Chapter 1057: Chapter 965: Perna’s Dream
Joseph raised his arms and passionately proclaid, “This great monunt will span the Champs-Elysees, with an unprecedented height of 50 ters!”
The dense crowd, however, had little reaction.
Joseph quickly realized that most people had no concept of this number.
He pointed to the highest building nearby, the Louvre: “The pinnacle there is only 20 ters from the ground.”
Imdiately, a commotion began around, quickly turning into fervent shouts, “Long live His Majesty the King! Long live His Highness the Crown Prince!”
“Long live victory!”
“Triumphal Arch! Triumphal Arch!”
“France will triumph!”
A magnificent monunt one and a half tis taller than the Louvre.
That is enough to match the bravery of the soldiers of France!
Especially the families of those who sacrificed on the battlefield, they were overwheld with tears.
Their loved ones did not die in vain, France will rember them forever.
Their nas will remain on the majestic Triumphal Arch!
In the future, everyone passing under the Triumphal Arch may look up to see them and offer their inner reverence.
As the cheers that lasted for several minutes gradually subsided, Joseph loudly announced, “The triumph ceremony continues.”
The hussars shouted the command and continued forward to the beat of the military drums.
Joseph finally passed through the speech segnt, secretly breathing a sigh of relief.
Actually, he had long wanted to build the Triumphal Arch.
Having the Triumphal Arch as a landmark of Paris would leave an impression of “France’s bravery and skill in battle” on everyone who sees it.
This impression, accumulated over the years, could not only boost the confidence of the nation, but even influence the diplomatic decisions of other countries.
At the sa ti, such a super large building is still considered a high-tech project in this era. Not to ntion the promotion of building technology, just the massive amount of steel needed to erect the internal frawork could powerfully drive the steelmaking industry.
The cavalry, infantry, and artillery formations passed by in turn until 4 p.m., when the last logistic convoy disappeared at the end of the Champs-Elysees, and the entire ceremony finally ca to a close.
As twilight approached, Joseph waved to the crowd, signaling his return to his carriage, just about to instruct the driver to set off when he heard soone lightly knocking on the carriage from outside.
He was a bit surprised, as not just anyone could approach his carriage.
Then he thought of a person and imdiately displayed a smile.
He stopped Eman, got up, and pulled open the carriage door, and a slender figure in a white military uniform imdiately fluttered in like a bird, holding him tightly, and softly said, “Your Highness, I think of you all the ti.”
Joseph also embraced the delicate figure joyously, responded delightedly, “Perna, my dear, you’re finally back.”
Instantly, a French kiss pressed onto Joseph’s lips, soft yet very forceful.
Sitting opposite, Eman hurriedly jumped out of the carriage, conveniently closing the door, then signaled to the driver, “Return to the Palace of Versailles.”
Along the bumpy road, Perna leaned against Joseph’s chest, arms encircling his neck, whispering secrets between them or recounting her interesting experiences in Italy.
Only when the carriage drove into the Marble Courtyard did she reluctantly loosen her embrace.
The banquet that evening seed extraordinarily lengthy, and after a busy day, Joseph did not attend the ball and headed directly back to his bedroom.
Almost all night there were citizens celebrating the army’s triumph in the streets, fireworks soaring, cheers unending, preventing Joseph from having a sound sleep.
The dawn light gently caressed the Crown Prince’s bed through the curtains, softly touching the person lazily lying there.
Joseph opened his eyes and imdiately saw those golden curly locks, a surge of sweetness arising in his heart.
There ca knocking at the door from outside, followed by Eman’s gentle voice, “Your Highness, it’s ti for the ‘morning ceremony’.
Ah, the detestable court etiquette is just like this, waking up on schedule is non-negotiable.
If it were during Louis XV’s ti, soone would even co to observe Joseph waking up. Thankfully, it was later changed by the socially anxious Louis XVI.
Monts later, a fully dressed Joseph walked out of his bedroom.
Perna, light as a deer, followed by his side, smiling as she continued their unfinished topics from yesterday.
By the door, Callia led a few maids in curtsying, “Your Highness.”
The Maid inquired as was customary, “Your Highness, would you like the usual breakfast of pan-roasted turbot, scallion pancake, and milk?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Callia then looked over at Perna, subtly winked, “Miss Perna, the usual for you as well?”
The latter nodded with a smile, exchanged a few affectionate words.
Once Joseph finished washing up, the steaming breakfast was already served.
Joseph was accustod to this scene, holding both to sit down together for breakfast.
Callia, as if recalling sothing, took a bill of exchange from her pocket and handed it to Perna.
The latter accepted the paper, nodding gratefully, “Dear, thank you so much.”
Joseph glimpsed the actions of the two won, casually asked, “Let guess, are you using your money to buy dicine for the wounded soldiers?”
Using a bill of exchange certainly wasn’t for a small amount.
Callia, in an admiring tone, added, “Your Highness, Miss Perna is not just buying dicine, she’s planning to build so simple hospitals.”
Joseph curiously looked at Perna, “Simple hospitals?”
The doctor lady nodded, “Yes, Your Highness. It can also be called a cheap hospital. However, I’m not quite sure if it will work either.
“I was inspired by battlefield hospitals. You know, surrounding a circle of simple tents, plus necessary sickbeds and dicines, allows us to treat people. This can cut the cost of dical care to the lowest.
“I’ve always dread of allowing all Parisians to afford to see a doctor.
“I have calculated that building a simple hospital like this in Paris only costs 2400 francs. Of course, it needs to use public land.
“I plan to first build four such hospitals in the poor areas of Paris. Coming here for treatnt only needs to cost 1 sou. Also, if hospitals purchase a large number of dicines, they will be much cheaper than in the pharmacy, saving more money for everyone.”
Callia clearly knew about this plan long ago and added, “These hospitals can receive 20 to 50 patients a day. Thousands of nearby residents will be able to see a doctor for little money.”
Speaking of her dreams, Perna beca sowhat excited, “Your Highness, this is only my first attempt. If all goes well, I want to set up a fund to pay for the simple hospitals’ dical expenses with the inco from it.
“That way, the poor can see a doctor for free.”
Joseph only felt a wave of emotion. The girl in front of him was simply like an angel, seeking no return and only to help the poor. This kind of pure kindness probably only appears in the era when enlightennt thought is prevalent.
However, he shook his head, “My dear, although I hate to say it, your approach is almost dood to fail.”
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