After returning from the Saint Martha Society, Lionel went directly to Zola's Médan Villa.
Mr. and Mrs. Zola had returned from their seaside vacation yesterday, and Médan Villa was once again bustling with activity.
Upon seeing Lionel, Alice and Petty were both pleasantly surprised, especially when they inquired about Lionel's health.
Lionel, in turn, stated that he had fully recovered and there was no need to worry.
He then pulled Mr. Zola into the relatively quiet living room and told him about the Saint Martha Society and Alice.
Lionel said to Zola with some apology, "Émile, Alice will probably have to stay here with you for a while longer, until I resolve the Saint Martha Society…"
Zola was startled, "Resolve the Saint Martha Society? What are you planning?"
Lionel showed a mocking expression, "They think they can control me this way? What a joke…"
Zola quickly asked, "Do you have a plan? Do you need my help?"
Lionel shook his head, "Right now, I only have a preliminary idea, and it's not mature enough.
Heh… I will definitely 'cooperate well' with the Church and give them a surprise…"
Zola patted him on the shoulder, "Alice can stay here as long as she wants, don't worry."
Lionel nodded and gave him a light hug, "Thank you, Émile, you've always been the kindest among us…"
Leaving the living room, Lionel called Alice aside and explained the situation.
Alice was quite frightened, even suggesting she would 'turn herself in,' but Lionel's gentle yet firm tone eventually soothed her.
He even had the presence of mind to joke, "You are the best copyist in all of Paris, I couldn't bear to let you become a nun."
Only then did Alice relax.
After having dinner at Médan Villa, Lionel took the train back to Paris.
— — — — — —
Just as Lionel was plotting to 'cooperate well with the Church,' the long-awaited autumn breeze finally swept away Paris's heat and stench.
After a torrential downpour, the Seine River once again became clear.
Although there was still a week until Sorbonne started, Paris's autumn social season had already begun.
Lionel had not expected his first invitation to come from—Chen Jitong.
This translator for the British and French envoys personally delivered the invitation to him.
Compared to their meeting in the Sorbonne auditorium several months ago, he was still elegant, his queue meticulously combed.
Chen Jitong smiled, "Mr. Sorel, I hope I haven't interrupted your work."
Lionel quickly responded politely, "Mr. Chen, what an unexpected surprise. Please come in!"
The two sat down in the living room. Chen Jitong took out an exquisite invitation from his bosom and handed it over, "I am here on behalf of the new Marquis Zeng Jize, the envoy to Britain and France, to invite you.
Many literary and artistic figures will be attending. The Marquis has long heard of your reputation and particularly hopes you can grace us with your presence."
Lionel took the invitation, a look of confusion on his face, "Marquis Zeng Jize? If I'm not mistaken, wasn't Lord Guo Songtao your country's envoy?
I've heard his name in some salons, and everyone has a good impression of him."
Chen Jitong's face immediately darkened, "Lord Guo… he has already resigned and returned home. And it's not a glorious return, but a return to face charges."
Lionel was surprised, "To face charges? What happened? Isn't Lord Guo one of the few enlightened individuals in China?"
Chen Jitong's voice was filled with indignation, "Enlightened? It is precisely because he was too enlightened that he met such a fate!
Do you know, Lord Guo wrote a book, 'A Journey to the West,' during his mission, recording the political systems and social customs of various European countries.
He advocated that China should learn from the West's strengths. After this book was sent back to China, it was actually denounced by those conservative ministers as a symbol of betrayal!"
Lionel: "…" What a familiar recipe, a familiar taste.
He felt as if a high school history textbook had opened before him.
Chen Jitong's tone grew even more agitated, "And that's not all. Lord Guo's deputy envoy constantly opposed him within the embassy, even submitting memorials to impeach him."
Then Chen Jitong detailed the three absurd charges for which Guo Songtao was impeached:
Firstly, wearing a Western suit jacket to visit a fort—a dignified Heavenly Dynasty envoy, even if he froze to death, should not wear foreign clothes!
