The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 188

Chapter 188: Louis XVI's "Themed Birthday Celebration"

“Divert the public’s attention?” Bishop Brienne nodded. He was quite familiar with this tactic. “Do you mean heavily publicizing some noble scandals?”

Joseph was momentarily stunned. To be honest, this was slightly different from his initial plan, but it was undoubtedly an effective approach.

“In addition to that, we could have the newspapers report on the Swiss debt.”

Indeed, the funds not yet returned by the Swiss Denaro Bank could reasonably be framed as money owed to France by Switzerland. The logic held up.

Joseph knew that France was currently in the early stages of national awakening, and people were deeply concerned about issues involving national interests. As long as the wording was appropriate, the story would surely capture everyone’s attention.

In reality, the Swiss cantonal and federal councils had already fronted nearly three million livres, with additional bank loans being forcibly recalled. They had even sent diplomats to France to coordinate the matter. However, given France’s domestic needs, the Swiss could only endure this “inconvenience.”

Bishop Brienne nodded thoughtfully, admitting that this matter could indeed attract more public attention than noble scandals.

Joseph continued, “Also, we should publicly try the Barbary pirates we’ve captured, sending them to Paris for trial. We could even find a few French-speaking American sailors to assist in stirring emotions.”

“Turn the pirate-catching operation into a script, and after the trial each day, perform it right there on the spot.”

Joseph, seasoned by 21st-century media trends, was undoubtedly a master at generating buzz in this era.

“We can also add some visual impact. Hasn't that Boislandal already been sentenced? Execute the hanging as soon as possible and display the body on a streetlamp as a warning.”

Boislandal was a banker convicted of murdering Necker.

“But...” Brienne hesitated, wanting to mention that judicial procedures hadn’t yet concluded, and it was too soon for execution. However, remembering that the banker was not a noble and had connections to criminal gangs, he decided a word with the High Court would suffice, so he dropped the objection.

With these arrangements, public concern over the poor harvest would undoubtedly be greatly reduced. Combined with the availability of affordable bread, fears of a food crisis could soon be effectively mitigated.

...

Brienne’s assistant entered, accompanied by one of the queen’s maids. Countess Debonynac curtsied to the two men and said, “Bishop Brienne, Her Majesty the Queen requests your presence.”

Brienne quickly followed the maid out, while Joseph returned to his study to draft a detailed document outlining his “hot topic” strategy.

Unexpectedly, within half an hour, Brienne returned, looking anxious. With a troubled expression, he said, “Your Highness, you must help me persuade Her Majesty.”

“Oh? What’s the matter?” Joseph asked.

Brienne sighed, “You know, next month is His Majesty the King’s birthday. Her Majesty just summoned me to discuss the celebrations. But with the country facing such a severe poor harvest and money needed everywhere, I suggested not holding a large-scale celebration. However, she was evidently dissatisfied...”

“Wait!” Joseph suddenly looked at him. “That’s right. His Majesty’s birthday is approaching.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Her Majesty loves you dearly. If you persuade her, she might listen.”

Joseph thought briefly, then shook his head with a smile. “No, Bishop Brienne. This birthday should be celebrated.”

“What?” Brienne was taken aback.

“Not only should it be celebrated, but it should also be done grandly!” Joseph said, pulling Brienne along toward the Trianon Palace.

...

Not long after, Queen Marie Antoinette gently caressed her son’s hair, casting a glance at Brienne, who stood frowning nearby. She smiled brightly. “I knew it. Joseph would surely agree to host a grand birthday celebration for his beloved father.”

Joseph followed her lead, first offering his blessings to Louis XVI. Then he said, “But you know, Mother, the citizens of Paris are currently worried about the food supply. If we hold a birthday celebration without context, it could easily arouse dissatisfaction.”

“Furthermore, there’s the financial issue,” he added.

Brienne, not expecting this turn, quickly nodded in agreement.

The Queen frowned. “So, what are you suggesting?”

Joseph smiled. “The celebration must have a theme.”

“A theme?”

“The citizens of Paris will hear this: His Majesty the Great King will host a disaster-relief-themed birthday celebration,” Joseph explained. “The celebration must be large in scale and reach as many people as possible. We’ll start building anticipation half a month in advance, holding free events and distributing food daily in His Majesty’s name.

“During the birthday week, we’ll host charity sales every day, calling on the nobles to make donations. All Parisians can come to Versailles’ square to participate in the festivities. We can even organize lucky draws.

“For nearly a month, Paris will be filled with laughter and joy, and no one will think about the poor harvest.”

Brienne wore a pained expression. “Your Highness, this would cost a great deal of money.”

“It won’t cost much,” Joseph said. “The most expensive parts of such celebrations are hiring theater troupes and circuses, hosting large banquets, and decorating Versailles.

“We simply omit these expenses.”

Marie Antoinette’s eyes widened. “Without those, what kind of celebration would it be?”

Joseph had already planned his strategy on the way over. Smiling, he replied, “We can organize two competitions for entertainment.

“The ladies can compete in a singing and dancing contest. The court orchestra will provide accompaniment, and the talented ladies of Versailles can showcase their skills. Her Majesty, leading a panel of royal women, can serve as a judge, while a music master provides commentary. The most outstanding performers will receive awards personally presented by Her Majesty. I’m sure they will enthusiastically participate.

“For the gentlemen, we can hold a fencing competition, with His Majesty as the judge and presenter of awards.

“Of course, we can also invite a circus, but only to perform briefly during the competitions. The cost will be minimal.”

Queen Marie imagined the scene of noblewomen gathering and showcasing their talents, and she found the idea appealing. She nodded approvingly.

Joseph continued, “On his birthday, His Majesty can tour Paris to receive citizens’ blessings. This means the banquet will be limited to a single evening—a dinner. That’s the only significant expense.”

In previous years, the King’s birthday celebrations required full-day feasts, which accounted for the bulk of expenses. A single dinner, however, would cost significantly less.

“As for decorations, Versailles is already the most refined and luxurious place in Europe. A thorough cleaning and some fresh flowers will suffice.

“The core of a celebration is the people. As long as the event is lively and everyone enjoys themselves, it will be a successful celebration.”

Brienne silently calculated the costs of Joseph’s proposal, estimating that it would require no more than 300,000 livres. Moreover, it would not provoke criticism of the royal family from Parisians. He promptly expressed his agreement. “Your Majesty, I find His Highness’ proposed celebration plan to be truly perfect.”

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