Chapter 294 Napoleon's Vision for Italy and Prelude to Divine Blessing
June 20th, 1803. At the Palazzo Reale di Milano Milan, Napoleon was having a conversation with the Vice President of the Republic of Italy, Francesco Melzi d'Eril.
"Your Excellency, the news about you becoming an Emperor of France is not new. It has been the talk in the Consulate of what would become of the Republic of Italy when you become Emperor of France. Would it stay as a republic or it become a kingdom?"
"The answer is obvious, Signor Melzi, The Republic of Italy will become the Kingdom of Italy," Napoleon announced.
"And who will become its King?" Melzi asked. New novel chapters are published on
"Of course, it's going to be me," Napoleon declared. "The Italian people would accept that as they saw me as liberators. Not to mention the fact that I was of Italian descent."
"Your Excellency," Melzi began, "I have no doubt that the people of Italy hold you in high regard. Your Italian heritage and your role in liberating our land are well-known. But the people want assurances that you are going to rule them like how you rule France, not just a puppet state."
"Isn't that evident from the social, economic, and political reforms that I enacted? And the modernization programs that I initiated?" Napoleon replied, his tone confident. "I have no intention of treating Italy as a mere puppet state. My goal is to strengthen Italy, to modernize its institutions, and to ensure its prosperity. A united Italy under the Kingdom of Italy will be one of the formidable forces in Europe along with Spain and France, and I believe this is in the best interest of all Italians."
"Speaking of uniting Italy, do you perhaps mean uniting Italy as a whole? Including the South?"
Napoleon leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Melzi, recognizing the importance of the question.
"Indeed, Signor Melzi, when I speak of a united Italy, I envision the unification of all Italian territories, including the southern regions. My aim is to bring together the various states and principalities that make up the Italian peninsula into a single, cohesive nation under the Kingdom of Italy. This includes Papal States, Naples, Sicily, and any other Italian lands that may be under foreign rule or divided governance."
"But they are governed currently by the Bourbons," Melzi reminded. "I don't think the Bourbons are going to agree on such an idea of unification of Italy."
"If he doesn't agree, we will simply kick them out. There was no reason for them to exist in the first place," Napoleon flippantly said. "Anyways, I forgot one important thing to tell you, Signor Melzi."
Napoleon motioned for Lucien to enter fully. "No, Lucien, you're not interrupting. In fact, Signor Melzi and I were about to conclude our discussion. So, what's the matter?"
Lucien stepped forward and announced. "The Napoleonic code has been passed in the Senate, you have to sign this to ratify it."
Napoleon's attention shifted entirely to the document Lucien held in his hands. The Napoleonic Code, also known as the Civil Code of 1803, was a crucial legal reform that Napoleon had long envisioned and worked on.
He extended his hand to receive the document, his expression focused. "Hand it over, Lucien." He took the document and quickly scanned through it. "I have been waiting for this moment.
Napoleon grabbed his fountain pen and signed his name at the bottom of the document, affixing his seal as First Consul.
"Another thing, brother, I have something to show you," Lucien handed another document to Napoleon.
Napoleonic Code aside momentarily, his curiosity piqued by the additional document Lucien presented. He quickly glanced at it, recognizing it as an official report. His brow furrowed slightly as he read through the contents.
"What is this, Lucien?"
Lucien cleared his throat before responding. "In light of the diverse religious landscape within our colonies, it is imperative that we establish a framework for religious governance that ensures harmony and stability of the French Empire."
"It's thick, this must be so comprehensive," Napoleon nodded in acknowledgment of the report's significance. "This is indeed comprehensive proposal about religions. Though I already assured the people of a freedom of religion."
"But the leaders of those religious faiths shall be controlled and watched by us to ensure they won't act against our interest. This proposal would give us power on the appointment and oversight of religious leaders," Lucien explained.
"I see," Napoleon closed the file and set it down on his table. "We'll have a talk about this as I acknowledge its significance. Any other news?"
"Yes brother, the Pope has accepted your invitation to bless you as Emperor of France next year. He'll meet you next month."
A satisfied smile spread across Napoleon's face. "Good, let's prepare for a grand reception then."