Chapter 750 Yellow Rose

The spring rain is continuous and soft as silk.

It was quiet in the early morning in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. The wealthy area usually doesn't wake up so early.

Because people living here don’t need to prepare for work before dawn like ordinary people, or be busy with their children’s schooling, or line up early to receive rationed supplies.

If there was any movement here, it must be the servants in the kitchen preparing breakfast for their master.

Clemenceau was wearing pajamas, holding a lit cigar in his hand, staring blankly at the drizzle outside the window. He looked into the distance, as if he wanted to jump over the luxurious villas that blocked his view and see the distant horizon.

He hadn't slept all night last night, tossing and turning thinking about what Charles had said.

Charles made him realize the reality that he, Briand, and many politicians were just pawns.

The real players in the game are Charles and the capitalists who stand against him.

In fact, Clemenceau already knew this when he was still a doctor before entering politics, but he gradually lost himself in the days of his success and thought that everything was under his control.

There was a trace of helplessness on Clemenceau's face.

This is the advantage of a republic, which allows everyone to believe that they decide the fate of the country with their votes.

"If you are not satisfied with the current government, use your votes to vote them out!"

This is a rhetoric created by capitalists.

People think this makes sense, so they fall into the trap of capitalists and circle around in the rules set by capitalists again and again.

Citizens think that their efforts will definitely bring about changes in the country, but they don't realize that they are just hamsters spinning in place on a wheel.

Clemenceau knew it, but he couldn't escape this wheel.

Now, Clemenceau faced two choices.

Charles or traditional capitalist?

Which side will win?

Traditional capitalist forces are deeply rooted and have long infiltrated every aspect of the country, including the military.

Charles was an emerging power, and his rise was unstoppable. In just over a year, he had gained control over several areas, including the military and the most important military-industrial enterprises.

Clemenceau hesitated.

This is the importance of choice. Once you choose the wrong side, you may be doomed and all your efforts will be in vain.

The wife in bed slowly woke up. She was startled to see Clemenceau standing at the window: "Dear, what's wrong? What happened?"

"No, nothing." Clemenceau covered up. "I just have to go to work. Yes, there is an issue in parliament today."

That was Steed's review of the position of "Reserve Army Group Commander".

The MPs all knew that it was Charles who actually raised this issue.

But Clemenceau understood that Charles was putting pressure on him and he needed to make a statement in parliament to draw a clear line between himself and Briand.

Otherwise, everything discussed at the Ritz Hotel will be invalid.

Is it an opportunity or a crisis?

Clemenceau was unsure, he only hated himself for not being able to predict the future and see if Charles would be the future ruler of this world.

After quickly washing up, Clemenceau changed into a suit and went downstairs.

The servant prepared breakfast for him, but Clemenceau had no appetite at all. He just hurriedly drank a few sips of coffee to wake himself up.

Before leaving, the butler handed Clemenceau a hat, a cane, and a yellow rose.

(The picture above shows a rose. Yellow represents friendship, smile, happiness and protection. It blooms from April to September every year.)

"Have a nice day, sir!" The butler bowed politely.

“Thank you very much, Baptiste.” Clemenceau nodded and took it. “That’s very kind of you. I believe this is a good start.”

“Of course.” The butler smiled and opened the door for Clemenceau.

Before getting in the car, Clemenceau threw the flowers into the trash can on the side of the road and complained in his heart that this had never happened before and that Baptiste's behavior today was a little strange.

But Clemenceau didn't take it seriously, he thought it was just the butler's whim.

More than half an hour later, the car stopped in front of the Bourbon Palais conference room.

The driver got out of the driver's seat, walked around a circle and came to Clemenceau's seat to open the door for him.

Clemenceau stepped out of the car, put on his hat and held up his cane. He had only taken two steps when the driver caught up with him from behind, holding a yellow rose in his hand: "Have a nice day, sir."

“Oh, thank you!” Clemenceau took the rose with some hesitation.

What day is today?

A festival for giving roses?

How come he doesn't remember this custom at all!

But the next second Clemenceau seemed to understand.

This must be the roses in the house that have bloomed, and the servants are using them to offer flowers to the Buddha.

Clemenceau raised his eyebrows and walked towards the door of the parliament.

…

The meeting had already begun and Clemenceau found a seat in the first row.

Steed was on the podium, passionately criticizing the decision of the day before yesterday:

"Gentlemen, do you realize what a terrible mistake we have made?"

"The Reserve Army Group is the reserve source of soldiers for the front line. It not only manages the rationing system, but also trains new recruits for us, allowing those young people who have never touched a gun to become qualified soldiers."

"It needs a general who understands military affairs and can convince the people to serve as the commander..."

Before Steed could finish his words, a congressman in the audience interrupted him by shouting:

"Gamelin is also an officer who understands military affairs. His wisdom and prestige are no less than Gallieni's."

"We did not disown General Gallieni, but his health problems did not allow it."

"We must admit the fact that General Gallieni is no longer able to perform his duties normally!"

…

Steed opened his arms and shouted to the councillor:

"Listen to the voice of the citizens, gentlemen."

"Since we changed the candidate for the commander of the reserve army group, how many demonstrations and protests have there been?"

"Is this what you call Gamelin's prestige that is enough to convince the public?"

The MPs' momentum weakened instantly.

As the incident was announced in the newspapers over the past two days, protests have been rising in society. The most intense was among the reserve army, which even showed signs of "mutiny".

Finally, Steed gave some advice:

"It's wartime, gentlemen."

"Stability in the rear is equally important to the front. If Gallieni worked hard to lead the reserve army group into a healthy development, but we kicked him away at the critical moment."

"Aren't you worried that those officers who are bleeding and sacrificing for France will become discouraged?"

"If you keep doing this, who will be willing to fight for France?!"

Having said this, Steed walked down the podium amid the curses from the congressmen.

When he passed by Clemenceau, he took out a flower from his pocket and handed it to Clemenceau, a yellow rose: "I wish you a pleasant day, Mr. Commissioner."

Clemenceau was so shocked that it took him a while to realize that it was time for him to go on stage and make his position clear!

(End of this chapter)