Bodlock hurriedly explained, "Your Highness, excessive inhalation of ether can easily lead to weak uterine contractions or even cause the mother to fall into a coma, which is extremely dangerous for childbirth. Therefore, unless the mother is in unbearable pain, it’s best to avoid using anesthesia."

What he didn’t mention was that ether is highly flammable and explosive, and there have already been two incidents of fires caused by ether, so doctors try to avoid using it as much as possible.

Joseph squinted his eyes, "How do you judge whether the mother can endure the pain?"

Bodlock responded matter-of-factly, "Usually based on the cries, the amount of sweat, and the complexion..."

Joseph frowned, "So it comes down to experience?"

Initially, he wanted to say "guesswork," but to spare the esteemed French obstetrician’s feelings, he chose to say "experience" instead.

"Indeed, it does, Your Highness."

"You also mentioned earlier that excessive inhalation of ether poses dangers. How do you control the amount inhaled?"

"My method is to let the mother inhale a small amount first, observe the reaction, then increase it slightly, and observe again. Until her severe pain response significantly lessens."

Joseph sighed inwardly; it basically comes down to guesswork.

He suddenly remembered that in future generations, anesthesia becomes a very complex technique. During surgery, the anesthetist plays an equally important role as the primary surgeon.

He turned to the Director of the Health Bureau, "Mr. Kovisat, regarding the method of anesthesia and the dosage of drugs, rigorous testing must be conducted to develop detailed operational guidelines.

"Additionally, anesthesia-specialized courses should be established in major medical schools, with future anesthesia operations handled by these professionals."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Joseph then ordered Mr. Kovisat to develop more surgical applications combining anesthesia and suture techniques.

Medicine, at any time, is one of the most profitable high-tech fields and is a technological advancement most directly felt by the people, so investing a lot of energy is worthwhile.

After Mr. Kovisat and Bodlock left, Alexandra had finished exercising for some time. Joseph was about to tell her the good news that the childbirth process had become a bit safer when Eman brought Baron Denico into the reception room.

"Your Highness, were you looking for me?"

Joseph had to sit back down and first address the main issue, "Mr. President, soon Archbishop Talleyrand will facilitate a ceasefire between Poland and Russia, followed by a ceasefire between the Basel militia and Austria. I need you to conduct extensive propaganda for this."

Denico is now not only the editor-in-chief of the Paris Commercial News but also serves as the president of the newly established Paris News Agency—a national news agency Joseph established by mimicking future models like Agence France-Presse and Reuters, employing a large number of professional journalists responsible for collecting news worldwide and selling it to domestic and international newspapers.

This specialized news-gathering agency is far stronger than the dispersed newspapers of various countries, allowing it to significantly influence news content across Europe.

At the same time, the French Cultural Propaganda Association must also cooperate to a certain degree with the Paris News Agency’s work, concentrating all French propaganda resources.

Denico immediately took out paper and pen, seriously noting, "Your Highness, is the core direction of the propaganda about our country’s tremendous influence on Poland, Russia, and Austria?"

Joseph shook his head, "No, that’s just a sideline. Your focus should be on shaping our country as the ’Arbitrator of Europe.’

"Our nation brings peace and order to Europe, mediating all battlefields, sparing hundreds of thousands from the ravages of war."

Denico quickly grasped the idea, "You’ve also promoted the establishment of the International Ocean Convention Organization and facilitated the Stuttgart Declaration, both of which are cornerstones of European order."

"Very good." Joseph threw him an appreciative glance, then continued, "Additionally, besides news propaganda, after reaching a ceasefire in northern Switzerland, you can prepare the first European Peace Forum in Basel, inviting scholars, social activists, and journalists with influence from various countries to attend.

"Oh, make the event grand. Besides formal speeches and discussions, organize banquets, tours, and distribute gifts to all participants. If necessary, you can enlist the help of the Paris Fashion Week organizing committee."

Denico expressed his puzzlement, "Your Highness, the banquets and gifts seem unnecessary..."

Joseph smiled, "Do not underestimate the power of these scholars and activists. Sometimes, just one outstanding article or a timely remark can influence an entire nation’s populace.

"Of course, set different levels of gifts according to the influence and potential of the attendees. For the most ’valuable’ batch, arrange gifts worth 2000 francs, while even the lowest level should get 100 francs.

"The Peace Forum should be held annually. I hope you can make full use of this opportunity to promote our nation’s image."

He was just short of mentioning the term "soft power" to the president.

Denico quickly gave a bow in acknowledgment, "I will not disappoint you, Your Highness."

Joseph remembered another matter and instructed, "Oh, by the way, Russia will send troops to Austria to help the Habsburg Family solve their ’troubles.’

"You can prepare in advance to promote Russia and Austria as enemies to all those yearning for freedom and equality. Especially Russia, label them as ’European Secret Police.’

People often refer to Russia as the ’European Gendarmerie,’ which is actually due to a translation error. The translation of ’Gendarmerie’ primarily comes from the historical independent Gendarmerie Corps under the Tsar’s Third Division in Russia.

And this ’Gendarme’ is not the conventional army inspector but a secret police force responsible for political surveillance and suppressing liberals. It’s a strongly negative designation.

Thus, Joseph straightforwardly rebranded the Russians as ’European Secret Police,’ facilitating propaganda.

Once the foreign propaganda matters were discussed, it was nearly dinner time.

Joseph stretched tiredly, shaking his head helplessly; he was originally planning to exercise with his family, but the day passed in a flash.

It seems he could only join them for dinner.

Just as he exited the reception room, a Foreign Ministry official approached him, bowing in greeting, "Your Highness, Count Florida Blanca, Chief Minister of Spain, will arrive in Paris the day after tomorrow, requesting to meet you. Oh, he also brings a letter personally written by His Majesty Charles IV."

Joseph furrowed his brows and inquired, "Do you know what it’s about?"

The Foreign Ministry official promptly replied, "It seems to be about the Florida Colony, Your Highness. Previously, the Americans submitted a formal negotiation request to the colonial government, demanding the immediate return of all escaped slaves, and the deadline has passed."