Moreover, Adelaide held the title of Duchess in France. With all these "halos" stacked upon her, even the Duke of Modena would not dare claim to wield greater power than she did.
Most importantly, she did not issue blind commands. Instead, in just a few days, she had put Modena's government affairs in perfect order. After all, she had observed Joseph governing at close range. Even if she had learned only a tenth or two of his methods, it was enormously effective for a small state like Modena.
For example, when she ordered the establishment of the "Modena Wood Carving Trading Company," she had drawn on the model of the "Paris Angel Company": building a brand, strengthening publicity, and unifying sales.
This measure alone was estimated to earn Modena several hundred thousand more Francs each year.
With such a virtuous cycle in place, no one would be dissatisfied with her handling of government affairs.
Venice.
After the Austrians left Venice, preparations began for a new parliamentary election. Today was finally the day the votes were counted.
Three parties had entered the contest. However, the party pursuing a neutral course had been weak from the outset and had no chance of taking the crown. The final outcome would be decided between the relatively pro-French Venice Commerce Promotion Party and the fiercely pro-French Venice Federal Party. At one in the afternoon, when Baroni, president of the Venetian Shipping Guild, appeared in the square before St. Mark's Basilica, the thousands waiting there held their breath, and the surroundings fell silent in an instant.
Baroni took the envelope from the election committee, opened it before the crowd, and announced in a loud voice, "The Commerce Promotion Party has received 61 votes. The Conservative Alliance Party has received 7 votes. The Federalist Party has received