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The Fox of France - Chapter 209

Published at 28th of June 2024 06:28:29 AM


Chapter 209: Napoleon's Speech

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Chapter 209: Napoleon's Speech


Napoleon, with the flags of Britain and Prussia underfoot and surrounded by his guards, strode into the parliamentary building, his head held high, much like a proud rooster entering a henhouse. As he stepped into the grand chamber, all the members of parliament rose and applauded. Some whispered, "Doesn't it feel like Caesar entering the Senate?"

"Unfortunately, we lack a Brutus among us," someone muttered under their breath.

Regardless of some grumbling, the new Caesar had confidently approached the lectern. Unlike his historical counterpart, this new Caesar had already made up his mind that upon entering the National Assembly, not the Senate, he would bring a formidable army to quell any resistance from the assembly members.

Napoleon ascended the lectern, looked out over the audience, and then pulled out his prepared speech, scanning it briefly before beginning.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today I bring you news of victory. Our armies in Italy, Verdun, the Rhine, Hanover, and Berlin have struck heavy blows against those reactionary feudal rulers. The shameful banners of the aggressors are now abandoned on the steps of the National Assembly, a testament to our great triumph.

Our victory compels even those feudal aristocrats to admit that the freedom and independence of France are as solid as the Alps, unshakable by parasites and clowns. Faced with our formidable armies, those who once spewed threats against France, promised to return the so-called 'legitimate king' to rule us, oppress us, and even spoke of slaughtering our people and shedding blood in our glorious city, now find themselves in chains, holding the keys to their cities, humbly apologizing to France.Folloow current novÊls on nov/3lb((in).(co/m)

Gentlemen, we can cheer because the freedom and independence of France are secured, and the long-awaited era of peace for the French people is at hand!"

Whether they supported Napoleon or just pretended to, the members of parliament enthusiastically applauded. Notably, when they noticed that the Minister of Police, Joseph Fouch, was also attending the meeting and casting ominous glances at others, the applause intensified. However, a significant problem arose: when would the applause stop? Everyone was determined not to be the first to cease clapping.

The continuous applause even made Napoleon uncomfortable, and he had to make a gesture to halt the ovation. When the applause finally subsided, he continued:

"Ladies and gentlemen, quelling domestic rebellions and defeating foreign interventions does not mark the end of the French Revolution; it's only the beginning, the first step on the revolutionary path.

So, what's next for France, gentlemen? To answer this question, we must first ask another: Why did the French people revolt in the first place?

I know some friends will say it's for freedom, democracy, equality, and many other things, and they're correct. But the most fundamental reason is something else."

We solemnly promised our people that they would have the right to a life free from want and fear, a life of happiness and prosperity. Now is the time to fulfill that promise.

If, on this day, after nine years have passed since the 1789 Revolution, when all the reactionary forces have been defeated, and when there is no immediate threat to France's security, we fail to fulfill our promises and allow our people to lament, 'Did the revolution serve any purpose?' Then we are not only answerable to the people of France, but also to the entire world. Our revolutionary government would be no different from a feudal one, and I, along with all of you, would be no different from Louis XVI!

Ladies and gentlemen, I have a feeling that our work will be inscribed in the annals of humanity because it points the way for people worldwide who love freedom.

Our revolutionary work is far from over, and the movement is still progressing. We must continue to strive. Those foreign feudal lords and our domestic reactionaries will not accept defeat willingly, and they will struggle when they see an opportunity. They will use every means to disrupt and subvert; they will attempt to restore feudal despotism in France daily and hourly. This is inevitable, without a doubt. We must not relax our vigilance.

Our democratic system is a powerful weapon to safeguard the achievements of the revolution and to counteract the machinations of internal and external enemies. We must firmly grasp this weapon. On the international stage, we must unite with all nations and people who cherish peace and freedom, ensuring that our struggle to protect the revolutionary achievements and resist the restoration conspiracies of domestic and foreign enemies does not remain isolated. As long as we uphold democracy and stand united with international friends, we will remain invincible.

Ladies and gentlemen, the restoration and development of the national economy lie before us. Yes, we face numerous challenges, but we are confident that the indomitable efforts of all the people of France will overcome every obstacle. The French people have an abundant wealth of experience in conquering difficulties. If we can endure extended periods of extreme hardship and defeat powerful domestic and foreign reactionaries, why can't we build a prosperous and thriving nation after victory? As long as we remain united and uphold democracy, liberated from the shackles of feudalism, we will swiftly achieve victory on the economic front.

Ladies and gentlemen, our defense will be strengthened, and foreign invaders will no longer threaten our homeland. Building upon the courageous and proven French army, we must preserve and expand our armed forces. We will not only have a mighty army but also a powerful navy.

Let the reactionaries tremble before us; let them criticize and doubt us. Let them say we cannot achieve this or that. The unwavering efforts of the people of France will steadily achieve their goals.

Long live the people of France!"

Amid thunderous applause, Napoleon presented his long-prepared political reform proposal to the parliament for deliberation. The "Journal of Scientific Truth" published the full text of Napoleon's speech, along with his political reform and welfare plans. In this plan, Napoleon promised to lead the French people in eradicating poverty and want, just as they had defeated their enemies on the battlefield.

"Long live General Bonaparte!" echoed once again throughout the streets and alleys of Paris.

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