The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 54

Chapter 54: "Huangpu Police Academy"

On the viewing platform of the police academy, Joseph stood in a pristine blue-and-white uniform of the Paris police force. With a warm smile directed at the instructors and cadets before him, he raised his voice, "First, congratulations to all of you. You will become the honorable police officers of France!

"Yes, at this moment, almost everyone looks down on, even despises, the police. But believe me, this history ends with you!

"The police of France will be a sacred profession—protecting the people, maintaining order, and fighting crime.

"From now on, you will earn the respect of all, be praised and admired. Young women will compete to marry you."

After boosting their morale, Joseph shifted to the key points. "I am very pleased to be your principal.

"Once a principal, forever a principal!

"Please remember, no matter what difficulties or adversities you encounter, your principal will always stand firmly behind you and support you!

"Even one day, when you graduate from the Paris Police Academy, or even when you grow too old to serve as police officers, this academy will remain an eternal bond between us!"

The crowd below was so moved they could barely contain themselves. Joining the Paris Police Academy felt like divine favor. If not for the constraints of discipline, someone might have already shouted, "Long live the principal!"

Joseph raised his hand and swung it forcefully. "The Paris Police Academy officially begins classes today!"

All the instructors and cadets saluted in unison, raising their hats and replying loudly, "Yes!"

Then, Besançon, the director of the Paris Police Department, ascended the stage to announce, "Please welcome the Crown Prince to confer appointments on the newly promoted commissioners of the Paris Police Department."

Immediately, over ten individuals in police uniforms, led by Arden, stepped into the center of the platform, standing tall and straight in a neat line.

This ceremony had been arranged by Besançon. Inwardly, Joseph silently praised his subordinate for this thoughtful touch.

Although the appointments had been decided in advance, the ceremony served as a clear message: these positions were granted by the Crown Prince, and they should never forget whom they serve.

Taking the copper badges and cufflinks engraved with the symbol of a sword from Besançon's hands, Joseph personally conferred the rank of Deputy Commissioner upon the appointees.

Once the conferral ceremony was completed, the academy instructors led the police officers undergoing routine training in a formation drill for the Crown Prince. Only after this was the ceremony officially concluded.

As the cadets dispersed in an orderly fashion, Joseph accompanied Dean Froyent on a tour of the newly established academy, followed by other police department officials.

Besançon deliberately fell a few steps behind and exchanged a meaningful glance with a square-faced commissioner. The latter immediately stepped forward.

Besançon frowned and spoke in a low voice, "Why hasn’t that matter been dealt with yet?"

"Director, in fact, I was ready to act two days ago," the square-faced officer quickly explained, "but then someone from the 'Routine Affairs Team' said they had a better method."

"Oh?"

The square-faced officer quickly recounted the plan. Besançon broke into a smile. "As expected, those fellows excel in such tricks. It’s a clever approach."

The square-faced officer chuckled. "I thought so too. This way, we can punish those damned banks severely without leaving any traces. So I let them proceed with the revised plan."

Besançon nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Move quickly."

"Yes!"

Joseph, meanwhile, walked through the academy’s dormitories and training grounds. Internally, he shook his head. The dormitories were extremely basic, clearly converted from dilapidated housing in the slums. The training grounds, though flat, were barren and lacked any proper equipment, barely suitable for marching drills and running.

Still, this was understandable, as construction had only begun about a month ago.

But this was his Huangpu—cough, his Paris Police Academy. How could it remain so shabby? Especially now that there were funds available, it must be built to top-tier standards!

Pointing to the dilapidated dormitories, Joseph instructed Froyent, "Build entirely new buildings over there. They must accommodate at least 2,000 people. Each room should have a fireplace, and the toilets must be equipped with flushing mechanisms."

He then turned to the training grounds. "Equip them with a full range of training facilities: climbing frames, rope ladders, obstacle courses, sand pits, and mud pits. Drills cannot be limited to simple marching..."

When they reached the academy's warehouse, Joseph frowned even more. "Why is it filled with riot-control batons, swords, and spears? Where are the firearms?"

Froyent felt somewhat wronged. "Your Highness, didn’t you previously restore order in the Saint-Antoine District using these very tools..."

Joseph sighed. "That was because I had no choice at the time. With proper training, firearms are undoubtedly more effective!

"Take note: immediately procure 500 muskets from the Charleville company. Stock up on gunpowder and lead bullets as well. Everyone will conduct live-fire exercises ten times every three days, and the elite class must train at least eight times daily."

Froyent nodded in astonishment. With only 200 cadets at the academy, the Crown Prince was ordering 500 muskets... The live-fire practice quota alone far exceeded even the standards of the elite imperial troops.

Unfazed, Joseph continued, "Also, purchase some military horses—let’s start with 50—and hire stablemasters. Every member of the elite class must learn to ride, and the gifted ones can be taught cavalry charges and formations."

By now, Froyent was numb to it all. Fine, whatever you say, Your Highness. Fifty military horses alone would cost over 300,000 livres.

After touring the entire academy, Joseph smacked his lips in dissatisfaction and murmured, "The area is a bit small."

Froyent was about to point out that the academy’s 20 acres should be sufficient for any training purposes when he heard the Crown Prince mutter, "Even with reduced gunpowder, a single cannon shot should still reach the city."

Not just Froyent, but every police official who overheard felt a jolt in their hearts. Was His Highness planning to have the police practice with cannons?!

After some thought, Joseph instructed Froyent, "Check the outskirts of Paris for a larger plot of land and purchase it.

"Build something resembling a military camp with defensive walls. I’ll arrange for some cannons later... By the way, do any of you know how to operate artillery?"

The group exchanged glances, all shaking their heads.

Joseph said, "No problem. Dubois is an artillery officer; he can teach you. Hmm, this should suffice for now in the early stages..."

...

Louvre District.

At the largest branch of Ravelle Bank in Paris, a group of police officers in blue-and-white uniforms swaggered in, carrying riot batons and shields, their expressions insolent.

A bank clerk immediately approached with a sycophantic smile. "Officers, how may I assist you?"

"We don’t need anything. It’s your bank that needs us." A portly officer growled, "We received a tip-off that a gang of robbers is planning to hit this place today!"

No sooner had he spoken than the bank’s customers—depositors and those handling transactions—panicked and fled, abandoning their business without a backward glance.

The portly officer signaled to his subordinates. "Go, stand guard at the entrance! Search everyone entering the bank carefully; not a single robber must be missed!"

"Yes!"

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