Secondly, standing up to greet the King of Brazil—how could a dignified Heavenly Dynasty envoy bow to the king of a small country?
Thirdly, repeatedly asking for the program at a concert in Buckingham Palace—why should a dignified Heavenly Dynasty envoy imitate foreign behavior?
Lionel: "…" This flavor was too strong, making him momentarily forget what era it was.
Chen Jitong finally began to sneer, "The ridiculous thing is that British newspapers even praised Lord Guo as 'the most cultivated Oriental we have seen'!
But in China, Lord Guo has become a traitor, a British spy!"
Lionel could only console him, "This is truly… unbelievable. Please allow me to express my sympathy for Lord Guo's plight…
These are all insignificant matters…"
Chen Jitong seemed to have found a kindred spirit, "Unfortunately… the government, under pressure, could only recall him.
Now, upon his return, he might face further scrutiny, or even imprisonment."
Lionel sincerely said, "I hope Lord Guo will be safe… And this Marquis Zeng?"
Chen Jitong then realized that his indignation had caused the conversation to stray from the topic, "Please rest assured, the new envoy, Marquis Zeng Jize, is also an outstanding figure.
He is the second son of our country's late important minister, Zeng Guofan. He is proficient in English, skilled in mathematics and natural sciences, has unique insights into international affairs, and also advocates learning from Europe and reforming for strength."
Lionel nodded; he still had an impression of the "Guo-Zeng" in diplomatic history.
Chen Jitong continued, "The Marquis particularly hopes to establish friendly relations with all sectors of French society.
He knows that you are not only a rising star in the literary world but also hold understanding and respect for Eastern culture.
Mr. Sorel, influential young talents like you are precisely the bridges needed for exchanges between China and France.
Your voice may be more powerful than many diplomatic notes."
Lionel fell into contemplation…
After some deliberation, Lionel finally nodded, "I understand. Thank you for the Marquis's invitation. I am honored to attend the dinner."
Chen Jitong's face broke into a sincere smile, "Excellent! Marquis Zeng will be very pleased. I will send a carriage to pick you up then."
— — — —
Two days later, at six in the evening, an elaborately decorated carriage stopped punctually below Lionel's apartment building.
Lionel traveled through the streets of Paris in the carriage, finally stopping in front of an Haussmann-style mansion.
A dragon flag hung above the doorway, gently fluttering in the evening breeze.
The embassy was already bustling with guests.
Lionel saw many familiar faces from Parisian society—Paul Pigout, the editor-in-chief of Le Petit Parisien, and the already well-known writer France…
The interior decoration was a blend of Chinese and Western styles: Chinese palace lanterns hung beneath European chandeliers, and both oil paintings and ink wash paintings adorned the walls.
Marquis Zeng Jize appeared in the hall, surrounded by a large retinue of attendants.
He was about forty years old, with a slender face, dressed in Qing Dynasty official robes. Although his French was not fluent, daily communication was not an issue.
After a brief address, the dinner officially began. Lionel was seated at a table near the main table.
Silverware gleamed on the dining table, but the dishes served were truly eye-opening:
Chinese cold dishes were arranged alongside French appetizers, West Lake vinegar fish and abalone, sea cucumber, shark fin, and maw appeared alternately, and French baked snails and truffle soup were also on the menu.
Halfway through the banquet, Chen Jitong brought two young Chinese men to Lionel's side. Lionel quickly wiped his mouth and stood up.
Surprisingly, these two young men wore neither official robes nor Western suits, but rather dark blue European-style student uniforms.
Chen Jitong introduced them, "Lionel, these two are government-sponsored students from our country studying in England. They are close to your age and are outstanding youths from both countries.
The envoy specifically brought them to Paris this time, hoping they could form good connections. I hope you can become friends!"
After he finished speaking, one of the tall, resolute-looking young men was the first to extend his hand, "Good evening, Mr. Sorel! I am Sa Zhenbing!"
The other young man also spoke, "Good evening, Mr. Sorel! My name is Yan Fu."