I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 850: War Is the Best Filter

Meirku is the "sacred land of archery" in France.

However, it is not the "bow" of arrows but the "bow" of violins.

There is a violin manufacturing factory here with an accompanying school, and ordinary citizens can usually play a good violin.

However, at this moment, it is engulfed in panic under the shadow of war.

Many people have packed their bags and prepared to flee, as the Germans are at hand, and the stationed French Eastern Army Group seems incapable of holding back the enemy.

Despite the military repeatedly stating that they will hold Meirku and ensure its safety, people remain skeptical:

"Only Shire can stop the Germans."

"The Eastern Army Group is not Shire’s unit, it is at the command of the parliament and the nobility. Most of the officers of this group come from noble families."

"Yes, the second Specialized Artillery Division is no exception, such a unit cannot achieve victory, they only know how to run away!"

...

The headquarters of the Eastern Army Group is set in the Meirku barracks.

This barracks was originally used to train new recruits as reserve forces for the Eastern Army Group but was converted into a command center after the troops retreated here.

At a desk by the window, Ganmelin sipped coffee while reading battle reports, with a delicate glass vase on the corner of the desk, containing a bouquet of asters.

These are Ganmelin’s favorite flowers, not because they are beautiful, but because asters are considered "the eyes of Christ" in France, symbolizing wisdom.

Ganmelin thought they suited him well, after all, he was known as "the smartest man in France."

(The image above is of asters, blooming from August to October, in purple and pink)

Ganmelin was very satisfied with his recent performance.

When the Germans attacked and broke through the British Expeditionary Force at the Nancy defense line, he hadn’t exerted himself, only symbolically resisted and then retreated.

Otherwise, the Eastern Army Group had an armored division and a mechanized division in hand, which, after reorganization and replenishment, were equipped with over two hundred tanks and over a hundred 75 artillery, and might not have been without the power to fight.

But why should the Eastern Army Group block the Germans for Shire?

Isn’t it better to let them advance to attack the Meuse River defense line?

By then, Shire’s flanks would be exposed to the Germans, and when they were deeply embattled, the Eastern Army Group could sweep in to settle matters with one decisive battle.

Then, honor, glory, and praise would fall on the Eastern Army Group, and Ganmelin would erase past humiliations and be the one to save Shire from peril.

However, while Ganmelin was dreaming, Shire suddenly broke through the Reims valley and then recaptured Reims City.

Within just a day’s time, the Germans were completely routed.

"These useless guys," Ganmelin complained, "I’ve already opened up a way for you, can’t you do anything?"

What should be done now?

Attacking while the German Army is retreating?

No, that would attract the German Army’s firepower.

Let Shire handle these matters, the Eastern Army Group still needs to preserve its strength.

At this moment, the phone rang, it was the Minister of the Army, Gallieni, calling:

"Major General Ganmelin, after discussion by the parliament, it has been decided that the Eastern Army Group will be placed under Shire’s command."

"Shire believes a team should be sent to assist in your command."

"They are led by Brigadier Tassin, as the chief of staff of the Eastern Army Group, he should be arriving around this time..."

Ganmelin was stunned for quite a while.

Such a thing happening?

Decided by the parliament?

What are those guys at the House of Representatives doing?!

Then he suddenly reacted, hurriedly interrupting Gallieni:

"No, Minister."

"I respect the parliament’s decision and also obey Shire’s command."

"But, I do not need the chief of staff and staff team to assist in command, I manage perfectly well..."

Gallieni interrupted him coldly: "Is that so? That’s not what your previous engagement suggests."

Ganmelin was at a loss for words.

If Shire’s assistance in command wasn’t needed, why would the last battle have ended in such a disaster?

Gallieni continued:

"We should prioritize the greater good, Major General. This is France’s war, not yours or Shire’s."

"Clearly, the Eastern Army Group needs Shire’s air force coordination in battle, besides, Shire has great expertise in using armored units and mechanized troops."

"Moreover, this battle needs a unified plan to achieve the victory we hope for."

"Are you sure you don’t need this team’s assistance?"

The last sentence seemed like a question, but Ganmelin clearly heard the threat in it.

It was like stating: if you refuse "assistance in command," I can only dismiss you from the post of army group commander.

The perceptive Ganmelin immediately changed his tone: "No, Minister, you’re right, I need the assistance of this team."

"Very well." Gallieni was satisfied with this answer: "I believe under your cooperation, a glorious victory is assured!"

After hanging up the phone, Ganmelin dazed for a moment, then quickly summoned his staff in front of him: "Shire will send a team to ’assist in command,’ you know what to do, right?"

"Yes, General." The staff answered in unison.

Most officers in the Eastern Army Group were appointed through connections. They might not be good at fighting, but they were very adept at "open and secret battles."

Ganmelin nodded, ordered: "Spread the word, make sure everyone is ready!"

"Yes, General." The staff understood, passing the command to various units.

Ganmelin stood up and walked a few steps, finally stopping in front of the window, hands behind his back watching the outside army that had just received the news and was waiting in formation, a trace of disdain on his lips.

Shire won’t think that sending a team to "assist in command" will seize the command of the Eastern Army Group, right?

He will find it impossible to move forward.

Because this unit, from top to bottom, belongs to Ganmelin, and they would only put on a show of being cordial to the so-called "chief of staff."

...

On the train bound for Meirku, Tassin and his staff team occupied an entire compartment. As they were nearing their destination, Tassin gathered them for a short meeting.

"No need to elaborate on the purpose of this ’assistance in command,’" Tassin lifted his head towards the staff: "Just think about the good deeds they did to the 6th Army, now we are just returning the favor!"

The staff laughed, rubbing their hands eagerly.

"But let’s not be hasty, nor too obvious, understood?" Tassin instructed.

This puzzled the staff: "Brigadier, if we are not hasty nor obvious, how can we reclaim command?" 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"War, Gabriel." Tassin replied calmly: "War is the best filter. It can remove incompetent commanders, and then we succeed!"

The staff suddenly realized.

The greatest weakness of the Eastern Army Group was "cronyism."

And the result of "cronyism" was that officers often were incompetent, but the soldiers were not.

If the staff team promoted capable soldiers to officers, thereby purging the front-line officers...

Shire and the staff team would gain support and loyalty.

And Ganmelin’s entire aristocratic command system would be hollowed out!