Chapter 495: Shattered
Cesare looked at Paoli, his expression serious.
"Uncle, I believe you should return to Corsica as soon as possible to stabilize the situation. If you wait until the next organization meeting, the voting results will be even more unfavorable for you."
He almost directly said that after the next vote, Paoli would no longer be the leader of the independence movement.
Paoli paced anxiously around the room, shaking his head and muttering to himself:
"No, I can't go back! The French are surely waiting for me at the docks. If I return, it's over for me…"
Cesare raised his voice slightly:
"Uncle, from what I've heard, most of the people who abstained from voting also believe the accusations against you. They just didn't support Bartorio and the others because they fear the organization can't suddenly lose its leader."
Paoli suddenly stopped, turning to face him. "What did you say?"
"I said that some high-ranking members of the organization worry that if something big happens, there won't be anyone to lead. That's why they reluctantly backed you. But once they choose a new—"
Paoli raised his hand to cut him off, a fierce look flashing in his eyes.
"You're right. If something big happens, they'll have no choice but to rely on me. At that point, there won't be any votes anymore!"
"Something big? What do you mean?"
Paoli thought for a moment and then spoke in a low voice to his nephew:
"When you get back, secretly burn down the village of Nonza. Leave behind some traces that make it look like the French were responsible. Spread the word that the French are retaliating and that their retribution will extend to other villages."
Cesare was stunned, his eyes wide with shock.
"But... but that would kill so many Corsicans!"
The village of Nonza was located in the mountains and was known to be fiercely anti-French. In every conflict between Corsica and the French government, the villagers of Nonza were always involved.
So, if something happened there, no one would doubt it was the French.
A significant event like that, with heavy bloodshed, would surely enrage all of Corsica. The island would rally together against the French, and they would need someone to lead the fight.
And right now, that person could only be Paoli—no one else in the independence movement had his stature.
Paoli placed a firm hand on his nephew's shoulder, speaking gravely:
"For the future of Corsica, for the freedom of our people, sacrifices must be made."
Cesare stared at Paoli in disbelief, as if he no longer recognized his uncle. He stood frozen for a long time.
Paoli repeated his command in a harsher tone, and finally, the years of obedience he had developed toward his uncle took over. Cesare lowered his head, murmuring:
"Yes, I understand… I'll return at once."
After Cesare left, Paoli remained in a foul mood for two days.
The Corsican independence movement had been founded by his father, and now these fools wanted to kick him out of it.
He vowed to himself that once this crisis passed, he would make Bartorio and Cesare pay. Yes, he would banish them from Corsica!
From outside the door, the butler's voice called, "Sir, it's time for your club meeting."
At the word "club," Paoli immediately thought of Isabella's youthful beauty and graceful figure, and a particular part of his body stirred in response. His earlier bad mood began to fade.
Going to the "club" was code for his secret meetings with Isabella, which happened three times a week.
"I'm on my way," he called out.
Paoli ordered the maid to fetch his new French suit, already humming a cheerful tune as he got dressed.
…
At the Tuileries Palace, on the second floor, Joseph was reading the latest report on the situation in Corsica. He looked up at Fouché, seated across from him on the sofa, and asked:
"You've handled this well. Now, what's the current state of the independence movement?"
Fouché leaned forward and reported:
"Your Highness, they are now divided into three factions.
"One faction, led by Bartorio, is the anti-Paoli group, determined to expel Paoli from the organization. They have 17 high-ranking members and, with our financial support, are the strongest group.
"Another faction is loyal to Paoli, led by Giuseppe and Cesare Colonna Paoli. They deny all accusations against him and have 14 members.
"The third faction, led by Elock, is the moderates. They suggest investigating Paoli first and re-electing a new leader. They have 12 members.
"In addition, a few members have resigned from the organization entirely."
Joseph was surprised. He had only expected the Corsican independence movement to split into two factions—pro-Paoli and anti-Paoli. He hadn't anticipated that it would fracture so thoroughly, with some even leaving the group.
Sipping his tea, Joseph pondered, "If that's the case, we might be able to do something in the Corsican Assembly."
Corsica was currently governed with a high degree of autonomy. Neither the governor nor the royal family held as much sway as the Assembly.
If they could gain control of a majority in the Assembly, they could push for laws to gradually curb Corsica's independence—such as giving the governor veto power over Assembly decisions or taking control of Corsican taxes away from the Assembly.
Joseph looked at Fouché and said, "You can use our sponsor—what's his name again?"
"Chalmers, Your Highness."
"Right. Have Mr. Chalmers use his influence over the anti-Paoli faction to encourage them to break away and form a new independence group. During its early stages, we'll infiltrate some of our own people, and we'll make sure the group's platform downplays the goal of independence."
Fouché's eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly. "Understood, Your Highness."
This new independence group would form around its opposition to Paoli, allowing Joseph to sit back and watch the two factions tear each other apart.
Joseph continued, "Additionally, I'll personally instruct Count Buttafuoco to stop scheming and focus on uniting all pro-government Corsican factions. We need to win more seats in the Assembly."
Count Buttafuoco was the leader of the pro-French faction in Corsica and had significant influence on the island. However, he was ambitious, often opposing the French government's policies because he wanted to become a major lord in Corsica. Nevertheless, compared to the independence movement, he was loyal to the royal family.
(End of Chapter)
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