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(First post 6000 words, there will be an update later ~)
Chapter 596 "Unfathomable Heart"
Although there were braziers burning all around the hall, the flames seemed to be unable to disperse the chill in the air.
And this chill wasn't caused by the weather!
Inside the palace hall, the Regent Prince Son's face was cold and gloomy as he sat on his throne in silence.
Below him, dozens of important officials of the empire were gathered together, but everyone's face was as dark as water. This is because on top of the stairs, a court etiquette officer was reading out the latest battle report from the frontlines with a nervous voice!
The voice of the court etiquette officer was originally loud and clear, but as he read the report, his face became paler and paler. His voice also became hoarse due to his nervousness. Towards the end, his voice was faintly trembling … …
"Report: On the 31st of March, at noon, the enemy forcefully crossed the river. Our Tempest Legion's 6th Infantry Division, 9th Infantry Division, 3rd Cavalry Division, and our Supply Engineer Division were stationed at the river. The Eastern Fortress's fleet was stationed at the river. The battle lasted until the evening. Our fleet was completely annihilated and most of our soldiers were sacrificed. That night, our airship brigade stationed at the Eastern Fortress, a total of 151 airships, engaged the enemy in the air above the river defense. All 151 airships were shot down, and all 1,043 airforce officers and men were killed.
That night, our 6th Infantry Division suffered heavy losses while the 9th Infantry Division lost more than 40% of their men. Due to the loss of our fleet, we were unable to seal off the river nor prevent the enemy from building pontoon bridges. After a night of intense battle, the enemy forcefully crossed the river and occupied the shoal. Our forces were unable to resist and were forced to retreat to the Eastern Fortress.
In this battle, the Eastern Fortress's air force and navy were completely wiped out. The 6th Infantry Division, including Major General Finkle and his subordinates, had a total of 20,923 soldiers. All of them had died in battle! The 9th Infantry Division suffered over 40% casualties and most of them were injured. They were already ordered to retreat and reorganize. Currently, the enemy has successfully crossed the river and deployed their troops outside the fortress. Before the letter was sent, they had already repelled the enemy three times and suffered heavy losses! I, Vice Commander of the Tempest Legion, Lieutenant General Dominguez of the Empire, sincerely beg for forgiveness. Even if I die ten thousand times, it will not be enough to offset the crime of losing the war. However, the war in the east is urgent. My life and death are not enough to be regretted. Moreover, the soldiers of the eastern front have vowed to live and die with the city.
There is a shortage of soldiers in the city. Please send reinforcements quickly. If the reinforcements don't arrive in a month, I'm afraid the eastern fortress will no longer belong to the Empire! "
At the end of the speech, the court etiquette officer's forehead was full of cold sweat. He couldn't help but wipe his sweat with his sleeves before taking a deep breath and finishing the last sentence, "I, Dominguez, the Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Front and the Deputy Commander of the Tempest Legion, respectfully submit a memorial."
Hua, he finally put away the battle report. The court etiquette officer seemed to be unable to stand up straight. He hurriedly turned around and bowed to the Regent, handing over the battle report with both hands.
For a time, the hall fell into an extreme silence. No one made a sound, not even the sound of coughing could be heard. All the ministers of the Empire held their breaths and didn't dare to make a sound. They quietly looked at the Regent sitting on the throne, waiting for him to speak. Everyone's heart was uneasy. They're afraid the next thing to come would be the wrath of the Regent … …
This silent scene lasted for nearly five minutes. If the Regent didn't speak, who would dare to speak?
Finally, Prince Son who had been sitting there with a face as cold as ice, slowly revealed a smile. Of course, it wasn't a smile of joy, but one filled with infinite coldness.
"Hehe … … Hehehehe … …" With a ruthless laugh, Prince Son slowly stood up and swept his eyes across the crowd. Finally, his gaze fell on the Military Minister Camisiro.
