I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 1336 Launch of Educational Reform
Joseph continued, "I am prepared to establish a brand new 'Ministry of Science and Education' to take over all matters from childcare to universities, including the French Academy of Sciences."

The archbishops and others exchanged glances, and although they all lowered their heads, there was little panic in their expressions.

Bomon glanced cautiously at the Crown Prince, feigning regret: "It's all up to you, Your Highness."

It is common knowledge that church schools have been overshadowed by new primary schools for the past two years.

After this math competition, the reputation of the Oratorio Church, which had previously represented the highest level of education in the church, was completely ruined.

Given the public's serious dissatisfaction with the slow pace of public childcare development, the Crown Prince's decision to terminate the church's management of education was absolutely justified.

In fact, Beaumont and his associates also had their own calculations.

After losing control of the education system, the church will lose some social influence, but it will also gain considerable benefits.

First, churches spend huge sums of money every year on schools at all levels—not just on the maintenance and repair of church schools, but sometimes even universities that receive government funding will ask churches for money when they need to expand their campuses or lack research funding.

Once the education system is handed over, the church will have to give the money to the Ministry of Science and Technology Education, but at that point the initiative will be in the church's hands.

The church could easily undercalculate its previous education expenditures and allocate funds accordingly. It is estimated that this would save millions of francs annually compared to the current level.

Secondly, during the transfer of church schools to the Ministry of Science and Education, various past bad debts and deficits can be "disappeared." This means that churches in various regions receive a sum of money.

Finally, and this is the most troublesome thing for church leaders like Beaumont—establishing a nationwide public childcare system will also be handed over to the Ministry of Science and Education.

Keep in mind that this is a massive project that will cost tens of millions of francs in total.

As for the loss of social influence, as long as churches still exist in various places and people still need baptism and Mass, the church will not be too worried.

Joseph nodded with satisfaction: "The Church has made outstanding contributions to education in France. I hope you can handle the handover to the Ministry of Science and Education well."

Archbishop Beaumont and the others bowed in unison: "As you command, Your Highness."

Just as the group was about to take their leave, the Crown Prince seemed to suddenly remember something and raised his hand, saying, "Oh, right, there's also the matter of the orphanage."

Alexandra immediately added, "It is said that almost all welfare homes abuse those they help, and there is also embezzlement of charitable funds."

Bomon and the others immediately tensed up again. The church had been having really bad luck lately, with all sorts of things happening at once.

Just as Beaumont was about to give a "deep self-reflection," the Crown Prince said, "In fact, public charity can be entirely entrusted to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Mr. Roland submitted a relevant report last year."

"Oh, and the Crown Princess, she's also very interested in charity."

Alexandra immediately nodded vigorously in agreement.

Joseph continued, "Then the Crown Princess will be in charge of establishing a 'Public Relief Department,' with herself in charge, to promote the standardization of the welfare home."

"It will be more convenient for Her Majesty the Queen to make charitable donations in the future."

Bomon and the others exchanged glances again, their faces showing reluctance.

Welfare homes can be quite lucrative – charitable funds are skimmed off at both ends, and those locked up in welfare homes can work for free. Some large parishes can even earn three or four hundred thousand francs a year.

But His Highness the Crown Prince had even brought up the Queen and the Crown Princess, and with that reporter named Landry constantly revealing inside information, the archbishops really couldn't find a reason not to accept it.

Bomon sighed inwardly and bowed first, saying, "Yes, Your Highness. May God bless the merciful Crown Princess."

Several high-ranking church officials left Versailles Palace, their faces showing disappointment, but mostly relief. Archbishop Agde sighed and said, "Although the orphanage suffered some losses, we can make up for it entirely through the church school."

Archbishop Chartres nodded: "And getting rid of public childcare is the real abyss that devours gold coins."

Archbishop Beaumont then looked at Archbishop Boissy and comforted him, "The matter is finally over. Go to Carcassonne with peace of mind. I will have a portion of the income from your original diocese wired to you."

The group discussed the redistribution of benefits after this ordeal, and then boarded the carriage one after another.

Little did they know that His Highness the Crown Prince had already distributed the church's profits, and a huge pit was waiting for them ahead.

Inside Versailles Palace, Alexandra, arm in arm with Joseph, walked slowly toward the banquet hall, saying with some regret, "Your Highness, but in that case, your church reform plan cannot proceed."

Joseph turned to look into her beautiful big eyes and thought to himself that the little girl from back then had really grown up and was now able to help with such an important matter.

He smiled and said, "However, the education system was recovered more smoothly than expected."

Alexandra nodded: "Archbishop Beaumont and his ilk clearly don't realize that the church schools across the country are their biggest asset."

“The progress of church reform may be a little slow, but it will not be stopped.” Joseph looked at the banquet hall door in front of him and straightened his collar. “I haven’t played my biggest card yet.”

……

A few days later, the French Ministry of Science and Education was officially established, with the renowned mathematician Monroe serving as its first minister.

Joseph knew that this man's abilities extended far beyond mathematics. Historically, Monge had served as Napoleon's Minister of the Navy and had personally founded the École Normale Supérieure in Paris; he certainly possessed the capacity to manage the Ministry of Science and Education effectively.

Viscount Dubison, the founder of the new primary school, was promoted to Deputy Minister of Science and Education, primarily responsible for primary and secondary education.

All the newly established primary schools were acquired by the government and converted into public schools.

Joseph, as the major shareholder of the new primary school, donated his shares to the Ministry of Science and Education free of charge.

……

Angers, a city in western France.

Langlois, sporting a standard priest's haircut and wearing a somewhat faded grey robe, walked out of the classroom and immediately saw his colleague and friend Lemaï waiting for him under a tree ahead.

“You’re quick,” he waved his hand. “Yes, these questions are certainly no problem for you.”

Lemai had attended the University of Poitou, and if he hadn't offended the archbishop, he certainly wouldn't have been sent to a church school to teach children.

Le Maire stepped forward and put his arm around his shoulder: "How did you do on the test?"

"It's alright, getting the lowest salary shouldn't be a problem."

"I reckon Drom and his ilk are in for trouble. If our new minister keeps his word."

The first thing Dubison did after taking office was to conduct a unified examination of the priests in the original church schools, as instructed by the Crown Prince.

Those who pass the exams will continue teaching and receive 1.2 times their original salary. Those with outstanding performance can receive up to 2.5 times their original salary.

Those priests who fail the exam will face being sent back to the monastery or doing odd jobs in the reformed public primary school.

(End of this chapter)