Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 646 History is written by the victors!

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Morgan Jr. excitedly introduced, "Mr. Sorel, do you know 'Sitting Bull'? He's a true hero! He led the Sioux in resisting the whites for over a decade!"

Most famously, in 1876, at the Little Bighorn River in Montana, he led Allied forces to annihilate the U.S. 7th Cavalry Brigade, killing its commander, General Custer!

At this point, his tone was full of admiration: "That battle shocked the entire United States! Custer was a Civil War hero, yet he was defeated by the Native Americans."

Although 'Sitting Ox' eventually surrendered and was forced to relocate to the reservation... he remains a legend!

He looked elated, as if he were a Sioux warrior and Castor a damned white man.

Lionel listened silently, offering no comment. He watched the old man pacing around the field, his emotions a complex mix.

Former heroes have now become exhibits in a circus, performing their "legends" in front of thousands of spectators.

Is the audience's cheering a sign of glory or sorrow?

"Buffalo Bill" was still shouting: "This is the great chief who won the Battle of Little Bighorn! Let us cheer for 'Sitting Bull'!"

The audience cheered in unison, and even stood up to clap their hands. Soon, the scene was filled with thunderous applause.

Even Sophie was taken aback; this was something she, a knowledgeable woman who had received patriotic education since childhood, could not understand at all.

After completing a full circle, the "sitting bull" stopped in the center of the arena. Then it looked up at the audience, without acknowledging them or even nodding.

He then turned his horse around and slowly rode towards the tent area not far from Lionel's box.

At 2:20 p.m., the rodeo began, with various obstacles being towed out of the tent trucks and placed in the performance area.

The cowboys performed tricks such as lassoing cattle, taming wild horses, and rapidly changing horses... Their movements were skillful and thrilling, drawing cheers from the audience from time to time.

The audience's favorite segment was "Taming the Wild Horse." A young cowboy was thrown off a wild horse three times in a row, but finally succeeded on the fourth try, holding on for a full minute.

Little Morgan watched with great interest, clapping and cheering from time to time. Sophie was also captivated by the wonderful performance, temporarily setting aside her doubts and watching intently without blinking.

Only Lionel kept glancing at the spot where the "sitting bull" had disappeared, wondering if he was also watching the performance. But Lionel didn't see the old man.

The sharpshooter performance began at 2:50 p.m.

The lead actress is a petite woman with two braids, whom "Buffalo Bill" introduces as "Anne Oakley." Her performance is even more stunning.

Her assistant tossed a frisbee, and she fired her gun, the frisbees shattering one by one in mid-air; her assistant put a cigarette in her mouth, and she shot out the embers.

She could even aim and shoot with her back to the target, using a mirror to reflect the image; even while riding a galloping horse, she could hit multiple targets in succession, each shot accurate and precise.

The audience applauded continuously for a long time. Even Sophie whispered in admiration, "She's really amazing. I never imagined a woman could be such a sharpshooter."

Morgan enthusiastically introduced, "Anne is the best female marksman in the whole country. It is said that she started hunting when she was eight years old, and her marksmanship is a natural."

At 3:15 PM, the "Pioneers Attack" segment began.

In the center of the site, a caravan of more than a dozen covered wagons was arranged in a circle to simulate the camp of the pioneers.

Actors dressed as pioneers are busy in the "camp," starting fires, cooking, and taking care of children.

Suddenly, battle cries echoed from afar. A group of Native American riders charged in from the edge of the arena, unleashing a volley of arrows, gunfire, and billowing smoke.

The "pioneers" panicked and hid behind the wagons, returning fire. The battle lasted for several minutes, tense and exciting.

Finally, a group of American cavalry charged in, "repelled" the Native Americans, and rescued the "pioneers".

The audience breathed a sigh of relief and applauded enthusiastically.

"Buffalo Bill" declared: "This is the hardship of westward expansion! But with the courage and strength of America, any difficulty can be overcome!"

Lionel could only sneer inwardly. This performance was entirely on the side of "civilization." The Native Americans were portrayed as attackers and savages.

In reality, it was the continuous encroachment of white settlers on Native American lands that triggered the conflict.

He glanced at the tent area again, and this time he saw "Sitting Bull" sitting there, quietly watching the performance.

What would the man who once led the resistance think if he saw his people being portrayed in this way?
Morgan was completely oblivious to Lionel's emotions. He exclaimed excitedly, "This part was the most exciting! It made my heart race every time!"

Sophie nodded: "It really is very realistic."

She suddenly noticed that Lionel hadn't said anything, so she turned to look at him and asked, "Leon, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Lionel shook his head: "It's okay. Let's keep watching."

At 3:40 p.m., the "Battle of Castells" segment began to be reenacted. This was the most politically symbolic part of the entire performance.

A group of knights dressed as Caster's 7th Cavalry Brigade entered the field, wearing blue uniforms, carrying military flags, and marching proudly.

Suddenly, battle cries erupted from all directions. Indian riders charged in from all sides, surrounding the cavalry.

Gunfire erupted, and smoke filled the air. The cavalrymen "fought valiantly," but were ultimately "annihilated."

