Chapter 915 Only Ciel can save us
Eventually, Charles reached a reconciliation of sorts with the Minister of Munitions and the Minister of War.
The reason why it is said "to some extent" is because whether there will be a "reconciliation" in the end depends on whether the sincerity shown by both Britain and the United States can satisfy Charles.
…
The snowfall in Washington, USA was a little late this year, and it was not until Christmas Day that a few dandelion-like snowflakes fell.
President Wilson received Baker's telegram and stood at the window looking at the snow scene outside with satisfaction.
"That's a very good sign," he said, a smile playing on his face.
I finally got hold of Charles's weakness.
This guy actually thought of everything before me. Is this what great minds think alike?
Compared to Britain, what Wilson was really worried about was France.
Britain is in visibly declining condition. The bureaucracy, corruption, institutional rigidity and the poor combat effectiveness on the Western Front are simply unbearable to watch.
However, Wilson knew that these were just the tip of the iceberg, and the corruption of the British Empire was far beyond people's imagination.
France had nothing to worry about. As a republic, it would not be much better than Britain.
However, at this critical moment, a Charles suddenly appeared.
However, in just two years, Charles used his talents in military, economic and political aspects to grow rapidly and take control of France.
Now, Charles has begun to compete for international discourse power and the commanding heights of public opinion.
Only Wilson knew how important this was. They seemed insignificant, but they were the foundation for becoming the world's number one superpower.
"Mr. President," the secretary's voice came from behind, "The Secretary of War wants to know how much of the loan we can forgive for Charles?"
Wilson thought for a while and gave a number: "200 million US dollars."
The secretary was shocked. This was not a small amount of money. The annual GDP of the United States was only 50 billion. The president just gave away 200 million with a flick of his hand?
"You..." The secretary asked cautiously, "Don't you need to think about it again?"
"No need." Wilson said firmly.
The larger the amount, the more serious Charles' crime.
When necessary, the deal would suddenly be exposed in the media: Charles reached an agreement with the United States for 200 million US dollars, which changed France's original intention to join the war.
Soon it will continue to ferment, and various opinions will appear like a volcanic eruption among the public and the international media:
"Charles sold out everyone, including the French soldiers, for $200 million."
"The 200 million US dollars is used to reduce the loan funds of the Bernard Group. This shows that Charles sold out the country in exchange for his own interests."
"Everyone was fooled by him. People thought Ciel was fighting for peace, but they didn't expect him to be no different from everyone else!"
…
There is a saying that goes "the higher you climb, the harder you fall."
This incident may not mean much to others, but for Charles, a "saint", it is enough to make him fall from heaven to hell.
…
The morning in London was shrouded in thick fog as usual.
Big Ben struck ten heavy bells at a rhythm of one every two seconds. However, it still could not cover up the increasingly fierce arguments among the congressmen in the meeting room.
(The picture above shows the Houses of Parliament in London, also known as the Palace of Westminster, which is the seat of the British Parliament)
(The picture above is the House of Commons Hall. Members of the ruling party sit on the left, and members of the opposition sit on the right. It can only accommodate 427 people at most. If you come late, you can only stand behind the seats.)
The Minister of Munitions was trying to convince the MPs to agree to his exchange plan, but was met with a barrage of criticism from the opposition:
"This won't solve the problem. Has the British Empire fallen to the point where it needs to exchange equipment and technology for help from France?"
"It's a shame. We should have defeated the Germans with our own army."
"What the French can do, we can do as well. If we can't, then there is something wrong with our army!"
…
Opposition MPs are targeting British Expeditionary Force Commander Haig, who they hope to replace after he made a series of decisions that were considered stupid.
But Haig, who had a strong background, once again kept his position.
King George personally came out to defend Haig, saying: "We have already lost Field Marshal Kitchener. We cannot kill his favorite disciple with our own hands. This will only make the enemy celebrate!"
The Minister of Munitions stood behind the conference table with a heavy expression on his face.
He waited until the venue was quieter, and took the opportunity to shout loudly:
"Gentlemen, I think we need to make one thing clear first."
"Do you think the British army is too weak? Or that the British generals are too incompetent? Or that the ruling party does not fully support the battle on the front line!"
"No, you are wrong."
"The fact is not that we are too weak, but that France has produced an unrivaled military genius!"
The meeting place gradually became quiet, and everyone knew who the Minister of Munitions was talking about.
"Yes," continued the Minister of Munitions.
"You all know his name, I don't think anyone will have any problem with what I say."
"But what I want to talk about today is not his achievements, nor his amazing inventions, nor the development of France under his leadership."
"I'm talking about our debt, our economy, and our regime!"
The Minister of Munitions glanced around the room, and his deep voice seemed to intimidate everyone present, including members of the ruling party.
"Do you know what the $10 billion we owe is?"
He turned his eyes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer sitting behind him and asked, "Sir, please tell me, what is the estimated GDP of the UK this year?"
The Chancellor replied: "$12 billion, your Excellency."
The Quartermaster General spread his hands around and asked again, raising his voice: "How much?"
The Chancellor of the Exchequer stood up and responded loudly: "Due to the war, our GDP this year is estimated to be only $12 billion!"
Everyone in the room was shocked. The congressmen's faces changed and they whispered to each other.
The gross domestic product is only 12 billion US dollars, but the loan owed to the United States is 10 billion.
The entire nation would have to go without food or drink for a year to repay the loan along with the principal and interest.
The Minister of Munitions was very satisfied with the parliamentarians' response. He nodded and continued:
"Let me tell you what reality is."
"The German submarine blockade against us is still increasing, and we can do nothing about it."
"If we continue like this, we will collapse before the Germans attack us!"
"There is only one person who can save us now. Who do you think he is?"
The congressmen spoke out their answers in unison, with a mixture of helplessness and respect in their voices:
"Charles, it's Charles."
"We cannot afford to fail. Only the Ciel can save us."
"He can defeat the Germans and end this war quickly!"
Finally, the Minister of Munitions asked in a questioning tone: "Now, tell me, who else opposes this plan?"
The whole audience was silent.
(End of this chapter)
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