Life of Being a Crown Prince in France

Anna and Clarice felt that the little princess before them was like the most dangerous beast, ready to tear them apart at any moment—Alexandra was trying her best to mimic Ye Er’s expression when signing a death warrant.

These two maids who were accustomed to a peaceful life in the Palace of Versailles were stunned into silence, only able to nod frantically out of sheer instinct.

In truth, Alexandra was new and merely a child; how could she wield such power? She couldn’t possibly seek help from the Crown Prince for such matters.

Yet the two maids, overwhelmed by her formidable aura, harbored no doubts, silently cursing Veronique for getting them involved with such a tough character.

Alexandra waved the two away and sternly instructed the other maids to tidy up the room and attend to her washing.

It wasn’t until she lay on the bed, candles extinguished, that she finally sighed with relief, the iciness on her face melting into helplessness.

She was a very smart girl, having followed Ye Er from a young age, and she understood well when to be assertive and when to be vulnerable in the palace.

Being the Crown Princess or the Queen was never easy, especially in a large country like France.

Queen Maria Theresa, Louis XIV’s wife, was cautious ever since she arrived in France, yet she was neglected by the King and bullied by his mistress Madam Mantan, earning the sobriquet “The Silent Queen.”

Queen Marie Leszczynska of Louis XV was even more pitiable, her low birth often led her to be at Louis XV’s beck and call. After he became enamored with Madam Pompadour, she lived separately from the King.

As for Queen Mary, seemingly quite illustrious, but mainly due to Joseph’s backing. At this point in history, she had already met a tragic fate.

Alexandra subsequently thought of the Crown Prince.

He actually allowed her to adhere to Eastern Orthodox practices even when no outsiders were present…

A happy smile appeared on the young girl’s face as she pondered on “His Highness is so kind to me,” and she drifted into a deep sleep.

Early the next morning, Joseph was awakened by an “aww owww—” of a dull roar.

He looked with bleary eyes at Eman standing at the door: “What is that sound?”

Eman bowed slightly and replied, “Your Highness, it’s the dowry brought by the Crown Princess—several brown bears are roaring. They’re about to be sent to the garden, passing right under your window.”

Joseph frowned and was about to instruct Eman to tell the beast tamers to hurry when he heard a “ssss mooo—” sound.

“Good heavens, what’s that now?”

“That should be, a rhinoceros, Your Highness.”

“Was this also brought by Alexandra?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Why does Russia have rhinoceroses?”

“They were given to the Tsar by the British, Your Highness. It’s said that a few froze to death in Saint Petersburg, and only one survives to be brought here.”

Joseph painfully rubbed his forehead: “Why send these things… The animals at Palace of Versailles already consume over 8,000 francs every month, and this adds two more species.”

Indeed, the gardens of Versailles housed many exotic creatures, including but not limited to lions, elephants, giraffes, and antelopes, employing over 30 beast tamers.

“Not just two species, Your Highness.” Eman coughed lightly and said, “In actuality, the Crown Princess also brought Amur Tigers and some Siberian Wolves.

“You know, many people believe you have a keen interest in wild animals.”

Joseph sighed helplessly.

Previously, he had instructed chefs not to cook peacocks or deer, expensive and not tasty, for reasons unknown, leading to the rumor that the Crown Prince of France liked wild animals.

Various Italian countries had sent many leopards, ostriches, and gorillas over the past six months, all purchased at high prices from Africa.

Coupled with those sent by Russia this time, the gardens of Versailles had practically turned into a zoo.

With this thought, Joseph suddenly had a spark.

Yes, rather than spending huge amounts to maintain these animals, why not open a zoo!

Not only could it sell tickets to cover feeding costs, but it could also enhance Paris’s reputation as a tourist destination.

Hmm, developing residential areas around the zoo could also turn another profit from real estate.

He immediately rose to dress and asked Eman to call Paris Municipal Commissioner and the finance minister Godan for a discussion.

Joseph then remembered, Alexandra had given him a sonnet yesterday, and he had yet to offer a return gift; why not gift her with this zoo.

Given the little girl’s fascination with amusement parks, she would surely love a zoo.

It could be named “Crown Princess Zoo” or “Sasha Zoo.”

As for the operating revenue, the Russian Princess probably wouldn’t care for such a small sum. As per royal custom, this type of income is usually directly donated to charities.

…

Southern Suburb of Paris.

In front of the carriage surrounded by more than a hundred cavalry, Bertier carefully examined the documents handed over by the Gendarme, confirming they were correct, signing them before handing them back to Major Sevigne, who was responsible for the escort: “Do not stop along the way. You will have the highest authority, and no one can approach that carriage.”

Normally, it wouldn’t require the Chief of Staff to personally oversee a prisoner escort, but the person in the carriage held considerable influence within the army, particularly for the Italian Front Army.

This made him pay very close attention to this escort.

“Yes, General!” Major Sevigne saluted him with his hat but hesitantly said, “General, General Bonaparte says he has something very important to discuss with you.

“I shouldn’t be relaying messages for him, but he claims this concerns the future of our army…”

Bertier frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, decided to turn to the Gendarme officer beside him: “Lieutenant Colonel Gardet, would you mind accompanying me? You can write everything you observe in the report.”

“Okay, General. But I must remind you, this is actually against the rules.”

Bertier bowed to thank him and they both proceeded to the reinforced carriage in the middle of the street.

A Gendarme opened the car door, and Bertier immediately saw within a somewhat emaciated, furrowed Napoleon.

“Please come up.” Napoleon beckoned to him, “Please trust me, I won’t put you in a difficult position.”

Bertier and Gardet got into the carriage, sat opposite him, and said, “You know, I’m very likely to be rebuked by His Highness the Crown Prince because of this.”

“No, His Highness would never blame you,” Napoleon said, pulling out several pieces of paper from his pocket, spreading them on the small wooden table, “This is just completed based on my experience in battles in Italy.

“It will dramatically enhance the combat strength of the army, please deliver it to His Highness, the Crown Prince, and tell His Highness that I hope this can somewhat make up for my mistakes.”

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