Chapter 966: Perna's Dream
Joseph raised his arms, declaring impassionedly, "This magnificent monument will span the Champs-Élysées, reaching an unprecedented height of 50 meters!"
The dense crowd, however, showed little reaction.
Joseph immediately realized that most people had no concept of that figure.
He pointed to the Louvre Palace, the tallest building nearby. "It will be one and a half times taller than the Louvre Palace! Its spire is only 20 meters tall."
A commotion instantly began, quickly escalating into fervent shouts: "Long live the King! Long live the Crown Prince!"
"Long live victory!"
"The Arc de Triomphe! The Arc de Triomphe!"
"France shall triumph!"
A majestic monument two and a half times the height of the Louvre Palace.
The families of those who had sacrificed their lives on the battlefield were especially moved, many choking with sobs.
Their loved ones had not died in vain; France would forever remember them.
Their likeness would be immortalized on the magnificent Arc de Triomphe!
From now on, everyone who passed by the Arc de Triomphe might look up, see them, and offer their heartfelt reverence.
Joseph waited for the minutes-long cheers to subside, then announced loudly, "The triumphal ceremony continues!"
The Hussars shouted commands, marching forward to the rhythm of the drums.
Joseph finally made it through the speech segment and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
He had, in fact, long intended to construct the Arc de Triomphe.
As an iconic landmark of Paris, the Arc de Triomphe would instill in everyone who saw it the impression of France's valiant and skilled martial spirit.
This accumulated impression would not only boost national morale but also influence the diplomatic decisions of other nations.
Simultaneously, the design and construction phases of such a massive project would create numerous employment opportunities, thereby stimulating the economy.
Cavalry, infantry, and artillery columns passed in succession until four o'clock in the afternoon, when the last logistics and supply train disappeared at the end of the Champs-Élysées. The entire ceremony was finally drawing to a close.
As dusk approached, Joseph waved to the crowd, returning to his carriage. Just as he was about to instruct the coachman to depart, he heard a light tap on the carriage from outside.
He was somewhat surprised; his carriage was not one just anyone could approach.
Then he thought of someone, and a smile instantly bloomed on his face.
He stopped Eman, stood up, and pulled open the carriage door. A slender figure in a white military uniform immediately fluttered in like a bird, embracing him tightly and murmuring, "Your Highness, I think of you constantly."
Joseph also embraced the delicate form tightly, responding with joy, "Perna, my dear, you're finally back."
Immediately, a passionate kiss landed on Joseph's lips—soft yet incredibly forceful.
Eman, sitting opposite them, hastily jumped out of the carriage, closing the door behind him. He then signaled to the coachman, "Return to Versailles."
Throughout the bumpy ride, Perna leaned against Joseph, her arms wrapped around his neck, exchanging sweet nothings or recounting amusing stories from her time in Italy.
She only reluctantly let go when the carriage pulled into the Marble Court.
The dinner that evening seemed unusually long. Afterward, Joseph, tired from a busy day, skipped the ball and returned directly to his bedroom.
Almost the entire night, citizens celebrated the army's triumphant return in the streets. Fireworks soared, and cheers resonated without cease, preventing Joseph from getting much restful sleep.
The morning light filtered through the curtains, caressing the languid figure lying on the Crown Prince's bed.
Joseph opened his eyes and immediately saw the golden, slightly curled hair beside him. A wave of tenderness swelled in his heart.
A knock came from outside, followed by Eman's soft voice. "Your Highness, it is time for the 'Levee'."
'Ah, such were the cursed court rituals; getting up on time was non-negotiable.' If it had been during Louis XV's time, people would have come to observe Joseph getting out of bed. Fortunately, the socially anxious Louis XVI had changed that tradition.
A moment later, Joseph, fully dressed, walked out of the bedroom.
Perna followed lightly, like a fawn, beside him, smiling as she continued the conversation they hadn't finished yesterday.
By the door, Camelia and several maids curtsied. "Your Highness."
The head maid inquired as usual, "Your Highness, for breakfast, will it be pan-fried sole, chive omelet, and milk again?"
"Yes, thank you."
Camelia then looked at Perna, subtly winking. "Miss Perna, the usual for you too?"
The latter smiled and nodded, then exchanged a few affectionate whispers with Camelia.
By the time Joseph had finished washing up, a steaming breakfast had already been served.
Joseph was accustomed to such scenes. He pulled both women to sit with him, and they began their meal.
Camelia seemed to recall something, taking a bank draft from her pocket and handing it to Perna.
Perna tucked away the paper, nodding gratefully. "My dear, thank you so much, really."
Joseph noticed the exchange between the two women and asked casually, "Let me guess, you're using your own money to buy medicine for wounded soldiers, aren't you?"
'A bank draft certainly wouldn't be used for a small sum.'
Camelia interjected in an admiring tone, "Your Highness, Miss Perna isn't just buying medicine; she's building simple hospitals."
Joseph looked at Perna curiously. "Simple hospitals?"
The doctor nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. They could also be called affordable hospitals. Though, I'm not entirely sure if it's feasible yet.
"I was inspired by field hospitals. You know, by setting up a circle of simple tents, along with the necessary beds and medicine, treatment can be provided. This can keep treatment costs to a minimum.
"I've always dreamed of making medical care affordable for all the poor in France.
"I've calculated that building one such simple hospital in Paris would only require 2,400 francs. Of course, public land would need to be used.
"I plan to first build four such hospitals in the impoverished districts of Paris. Coming here for treatment would only cost one sou. Additionally, if the hospitals purchase medicine in bulk, it would be much cheaper than at pharmacies, saving people even more money."
Camelia, clearly already aware of the plan, added, "These hospitals could treat 20 to 50 patients a day. Thousands of people in the vicinity would be able to afford medical care for very little."
Perna, speaking of her dream, seemed quite moved. "Your Highness, this is just my first attempt. If all goes well, I want to establish a fund to use the profits to cover the medical fees of the simple hospitals.
"By then, the poor could even receive free medical care."
Joseph felt a wave of profound emotion. 'The girl before me was like an angel, seeking no reward for helping the poor. Such pure kindness, he mused, could probably only be found in an age where Enlightenment ideals flourished.'
However, he shook his head. "My dear, I truly don't want to say this, but your approach is almost certainly doomed to fail."
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