Chapter 129: Let's Get Rich Together!
Joseph arrived in Paris, and his first order of business was to find Carnot.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m
He entered the grand building of the War Department and followed the familiar path to Carnot's office. The office door was slightly ajar, and Joseph lightly knocked on it.
"Come in, the door is open," came Carnot's weary voice from inside.
Joseph pushed the door open and, as he walked in, exclaimed, "Lazare, I'm back! Surprise, surprise... Oh, Lazare, you don't look too good. Are you ill?"
"It's nothing, just dealing with those idiots," Carnot replied. "But let's not dwell on that. Why have you returned so suddenly?"
"I heard that Robespierre is done for, and I thought Paris might be in turmoil. I was worried about the Institute and whether it would face any issues, so I didn't wait for orders and came back on my own. Well, Lazare, you'll need to issue a new order for my return to make it official," Joseph said, pulling a chair and sitting in front of Carnot.
"Joseph..." Carnot's expression was strange. "You don't know yet, do you? Ah, I'm sorry; I couldn't save the Institute. It's been shut down! I wish I could drag Robespierre out of his grave to decapitate those rascals!"
"The Institute is gone?" This news indeed caught Joseph by surprise. He had anticipated that some people would try to cause trouble in the absence of Robespierre's authority and might tamper with the Institute. But he hadn't expected them to act so quickly and decisively.
"What happened?" Joseph asked urgently. He needed to understand the situation and minimize the damage.
"It's all those scoundrels' fault!" Carnot's anger flared. "Those who've been causing trouble since Robespierre's fall! They closed down the Institute! Right now, I wish Robespierre could rise from the grave and decapitate them all!"
"Lazare, calm down, calm down..." Joseph said, trying to soothe him. "We need to salvage what we can now. Stay calm. Come, Lazare, have a drink of water." Joseph quickly poured a glass of water and handed it to Carnot. "Lazare, you need to hydrate."
Carnot took the water and drank it all in one go. After a moment of composure, he recounted the situation to Joseph, concluding with a self-deprecating remark, "Joseph, I'm sorry; I couldn't protect our..."
"Joseph Fouch. I know you don't have a favorable impression of him," Joseph replied. Seeing Carnot's raised eyebrow, he continued, "But Fouch is capable, especially in finding people and using his connections. Let him handle these tasks. Lazare, I respect your abilities, but different people are better suited for different roles. I believe Fouch can handle these matters more efficiently than you."
Carnot nodded, acknowledging Joseph's point. He was proud and a bit stubborn, but he wasn't someone who refused to see the reality. "You're right, Joseph. Fouch is indeed better for these tasks than me. However, I do have some reservations. You know what? Shortly after Robespierre's fall, Fouch came to meback when I was in the Committee of Public Safety. He accurately pointed out the dangers I might face and wanted to join forces with me. But I turned him down. Do you know why?"
Before Joseph could reply, Carnot continued, "I was afraid of him. He played a significant role in bringing down Robespierre, and he excelled in conspiracies and intrigues. Robespierre called him a snake, and I agree. If he secures a strong position within our ranks, I fear he might become even more dangerous than Robespierre. I think Labas and others deliberately suppressed him, but they didn't realize they could achieve what they wanted without Fouch..."
Joseph couldn't help but think of a remark he had come across in a past life while reading "Dream of the Red Chamber": "A person should not lack talent; if one has talent but is conceited about it, they will likely cause harm. Conversely, a person should not lack talent, and if they misuse their talent, they will cause even more harm." The saying seemed to hold true now.
"It's precisely because he's so dangerous that we should keep a close eye on him," Joseph said. "Lazare, do you know where to find him?"
"Yes, that makes sense," Carnot nodded. "I know where he lives. After work, shall we go find him together?"
"All right," Joseph agreed.
At the end of the workday, Joseph and Carnot, accompanied by a dozen cavalrymen, boarded a carriage and headed to the Saint-Antoine district.
The Saint-Antoine district was the largest slum in Paris, with narrow and chaotic streets. In recent days, due to skyrocketing prices and the worsening conditions for the lower classes, the area had become even more disorderly. People like Joseph, who preferred stability, wouldn't dare to come here without some protection.
The carriage stopped outside a crooked alley, as it couldn't go any further. Joseph and Carnot got off, and Joseph discreetly gripped the handle of a pistol concealed in his coat. The cavalrymen dismounted and surrounded Joseph and Carnot as they ventured deeper into the alley.
After navigating the dirty, meandering alley with a foul-smelling stream running alongside it, they arrived at a dilapidated building. A soldier who had been leading the way said, "This is the place."
Joseph nodded, cast a glance at Carnot, and then approached the door, where he knocked.
