Novel Full Chapter 1313 - 1218: The Declaration
Chapter 1313: Chapter 1218: The Declaration
On the west side of the formation, Previdish held his rifle barrel, his boots together, standing straight.
In his 21 years of life, he had never felt as proud, fulfilled, and passionate as in the past few months of campaigning with the Crown Prince.
He couldn’t help but think of the two days back in Paris, where beautiful noble ladies surrounded him to hear stories of his ’campaign in Vienna’.
The exploits of General Moreau wreaking havoc behind Austrian lines had long been covered in the Parisian press. As a soldier who participated in the campaign, Previdish had become a hero in the eyes of those around him.
Even when he recounted his inactive combat experience in Trento, it would elicit repeated exclamations from everyone.
Of course, he would also emphasize the feats of the Fifth Army Group to bring the atmosphere to a climax.
Ah, even his elder brother, who initially looked down on him, had now become very respectful.
Previdish straightened his chest with determination, vowing to make sure he took down a few enemies solidly on the battlefield in the future, so as not to waste the opportunity granted by the Crown Prince.
“Attention!”
At the officer’s command, Major Marson came to the front of the formation, looking over the Grenadier Battalion soldiers, and said loudly, “The Crown Prince is about to issue a very important ordinance — the Declaration of Human Rights. It is a…”
He had just finished his sentence when he heard the soldiers chorusing, “Long live the Crown Prince!”
Marson glanced helplessly at the orator Mr. Kruze beside him, feeling it was unnecessary to say more, as with the enthusiasm of these soldiers, even if the Crown Prince asked them to dismantle their own homes, they would immediately execute it without hesitation.
Nevertheless, Kruze began according to the established procedure to introduce the core contents of the Declaration of Human Rights.
With his speech, the soldiers began excitedly murmuring to each other, “Long live freedom and equality!”
“’Equality before the law.’ My God, that’s the most philosophical thing I’ve ever heard!”
“This is truly the greatest ordinance!”
They were all young, and most were previously noble scions who were idle and carefree, making them the easiest to become idealists. They naturally supported the ideals of the Declaration of Human Rights exceedingly.
In fact, historically, they were also one of the core forces pushing for France’s great revolution.
In the Hall of Mirrors, a middle-aged noble wearing glasses looked at the Declaration of Human Rights in his hand and continuously shook his head: “’Equality’? Do you intend to make commoners equal with nobles? No, this will only disgrace noble bloodlines!”
His words immediately drew a chorus of agreement.
“What is nobility?” Viscount Valerna, dressed in a black coat, strode to the front and gestured grandly,
“Those who hail from noble families yet constantly drink themselves into a stupor, spending their days shuttling between casinos and brothels—I believe no one thinks they are noble.
“And a person who is learned, of upright conduct, or who has made outstanding contributions, even if just a commoner, equally deserves to be called noble!
“Why are we afraid of equality?
“Is it because we believe our abilities are not as good as those of people of humble birth? That’s not nobility; it’s cowardice!”
Mirabeau immediately led a round of applause: “Well said!”
He had long heard from Baron Breti that the Crown Prince intended to implement an ’equality ordinance,’ and today’s scenario made him guess that His Highness was about to officially implement it.
As a leading figure of the emerging noble faction, he had naturally done plenty of preparation to support His Highness, but had reacted a half-step slow just now, letting Valerna seize the lead.
Mirabeau strode to the wooden platform at the front, raising the Declaration of Human Rights in his hand: “Behold!
“This is far from being mere paper; these are France’s cries to the world, declarations of civilization and reason!
“From this moment on, the rights each person deserves are no longer vague terms from our ancestors’ scriptures, but are clearly and solemnly proclaimed!
“It belongs to you, and you, it belongs to every French person!”
Just then, the voice of the trusted aide Grenadier Battalion came from outside the window, “The great ordinance…”
“Kiss freedom and equality!”
The nobles subconsciously glanced towards the square outside, recognizing many of their own relatives among the soldiers.
Footsteps sounded at the doorway, drawing the nobles in the Hall of Mirrors to turn their heads, and seeing it was the King and Queen and the Crown Prince entering, they promptly bowed in salute.
Louis XVI came to the front of the wooden platform in the hall, trying to recall the words he had memorized, only to find that nervousness had caused him to forget most of them.
Skilfully, he motioned to his son: “I have signed the Declaration of Human Rights ordinance. Please have the Crown Prince explain the specific situation to everyone.”
Joseph bowed slightly to his father before coming to the front row, clearing his throat, and declared loudly:
“All of you present hail from glorious and renowned families.
“I am well aware that, from long ago, your ancestors steadfastly upheld honor and responsibility to govern and protect the great France.
“The old era has its own trajectory and imprint, which they consistently adhered to.
“And today, this ordinance illuminates a more glorious, fairer, and more vibrant path.
“Freedom and equality are not intended to halt anything, but rather to protect every French citizen, to protect everyone’s legitimate interests. It will build a more stable foundation, a foundation based on law and everyone’s rights.
“France will reach unprecedented new heights because of it!”
Mirabeau was the first to declare: “Long live His Majesty the King!”
Virtually all the nobles present followed with loud acclamation. The few nobles who frowned watched, and had no choice but to show their support too.
In fact, France’s industrial output had grown rapidly over the years, with nobles investing in industries for profits, so there were very few true old nobility left.
Joseph realized that the resistance to promoting the Declaration of Human Rights was much smaller than he had expected.
He promptly announced that, in the name of His Majesty the King, France would formally implement the Declaration of Human Rights ordinance from that day onwards.
The next day, all newspaper headlines published the full text of the Declaration of Human Rights, and everywhere people could be seen passionately delivering speeches.
“Did everyone see? ’Born equal’! From this moment forth, each of us is a dignified individual! Thank the Crown Prince!”
“We will be able to think freely, debate, and pursue truth! Regardless of wealth, regardless of birth…”
“Every person’s earned income, every denier, belongs to us, and no one can take it away at will! This is the right granted to us by His Majesty the King!”
Initially, ordinary citizens did not understand the significance of the declaration, but soon, all of Paris began to tremble.
Nearly ten thousand people spontaneously gathered outside the Palace of Versailles, holding newspapers printed with the Declaration of Human Rights.
The cries of “Long live His Majesty the King,” “Long live the Crown Prince” continued until twilight.