I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 911: Only Shire Can Save Us

In the end, Shire reached a certain level of reconciliation with the Minister of Military Supplies and the Minister of War.

The reason it's referred to as "a certain level" is because whether it is ultimately a reconciliation depends on whether the sincerity given by both British and American sides can satisfy Shire.

...

The snowfall in Washington, United States was slightly delayed this year and only appeared like dandelion seeds on Christmas day.

President Wilson received Becker's telegram and stood satisfied by the window, gazing at the snowy landscape outside.

"This is a very good omen," he said, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

At last, I've got leverage over Shire.

This guy, he actually anticipated everything ahead of me; could this be what they call heroes sharing similar insights?

Compared to England, Wilson is truly concerned about France.

England's decline is visible to the naked eye, with bureaucracy, corruption, institutional rigidity, and the Western Front's pitiful fighting capacity being unbearable to watch.

However, Wilson knows these are just the tip of the iceberg, and the rot of the Sun Never Sets Empire far exceeds people's imagination.

Originally, there was no need to worry about France either; with its republican system, it wouldn't be much better than England.

Nonetheless, at this critical moment, Shire suddenly emerged.

In just a short two years, Shire used his genius in military, economic, and political realms to rapidly grow and gain control of France.

Now, Shire is vying for international discourse power and the high ground of public opinion.

Only Wilson understands how important this is. Though it appears intangible, it is fundamental to becoming the world's leading superpower.

"Mr. President," a voice from behind, the secretary spoke: "The Minister of War wants to know how much loan reduction we can offer Shire?"

Wilson pondered for a moment and offered a number: "200 million US dollars."

The secretary was startled; that's no minor sum. The annual GDP of the United States is only 50 billion, and the President readily gave 200 million?

"Sir..." the secretary cautiously asked, "Don't you need to reconsider?"

"No need," Wilson affirmed.

The larger the amount, the graver Shire's crime.

If needed, this transaction suddenly exposes in the media: Shire reached an agreement with the United States using 200 million US dollars, altering France's original intent to join the war.

Shortly it will continue to ferment; all kinds of remarks erupt like a volcano among the public and international media:

"Shire sold out everyone for 200 million US dollars, including French soldiers."

"These 200 million US dollars are used to reduce Bernard Group's loan funds, indicating Shire sold the country for personal gain."

"Everyone was deceived by him. People believed Shire fought for peace, yet he's no different from others!"

...

There's a saying, "The higher you climb, the harder the fall."

To others, this event might not mean much, but for Shire, this "Saint," it's enough to cast him down from heaven to hell.

...

London's morning, as usual, was shrouded in thick fog.

Big Ben rang ten heavy chimes in a two-second interval, yet it could not mask the increasingly intense arguments within the meeting room.

(The image above depicts the British Parliament House in London, also known as the Palace of Westminster, the seat of the UK Parliament)

(The image above shows the House of Commons chamber, with ruling party members seated on the left, opposition party members on the right, max capacity of 427 people, latecomers can only stand behind the seats)

The Minister of Military Supplies is striving to persuade the members to agree to his exchange proposal, yet receives a barrage of criticism from the opposition party:

"This does not solve the problem; has the Sun Never Sets Empire fallen to the point of needing to exchange equipment and technology for assistance from France?"

"It's a disgrace, we should defeat the Germans with our own army."

"What the French can achieve, we can too, if not, then there's something wrong with our army!"

...

Opposition members were targeting the British Expeditionary Force Commander Haig; after a series of decisions deemed foolish, opposition members hoped to replace him.

But Haig's "backing" was strong enough to secure his position once more.

King George personally intervened to protect Haig, he said, "We've already lost Marshal Kitchener, we cannot strangulate his proud disciple with our own hands, lest the enemy celebrate!"

The Minister of Military Supplies stood behind the discussion table, wearing a solemn expression.

He waited for the venue to quiet down a bit and then loudly declared:

"Gentlemen, I think we first need to clarify one thing."

"Do you believe the British Army is too weak? Or that British Generals are too incompetent? Or perhaps the ruling party is not fully supporting the frontline battle!"

"No, you are wrong."

"The fact is not that we are too weak, but that France has produced an unparalleled military genius!"

The venue gradually quieted; everyone knew who the Minister of Military Supplies referred to.

"Yes," the Minister of Military Supplies continued:

"You all know his name, I don't think anyone disagrees with my statement."

"But today I am not talking about his achievements, nor his extraordinary inventions, nor the development of France under his leadership."

"I want to talk about our debt, our economy, and our regime!"

The Minister of Military Supplies swept his gaze across the room, his low voice seemingly intimidating everyone present, including ruling party members.

"Do you know what the concept of owing 10 billion US dollars means to us?"

He turned his gaze to the Chancellor of the Exchequer seated behind him, asking, "Your Excellency, please tell me, what is the estimated gross domestic product for Britain this year?"

The Chancellor of the Exchequer replied: "12 billion US dollars, Your Excellency."

The Minister of Military Supplies gestured around him, raising his voice once again to ask: "How much?"

The Chancellor of the Exchequer stood up and responded loudly: "Due to the impact of the war, our estimated gross domestic product for this year is only 12 billion US dollars!"

The entire room was astounded; members' expressions changed drastically, whispering amongst themselves.

The GDP is only 12 billion US dollars, yet the loan owed to the United States totals 10 billion.

The entire nation would have to go without eating or drinking for a year to repay this loan with interest.

The Minister of Military Supplies was satisfied with the members' reactions; he nodded and continued:

"Let me tell you what reality is."

"German submarines are intensifying their blockade on us, and we are helpless against it."

"If this continues, the Germans won't need to attack us; we will collapse first!"

"Now, only one person can save us; who do you think he is?"

The members readily spoke out their answers, with tones reflecting both helplessness and respect:

"Shire, it's Shire."

"We cannot afford the price of failure, only Shire can save us."

"He can defeat the Germans and end this war swiftly!"

Finally, the Minister of Military Supplies loudly questioned: "Now, tell me, who else opposes this proposal?"

The entire room fell silent.