Chapter 441 Belgium is a country, not a road
July 21 is Belgium's National Day. 85 years ago, Belgium declared independence on this day and Prince Leopold was elected as the first king.
Although the war was not over yet, Albert I still rushed to Brussels to hold a military parade.
This military parade was very special. It did not have neat uniforms and equipment. The troops participating in the parade were guerrillas commanded by Colonel Eden.
The soldiers were wearing a variety of clothes and holding rifles from various countries, including British, French, and German.
In addition, there are more than a dozen tanks and armored vehicles sent by the 3rd Tank Regiment stationed in Brussels, who are participating in the parade on behalf of France.
As soon as they walked onto the street, they were immediately greeted with cheers from both sides of the street. People waved their hands wildly at the team or shouted while holding up the Belgian flag.
Albert I stood on one of the armored vehicles, holding the vehicle and waving to the people, his eyes full of excitement and joy.
The parade moved slowly forward amid the cheers of the people and finally stopped at the Grand Place in Brussels. Albert I's armored vehicle drove into the center and stopped.
(The picture above shows the Grand Place in Brussels, which was built in the 12th century. It is not very large and is the place where important events are held in Belgium)
Albert I paused for a moment, waiting for the cheers to die down, before shouting to the people around him: "Indomitable Belgians, I am glad that the National Day can still be held in Brussels this year!"
The people cheered.
When the surroundings quieted down, Albert I continued:
"This time last year, the Germans asked us if we could allow their troops to pass through, and they said it was 'innocent passage'."
"My answer is: Belgium is a country, not a road!"
Cheers rang out again all around, and people loudly agreed with Albert I's reply.
"I told them that we will defend our dignity to the death and must use our own strength to repel every attack from other powers!"
"If we must be crushed to dust, let us be crushed to dust with honor."
"But Belgium will never surrender at any time!"
People were excited. What Albert I said was a perfect portrayal of Belgium during this period. It had been nearly a year since Germany launched the war in August last year. Many people were thinking about one question:
“Is it worth it for Belgium to do this?”
"What's the point of doing this?"
“Is it really necessary for small countries to get involved in the struggle between big countries?”
…
Albert I gave a powerful response: only unyielding resistance can make Belgium a thorn, even if it is a small one, it can still hurt the enemies who try to invade her, thus making the enemies hesitate.
This is the helplessness of small countries, and it is the only thing they can do.
Albert I did not use too many words to thank Britain and France. He knew that this was the reward for Belgium's previous efforts. They had done enough in the war and did not owe Britain and France anything.
But he mentioned one person: "I thank Charles for his contribution to Belgium. This is the second time he has defeated the Germans in Antwerp. The Germans were tripped by him in the same place, twice!"
People laughed.
"He is my friend and a friend of Belgium."
"He didn't come this time because he was still fighting the Germans in Antwerp."
"He brought security, freedom, and great victory to Belgium!"
"So I proudly announce that Charles will become an earl, and the line will be passed down from generation to generation!"
The people cheered loudly, as if they were happy for Charles, and many people shouted:
"He deserves this honor."
"We support him, he saved Belgium!"
“Belgium welcomes Charles!”
…
Charles was a little confused when he heard that he became an "earl".
He knew that the title had no practical significance and was more of an honor, but it would also include Charles in the Belgian nobility, which would be beneficial in terms of interpersonal relationships and business dealings.
I also recalled what Albert I said yesterday about selling a piece of land in Antwerp to Charles at a low price. Charles felt like a fiefdom or a title, as if he wanted to trap Charles in Antwerp.
Charles was right.
Although Belgium was on the road to victory, Albert I was still uneasy.
Belgium is just a small country with a total population of less than 7 million, but it is sandwiched between several big countries: Britain is across the sea to the north, France is to the west, and Germany is to the east.
(Note: Belgium’s total population in 1900 was 6.13 million. Reference: Hong Kong’s population today is 7.47 million.)
It would be fine if the major powers could live in peace, but if they go to war, Belgium will unfortunately become the center of their tug-of-war.
Last year it was the Germans who invaded, and today the French drove the Germans out. What if the Germans defeat the French again next year?
Is Belgium in perpetual war?
Albert I told Colonel Eden about this worry, and Colonel Eden replied confidently: "Your Majesty, with Charles here, you never need to worry about the Germans coming again."
Albert I nodded and said, "Yes, I believe this. But the premise is that 'Charles is here'."
Colonel Eden looked at Albert I in confusion.
Albert I lamented: "Not all French troops are commanded by Charles, Colonel. Not every unit is Charles's unit. We have all seen that the rest of the French army is not that good."
Colonel Eden suddenly realized and then nodded in agreement.
Not to mention those far away, the nearby one is Foch's 9th Army.
Charles's troops had penetrated the German lines from Cambrai to Antwerp with one shot, and if there had not been the ocean ahead, Colonel Eden had reason to believe that they could have continued to advance, and with ease.
But Foch's 9th Army, the elite force of the Northern Army Group, and Foch himself, known as the "God of War" of France, were still stuck in trouble in Mons and could not move. In the end, it was Charles' troops who fought back to provide support.
So, is it really the French army that is important?
Or is it Charles and his troops?
Colonel Eden believed it was the latter.
After thinking for a while, Colonel Eden suggested: "Your Majesty, I think we should leave Charles in Belgium."
"You think I haven't tried?" Albert I smiled and shook his head: "When he was still a lieutenant, I hoped that he could lead the Belgian army, but he refused without hesitation!"
Albert I's smile was a little bitter.
Facts have proved that Charles was right. He could become a general of France and would reach the top of the French military in the near future. Why should he be tied down by a small country like Belgium?
Colonel Eden hesitated for a moment and suggested: "Your Majesty, as a French general, he may not agree to lead Belgium. But as a capitalist, I think he can't refuse the benefits that Belgium can bring him."
"What?" Albert I looked at Colonel Eden in surprise. He didn't expect that Colonel Eden had some tricks.
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
