The elite Grenadier Sixth Regiment of the First Army Corps marched across the square in twelve neat ranks. They glanced toward the reviewing stand and shouted, "Long live His Majesty the King! Glory belongs to France!"
Only after the wave-like voices of Berthier and the others had passed did he say cautiously, "Your Highness, Mr. Gaudin's suggestion is to change the pensions to installments paid over three years, with the soldiers receiving a 3% interest subsidy."
More than eighty million Francs was a colossal sum, enough to give even France's finances a headache. After France's Second Military Reform, pension standards had long ranked first in all Europe. This was also a price that had to be paid to forge a powerful army.
Joseph immediately frowned. "Has the pension plan been announced?"
"Not yet, Your Highness. The Treasury Department still needs some time to prepare the budget. Only after that can the General Staff Headquarters produce a detailed plan."
Joseph let out a breath of relief. Fortunately, it had not been announced yet. Something like this would absolutely be a disaster capable of shaking the army to its foundations!
He looked at Eman, who stood behind him. "Has Minister Gaudin arrived?"
The latter hurriedly replied, "He is on the reviewing stand behind us, Your Highness."
On an occasion of nationwide celebration like this, France's Cabinet ministers certainly would not be absent.
"Ask him to come over."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Before long, the Minister of Finance came before Joseph and bowed. "Your Highness."
Joseph gestured for him to sit beside him and asked directly, "Can the treasury produce eighty million Francs right now?"
Gaudin glanced at Berthier, then nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. The Treasury Department still has ninety-three million Francs on its books."
"Then why aren't the soldiers' pensions being paid in