I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 895: The Next Target

Today there’s only one update, I’ll make up for it tomorrow, sorry!

...

Time reaches eleven o’clock in the evening.

Shire finally reached an agreement with Leo Tai, at least on the surface. As for Leo Tai’s true thoughts, Shire didn’t care.

I am the knife, others are the fish. The knife naturally does not need to consider the feelings of the fish.

Shire has planned, once the time is ripe, to commence colonial reform.

At that time, the Colonial Army will be transferred to "garrison" status and should be rotated, even exchanged with homeland forces.

This is to prevent the "garrison" from forming factions and creating influence locally, which would result in new troubles.

Only then can power in the colonies be devolved.

The shortcoming is that Shire believes to better "embrace" the African Colony and give them "freedom", as well as the British colonies, one must control the Mediterranean.

Yet, the naval power in the Mediterranean is held by the Toulon Fleet.

Thus, Shire knew his next target: the Minister of the Navy, and the Toulon Fleet he controls.

While Shire was pondering how to proceed, an aide stepped forward to report: "General, Pershing is outside, he wishes to speak with you."

Previously, when Pershing was under the French Army’s command structure, he didn’t need to wait outside for a transmission, but now it’s different.

"Let him in," said Shire, closing the "Super Defense Line" design diagram and placing it in the drawer.

Pershing walked up to Shire, full of emotion, shaking hands with Shire: "You are right, Vice Admiral, you have always been right, they should have considered your ideas long ago. Because they ignored your warnings, this failure occurred."

"Your injury..." Shire noticed a bandage peeking from under the brim of Pershing’s hat, though it wasn’t obvious under the light.

Pershing smiled wryly: "Don’t worry about this, it’s just a superficial wound."

Then, he nodded gratefully towards Shire: "I have to thank you, if not for your aircraft preventing the Germans from pursuing, I might not have returned."

At that time, Pershing’s armored car was stuck in a crater, unable to move. Two German "LK2" tanks from the rear were slowly approaching, getting nearer while firing machine guns at them.

Seeing rescue was out of reach, four "Hari" fighters dove down to strafe, incapacitating the two tanks right on the spot.

Pershing felt very lucky, had it been the German "Upper Silesian" tanks, even the French fighter jets could not have dealt with them.

"No need for courtesy, General," Shire said generously, "We are allies, these are what should be done."

A trace of guilt flashed in Pershing’s eyes.

Shire might not know that the Anglo-American alliance was formed to counter him. This guy, possessing a military talent that evokes mad jealousy, yet so pure and kind-hearted.

Pershing wanted to remind Shire, but standing from the national standpoint, he couldn’t.

Shire led Pershing to the sofa to sit down: "I heard the losses are great, is that right?"

"Yes," Pershing said with lingering sadness. "Nearly half of the personnel were lost, I mean the armored forces, most of the tanks were abandoned on the battlefield."

"Don’t worry too much about equipment, it’s just a matter of production," Shire consoled.

Shire welcomed this, as it meant money.

The United States holds the production rights for the "Shire A1," but firstly, there is insufficient production capacity, and secondly, the American engine power has not kept up, preventing the upgrade of additional armor, thus still relying on the Bernard Group.

"This is one of the reasons I’m here," Pershing spoke sincerely, "I hope you can increase production, Vice Admiral, we need to rearm the armored and mechanized divisions."

Without these forces, Pershing didn’t know how to fight.

Shire hesitated slightly, thinking this might be an opportunity, not just for making money.

"Of course, General," Shire replied, "It’s just that there seem to be some difficulties in production."

Pershing asked, "Is it due to inadequate equipment? Or high demand?"

"The demand is indeed very high," Shire answered, "Countries are rushing to purchase ’Shire A1,’ but that is not the focus, I will certainly prioritize battlefield needs."

"Why is that..." Pershing puzzled, looking at Shire.

"It’s due to insufficient resources," Shire shook his head, "Although we’ve regained large mineral deposits in the northeast, as you know, we are currently constructing the ’Super Defense Line,’ which requires a substantial amount of steel."

Pershing let out an "Oh" and furrowed his brow.

Initially, this wasn’t too big a problem; resources could be imported from the United States.

But as the war rapidly expanded, American transport also became heavily strained, making it unsuitable to increase its burden further.

Just then, Shire suddenly changed topic: "However, it can actually be resolved, just that..."

Shire’s hesitation piqued Pershing’s curiosity.

"There are some things I might not be appropriate to discuss," Shire said with a tone of helplessness:

"You know, I must comply with the parliament’s decisions, while contradictions within France still exist."

"Recently, because I advocated for issues of ’embracing’ and ’freedom,’ the colonies have refused to provide me with resources."

"Including the Toulon Navy who share the same sentiment."

This is the colonial financial groups and the Minister of the Navy banding together to criticize Shire, hoping he would thus back down.

However, this issue has been resolved, Leo Tai plans to restore the supply of resources upon returning.

Pershing was left stunned, then suddenly stood up, furiously cursing: "These bastards, to use such a method to coerce the army bravely fighting on the front line, they completely disregard battlefield needs, because of their selfishness, soldiers are paying with their lives!"

The next moment, he assured Shire: "Rest assured, General, I will resolve this matter, I will ensure they fulfill their responsibilities."

Shire believed Pershing could resolve it.

The materials under the Minister of the Navy mainly came from the United States, which holds considerable influence over him.

Moreover, Pershing would never allow his forces and soldiers to be in danger due to severe equipment deficits.

These two elements originally had no connection, yet Shire skillfully linked them together. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

...

Leo Tai’s resting room was right across Shire’s command post; he planned to rest here for the night and return to Paris the next morning.

Leo Tai sat at the desk and stared blankly at the documents in his hand for a while; it was the plan Shire gave him, detailing the process of transitioning the Colonial Army to "garrison" status.

This negotiation was undoubtedly a victory for Shire; he always held the lifeline of the colony, and Leo Tai could only comply, having no choice.

After much consideration, Leo Tai sighed deeply and murmured to himself: "This may be a good outcome, after all, that is Shire, potentially becoming the most powerful individual in France."

Or rather, he already is.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door: "Vice Admiral Leo Tai."

Leo Tai recognized Shire’s voice, quickly going forward to open the door.

Upon entering, Shire lowered his voice and instructed: "I hope you delay announcing the negotiation outcome for a few days, some matters require your cooperation!"