In the face of Jerome Bonaparte’s uncompromisingly tough stance, Tocqueville was not at all surprised; instead, he felt that such was to be expected from the Bonaparte Clan.
In his view, expecting the Bonaparte Clan not to engage in politics was an impossibility.
Even if Lamartine, during his governance, personally issued a prohibition order, it would be difficult to implement successfully.
Unless the National Assembly convened a session to explicitly stipulate that the Bonaparte Clan was not allowed to engage in any political activities within France.
Convene a session specially for the Bonaparte Clan and then specifically establish a set of legal provisions seems overly excessive.
Even if the Bonaparte Clan did become President of the French Republic, they would still have to abide by the constitution and regulations of France.
The inevitability of stepping down after a four-year presidential term is apparent, and at best, under the auspices of the Emperor, the Bonaparte Clan could only enjoy the treatment of French rulers for a limited period.
"Since the Bonaparte Clan insists on participating in the French elections, Lamartine’s governance certainly has no right to stop them!" Tocqueville responded in a calm manner.
"The Bonaparte Clan appreciates Lamartine’s governance for their understanding!" Jerome Bonaparte, abandoning his previously aggressive stance, replied in a gentle voice.
"However, Lamartine hopes that Mr. Jerome Bonaparte will not return to France within the next two months!" Lamartine raised the condition again.
This condition was clearly more lenient than the previous one.
Jerome Bonaparte knew that the situation in France would remain turbulent in the upcoming month, and the struggle between two classes would tear apart the veiled Republic.
If he stayed in Paris, there was no guarantee that he wouldn’t fall victim to a ruthless move by Cafenak.
By then, all ambitions and grand plans could be buried by a single bullet.
Despite being eager to accept Tocqueville’s condition, Jerome Bonaparte still feigned reluctance.
"Mr. Tocqueville!" Jerome Bonaparte spread his hands in what seemed like genuine emotion: "The election for the President of France has already begun! If I return to France two months late, Bonaparte will lose two months of preparation time! This is not a scenario I can accept!"
This time, Tocqueville displayed a firm stance unlike before, saying: "The Bonaparte Clan must accept!"
"If Lamartine’s governance insists, the Bonaparte Clan can accept, but I need a reason!" Jerome Bonaparte inquired stubbornly, his neck stuck out in feigned dissatisfaction.
Seeing Jerome Bonaparte reluctantly accept the conditions, Tocqueville softened his tone and said: "Regarding the current situation in France, Mr. Jerome might not know any less than we do!"
"You mean the conflict between two classes?" Jerome Bonaparte replied with pretended ignorance.
"Two classes?" Tocqueville subconsciously frowned; it seemed he did not term: "You are correct, but I prefer to call it the Third Level’s infighting!"
With that, Tocqueville showed a melancholy expression.
"Oh, come on!" Jerome Bonaparte scoffed at Tocqueville’s conclusion, his lips curling into a mocking smile as he gestured with a peculiar accent in the air: "Third Level? Such an ancient term! Ever since the establishment of the Republic (meaning the First Republic), the Third Estate Meeting has disappeared! The Third Level, united in hopes of gaining rights, has long since divided again. Those Third Level members who gained partial rights merged with the First Level and the Second Level, abandoning the sans-culottes! Mr. Tocqueville, this is not an infighting of the Third Level; this is class warfare!"
With brutal reality, Jerome Bonaparte tore open the truth that Tocqueville was unwilling to admit in his heart.
"Mr. Jerome!" Tocqueville said with slight indignation: "Since you already know what might happen in France, then you should understand the meaning of the Governor’s words!"
"The Bonaparte Clan has no interest in stirring up conflicts between the two classes; we always believe that the Republic can properly resolve the issues between the two classes!" Jerome Bonaparte, yearning for the whole of Paris to be awash with blood, still pretended a face of "thinking for the Republic" and spoke genuinely.
Tocqueville’s eyes flashed with a trace of disdain. He did not believe that the Bonaparte Clan was truly loyal to the Republic.
Rather than continuing this meaningless conversation with Jerome Bonaparte, Tocqueville decided it was better to talk openly; he straightforwardly abandoned his pre-prepared speech, got straight to the point: "Mr. Jerome Bonaparte! Neither Lamartine’s governance nor I will believe the promises of the Bonaparte Clan. In 1837, the previous leader, Citizen Louis Napoleon, also promised in court not to engage in actions to overthrow the Bourbon Dynasty! Lamartine, Mr. Barrow, they all vouched for Citizen Louis, but in less than two years! Citizen Louis landed in Calais again, undertaking actions to overthrow the Bourbon Dynasty! How can you expect us to trust the guarantees of the Bonaparte Clan!"
Tocqueville unabashedly pointed out the untrustworthy cases of the Bonaparte Clan’s leaders, leaving Jerome Bonaparte rather embarrassed, yet he still bravely defended his cousin: "We did so to overthrow the corrupt rule of the Bourbon Dynasty! Facts have shown that it was because of the presence of republicanists like my cousin who were willing to sacrifice themselves that the French Republic could be successfully established! I believe this is not something to be ashamed of; the loyalty of the revolution is its greatest disloyalty!"
Tocqueville widened his eyes, looking at Jerome Bonaparte as if Columbus had discovered a new continent.
It was the first time in his life encountering such shameless rationalization, like... like...
An unscrupulous rogue!
Tocqueville made a judgment in his heart that couldn’t be more accurate.
"Since Lamartine’s governance does not trust the Bonaparte Clan, then let us speak through our actions! For two months, I will not set foot on French soil! The members of the Bonaparte Faction will also follow the government’s pace in action!" Jerome Bonaparte expressed his "loyalty" to the French Government behind Tocqueville: "However, I hope the government can properly handle my cousin’s body! At least not let a republicanist feel disheartened!"
"Certainly, that is exactly why I came!" Tocqueville said powerfully: "If possible, Citizen Louis Napoleon’s body can return to France with us!"