CHAPTER 546: MODIFIED: CHAPTER 546 HE CONCEALED THE TRUTH AGAIN

Nivelle’s actions were not as simple as they appeared on the surface; he had carefully considered his strategy.

Deeply knowledgeable about political maneuvers, Nivelle knew that the parliament and the British had a need to suppress Shire. Therefore, his disparaging remarks towards Shire not only elevated himself but also regained the support of the parliament and the British.

After all, the enemy of an enemy is a friend, and both the parliament and the British would see the benefit.

Especially the British, Nivelle believed gaining their support was crucial.

Thus, he left the fierce fighting on the River Somme front to rush to Dunkirk to meet with Kitchener, and the next day, he hurried to Paris to attend a meeting, securing support for himself.

Shire did not care or bother with these petty tricks.

He knew that the army was different from other systems, especially during wartime; soldiers had very direct and realistic needs. They wanted a commander who could lead them to victory; everything else was nonsense.

Nivelle’s actions might solve the support issue at the top level but failed to gain recognition from the mid and lower-tier officers and soldiers. The soldiers were deeply resentful of commanders who rose to power through connections, especially foreign influences.

Thus, Nivelle was destined to fail due to his lack of popular support.

For someone doomed to fail, Shire thought it unnecessary to pay attention to his attacks, as it was a waste of time.

However, a distress telegram from Major General Kristen forced Shire to take notice.

...

That day, Albert I, accompanied by Brigadier General Eden, arrived at the Namur Fortress to report to Shire.

"It’s a pity you didn’t personally lead the troops into Namur, Major General," Albert I said excitedly, "You missed that scene; you cannot imagine how popular you are. The whole city turned out, they lined up in the rain calling your name, many waited for hours just to see you."

Brigadier General Eden agreed, "Not only the people of Namur but the soldiers of the First Special Reconnaissance Army also feel the same way; they really hope to receive your personal guidance."

"If possible, could you make an appearance and say a few words?" Albert I looked hopeful, "This would boost the morale of the army and the people, they would go crazy for it."

"We’ll see," Shire replied noncommittally, "if there’s time, I will."

He always believed that true morale came from steady and repeated victories, not from meeting with the soldiers and people and saying encouraging words.

"Of course, Major General," Albert I nodded quickly.

Shire was Belgium’s sky; any decision he made was correct.

At this moment, a telegram was handed to Shire by Major General Kristen.

Shire glanced at the telegram, his expression instantly changed, he didn’t even show it to Tijani but folded it and put it in his pocket.

"What’s wrong?" Albert I thought it might be a new development in the Namur situation.

"Nothing," Shire answered, "I need to go to Paris; parliament has some issues that need my attention."

Albert I "oh"-ed in comprehension, relieved that it was about the parliament. Those bastards were always trying to make trouble for Shire.

...

At the Palais Bourbon in Paris, the two opposing factions were in intense debate, evenly matched.

Nivelle stood on the podium leading the opposition’s argument:

"Gentlemen, considering all of Shire’s commands, none have exceeded more than two divisions."

"This might be his limit in commanding troops; once it comes to large-scale operations, like five divisions of 100,000 men or more, it’s beyond his capability."

"The nature of the two operations is completely different, and so are the tactics!"

A torrent of boos erupted from the audience.

Gallieni objected, "But the outcomes he achieved are tens of times more than yours!"

Arman scoffed, "I think you forgot that Shire once surrounded Ghent and captured hundreds of thousands of Germans!"

Steed strongly protested, "We eagerly await a victory like Shire’s, Commander!"

Even Wells, who rarely spoke in parliament, angrily shouted, "Until now, you seem to have no noteworthy achievements to boast of, except causing 40,000 of our soldiers to fall in one day!"

Many middle forces firmly stood by Shire, a significant portion of them representing workers.

...

The parliamentarians opposing Shire certainly knew that their records could not compare, it was absurd to juxtapose them.

However, due to the need to weaken and check Shire, they had to support Nivelle’s argument.

"A significant portion of Shire’s achievements relies on equipment."

"If General Nivelle had the same equipment, who says he couldn’t achieve similar results?"

"Moreover, the invention of new equipment is dangerous; the Germans will soon learn and use it against us!"

...

Amid curses and protests, Nivelle brought out Antwerp’s commander, Admiral Avis.

Admiral Avis stood on the podium with a worried expression:

"I received no information or requests for instructions. I didn’t even know Shire’s troops had been withdrawn from Antwerp."

"This approach is extremely dangerous; I believed Antwerp was guarded by Shire’s troops and felt assured, but this was not the case."

"If the Germans suddenly attacked Antwerp, the consequences would be unimaginable."

...

Gallieni immediately refuted, "You seem to have forgotten about the Belgian Army; they are the main force stationed in Antwerp, which Shire has already arranged!"

Nivelle retorted objectively, "Minister, the key point is the commander is not Shire but Admiral Avis. It is well known that an army only has combat power when under unified command; otherwise, it will inevitably fall into chaos!"

Someone in the audience immediately objected, "But the fact is he achieved victory, an impressive victory, can you?"

...

Just as the argument was reaching an impasse, Shire pushed the door open and walked in.

The sound of disputes instantly quieted, even disappeared.

The parliamentarians were surprised by Shire’s appearance; they had not invited him, making the atmosphere somewhat awkward.

Nivelle hesitated for a moment, then raised his head proudly, but anyone could see he was displaying false bravado.

Shire ignored the parliamentarians’ peculiar gazes and went straight to Nivelle, speaking in an unmistakable tone: "You should return to the front, Commander. Your troops are mutinying, and you need to persuade your soldiers, not the parliamentarians. Otherwise, the entire Western Front could collapse, and France will be in danger!"

The audience was shocked.

All the parliamentarians focused their eyes on Nivelle.

Nivelle’s expression became unnatural, his eyes filled with anger but lacked surprise or panic.

Thus, the parliamentarians understood that Nivelle had long known about the "mutiny" and once again concealed the truth from the public and the parliament!