Chapter 532: His Majesty the King's Patent
Joseph continued reviewing the document concerning the Parlement of Paris's verdict on Lavoisier. He let out a breath of relief—it was a 15-year imprisonment, not a direct death sentence like the Jacobins might have handed down.
Lavoisier's crimes certainly didn't warrant beheading. During the French Revolution, the "father of chemistry" had the misfortune of losing his life because there were only two possible verdicts: "innocent" or "death."
Joseph weighed the options with difficulty. Lavoisier couldn't be imprisoned now; the soda ash factory and coal tar refinery still needed his oversight. If he were locked up, all these projects would come to a standstill.
It seemed a special pardon for his release was the only option. Joseph glanced at the fine amount in the verdict, a staggering 1.2 million Francs.
He frowned instantly. After paying that fine, Lavoisier likely wouldn't have enough for bail. In that case, he would have to ask his father for a Pardon Order.
The great scholar's wealth already exceeded a million; why had he felt the need to embezzle even more?
Just then, Eman softly announced from outside the door, "Your Highness, Baron Breteuil requests an audience."
"Show him in."
Immediately, the Minister of Justice pushed open the door and entered, followed by a bespectacled middle-aged man.
"Your Highness, this is Joseph-Ignace Guillotin from the Paris Judicial Prosecutor's Office."
"Indeed, he has been dedicated to improving the efficiency of executions, and through his tireless efforts, he has finally invented this new type of Guillotine."
Upon hearing this, Guillotin eagerly stepped forward, opened the case he was carrying, and took out an exquisite model of a guillotine. He smiled and eagerly explained to Joseph:
"Your Highness, our current method of Beheading is quite troublesome, inefficient, and causes immense suffering to the condemned. Furthermore, the executioners' salaries are exorbitant, almost on par with a Municipal Commissioner's."
"Thus, I sought out an experienced German craftsman in this field, and together, we invented this decapitation machine."
"Oh, a large number of executions are currently being carried out in Louvre Square these days, so this new machine could be put to good use. It can increase execution efficiency several-fold."
"Please allow me to demonstrate how it works for you."
Joseph gazed at the guillotine on the table—a 'gate'-shaped frame with a sharp blade suspended in the middle. He sighed internally, 'The Inertia of History is truly stubborn; what was meant to come has come.'
However, he recalled that historically, Guillotin had presented this new invention to Louis XVI. He hadn't expected it to be brought to him in this lifetime.
This was understandable, though. After all, Baron Breteuil was his protégé, and the entire judicial system operated under his management. It was natural for a groundbreaking invention within the judicial system to be presented to him first.
Indeed, in an era where beheadings worldwide relied solely on an executioner and a single blade, a fully automated decapitation machine was akin to the invention of a high-precision CNC machine tool in later centuries—a revolutionary, cutting-edge technology. Naturally, credit had to be presented to the "big boss."
Guillotin deftly raised the blade on the model, then placed a cucumber in the notch of the wooden stock to simulate a human head.
He then pulled the lever on the model, and the blade fell with a sharp 'clunk,' striking the cucumber.
However, to his embarrassment, the blade jammed two-thirds of the way through the cucumber, failing to sever it.
Wiping a bead of sweat, Guillotin hastily raised the blade again and offered Joseph an apologetic smile. "Ah, Your Highness, just a minor mishap! Please, allow me another attempt..."
Joseph glanced at the blade. Its flat edge was clearly an unimproved version; it was no surprise that it would 'stick.'
He was about to suggest the classic angled blade modification to complete the "Revolutionary Guillotine," but the words caught in his throat.
'This chance to shine should go to his father; it was, after all, his Patent originally. Moreover, it would increase his father's sense of involvement in governing the country—he didn't have many opportunities to participate, so Joseph shouldn't snatch this one.'
So, he told Guillotin, "His Majesty the King has a unique expertise in mechanical devices. Perhaps he could offer some valuable suggestions for your machine."
This would also be a good opportunity to ask his father for Lavoisier's Pardon Order.
An hour later.
Louis XVI studied the guillotine model, stroking his chin in thought for a long moment. Suddenly, he grabbed paper and pen and began sketching.
After several revisions, a blueprint for an angled-blade guillotine appeared before Guillotin.
The latter's face was instantly filled with shock, and he lavished praise and compliments upon His Majesty the King.
In truth, it wasn't mere flattery; he was genuinely filled with admiration for His Majesty.
'This was akin to a genius in later centuries seeing a high-precision CNC Lathe for the first time and immediately redesigning it into a next-generation model.'
'You couldn't help but be impressed.'
Guillotin also received 50,000 Francs in funding from Louis XVI to produce several prototypes of the improved guillotine.
Breteuil immediately declared that the prototypes could be taken to Louvre Square for testing.
Once the Minister of Justice and Guillotin had left in high spirits, Louis XVI pulled his son, whom he hadn't seen in a while, into conversation:
"Joseph," he began, "I hear you've been arresting many illegal Tax Farmers recently?"
"Yes, Father." Joseph was somewhat surprised that his father, who spent all his time immersed in the workshop, still paid attention to current affairs. "These scoundrels are utterly heinous, severely threatening France's development and stability. You can tell how many evil deeds they committed by observing how excited the crowds are when watching their beheadings."
He had initially expected Louis XVI to intercede for the prominent Tax Farmers. After all, his father was soft-hearted; if any of them had appealed to him, he would most likely have found it difficult to refuse.
To his surprise, Louis XVI clapped him firmly on the shoulder, a look of profound pride on his face.
"My Joseph has grown up. To lead something as significant as the Tax System Reform and to deal with those villainous Tax Farmers—you have truly made outstanding contributions to the nation and its people. I dare say no other crown prince in all of Europe could surpass you. You are truly your mother's and my pride! Thank God!"
Though he wasn't adept at handling state affairs and tended to be rather playful, this didn't mean he was unintelligent. Quite the opposite: he was very sharp, and it only took a little thought for him to understand whether his son's actions benefited the country.
He paused, then continued, "And my improved guillotine will help you deal with those villains more effectively, so I, too, have contributed to this Tax System Reform."
Joseph quickly smiled. "Yes, your invention is truly significant."
He mused internally, 'Though it might not play as significant a role as it did in history.'
After discussing the abolition of the tax farming system for a while, Louis XVI suddenly remembered something. He pulled Joseph towards his workshop, saying excitedly:
"I've already produced a prototype of the Rifle you mentioned earlier. Now, can you finally tell me how to double its rate of fire?"
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