, the chambers would adjourn temporarily—every step was legal and justified!
Napoleon comforted himself with these thoughts.
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