Chapter 976: Rectifying the Intelligence System
Indeed, at present, no medicines worldwide, not even the miraculous "Crown Prince's Blessing," have ever undergone a double-blind experiment.
This means the "Provisional Doctor's Handbook" won't list any recommended treatments. So, what would be the purpose of creating such a manual?
Joseph simply smiled and shook his head. "In reality," he began, "the most significant role for these provisional doctors is disease prevention.
"For instance, they can simply instruct villagers to drink boiled water during cholera or dysentery outbreaks. Ideally, they should always drink boiled water.
"Clearing stagnant water around their homes before and after the rainy season, and using mosquito nets, can significantly reduce the occurrence of malaria.
"Avoiding raw meat can prevent various parasitic illnesses...
"During flu season, they should cover their mouths and noses with a cloth before venturing outside...
"After an injury, they must not apply random substances like dirt to the wound; instead, it should be cleaned with phenol..."
"Believe me, if every village and town implements these practices, the likelihood of people falling ill could be cut by more than half.
Joseph paused, then added, "It seems I overlooked a crucial point just now: establishing a Disease Prevention Committee, specifically tasked with managing large-scale infectious diseases.
"You know, many epidemics that ultimately claim millions of lives could perhaps be averted if only a few villages were brought under control at the very outset..."
By this point, Corvisart felt his brain was reaching its absolute limit.
The Crown Prince had imparted more knowledge to him this single afternoon than Corvisart had acquired during several years at university. He hadn't even had time to properly process it, and now a fresh wave of development plans for the Medical and Health Bureau was being laid out.
Seeing the director continuously wiping sweat and massaging his forehead, Joseph paused his flow of instructions.
Concrete actions would have to wait until institutions like the "Preparatory Committee" and the "Drug Standard Laboratory" were properly established before any real progress could be made.
Joseph had been about to conclude their discussion, but as he rose to his feet, he recalled something else—something involving Perna.
He gestured toward the doctor. "By the way," he said, "regarding the provisional hospital you mentioned last time, I actually think it has significant value."
Perna whispered, "Are you... are you trying to comfort me?"
Joseph smiled gently. "Of course not. In fact, we genuinely need a number of such hospitals, particularly in our major cities. However, some adjustments will be necessary."
A flicker of joy sparked in Perna's eyes. So, her idea wasn't just a whimsical thought opening the heavens; even the Crown Prince himself affirmed her concept.
Joseph continued, "We'll need to replace the tents with permanent buildings. And hundreds of doctors, an equal number of nurses, and a substantial quantity of hospital beds."
Perna hesitated. "Your Highness," she said, "but that would make the costs incredibly high..."
Joseph smiled and shook his head. "The largest expenditure for any hospital is the doctors' salaries.
"But there's a particular kind of doctor whose salary demands aren't terribly high.
"That is, the medical students from our universities.
"They need practical cases to apply what they've learned. So, we'll establish a hospital like this, offering them the chance to work directly with patients.
"Naturally, their professors will also need to regularly supervise their work and offer assistance when they encounter patients difficult to diagnose.
"I call it—a university teaching hospital."
'Right, in truth, he was simply trying to reassure Perna. A teaching hospital bore almost no resemblance whatsoever to the doctor's provisional clinic.'
Still, that didn't stop Perna's spirits from soaring.
She immediately exclaimed with excitement, "That's wonderful, Your Highness! How could I not have thought of it? Oh, the Royal Military Medical University currently has over forty graduating students this year; they'll certainly leap at such an internship opportunity!"
Joseph smiled and nodded. "Then let the Royal Military Medical University and the government each contribute a portion of the funds to establish a small-scale teaching hospital, which can then be gradually expanded over time."
This hospital would also serve as France's pilot project for public hospitals.
Shortly after Corvisart and Perna departed, Robert, the Director of the Security Bureau, along with the Duke of Broglie, Minister of War, and Berthier, arrived simultaneously at the Crown Prince's reception salon.
The three men first bowed respectfully, then Robert stepped forward. "Your Highness," he reported, "a total of thirty-eight individuals have been arrested. This includes General Bonaparte, Colonel Desaix, Second Lieutenant Maistre, and all other officers confirmed to have been involved in this incident."
Joseph nodded. "And Fouché?" he inquired.
"He's already under house arrest at his residence," Robert replied. "Randale himself is overseeing the guard." Robert hesitated before adding, "Your Highness, Fouché requested an audience with you."
Joseph sighed. "There's no need. I can anticipate what he wishes to say. Simply turn him over directly to the military tribunal."
He and Fouché had become acquainted early in his career, and the latter had indeed contributed significantly during his domestic reforms. If Fouché were to plead his case in person, Joseph genuinely feared he might relent.
Joseph knew that, from Fouché's perspective, the man likely didn't grasp the gravity of his error—it would be difficult for him to comprehend the strategic ramifications of destabilizing Austria.
Yet, if Fouché were truly allowed to precipitate such events, it would unleash immense destruction upon France.
He then instructed Robert, "For the time being, let Randale assume the role of Deputy Director of the Intelligence Bureau. Have him thoroughly reorganize the entire bureau.
"As for the Security Bureau, Lavalette possesses stronger capabilities; he should serve as Deputy Director.
"The Security Bureau must swiftly assume control of the Intelligence Bureau's overseas networks to ensure that changes in leadership do not disrupt the execution of ongoing espionage missions."
"Yes, Your Highness."
In fact, due to this incident of insubordination by the Intelligence Bureau, Joseph had already recognized the necessity of strengthening oversight of the entire intelligence system.
He was currently commissioning the Ministry of Justice to second personnel and establish a limited-scale "Internal Affairs Review Office," endowed with significant authority to specifically supervise and audit the expenditures of both major intelligence departments.
It was, in a way, mending the fold after the sheep were gone.
Berthier then added, "Your Highness, Colonel Saint-Hilaire has already led the Lyon Legion towards Udine and is expected to arrive in three days.
"The Corsican Legion and the Mantua garrison are both under the command of Colonel Lefebvre and will return to Paris for investigation after their rotation."
Joseph considered this for a moment, then waved a dismissive hand. "No, that won't be necessary. Let them return directly to their garrisons. In matters like this, most lower and middle-ranking officers are likely unaware of the full scope, and there's no need to damage morale."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The Duke of Broglie and Berthier exchanged a glance. The former then cautiously inquired, "Your Highness, concerning General Bonaparte, Colonel Desaix, and the others, what do you deem the most appropriate course of action?"
Given the gravity of the matter, the military tribunal would be hesitant to render a judgment unilaterally.
Joseph's voice was firm and resolute. "Strictly in accordance with the evidence," he declared, "they are to be judged by the severest charges."
Comments