Chapter 73: The Newspaper as a Sword
The scene of newspapers selling like hotcakes played out all over Paris.
Most of the newsboys, having struggled to find work, had initially gone to the Paris Business Journal Office to try their luck, never expecting such phenomenal sales.
As per their agreement, they received 6 deniers for every 10 newspapers sold. Just past noon, lucky newsboys had already sold 50 papers, earning several times more than they would working in a workshop!
The story of Hunter Shaw's broken engagement and Clarisse's miraculous survival after being shot became Known to All in a single morning.
Many heard others passionately discussing the captivating tales but didn't know the details themselves, leaving them itching with curiosity.
Just as they were debating whether to spend money on a newspaper subscription, they heard that papers were being sold on the streets outside, and immediately rushed to buy a copy.
Meanwhile, the most trend-conscious ladies of society were already busy organizing salons, with topics centered around the recently read "Immortal Clarisse" or "The Alchemical Family." They keenly perceived that these stories were sure to become the most fashionable topics, and they intended to seize the initiative.
By that evening, Parisians were even greeting each other with a common phrase—"Have you read the novel yet?"
This was hardly surprising; 18th-century entertainment was incredibly monotonous. There were only a few novels and plays available, most of which people had grown tired of long ago. People could only pass the time by gossiping about noble scandals.
This was no exaggeration. Even in the 21st century, there was a story of a young American man who became so engrossed in binge-reading a web novel that he forgot about his drug addiction and successfully recovered.
For the Parisians, whose spiritual lives were rather empty, these novels were packed with constant thrilling moments, continuous build-ups, and suspense, leaving them Unable to Stop.
The next day, just as everyone was still discussing yesterday's novel plot, they were surprised to discover that today's newspapers contained new chapters!
They unveiled some of the mysteries from the previous day's story while also introducing even more suspense. The plot remained utterly thrilling—who could possibly resist reading on?
They could skip a meal, but buying this newspaper was essential!
Some even came to blows, fighting over the last newspaper in a newsboy's hands...
Shortly after 3 PM, the entire stock of the Paris Business Journal and the News and Pictures Gazette had sold out.
Denico watched the dozens of newsboys eagerly waiting to collect their papers, feeling as though he were dreaming.
He knew the brilliant novels sent by the Crown Prince would cause newspapers to sell well, but he never expected such astonishing sales.
Good heavens! Both newspapers had printed a full 7,000 copies each, and they were all gone!
Bear in mind, Paris only had a population of just over 500,000, and the previously best-selling Paris News sold fewer than 3,000 copies. Yet, their two newspapers combined had already outsold the Paris News by more than five times!
His hands began to tremble slightly. He immediately rushed into the print workshop, pointed at the printing press, and shouted to the workers:
"Print more! Print another 1,000 copies immediately! As fast as you can!"
Just then, a hurried manager from the newspaper office ran over, excitedly gesturing towards the office:
"Mr. Denico, you must come quickly! The Source of Elegance Perfumery, Annitor Ironmongery, and... well, several other well-known shops have arrived, saying they want to discuss advertising."
Denico waved a hand, responding rather imperiously:
"Tell them to wait. I'll go over once I've arranged for the additional printing."
He certainly had reason to be assertive—with over fourteen thousand copies sold, there was no shortage of businesses wanting to place advertisements.
As the Paris Business Journal Office's newspapers sold out, a large number of readers, while enjoying the novels, also incidentally saw the articles about the Tax Bill.
In the streets and alleys, people had already begun discussing the bill:
"If you ask me, those noble lords should have been paying more taxes ages ago!"
"Exactly, I saw it—all the increases are on the nobles' taxes. Why should we poor folk pay more taxes than the aristocracy?"
"City Hall always claims they lack funds, so why don't they demand it from the nobles?"
"Hmph, the High Court keeps rejecting the Tax Bill, and isn't it because the judges themselves are nobles?"
"No wonder they always talk about defending the court's authority—turns out it's the authority not to pay taxes."
"Precisely..."
Suddenly, the unfavorable public opinion the Duke of Orleans had painstakingly cultivated, harnessing the power of all Parisian newspapers, began to shift dramatically.
In truth, Joseph had not yet fully exerted his strength in this war of public opinion. He still held two more novel manuscripts, reserved for pamphlets.
Indeed, he had no intention of relying solely on newspapers for the propaganda war; that would be too disadvantageous.
Since war had been declared, there was no need for superfluous gentlemanly conduct. While pamphlets were considered low-brow, filled with rumors, and attracted readers with their sensationalism—earning the disdain of mainstream society—their reach was incredibly vast.
Currently, the literacy rate in France exceeded 60%. Many who couldn't afford newspapers could only read pamphlets for entertainment. One could say that pamphlets dominated the lower-end market.
Joseph, naturally, wouldn't miss out on such a potent propaganda tool.
However, the target audience for pamphlets was unlikely to make frequent, continuous purchases, which would affect the readability of a serialized novel. Therefore, he planned to release pamphlets once a week, featuring seven days' worth of novel chapters.
Once tens of thousands of pamphlets appeared on the streets of Paris, that would be the moment he truly launched his full offensive.
...
At the routine ball in Versailles, a host of noble young ladies cast resentful glances at Princess Thérèse, complaining that she was monopolizing the Crown Prince.
Meanwhile, the young gentlemen watched Joseph with resignation, silently wishing for some kind lady to "steal away" the Crown Prince, giving them a chance to approach Her Royal Highness.
Of course, this was Joseph unilaterally using his sister as a 'shield'—he truly had a bit of a phobia when it came to dancing...
After a few days of adjustment, Thérèse had become much more indifferent to the rumors, and was now chatting idly with Joseph:
"I heard that 'Crown Prince's Blessing' you invented is quite miraculous. I've been taking it recently, but so far, I haven't noticed any effect..."
Joseph quickly asked, concerned, "Are you feeling unwell anywhere? Do you have a fever?"
Thérèse shook her head. "No fever, but I often feel dizzy, weak, and short of breath. I even fainted a few months ago. The doctors haven't been able to find the cause. Dr. Baptiste suggested I recuperate at Château de Meudon."
Joseph's face darkened. 'These aren't symptoms for Salicin. Why on earth are you taking that medicine?'
"You shouldn't just take any medicine because you hear it's miraculous. You must follow the doctor's orders."
Thérèse nodded earnestly. "It was Dr. Baptiste who told me to take it."
"..."
Joseph pressed a hand to his forehead and asked, "What other medicines are you taking?"
Thérèse named several herbal remedies.
Joseph looked at her pale face, thinking, 'Judging by her symptoms, it sounds like severe anemia. Girls her age seem particularly prone to it. I wonder if it's iron-deficiency anemia or pathological.'
Thérèse added, "Besides the medicine, I also undergo bloodletting every two weeks."
Joseph's face completely darkened. "You'd better fire your doctor."
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