"Very good! Very good! Eastern fortress, eight Sea Spirit class warships, thousands of navy, all dead in one battle! One hundred and fifty airships, one thousand air force, all annihilated! An entire infantry division of the empire's main battle legion had lost twenty thousand men in battle. Even the division commander had died for the empire. An entire division had been completely crippled! I heard that the accumulated corpses have blocked the river! When the river turns red, the color will not fade for many days! Haha … … This kind of fiasco … … Everyone, since the beginning of my Augustine Dynasty, there has never been such a thing! "
As he spoke, his eyes turned cold as he stared at Kami Siro: "Kami Siro, tell me, even thirty years ago, in the great battle between us and the northwest prairie people, we did not experience such a crushing defeat!"
Camisiro's expression tightened. As the Military Minister, he had no choice but to take a step forward. Coughing, he carefully said: "Your Highness is right. Thirty years ago, when the Empire went on an expedition to the prairies, the war lasted for nearly three years. Even then, the Empire's army never suffered such a fiasco. "
"There were originally three main combat divisions stationed at the eastern fortress, along with sixty thousand garrison troops and forty thousand supply engineers. The entire city's military strength originally exceeded two hundred thousand! But now, they actually came to ask for reinforcements! Two hundred thousand people, with plenty of food and weapons, can't even defend a city!! "
With his last shout, Prince Son slammed the table hard, causing the cup in front of him to fall to the ground and shatter into pieces!
"What the hell is your military doing! I heard that the enemy has a race that can appear underwater! This kind of thing, we already knew about it a few months ago! But why didn't you make any preparations to deal with it! Thousands of soldiers died tragically, don't tell me you want tens of thousands of people to die next time before you start to take it seriously!! And the air force … … Don't tell me the frontline doesn't know the enemy has air combat units!! "
Camisiro also felt wronged in his heart, but as the Military Minister, he had no choice but to stand here and bear the wrath of the Regent.
It's just that Prince Son's anger was getting more and more uncontrollable. His chest was heaving up and down, and his breathing was rapid. At the end of his speech, Prince Son suddenly staggered back half a step and reached out to grab the armrest of the throne.
Gritting his teeth, Camisiro got down on one knee and waited patiently for Prince Son to finish coughing. Then he slowly said: "Your Highness … … The strength of the frontline, as the Military Minister of the Empire, naturally has an unshirkable responsibility. It's just … … "
"It's just? It's just what? " Prince Son's eyes were cold as he gasped for breath. After a while, he stopped coughing and coldly stared at Camisiro: "What other difficulties do you have! Humph, I handed the military to you, and now you want to shirk your responsibility after suffering a defeat?! "
The last sentence was spoken with a chilling tone. At this moment, those cold eyes made Camisiro shiver uncontrollably!
In his memory, it's been a long time since Prince Son showed such a furious side of him!
Ever since he ascended to the throne, he has always had the appearance of an unfathomable emperor, never easily revealing his emotions. Usually, he would show a tolerant and gentle attitude towards his subjects.
But don't forget … … This Prince Son is definitely not a simple and kind person! He … … relied on a coup d 'état to rise to power! Back then, he killed his brother, put his father under house arrest, and took away the imperial power!
Thinking up to here, Camisiro's body trembled, but he tried his best to calm down. Looking up, he met Prince Son's gaze. Although his tone was respectful, there was also a trace of firmness: "Your Highness! I don't dare shirk my responsibility. As the Minister of Military Affairs, I was the one who made the most mistakes in the military plan. As the head of the military, I am naturally responsible for any mistakes. I am willing to accept any punishment you may mete out! But … … "
"But what?" Prince Son coldly asked.
"But … …" Camisiro could feel cold sweat trickling down his back under the gaze of the other party. Bracing himself, he continued: "But, in my opinion, there are two main reasons for this defeat! First, the navy on the river was defeated! Without the warships, we lost the advantage on the water. Although the river is long, it is almost impossible to defend! On this point, although we already knew that the other party has an underwater race, the military couldn't come up with a perfect countermeasure even after a long time of planning. As a result, it dragged on until today! I am willing to accept my punishment! And the second reason is the crushing defeat of the air force! "
When it came to the crushing defeat of the air force, Camisiro seemed to be more confident. Kneeling there, he straightened his spine and met Prince Son's gaze: "The crushing defeat of the air force is even more significant to this battle! If we lose the river, we will only lose the river defense. As long as we defend the city, although the situation is somewhat bad, there is still room for recovery. However, the crushing defeat of the air force and the fact that the enemy has a race that can fly in the air, this matter will have the greatest impact on us! The other party has such a force that can fly in the sky and come and go like the wind … … As a result, no matter how strong our Kabaski defense line is, it will not be able to defend against the enemy in the sky! As long as the enemy is willing, their aerial race can easily fly over the frontline and even reach the heart of the empire! Even if we attack the capital, I'm afraid … … "
The last sentence was a bit too shocking, but at this moment, Camisiro had no choice but to say it: "I'm afraid it is not impossible!"
