The Fox of France

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.'"

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.

The concept of problems arising within the regular army was straightforward. Nowadays, the senior ranks of the army were mostly in favor of the king, while lower-ranking officers tended to lean towards the revolution. This created a natural balance, which was why the army had remained neutral and refrained from direct political interference. If these lower-ranking officers were transferred in large numbers to the National Guard, it would disrupt this balance, and sooner or later, the army, under the control of those aristocratic officers, might come out to "eliminate the rebels." Therefore, this approach was definitely not viable.

Furthermore, if National Guard officers were mostly those lower-ranking officers from the regular army inclined toward the revolution, it wouldn't necessarily be beneficial for Lafayette's control over the National Guard. These individuals could easily be influenced by the Jacobins, and one day, they might even rebel with them.

So, the approach of transferring a significant number of junior officers from the regular army to serve as officers in the National Guard was undoubtedly unworkable.

"Now, it seems that war may be imminent," Carnot said. "For this reason, the general has an idea to appoint Napoleon as the commander of the National Guard. Based on his performance during this period, the general believes he should be able to serve as a regimental staff officer, and the National Guard's rank requirements are relatively lower. So, he has this idea. But when he asked for my opinion, I opposed it. I think in his current position, you can elevate more officers, which would be more advantageous for France. However, I have also presented a new suggestion to the general, something I thought of on the spot and didn't have time to discuss with you, but it involves adjustments to your work."

"What is your suggestion?" Joseph asked.

"The general thinks that Napoleon is still too young to serve as the supreme commander of the Red Army, as it is a military force, not the National Guard. So, the general believes promoting him by one rank is sufficient. Furthermore, since most of the Red Army's affairs are already on the right track, and tactically, I believe Napoleon is stronger than you. He can handle all your current responsibilities in the Red Army. Of course, I have a personal motive. You see, since you've devoted most of your energy to the Red Army, my workload has increased significantly. If your brother can take care of those matters, it would ease my burden."

"What does General Lafayette want?" Joseph thought and then asked, "So, what does the general mean?"

"The general feels that promoting Napoleon to the rank of second lieutenant, to serve as the Red Army's operational staff, would be enough," Carnot explained. "Additionally, he plans to find a more experienced commander for the Red Army. Of course, Joseph, in the past period, you've excelled in organizing the Red Army, so the general also plans to promote your rank by one level, which would increase your salary significantly."

Joseph now seemed to understand Lafayette's intentions. Lafayette promoted his brothers, but removed them from the positions of military commanders.

"It seems Lafayette no longer trusts me. But to maintain a magnanimous appearance, he still wants to promote Napoleon and me. However, isn't this a favorable situation?" Joseph thought.

Joseph's idea of this being a favorable situation was not mere wishful thinking; he recognized that the Jacobin faction's rise to power was inevitable. Although it appeared that he had no actual military authority now, once the Jacobins took control, these powers would return to him. Moreover, with the Jacobins in power, the war with the Coalition forces almost never ceased. During those times, he and his brothers could command forces abroad while conveniently avoiding the terror that might descend upon Paris. In his current position as a pure technical officer, he could also avoid many troubles. And promotion with a raise in salary was certainly a good thing. Joseph decided that tonight, he would treat himself to a nice meal to celebrate.

"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.