Short answers, pulled from the story.
Napoleon Bonaparte signed a decree creating the Legion of Honour on the 19th of May 1802. He intended to replace old aristocratic orders with something based on merit rather than birthright.
The order consists of five distinct classes ranging from Knight to Grand Cross. Knights require twenty years of public service or professional activity, while Officers need eight years within the rank of knight.
President Emmanuel Macron serves as Grand Master of the Legion of Honour since his inauguration on the 14th of May 2017. Retired general François Lecointre has held the position of Grand Chancellor since the 1st of February 2023.
There can be no more than 75 Grand Cross holders at any time and Grand Officers cannot exceed 250 individuals. Commanders are limited to 1,250 people and Officers have a maximum quota of 10,000.
Daniel Wilson sold decorations illegally between 1885 and 1887 during the Second Republic. Journalists uncovered the scheme which led to President Jules Grévy's resignation on the 2nd of December 1887.