I Am the Crown Prince in France

Joseph looked at the pitiful girl in front of him, shook his head slightly, and felt greatly in his heart.

He had seen the words of Monk Lewis, a monk of this era, in Maugham's book - I hate, pity and despise all female writers. They should hold embroidery needles in their hands, not pens. Only embroidery needles , is a tool they can use freely.” (Note 1)

Until the 18th century, women's status was still very low. Even in France, the birthplace of the Enlightenment, women were not allowed to engage in writing, medical, lawyer, etc., or even have a bank account. Society firmly bound them to the family. middle.

As a person from the 21st century, Joseph naturally disagreed with this concept. However, more than a dozen people on the side looked at Perna with strange expressions, seeming to think that it was extremely unfair for a woman to say that she wanted to learn surgery. A decent thing.

Even Kesoud showed the helpless smile he had when he saw a naughty child causing trouble, because Perna reminded him of his rebellious sister who insisted on studying law.

But his smile made Perna feel even sadder.

She's had enough of men's playful and mocking smiles!

For a moment just now, she fantasized that the crown prince in front of her, who was praised by Professor Lagrange and had extensive medical knowledge, might have enlightened ideas. At this time, the attitude of his captain of the guard, It easily shattered her fragile expectations.

The Crown Prince must have had the same idea as them. Perna raised her head and tried not to shed tears, but she saw the Crown Prince walking towards her, his voice full of encouragement:

Anatomy is the basis of medicine. I very much support your practice in this area, come on!

Perna was stunned, her clear green eyes full of disbelief: Your Highness?

Joseph picked up the scalpel on the ground and smiled heartily:

A person like you who is ideal and has the courage to practice will definitely become a great doctor in the future.

But I... Perna didn't expect that the crown prince would actually support her, and she started to stutter, I, I am a woman. Your Highness, do you think women can also be doctors?

Of course. Joseph handed the knife back to her and nodded, Doctoring is just a profession, and women are fully qualified. If one day I get seriously ill, oh, I mean just in case, it is very possible that someone can save my life. That's Dr. Perna.

If given the chance, I would even push for legislation to allow women to work in medicine.

Oh, Your Highness! For God's sake, tell me, do you really think so? Don't you laugh at me?

Of course. Joseph nodded sincerely.

Perna's heart suddenly beat violently. His Royal Highness, as noble as the Crown Prince, supported her ideals, so what did she have to worry about? Can your dream really come true?

I've never heard anyone say that like you.

She stared at the Crown Prince blankly, feeling like she was in a dream, everything around her lost its color, and only the Crown Prince shone brightly, just like the angels in Raphael's paintings, so beautiful and holy.

She suddenly covered her face and sobbed softly, using her tears to vent her past grievances and her current joy.

“Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu…Thank you, Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”

Look, why are you crying when you're fine? Joseph patted the girl's shoulder. Just as he was about to comfort her a few more words, his stomach made an untimely gurgling sound.

Perna was stunned for a moment, couldn't help laughing, and asked in a low voice:

Your Highness, did you come to the kitchen for a late-night snack?

Joseph looked around awkwardly and said:

I'm a little hungry, but I don't know where the chef has gone, so it's all in vain.

The chef...maybe has to carry the dishes for tomorrow.

Joseph knew that ninety-nine times the chef was sleeping in, but he didn't expose her. After all, he had slept in frequently when he worked late shifts before.

Your Highness, if you don't want to wait... Perna said softly, blushing as if she had made a great effort, Maybe I can make you some food?

She looked at the crown prince nervously, fearing that he would laugh at her.

Okay. Joseph nodded happily, Thank you very much.

Fortunately, the fire in the palace kitchen was never extinguished, and the ingredients had been prepared long ago. Perna took off the apron she wore when practicing dissection, washed her hands carefully, and began to work in front of the stove.

In less than 20 minutes, a plate of red wine-baked foie gras with a strong aroma was placed on the small table where the chef drank tea, along with a plate of beetroot and tomato soup.

Kesoud tasted a little of everything very responsibly, and after confirming that there was no problem, he stepped aside again.

Joseph was already so hungry that his chest pressed against his back. He smelled the scent and suddenly moved his index finger.

He picked up the tableware and was about to do it when he saw Perna standing aside a little awkwardly and hurriedly waved to her:

You come and eat too.

The girl waved her hands repeatedly: Thank you, Your Highness, I won't eat it. Please try it quickly, do you like it?

Joseph looked at the foie gras on the plate, which was enough for three people. He pulled her to sit down involuntarily, took another plate, divided the dishes equally, and said with a smile:

How can it be that you have been busy for a long time and let you watch me eat? Besides, I can't starve France's first female doctor.

Perna's face instantly turned red, she lowered her head and silently picked up the knife and fork.

Joseph put a piece of golden-fried foie gras and a piece of black truffle into his mouth. His mouth was immediately filled with the unique aroma of oil, but under the adjustment of the truffle, it did not appear greasy at all.

The teeth penetrated the crispy skin, and the foie gras below was tender and melted into the mouth with almost no obstruction, making Joseph narrow his eyes in enjoyment.

After swallowing a large piece of foie gras, he pointed his fingers and praised:

That's great. If you don't become a doctor, you can certainly accomplish a lot as a chef!

Really? Perna's eyes were full of joy, I learned it from Mr. Wallister in my spare time.

Joseph cut off another piece of foie gras, held it up and gestured:

To thank you for your food, I decided to give you a gift.

No, no, I'm very happy if you like it. How can I accept your food again?

Joseph smiled and said: You're welcome, the costume you wore when practicing anatomy just now is long and cumbersome. Later I will ask the tailor to make a special doctor uniform for you. Oh, it may be promoted nationwide in the future, so just think of it as helping me. Try it on.

Perna's face turned red to the tips of her ears, she lowered her head and whispered, Thank you, Your Highness.

…

Early the next morning, as usual, Perna waited for the Crown Prince to get up and carried the medicine box to do a routine check-up on him.

But the difference from before is that she did not apply that kind of dark powder on her face today, and her lips kept their original color. Her face looked delicate and smooth, showing a healthy and beautiful beauty.

She came to Joseph, put down her suitcase, bowed, took out the medical records and asked:

Your Highness, do you feel your throat still hurts?

Much better, just a little bit better.

Cough?

It happens occasionally, but it's rare anymore.

Is there phlegm?

a little bit.

The girl carefully wrote them down one by one. Suddenly she raised her eyes and caught a glimpse of the handsome lines on Joseph's face. She felt her heart beat violently and a thought flashed through her mind: The crown prince is so handsome. Why didn't I notice it before...

Her face turned red instantly.

Note 1: From the work Reading is a portable refuge by Maugham (January 25, 1874 - December 16, 1965).