Chapter 616 Intensifying Conflict

The Battle of Hasselt caused a global uproar, and media outlets from various countries reported the victory in front-page headlines.

British "The Times":

"It's still one day, there's only one day before and after."

"Although Germany surrendered on the fifth day after the battle, there was only one day between the departure of Shire's 1st Panzer Corps and the decisive victory at Hasselt."

"Ciel once again created his own myth. It only took one day for him to defeat his opponent."

"What's even more incredible is that he achieved such a brilliant victory at the cost of only more than a thousand people, and the Belgian army only suffered more than 8,000 casualties."

"On the other hand, our war on the Somme is still going on. Our army also only needs one day to catch up with the Charles. I am referring to the casualty data."

…

American newspaper Stars and Stripes:

"Many people are skeptical of Charles's tactics, believing that his victory in the Battle of Antwerp was luck and an accidental phenomenon that cannot be replicated. They believe that as long as the Germans are prepared, such a quick end to the battle will not happen."

"There are also people who doubt the importance of tanks and think that they are just a 'luxury toy'."

"However, Charles proved this view to be extremely wrong with facts."

"The Charles penetrated Hasselt when the Germans were well prepared, using the same tactics and the same troops, and once again created an incredible miracle."

…

Tsarist Russia's "St. Petersburg News" also devoted a full page to reporting on the war. It emphasized:

"The Allies are winning on the Western Front, huge victories."

"First there was the siege of Antwerp, and then there was the interlude battle of Hasselt. Each time, more than ten to two hundred thousand German troops were surrounded."

"We have reason to believe that as long as Ciel's troops are here, there will be a third or fourth similar victory."

"Once the Germans are defeated on the Western Front, they will be unable to maintain their offensive on the Eastern Front. We are not far from victory!"

…

Russia needed this kind of propaganda because it could inspire its people to continue the fight rather than unrest and revolt.

(Note: "St. Petersburg News", referred to as "News", was an official newspaper ordered by Tsarist Russia in 1702 until it ceased publication in 1917 due to the collapse of Tsarist Russia)

The French and Belgian media reported every detail of the battle. They analyzed the troops in this battle one by one. Small battles and even casualties became the hot spots of pursuit.

…

In the city of Hasselt, Charles' headquarters is located in a brewery on the outskirts of the city.

The brewery had been abandoned for some time, covered in cobwebs and dusty brewing tools.

During the war, especially the era of material scarcity, neither Germany nor the Allies could support a luxury industry like brewing.

People wanted to fill their stomachs first, and then have a drink. The sharp reduction in market demand caused breweries to close down.

This brewery called Limburg is one of them.

Charles's headquarters is in an empty factory building. He believes that it is more suitable for wartime than the manager's office. At least the various departments will not be separated by small offices and there will be communication difficulties.

Charles sat at his desk and read the newspaper leisurely. There was basically nothing he needed to command so far in the battle. He was just waiting for the Belgian army to receive prisoners and equipment. What he saw every day was the increase in supplies and equipment.

At this time, Tijani walked up to Charles with a telegram: "It can be said to be good news, Lieutenant General, the parliament has nominated you to be the commander-in-chief."

The staff officers in the headquarters couldn't help but turn their heads and look over when they heard this and exclaimed, and then they all beamed with joy:

"It's long overdue."

"There is no one more qualified to be commander in chief than Lieutenant General."

"Yes, the lieutenant general should command all the troops. This war will be over soon and we will win the final victory!"

…

Charles was unfazed, his eyes always staring at the newspaper in his hand. The breakfast in front of him was still mashed potatoes and smelly Limburger cheese.

If anything, the Limburger is bigger, more than twice as big as before.

Charles asked why, and the staff replied: "Hasselt is the capital of Limburg Province, Lieutenant General, and there is a lot of Limburg cheese here."

He put the cheese as far away as possible, ate the mashed potatoes that were as thin as vegetable soup with a spoon, and asked casually: "Why do you say it's 'good news'?"

Tijani moved a stool and sat down in front of Ciel: "I don't think the Parliament will let you become commander-in-chief so easily, General. This is something they have always avoided."

Ciel nodded approvingly. Tijani's political understanding had improved, at least better than the surrounding staff.

"You're right." Charles put down the newspaper, took a napkin, wiped his mouth, and ended the breakfast just to satisfy his hunger: "They are trying to intensify the conflicts between me and other people."

"Intensify the conflict?" Tijani was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized: "Foch, and Pétain, and the Army Group Commander who hopes to become the commander-in-chief."

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"And the English," added Charles.

"Yes, there are also British people." Tijani nodded to express understanding.

The British hope to control the French army by controlling the commander-in-chief, and the Shire will obviously not be controlled by the British.

As a result, everyone will regard the Shire as a target, and the British may also send intelligence agents to frame and slander the Shire.

And the old guys in the parliament don't need to do anything. They just "nominate" in the parliament, but they won't really pass it, which can put Charles under siege by others.

"So." Tijani stared at Charles: "What are you going to do?"

There was some anxiety in Tijani's voice. He absolutely believed in Charles' military genius, but the political struggle and so many opponents, and many people hiding in the dark, were not something Charles could handle.

Charles smiled lightly: "When the enemy comes, the general will stop it, and when the water comes, the earth will cover it."

The situation is not as bad as Tijani thought.

Charles believes that few people in the military will be fooled.

For example, Foch and Pétain, will they regard Charles as an enemy because of a false move by the parliament?

These two old guys are very clear about the parliament's means. They believe that the parliament will not allow Charles, a capitalist who integrates military, political and economic aspects, to become the commander-in-chief.

If they believe it, they are not worthy of being Charles' opponent.

So, at most a few fools will believe this and target Charles.

The parliament will not have much effect.

Secondly, and more importantly, Charles is controlling the materials through the "echo sounder".

No matter who borrowed the money or bought the materials from the United States, if you offend Charles, you will most likely be sunk by German submarines.

Then, even if the British capitalists can't do anything to Charles, they may even be controlled by Charles in return.

With this foundation, what big waves can they make?