Descending On France 1780
Chapter 283 - 276 Your Eagle Emblem has arrived

Chapter 283: 276 Your Eagle Emblem has arrived

Anning received the order from the Parliament on May 17.

"According to the latest resolution of the Parliament, you must launch a campaign across the border into the Rhein region as soon as possible."

Anning looked at the order, his eyebrows twisted into a knot: "What the hell is this?"

The Special Commissioner who delivered the order was a young man, seeing Anning’s attitude, he repeated the order with a condescending tone: "You must launch a campaign across the border into the Rhein region..."

"I know what the content of the order is, I’m asking why there is such a thing?" Anning interrupted the young Special Commissioner, "I thought the Special Commissioner was here to reward the troops."

Anning had just won a great victory, and while the National Assembly in Paris had not yet reacted, the local National Assemblies had already sent many supplies to reward the troops.

He had thought that the National Assembly would also show some appreciation, but instead they sent an order urging to continue the assault toward the border.

Moreover, it was such an "Special Commissioner" who had no idea of the gravity of the situation that brought the order.

Anning carefully examined the Special Commissioner: His face looked immature, his clothes did not quite fit, and possibly because he was not accustomed to wearing such fine clothes, his posture was a bit awkward.

He must be a newcomer who rose to prominence after the Jacobin seized power.

"Reward the troops..." The young Special Commissioner hesitated for a moment, "This... Perhaps the Parliament overlooked it, but the Parliament’s order is also very important! If you want someone to reward the troops, I can write to the Parliament to send someone, but the offensive must commence immediately!"

Anning: "No, our army does not have sufficient supplies to support an expedition across the border."

The Special Commissioner was taken aback, obviously not expecting such a response from Anning, and after a brief silence, he demanded: "Why can’t you do it, the expedition in Italy went very smoothly!"

"That’s because the Southern region is relatively stable, able to organize enough Transportation to deliver supplies, and there’s also the support of the newly established Republic of Milan. Most importantly, the Italy Legion has fewer men. The objective conditions in the North make it impossible for us to organize an expedition across the border in the short term."

Special Commissioner: "What if we reduce the number of troops dispatched?"

Anning was gaping at the Special Commissioner as if looking at a madman: "Although we have won, we have not fought a war of annihilation, and the enemy should be able to quickly reassemble their scattered forces. Crossing the border with fewer troops is asking for death, and our army’s training is still inadequate."

Anning paused: "Unless you mobilize the elite troops guarding Paris. Are you sure you want me to transfer the guard troops to attack the Rhein? Leaving Paris under the protection of newly formed troops that haven’t even trained?"

Special Commissioner: "Then... The order from the Parliament must be executed no matter what!"

"The order from the Parliament is unreasonable. As the military Commander of France, I have the right to refuse unreasonable orders! You get back to the Parliament and tell them General Frost declares it’s not a good time to attack the Rhein region right now. We need to train our troops, reorganize our logistics, and stockpile supplies!"

Special Commissioner: "But..."

"Just go back and relay exactly what I said! Now scram!"

The young Special Commissioner scuttled away.

Bertier, who had been silent till now, spoke up: "Is it really okay to treat the Special Commissioner from the Parliament like this?"

Anning: "What’s wrong with that? Could the Parliament really remove me from my command?"

"What if the Parliament really removes you?" asked Bertier.

Moura, hearing this question, immediately turned and ran, probably feeling that this was not something he should hear.

Nei followed suit in imitation.

But before they could slip away, Anning answered: "Even if I myself comply with the Parliament’s arrangements and give up command, my troops will not agree. To avoid greater chaos from a mutiny, I can only ignore the so-called orders from the Parliament. The Parliament will surely understand my good intentions."

If the Parliament doesn’t understand, then use a clear and decisive method to make them understand.

Like grapeshot.

Anning didn’t realize that at this moment, thinking these things came to him without any resistance, the relevant ideas naturally surfaced in his mind.

At least in his own heart, Anning was already prepared for a de facto military dictatorship; it’s just that he hadn’t realized it himself.

Bertier looked at Anning with a complicated expression in his eyes.

And Moura and Nei, who hadn’t managed to run away, were awkwardly stuck in their spots, at a loss for what to do.

Anning, however, didn’t see any problem and continued to discuss official matters: "To ensure the security of the border, we need to strengthen the garrisons of two fortresses and a series of border cities. The supply issue will be resolved by Cano and the local National Assembly. As for the Rebel Army, I think we can promote the outstanding performers in the recent battles, such as Old Zhongma, Clay Bell, and Moro, to command the forces that suppress the rebellion."

Bertier: "Clay Bell and Moro are fine, but Old Zhongma is black."

"So what if he’s black? As long as someone has talent, they can command the troops. That’s the biggest difference between the Republic’s army and the old Kingdom Army!

"This can serve as an excellent example for propaganda!" Anning said in an undeniable tone, "I will personally write to Cano and promote them."

Bertier reminded him: "General ranks require Parliament’s approval."

"So Parliament’s approval is required, how annoying." Anning cursed, "Fine, then I will personally write to Parliament requesting the approval of their promotions to general."

Anning paused: "It seems I need to make a trip back to Paris first."

Bertier: "You left Paris less than half a month ago and have achieved such brilliant victories. Paris is sure to welcome you warmly."

Anning: "I believe they will."

At this moment, a soldier entered the headquarters: "General, there is a messenger from Lyon outside."

Anning raised an eyebrow: "Lyon? That’s quite far."

Bertier: "Could it be that there is some issue with your esteemed father?"

Anning frowned; to be honest, he felt no affection towards his parents in this timeline, having only sent them money to avoid the responsibilities he should have taken on as a son.

It had been quiet thus far, as his family had few who could read. Writing letters required finding someone else to do it, which was quite inconvenient.

Could it be that direct interaction with his parents was unavoidable?

Not having thought about this, Anning told the messenger soldier, "Let the messenger in."

Immediately, the soldier stepped aside and called out, "Mister Messenger, please come in."

A gentleman, dignified and refined, entered the room, followed by a young servant carrying a rod-shaped object wrapped in oil paper.

The gentleman tipped his hat to Anning: "General, I bring greetings from Mr. FouchE on his behalf!"

—So it was FouchE, that chameleon.

Anning slightly relaxed: "I’ve received his greetings. Is there anything else?"

"It’s like this. Mr. FouchE has prepared a small gift for you."

With these words, the gentleman took the rod-shaped object from the servant’s hands and carefully tore open the oil paper.

Before Anning appeared a pure gold flagpole, the head of which was carved with a splendidly spreading eagle.

The gentleman: "The design of the Eagle Emblem imitates that of the Roman eagle emblem in the illustrations. Mr. FouchÉ believes you will certainly like it."

Anning struggled to close his open mouth: "Right, yes, I ’really like’ it."

Damn it, I’m not Napoleon; I don’t actually want any Eagle Emblem!

Now the rumors are going to become damn true!