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Chapter 90: The Stumbling Block

"What are you discussing?" Vezinier turned, looking at Duport with surprise. "There's no need for remonstrance regarding this bill; the only conclusion is to refuse registration!"

Duport gestured towards the dense crowd of protesters outside the window. "Mr. President, please listen to their voices. Perhaps it's time we made some changes regarding this matter."

The judge opposite him, whose dark circles consumed half his face, rubbed his bloodshot eyes and nodded with a yawn. "I think this matter needs to be settled... some further adjustments to the bill's provisions wouldn't be out of the question."

He had barely slept all night, as someone had thrown stones at his villa every so often, shattering several panes of glass, and the women and children in his household had cried in fear throughout the night.

On his way to the High Court this morning, citizens crowded the rooftops on both sides of the street, hurling insults and roof tiles at his carriage, injuring the coachman's hand.

Now, he no longer cared about the bill, only wishing for the agitators to disperse quickly so he could have peace at home.

So, as soon as Duport began, he immediately considered seconding the motion.

Another short judge also nodded subtly, almost subconsciously.

The hook-nosed judge beside Vezinier frowned and said, "Do you want us to listen to those commoners outside and then make things difficult for all respectable people?"

The latter closed the bill text in front of him and surveyed the assembly. "If everyone doesn't want to discuss the bill's provisions, then let's proceed directly to a vote."

Vezinier's gaze swept across their faces. He said coldly, "Do you know what you're saying? Rejecting this bill is the consensus of all nobles; there's no need for a vote!"

"That's not a consensus," Duport shook his head. "Please, let the High-Ranking Councilors present cast their votes."

The "High-Ranking Councilors" were the core judges of the High Court's internal deliberative body, currently numbering six. They held significant authority and could convene to decide most of the court's affairs.

As Duport spoke, he raised his own hand first. "I believe the Tax Bill can be registered."

The perpetually surprised judge followed suit, raising his hand. "I also agree."

The dark-circled judge hesitated for a moment, recalling how the High Court had become almost a symbol of sin and corruption, to the point that even prostitutes had refused his service the day before. He slowly raised his hand as well.

With three High-Ranking Councilors defecting, the tide in the meeting hall instantly shifted.

The short judge, also tormented by the protesters, furtively glanced around. Just as he was about to raise his hand, Vezinier suddenly stood up and roared, "I absolutely forbid this bill from being registered!"

He pointed at the 'dark-circled' judge. "Count Vadier, who supported your appointment as Grand Judge? Are you betraying them?!"

He then looked at the shortest judge. "Viscount Aulard, I must remind you of the Duc d'Aiguillon's stance on this bill!"

As President of the High Court, Vezinier commanded considerable authority. His few words made Judge Aulard tremble, and he hastily withdrew his hand.

Judge Vadier, meanwhile, was caught in a struggle, his right hand moving back and forth several times, unsure of what to do.

Duport also stood up, expressing his displeasure. "I protest! Count Vezinier, you are threatening the freedom to vote!"

Vezinier finally waited for Vadier's raised hand to return to the tabletop. Ignoring Duport, he waved his hand with a dark expression. "That's enough for today. Meeting adjourned."

...

Palais-Royal.

The Duke of Orleans frowned, looking at the sample pamphlet in his hand. He shook his head. "Viscount Laclos, this is too little. You need to give me at least 3,000 words for the manuscript to boost sales."

Laclos, standing before him with a bitter expression, replied, "Your Grace, I am truly helpless. This is already what I managed to write after not sleeping all night."

He glanced at the somewhat Italian-looking man beside him. "Mr. Brissot hasn't even submitted his manuscript..."

The Duke of Orleans snatched a thick pamphlet from nearby, his voice laced with anger. "But their novels are over 7,000 words! If this continues, who will buy ours?!"

Laclos and Brissot were both immensely frustrated; they were considered excellent novelists of their time.

Especially the former, who once soared to fame across Paris with his novel "Dangerous Liaisons," inspiring countless French authors to include "Dangerous" or "Liaisons" in their own book titles to piggyback on his popularity.

This time, for the Duke of Orleans's pamphlet, he had also prepared a splendid novel.

But his writing speed quickly proved insufficient. At his usual pace, 3,000 words of plot per week was his absolute limit. Now, the Duke of Orleans wanted him to complete that amount in three days, which was simply impossible!

He simply couldn't understand why those authors, one nicknamed "Silkworm and Potato" and the other "Octopus in Water," could effortlessly write over 7,000 words every three days! Did they not need to brainstorm at all?!

In the past few days, for the first time, Laclos began to doubt his own writing talent.

As for Brissot, he had already given up the struggle and was preparing to change professions...

The Duke of Orleans knew he had lost control of public opinion; the growing number of protesters outside the High Court's gates was proof.

And yet, he was utterly powerless to retaliate.

As he was feeling distressed, his butler knocked on the door and announced, "My lord, Mr. Alexis has arrived with urgent news."

The Duke of Orleans was somewhat surprised. Alexis was Grand Judge Vezinier's confidant; what could be happening at the High Court?

Once he finished listening to Alexis in the study, he was instantly shocked—someone had voted to approve the Tax Bill for registration! This was simply insane!

The High Court, once regarded as the strongest bastion against royal power, had actually developed cracks!

He hastily instructed his butler to invite the members of the Assembly of Notables to a gathering at Palais-Royal.

...

Versailles.

Joseph opened the unsigned letter and read it carefully.

The letter was brief, outlining the High Court's voting process on the Tax Bill that day. Although it had nearly passed, Vezinier had ultimately suppressed it by force, using his authority as the court's president.

The letter concluded by stating they would continue to find a way.

Joseph frowned. He hadn't expected that even with momentum on his side, the noble faction would shamelessly cling to the bill, using the President's position to forcibly stall it.

However, the President's election wasn't for another two years, and he didn't have that much time.

He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his mind racing. 'Therefore, given the current situation, Vezinier, this stumbling block, must be removed.'