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Chapter 1392: The Delusion of Lying Flat

In early June, the sun grew more diligent, filling the world with bright light and lifting people's spirits, making them feel lighthearted and joyful.

The temperature had also warmed considerably. The fireplaces in Versailles no longer crackled, and young ladies had even changed into thin dresses that better accentuated their figures.

In the Golden Conference Hall, the first French Senate meeting was underway.

Since Joseph had personally appointed all the Senate seats, and with the existing administrative framework of the previous cabinet, operations quickly got off the ground.

At the head of the conference table, Joseph pinned an Order of the Fleur-de-lis medal to Archbishop Brienne's chest and said sincerely, "Thank you for your immense contributions to France, and for your absolute loyalty to the nation. I believe that all future French officials will look to you as their exemplar."

Brienne bowed excitedly, took a deep breath, and choked out, "Your Royal Highness, serving you is the greatest pride of my life!

"Should you ever need me, I will always be ready to heed your commands."

Just moments ago, Joseph had formally accepted Brienne's request for retirement, granting him the title of Prince-Archbishop and an Order of the Fleur-de-lis medal.

In truth, Brienne had submitted his resignation early in the year due to his advanced age, but Joseph had asked him to stay on until now to ensure the smooth formation of the two legislative bodies.

He was unaware, however, that in another timeline, he had been arrested by the National Convention six years prior on charges of treason and had died from a stroke caused by the harsh interrogation.

Over the years, as Chief Minister, he had consistently cooperated with Joseph's various reforms. His abilities were considerable, and he had indeed made significant contributions to France.

Now, he was able to retire honorably.

After Joseph had once again lavishly praised Brienne, he turned to Mirabeau. "Today is truly a day of reflection for me, as two of our finest 'navigators' are simultaneously leaving the great ship that is the Senate.

"However, I hope even more that your bodies will recover with rest."

Yes, Mirabeau was also retiring.

In fact, his health was even worse than Archbishop Brienne's. He had long suffered from heart disease and pneumonia, and if not for the salicylic acid Joseph had provided, he likely would have died from a severe illness nine years ago, just as in history.

While his pneumonia was now under control, his health had deteriorated to a point where immediate rest at home was imperative, due to his indulgences in alcohol and women.

Joseph also awarded him an Order of the Fleur-de-lis medal.

Afterward, Joseph gestured to Baron Breti. "Baron Breti will become the new Imperial Prime Minister."

The latter immediately rose and declared loudly, "Your trust is my greatest honor! I will faithfully follow the dust stirred by your horse's hooves! May God show me a clear path and grant me the courage to bear this heavy responsibility."

Then, with standard court decorum, he approached the Crown Prince, bowed, and solemnly accepted the gilded letter of appointment.

Baron Breti's loyalty to the Royal Family was beyond doubt, but Joseph appointed him Imperial Prime Minister primarily because of his hereditary noble status.

His appointment would ensure the Old Nobility firmly stood with the Royal Family.

As for Baron Breti's abilities, Joseph didn't have many demands. While the Imperial Prime Minister was ostensibly the most powerful minister in France, Joseph actually oversaw all major affairs. Often, the Prime Minister merely served as a mouthpiece and progress monitor.

Joseph then looked towards a seat slightly further back at the conference table. "Baron Cambaceres is appointed Minister of Justice."

His gaze fell on another individual further out. "Mr. Jean-Antoine Chaptal is appointed Minister of Industry."

Both men had long been on Joseph's radar and possessed exceptional abilities.

Cambaceres was a core author of the Code Louis, while Chaptal was a renowned chemist, physician, and factory owner, who had also served at the French Industrial Association and the Industrial Development Fund. He was a talent proficient in both technical and administrative fields.

Although they ranked lower than 20th in the Senate's seniority, government administrative positions were not strictly tied to Senate ranking.

The main purpose of today's meeting was to announce the appointments to France's highest offices, so all agenda items were completed before noon.

Naturally, the impact of the Senate roster and the new government official appointments, once published in the newspapers, would undoubtedly be significant.

Joseph, meanwhile, felt a sense of lightness. He envisioned a future where he could delegate most trivial matters to the Senate, and prepared to head to the Royal Hunting Grounds west of Versailles with Alexandra.

He had just reached the Marble Courtyard when he saw Security Bureau Chief Lavalette hurrying towards him. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly, 'It seems completely "lying flat" is just a pipe dream.'

He simply invited Lavalette into his carriage, and they spoke as they traveled.

"Your Royal Highness, it's about matters concerning Switzerland."

The Security Bureau Chief cautiously glanced at the Crown Princess beside them. After the Crown Prince nodded, he continued, "According to our intelligence from Vienna and information gathered in Bern, the protests in Basel, Zurich, and other areas were swiftly suppressed, likely due to Austrian interference.

"Do you think we should offer assistance to the protesters?"

The "protesters" he referred to were actually citizens who supported the incorporation of Basel and other regions into France.

Joseph narrowed his eyes. "Vienna truly couldn't stay idle. However, we don't need to intervene for now."