French Empire: But Napoleon IV

Chapter 128 Arrival at the Front Lines, the French Army's Deployment (Seeking first subscription, collection, and continued reading)

Eugène has nothing to say publicly about this kind of government's propaganda used to cover up its incompetence.

After all, during the Montauban government era, his mother, Eugénie, was the true leader of the government, and the Montauban government's public opinion guidance was approved by his mother.

"Have you ever thought about where these so-called 'better' things come from?"

Unable to analyze the issue of this kind of public opinion manipulation with young people, Eugène could only guide them by going along with their ideas.

"The Prussians spent twenty years building their army, and what about us? We spent twenty years arguing. Republicans and royalists argued, Bonapartists and Orleansists argued, the government and parliament argued, capitalists and commoners argued."

"We've been arguing all along, but no one has ever thought about what we'll use to fight if war really breaks out one day."

I can't help but reflect that this kind of rhetoric, full of the flavor of Yilin magazine, can be quite effective when used in the right place.

Just like now, even though Eugène's tone was very calm, after he finished speaking, everyone present lowered their heads in shame.

They weren't philosophers, and they couldn't see where the problems lay in Eugène's sophistry.

"But gentlemen, war has come. If we want to change all this, to put an end to this quarrel, if we want to live, if we want France to continue to exist, there is only one choice: to win it."

"No matter what it takes, no matter the cost, we must win. If the Prussians win this battle, then think about it: if Prussia develops for another 20 years, and we argue for another 20 years, is there any chance of the situation being salvaged?"

1

Under Eugène's influence, he had elevated this war, which was led by the empire, to a war of national destiny, as if France would lose the war and completely lose the chance to hold its head high in front of the Prussians.

One can't help but reflect that, when combined with the idea that only by winning this war can there be a chance to change the fundamental gap between the two sides, the effect is exceptionally good.

Of course, this was under the condition that everyone present still had fighting spirit. If someone were like Trosch, a lapdog, then Eugène's words would have no effect and might even have the opposite effect.

Among those present, some nodded in agreement, sensing that something was amiss but unable to quite put their finger on it.

Your Highness...

"Okay, that's enough."

Not responding to Lamoris, knowing that saying more would only have a negative effect, Eugène, who hadn't had a good rest in the past few days, leaned back in his chair again and closed his eyes.

"Call me when we get to the front lines."

The train arrived at Épernay station on the Marne at 10:22 a.m.

This is the main supply base of the Paris Army. The station is filled with boxes of ammunition, bags of flour, and bundles of uniforms. Just like in Paris, the dockworkers employed here are also busy and sweating profusely.

Several freight trains were parked on the tracks. Due to a shortage of manpower, not only loading and unloading workers, but also some soldiers in blue uniforms could be seen unloading supplies from the trains.

When Eugène stepped off the train, a figure in a dark blue marshal's uniform was already waiting on the platform. Among those on the front lines who could wear marshal's uniforms, with McMahon and others now captured, only Cornwall remained.

"Your Highness."

When Eugene arrived, Cornelius, who had been dealing with the affairs of nearly 20 soldiers all day, walked forward with a lighter step.

Eugene watched as the marshal saluted him, carefully examined him, and after confirming that Conrobel was only a little tired but looked to be in good spirits, Eugene nodded in satisfaction.

"Marshal Cornelius, thank you for your hard work. How is the defense doing now?"

Eugene returned the salute and then asked in a businesslike manner about the situation at the front. He explained that he had sent three corps to the front ahead of time not only to embolden the Republicans to cause trouble, but also because he hoped they could build a defensive line in advance.

"Your Highness, please follow me."

He breathed a sigh of relief. Although he felt a little embarrassed, he knew that he couldn't match His Highness's energy.

During his time in Paris, Coombe, who had been helped by Eugène in handling many matters, stepped aside and gestured "please" to Eugène after finding his mentor again.

The two walked out of the station, followed by a group of people, while Conrobel stood next to Eugene, explaining the situation at the front.

