Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 213 France's "Behind-the-Scenes Prime Minister"

The previous rumors about the "three articles" had already made many people secretly suspicious, but since there was no "concrete evidence," they could still be regarded as mere speculation.

However, the detailed report in Le Gaul, especially the specific article titled "Old Man Milon," greatly enhanced the credibility of the rumor.

People prefer to believe there must be some dirty deal behind this, otherwise it's impossible to explain how a young, inexperienced person could receive such "honor".

More reporters gathered at the entrance to the Count of Rohan’s residence and the Ministry of Education than in the previous days.

When the Earl went out in his carriage, he could even hear people booing from the roadside.

He tried to emphasize to reporters: "Whether three or four pieces are selected is utterly absurd and baseless speculation! The editorial committee's work is serious and prudent, and will never be influenced by any non-literary factors!"

However, his explanations seemed so weak and powerless in the face of the overwhelming public opinion.

No one wanted to believe him.

The report in Le Gaul has already created a preconceived notion, and people are only willing to believe what they want to believe—that the scandal truly exists.

Conservative newspapers seized the opportunity to launch a massive attack on the Republican government's education reforms, accusing them of harboring malicious intentions and even implying that Count Rohan had betrayed France's cultural dignity for political gain.

Even some centrist newspapers have begun to express "deep concern".

Count Rohan felt unprecedented pressure—as a man of noble birth, even though he had encountered some political turmoil, he had never been so condemned by thousands of people.

His reputation, his family's reputation, and even his political future seem to be teetering on the brink of collapse in this escalating storm.

Ultimately, under immense pressure, he made a decision.

“Albert, speak with Lionel privately tomorrow…”

------

"So, isn't all of this a scheme orchestrated by your father, Count Rohan?"

As he spoke, Lionel took a leisurely sip of his coffee.

He and Albert sat in the "Aphrodite" café next to the Sorbonne—Albert had dragged him there after class.

Upon hearing Lionel's words, Albert nearly jumped out of his chair: "Leon, I swear on the honor of the Roon family! My father absolutely did not do anything!"

Those absurd rumors were absolutely not at his behest! He's in an extremely difficult situation now; public opinion is completely out of control..."

Lionel listened quietly, and only after Albert finished speaking did he slowly raise his head, his voice unusually calm: "Albert, think about it carefully—"

If I were to issue a statement announcing my withdrawal right now, as your father wishes, how would the outside world interpret it?

Albert was taken aback.

Lionel spoke as if discussing something unrelated to himself: "They'll say, 'Look, the insider trading has been exposed! Lionel Sorel is feeling guilty!'"

Count Rohan could not withstand the pressure and was forced to abandon his 'darling'! Any denials we made before would have become pale and weak lies, or even a laughing stock.

This is not a retreat, but a surrender, which will only embolden the enemy and plunge us into an abyss of no return.

Albert's face gradually turned pale; he realized he hadn't considered this aspect at all.

He only thought about his father's predicament, but he didn't expect that Lionel's concession would only confirm everything.

Albert looked somewhat bewildered: "Then... what should we do?"

Lionel stood up and placed twelve sous coins on the table: “Tell your father to be patient for a few more days. Do nothing, say nothing, and especially do not make any further clarifications to the reporters.”

"But public opinion..."

Lionel turned around: "Leave the public opinion to me, I can handle this. All he needs to do is remain silent and patient."

……

The message Albert brought back plunged the already bewildered Count Rohan into even deeper hesitation.

Lionel refused to withdraw, which was expected, but what did the young man mean by "taking care of it himself"?
He simply couldn't imagine any way to break the deadlock except to admit his mistake or to confront the situation head-on—both of which seemed to have unpredictable consequences.

Albert tried to comfort his father: "Father, Leon... he always has some unexpected ideas. Maybe this time will be no different?"

The count sighed and waved for his son to leave. For now, it seemed he could only remain still and see what tricks this "conscience of the Sorbonne" would pull.

------

However, the storm of public opinion did not subside with Count Rohan's silence; on the contrary, it intensified.

The success of Le Gauls made other newspapers envious, and they began to dig deeper into the "insider information" about Lionel Sorel.

The afternoon after Le Gaul published its report, Le Figaro's editorial office also received an anonymous submission, signed "An Honest Parisian".

The letter was even more bizarre, claiming that, according to "authoritative sources," Lionel's "Letter from an Unknown Woman" would also be included in the "French Reader" in excerpt form.

The aim is to "teach young children what true, pure, noble, and sacrificial love is."

The editor-in-chief of Le Figaro hesitated for a moment.

This novel is indeed deeply moving and highly praised by the ladies in the salon, but linking it to "children's education" is far-fetched and even absurd.

However, considering the topic's popularity, he decided to cautiously publish it in a less prominent section.

However, this was like opening a Pandora's box.

Immediately afterwards, the Debate newspaper received a letter from "a worried educator".

The letter claimed that chapters of Lionel's novel "The Curious Case of Benjamin Bouton," which is being serialized in Le Petit Parish and Live Moderne, would also be included in the French Reader.

The aim is to "educate children to treat people with physical disabilities or who have suffered misfortune equally."

Some newspaper editors even received letters saying that Lionel's play "The Choir" had been designated as "the repertoire that all public primary schools in France must rehearse."

The interludes in the program will also become "fixed pieces in French primary school music textbooks".

Some of these bizarre submissions and rumors were selectively published by relatively cautious major newspapers, placed in inconspicuous sections.

However, most of these articles were readily accepted by tabloids that pursued sales without any scruples, and were published with eye-catching headlines.

The rumors about Lionel's works being included in the French Reader quickly became absurd and bizarre.

"Have you heard? That brat Sorel is going to monopolize the entire book!"

"He's not just reading textbooks! He's even taking over music and drama classes!"

"Did he give Minister Ferry and Count Rohan some kind of love potion?"

"I don't think it's that simple. Maybe he's the real mastermind behind the republicans!"

In taverns, salons, and public carriages, people talked about these increasingly outrageous rumors with great interest, adding their own embellishments.

Some laughed heartily, some were indignant, and some were worried.

Lionel Sorel's fame reached unprecedented heights in a different way.

He seemed to have become a symbol, a monster embodying genius, schemer, lucky man, and degenerate.

Anonymous articles have even begun to analyze, with great seriousness, how Lionel Sorel used his literary works and "special relationships" with key figures to secretly influence or even manipulate the decisions of the republican government.

He has essentially become France's "behind-the-scenes prime minister".

Lionel, who was in the eye of the storm, seemed to have disappeared.

He no longer makes public appearances and has refused all interview requests.

This silence, in the eyes of outsiders, seems more like tacit agreement or unspoken arrogance.

Count Rohan stared in disbelief at the increasingly outrageous reports.

He felt that he and Lionel were both finished, that this mess could never be untangled, and that he almost regretted listening to Lionel's advice to remain silent.

He was already thinking about how to sever ties with Lionel and protect himself.

(End of this chapter)