Chapter 1219: The Declaration of the Rights of Man
On the western flank of the formation, Prevedish stood ramrod straight, his leather boots pressed together, resting his hand on his rifle barrel.
He was twenty-one years old, but only in these past few months, campaigning with the Crown Prince, had he truly understood what it meant to live a life of pride, fulfillment, and fiery passion.
He couldn't help but recall the past two days since returning to Paris, when pretty noblewomen had eagerly clustered around him, all wanting to hear tales of the "campaigns in Vienna."
General Moreau's exploits, plunging deep behind enemy lines and throwing the Austrian army into disarray, had long been reported in the Parisian newspapers. As a soldier who had participated in the campaigns, Prevedish was already a hero in the eyes of those around him.
Even when he recounted his experiences in Trento, where he hadn't fired a single shot, it still drew gasps of astonishment from everyone.
Naturally, he would also highlight the Fifth Army Group's heroic deeds to bring the atmosphere to a fever pitch.
Now, even his older brother, who had previously looked down on him, treated him with immense respect.
Prevedish puffed out his chest, silently vowing that in the future, he would genuinely eliminate some enemies on the battlefield so as not to squander the opportunity the Crown Prince had given him.
"Attention!"
He had barely finished his sentence when the soldiers responded in unison, "Long live His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"
Masson glanced helplessly at Monsieur Crouzet, the orator beside him, feeling there was no need to say anything more. Given the soldiers' fervent demeanor, even if the Crown Prince ordered them to demolish their own homes, they would carry it out immediately and without hesitation.
Nevertheless, Crouzet followed the established procedure and began to introduce the core tenets of the Declaration of the Rights of Man.
As he spoke, the soldiers began to whisper excitedly among themselves: "His Highness is going to sow freedom and equality for everyone!"
"'All men are equal before the law.' Good heavens, that's the most philosophical thing I've ever heard!"
"This truly is the greatest decree!"
They were all young men, and most were noble scions who had previously lived lives of ease and idleness, making them susceptible to idealism. They naturally held immense support for the ideals of the Declaration of the Rights of Man.
In fact, historically, they were also one of the core forces driving the great French Revolution.
In the Hall of Mirrors, a middle-aged nobleman wearing spectacles gazed at the Declaration of the Rights of Man in his hand, shaking his head repeatedly. "'Equality'? Are we to make commoners and nobles equal? No, this will only bring shame upon noble blood!"
His words immediately drew a chorus of agreement.
"What is 'nobility'?" Viscount Varennes, dressed in a black coat, strode to the front, gesturing with his hand.
"Those 'gentlemen' born of prominent families, yet perpetually drunk, spending their days flitting between casinos and brothels—I believe no one would consider them noble.
"But if a person possesses outstanding knowledge, impeccable character, or has made exceptional contributions, even if they are but a commoner, they can still be called noble!
"Why do we fear equality?
"Is it because we believe our abilities are inferior to those of humble birth? That is not nobility, but cowardice!"
Mirabeau immediately led the applause. "You've spoken exceptionally well!"
He had long since heard rumors from Baron Breteuil that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince intended to implement an 'Equality Decree.' Today's spectacle led him to surmise that His Highness was about to formally enact it.
As a leading figure of the burgeoning noble faction, he had naturally made extensive preparations to support His Highness, but he had reacted a beat too slowly just now, allowing Varennes to seize the initiative.
Mirabeau strode to the wooden platform at the very front, raising the Declaration of the Rights of Man in his hand. "Look, everyone!
"These are not merely a few sheets of paper; this is France's cry to the entire world, a declaration of civilization and reason!
"From this moment forth, the rights every individual is entitled to will no longer be vague terms found in the annals of our ancestors, but a clear and solemn proclamation!
"It belongs to you, and to you, to every single Frenchman!"
Just then, shouts from the Grenadier Guards Battalion drifted in from outside the window, "The great decree..."
"Embrace liberty and equality!"
The nobles instinctively turned their heads to glance at the square outside, many spotting their own sons or nephews among the soldiers.
Footsteps sounded at the doorway, and the nobles in the Hall of Mirrors turned to see the King and Queen, accompanied by the Crown Prince, entering. They quickly bowed in deference.
Louis XVI stepped onto the wooden platform at the front of the great hall, trying hard to recall the words he had memorized, only to find he had forgotten most of them out of nervousness.
He expertly gestured towards his son. "I have already signed the Declaration of the Rights of Man. The Crown Prince will explain the specifics to everyone."
Joseph inclined his head to his father, then stepped forward. He cleared his throat and announced in a clear voice,
"All of you seated here today hail from glorious and distinguished families.
"I am deeply aware that, for a very long time, your ancestors have steadfastly upheld honor and responsibility to govern and protect the great nation of France.
"The old era had its own trajectory and indelible mark, and they always adhered to it.
"Today, however, this decree illuminates a path that is even more brilliant, more just, and brimming with vitality.
"Liberty and equality are by no means meant to obstruct anything; rather, they are intended to protect every French citizen, safeguarding their legitimate interests. This decree will lay an even firmer foundation, one built upon law and the rights of every individual.
"Through it, France will attain unprecedented new heights!"
Mirabeau was the first to shout, "Long live His Majesty the King!"
Almost all the nobles present joined in the enthusiastic cheer. Even the few who had frowned earlier, seeing the overwhelming support, had no choice but to follow suit.
In truth, with France's industrial output rapidly increasing over the years, many nobles had invested in various industries to secure profits, meaning that true Old Nobility were now few and far between.
Joseph realized that the resistance to promoting the Declaration of the Rights of Man was far less than he had anticipated.
He then announced that, in the name of His Majesty the King, France would formally implement the Declaration of the Rights of Man decree from that day forward.
The following day, every newspaper's front page carried the full text of the Declaration of the Rights of Man, and excited speeches could be heard everywhere.
"Do you all see it? 'Born equal'! Every one of us, from this moment forth, is an individual possessed of dignity! Thank you, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"
"We will be free to think, to debate, to pursue truth! Regardless of wealth or birth..."
"Every person's labor income, every single denier, belongs to us alone; no one can arbitrarily take it away! This is a right bestowed upon us by His Majesty the King!"
Initially, ordinary citizens hadn't fully grasped the profound significance of this declaration, but soon, all of Paris began to tremble.
Nearly ten thousand people spontaneously gathered outside the Palace of Versailles, holding up newspapers printed with the Declaration of the Rights of Man.
Shouts of "Long live His Majesty the King!" and "Long live His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!" continued unabated until dusk.
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