I Am the Crown Prince in France

Chapter 245 Incorporation (1000 monthly votes for additional updates)

Marquis Luckner was stunned when he heard this. They had just used "refuse to quell the chaos" to threaten the royal family before.

Joseph changed the subject again:

"I heard that you are planning to form an 'Allied Front'?"

Marquis Luckner suddenly broke out in a cold sweat. He knew in his heart that Marquis Saint-Villan must have done everything. He waved his hands hurriedly:

"No, no, that's just..."

Joseph raised his hand and interrupted him:

"His Majesty is very dissatisfied with your neglect of duty and allowing the riots in Auvergne. At the same time, you secretly colluded with other officers to influence the royal family's decision-making, which is an extremely serious mistake."

Although Marquis Luckner was shocked, he immediately noticed the difference in the Crown Prince's words - His Majesty only defined his behavior as "neglect of duty" and "serious mistake". This means that there is still room for negotiation!

He secretly gritted his teeth and showed an extremely sincere attitude:

"I am willing to accept any punishment for the mistakes I have made."

Joseph nodded: "First of all, you have to go to the Palace of Versailles in person to admit your mistake to His Majesty the King."

Seeing that Marquis Luckner's face turned pale, he added: "Don't worry, you will not be dismissed from your post."

The latter was immediately overjoyed. This had reached his bottom line, so he nodded hurriedly:

"I will comply with His Majesty's instructions, meet with His Majesty as soon as possible, and sincerely repent to him!"

Joseph continued: "Secondly, the Auvergne Army must accept the new officer selection and promotion system. Oh, to put it simply, it means giving civilians the opportunity to be promoted to officers. At the same time, promotion fees will no longer be paid."

Marquis Luckner heard the hidden meaning and said cautiously:

"Your Highness, are you saying that I will still command the Army of Auvergne?"

"Yes, as long as you strictly implement the new officer system and accept the command of the General Staff, you will still be the corps commander."

Joseph's plan for the military is very clear. You can't rely on these old armies to fight the war. At that time, some talents will be poached and incorporated into the Guards Corps. The original organization can be left alone. After this beating, I understand that they will not dare to make any big noise again.

As long as they accept civilians as officers, it won't take many years before capable civilians and minor nobles will become the backbone of the army. Of course, the promotion of officers must be strictly supervised and verified by the General Staff Headquarters.

At the same time, retaining the positions of these military nobles can also minimize the resistance they oppose.

After the royal family took complete control of the army, they would not be able to manipulate them at will.

The old Marquis was overjoyed and immediately promised loudly: "Your Highness, please rest assured, military discipline and system will always flow in my blood!" Then he asked carefully, "Your Highness, what is this 'General Staff'?"

"Oh, this is a new department that will be established, responsible for helping His Majesty the King formulate combat plans and dispatch troops." Joseph continued, "In addition, your legion must undergo establishment verification, cancel all vacancies, and draw down based on actual numbers.

"In the future, military pay will be directly issued by the General Staff, including your military pay. Weapons and equipment will also be purchased and allocated by the General Staff. In this way, you don't have to worry about the expenditure of the army. Of course, you don't need to withhold military service tax. Waiting for funding.”

Marquis Luckner sighed secretly, this was tantamount to confiscating his financial rights. But thinking that at least he had kept his position as commander, he could still think of other ways to make money in the future, so he pinched his nose and agreed:

"Yes, Your Highness, I understand."

What Joseph didn't tell him was that the Military Police Department would also be rebuilt and replaced directly by civilians or small nobles. In the future, it would not be so easy for officers to commit corruption.

Seeing that the entire communication process went smoothly, Joseph didn't waste much time, rejected Marquis Luckner's banquet invitation, and rushed directly to the next legion's station.

In the following period, he will follow the template of Marquis Luckner and deal with the main garrisons in the entire west and south.

Marquis Luckner got off the carriage and was bowing to see the Crown Prince off when he heard the latter suddenly say:

"Oh, by the way, Your Majesty the Marquis, I heard that your granddaughter is engaged to the Duke of Chartres?"

The Duke of Chartres was the son of the Duke of Orleans.

Marquis Luckner's thoughts whirled, and he immediately thought that the Duke of Orleans was the "convener" who was threatening the royal family, so he said without hesitation:

"Your Highness, this is just a misinformation. There is nothing wrong with it! In fact, my second granddaughter has decided to enter a monastery."

Joseph praised the old man's decisiveness - he would rather let his granddaughter become a "nun" than make a complete separation from the Duke of Orleans.

The Guards Corps continued to march westward without making any stops.

But Joseph didn't expect that three days after leaving Auvergne, he would meet several generals "on the list" on the way.