As soon as these words came out, the faces of many ministers in the hall changed and they couldn't help but whisper to each other.
"All of you shut up!!" Prince Son suddenly glared and swept his murderous gaze across the room. Immediately, the ministers quickly bowed their heads and shut their mouths.
Prince Son took a step forward and stared at Kami Siro: "You continue!"
"Yes, Your Highness." Camisiro paused for a moment before continuing: "The matter of aerial combat, the airship force is after all a new weapon, and the air force is the first of its kind in the empire … … No, it should be said that it is the first of its kind in the history of mankind! This unprecedented new weapon and combat concept has only been around for a few short years. This time, the high command has officially taken control of this thing and used it in the empire's war. Taking everything into account, it has only been a few months!
After all, this is a new weapon and a new concept. Although there are many experienced generals and staff officers in the military who are familiar with various strategies and tactics, but before this, no one has ever come into contact with this new thing. Let alone experience, they didn't even think about it. As a result, in this short period of time, it is very difficult for the high command to fully grasp this new concept and come up with a set of perfect aerial combat methods. We are also slowly fumbling around. Your Highness, if I may be so bold as to say, a new weapon and combat concept like this is definitely not something that can be mastered in a short period of one or two years or even three to five years! To figure out a complete set of concepts and accumulate experience, I'm afraid it will be a very long process.
Therefore, the fiasco of the air force this time is not me shirking the responsibility, but rather, I believe that the responsibility does not lie with the military, not with the personnel, but with the current situation! It's not that the high command did not work hard, it's just that … … we don't understand! "
What he said is the truth. After all, to fully grasp and master a new concept, it is indeed not something that can be done in a short period of time.
Du Wei may have created the air force, but even in Du Wei's previous life, from the appearance of the first airplane in human history (1903), to the first aerial combat in military history (1914), to the first large-scale use of aerial combat in the later stages of the First World War, how many years has it taken?
But on the Roland Continent, how long has it been since the airship appeared? How long has it been used in the military field?
What's more, this was a jump from cold weapons to aerial combat. This kind of leap in progress lacked sufficient military theory. Even if the people in the high command department wanted to work hard, they couldn't make heads or tails of it. They didn't know where to start.
Everyone knows this thing is good, but how to use it? How to use it well? This isn't something that can be perfected in a day or two.
Prince Son was silent for a moment. After all, he is also a wise ruler, not a muddle-headed person. At this moment, he also understood that what Camisiro said is the truth.
"Then, what do you think?" Prince Son lowered his voice and stared at Camisiro with rapt attention.
Taking a deep breath, Camisiro: "Your Highness! The fiasco of the air force, the impact on us is not as simple as the loss of this battle! The enemy's air superiority is so great. If they desperately cross the defense line and attack the interior of the empire, or even the capital, these are things we must pay attention to! Now that I think about it, the field of aerial combat is really unfathomable, and the enemy seems to be a lot ahead of us in this regard. So … … "
"If you have something to say, just say it. I won't blame you. "Prince Son's eyes flashed.
"Therefore, I have often thought that to be able to invent such a new weapon and to think of using it in the military domain, its creator, the Duke of the Tulip Family, is really amazing, a genius, and worthy of my admiration! And this new field, the loss of the front line is not because the air force is useless, but because we don't know how to use it well. Therefore, I think that in the field of aerial combat, no one else is competent. I'm afraid that only the Duke of the Tulip Family can preside over it! After all, this thing was invented by him, and he was the first to use it in the military! No one else is as good as him in this field. Moreover, the Duke of the Tulip Family is outstanding. He has made outstanding contributions in the war to pacify the Northwest and the grassland tigers and wolves. He is also a good minister with outstanding military merits … … "
As Kami Siro spoke, he vaguely felt that many of his colleagues around him were looking at him with all kinds of bewildered and complicated expressions. Even the Regent above was looking at him with a strange and ambiguous expression.
