Under the Republic, a week had ten days. Roughly every four days, Napoleon reviewed the troops at Tuileries Palace. All of France's regiments took turns coming to Paris for inspection. This not only helped him establish prestige in the military, but was also part of a "king's" daily work, much as Louis XVI always took the nobles hunting.
Now that a week had become seven days, every Thursday—Thor's day—became his day of inspection. He would ride a white horse, looking high-spirited and full of vigor, proceeding along the ranks of soldiers drawn up in formation.
At times, he dismounted to speak with the officers or exchange a few words with ordinary soldiers, showing them his affection and concern. He encouraged the soldiers to speak boldly. "If you need anything, tell me. If you have any complaints about your superiors, you may tell me as well. I will see justice done for you. Trust me—I am a man of honor."
Whenever he spoke, his entire face seemed to light up. From no angle whatsoever could one associate him with "failure."
Yet whenever Georgiana thought of those stubborn priests who refused to take the oath, she understood where his sense of frustration came from.
Priests often said, "God bless you, my child."
Napoleon also often told his soldiers, "I love you, my children."
There was once a story about a king, a bishop, and a rich man. They ordered a soldier to kill the other two, promising him everything afterward. Later, the bishop was gone, and the soldier listened only to the king and the rich man.
Once the king was killed as well, only the soldier and the rich man remained. If the rich man gave the soldier the wealth he had promised him, then he would no longer be a