Chapter 73: Promotion
General Lafayette was indeed a broad-minded man. Over the next few months, Joseph's work was largely unaffected. When payday arrived at the end of the month, Joseph and Napoleon received a bonus for their outstanding performance.
A few days later, Carnot approached Joseph with a question, "Joseph, if we were to transfer Napoleon to a combat unit as its commander, what are your thoughts?"
Joseph's heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly inquired, "Lazare, isn't Napoleon doing well in the Red Army? Where do you plan to transfer him?"
Carnot glanced at Joseph, understanding his concerns about what had happened that day. He smiled and said, "It's not decided yet. Here's the situation: just yesterday, Emperor Leopold and King William II of Prussia issued a joint declaration in Pilnitz. In that declaration, they threatened to use force to 'assist France in restoring order.'"Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience
Carnot then sneered, "Do these Habsburgs think their empire was built with swords and guns? And as for William II, who does he think he is? Does he think he's his father? If he were his father, it might be worth taking notice, but William II? Hah... Who have we French ever feared on land? Even if he were his father, had it not been for the treachery of the Russians, his father would have been defeated just the same!"
After expressing their disdain for Austria and Prussia, Carnot sighed, "But Joseph, you also know that our army is in a dire state. There are significant conflicts between the ranks, and there have been mutinies in several places recently. Generals had to take disciplinary measures against certain individuals, but those measures, while suppressing the conflicts temporarily, didn't truly resolve them. Joseph, you also know that a divided army, with mutual distrust and even animosity between the ranks, is a recipe for disaster on the battlefield."
What outcome could be expected from a divided army with such trust issues? It was clear. Back in the days, a mere coachman in a certain Eastern Empire, just because he didn't get a taste of lamb soup, delivered his general straight into the enemy's camp, where he was taken captive. Given the current state of the French army, mutinies and rebellions were not out of the question.
"Therefore, the general believes that, in terms of their attitude towards battle, the National Guard might be more reliable than the regular army. However, you also know that the National Guard's soldiers have mediocre training, and, more importantly, they lack qualified officers."
"Why not transfer some reliable officers from the regular army to the National Guard?" Joseph suggested. However, as soon as he spoke, he realized he had made a foolish statement.
"In that case, the general is concerned that problems will arise within the regular army," Carnot replied.
"This consideration is very prudent and correct. And I'll earn more income as well. It's a great thing!" Joseph sincerely said to Carnot. "Thank you, Lazare. If you have time, how about coming to my place for dinner?"
"Haha, there's no reason for a bachelor to invite someone with a family to dinner. You don't even have a hostess, how would you entertain me?" Carnot replied, feeling at ease. "Besides, I'll be getting a promotion and a raise soon too. In any case, my income will still be higher than yours. If I hadn't been so busy lately, I would have invited you to my place long ago."
....
"In general, do you plan to promote Joseph and his brothers?" Fouch asked in Lafayette's office.
"They are all capable, and it would be a waste not to promote them. The promotions are well-deserved," Lafayette replied indifferently, as if he had no other thoughts.
"But Joseph's speech at the Jacobin Club has had a very negative impact on us," Fouch pointed out.
This was not a lie. Lafayette had successfully convinced a significant portion of the Jacobin Club's members to leave, which dealt a significant blow to the club. People were quick to perceive those who remained as abandoned and disreputable. However, Joseph's words at the club meeting had elevated these individuals to the status of moral defenders. As a result, those who followed Lafayette became suspected traitors. Lafayette's own followers were seen as opportunists. This was a significant blow to Lafayette's reputation, which he valued greatly. But because he was so concerned with his reputation, he couldn't enact any obvious retaliation.
"Joseph is simply too honest. He has little interest in politics and doesn't quite understand the intricacies involved," Lafayette chuckled, as if he truly bore no ill feelings toward Joseph.
Fouch sighed inwardly; he knew Lafayette didn't entirely trust him. He was aware that before the club's vote, Robespierre had visited the Bonaparte brothers. But he felt that now was not the right time to reveal this information. This piece of news might fetch a high price someday, depending on the circumstances.
"You are truly magnanimous," Fouch flattered. "By the way, I've heard that Mr. Barnave has been getting close to the court recently. I also heard that the king intends to have Mr. Petion replace Mr. Bailly as the Mayor of Paris."
"What? This is... What is the king thinking?" Lafayette was both surprised and somewhat angry. Petion was known to have republican inclinations.
