A day later, the sun peeked through the grand windows of the palace as Napoleon sat down for breakfast with his beloved wife, Ciela. The aroma of freshly baked croissants filled the air, and a gentle breeze rustled the curtains, creating a serene atmosphere.
With a warm smile, Napoleon dipped his croissant into his coffee, savoring the delightful blend of flavors.
"I must say, my love, this is a perfect start to the day," Napoleon said, breaking the silence as he savored the moment.
"Well, you should hurry up as your proclamation is today," Ciela gently reminded him.
Ciela was right, the day was the proclamation of the new constitution approved by the Council of State, Tribunate, and Corps législatif the new parliamentary assemblies that replaced the Council of Ancients and the Five Hundred. Once the proclamation is over, his rule over France is legitimized by the people.
But first, what is the French Consulate under Napoleon?
The new government comprised three parliamentary assemblies: the Council of State, responsible for drafting bills; the Tribunate, engaged in debates but unable to vote on bills; and the Corps législatif, whose members reviewed the Tribunate's debates before casting their votes on the bills.
Additionally, the constitution established another governmental body known as the Sénat conservateur. This body held equal stature with the three aforementioned legislative assemblies and was responsible for verifying the draft bills while providing direct counsel to the First Consul regarding the implications of such bills. Ultimate executive authority was vested in three consuls, who were elected for ten years. But Napoleon's political allies such as Lucien and Talleyrand rewrite the constitution without consulting Sieyes, the main conspirator, where the executive powers would be vested in the First Consul, which is Napoleon.
That move would also be supported by a public referendum which Talleyrand and Lucien held a week after the coup and the result would be announced in his proclamation.
"Your Excellency," Beaumont approached Napoleon's chair. "General Bessieres has arrived and is waiting for you outside."
"Thank you Beaumont," Napoleon nodded as he wiped his mouth with a napkin and rose from his seat.
He walked over to Ciela and planted a kiss on her forehead. "I have to go, darling. You know what to do now right?"
Ciela giggled. "Don't worry, the moment you are proclaimed as the First Consul of France to the public, thousands of newspapers are going to be printed in an hour, informing people from across France about your glorious moment."
Napoleon grinned. "That's my darling. Now, goodbye and I'll see you for dinner."
Napoleon then exited the palace and headed towards the awaiting carriage. The soldiers accompanying Bessieres who are tasked to escort the First Consul saluted and presented arms.
"Good morning, Your Excellency," Bessieres saluted. "We are ready to take you to Paris."
Napoleon patted Bessieres's shoulders before hopping inside the carriage. The wheels rumbled as the horses trotted along the cobblestone streets of Chantilly, heading towards Paris.
As they neared Paris, the people lining the streets caught sight of Napoleon's carriage, and cheers erupted, echoing through the city.
"Bonaparte! Bonaparte!"
Napoleon peered out from the window and saw the sea of faces admiring him. It was the same enthusiastic chants and cheers he received when he returned from Egypt.
Upon reaching the Tuileries Palace, the carriage came to a halt, and Napoleon stepped out to be greeted by an ocean of eager faces. He stood tall, clad in his iconic red First Consul uniform.
General Bessieres and the accompanying soldiers formed a protective circle around him as he made his way toward the main entrance of the palace.
"Long live Bonaparte! Long Live Bonaparte!" the crowd chanted, their voices thundering with excitement. Napoleon smiled, acknowledging the cheers with a wave of his hand.
Entering the Tuileries Palace, he was greeted by Talleyrand and Lucien, who were probably waiting for his arrival.
"As you can hear, Your Excellency, the people were delighted to have you as their leader," Talleyrand commented as he bowed his head reverently.
"You can thank your expedition in Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula for that. The paintings that you commissioned by esteemed artists, showcasing the grandeur of your victories, have captivated the imagination of the public," Lucien added with a proud smile.
Napoleon nodded, acknowledging their words. "Yes, the expedition indeed played a significant role in building my reputation, but now we have much more to accomplish. Are the members of the Council of State, Tribunate, Corps législatif, and the Sénat conservateur present?" Napoleon inquired, eager to proceed with the important matters at hand.
Talleyrand nodded, "Yes, Your Excellency, they are all gathered and eagerly awaiting your address."
"Great," Napoleon smiled and resumed walking towards the chamber. Talleyrand and Lucien followed behind.
As Napoleon entered the grand chamber of the Tuileries Palace, the buzz of conversations and movements within came to a hushed silence. The members of the Council of State, Tribunate, Corps législatif, and the Sénat conservateur all turned their attention to the newly proclaimed First Consul.
Taking his place at the center of the room, Napoleon stood tall, his gaze sweeping across the assembly. Then his gaze fell on The President of the Sénat conservateur, Emmanuel Joseph Sieyes.
A week before this day, Napoleon found out Sieyes still had a bitter reaction to him being reduced to a nominal role. Not wanting Sieyes to become a thorn in his side, he made him the President of the Sénat conservateur.
Napoleon simply nodded at Sieyes, signaling him to start the proclamation, as it was the role of the governmental body he was presiding in.
"Gentlemen of the Sénat conservateur, esteemed members of the Council of State, Tribunate, and Corps législatif. Today we gather to proclaim the outcome of the public referendum conducted across our great nation. As you are well aware, this referendum sought to confirm the new constitution and entrust executive powers to one individual."
A hushed silence settled over the room as Sieyes paused for effect. He then continued with an air of solemnity.
"The results have been tallied, and it is my honor to announce that a staggering 99 percent of the voters have cast their ballots in favor of vesting executive powers in General Napoleon Bonaparte, now known as the First Consul of France!"
Thunderous applause and cheers erupted within the chamber, reverberating off the ornate walls.
"Monsieur le Premier Consul," Sieyes turned to Napoleon. "I invite you to address this esteemed assembly and the people of France who were standing by outside these walls, as the newly confirmed First Consul."
Napoleon stepped forward and looked around the great chamber. "Esteemed members of the Sénat conservateur, Council of State, Tribunate, and Corps législatif, and fellow citizens of France. Today marks a pivotal moment in our nation's history. The overwhelming support shown by our people through the public referendum is a testament to the unity and determination that courses through our land.
"The trust you have bestowed upon me as the First Consul carries immense responsibility, and I shall not falter in fulfilling the duties that lie ahead. I stand before you not as a single man seeking power, but as a servant of the Republic, devoted to the welfare of its people.
"As the First Consul, I solemnly pledge to uphold the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. I shall strive to protect the rights of every citizen, ensure justice prevails over injustice, and work tirelessly to foster prosperity for our great nation.
"Also here, I promise that I will end this war against the coalition through diplomacy and peace negotiations, seeking a lasting resolution for the benefit of France and her neighbors. But should they not agree to our peace terms, I will do everything in my power to protect France and its citizens from any external threat. Our nation has suffered enough and it is time to secure a future of peace and stability for the generations to come."
The assembly erupted once again into applause.
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