He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 152

(152) Josephine is in a War Without Guns

Becoming a person of power means displaying your daily life to the world.

For example, during the old royal era, the family of Louis XVI had countless portraits made of themselves.

There are numerous portraits of Marie Antoinette, the deceased crown prince, and Marie, the former princess.

The portraits were then reproduced and printed, spreading throughout the country to convey the image of a harmonious royal family to the people.

In short, in the late 18th century, before photography, portraits were very useful as propaganda tools.

Even if not for that reason, it was fashionable to have portraits painted upon achieving success.

So, what about Napoleon, the de facto leader of the new republic?

That’s a problem for his wife, Josephine, to worry about.

“Monsieur Gros, what do you think? I like your paintings. If you accept my offer, I will pay you a salary of 3,000 *livres* [French currency] per month.”

Napoleon, still too busy, couldn’t handle this issue himself.

The only thing being done was publicizing his achievements through newspapers like *Bonaparte and Noble Friends*, created under Eugene’s initiative.

Eugene, having experienced the revolution in his early years, was not familiar with the portrait culture.

However, Josephine, originally a marchioness and familiar with aristocratic culture, was different.

As soon as Napoleon’s foundation became stable, she began searching for artists.

Not simply to satisfy her vanity, but to promote her husband’s image.

Especially selecting French artists, which is why she came all the way to Florence, the city of art.

Antoine-Jean Gros.

The young painter, just 25 years old, nodded his head in excitement.

“To buy my paintings at such a price! It is truly an honor, Madame Bonaparte.”

“But there are conditions.”

“What are they? I will gladly follow any condition!”

Antoine Gros, like most French painters, came to Florence to see Italian artworks.

There was also the desire to avoid the chaotic political situation in France due to the revolution.

However, he was struggling financially due to a lack of income.

Then, the wife of the French hero, Napoleon, came to meet Gros.

Even leading her pregnant body.

The pregnant Josephine winked and told Gros.

“You must paint me in the most radiant way. And my husband too. Oh, and can you retouch the fact that I’m pregnant appropriately?”

In modern terms, she was asking if he could ‘Photoshop’ her.

In fact, Gros was a painter who had gained fame early on for [beautification].

Josephine heard Gros’s name because of rumors that he beautified the appearances of noble ladies.

Naturally, Gros accepted and happily left. Josephine slumped into her seat.

“Whew, now the meetings with the painters I had to meet today are finally over.”

Madame Visconti, who was attending as a maid next to her, wiped Josephine’s sweat and said.

“You’ve worked hard, Madame. But, shouldn’t you leave this kind of work to your subordinates?”

“Hehe, Madame Visconti. Unlike you, I am not a born aristocrat. So, I don’t have a ‘butler’ good enough to take on this kind of work. So, I have to do it myself.”

“Still, there was no need to come all the way to Florence. Why didn’t you call them to Milan?”

Josephine shook her head at Madame Visconti’s words.

“It’s about choosing the paintings that will reveal the glory of our husband, son, and the French Italian army. Besides, my husband and son will be coming to Florence soon anyway.”

Florence, a historic place called the city of flowers.

Originally the capital of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, it was ruled until recently by the Emperor’s younger brother, Grand Duke Ferdinand.

However, as Napoleon won in Vienna, the owner of Florence also changed.

In name, it is governed by the parliament and head of government elected by the residents of Florence.

The actual ruler can be said to be General Macquard, the military administrator dispatched by Napoleon.

Of course, behind him is the commander-in-chief of the French Italian army, Napoleon.

So why do Napoleon and Eugene have to come to Florence soon?

Because there is a parliamentary opening ceremony of the new French satellite republic, the Republic of Tuscany.

The commander and chief adjutant are naturally required to attend.

Josephine also visited Florence to recruit new painters on this occasion.

In particular, Gros, who was hired today, is a famous painter in later original history.

As a student of David, he also painted the Battle of Arcole.

It is also the first painting that Josephine commissioned now.

Because it is a battle in which her son, Eugene, was active.

Madame Visconti nodded.

“It would be difficult to do this in Turin. It’s not a city where artists stay.”

“That’s why I’m still staying in Milan, right? Well, even though my husband’s post is in Turin, he seems to travel to Milan or Florence more often.”

“Eventually, Milan will also fall into General Bonaparte’s hands, right? Everyone is saying that.”