"The main force of the Paris Legion has been deployed from the Châlons to the Épernay line, and we have built the first line of defense along the Marne River."

The Northern Army Corps is on the left flank of Reims, while we are on the right flank of Épernay. The frontal distance between the two corps is approximately thirty kilometers.

The Marne River is too long; the Paris Army cannot cover it all. If they do, they will still face the possibility that the Prussian army will find a weak point and force a crossing.

Therefore, the main defensive line constructed by Conrobé, or rather Eugène, was the Reims-Charlon line on the front of Paris.

The Prussian army could, of course, move south or north, bypassing the main route, and attack by crossing the Marne River upstream in the south or by attacking the Oise River in the north.

However, this would disrupt the Prussian army's supply lines. Taking either of these routes would add at least 200 kilometers to the transport distance, and this extended supply line itself symbolizes uncertainty.

If the French army were to launch an offensive on the main battlefield, the Reims-Chalons section would be without any river crossings, allowing the French to easily threaten the Prussian supply lines. Unlike the Battle of the Meuse, where both sides could rely on the Meuse for defensive operations.

In this situation, it would be difficult for the Prussian army to implement the tactics they used during the Meuse period, even if they were truly determined to gamble on a surprise attack on Paris.

Their marching speed could not possibly be faster than that of the French army, because there was a direct railway line connecting Paris and Châlons, which even connected to Épernay in between.

With the convenience of the railway line, if the Prussian army were to actually reach the outskirts of Paris, they would most likely find that the Paris Army, which had gone through so much trouble to get to Paris, was already waiting in full battle.

Therefore, barring any unforeseen circumstances, this war that will determine the fate of Paris will take place in the vicinity of Reims or Charlon, with the headquarters of the Paris Legion located in Épernay, behind these two cities.

It also serves as a reserve base, allowing Épernay to provide rapid support should any problems arise in the defenses between the two cities or between them.

"What's the status of the fortifications?"

"Time is too tight to build permanent fortifications."

Knowing that Eugene was very knowledgeable about military affairs, Conrobel chose to tell the truth, assuring His Highness that the prince would not be angered by such a matter.

"We could only rely on the terrain, digging some trenches and setting up some artillery positions. Of course, in order to prevent the line from collapsing, the Épernay had a certain ability to hold off the enemy."

We also converted several villages near Épernay into defensive outposts, deploying at least a battalion of troops in each village.

Cornrobel's command skills for large-scale operations were lacking, but his execution ability had been praised by Eugène on more than one occasion. Eugène had no objections to Cornrobel's deployment.

In Eugene's view, this battle will most likely revolve around the Northern Legion of Camrobel. With the Marne River as a natural barrier and the existing Chalon army camp, Chalon is essentially a semi-permanent fortification.

Besides, even if they managed to capture Châlons, the Prussian army would still have to sail upstream to attack Épernay. It would be better to fortify Reims directly; once Reims falls, the Prussian army can then march straight to Paris along the highway.

Therefore, Eugène doesn't think that Campbell's Paris team will be under much pressure.

As for Bourbaki, Eugène was not worried about his ability to command large armies. History had proven that Bourbaki was one of the best generals in France at present to command large armies.

Bourbaki was a commander who had served as commander of Army Group North, Army Group Royal, and Army Group Eastern, and had briefly repelled the Prussian army. If he was not up to the task, then no one in France was.

As for appointing Bulbaqi as commander of this campaign, that was impossible. It would be quite good if this defeated general were appointed commander of the Northern Army Corps.

Bourbaki was a general, while Conrobel was a field marshal. A general who had retreated was commanding a field marshal. Even if Conrobel had no temper, the corps commanders below him would have a temper.

This is why Eugene came to the front lines to oversee things; without him, there would be no one to coordinate the affairs between the two legions.

what.

As for letting Conrobel command two legions, forget it. Eugene knew he wasn't capable, and it would likely delay the Northern Legion's affairs, making Bulbaqi hesitant and timid.