PFC Chapter 116. The King and Queen
Chapter 116. The King and Queen
Chapter 116. The King and Queen
The Imperial Palace, State Guest Hall.
"In His Majesty the King's name, I hereby invite the Russian Ambassador, Sergei Saltykov!"
Under the watchful eyes of the King, Queen, courtiers, and diplomatic envoys, the palace doors opened, and Sergei, dressed in the attire of the Russian ambassador, walked solemnly and upright onto the red carpet.
"This is the Russian ambassador? Sending someone so young—are they looking down on us?"
"Age doesn't mean lack of experience. I heard that the other party held an important position in Russia."
"They just lack experience, and I heard that the other party was exiled by the Empress of Russia."
"So that's how it is. I really don't know what the Russian Empress was thinking, actually letting someone as capable as Count Panin be this young man's deputy."
The courtiers and diplomatic envoys were abuzz with discussion.
On the other hand, the women's words and attitudes were completely opposite.
"This ambassador is so young and handsome."
"You're itching for love, your heart is fluttering!"
-
"Aren't you tempted?"
"Looking good doesn't mean anything; you only know if someone is a real man after you've tried them."
Young and beautiful or still charming noblewomen chuckled softly.
Sergei walked up to King Adolf Frederica, who sat on a luxurious throne studded with diamonds that sparkled in the sunlight filtering through the patterned glass of the dome.
The beautiful woman sitting next to him was Queen Luisa Ulrika, dressed in gorgeous clothes, with a face and figure that were of the highest caliber, in no way inferior to Agafia.
"Greetings, Your Majesty the King and Queen." Sergei bowed.
King Adolf slowly rose to his feet.
"Duke Saltykov, Sweden welcomes you."
"I bring Your Majesty the joyous news that Grand Duchess of Russia, your niece Catherine, has given birth to the future heir to the Russian throne. This is a letter from Empress Elizabeth."
Sergei presented the diplomatic letter.
After reading it, Adolf smiled and said, "I really want to see my niece and little Paul in person."
"There will be an opportunity."
"
Queen Louise smiled gently and gracefully: "A banquet and ball have been prepared for you, Prince Saltykov, tonight. Please do not refuse."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The reception ended an hour later.
After the courtiers dispersed, King Adolf, Queen Louise, Sergei, Panin, Johanna, and others went for a walk in the garden and enjoyed dessert.
"What does the Duke think of this newly built garden?" Louisa asked with a smile.
"I have no expertise in flower and garden design, but the wisteria and the pavilion design complement each other perfectly. Olive trees are used to orderly separate violets, lilacs, roses and other flowers, and the design of each flower is very unique. It is clear that it is the work of a master."
Sergei admired the garden, which was filled with fragrance and the breath of nature.
"Your Grace is too kind. This is not something we haven't researched," Louisa said with a slight smile.
He seemed to have a great fondness for this young Russian prince.
"The new palace represents a fresh start for Sweden, but it's still under construction and not perfect yet. Otherwise, there would be much more to see than just this garden," Adolf said with a smile.
Sergei smiled and nodded.
A slightly overweight middle-aged man nearby spoke up at the opportune moment: "The Duke is so young to hold such an important position as ambassador, and his comments on the garden are so accurate. It's clear he has a deep understanding of design. Why don't you share your thoughts on the new royal palace or Sweden in general?"
The other party was none other than William, the British ambassador whom Sergei had mentioned to Prince Jonathan yesterday.
Louisa was very interested and nodded to Sergei with a smile, "I'd like to hear it too."
William did this undoubtedly to embarrass Sergei. As a newcomer, Sergei was likely to make unwarranted judgments about Sweden and say something that would displease the King and Queen. However, since the Queen had spoken up, Sergei could not refuse immediately.
"As Your Majesty said, the establishment of the new Royal Palace represents a new beginning for Sweden, which will redefine the landscape of Stockholm. I have heard of Master Tessing's great reputation in Russia. This new Royal Palace has a unique style, which not only symbolizes His Majesty's majesty and glory, but also represents His Majesty's leadership of Sweden towards a more glorious future!"
Sergei had little knowledge of architecture; he only knew that the new palace was in the Baroque style and that it further determined the layout of the old town of the Swedish capital on three islands.
However, he accurately grasped two points: one was to never mention the origin of the new palace—the origin of the old palace.
The Three Crowns Castle, the old royal palace, is famous in Sweden, but it was destroyed by fire in 1697, a sensitive period of transition between the old and new kings—Karl XI had died and Karl XII had not yet been crowned, so it was seen as an ominous sign.
If that's all there is to it, there's no need to worry about it being mentioned.
Because there is now a new king, not Charles XII.
However, immediately following that fire came the "Great Northern Front," where Peter the Great led the Russian army to victory over Sweden. Therefore, for Sergei, as the Russian ambassador, it was impossible to mention the old palace at this time.
This was thanks to Nikita Panin's reminder—which helped him understand the metaphor of the "Three Crowns" castle.
After all, the fire that destroyed the palace and the Great Northern War are completely different things in history and in other countries. However, in Sweden, it was regarded as an ominous sign, the beginning of the Great Northern War.
Another point is that he pointed out the name of the architect of the new palace—Nikodmus Tessin.
This will make the King and Queen feel his respect for Sweden.
As expected, Queen Louise looked surprised: "You actually know Master Tessin."
"Of course, I admire the master's design style." Sergei nodded.
Louisa wore an elegant smile, her eyes filled with approval.
William's eyes darkened slightly upon seeing this.
He asked Sergei to comment on the new palace, hoping to provoke him into mentioning the old palace that had been burned down, thus displeasing the king and queen. However, to his surprise, Sergei did not mention the famous building at all.
"Ambassador Saltykov, you are very experienced in art, but the position of ambassador requires more than just an understanding of art. Otherwise, how can you better serve His Majesty the King and Queen?" William said with a smile.
"I wonder what services Ambassador William has provided to Sweden? Does that mean Ambassador William's contributions are comparable to Ambassador Jones's?" Sergei asked rhetorically.
William's expression clearly showed anger.
Jones is the French ambassador to Sweden.
Sweden's geographical location is such that it exists in the cracks between its two powerful neighbors, France and Russia. Sergei's statement clearly indicates that Sweden's power struggles have always been between the Russian and French ambassadors, and have nothing to do with the British ambassador.
Louisa smiled when she saw William rendered speechless. She never expected that someone could make the usually arrogant British ambassador lose his temper.
Adolf then smoothed things over for William.
"Ambassador William's contributions and his concern and respect for Sweden are beyond doubt. I believe that with the support of both of you ambassadors, Sweden's future will be even brighter."