Chapter 1390: A New Chapter for a New Era
However, Minister of Civil Affairs, Roland, then briefly introduced the progress of drafting France's Children Protection Act.
The parts completed so far mainly included:
1. Abandoning children would constitute a crime—primarily aimed at punishing parents who placed their children in orphanages.
2. Prohibition of child trafficking.
3. Parents would be required to ensure children met minimum school attendance standards.
4. Prohibition of inciting children to theft, begging, or engaging in highly dangerous work.
Given the common European attitude where children were widely treated with little regard for their humanity, this law was undoubtedly another significant step forward in human rights.
After all the ministers had finished their reports, everyone in the meeting hall was flushed with excitement and pride.
Indeed, after winning this war, France had completely emerged from the quagmire of a decade ago, with every aspect of the nation displaying widespread prosperity.
A flicker of worry and tension passed through her eyes, then she smiled and nodded. "Please begin your announcement."
Charles's palms immediately grew damp with sweat. His mother's personal confirmation surely meant the announcement of his marriage, yet she hadn't even asked for his opinion beforehand!
He secretly resolved that as long as the name his elder brother spoke wasn't Louise, he would refuse on the spot, even if it meant a reprimand.
Joseph turned around and, with a solemn expression, declared loudly to the dozens of people present:
"Gentlemen, today, a new chapter, a new era, is about to begin.
"For the eternal prosperity and order of France, for the future of the nation, under the witness of God, His Majesty the King has signed an edict, officially authorizing the establishment of the Senate and the House of Representatives. And, the promulgation of the corresponding Code.
"May God bless France!"
Everyone immediately rose in unison and bowed together. "May God bless France! May God bless our King!"
Not a single person showed surprise, as if they had merely heard a routine administrative order.
Rumors of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince establishing a parliament had been circulating for a long time, and preparations for various related matters had already begun. Today, the other shoe had finally dropped.
Joseph's reason for announcing the nation's various situations collectively today was to stabilize public morale and boost spirits with France's strength, thereby reducing resistance to this major political reform.
In truth, given his current prestige and absolute control over the military, even if he declared the entire nation convert to Protestantism immediately, no one would dare object.
Of course, in France, the birthplace of Enlightenment thought, even illiterate peasants could discuss 'liberty and equality'. So, with the exception of a few of the Old Nobility, most French people looked forward to the establishment of a parliament.
Joseph knew that if he failed to proactively tame the era, he would ultimately be swallowed by its currents.
In the meeting hall, only Charles froze for two seconds before rising to his feet, his face beaming with surprise, and joining the others in bowing.
'Ah,' he thought. His joy stemmed, naturally, from not having to marry Maria for now. As for the immense difficulty of being with Louise, young men never bothered themselves with such thoughts.
Joseph then handed a gold-edged parchment scroll to Archbishop Brienne.
The latter reverently accepted it, then turned it to display it to the assembly. It was Louis XVI's signed edict regarding the establishment of the two houses.
Last week, His Majesty the King had signed this edict without even finishing reading its contents—as long as his son said it was fine, he had no reservations. He was currently at the Engineering Design Institute, leading a group of technicians in an effort to increase the power of the forging machines.
Immediately after, Archbishop Brienne began to read the edict's contents aloud:
"My people, noble dignitaries, valiant soldiers...
"In the name of the King of France, under the watchful eye of God, I solemnly declare that France shall operate under the strictures of the Code Louis, ensuring that every French citizen may live with dignity, freedom, and security...
"By the terms of the Code, the Senate is hereby authorized for establishment, responsible for signing and promulgating laws, managing the kingdom's financial, diplomatic, and military affairs, and for convening and dissolving the House of Representatives. Members of the Senate shall be appointed from the Senatorial Sequence in order of precedence, and led by the Imperial Prime Minister appointed by the King.
"By the terms of the Code, the House of Representatives is hereby authorized for establishment, responsible for drafting decrees, reviewing budgets, and determining tax rates..."
Indeed, Joseph did not directly copy the historical Dual Monarchy model, but rather made several improvements.
Firstly, while the Senate appeared to have only 80 seats, a "Senatorial Sequence" had been established, which was essentially a ranked list of those qualified to enter the Senate.
Should a vacancy arise in the Senate, individuals would be appointed from this sequence based on their rank.
This 'sequence' comprised over 400 individuals, thus 'settling' a large number of the Old Nobility.
France, under Joseph's guidance, had bypassed a bloody revolution, thereby preserving a considerable class of Old Nobility. These individuals represented the most stubborn conservative forces.
However, by retaining their positions within the new order, their obstruction could be minimized, and they would ultimately be assimilated.
Of course, who specifically could enter the Senate still required the King's signature.
If an individual was utterly useless, Joseph had myriad ways to invalidate their position in the sequence.
Moreover, even once in the Senate, the disparity in power and influence would be vast. The true core of state power would still reside with the dozen or so individuals currently in the cabinet.
Secondly, Joseph had also not stipulated that Senate members must be nobles.
Commoners with outstanding political abilities could likewise be exceptionally admitted to the Senatorial Sequence, and the King reserved the right to advance their position.
Furthermore, Senate seats were not hereditary, thereby preventing the emergence of another generation of 'Old Nobility' forces.
The House of Representatives, however, saw little change, primarily involving itself in legislative and taxation matters, but for decrees to take effect, the King's final signature was still required.
After Brienne finished reading, everyone in the meeting hall once again cheered in unison, "Long live His Majesty the King!"
Then, Joseph cleared his throat, picked up the roster before him and announced: "The first Imperial Prime Minister will be Archbishop Étienne de Brienne.
"Baron Breteuil will serve as Prime Minister's Assistant...
"Third in sequence, the Duke of Broglie...
"Fourth in sequence, Count Mirabeau...
"Fifth in sequence, Archbishop Beaumont...
"Sixth in sequence, Archbishop Talleyrand...
"Seventh in sequence, Count Segur..."
He stopped after announcing the first 25 positions in the sequence. The subsequent seats were largely for figureheads and could be announced at any time in the future, thus leaving some aspirations for the nobles.
Putting away the roster, Joseph then gestured to Baron Cambaceres, the Deputy Minister of Justice.
The latter reverently handed over a thick stack of documents. The title on the topmost page was clearly – The Code Louis.
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