Chapter 78: The Napoleonic Code (Part 2)

Regardless of the time, Napoleon was a model of action, especially when it came to something as important as drafting a legal code. His efforts were swift and decisive. In the first week after Christmas, Napoleon invited the other two Consuls to begin planning this monumental task. He considered the creation of this code to be the pinnacle of his administration and took it extremely seriously. For several months, Napoleon personally attended the discussions, ultimately deciding on many contentious clauses.

The individuals involved in drafting the code were all esteemed scholars, brought in from various regions by Napoleon himself. Under his direction, they meticulously crafted the code, striving to establish a new system that would embody human rights. This system would abolish hereditary nobility, ensuring equality for all children. Parents would be legally responsible for raising their children, and everyone would be equal before the law.

The first section drafted was the marriage law. Napoleon believed that a country could not thrive without strong families, and marriage was the foundation of a family. A good marriage could bring happiness to a family, making marriage laws crucial.

Napoleon's views on marriage were influenced by the traditional Corsican family values. He said, "I know that adultery is not an isolated phenomenon; it can be quite common. Those who commit adultery for trivial gains should be punished." Napoleon was also a staunch patriarchalist, believing that only men could bear the responsibility of leading a household, while wives were to obey. He even thought that a wife should accompany her husband if he were exiled.

When others objected to this point, Napoleon firmly replied, "If they love their husbands, we have no right to forbid them from doing so. Many people commit crimes because of their wives. Shouldn't they be held accountable for their husbands' wrongdoings?"

Napoleon's intense involvement in the drafting process demonstrated his commitment to creating a comprehensive legal framework that would stabilize France and ensure its prosperity. His personal beliefs, however, often colored his decisions, reflecting his traditional and sometimes controversial views on family and society.

Napoleon's personality led him to greatly admire the marriage customs of ancient Rome, where after a woman married, her guardianship transferred to her husband. For the wayward women of Paris, this was a fitting solution. While he allowed for the possibility of divorce, he did not support it. He believed, "If a husband and wife turn against each other and become strangers, what intimacy remains in the world? I won't easily approve a divorce. Otherwise, young women might marry on a whim, chasing fashion or comfort. The law must restrict such frivolity. Divorce is permissible only in cases of murder, adultery, or lack of conjugal relations."

In the marriage law, Napoleon provided detailed explanations regarding family matters. However, when it came to his own marriage, he was deeply conflicted. Josephine's infidelity was a lingering pain that he, as a man, could not tolerate. Thus, Napoleon pondered, "If Josephine cannot bear me a child, should I divorce her?"

Yet, Napoleon did not want his personal affairs to become public, so he opposed court intervention in marital issues. He believed that such matters should be resolved by the parties involved. If both parties agreed to divorce, there was obviously a valid reason, and the court's role should be limited to formally declaring the divorce.

Therefore, in the section concerning marriage, Napoleon added that issues of abuse or adultery should not be publicly aired; as long as both parties agreed to divorce, it should be permitted. He introduced the concept of "semi-divorce," which meant legal separation, urging couples to reach a mutual agreement. All his efforts were aimed at preserving the sanctity of marriage, as he valued order and despised chaos. To further strengthen marital stability, he also amended the legal marriage age. During the Revolution, girls could marry at thirteen and boys at fifteen; he changed it to fifteen for girls and 18 for boys.

Napoleon's commitment to this legal framework reflected his broader goals for France: to establish a structured

Napoleon's personality led him to greatly admire the marriage customs of ancient Rome, where after a woman married, her guardianship transferred to her husband. For the unfaithful women of Paris, this seemed like a fitting solution. Although he allowed for the possibility of divorce, he did not support it. He believed, "If a husband and wife turn against each other and become strangers, what intimacy remains in the world? I won't easily approve a divorce. Otherwise, young women might marry on a whim, chasing fashion or comfort. The law must restrict such frivolity. Divorce is permissible only in cases of murder, adultery, or lack of conjugal relations."

In the marriage law, Napoleon provided detailed explanations regarding family matters. However, when it came to his own marriage, he was deeply conflicted. Josephine's infidelity was a lingering pain that he, as a man, could not tolerate. Thus, Napoleon pondered, "If Josephine cannot bear me a child, should I divorce her?"

