The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 168

Chapter 168: The Queen Imparts the Way of Kingship

Queen Marie hesitated only for half a second before agreeing readily. "You are absolutely correct, Archbishop Brienne. It is time to pardon Viscount Clermont and allow him to return to Paris."

She had always admired Clermont’s capabilities and was even more pleased with his loyalty to the Crown. If not for being pressured by the Assembly of Notables, she would never have exiled Clermont in the first place.

Now that even Brienne had no objections to pardoning Clermont, she was naturally happy to go along with the decision.

Brienne exchanged a subtle nod with Joseph before bowing to the Queen. “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty.”

“Oh, your magnanimity earns my utmost respect,” Queen Marie smiled at him, her tone sincere. “In a sense, Viscount Clermont is your rival, yet you suggested pardoning him without hesitation for the dignity of the Crown.”

“Thank you for your praise. It is my duty to serve the Crown faithfully.”

Brienne suddenly felt like he had gained something unexpected. Within just half an hour, he had secured the favor of both the Crown Prince and the Queen.

The Queen’s secretary quickly prepared the pardon decree following the usual format. After Queen Marie signed it, the document was sent to King Louis XVI for his signature and seal.

Seeing that everything was settled smoothly, Joseph left with Brienne.

However, just as they reached the door, Queen Marie called out to her son. “Joseph, my dear, wait a moment. I just remembered something I need to discuss with you.”

Brienne bowed to the Crown Prince and took his leave from the Petit Trianon Palace.

Joseph, slightly surprised, turned back with a look of innocent curiosity. “Mother, what do you wish to discuss?”

The Queen took him by the hand and led him to a small balcony surrounded by white marble railings. She squinted at the setting sun, speaking earnestly. “Joseph, you are destined to become a king in the future.

“In the past, I always thought you were too young, so I refrained from discussing certain matters with you. But now, you’ve shown remarkable talent and have become increasingly involved in state affairs. It is time for me to teach you how to be a good king.”

“You…” Joseph widened his eyes. Was she serious about teaching him the way of kingship?

Queen Marie glanced at Brienne’s departing figure below, her tone unusually solemn. “The most important quality of a king is decisiveness. You may grow close to some ministers, but you must never let their ideas dominate you, nor allow them to dictate your actions.”

Joseph: “???”

Seeing his bewildered expression, the Queen sighed and clarified further. “Since you began participating in cabinet affairs, you’ve always been by Brienne’s side. All of your views align with his. Whenever he comes to me with major matters, you stand by him and lend him your support.”

Joseph felt a wave of exasperation. Mother, your observations are sharp, but isn’t the hierarchy here a bit reversed?

Reluctantly, he nodded. “Ah, yes.”

The Queen continued. “Although Archbishop Brienne is capable and experienced in politics, you should only learn from him—not follow his lead in everything.”

Joseph could only nod again. “Yes, yes, you’re absolutely right.”

Seeing her son’s humble attitude, Queen Marie felt gratified and patiently continued her lesson. “For a minister like Brienne, you should assert the authority of a crown prince more. For example…”

Joseph struggled to suppress his frustration. Brienne practically followed his lead in everything—how much more assertive could he be?
“Yes, yes, I will remember.”

Queen Marie, becoming more animated, expounded on the principles of kingship until night fell, showing no signs of stopping.

Joseph, anxious to deal with Clermont’s affairs, found himself unable to interrupt as the Queen’s impassioned lecture carried on.

Just as he was growing desperate, he noticed the silhouette of a lively, petite figure illuminated by the streetlights below the balcony.

It was Maria Clementine. After Fashion Week, Queen Marie had insisted that her niece spend more time at Versailles, much to the latter’s delight.

Joseph’s eyes lit up. Time to use her to “disrupt the scene.” He turned his head and signaled furiously to the figure below.

Maria Clementine, sensing a pair of intense gazes upon her, looked around and met her cousin’s charming eyes.

“Your Highness!” She beamed, lifting her skirts and hurrying up to the second floor.

With the little chatterbox present, the Queen had to pause her “King’s Essential Lessons” to greet her niece with a smile.

Joseph seized the opportunity to excuse himself and make his escape.

The young girl, who had been snuggling against the Queen, immediately leapt up like a bird taking flight. She curtseyed before the Queen. “Your Majesty, I just remembered…”

Queen Marie gave her an understanding smile and gestured subtly toward Joseph. “Go on, dear. Good luck!”

Maria Clementine blushed but quickly turned and ran off, leaving behind a hasty, “Thank you, Aunt!”

Meanwhile, Joseph, having left the Petit Trianon, pondered who should be sent to contact Clermont. Marat was injured, Fouché’s identity was unsuitable, and no one else seemed fit for the task.

He recalled Mirabeau mentioning that the Nancy Industrial Zone had already begun operations. His own steam engine factory had also started production, and he had long wanted to inspect it but had been too busy.

Nancy and Toul were close to each other. Why not visit Clermont personally and then stop by Nancy to see the industrial progress?

Lost in thought, he suddenly heard the sound of small leather boots clicking behind him. Turning, he saw his cousin excitedly catching up.

“Cousin, where are you going?” Maria Clementine asked, her wide eyes brimming with curiosity.

“I…” Joseph replied reflexively, “am going to Lorraine.”

Maria Clementine blurted out, “I want to go to Lorraine too! Please take me along!”

“To play?” Joseph was momentarily at a loss. Smiling, he said, “Lorraine is remote and desolate—there’s nothing fun there.”

“I want to see…” Unfamiliar with Lorraine’s geography, Maria Clementine shot a furtive glance at her maid, her eyes pleading.

The maid, an Austrian herself, hesitated before recalling hearing about a French dish called “Artichokes Braised with Veal” and whispered the name uncertainly.

Maria Clementine misheard the last word, thinking it was “coal.” Overjoyed, she exclaimed, “To see coal!”

Joseph was baffled. “You… want to see coal? Well, Lorraine does have coal mines.”

Realizing her mistake but unable to backtrack, Maria Clementine nodded resolutely. “Yes! I love coal mines—the vastness, the depth, bringing people light and warmth—it moves me profoundly.

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