Josephine’s face hardened at the words of Visconti, a noble lady from Milan, who was subtly probing.

“I don’t know. I’ve seen too many powerful people fall, Madame Visconti.”

Madame Visconti closed her mouth.

Her lover, General Berthier, also occasionally says in bed that ‘Bonaparte’ will not stop here.

Other nobles in Milan are also anxiously asking what Napoleon’s next move will be.

Perhaps he will become a ‘king,’ Madame Visconti has vaguely imagined.

If that happens, she might be able to aim for the position of head maid.

But Josephine, who can be said to be a ‘queen’ candidate, was more cynical.

In any case, among the countless powerful people who frequented Josephine’s salon during the revolution, only a handful remain to this day.

Besides, didn’t her ex-husband, Baron Beauharnais, also die a tragic death?

Suddenly, Josephine shook her head and smiled.

“Anyway, it wouldn’t be good for the baby to only talk about such depressing things, right?”

“Of course, Madame! I’m so curious about what kind of child will be born. If it’s a son, the general will be happy!”

“Well? Napoleone will be happy whether it’s a daughter or a son. For now.”

Josephine rested her chin and smiled strangely.

“As long as he is a general of the republic, he won’t care much whether it’s a son or a daughter.”

Again, it is a word with a subtle implication.

If he is a general of the republic, there is no need to pass on his position to his son, so a daughter is fine.

But if he has to ‘inherit’ his position, he needs a son to protect his position.

Madame Visconti pondered the meaning of Josephine’s words and thought of Josephine’s ‘son.’

“Oh, I almost forgot. Your son sent you a gift.”

“Huh? Eugene? That’s unexpected, that child is so busy that he never sends gifts.”

“Isn’t it because he’s too busy? I heard that your son crossed the Atlantic to save Madame!”

Josephine nodded as she watched Madame Visconti go to get the gift.

“That’s right. On the way back, he met Napoleone.”

Back then, Josephine had nothing.

Even the property in her hometown was all destroyed by riots.

Having lost everything in her possession, she returned with only her body, along with Hortense, under Eugene’s guidance.

She met Napoleon in Marseille.

Perhaps that day changed Josephine’s fate?

It feels like a superstition.

It’s even more so when I think about the baby in my belly.

Suddenly, Madame Visconti handed Josephine a bright object.

Josephine’s eyes widened.

10 roses.

But the petals are made of rubies, the stems are made of sapphires, and the baby’s breath decorating them is made of small diamonds.

A bouquet of jewels, literally.

Even Josephine was impressed by this gift.

“Oh my, flowers made of jewels!”

“Oh my gosh, it must be incredibly expensive? Your son must really love Madame!”

“Rather than that, um. This is.”

Josephine smiled brightly and smelled the scentless jewel flowers.

“Eugene knows my taste too well. Hehe!”

A brilliant, jewel-like life.

That is the life that Josephine pursues.

***

However, if you live a jewel-like life, you cannot spend peaceful time with your family.

“Damn it, did the Venetians really revolt? Who did they dare to kill?”

Napoleon, who had just arrived in Florence, was jumping up and down in the Tuscan Palace without even resting.

Even his son, Eugene, rushed over, but there was no time to chat with Josephine.

Because a series of rebellions broke out in the northeast, in the former Venetian territory of the Veneto Republic.

It was a rebellion that started on the island of Rialto in Venice, which is difficult to occupy without a navy.

Napoleon expected a rebellion, but he did not expect a rebellion to break out in Venice itself.

Of course, Eugene reported calmly, as if he had expected it to some extent.

“A naval officer was killed while confiscating a ship. It was a Captain Rosier.”

“Deploy the Mediterranean Fleet immediately! Burn Venice with naval bombardment!”

Napoleon’s face relaxed at the news of the Mediterranean Fleet’s deployment.

“Are you sure there are no British ships?”

“They are not moving from Gibraltar. I don’t know, they may move soon. But not now.”

“Good. If the Mediterranean Fleet gets caught in the Adriatic Sea, send a message to Admiral Brueys to be careful. Deploy Murat and Junot.”

Of course, Josephine, who was listening next to him, didn’t understand any of this.

War, schemes, and diplomacy are not Josephine’s interests.

Of course, Josephine could not know that Napoleon and Eugene deliberately induced the rebellion in Venice, and that many people would die because of it.

However, Josephine knows one thing.

She needs to be next to Napoleon and Eugene today.

