Chapter 1641 - 1547: Prince Louis Michel

Chapter 1641: Chapter 1547: Prince Louis Michel

For a moment, everyone in the birthing room didn’t react.

According to these noblewomen’s experience, the birthing process was supposed to have just begun, but unexpectedly the baby was born so quickly.

Only Joseph was not surprised; instead, he let out a long sigh of relief at the smooth delivery.

It’s important to note that Alexandra had not been harmed by any of the era’s bad practices during her pregnancy; she had a balanced diet and exercised regularly, resulting in excellent physical health, making her birthing process much shorter than other noblewomen’s.

The court lady-in-waiting softly cleared her throat and recited melodiously, "The Crown Prince of the Kingdom of France and his wife, Grand Duchess Alexandra, rejoice at the birth of a son. The prince is healthy, and mother and child are safe."

The little prince timely let out a loud cry: "Wah—"

The Countess of Artuwa was the first to kneel and bow towards the little prince: "Praise the Almighty Jesus, He has granted the Empire an heir. May the Lord bless the prince with health and wisdom, as great as his ancestors."

Suddenly, everyone in the birthing room knelt down in unison, the sound of silk and satin rubbing against each other created a rustling noise, accompanied by various heartfelt congratulations, as if playing an exciting symphony of destiny.

The door was pushed open, and Louis XVI, surrounded by hundreds of nobles and ministers, hurriedly entered the birthing room.

The King, excited and cautious, took the baby into his arms from the midwife, showcased him to the surrounding nobles, then took a deep breath and summoned his courage:

"You all have witnessed the Crown Princess’s delivery. This child carries the pure bloodline of the past kings of France and the Holy Mother Queen, the legitimate heir granted to the Bourbons by heaven. Today I hold him with my own hands, witnessed by everyone present, without any pretense or fabrication. Jesus favors France, granting a successor to the throne; the lineage of my French monarchy, henceforth shall continue everlasting."

He was somewhat surprised at how he had spoken without stuttering, secretly encouraging himself as he continued, "The prince shall be named—Louis Michel Auguste of France."

Yes, direct descendants of the King of France are surnamed "of France" on formal occasions, declaring that they represent the nation first and are part of the House of Bourbon second.

The Chief Court Priest stepped forward to take little Michel, performing a simple Holy Water baptism—which according to tradition can prevent infant mortality—then once again read the witness declaration: "Jesus witnesses the legitimacy and authenticity of this first son!"

Suddenly, starting from the birthing room, all the nobles, like dominoes, kneeled one after another extending all the way out of the door, the shout resounded: "Long live the King!"

"Long live His Royal Highness the Prince!"

Joseph struggled to squeeze through the crowd to the bedside, just about to greet his wife, he saw Alexandra already sat up, winking at him, her voice full of pride: "Dear, we have a prince now, aren’t I amazing?"

Joseph stepped forward to wipe the sweat from her forehead and held her tightly in his arms: "Yes, my Sasha is the best!"

Looking at the Crown Princess’s somewhat tired but spirited eyes, he was finally certain that the tragedy of Alexandra dying due to childbirth in the history books would not occur.

The entire city of Paris soon entered celebration mode, while Versailles was especially lively.

The nobles were all discussing Prince Michel’s unbelievably smooth birth and his loud cry, "I saw the little prince from less than three meters away; he’s as strong as a warrior."

"It’s not surprising; after all, he inherits the bloodline of the Son of Divine Favor."

"The Empire’s glory will be continued by him."

"This is the best gift Jesus has given to France!"

Their words immediately won loud acclaim from those around; they simultaneously raised their glasses, smiling as they toasted Prince Michel and the future of France.

Indeed, for France today, the significance of the royal heir surpasses everything.

It is a symbol of national stability and prosperity.

Moreover, as he is the child of the Son of Divine Favor, in addition to the aforementioned two points, he also adds the title of "Europe’s overlord!"

It could be said, little Michel has brought confidence and morale to France, hardly less than the moment of victory in the war against the Anti-French Alliance!

The next morning.

The celebration feast ended a few hours ago, while the second wave of celebratory events for the citizens of Paris City had just begun.

Joseph gently kissed the sleeping Alexandra, who had just fed little Mishu, then watched the little guy lounging next to her for a while, a sweet smile on his lips, as he quietly exited the bedroom.

"Mishu" is the nickname for Michel.

The two waiting wet nurses outside immediately greeted him, but there was an unavoidable grudge in their eyes.

By European noble tradition, children were handed to wet nurses for feeding after birth, but the Regent persisted in having the Crown Princess personally nurse.

She even insisted on sleeping with the little prince...

So what use do they wet nurses have left?

Hmm, actually, for decades now, many Enlightenment thinkers have been advocating for mothers to nurse their own children, but noble perspectives are not so easily changed; some even consider feeding children a lowly task.

Being a man of the future, Joseph naturally knows the great advantages of infants growing up beside their mothers, and this time he can just leverage little Michel to drive the nobles to follow suit.

Population numbers will always be a nation’s foundation, especially so in Europe.

Joseph, who stayed up most of the night, stretched tiredly, ready to sleep for a while just as Talleyrand came over with Eman.

The Foreign Minister stepped forward and made a salutation: "May Jesus bless the Prince of France. Well, Your Highness, did I seem to have disturbed your rest?"

Joseph gestured towards the couch: "It’s fine, do you have an urgent matter?"

Talleyrand nodded: "You know, the day after tomorrow, the prince’s official birth celebration is being held in the Hall of Mirrors, and I received reports last night indicating that both the Ottoman and Egypt have sent envoys. Even the Emirates of Diriyah envoy has arrived in Paris. Of course, we can expel him from the country."

The Emirate of Diriyah is the state ruled by Saudi.

Joseph couldn’t help but find it amusing.

Last month, he reviewed the battle reports, and Muhammad Ali led the Egyptian army with successive victories, taking months to recover Medina and surround Mecca. Concerned about cannons damaging the Holy City, he is negotiating with the defenders. If a forceful attack were launched, he could capture it at any moment.

With the Saudi army already defeated, the Ottomans have evidently got an idea, wanting the Egyptians to withdraw from Hijaz and have the Sultan send someone to take over the Holy City.