Jerome Bonaparte and Pope Pius IX had a long conversation, during which Pope Pius IX inquired about the existing issues in Rome, and Jerome Bonaparte responded to him as best as he could.
As night fell, under the invitation of Pope Pius IX, Jerome Bonaparte felt quite at home, and at the banquet, Pope Pius IX discussed many matters regarding the Emperor in the army back then with Jerome Bonaparte, also sighing that if the Emperor had not failed, he might still be in the French Army, perhaps even rising to become a General.
Jerome Bonaparte flatteringly stated that the achievements of Pope Pius IX now far surpassed those of any French General.
The two, each with their own thoughts, parted with "mirth and laughter".
Having left the Vatican Palace’s banquet hall, Jerome Bonaparte, guided by a priest, sat in the carriage specifically prepared for him by Pope Pius IX.
The carriage slowly left the Vatican Palace, as Jerome Bonaparte reclined within, reflecting on all that he had done today, a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
He had done everything he could, and the future path of the Pope State would depend on Pope Pius IX himself.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Vatican Palace, Pope Pius IX was also not idle.
While it was not yet completely dark, he urgently summoned a group of Cardinals loyal to him, along with Bishop Muzarelli and the future first Prime Minister of the Pope State, Perellino Rossi.
[Perellino Rossi: July 13, 1787 — November 16, 1848, Italian economist, politician, lawyer, served as the ambassador of France to the Pope State during the July Monarchy, and after its demise, was invited by Pope Pius IX to become the first Prime Minister of the Pope State, assassinated on November 16 at the Vatican Palace.]
The Cardinals, forcefully awakened by Pope Pius IX, struggled against their drowsy eyes to listen to the Pope’s "admonition".
This was truly not the time for a detailed discussion; Pope Pius IX could only briefly explain the suggestions made by Jerome Bonaparte to the Cardinals.
Long immersed in the internal strife of the religious world, the Cardinals were not very adept at the power struggles of the secular world, so they turned their attention to Perellino Rossi, recently hired by the Pope.
Perellino Rossi listened intently to Pope Pius IX’s words, and after thinking for a long while, he spoke: "Your Majesty, I believe it’s feasible! We can organize a party loyal to the Pope, much like France, and elect a virtuous priest to lead!"
Perellino Rossi’s words did not elicit silent agreement from the Cardinals, nor did they provoke opposition; they stood like human sculptures waiting for Pope Pius IX’s response.
"Let us start this way! However, we should proceed step by step, beginning with the economy of past years!" Still not entirely devoid of the desire for reform, Pope Pius IX decided to give it a try, retreating if the reform ventured into deep waters.
With the "unanimous" agreement of the Cardinals and the endorsement of the Pope, the Pope State, in a bid to ease social contradictions, embarked once more on a grand reform.
On June 1, Pope Pius IX solemnly preached at the St. Petersburg Church and announced in response to the calls of the Pope State’s populace that the reform would commence in July.
Immediate jubilation erupted throughout Rome, with virtually everyone cheering for the Pope’s "enlightened" stance, and demonstrations and protests vanished overnight.
The moderate liberals, radical liberals, and even Republicans awaited the start of the Pope State’s reforms.
Jerome Bonaparte merely watched Rome’s every move coldly as he continued to write his unfinished "Catholic Economic Ethics".
On June 10, two letters from France immensely stirred Jerome Bonaparte.
The letters were from Percy and Luromaia, with Percy narrating to Jerome Bonaparte the situation regarding cousin Louis Napoleon’s funeral.
Upon the arrival of Louis Napoleon’s remains in France, they were venerated by the French populace. From Calais to France, the procession was unending, with major newspapers along the way enthused, like sharks smelling blood, proclaiming Louis Napoleon’s "heroic exploits".
After the remains reached Seine Province, they were welcomed by Governor Lamartine and François Arago, with all Parisians gathering to witness, creating an unprecedented harmony across Paris.
Under the guidance of Lamartine and Arago, Louis Napoleon’s remains were interred in the Military Glory Hall next to the remains of the King of Rome as a Republican hero.
Upon the funeral’s conclusion, all of Paris became aware of this legendary Prince Louis Napoleon.
In Luromaia’s letter, Jerome Bonaparte learned about the dynamics of the Bonaparte Party Members and about the situation of his two cousins and his father, Old Jerome Bonaparte.
Luromaia subtly indicated that after Louis Napoleon’s remains were sent back, his cousin Pierre Bonaparte wished to replace him as the new leader of the Bonaparte Clan.
However, without the recognition of the Bonaparte Party Members and facing opposition from his father, Old Jerome, and sister Mathilde, his cousin had to settle for participating in the election alongside Lucien Murat.
Thus, two members of the Bonaparte Clan (father Old Jerome and cousin Pierre Bonaparte) completed the election and became members of the assembly, and his name, along with certain daring events in the United Kingdom, started circulating in Paris cafes as well [Luromaia’s suggestion], and even in literary salons, thanks to [the achievements of his sister Mathilde].
On the day he wrote the letter (June 4), his vote tally in Seine Province had already reached fourth place, not far from Thiers in third place [PS: There are rumors that Thiers used bribery money to win votes], and in Corsica, Rhône Province, and Lower Charente Province, his votes overwhelmingly won, meaning that if he wanted, he could openly enter French territory as a representative from these three regions.
Lamartine’s promise could not impose any restrictions on him.
However, Jerome Bonaparte would not do so; he intended to honor his agreement with Lamartine.
Even though the time Lamartine remained Governor was already numbered.
After reading letters from Percy and Luromaia, Jerome Bonaparte sighed deeply, shook his head, and muttered to himself, "Alas! The Bonaparte Clan!"
Having said this, he took out some draft paper and wrote letters to Percy and Luromaia.
After finishing the two letters, Jerome Bonaparte called Letty over and handed the letters to Laidi, then handed a draft of 300,000 francs to Laidi, instructing him to send them along with the letters to Paris to serve as the operation funds for the Bonaparte Party Members.