Chapter 282: The Troublesome Corsican Nationalists
Napoleon clearly didn't expect the Prince to summon him for such an offer. He was momentarily stunned but quickly stood up, placing his hand over his heart as he said, "I'm deeply honored, Your Highness. I mean, of course, I'm willing to join the Royal Guard!"
Joseph couldn't help but find it amusing to see the future emperor of Europe, who would one day shake the continent, so nervous and formal in front of him. He had anticipated that the young Napoleon would not refuse such an offer. After all, his family's vineyard in Corsica was still heavily in debt, and they desperately needed him to earn money to support the household.
Just as Joseph was about to say a few more encouraging words to strengthen their bond, Napoleon's face flushed with determination as if he had gathered all his courage. "Your Highness, I do have one request, and I hope you can grant it."
"Oh? Please, go ahead."
"Well, I need to take four to five months of leave each year to return to Corsica…" Napoleon seemed to realize that the Royal Guard likely had strict discipline, making it hard to take leave as freely as he did in Valence, so he decided to be upfront. "You see, my health isn't very good, and I need regular treatment. Also, my family's vineyard needs my attention…"
Joseph narrowed his eyes slightly, thinking that aside from hemorrhoids, he hadn't heard of Napoleon having any serious health issues. So, what was the real reason for these extended visits to Corsica every year?
Suddenly, it dawned on him. Around this time, Napoleon was still a staunch supporter of Corsican nationalism. Under the influence of Corsican independence leader Pasquale Paoli, he was secretly involved in various political activities.
Historically, Napoleon had spent nearly three of his first four years in the military on leave, much of it spent in Corsica participating in these activities. Thanks to the chaotic management of the French military at the time, no one seemed to notice.
Joseph sighed inwardly. It wouldn't do to have Napoleon divided in his loyalties like this; he would need to put an end to Napoleon's Corsican nationalist sentiments eventually. But that couldn't be rushed. If he pushed too hard, it might backfire, especially considering how young men in their twenties often react against authority. If Napoleon became a committed Corsican nationalist and turned against France, it would be a disaster.
For now, Joseph needed to keep Napoleon close and build a good relationship. He could deal with the nationalist issue gradually over time.
So, with a generous demeanor, Joseph nodded. "Your health is the most important thing. Of course, you can take leave. As for your family's vineyard, I have some friends in Bordeaux who could help manage it for you."
Napoleon had expected that the Prince might grant him one or two months of leave a year at most, so he was surprised when Joseph agreed so readily. Hearing the Prince's caring words, Napoleon felt a warm glow of gratitude and bowed deeply again. "Thank you for your kindness and understanding, Your Highness. My brothers and I can manage the vineyard ourselves. I promise to serve the Royal Guard with all my strength and repay your trust with my achievements in battle!"
With Napoleon now firmly "in his pocket," Joseph was in high spirits. He invited Napoleon to join him for dinner and later arranged for two guards to escort him back to Paris, where he was to report directly to the General Staff. As for the La Fère Regiment in Valence, Joseph simply sent a note informing them of Napoleon's reassignment. The French military, now under more disciplined control, offered little resistance to Joseph's directives.
After Napoleon left, Joseph strolled through the villa's garden, the cool late spring breeze gently rustling the leaves as he gazed at the distant stars, contemplating how to address the issue of Corsican independence.
Even if Napoleon's personal nationalist tendencies could be tempered, the island of Corsica itself needed to be brought more firmly under control. Otherwise, it could become a problem down the line.
The first step would be to deal with Pasquale Paoli. Without his influence, the minor Corsican nobles would likely lose interest in the independence movement. However, Paoli was currently in Britain, mostly writing and remotely encouraging Corsican nobles, rarely showing himself.
Perhaps the Intelligence Bureau could come up with a way to neutralize him.
Secondly, the Corsican Parliament needed to be dealt with. When Louis XV purchased Corsica, he hadn't planned on fully integrating it into France, so he allowed the local parliament to continue functioning, which meant that Corsica retained a significant degree of autonomy. The parliamentarians, fearful of losing their power, had become strong supporters of independence.
Beyond these political maneuvers, it was also crucial to enhance France's national strength and, in turn, improve the economic situation in Corsica. Once the Corsican people enjoyed a stable and prosperous life, they would have little interest in pursuing independence.
A stronger France would also foster Napoleon's sense of identity with the nation. Over time, he would naturally become fully integrated into French society, becoming a true Frenchman. By then, he would likely be the first to oppose anyone who dared threaten France's territorial integrity.
Ironically, in history, it was Napoleon himself who, after becoming emperor, significantly curtailed the power of the Corsican Parliament and unified Corsica's administrative system, effectively ending the island's independence movement.
Nine days later, after a long journey, Joseph's convoy finally entered Paris.
As the carriage rolled into the city, Joseph picked up the latest newspaper from Eymond. The front page of The Paris Commercial featured the headline: "Finals of La France Étoile Approaching, Fifty Contestants Head to Versailles."
He smiled and shook his head. Today, two events were far more significant than any singing competition.
The first was the conclusion of the long-awaited inheritance case of the Duke of Chartres. The court had officially declared the Duke bankrupt after he inherited the entirety of the Duke of Orléans' estate, which included a debt of 26 million livres. Large estates, including the Palais-Royal, and the Duke's annual income had been seized by the French Treasury to pay off his debts.
However, Queen Marie was too soft-hearted. After being moved by the Duchess of Orléans' tears, she allowed the Duke of Chartres to keep a small estate and several hundred thousand livres to maintain a semblance of noble dignity. But given the Duke's syphilis, it was unlikely he had many years left.
Meanwhile, the 60 million livres from the Duke of Orléans' estate had officially been transferred to the French Treasury, most of which was being used to repay national debt. As the largest holder of French debt, this money primarily ended up in the accounts of the French Treasury Bank.
The second major event was the sentencing of the hundreds of rioters who had been arrested earlier. Most received the death penalty. Joseph had no intention of being lenient with these gang members.
Yet, under the massive influence of La France Étoile, the whole of France seemed focused on the fifty finalists, discussing their stories and talents while placing small bets on who would win.
The cheerful and forgetful French public had already moved on from the tragic fates of the Orléans family and the condemned rioters.
(End of Chapter)
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