“Diverting public attention?” Brian nodded, he was very familiar with this, “Do you mean to say, find some noble scandals and publicize them extensively?”
Joseph was slightly startled; to be honest, this was slightly different from his initial concept, but it indeed was a very effective means.
“In addition to that, we could also have the newspapers report about the Swiss owing money.”
Indeed, the embezzled funds that the Swiss Denaro Bank failed to return were the money Switzerland owed to France, which was logically very sound.
Joseph knew that France was currently at the beginning of national awakening, and people cared deeply about matters involving national interest. As long as the copy was up to standard, it would certainly draw everyone’s attention.
In fact, the Swiss Cantonal Parliament and the Federal Congress had already advanced nearly 3 million livres, more bank loans were being forcefully recalled, and diplomats had been sent to France to coordinate this matter. However, due to the domestic situation in France, they had to “inconvenience” the Swiss.
Brian nodded thoughtfully, admitting that this matter indeed could draw more attention from the citizens than noble scandals.
Joseph continued, “And those Barbary pirates we captured, bring them all to Paris for a public trial. Find a few French-speaking American sailors to add an emotional touch.
“Have someone write the pirate capturing process into a script, and perform it right there after each day’s public trial.”
When it came to heating up topics and creating news, Joseph, shaped by the 21st-century influence, was absolutely a master in this era.
“We could also add some visual stimulation. Hasn’t Bouvarandere’s trial concluded? Carry out the hanging as soon as possible and display his body from the street lamp as a public warning.”
Bouvarandere was the banker charged with the murder of Necker.
“But…” Brian wanted to say that the judicial process wasn’t complete yet and the execution shouldn’t be so hasty. However, he then thought about the fact that the banker was not a noble and even had gang connections, a nod with the High Court would do, so he didn’t say anything more.
With these events, the focus on the unpaid debts would surely significantly decrease, and coupled with the availability of affordable bread, the panic over food should quickly come under effective control.
Brian’s assistant entered with the Queen’s maid. The Countess of Debreninac paid her respects to the two men in the room and said, “Archbishop Brian, Her Majesty the Queen requests your presence.”
Brian hurried off with the maid, and Joseph returned to his study to write the arrangements for “heating up the topics” into a document, one by one.
Unexpectedly, after just half an hour, Brian returned somewhat anxiously, his brows furrowed in distress, “Crown Prince, you must help me persuade Her Majesty the Queen.”
“Oh? What has happened?”
Brian sighed, “As you know, next month is His Majesty the King’s birthday. Her Majesty the Queen summoned me just now to discuss the birthday celebration.
“However, given the severe shortfall the country is facing, with demands for money everywhere, I suggested to Her Majesty that we shouldn’t host a large celebration, but she clearly wasn’t too pleased…”
“Wait!” Joseph suddenly looked at him, “That’s right, it’s almost His Majesty the King’s birthday.”
“Yes, Your Highness. Her Majesty the Queen loves you the most, if you persuade her, she should listen.”
Joseph thought for a moment, then smiled and shook his head, “No, Archbishop Brian, we should celebrate this birthday.”
“What?”
“Not only should we celebrate, but we must also do it splendidly!” said Joseph, pulling up Brian and heading towards the Petit Trianon Palace.
Before long, Queen Mary joyfully stroked her son’s hair and cast a glance at the frowning Brian standing to one side, happily saying, “I just knew that Joseph would agree to throw a grand birthday celebration for his beloved father.”
Following her cue, Joseph first offered his blessings to Louis XVI, then said, “However, as you know, the Parisians are currently concerned about the food issue. If we directly organize a birthday celebration at this point, it could easily provoke dissatisfaction among the people.”
“Additionally, finances are an issue.”
Brian hadn’t expected such a twist and hurriedly nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, the Queen began to frown, “So, what are you suggesting?”
Joseph smiled and said, “We need to set a theme for His Majesty’s birthday celebration.”
“A theme?”
“The Parisians will hear this news: The great His Majesty the King will hold a relief-themed birthday celebration,” Joseph explained. “The scale of the celebration must be large, impacting as many people as possible. We should start warming up half a month in advance with some free programs, distributing food for free every day in the name of His Majesty the King.
“During the days of the birthday, hold a relief charity sale every day, calling on the nobility to donate. All Parisians can come to Versailles Palace Square to partake in the festivities, and we can even have things like lucky draws.
“I guarantee that for nearly a month before and after, the streets of Paris will be filled with laughter, and no one will remember the poor harvest.”
With a grim face, Brian said, “Your Highness, this is going to cost a lot of money.”
“It doesn’t need much money,” Joseph replied. “The most expensive parts of such a celebration are hiring theater troupes, circuses to perform, having large-scale banquets, and decorating the Palace of Versailles, and all of these can be saved.”
Queen Mary’s eyes widened in surprise, “Without these, how can it be considered a birthday celebration?”
Joseph had already thought of a plan on his way here and immediately smiled, “For the celebration’s program, we can organize two competitions.
“Ladies can take part in a singing and dancing competition. We only need the court orchestra to accompany them, and the ladies of Versailles who are skilled at singing and dancing will naturally take the stage to show their talents. Her Majesty the Queen will lead a few ladies from the Royal Family as judges, scoring on the spot and having a music master provide comments.
The top performers will be selected, and Her Majesty the Queen will personally award them. I believe they will be eager to sign up.
“For the gentlemen, we can hold a swordsmanship competition. It will be judged by His Majesty the King, who will also award the winners.
“Of course, we can invite the circus, just to perform during breaks in the competition, which won’t cost too much.”
Queen Mary imagined the scene of noble ladies gathering together, each showing off their singing, and felt somewhat eager to try. She nodded her head quite approvingly on the spot.
Joseph continued, “His Majesty the King should tour around Paris on his birthday to accept congratulations from the citizens. So, the banquet only needs to be the dinner on that night, which is the only place where money needs to be spent.”
In past celebrations of the King’s birthday, there were banquets throughout the whole day, which was the major expense. But by only holding a dinner reception, the costs would not be as much.
“As for the decorations for the celebration, the Palace of Versailles is already the most exquisite and luxurious place in all of Europe. It’ll be enough just to clean it thoroughly and place fresh flowers around.
“The heart of the celebration lies in the people. As long as there are many people and everyone is enjoying themselves, then it is a successful celebration.”
Thinking quietly about the celebration plan proposed by the Crown Prince, Brian estimated that it would cost at most 300,000 livres, and it wouldn’t provoke discontent from the Parisians towards the Royal Family. Hence, he immediately expressed his agreement, “Your Majesty the Queen, I think the form of celebration proposed by His Highness is perfect.”