Chapter 549: War for Wallets
The Americans acted very quickly. They understood that public opinion should be "guided" from the beginning. The earlier the action is taken, the lower the cost and the better the effect.
While Charles and Tijani were discussing, the American consortium's spies in Britain, France, Italy and even neutral countries had already launched attacks everywhere to "conquer cities and territories."
…
London, England.
Member of the House of Commons Burris had just returned home when he received an envelope.
The envelope contained a rusty key and a note with an address for a property in the neighbouring middle-class area of Islington.
When Burris found the address, he discovered that it was just an inconspicuous little house, dilapidated and worthless.
Burris snorted coldly. The war period was when housing prices fell the most. Thousands of soldiers died on the battlefield, and a large number of properties were abandoned or sold off because no one inherited them.
Now, someone actually gave him a shabby house?
However, he was greatly disappointed when he opened the door and walked in, only to find that the huge basement was filled with supplies, including food, daily necessities, and a lot of high-end red wine, enough for his family to live a luxurious life for several years.
…
In the British House of Commons, a few members shouted in disbelief:
"Why don't we talk to the Germans? Listen to the negotiation conditions they offer before making a judgment!"
"If we want to know whether this is a delaying tactic by the Germans, we can ask the Military Intelligence Agency to investigate."
"We can fight and talk at the same time. At least we should send people to contact the Germans instead of keeping them at a distance!"
"This might be an opportunity to talk about something with nothing to lose!"
…
What they said was reasonable, but was drowned out by the angry voices of other MPs:
"No, it will be too late by the time we investigate!"
"Think about the soldiers who died on the battlefield. We have already lost hundreds of thousands of people. Was their blood shed in vain?"
"You traitors, you should be in jail!"
…
Paris, France.
Congressman Artur found that his huge gambling debts were all paid off overnight, and all the creditors who had harassed him welcomed him with smiles.
Congressman Noah was given a warehouse with countless scarce supplies.
Congressman Maher inexplicably acquired a stake in Kennard Shipping Company.
(Note: Kennard Shipping Company was an American shipping company that was involved in transportation during the war)
…
The Chamber of Deputies of the Bourbon Palace, despite the curses and protests of its opponents, declared:
"We all agree that any thought of negotiating with Germany is shameful and despicable."
"We have reason to believe that these people were bribed by the Germans, and some of them are suspected of being spies."
"We must fight the war to the end until we achieve real victory. There is no doubt about that!"
"For France, for glory, for the people!"
At their call, French soldiers on the Western Front launched another attack, as if to show the German army, France and the whole world their unwavering determination to fight to the end.
…
Charles sighed when he saw all this in the newspaper. It was all business.
The war, which should have ended, had to continue for several more years because of a loan of 10 billion US dollars. The already exhausted soldiers and civilians of various countries were struggling to hold on despite the parliamentarians and nobles' full-hearted talk of benevolence and morality.
The only ones who pay the price are civilians and soldiers. What does it have to do with them?
Tijani could no longer hold back. The more he watched, the angrier he became. Finally, he slammed his fist on the table and yelled:
"It is clear that those congressmen accepted bribes from the United States and ignored the peace and the interests of the people."
“They keep saying they are doing it for the people, but they denigrate those who fight for peace as traitors!”
Tijani looked at Ciel: "Are we not going to do anything?"
"What can we do?" Charles asked.
What a strange rich kid. He is clearly one of the interest groups, but he always thinks from the perspective of ordinary people. No wonder he is at odds with his father.
"We can't just watch this happen." Tijani raised the newspaper in his hand: "This is an opportunity. If we miss this opportunity, no one knows when the war will end, and no one knows how many more people will die."
"And then?" Charles asked again.
"You have prestige." Tijani looked at Charles with hope in his eyes: "You still have power. We can gather the Saint-Etienne Arsenal and the Brest Shipyard, as well as your resources and the FN Arsenal. We will succeed!"
Ciel's tone was surprisingly calm: "Do you think they will support me?"
Tijani was speechless and looked at Charles in disbelief. Don’t they just follow your lead?
Ciel smiled and shook his head slightly.
Poor Tijani, he was too naive having grown up in a greenhouse with fine clothes and delicious food.
Most of the resources in Charles' hands are military-industrial enterprises. The reason why they listen to Charles is because of the creativity in Charles' head and because Charles can bring them creativity and prospects.
These military-industrial enterprises are precisely the group of people who are most unwilling to have peace and most want the war to continue.
Tijani hopes he can rally these people to promote peace!
"Well," Charles' answer was simple: "You can ask your father and listen to his thoughts."
Tijani was stunned. He knew what his father's attitude would be without asking.
Then he understood what Charles meant. He sat back in his chair and said in a hoarse voice, "So, the war will continue, right?"
Instead of answering, Ciel asked, "Isn't one of the core values of the art of war that you advocate the fact that war can promote human progress?"
Tijani shook his head expressionlessly and buried his face in his hands in pain.
He still believes that war is the driving force of human progress and still advocates the art of war.
He just didn't expect that the progress gained in the war would be accompanied by so much pain, darkness and unfairness.
It would be fine if it was a fight for the country, the soldiers' sacrifice would still be valuable.
However, Tijani discovered that the soldiers were only fighting for the wallets of a small group of people, and had nothing to do with the country, honor, or dignity. Soldiers and civilians were being manipulated and fooled by that small group of people.
"General." Then the messenger handed over a telegram: "Nivelle issued a statement to the whole army, saying that the Somme and Namur are two different battlefields."
When Charles took the telegram and read it, he found that the Somme was a large-scale frontal battle, while Charles's battle in Namur was a small-scale sneak attack.
He used the word "sneak attack", undoubtedly trying to lead Charles' victory in an ignominious direction.
Final summary: Even if Charles was in command, it would be difficult to achieve a better result in the Somme!
This is a desperate move, Charles thought. He is worthy of being the Commander-in-Chief of the French Army as he is capable of such a shameful trick!
(End of this chapter)
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