Napoleon was angry with Fourier who he had hoped would welcome his return. Fourier was able to talk his way into favour with both sides and Napoleon made him Prefect of the Rhône. However Fourier soon resigned on receiving orders, possibly from Carnot, that the was to remove all administrators with royalist sympathies.
Napoleon ay nagagalit sa Fourier na niya inaasam ay malugod na kanyang pagbabalik. Fourier ay makapag-usap sa kanyang mga paraan sa kabutihang-loob sa parehong gilid at Napoleon ginawa sa kanya prefek ng Rhône. Subalit Fourier sa lalong madaling panahon ang kalooban sa pagtanggap ng mga order, marahil mula sa Carnot, na ang ay upang tanggalin ang lahat ng administrator sa royalista sympathies.