Chapter 331: Retreat to Advance

"Is there no other way?" Dominic's eyes showed helplessness.

"Unless you can think of it," Charles replied.

Charles had tried before, but this was a systemic problem that could not be challenged by an individual, unless he took control of the government with the army and forcibly dissolved the parliament.

Steed never interrupted. In his opinion, there was no need to discuss these things. Dominic was just making trouble for no reason. Businessmen should do their business well. As for whether the number of deaths on the Gallipoli battlefield was too many or too few, that was a question that the government and the military needed to consider.

Steed swallowed the last bite of cream cake, wiped his mouth with the napkin, took it off and threw it on the table, signaling the waiter next to him to clean up the food.

"Regarding the issue of changing military uniforms," ​​Steed said, "we will try to get it passed by Parliament as soon as possible. I think it is very promising."

"Really?" Charles was a little surprised.

"Yes." Steed nodded approvingly: "Your speech and answers during the questioning were brilliant. I think you at least convinced the French Section of the Workers' International."

"'French Section of the Workingmen's International'?" Charles heard the name for the first time.

"Yes," Steed explained, "It's the name of a party. Although he has little influence in Parliament, he is neither left-wing nor right-wing."

"Then he is..." In fact, Charles had already guessed it. As the name suggests, this is most likely a political party organized by workers.

Sure enough, Steed replied: "They are the Workers' Union, Colonel. The main body of this party is workers. They emphasize the protection of the interests of workers and advocate the promotion of pragmatic economic policies. Externally, they maintain the independence of France and oppose the invasion of France by foreign capital."

Then Steed asked, "Remember the congressman who asked the question? The one who said that the color red would motivate soldiers to charge instead of surrender?"

Ciel nodded.

"His name is Gaspard," Steed said. "He's the leader of the Workers' International Party. They usually don't care much about the issues in parliament because they don't have much to do with them. But they seem to support you, and many left-wing capitalists don't care about the issue of military uniforms, so we may pass it!"

Charles had some impression of him. He was a middle-aged man with a beard. Although his words seemed ridiculous to Charles, he was the only congressman who did not set a trap for Charles.

It can even be said that his question reminded Charles: this was not just a matter of changing military uniforms, but was related to France's tactical theory.

It was then that the parliament suddenly turned the focus of the debate to tactical theories that were in Charles' favor.

Charles smiled softly, it was interesting, was he asking this question intentionally to help Charles secretly?

Steed went on to say: "I think the greater danger seems to be that Wells is not being clear enough."

Charles said "hmm".

Charles could understand Wells, and he wanted to stand on Charles' side, but steel had such a huge impact on the shipyard that he did not dare to offend the Schneider Group easily.

In other words, Wells did this on purpose: standing between Schneider and Schar, maintaining good relations with both parties and getting benefits from both sides.

There are only eternal interests, no eternal friends, Charles reminded himself again and again.

Even though he and Tijani were comrades-in-arms who shared life and death, Wells was a businessman after all, and he had to consider his own shipyard.

Perhaps there is only one way to change this situation: own your own steel plant.

Only then did Charles realize how important steel was. It was not just a matter of money, but also a matter of power and voice.

Steed reminded: "If possible, you'd better confirm with Mr. Wells."

"No." Charles shook his head: "No need."

"Do you think Wells will support us?" Steed asked doubtfully.

Ciel shook his head again: "He will probably abstain."

Steed agreed, he thought so too, that by abstaining he could avoid offending anyone.

The problem is that Wells' abstention may result in the issue not being passed.

"I would prefer that Parliament reject this proposal rather than pass it," Charles said.

Steed looked stunned.

Dominic didn't care about this at first. He was thinking with his head down, as if he was thinking of a way to launch the machine gun. When he heard what Charles said, he couldn't help but look up at Charles in confusion.

Soon, Dominic suddenly understood: "Like a machine gun?"

After being reminded by Dominic, Steed suddenly realized: "Retreat to advance? Good idea, Colonel!"

Charles was indeed retreating in order to advance.

Charles is not the only one calling for a change in military uniforms; this is the voice of the army. Many soldiers fighting on the front lines are already disgusted with the Red Army trousers and caps; Charles is just speaking for them.

If the House of Representatives passes the Shire's agenda, it will ease the pressure and give soldiers an expectation: wait a little longer, they may change their uniforms soon, and Parliament has made the right decision.

What followed was a back-and-forth tug-of-war between the Senate and the House of Representatives, and when the final decision was made, many innocent soldiers had been killed or injured on the front lines.

But if the parliament does not pass it, the pressure will explode instantly and the parliament will suffer an impact from the people, which can also be said to be a warning from Charles.

Steed's eyes were shining with excitement. It seemed that changing military uniforms was inevitable and no one could stop it. Moreover, every soldier's uniform had to be changed.

This is similar to a helmet, and even consumes more energy than a helmet.

Now, should we prepare by acquiring a few textile and garment factories?

…

Charles was very low-key about changing his uniform.

The military newspaper, The Meritorious Service, did not mention the change of uniforms at all and continued to discuss the development of the Gallipoli war.

The Little Journal made a few bland comments on Charles's speech in Parliament.

Although other newspapers reported on it, almost everyone focused on whether the tactical theory was correct:

"I think the offensive theory is correct. France has always fought according to this theory. If it is wrong, France would probably have ceased to exist long ago!"

"Wasn't Paris once conquered under the theory of attack? It was almost conquered again not long ago!"

"That would be the theory of defense, which Pétain used time and again to achieve victory on the front line."

"In terms of victories, is there anyone who can compare to Ciel?"

…

Charles was very satisfied with the situation.

He is worried that lawmakers will pay attention to the seriousness of the issue of "changing military uniforms."

It is no exaggeration to say that it is like a dam that is about to collapse. On the surface, it seems to be nothing. The soldiers have been wearing this uniform for so many years and there has never been any problem. What's the problem with continuing to wear it now?

But these congressmen who hold high positions and have almost no contact with the grassroots would never have imagined that such a small matter could actually trigger a riot!

(End of this chapter)