Chapter 549: War for Wallets

The Americans acted very quickly. They understood that the tendency of public opinion should be "guided" from the beginning. The earlier the action is taken, the lower the cost, but the better the effect will be.

While Charles was discussing with Tijani, the American consortium's informants in Britain, France, Italy and even neutral countries were already attacking cities and territories everywhere.

…

London, UK.

MP Burris received an envelope as soon as he got home.

The envelope contained a rusty key and a note with an address to a property in the neighboring borough of Islington, a middle-class area.

When Burris found the address, he found that it was just an inconspicuous little house, dilapidated and not worth much.

Burris snorted. During the war, housing prices fell the most. Thousands of soldiers died on the battlefield, and a large number of properties were abandoned or sold off because there was no one to inherit them.

Now, someone actually gave him a broken house?

However, he was disappointed when he opened the door and walked in, only to find that the huge basement was filled with supplies, food, daily necessities, and a lot of high-end red wine, enough for his family to live luxuriously for several years.

…

In the British House of Commons, although a few members shouted incredulously:

"Why don't we talk to the Germans? Listen to their negotiating terms and then make a judgment!"

"If you want to know whether this is a delaying strategy by the Germans, we can let the Military Intelligence Bureau investigate."

"We can fight and talk at the same time. At least we should send people to contact the Germans instead of rejecting them thousands of miles away!"

“This could be an opportunity to talk and have nothing to lose!”

…

What they said was very reasonable, but it was covered up by the angry voices of other members:

"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. Is their blood shed in vain?"

"You traitors, you should be in jail!"

…

Paris, France.

Congressman Atul found that the huge gambling debts he owed were all paid off overnight, and all the creditors who had pestered him smiled.

Congressman Noah got a warehouse with countless scarce supplies.

Congressman Maher inexplicably acquired shares in the Kennard Shipping Company.

(Note: Kennard Shipping Company was an American shipping company involved in transportation during the war)

…

The Chamber of Deputies of the Palais Bourbon, despite the constant stream of curses and protests from the opponents, still announced:

"We all agree that any idea of ​​negotiating with Germany is shameful and despicable."

"We have reason to believe that these people received bribes from the Germans, and some of them are suspected of being spies."

"We must carry the war to the end until we achieve real victory. There is no doubt about this!"

"For France, for glory, for the people!"

At their call, the French soldiers on the Western Front launched another attack, seemingly to show the Germans, France, and the world their unswerving determination to fight to the end.

…

Charles, who saw all this in the newspaper, sighed, it was all business.

The war that should have ended will continue for several more years because of the US$10 billion loan. The exhausted military and civilians of various countries are struggling to support themselves under the benevolence and morality of the congressmen and nobles.

Only civilians and soldiers are paying the price, so what does it have to do with them?

But Tijani couldn't hold it in any longer. He became angrier as he watched. Finally, he punched the table with a "bang" and cursed:

"It is clear that those congressmen accepted bribes from the United States and ignored the immediate peace and the interests of the people."

"But he keeps saying he is for the people, but instead denigrates those who strive for peace as traitors!"

Tijani looked at Ciel: "Aren't we going to do something?"

"What can we do?" Charles asked.

What a strange rich boy. He is clearly one of the interest groups, but he always thinks about issues from the perspective of civilians. No wonder he is at odds with his father.

"We can't just let this happen." Tijani raised the newspaper in his hand: "This is an opportunity. If you miss this opportunity, no one knows when the war will end, and no one knows how many more people will die. people."

"Then what?" Charles asked again.

"You have reputation." 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!”

Charles' tone was surprisingly calm: "Do you think they will support me?"

Tijani was speechless and looked at Ciel in disbelief. Aren't they just following your lead?

Ciel smiled and shook his head slightly.

Poor Tijani, who grew up in a greenhouse with fine clothes and fine food, was too naive.

Most of the resources in Shire's hands are military-industrial enterprises. The reason why they listen to Shire is because of the creativity in Shire's head, and because Shire can bring them ideas and prospects.

These military-industrial enterprises are precisely the group of people who are least willing to make peace and most want the war to continue.

Tijani hopes he can rally these people to promote peace!

"Let's do this." Charles's answer was simple: "You can ask your father and hear his thoughts."

Tijani was stunned. He knew what his father's attitude would be without asking him.

Then, he understood what Charles meant. He sat back in his chair dejectedly, his voice a little hoarse: "So, the war will continue, right?"

Charles did not answer but asked: "Isn't one of the cores of the art of war that you advocate 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 from war would be accompanied by so much pain, darkness and unfairness.

If it is for the country, it's fine. The sacrifice of soldiers is still valuable.

However, Tijani found that the soldiers were only fighting for the wallets of a small number of people. It had nothing to do with the country, honor, and dignity. Soldiers and civilians were being manipulated and fooled by that small number of people.

"General." At this time, the signalman handed over a telegram: "Nivelle issued a statement to the whole army, saying that the Somme and Namur are two battlefields of different natures."

Charles took the telegram and read it. The general idea was 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", which was undoubtedly an effort to bring Charles' victory in an ignominious direction.

Finally, it was difficult to achieve a better record in the Somme even if it was commanded by Charles!

This is a desperate move, Charles thought, such a shameful trick can be done, worthy of being the commander-in-chief of the French army!