Chapter 532: After modification: Chapter 532 His wrist is as outstanding as his military genius
Seeing Fuxu in deep thought, Shire added: "You know the situation Nivelle is facing now, General. He will soon be stepping down from his position as Total Commander, whether he wants to or not."
Fuxu nodded slowly.
It is not just about Nivelle colluding with the British, it is also about his lack of reputation and his own capabilities.
For a new official doubted so much, winning a battle might help temporarily consolidate his position.
But now he has lost a battle, a terribly heavy loss, and a series of scandals about concealing the war situation has been exposed.
If it weren’t for the tense combat situation, he would have already been removed from his position.
Shire continued: "I don’t want the next Total Commander to still be under British control, and neither do you, right?"
This is the reason why Shire believed Fuxu couldn’t refuse his plan.
Fuxu sighed helplessly and shook his head: "But this is unavoidable, Major General. You might not know the situation facing France right now. Do you think those parliamentarians are willing to let the British interfere, or even let the British decide the candidate for France’s Total Commander?"
Shire responded calmly: "I know."
Fuxu smiled lightly, his eyes full of disbelief: "You really know?"
If you knew, you wouldn’t say, "I don’t want the next Total Commander to still be under British control." The next Total Commander will still be so.
"Yes, I know." Shire nodded: "The British can use the resources they control to influence the French Army’s victories, and if our actions do not satisfy them, they will apply pressure on us through the German Army."
This operation is very simple.
For example, if the French Army chose a disobedient Total Commander, the British would reduce resource supplies to weaken the French Army, and simultaneously fight passively on the front lines, quickly making the German Army gain an advantage on the battlefield, causing heavy casualties and even continuous retreats of the French Army.
At that time, even Shire would probably be unable to save the entire front line.
Fuxu looked at Shire in confusion. He didn’t understand why Shire, knowing this principle, still didn’t want the Total Commander to be under British control. Aren’t these two things contradictory?
"So, what you’re talking about is impossible." Fuxu stared at Shire, his tone assertive: "A Total Commander not under British control cannot be a Total Commander, I won’t be an exception!"
"So you should be under British control."
Fuxu furrowed his eyebrows and stood up with a "thud," his eyes showing anger and some disappointment: "Sorry, Major General, I can’t be this Total Commander."
Saying this, he turned and walked away.
As he opened the door, Shire said slowly behind him, "I can make it so that the British can’t control you, General."
Fuxu was stunned and slowly closed the door again.
He seemed to understand Shire’s idea: pretend to collude with the British to gain their support and become the Total Commander, then shake off their control afterward.
Fuxu had no reason to refuse, even if it meant enduring the shame of "colluding with the British" during the operation.
But Fuxu didn’t fully believe him. He turned and asked: "Tell me your plan."
That’s the world’s most powerful Britain, facing Marshal Kitchener. They control the resources. How do you expect to shake off their control?
Shire sipped his water nonchalantly and replied succinctly: "I will make the French Navy play a role in anti-submarine warfare."
Fuxu’s eyes lit up.
If the French Navy can play a role in anti-submarine warfare, the strategic resource of deciding materials will no longer be solely controlled by Britain but by both Britain and France.
At that time, Britain would naturally lose its foundation to control France.
But that is the navy, facing German submarines that even Britain is helpless against. Can Shire resolve it?
The next second, Fuxu thought of Shire’s performance in the Dardanelles Strait: he invented the "Deep Water Bomb" to destroy German submarines and also invented the globally shocking landing boats and amphibious boats, proving his capability.
Fuxu returned to the sofa, staring at Shire:
"If you can do this, why not strive to be the Total Commander yourself?"
"Don’t tell me it’s because you’re too young to win over the crowd."
"Your reputation is unparalleled. Most French citizens and soldiers hope for you to be the Total Commander."
This is a fact. This appeal is very common among grassroots soldiers and civilians, and many people had hoped to replace Nivelle with Shire even before Nivelle made his mistakes.
Shire has such a reputation, he can control resources through anti-submarine warfare, becoming the Total Commander would be effortless for him.
"I can’t." Shire answered honestly: "You know the reason. The parliament doesn’t want the military to have too much power. They need someone to check and balance me. If I become the Total Commander, they will cultivate various forces to confront me, such as Petain and several group army commanders."
Fuxu considered this for a while, then nodded in agreement with Shire’s analysis. It is indeed what the parliament would do.
"So." Shire looked at Fuxu quietly: "If you are my enemy, then it’s fine."
Fuxu secretly admired him, he understood Shire’s idea, and was surprised that such a young man had such tactics.
As long as Fuxu is "an enemy" with Shire on the surface, the parliament aiming for "divide and conquer" would definitely support Fuxu. Then the military matters would be privately decided between Shire and Fuxu. It would be just a play to show the parliament.
"One last question." Fuxu was now relaxed, leaning back on the sofa: "Do you know why the British chose Nivelle instead of others?"
Shire nodded: "Because he is easily controlled."
Nivelle has no military achievements, not much reputation or supporters in the French Army, he can only rely on the British. Someone like him has to listen to the British because without them he has nothing.
Fuxu is different. His reputation far exceeds Nivelle’s. All the attack factions are his students and supporters, his reputation far surpasses Petain and the group army commanders.
Shire asked: "Are you worried about your reputation being too high?"
Fuxu hummed in agreement: "The biggest competitor should be Petain, whose reputation is just right."
This is something Shire hadn’t thought of.
It made sense. Petain, who rocketed to promotion after the outbreak of war, has weak foundations in the army unlike Fuxu and the group army commanders who command broad support.
After some consideration, Shire responded confidently: "Leave it to me, General. You don’t need to worry about this."
"What do you plan to do?" Fuxu asked curiously.
"It’s simple." Shire’s tone was relaxed: "Whoever collaborates with me will be questioned, and his chances of becoming Total Commander will decrease."
Fuxu was so shocked that he couldn’t close his mouth for a long time.
The British also have the need to weaken Shire, so they would never choose someone with a good relationship with Shire.
If Shire pretends to cooperate closely with Petain...
God, this guy is not simple, his tactics are as outstanding as his military genius!