But at this moment, he didn't hesitate at all. Gritting his teeth, he said in a loud voice: "I am willing to recommend the Duke of the Tulip Family, Du Wei Rollin Rudolph as the commander of the eastern front. He will head to the eastern front to preside over the overall situation and clean up the mess!!"
Buzz!
The last two sentences were spoken out loud, and suddenly, everyone in the hall changed color. One by one, they immediately became noisy. For a time, everyone in the hall sighed and whispered to each other. Next to them, the etiquette officer repeatedly reminded them, but even that couldn't stop these big shots from talking.
Recommend the Duke of the Tulip Family to be the commander of the front line?
Kami Siro … … Is this guy stupid? A few days ago, the royal family made it clear that there was a conflict between the Tulip Family and the Royal Family. Even if the Regent still cherished old friendships and left some favor and appreciation for the Duke of the Tulip Family - but in this situation, whether it was for public or private reasons, even if it was just to avoid arousing suspicion, the Duke of the Tulip Family should absolutely not hold military power anymore!!
In this situation, it's best for the Duke of the Tulip Family to obediently stay in the capital. Otherwise, once he's in charge, and it's the frontline military power, then there will be a situation of suspicion between the Monarch and his subjects … …
Everyone thought that Kami Siro must be out of his mind to come up with such an idea! Moreover, some people even think that Kami Siro is deliberately pushing the Duke of the Tulip Family into the fire to roast!
At this time, it's too late to hide. If the Duke of the Tulip Family were to seize power, then it would only lead to suspicion!
The hall discussed for a long time, but no one dared to stand up and speak. On the other hand, Prince Son seemed to ponder for a moment. The heavy expression on his face eventually turned into a faint smile.
After a long time, he raised his hand and shouted in dissatisfaction: "What are you all arguing about! Is this your family's banquet hall?! "
With his outburst, the hall quieted down again.
Prince Son walked down the stairs and directly stood in front of Kami Siro. Standing in front of him, he stared down at the kneeling Kami Siro. Prince Son's eyes flashed as he spoke word by word: "Kami Siro, you are recommending Du Wei to the frontline to preside over the overall situation, am I right?"
"… … Yes!"
As if Prince Son didn't feel it was enough, he took a deep breath and repeated it again. This time, he deliberately deepened his tone: "You mean, you want Du Wei to be the commander-in-chief and lead the frontline army in the eastern front?"
"… … Yes!" Kami Siro was already sweating profusely, but he still gritted his teeth and said: "Yes, that's what I meant."
The hall was silent as everyone nervously stared at Prince Son.
The Prince Regent closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
When he opened his eyes again, there was a strange light in his eyes, and he slowly spat out a word!
"Approved!"
— — —
After the meeting, Kami Siro walked out of the hall and came to the square of the palace. However, his whole body seemed to have collapsed. His legs felt like they were floating and he couldn't even walk steadily. When the cold wind blew, his body shivered and he realized that his underwear was already soaked in sweat!
No matter what … …
He subconsciously looked back at the palace hall behind him and couldn't help but clench his fists.
No matter what … … I made the right bet.
However, he couldn't help but smile bitterly in his heart.
Old Prime Minister … … Tell me, what do you mean by recommending Du Wei in front of everyone today … …
He remembered that he had already read the battle report last night. Last night at home, Prime Minister Robscher had been staring at me. At that time, the old man's face was serious, but he didn't hesitate and firmly told me: In tomorrow's meeting, don't worry and directly recommend Du Wei!
At the same time, the old man also said a few words:
"Don't worry, and don't worry about the Regent suspecting you! At this time, if you publicly recommend Duwei, it will only show that you are 'not involved'! And … … If I'm not wrong, I'm afraid even if you don't say it, the Regent will send Du Wei to the front line in a few days. "
Sure enough, that old man who was about to die had guessed correctly!
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(First post 6000 words, there will be an update later tonight!)
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