The moment the conversation between Eugene and Napoleon subsided, Josephine smiled and asked.

“Is the talk over? How’s my dress, Napoleone? And our son?”

Only then did Napoleon finally take a breath and praised Josephine.

“You are beautiful no matter what you wear. Even though you’re pregnant.”

“Hmph, is that what someone who sends a pregnant woman to a party should say?”

“I can’t help it. All the key figures of the Republic of Tuscany will be at today’s banquet. The elegant figure of the commander’s wife is politically essential. Isn’t that right, Eugene?”

Eugene also looked at Josephine’s dress and nodded.

“It’s good to rest, but you are needed today. There are more supporters of the old monarchy here than in Milan. These people need a new [monarch image]. To do that, a ‘queen’ is essential.”

Now Josephine knew what they were talking about.

A symbol to replace the old monarch, influential figures presumed to be old nobles, and conversations with them.

It’s what Josephine used to do in Paris.

Smiling brightly, Josephine gave her beloved son a kiss on the forehead.

“So, I just have to do my part as a good wife? Don’t worry, Eugene. I’m a professional at being a salon hostess.”

Today is a celebration to announce the opening of the Tuscan Republic’s parliament.

It is the day when Napoleon, the commander of the Italian French garrison, and his wife, Josephine, attend the party.

Even her husband and son, whom she had met after a long time, can only meet at such official events.

Nevertheless, Josephine smiled brightly and moved her steps.

Josephine has always dreamed of this kind of life.

***

Under the light of the splendid chandelier, a dazzling jewel dress shines, and everyone’s attention is focused.

“Madame Bonaparte, you are truly beautiful! My goodness, where did this dress come from?”

The nobles of the former Grand Duchy of Tuscany and their wives surrounded Josephine.

Of course, the main character of the party is Napoleon.

But Napoleon was busy having secret talks with the rulers of the newly launched Republic of Tuscany.

His adopted son, Eugene, is also following him, so there is no time to talk to him.

Therefore, the nobles who were out of power all ran to Josephine.

Josephine also liked this kind of thing very much, so she smiled and treated the nobles.

“It’s a work by Rose Bertin. You know her? She’s the designer of the old French royal family.”

“Oh my! Is that person still alive? I thought the guillotine of the revolution had cut off everyone’s heads!”

“Madam! Oh my gosh, how can you say such a thing in front of the commander’s wife!”

Just as one noble lady was about to reprimand another for making a slip of the tongue, Josephine smiled and shook her head.

“Don’t worry. I used to be a noble lady whose neck was in danger. Besides, the princess of the old royal family is also coming to this place.”

Josephine introduced Marie Therese, who participated in the party together.

As expected, Marie, wearing a Rose Bertin dress, smiled and approached Josephine.

But one noble lady made a fuss as she looked at a girl walking from the opposite side.

“Oh my, General Bonaparte’s sister is coming too?”

Josephine slightly widened her eyes and smiled leisurely.

“Marie, and Pauline. Say hello to everyone. They are influential figures of the Republic of Tuscany, and their wives.”

Marie and Pauline, who had just returned from Vienna, also participated in the party.

From Napoleon’s point of view, it was a party where all the beauties related to his family were mobilized.

Of course, from the point of view of the women participating, they are colleagues who are not very welcome to each other.

Marie, conscious of Pauline, greeted the old nobles of Tuscany.

“Hello. My name is Marie Therese Capet. I almost had my head cut off by the guillotine too.”

The noble ladies looked at each other at the slightly sarcastic joke.

Josephine also frowned slightly.

It is not good to say things that seem to criticize the revolutionaries of Paris in this place.

At that time, Pauline also greeted the noble ladies wearing a dress that revealed half of her chest.

“I’m Pauline Bonaparte. I’m General Bonaparte’s sister. Everyone, you know, right?”

This time, it is an attitude that seems to show off her status.

A man that anyone in the Republic of Tuscany can’t help but notice.

Napoleon.

Just being the sister of this powerful person puts the noble ladies in a situation where they have to cater to her.

Suddenly, Madame Visconti, who was attending Josephine, whispered.

“Madam, both of them have unusual personalities?”

Josephine also smiled and replied.

“Really, I don’t want to give either of them to Eugene. Hehe.”

A war without guns, soon a gossip war in society.

Josephine is carrying out this battle again today.

Even with her pregnant body.

For Napoleon, Eugene, and her jewel-like life.