Chapter 554 Don’t you want to make some demands on yourselves?
The bearded man actually dug a trap for Charles to fall into.
Among the grassroots soldiers and civilians, many people have deep-rooted hatred and vigilance against capitalists. They have been exploited by capitalists since they were sensible, until now.
The ice is not frozen in a day. They are deeply bullied and do not believe that there are good people among capitalists, even Charles is no exception.
They think that everything Charles does is false and purposeful, and he is using civilians to get to the top:
"Those money and materials are just a drop in the bucket for capitalists, but they can win people's support for themselves."
"Charles can indeed win and develop equipment, but this also brings him huge returns."
"All of this is to pave the way for getting to the top. Charles is the smartest one. He knows how to control the hearts of the people!"
...
There are many people who hold this idea.
The bearded man is one of them. He firmly believes that Charles has ulterior motives.
For example, this time, Charles hopes to replace Nivelle as the commander-in-chief of the French and coalition forces.
The bearded man made up his mind that if Charles accepted the invitation of "Commander-in-Chief", his inner thoughts would be exposed.
From this, it can be inferred that Charles is no different from other capitalists, but he is more hidden.
Then, this mutiny should not end, otherwise many people will be "liquidated" afterwards. This is related to their lives and honor, and they must think twice before acting.
(Note: In history, more than 20,000 people were finally liquidated in this mutiny, and most of the leading representatives were shot)
Unexpectedly, Charles refused without hesitation: "No, I don't think I should be the commander-in-chief."
The bearded man was stunned. He didn't expect Charles to refuse, and he didn't expect Charles to refuse so straightforwardly and firmly.
The other soldiers did not have the bearded man's scheming. They asked anxiously with disappointment:
"Why?"
"Is it the parliament that disagrees?"
"We can fight for you, General!"
...
"No, gentlemen." Charles replied: "You don't understand the position of commander-in-chief. It needs to be responsible to the parliament and even the British."
The soldiers were stunned. Some of them nodded and whispered:
"Yes, if Charles becomes the commander-in-chief, he will face the orders of the parliament directly."
"And the British, the British will still use supplies to put pressure on the commander-in-chief."
"Then Charles will have no freedom and room for operation, unlike now when he can seize the opportunity to attack the enemy's weak points in time."
"That makes sense. Once he becomes the commander-in-chief, Charles needs to report everything to the parliament, and the parliament will send the plan to the Germans."
...
Since the Grevey treason incident was exposed, everyone knows that the parliament is mixed and can't keep secrets.
This is also one of the reasons why the parliament is under blockade and martial law at this time.
The martial law was not done by Charles, but was implemented after Charles proposed it and the parliament agreed.
The parliamentarians knew that they had leaked information everywhere, and the large-scale mutiny of the front-line troops was a serious matter. Once the Germans knew about it, France would be finished.
Therefore, considering the overall situation, the parliamentarians voted to pass the proposal to impose martial law:
All parliamentarians cannot leave the Bourbon Palace and cannot contact outsiders.
The guards of the Minister of War Gallieni implemented the blockade.
Order Charles to go to the Somme River to negotiate with the mutinous soldiers. The parliament must not lift the martial law before the mutiny problem is resolved!
...
Charles added:
"In addition, have you ever considered that if I rely on your support to become the commander-in-chief, the parliament will regard me as an enemy."
"Because today I can rely on you to force the parliament to become the commander-in-chief, and tomorrow I can also rely on you to force the parliament to pass other proposals."
"What do you think this is?"
The soldiers looked at each other.
They only knew to support Charles, but they didn't expect to unknowingly embark on the path of the dictator they had always opposed.
"I won't do that." Charles reiterated: "Although the parliament has made many wrong decisions, I think this is the embodiment of freedom and justice in France. We should protect this system instead of challenging it. What do you think?"
This is nonsense. Charles knows what the parliament is like. It is just the result of the struggle for interests among capitalists.
The problem is that the French people have generally recognized the parliamentary system under the long-term propaganda of capitalists. Charles can only say these words that meet their psychological expectations.
Otherwise, even if Charles's reputation is unmatched, he may be abandoned like Boulanger.
This is very dangerous. The parliament is very good at using this to occupy the moral high ground in turn.
Charles' words immediately received general support from the soldiers:
"He is a respectable general. He has the conditions to become a dictator but he didn't do it."
"Yes, he gave up on his own initiative. He gave up power, status, and immeasurable benefits!"
"This is the French spirit. He is the commander we really need and our hope!"
...
The bearded man was stunned. He thought of many answers, and even thought that Charles would refuse hypocritically, but he didn't expect Charles to answer like this.
Charles' words almost sealed his own retreat, because becoming the commander-in-chief with the support of the soldiers meant dictatorship.
This completely overturned the bearded man's previous positioning of Charles.
Charles may indeed be a pure capitalist and general who fights for the interests of France and citizens.
"Do you have any other questions?" Charles spread his hands around, and finally locked his eyes on the beard.
"No more, General." Bearded Beard replied: "At least I don't have any."
"Are you sure?" Charles stared at the beard and glanced at Captain Jeremiah's representatives: "Don't you make some demands for yourselves?"
The bearded man and Captain Jeremiah looked at each other and shook their heads slightly.
"No, General," Captain Jeremiah replied.
"Thank you very much, General." There was sincerity in the bearded eyes, and he completely believed everything about Ciel.
Ciel's words may seem simple on the surface, but they are profound and heavy.
Don’t you make some demands for yourself?
Its other meaning is: You are likely to be liquidated afterwards, and you should consider how to protect yourself!
No one would say such a thing, except Ciel.
Any officer who comes to negotiate will swear to them: "You will not be liquidated, and we will forget all this, as long as you reorganize the troops now."
Only Ciel, not only did he not say these words but reminded them.
Therefore, he is on the side of the soldiers, there is no doubt about it!
"Okay!" Charles nodded to several representatives: "You are real warriors, warriors who dare to face life and death. I will try my best to protect you!"
The beard collapsed instantly, and the corners of his eyes turned red as he looked at Ciel wordlessly.
I have been doubting Ciel? !