Yet, Napoleon did not want his personal affairs to become public, so he opposed court intervention in marital issues. He believed that such matters should be resolved by the parties involved. If both parties agreed to divorce, there was obviously a valid reason, and the court's role should be limited to formally declaring the divorce.

Therefore, in the section concerning marriage, Napoleon added that issues of abuse or adultery should not be publicly aired; as long as both parties agreed to divorce, it should be permitted. He introduced the concept of "semi-divorce," which meant legal separation, urging couples to reach a mutual agreement. All his efforts were aimed at preserving the sanctity of marriage, as he valued order and despised chaos. To further strengthen marital stability, he also amended the legal marriage age. During the Revolution, girls could marry at thirteen and boys at fifteen; he changed it to fifteen for girls and 18 for boys.

The drafting of the marriage law had a significant impact on families, sparking great interest from everyone. Josephine was particularly concerned about the section on divorce. She was now very afraid that Napoleon would abandon her and was doing everything possible to maintain their marriage. What she didn't know was that Napoleon was already considering divorce.

...

After three months of discussion, a total of thirty-seven laws were passed on the oval table in the Palace of Versailles. Napoleon expressed his views on each issue. Whether it was the bread problem, currency issues, or road problems, he had to personally address everything, no matter how trivial.

To expedite the drafting of this new law, he demanded that the scholars work tirelessly. Even at home, they frequently received letters from Napoleon, requiring immediate responses. Napoleon was well-versed in various industry terminologies, and the experts could not deceive him due to his comprehensive understanding. Even the royalists had to admire his precision on technical matters. Someone once said, "This new leader possesses numerous talents that ordinary people lack. He works eighteen hours a day. In three years, he has accomplished more than emperors have in a hundred years."

Among all the legislators, the eighty-year-old lawyer Tronchet was most respected by Napoleon. This elderly man was logical and energetic. Similarly, Tronchet admired the young Napoleon, praising his analytical skills and strong sense of justice. Napoleon insisted on ensuring the fairness of every decree, humbly consulting scholars to understand how similar issues were handled in the past.

Four months later, the Civil Code was finally drafted, later known as the Napoleonic Code. The draft was discussed and deliberated by the Council of State. After a year and a half of voting, the bill was officially passed and implemented in 1804.

As the laws were implemented, the Napoleonic Code gradually began to take effect. For the first time in ten years of turmoil, France was finally experiencing a rare period of stability. In the previous decade, complaints were rampant: people felt unsafe, and the streets were dirty and chaotic. Previously, one gold Louis could only be exchanged for twenty-four francs, but now it could be exchanged for eighty thousand. Not long ago, the Directory struggled to stabilize the economy, and the newly wealthy bought up state land. No one paid taxes to the government. When Napoleon came to power, he faced a France in dire need of rebuilding.

Within half a month of implementing the laws, Napoleon established tax offices in each province. He believed, "Only by stabilizing the national tax system can we ensure security and property." Two months later, the Bank of France was established. The following year, he formed a new committee to oversee tax collection as well as the land and forestry departments. Due to the extravagance and waste of his predecessors, Napoleon had to use the remaining state land to repay debts. He reduced national debt, restored chambers of commerce, regulated stock trading to prevent inflation, and banned fraudulent practices among army contractors. Gradually, France began to prosper again.

"Roland, your method is truly excellent! I never thought that a simple legal code could stabilize all of France." In the Bonaparte residence on Rue Saint-Honoré, Napoleon was happily conversing with Roland. This was the first time he had been so happy in years. Since his coup, he had endured constant suffering. But now, with the establishment of the code, France was gradually reviving. To outsiders, this was all the result of Napoleon's wise leadership, and he finally proved his capability to the world.

But no one would have thought that the code that changed France was actually decided in this small study by an old man and a young man.

"Roland, you really helped me a lot this time. I'm very moved by the great help you've provided. Do you have any difficulties? I'll help you with them."

"Uncle, can I ask you a favor?"

"Oh, our little Roland also has times when he needs help? Tell me, let's see if your uncle can assist you," Napoleon said with a smile.

"Really? Uncle Napoleon, to be honest, I do have a small problem recently that I need your help with,"Roland said cunningly.