Chapter 545: The Peace of Corsica
When the parade reached the Place du Louvre, thousands had already gathered, all singing the "Happy Lamppost Song" with booming voices.
Joseph slipped in through a side entrance to the Louvre, making his way to the second floor. From there, he could see the crowd encircling an open space in the center of the square, where over a hundred straw effigies were piled haphazardly.
The faces of the straw figures were indistinct, but the crowd's shouts made it clear whom they represented: names like "Forl," "Borrellet," and "Decontrelle" echoed loudly.
An elderly woman stepped forward and lit the effigies ablaze. A deafening cheer erupted from the crowd:
"Burn the scum to ashes!"
"Long live the Prince! Long live His Majesty the King!"
"Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you, Tax Bureau, for sending these devils to hell!"
"Burn the tax farmers! Burn them all!"
As the fire roared, the crowd began singing again, some breaking into tears, overcome with emotion.
Unbeknownst to Joseph, nearby under the eastern colonnade of the Tuileries Palace, Robespierre and Chaumette stood watching the flames, their faces alight with a fervor surpassing even that of the celebrating crowd.
This moment symbolized their victory. The fledgling Tax Bureau, established barely a year ago, had successfully dismantled the once-monolithic tax farming system.
As Robespierre observed the joyous faces in the crowd, he felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. They had brought justice and fairness to the people of France, a legacy he believed would shine brightly for generations.
Chaumette broke the silence, his voice trembling with emotion:
"Robespierre, I'm glad I took your advice. Otherwise, I would've missed this glorious moment."
It was Robespierre who had rallied the Jacobin Club to join the Tax Bureau. Though he had made many promises, many—including Chaumette—had been skeptical, reluctant to work as government officials.
But Robespierre's convictions won over several doubters, Chaumette included.
Robespierre smiled, then turned serious:
"I'm fortunate to have encountered His Highness. Without him…" He paused, raising his voice:
"He is truly a remarkable royal—a man who can bring justice and happiness to the people. He is far more suited to this task than any of us."
Nearby, another official, Darty, who had once doubted Robespierre and joined the bureau only to prove him wrong, now passionately declared:
"Rousseau taught us what must be done, but the Prince is making it a reality! France owes its greatness to them both!"
Robespierre nodded solemnly. "Indeed, we are witnessing the birth of a great France…"
Corsica
In a pale gray villa on the outskirts of Ajaccio, the newly appointed Governor of Corsica, Count Buttafuoco, handed a sealed report to Napoleon, the acting commander of Corsica's forces.
"This intelligence comes from Mr. Girolamo," Buttafuoco said, his tone grave. "Though the details are scant, we must remain vigilant."
Napoleon unfolded the report. It contained a list of names alongside a note: Paoli may incite rebellion in the mountain regions soon. These individuals are among his close allies.
Buttafuoco, visibly anxious, elaborated:
"Most of these individuals are still loyal to Paoli, including several assembly members and leaders of splinter groups.
"Perhaps you should mobilize the troops now. If anything happens, you can suppress it immediately."
Paoli's influence had waned considerably after recent setbacks. In desperation, he was attempting to rally what remained of his support, promising substantial rewards to incite rebellion in his native region. He hoped to capitalize on chaos to form a militia from the destitute.
Napoleon frowned and shook his head. "Governor, the Chinto Mountains contain hundreds of villages. This intelligence is too vague to base a deployment on."
Buttafuoco grew more agitated. "You must find a way! We've just restored some semblance of order—we can't afford another disruption!"
The Governor's position was precarious. A rebellion now could cost him his job, leaving him at the mercy of the Prince's judgment.
Napoleon, also newly promoted and holding an interim title, shared the Governor's desire for stability. After a moment's thought, he shook his head decisively.
"Marching into those villages would be unwise. We need a more strategic solution."
"What do you propose?" Buttafuoco asked hesitantly.
Before Napoleon could answer, the Governor's steward entered, bowing respectfully.
"Sir, there is an officer outside requesting to see Colonel Buonaparte."
Through the open door, Napoleon recognized the officer and quickly apologized to the Governor.
"I must attend to an urgent matter, but rest assured, I will handle the rebellion. Please trust me."
"Oh, thank the heavens! I'm counting on you," Buttafuoco replied, relief washing over him.
Napoleon met the officer by the carriage.
"Have you gathered them?" he asked.
"Yes, Colonel. They're waiting in the southern warehouse of the barracks."
"Good. Take me to them."
Minutes later, as Napoleon approached the warehouse, he heard shouting and cursing from inside.
Smiling faintly, he pushed open the door. The soldiers inside snapped to attention, saluting him sharply.
Napoleon nodded at them and turned his attention to the three men seated in a corner. With a polite bow, he said:
"It's an honor to meet you, esteemed judges. I trust my men have treated you with respect."
"You!" one of the judges, a gaunt man in his forties, shouted angrily. "You lunatic! Let us go at once!"
Another, an older man, added indignantly: "This is kidnapping! I'll have you and your soldiers prosecuted!"
Napoleon gestured for chairs to be brought over and seated himself across from them. Smiling calmly, he said:
"All I ask is that you acquit the detainees. Do that, and I'll personally escort you back."
He referred to the 400 captured militia members. After executing their more radical leaders, he had integrated the rest into his forces.
Although a military tribunal had cleared them of charges, the Corsican courts insisted on convicting them of insurrection under parliamentary law. Such a conviction would render them ineligible for military service, and the general staff in Paris would withhold their pay.
"You're delusional!" the gaunt judge exclaimed. "I will not violate the law!"
The other two judges remained silent, their expressions steely.
Seeing their resistance, Napoleon rose and addressed the soldiers:
"Give the judges time to reconsider. Ensure they are kept safe. I'll return in ten days."
"You madman! Let us go!" the judges protested, but the soldiers forced them back into their seats.
Outside, Napoleon turned to his aide.
"Send for two companies—Labot's and Boislo's. Have them assemble outside the Assembly Hall tomorrow morning."
"Yes, Colonel!"
(To be continued…)
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