CHAPTER 553: CHAPTER 553: ARE YOU READY TO FACE THE CHALLENGE?

Haig revealed little information to the press. At this stage, he did not dare to disclose the mutiny within the French Army. What he desired was a destructive conflict between the Germans and Shire, not a complete collapse of the French Army.

Therefore, the media’s skepticism was more about Shire’s appointment as the commander of the 6th Army Group:

"As we all know, Shire is better at maneuver warfare. His appointment to lead the 6th Army Group in a standoff with the Germans at the River Somme necessitates direct positional warfare against the Germans, which is undoubtedly a challenge for Shire."

"Prior to this, Shire has never commanded a force of such magnitude, which might leave him bewildered."

"This may not be a good thing for Shire. After all, he is only eighteen years old, and whether he can withstand this enormous pressure remains to be seen!"

...

Compared to the lukewarm press response, the parliament’s doubts about Shire surged like a tidal wave:

"I believe Shire doesn’t know how to operate. He actually refused the soldiers’ negotiation requests, and those demands were not excessive!"

In the eyes of the members of parliament, the three demands made by the soldiers were indeed not excessive.

Defense, vacation, and Shire as the commander-in-chief.

If there was anything excessive, it was the last demand.

But everyone knew they could agree to it first and then go back on their word once the troops were back under control.

Little did they know, the soldiers, having been deceived repeatedly, had become wary of such tactics. Instead, Shire’s "limited agreement" won the soldiers’ trust, as they generally believed this attitude truly considered the feasibility of the conditions.

"Yes, this is the main reason for the slow recovery at the front. He even sent Major General Leimeng to the military court; doesn’t he know that Major General Leimeng was standing on his side?"

The members of parliament naturally viewed the soldiers as "enemies," while believing that officers like Major General Leimeng were Shire’s cohorts he should utilize.

However, upon reaching the front, Shire immediately eliminated his own cohorts, leaving himself isolated and unsupported.

Those seated in parliament halls long term did not understand that if soldiers are treated as enemies, they will inevitably become enemies.

Shire, on the other hand, regarded the soldiers as allies, while the so-called "cohorts" were his "enemies."

"More importantly, Shire cannot control the situation. I mean, what can he do at the River Somme? That is large-scale frontal warfare, something Shire may not excel in. We need to fortify the defense line immediately!"

This was an opinion left by Nivelle.

Although he had been dismissed, many believed his point held some validity, as Shire lacked experience in commanding 200,000 troops.

Moreover, Shire excelled at offense rather than defense; he was adept in maneuver warfare, not positional warfare.

Currently, the River Somme required defense, a defense that would not collapse in the face of a German counter-attack, and it was urgent!

Gallieni coldly glanced at the members of parliament, remaining silent. These guys, did they really think Shire possessed so little skill?

As Shire had said, his tactics were neither "offensive" nor "defensive," but "adapting to circumstances."

"Adapting to circumstances" implied that he had no weak points; he attacked when necessary and defended when necessary.

The Battle of Verdun had already proven this, yet these fools still tirelessly defamed Shire.

Steed, Wells, and others also did not say much; they understood the situation.

These members of parliament did not truly believe Shire was incompetent; they had merely accepted British bribes to create a favorable narrative for Britain.

Imagine if Shire succeeded at the River Somme; how then could the British explain losing 100,000 men daily with no progress?

Many centrist members understood this as well. Some had an indifferent expression, some were furious, and others had faces full of sarcasm.

Yet similarly, they felt it pointless to argue, as arguing with a group pretending to be asleep was meaningless.

Only Arman seemed to enjoy the spectacle, rising leisurely and speaking with a mocking tone:

"Gentlemen, you have gone through great lengths to prove that Shire cannot handle the situation. What is your objective?"

"Can I understand it as we should remove Shire and replace him with someone else in charge at the River Somme?"

"Then I want to know, who should we replace him with?"

The hall instantly fell silent.

My God, how could that be!

Shire was the only one who could possibly stabilize the frontline, and now they wanted to replace him?

Madness!

That would ruin France, destroy everything!

Arman shook his head and sat back in his seat, eyes full of disdain and disgust.

This bunch of hypocrites, verbally slandering Shire yet relying on him in action.

Shire was running on the front lines to save their lives, while they acted as British mouthpieces in the rear!

Gallieni smiled and nodded at Arman, realizing that this royalist was not as detestable, at least he had not sold himself to the British.

...

On the north bank of the River Somme, at the British Army Command.

The rain intensified, and the water level of the River Somme began rising. The once vast shallow beach along the bank was now entirely submerged, with a large patch of foxtail grass struggling in the new water level, as if trying to break free from it all.

Haig, in a semi-buried bunker, raised his binoculars to observe the Southern Shore French Army, which remained motionless.

An adjutant reported beside him:

"Our public opinion campaign in the press and parliament is not having the desired effect."

"Shire’s military achievements are deeply rooted in people’s hearts, and they all believe he can stabilize the defense line."

"Additionally, the members of parliament are convinced that no one is more suitable than Shire!"

Haig responded with a grunt, which was within his expectations.

Shire’s military prowess was too dazzling, and his inventions, each one could be called a miracle.

He could be said to be France’s hope, France’s Mars, an unshakable belief.

To topple him solely with a public opinion campaign was simply wishful thinking!

However, this was just Haig’s prelude.

Once the timing was ripe, and the Germans launched an offensive to crush Shire’s troops, Haig could easily destroy this core belief!

"How many troops has Shire managed to rally?" Haig asked, for this was the most important.

"Another 30,000 rejoined today," the adjutant replied. "So far, there are around 130,000 troops in total."

Haig inwardly praised Shire; indeed, it was Shire, gathering half of the 210,000 troops in just a few days. In a few more days, the 6th Army Group might completely regain its strength.

It was almost time to take action. Delaying any further, the Germans might find it difficult, after all, it was Shire!

With that thought, Haig beckoned his adjutant closer and whispered something into his ear.

The adjutant looked at Haig in shock, seemingly unable to believe what he heard.

But upon seeing the confirmation and determination on Haig’s face, he reluctantly responded, "Yes, General."

Haig’s gaze once again turned toward the Southern Shore French Army, a cold smile appearing on his face.

The show was about to begin. "Mars of France," are you ready to face the battle?