Chapter 985 Everything is moving in the right direction

The next day, the news that Charles only claimed $2 billion from Germany quickly spread to every corner of the world.

French citizens were not too pleased.

They thought that now was the best time to take revenge. How could Charles go against their will and show inappropriate kindness to the enemy at this time?

In particular, many people still remember that Germany captured Paris and was crowned in the Palace of Versailles, occupied Lorraine and Alsace and forced the implementation of German-style education and various tough measures in these two places, so they are quite dissatisfied with this:

"The Germans were not so friendly to us at the beginning. After they defeated us, they still demanded 5 billion francs in compensation from us even though they did not suffer much damage!"

"Not only did they steal a lot of property, they also humiliated us severely and made us lose all our dignity."

"Our request is not excessive. We just want to return what they gave us in the first place!"

…

Opposition members of parliament and capitalists then jumped out to spread rumors:

"Do you know why Ciel collected so little compensation?"

"That's because the Germans bribed Charles, and they provided a lot of funds and technical cooperation to the Bernard Group."

"This is the terrifying thing about dictatorship. Charles can transform national interests into his own interests, and it is reasonable, rational, and legal. No one can interfere!"

…

But these voices did not cause any waves.

The reason is that the capitalists spread too many rumors about Charles, which were refuted time and time again, proving Charles' innocence time and time again, and also proving Charles' greatness.

This made the citizens of France immune to rumors, and when they heard this they responded sarcastically:

"Come on, if Ciel wants money, does he need to do this? Many people want to give him money, but he just ignores them."

"Did I hear you right? Charles needs German technology? What technology can Germany give Charles? Aircraft, tanks, or artillery?"

"Charles wants the Germans' money and technology, but he doesn't need the Germans to give it to him. He just needs to give orders to the Germans."

…

People even spontaneously controlled the rumor spreaders and lynched them, then traced them back to the capitalists, and finally overthrew the capitalists with protests and marches.

Then the capitalists knew that they could no longer be a rival to Charles.

…

Clemenceau, who duly gave a speech to the citizens in the Place de Ville, was a good complement to Charles in domestic affairs.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Clemenceau stood on the balcony of the Prime Minister's office with great spirit, and shouted to the crowd of citizens below: "I know what you are thinking. If we claim 10 billion US dollars from the Germans, then each of us can get more than 200 US dollars, which is not a small amount!"

(Note: After France recovered Lorraine and Alsace, the total population was nearly 40 million, but the losses in the war led to a serious imbalance in the population structure)

The citizens laughed, and many of them really thought so.

Clemenceau waited a moment, then continued:

"But we should think about one question: Have you received the more than 200 US dollars?"

"Think about it."

"The money and supplies Ciel donated to the troops, the factories he built for disabled servicemen, and the wartime rationing system he implemented to ensure you had enough to eat even during the most difficult times."

"He also rented your land at a low price, created countless jobs for you, and built an army that can defy the whole world to protect your security."

…

The citizens nodded in agreement, and Charles had given them far more than $200.

Clemenceau continued:

"I am not talking about compensation, gentlemen. Charles expects no compensation. He has only one desire, which is to give something for France and for you."

"If anyone suspected Charles of using his power for personal gain, they would think he would make a backroom deal with the Germans as some people said."

Clemenceau spread his hands and said, "You can come to my account anytime to check, or ask the Germans if they have paid any extra taxes."

The citizens laughed again.

Clemenceau was right. If the Germans did not pay more taxes, what could they use to bribe Charles?

German capitalists use their own money to bribe?

If he were a capitalist like Charles, Germany would not have been beaten to this extent today!

Clemenceau pointed his finger in the air, and his voice gradually became stronger:

"Charles did this for the spirit of France."

"Like he said, he was for the peace of mankind, which of course included German civilians, so he didn't want German civilians to suffer because of this war."

"At the same time, this is also in the interests of France, in the long-term interests."

"Because if we treat the Germans well today, we will resolve the hatred between us and the Germans, reduce the possibility of war between France and Germany, and there will be no next war."

"All we need to do is to pay the $200 that might go to you!"

"Tell me, what do you want? $200 or Charles' French spirit?"

The citizens thought Clemenceau was right.

Just like when the Germans broke through Paris and seized French land, the French people always remembered this hatred and shame, which is why Charles led the soldiers to defeat Germany on the battlefield.

At least that's how it seemed to them.

Now, if France defeats Germany, it will attack Berlin and then seize German land and demand a large amount of compensation.

First of all, it is not certain that the compensation can be obtained, as the Germans simply cannot afford it.

What is certain is that the Germans will bear a grudge against France, and like the French, they will start a war decades later to avenge their past humiliation.

If this cycle continues, the war will be endless.

So, what Charles did was right, he was the only one who was sober.

After realizing this, the citizens raised their hands and shouted:

"We support Ciel!"

"We're willing to pay $200, and that's what we should do."

"Long live France, long live the French spirit!"

…

The newspapers published Clemenceau's speech.

Kobdo added fuel to the fire and commented:

"This day, after all the pain, selfishness and evil of war, we finally see a ray of light."

"It is a spirit, a belief, and a civilization."

"For decades, I have never been more convinced than today that the war will end under the leadership of France, and mankind will usher in unprecedented peace!"

"And all of this stems from one man, a hero who appeared like a legend in France."

…

Gallieni was reading a newspaper in the minister's office and nodded with satisfaction.

He did not make the wrong bet. The rise of Charles is in line with the interests of France. Everything is moving in a good direction!

(End of this chapter)