I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 807 Military Discipline
Napoleon saw the top document at a glance, and his breathing became heavy with excitement.

He was very familiar with the style of that document; it was a letter of authorization!
Obviously, he had won a series of victories in Italy and even captured the Austrian base here - Milan.

Last time, I was promoted to colonel during the Battle of Toulon, so this time I should be promoted to brigadier general!
The scene of the soldiers saluting him and calling him "General" emerged uncontrollably in his mind, and a sense of satisfaction suddenly surged in his heart.

He is a man who values ​​power more than life, and becoming a general means a lot to him.

Napoleon immediately stood at attention and looked at Brigadier General Carnot expectantly.

The latter glanced at him, picked up the top letter of authorization, and then inserted it to the back.

Napoleon's eyes turned green, and he screamed in his heart: Hey! No, what are you doing? !

Brigadier General Karno picked up the second document, unfolded it, and said in a serious tone: "Special Order No. D10227 of the General Staff.

"Colonel Napoleon Bonaparte, after occupying Milan, violated Article 5 and Article 11, paragraph 2, of the French Army Regulations, and without the consent of Major Odoric, the military supervisor, he arbitrarily collected supplies and military expenses and illegally paid allowances to soldiers...

"In addition, when the Dimopin Corps was besieged in Genoa, you received at least three requests for reinforcement from General Dimopin, but you never sent any reinforcements, and you did not clearly respond to the reasons for not sending reinforcements, as well as the subsequent combat plan, which put the Dimopin Corps in an extremely dangerous situation...

"Based on the above violations, the General Staff has decided to give you the most serious warning and revoke your colonel rank. Considering the current tense war situation, you will not be prosecuted in the military court for the time being..."

Napoleon suddenly became anxious.

Not only was he not promoted this time, he was demoted! How could he bear it?

"General Carnot, you can't..."

Carnot raised his hand to signal him to be quiet, put away the order from the General Staff, and picked up the following document: “Lieutenant Colonel Bonaparte, this is a document issued by the Minister of War.

"A military police investigation team will arrive in Milan soon to conduct a thorough investigation into your unauthorized collection of supplies. Please cooperate."

Napoleon's heart tightened and his head buzzed.

Milan’s account cannot withstand scrutiny!

He extorted 300 million francs from the Milanese nobles, but only reported 200 million. If the gendarmes counted the remaining 100 million as embezzlement, it would not be as simple as a demotion...

Fortunately, the money has not been spent yet.

Carnot handed him two documents together: "Please sign it, Lieutenant Colonel Bonaparte."

Napoleon took the document, picked up the pen and turned to the last page. He saw the signature of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and became even more nervous.

Rather than being demoted or punished, he was more worried about losing the trust of the Crown Prince because of these things. That meant he would retire with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

He signed the document tremblingly, handed it back to Carnot, and said nervously: "General Carnot, um... please help me explain to His Highness..."

Yes, Joseph wanted to use these two things to give Napoleon, the proud lion, a good beating - to make him recognize his position and understand that the army is not his private army.

Napoleon graduated from an old-style military academy, so it was inevitable that he had some bad habits of the old army.

For example, looting occupied areas and embezzling military funds were very common in the old army, and the state really had no way to control it. After all, the soldiers had to rely on officers to pay for their livelihoods, and their weapons and equipment were purchased by officers, so the army was their private property.

However, everything the new French army needed was allocated by the General Staff, and the officers were only responsible for commanding operations, which gave the General Staff the confidence to strictly manage the officers.

Only such an army can resist corruption and not rely too much on the personal abilities of excellent commanders. Just like the Prussian army, only seven or eight years after Frederick's death, their military discipline and morale had fallen by more than one level, and their combat effectiveness had dropped sharply.

Joseph had to prevent this from happening to the French army.

Brigadier General Carnot put away the document signed by Napoleon, picked up the last letter of appointment, looked at Napoleon meaningfully, and said loudly:
"Lieutenant Colonel Bonaparte, because of your outstanding performance in Lombardy, you have won a series of important battles, especially the capture of the important city of Milan. The General Staff has decided to promote you to the rank of colonel..."

Napoleon was at a loss whether to laugh or cry when he heard this.

After all the trouble, I still became a colonel.

Carnot continued: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince also signed a special order to give Colonel Bonaparte 10% of the military funds obtained from Milan, or 20 francs, as a reward.

"15% as a special allowance for soldiers fighting in Lombardy."

He looked at the military supervisor who had been waiting by the side and said, "Major Odoric, you must distribute the money in person."

"Yes, General!"

Joseph's attitude was very clear - officers and soldiers who had made meritorious contributions could receive bonuses, but it must be made clear who gave them the money.

It’s the General Staff, it’s the Crown Prince, not some military officer!
When Napoleon heard that His Highness had actually given him such a high bonus - although it was much less than the 100 million he had earned, but this money could be made public and was an unparalleled honor - he immediately felt relieved.

It seems that I still have a place in His Highness's place.

Carnot put away all the documents and said to Napoleon in a less serious voice: "Colonel Bonaparte, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince also asked me to tell you that he is very satisfied with your command of the battle in Italy.

"His Highness also said that those who make mistakes must be punished, but those who make contributions must also be rewarded. When you capture Alexandria, he will personally issue you a commission to be promoted to brigadier general."

Napoleon was suddenly excited, stood at attention and said loudly: "Thank you, Your Highness, the Crown Prince. I will definitely repay you with the most glorious victory!"

Carnot continued, "Your Highness has also transferred the Royal Third Infantry Division and two companies of the Royal Second Cavalry Artillery Battalion to your command."

Napoleon's heart began to beat violently.

This is the most elite force in France and is directly under the command of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

His Highness has entrusted these troops to me, which shows his absolute trust in me!

He suddenly felt deeply regretful for his previous violation of military discipline. He actually did such a clumsy thing and failed His Highness's trust...

Fortunately, the magnanimous prince still gave me a chance.

He clenched his fists and said to Karno seriously: "Please tell His Highness that I will never let him down!"

After Carnot left, Napoleon immediately gathered the officers to hold a combat meeting.

"In two days we will launch a general attack on Alexandria!" Napoleon's first words surprised everyone.

Yes, he was not going to wait for the Royal Infantry Division to arrive, but to use the troops at hand to deal with the Melas Corps. As for the elite of the Royal Infantry Division, he would leave them in Mantua.

(End of this chapter)