Chapter 1339: The Tithe
In the evening, the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles was brightly lit. Accompanied by an orchestra, several children dressed as mice, cats, and hounds were eagerly chasing each other on a temporary stage, performing.
On a wooden sign at the top of the stage, "Tom and Jerry" was written in charming, rounded letters.
"Tom Cat" was constantly outwitted by "Jerry," drawing peals of laughter from hundreds of nobles in the hall.
Soon after, the play ended, and the Crown Princess brought the performing children to the center of the crowd, announcing with a smile, "These adorable children are the first to be rescued by the new Paris Orphanage."
As she spoke, the children removed their head coverings, each one looking pale and emaciated, prompting sympathetic sighs from the noblewomen.
In truth, the new Paris Orphanage was still under construction. However, for this charity fundraiser, the Public Relief Office had "recruited" some children in advance. In an era of high living risks and widespread abandonment, they simply spent an afternoon scouring the streets of Paris and found forty to fifty orphans.
Alexandra then explained the orphanage's operational model and the contents of the Adoption Act. Finally, in a voice full of emotion, she declared, "I know that among you are the most benevolent people in the world, and you will surely wish to help these children gain a new life."
The Duchesse de Broglie immediately raised her hand and said, "Your Royal Highness, I pledge four thousand francs to the orphanage."
Other nobles quickly followed suit, "I'll donate two thousand francs."
With the Crown Princess and the Queen present, the nobles naturally strove to display their benevolence.
This was followed by more children's performances and another round of donations.
By the time the three-hour charity fundraiser concluded, Alexandra had collected over 670,000 francs in donations.
This sum was nearly enough to cover the construction costs for all orphanages in Paris.
Alexandra stepped to the center of the stage and loudly announced to the nobles present, "The person who donated the most at this fundraiser is—my dear sister, the Countess of Artois.
"She donated forty thousand francs to the orphanage!
"She will also be honored with the title of 'The Most Good' for this year."
Immediately, several court officials appeared behind the Crown Princess, carrying a silver trophy, which she formally presented to the Countess of Artois.
Then, a pure white cape embroidered with gold threads was draped over the Countess of Artois.
A journalist standing in the corner continuously scribbled notes in a notebook.
In short, the entire event was designed to be highly ceremonial—a plan orchestrated by Joseph.
Indeed, the nobles in the hall began to stir, and the Duchesse de Broglie even wanted to make an additional donation for the title of "The Most Good."
Alexandra had no choice but to politely decline her, then reassured her, "Before next Christmas, we will hold another fundraiser for the orphanage here, and then you will surely become 'The Most Good' for that year.
"Oh, and by the way, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has specifically petitioned the Pope to bestow the title of 'Cloak-Divider' upon anyone who receives 'The Most Good' for three consecutive years—the Pope himself will come to Paris to conduct the ceremony!"
The nobles in the hall were instantly abuzz with excitement.
A title personally granted by the Pope—such an honor would surely be remembered for centuries!
The "Cloak-Divider" refers to the legendary Saint Martin, who encountered a beggar with no clothes. Lacking money at the time, he split his own cloak in two, giving half to the beggar. Later, Jesus appeared in his dream, wearing that very half-cloak. Thus, "Cloak-Divider" is virtually the highest title one can receive for charitable acts.
As for the Pope, Joseph hadn't actually approached him yet, but he was confident the Pope wouldn't refuse a request from the Crown Prince of France.
The next morning, Joseph sat at the breakfast table and casually opened a copy of the Paris Business Journal, immediately spotting the headline on the front page: "Countess of Artois Crowned 'The Most Good' of the Year."
'Hmm, I expect she'll fight tooth and nail to reclaim that title next year, even if it means emptying her coffers.'
Not long after Joseph finished breakfast, Minister of Civil Affairs Roland arrived in his reception room.
"Your Highness," Roland bowed respectfully, then handed him a document. "The tithe income and expenditure of the Church have been compiled."
Joseph opened the document with a touch of surprise. "Your efficiency is beyond my expectations."
He knew very well that the Church would never willingly provide such data, and he had only tasked Roland with investigating the tithe about half a year ago.
"Mr. Robespierre deployed personnel from the Tax Bureau to assist, which is how we obtained this information," Roland reported truthfully. "Mr. Monge also used mathematical statistical methods to roughly calculate the scale of the tithe, and his figures largely matched those from the Tax Bureau."
Joseph nodded. 'It seems Robespierre has built up quite a network within the Tax Bureau over the years, to the point of covertly uncovering the Church's tax records.'
He then looked directly at the end of the document, where he saw:
"Total national tithes: 120 million francs. Total expenditures: 87 million francs (excluding voluntary donations)."
The so-called "voluntary donations" were the annual taxes the Church transferred to the royal family. Last year, it was apparently 16 million francs.
He flipped back to the expenditure details: "Church school repair and maintenance: 47 million francs. Orphanage expenditures: 11 million francs. Charitable relief: 7 million francs. Hospital expenditures: 6 million francs. Civil ceremonies: 16 million francs."
Joseph immediately frowned.
Leaving aside the fact that orphanages apparently required 11 million francs in expenditure—given the Church's usual methods, they should be profitable, not costly—what was this 16 million francs for "civil ceremonies"?
Civil ceremonies referred to the expenses incurred by the Church for religious activities for the French populace, such as baptisms, weddings, funerals, and Masses. But these expenses should come from the Church's land revenues; why were they using tithe money for them?
Furthermore, and more importantly, from the total 120 million in tithes, after subtracting expenditures and "voluntary donations," where did the remaining 17 million francs go?
Before this investigation, it might have seemed acceptable, but now, Joseph's resolve to reform the Church was strengthened.
'This institution is nothing short of a parasite on France!'
One must remember, the Church also owned a tenth of the nation's arable land, yielding at least a hundred million francs in annual income.
Joseph calmed his emotions and instructed Roland, "Go ahead and submit the application as planned."
As he spoke, he suddenly recalled the Tax Bureau, narrowed his eyes, and said, "Wait a moment. Perhaps it would be more appropriate for Mr. Robespierre to initiate this matter. Go discuss it with him; make sure to build up momentum."
"Yes, Your Highness."
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