Life of Being a Crown Prince in France - Chapter 1486 - 1392: The Luxury of Lying Flat
Chapter 1486: Chapter 1392: The Luxury of Lying Flat
At the beginning of June, the sun became more diligent, the whole world was filled with bright light, and people’s moods also became relaxed and joyful.
The temperature had also warmed up significantly, the fireplaces in the Palace of Versailles no longer crackled, and the young ladies had even changed into thinner dresses that better highlighted their figures.
The Golden Conference Hall was hosting the first Senate meeting of France.
Since the Senate seats were all appointed by Joseph and the previous Cabinet’s administrative framework was in place, it quickly started operating.
At the front of the conference table, Joseph pinned a “Medal of Meritorious Service” on Archbishop Brienne’s chest, sincerely saying, “Thank you for the enormous contributions you have made to France and your absolute loyalty to the country. I believe that in the many years to come, all officials will take you as their example.”
Archbishop Brienne, somewhat emotional, bowed and took a deep breath, his voice slightly trembling, “Your Highness, serving you has been the proudest achievement of my life!
“As long as you need, I will be at your command at any time.”
Just now, Joseph officially accepted Brienne’s request for retirement, conferring upon him the title of Prince Archbishop, along with a Medal of Meritorious Service.
In fact, Brienne had submitted his resignation early in the year due to his advanced age, but Joseph had him persist until now for the smooth establishment of the two houses of Parliament.
However, he was unaware that in another timeline, he had been arrested by the National Convention six years ago for treason and died from a stroke due to harsh interrogation.
Over these years, as Chief Minister, he had consistently assisted Joseph in various reforms, demonstrating quite competent abilities, indeed making a significant contribution to France.
Now, he could retire with honor.
After Joseph praised Brienne once more, he looked at Mirabeau, saying, “Today is truly a day that moves me; two of the most outstanding ’navigators’ will leave this grand ship of the Senate at the same time.”
“However, I hope even more that your health will recover through rest.”
Yes, Mirabeau was also retiring.
In fact, his health was even worse than Archbishop Brienne’s. He had long suffered from heart disease and pneumonia, and if not for consistently taking salicylic acid brought by Joseph, he might have died of a serious illness nine years ago, as history recorded.
Though now his pneumonia was under control, his health deteriorated to the point of needing immediate rest due to indulgence in alcohol and sensual pleasures.
Joseph similarly awarded him the Medal of Meritorious Service.
Then, Joseph indicated to Baron Breti, saying, “Baron Breti will become the new Imperial Prime Minister.”
The latter immediately stood, loudly declaring, “Your trust is my greatest honor! I shall loyally follow the dust raised by your steeds! May Jesus grant me a clear path and the courage to bear this heavy responsibility.”
He then proceeded in standard court etiquette to the Crown Prince, slightly bowed, and solemnly accepted the gilded letter of appointment.
Baron Breti’s loyalty to the Royal Family was beyond doubt, but Joseph appointed him as Imperial Prime Minister, seeing value in his hereditary noble status.
With him in position, the old nobility would firmly stand by the Royal Family.
Regarding Baron Breti’s abilities, Joseph did not have many requirements. The Imperial Prime Minister was the most powerful minister in France, but in reality, major matters were handled by Joseph, with the Prime Minister often serving as a spokesperson and progress supervisor.
Joseph then looked at someone positioned slightly further back at the conference table, “Appoint Baron Cambaceres as Minister of Justice.”
His gaze fell on someone further out, “Appoint Mr. Jean-Antoine Chaptal as Minister of Industry.”
Both of these individuals had been under Joseph’s attention for a long time, and they were exceptionally capable.
Cambaceres was the core author of the Louis Code, while Chaptal was a renowned chemist, physician, and factory owner who had served in the French Industrial Association and the Industrial Development Fund, demonstrating expertise in both technical and administrative fields.
Although they ranked beyond the top 20 in Senate succession, government administrative positions and Senate roles were not strictly connected.
The main focus of today’s meeting was to announce the top-level appointments in France, and all agendas were concluded by noon.
Of course, the publication of the Senate list and the new government appointment announcements would inevitably trigger significant impact.
Joseph felt relieved, planning to leave most of the mundane affairs to the Senate and prepare to head to the Royal Hunting Ground west of Versailles with Alexandra.
He had just reached the Marble Courtyard when he met Lavallette, the Security Bureau chief, approaching, and he sighed inwardly, finding that complete “lying flat” was only a luxury.
He promptly let Lavallette ride in the carriage and talk along the way.
“Your Highness, it’s concerning matters in Switzerland.”
The Security Bureau chief cautiously glanced at the Crown Princess beside him, then continued after the Crown Prince nodded, “According to our intelligence from Vienna, and the news gathered from Bern, the swift suppression of protests in Basel, Zurich, and other places seems to have been due to Austrian intervention.
“What do you think, should we offer support to the protesters?”
What he referred to as “protesters” were actually people supporting Basel and other territories joining France.
Joseph squinted slightly, “It seems Vienna can’t sit still. But we need not intervene for now.”
(Today, there are some issues at home, so please forgive me.)