The performance was much simplified, lasting only fifteen minutes. But the audience watched with rapt attention.

"Buffalo Bill" concluded: "General Custer and his men gave their lives for the interests of America. They are heroes and will live forever in our hearts!"

Applause erupted instantly, and many people stood up to applaud again. Lionel looked towards "Sitting Bull." The old man remained seated in the tent area, watching the performance from afar, his expression still calm.

This battle is the most famous achievement of "Sitting Bull". Now, however, it has become part of the entertainment performance.

The performance still portrays Custer as a hero and the Native Americans as "enemies".

This is just too ironic! Lionel couldn't imagine how "Buffalo Bill" convinced "Sitting Bull" to join his troupe. Was he like old Morgan?
Morgan Jr. was still excitedly explaining, "Look! This is history! Living history!"

Lionel finally couldn't help but whisper, "So history is written by the victors, isn't it?"

Morgan paused, not having heard clearly: "What did you say?"

Lionel shook his head: "It's nothing."

Sophie glanced at Lionel, then at the performance below the stage, and seemed to understand something. But she didn't ask.

The following performance segments were relatively relaxed. The global equestrian demonstration began at 4 PM.

Riders from the United States, Mexico, Arab countries, and Native American groups showcased their unique equestrian skills.

Morgan explained, "This is the concept of the 'world frontier.' Bill wants to showcase the horsemanship of the frontier peoples of the world."

Lionel watched the performance, his mood calming down slightly. At least this segment wasn't arrogant; it was simply a display of the riders' skills.

At 4:20 p.m., the grand finale parade began.

All the actors re-entered the stage, the military band played music, and flags fluttered. "Sitting Bull" also rode his horse around the field once more.

This time, the audience's reaction was even more enthusiastic. Many people stood up and tipped their hats to him.

"Sitting Ox" remained expressionless. After riding his horse around the entire area, he did give a slight nod to the audience before leaving the venue.

The performance officially ended. The audience began to leave one after another.

Morgan exclaimed, still wanting more: "That was fantastic! Today's performance was especially amazing! Because of the 'sitting bull'!"

Lionel was somewhat speechless, because "Sitting Bull" only rode around twice at the beginning and end of the show and did not participate in any performance.

He turned to Lionel: "Mr. Sorel, what do you think?"

Lionel thought for a moment and said, "Very good. The performance was very professional."

That's the truth. Putting aside the political and historical issues, from a purely performance perspective, "Wild West" is indeed excellent, with superb acting skills and spectacular scenes.

Morgan said happily, "I knew you'd like it! Come on, let's go backstage. 'Buffalo Bill' specifically requested to meet you."

Lionel wanted to refuse, but Morgan Jr.'s insistence was too much to bear, so he nodded and, arm in arm with Sophie, walked down the stands with Morgan Jr., passing through the tent area once more.

The tent area is bustling with activity. Not only are the actors removing their makeup and changing clothes, but a large number of spectators are also gathered outside the tents, eager to get a closer look at the performers.

Lionel saw a long line outside the "Sitting Bull" tent. Many people were holding photos, wanting him to sign them. Each photo cost 25 cents, the same price as the entrance fee.

"Sitting Bull is making money from this now," Morgan said. "He earns $50 a week, plus autograph income. It only takes him two seconds to sign a photo, and he can sign hundreds a day."

Looking at the long queue, Lionel finally understood how "Buffalo Bill" had persuaded "Sitting Bull"—the method he used was indeed the same as old Morgan's.

But making money is nothing to be ashamed of!
Instead of going to the "Sitting Bull" area, they headed towards the large tent in the center, where "Buffalo Bill" rested.

Several staff members were standing outside the tent. Morgan stepped forward and said a few words, and a staff member went inside to inform them. Soon, a tall, burly man came out.

He was about forty years old, with a thick beard, dressed in a fancy Western outfit, and had two revolvers on his waist.

This is William Frederick Cody – “Buffalo Bill”.

“Mr. Morgan!” Bill shook hands with little Morgan warmly. “Welcome, welcome! This must be Mr. Sorel?”

After exchanging pleasantries, Lionel said casually, "Your performance was excellent."

"Buffalo Bill" laughed: "Thank you! We've tried our best to present the most authentic West."

Morgan asked with great interest, "How did you manage to get 'Sitting Ox'?"

"Buffalo Bill" shrugged and said bluntly, "Money! He needs money now. Life on the reservation is tough, and they can't buy anything without dollars."

"He can perform for me for $50 a week, plus he can sell autographed photos. It's a lot of money for him."

Lionel couldn't help but ask, "Did you contact him, or did he contact you?"

"Buffalo Bill" scoffed: "Of course we were the ones who approached him. He was initially unwilling, feeling it was 'selling himself,' and rejected us several times."

But then he thought about it and said, 'The white people have already won anyway. What's wrong with me putting on a show? At least it'll feed my people.'"

These words gave Lionel a jolt.

"Buffalo Bill" beckoned to one of the Native American actors: "Have your chief come over here, there's a big shot here who wants to see him!"

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(End of this chapter)