eastern european eagle

Chapter 588: The Hundred Years War Restarts
Brandenburg was the first to detonate the powder keg, and not only the South was confused, but the North was also confused.

The other members of the alliance heard the news of Brandenburg's occupation of Silesia without knowing anything about it, which caught them off guard. But the matter was done, and if they defected at this time, they might not believe them. You have to know that they are an alliance, how could you not know their actions?

They had to go all out now. Given the situation over the years, leaving the corpse intact was considered merciful. They had to quickly prepare supplies and troops to fully support Brandenburg.

The changes in Brandenburg spread throughout the northern region within 10 days, and the English envoy in Berlin also sent someone to London to report the news.

So, Stefan, who had just returned to London, summoned the regent, ministers of major departments, and important military generals to hold an important meeting in the royal palace.

Stefan asked Salmon to distribute the war report to the ministers, and then said: "Gentlemen, the war between Brandenburg and Sigismund broke out again, but this time they were defeated by Brandenburg in the battle. As allies, what measures should we take in the next war? What do you think about this?"

"Your Majesty," said Chief Minister Salmon first, "Now that Brandenburg has shifted most of its attention to the East, which naturally includes France, we can proceed with our plan."

Salmon's plan was to attack France, march south to Paris and then ascend the throne to become king. This had already become a national policy and could not be changed.

The Minister of War, the Earl of Cambridge, spoke up: "Your Majesty, from a military perspective, attacking from Normandy is a good strategic choice. If our army lands in France or Calais through the Channel and fights together with the Burgundian army, it will indeed be safer, but it also means that most of our gains may be taken by Burgundy, and it will also arouse the vigilance of other nobles, such as Orleans and Bourbon.

But if we open up a battlefield alone, we have to consider whether the local lords are willing to assist us in managing the place. If they don't cooperate, it will be difficult for us to carry out our work. Whether it is recruiting soldiers or collecting supplies. "

Although the Earl of Cambridge was the chief military officer, he also seriously considered political factors when making military plans. This was what Stefan appreciated the most: "Very good! You should make a plan to attack Paris as soon as possible."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The other party responded immediately.

"Your Majesty." Salmon picked up the battle report in his hand and said, "I noticed that the report mentioned that a large number of French troops have recently moved towards Dijon. I'm afraid this should attract our attention!"

Stefan thought about it and was afraid that they were preparing to take action against the third brother. He hoped that everything would go well for him.

"The Bohemian direction has not stopped recently. We should send troops to them."

"Dear Count, please make a judgment now. How many troops are needed for us to seize the northern region and then attack Paris?"

The Earl of Cambridge also called the Duke of York, the training officer, the Earl of Cornwall, the quartermaster general, two generals, Martone and Oliver, and other generals to form a circle in the corner of the hall.

After some quiet discussions, the Earl of Cambridge walked up to Stefan and said solemnly: "Your Majesty, based on what we know about the situation in France and the geographical conditions of the Paris area, after discussion, we believe that only 2 to 3 soldiers are needed to complete the expedition mission." "2 to 3 people..." Stefan turned around and asked, "How long can the existing grain reserves in the country support them in fighting?"

"Your Majesty, the good harvests in the country over the past few years, coupled with the grain purchased from the Hanseatic League, should be able to guarantee an army of 3 people to fight in France for more than a year."

"More than a year... um... where are the weapons and equipment?"

"Your Majesty, the armories of the military camps in various regions are fully stocked with arrows, gunpowder, tents, blankets, carts, and other military supplies, which are more than enough to supply 3 soldiers."

After hearing this, Stefan showed a somewhat satisfied smile. He thought for a moment, looked at the minister and said, "Considering that this is England sending troops to fight in Greece again, in order to reduce the local people's resentment towards us, it is best to limit the soldiers' looting of the local area.

The reason why we failed several times before was because we were too lazy and thought that everything was done and we just let it go. We must not let down our guard until everything is completely resolved. This time, all the soldiers must cross the strait and we must succeed.

Everyone, since we have made it clear that we are going to march to France, no matter whether you have any objections in your heart or how the war in France will develop next, you must all concentrate your efforts, unite and cooperate, and carefully prepare for this important expedition! "

"Yes, Your Majesty!!"

This expedition was led by Stephen himself, with a total of 3.2 troops, including 7000 troops assisted by Wales. At the same time, Stephen began to publicize his claim to have inherited the previous claim of the King of England, that is, he also wanted to obtain the title of King of France.

This caused chaos in the French court. No one expected that the king's son-in-law's ambition would grow so quickly. Since he wanted the title of King of France, it was impossible.

Stephen also addressed Parliament and succeeded in persuading it to grant him a "double subsidy", a tax at twice the traditional rate. Meanwhile the army was being assembled, a system which had been established in England during the reign of Edward III to cope with the demands of the continuous campaigns in France. This system was based on contracts.

There were two types of indentures. One type required one party to serve the other in war and peace. This was usually for life. The other was for a specific military campaign, and usually the length of service was predetermined. Just as they formed the backbone of the lord's household in peacetime, they were also the backbone of the lord's armed forces in wartime. This group was also the first to be called upon by the king.

Three days later, the King invited the members of the Great Council to breakfast at Westminster Palace and again consulted them on the war against France. They formally agreed to the war and put into place various arrangements necessary for its success.

At the same time, France also gave Stephen the most generous conditions to cease fire through letters: including the return of Gascony, 40 lei and support for England's annexation of Ireland. Stephen scoffed at these conditions and once again confirmed that Charles VI was beyond help. He could prepare for the attack with confidence.

(End of this chapter)