Chapter 557: Are You Ready to Face the Challenge?
Haig revealed little information to the press. At this stage, he dared not disclose the mutiny among the French forces, as his goal was for the Germans and Charles to weaken each other, not for the French army to collapse entirely.
As a result, the media mainly questioned Charles’s appointment as the commander of the 6th Army Group:
“It is well-known that Charles excels in mobile warfare. Now, as commander of the 6th Army Group, he must confront the Germans along the Somme River in a static trench war. This will undoubtedly be a challenge for him.”
“Previously, Charles had never commanded such a massive force, which could leave him overwhelmed.”
“This may not be a blessing for Charles. After all, he is only 18 years old. Can someone of his limited experience withstand such enormous pressure? We shall see.”
...
Compared to the moderate skepticism from the press, the criticism from Parliament surged like a tidal wave:
“I believe Charles doesn’t know what he’s doing. He even rejected the soldiers’ demands for negotiations, and those demands were not excessive!”
In the eyes of the MPs, the soldiers' three demands were indeed reasonable: defensive positions, leave, and Charles as their commander.
If anything seemed excessive, it was the last demand. However, everyone knew it was better to agree to these demands for now and renege later once control was re-established.
What they did not understand was that soldiers, repeatedly deceived in the past, had grown wary of such tactics. On the other hand, Charles’s “conditional acceptance” was more convincing, as the soldiers believed this approach truly considered the feasibility of their demands.
“Yes, this is the main reason for the slow pace of recovery on the front line. He even sent Major General Raymond and his party to a military tribunal. Does he not realize that Major General Raymond was on his side?”
The MPs naturally viewed the soldiers as “enemies” and believed that officers like Major General Raymond, who led them, were the allies Charles should rely on.
However, Charles had severed ties with his so-called allies as soon as he reached the front, leaving him isolated.
What the MPs failed to grasp, having been entrenched in Parliament for too long, was that treating the soldiers as enemies would only ensure they became enemies.
Charles, on the other hand, treated the soldiers as allies, while the so-called “allies” were, in reality, the enemy.
“More importantly, Charles cannot control the situation. I mean, what can he do at the Somme? It’s a battle of massive armies, and Charles may not be suited for this. We need to strengthen the defensive line immediately!”
This sentiment echoed Nivelle’s viewpoint.
Although Nivelle had been dismissed, many agreed with his reasoning. Charles lacked experience commanding 200,000 troops. More crucially, Charles excelled in offensive, mobile warfare rather than static defense.
The situation at the Somme demanded defense—defense strong enough to prevent collapse when the Germans launched their imminent counterattack.
Gallieni swept a cold glance at the MPs without uttering a word. These fools—did they really think Charles was that incompetent?
As Charles himself had stated, his strategy was neither purely “offense” nor “defense,” but “adaptability.”
“Adaptability” meant he had no weaknesses: he would attack when necessary and defend when required.
The Battle of Verdun had already proven this. Yet, these dimwits remained relentless in slandering Charles.
Steed, Wells, and others chose not to argue, knowing the truth of the situation.
These MPs didn’t genuinely believe Charles was incapable; they had simply accepted British bribes to create this narrative.
Imagine if Charles achieved success at the Somme. How would Britain explain the deaths of 100,000 British soldiers who made no progress?
Many centrist MPs understood this unspoken reality. Their reactions varied—some were indifferent, others outraged, and some smirked with ridicule.
However, none of them bothered to argue, knowing it was pointless to debate with those feigning ignorance.
Only Armand seemed to revel in the chaos, rising leisurely and speaking with mockery:
“Gentlemen, you’ve gone to great lengths to prove Charles cannot manage the situation. What is your purpose?”
“Am I to understand that we should remove Charles and replace him with someone else to oversee the situation at the Somme?”
“In that case, I’d like to know: who should we send?”
The chamber fell silent instantly.
Good heavens—how could they? Charles was the only one who could stabilize the line. Replacing him? Madness!
That would doom France and destroy everything!
Armand shook his head and returned to his seat, his eyes full of contempt and disdain.
These hypocrites slandered Charles with their words but relied on him in their actions.
While Charles labored at the front to save their lives, they acted as mouthpieces for the British in the rear!
Gallieni smiled and nodded at Armand. He realized this royalist was not entirely detestable; at least he hadn’t sold himself to the British.
...
North bank of the Somme, British headquarters.
The rain fell harder, causing the river to swell. What had been a wide expanse of shoals was now submerged, with stalks of foxtail grass struggling against the rising water as though resisting their fate.
Haig, sheltered in a semi-buried bunker, raised his binoculars to observe the French forces on the southern bank of the Somme. They remained motionless.
A staff officer reported beside him, “The public opinion campaign we launched in the press and Parliament hasn’t achieved the desired effect.”
“Charles’s achievements have left a deep impression. People believe he can hold the line.”
“Even the MPs are convinced no one is more suitable than Charles!”
Haig grunted in acknowledgment. This outcome was within his expectations.
Charles’s military exploits were too dazzling, his inventions near-miraculous.
He was seen as the hope of France, a god of war, an unshakable symbol of faith.
Overthrowing him with a propaganda campaign was wishful thinking! However, this was only the prelude to Haig’s plan.
Once the Germans launched their offensive and crushed Charles’s forces, Haig could easily destroy this faith.
“How many troops has Charles gathered?” Haig asked. This was the crux of the matter.
“Another 30,000 rejoined today,” the staff officer replied. “As of now, he has about 130,000 troops.”
Haig silently admired Charles’s capability. To regroup over half of a 210,000-strong army within days was remarkable. Within a few more days, the 6th Army Group might be fully restored.
It was almost time to act. Any further delay, and the Germans might struggle to break through—after all, this was Charles!
Haig motioned for the staff officer to lean closer and whispered instructions into his ear.
The staff officer looked at Haig in shock, seemingly unable to believe what he had heard.
But upon seeing Haig’s firm and resolute expression, he reluctantly nodded. “Yes, General.”
Haig turned his gaze back to the French forces on the southern bank, a cold smile creeping onto his face.
The stage was set. “Mars of France,” are you ready to face the challenge?