I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France

Lagden, a fierce dispute was taking place in the French Army Headquarters' conference room.

"We cannot allow Romania to join the Allies, Your Excellency." Gallieni stared at Xia Fei: "I believe it is more advantageous for us if Romania remains neutral."

"Really?" Xia Fei questioned: "How is it advantageous? To continue selling oil to the Germans? Or food, coal, and even weapons and ammunition?"

(The image shows Romanian soldiers, carrying Mannlicher rifles on their shoulders. The Mannlicher rifles are produced in Austria and are the same as those used by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, thus supplying arms to Austria-Hungary during the war.)

"Indeed it is." Gallieni said:

"But it is far better than having the entire Romania under German control."

"Have you considered what it would be like if the Germans controlled all of Romania?"

"Think of the oil, the food, and the munitions factories that Austria-Hungary could directly utilize, I mean all of it!"

Xia Fei laughed disdainfully, with a mocking tone:

"So, have you considered what would happen if our plan succeeded?"

"The war would end, General."

"That would be a siege by over three million troops from over a dozen countries. You should pray for the Germans rather than think they would occupy Romania!"

(Note: Xia Fei included the forces of England, France, Russia, Italy, and Romania, as well as the colonial troops.)

Gallieni insisted on his opinion: "Look at the map, Your Excellency. The siege you mentioned is indeed happening, but there's no breakthrough in any direction except for Shire. Some places are even retreating, and you hope Romania's entry will change things!"

Gallieni was also enlightened by Shire.

Xia Fei's encirclement plan seemed impressive on the surface, with over three million troops from more than a dozen countries attacking simultaneously. There seemed to be no force on earth that could resist it.

However, most of these troops are entrenched in deadlocks with the enemy, not just the main forces of England and France. Even the Italian army of over a million troops made no progress, and the Russian army has been retreating.

Can adding Romania's 500,000 troops and simultaneous counterattacks by other countries really defeat the German Army?

Isn't it too idealistic?

But Xia Fei obviously would not admit this.

"Your idea is simply ridiculous." Xia Fei heavily tapped the table with his finger, eyes filled with contempt: "We already discussed this in the last meeting, and you didn't oppose it then. Simultaneous counterattacks are different from fighting individually. The former puts more pressure on the Germans, especially with Romania's participation."

Xia Fei suddenly thought of something and leaned back in his chair with an "Oh": "I see, you don't want me to win."

"What?" Gallieni didn't understand Xia Fei's meaning.

"Did I say something wrong?" Xia Fei looked at Gallieni with a hint of a smile: "You want Shire to win, that's why you're persuading me now."

Gallieni was dazed. He didn't expect Xia Fei to think this way.

"Everything makes sense now." Xia Fei realized: "I always wondered why someone wouldn't want an oil-producing country to join us. Now the truth is clear…"

Gallieni looked at Xia Fei angrily, his voice becoming hoarse: "No, Your Excellency. This is an insult to my character."

"No, General." Xia Fei shook his head calmly: "It's not about character, it's about interests, I get it!"

Without waiting for Gallieni to argue, Xia Fei intensified his tone, speaking righteously:

"However, General Gallieni, don't forget you are a Vice Admiral of France. People privately call you 'The Savior of Paris'!"

"So, before considering personal or small group interests, shouldn't you consider the interests of France first?"

"Furthermore, I believe the common interests of the Allies should come first. That's what a soldier should do!"

"It's our duty and our duty to the French citizens and to all those who have sacrificed."

Gallieni was trembling with anger: "No, Your Excellency! This is slander, baseless defamation, I refuse to accept…"

"Then please explain one thing, General." Xia Fei spread his hands: "How can we refuse the entry of a pivotal country?"

Xia Fei added: "If you are willing, I can put this up for discussion in the meeting. Or, publish it after the war and see whether the French people support you or me!"

Gallieni was stunned.

Having Romania join the Allies seemed evidently correct, even Gallieni originally thought so.

It's common sense that joining is better than not joining.

So, whether discussed in the meeting or judged by the public later, Xia Fei would be correct, not Gallieni.

Gallieni realized he couldn't convince Xia Fei, as Xia Fei had determined Gallieni was sabotaging the war-ending plan for Shire's benefit.

Gallieni gritted his teeth and didn't argue further, saying only: "Goodbye, Your Excellency!"

As Gallieni walked out of the conference room door, he heard Xia Fei's contemptuous laughter behind him.

Gallieni returned to Paris in his car with a pale face.

He didn't speak a word the entire way, just stared into the void with his hollow eyes.

At that moment, he had an insurmountable hurdle in his heart.

Why did it come to this?

It was clearly Xia Fei who drafted this unrealistic encirclement plan for personal gain, and Gallieni only pointed out its flaws, yet he was accused of sabotaging it for personal gain.

Even more infuriating, he couldn't explain it!

The more he thought about it, the more furious he became. His chest felt like a heavy stone was pressing on it, blocking his breath.

Suddenly, a pain in his abdomen, and everything went black. Gallieni slowly collapsed onto the back seat...

(The image shows the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, founded in 1613. It was originally an arsenal converted into a hospice under the direction of French King Louis XIV.)

…

13th arrondissement of Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital.

Gallieni slowly opened his eyes to see Shire at his bedside, peeling an apple with a paring knife, his face expressionless.

"Hey, Vice Admiral." Gallieni looked around in confusion, struggling to sit up: "Where am I? In Antwerp?"

"Don't move, General." Shire hurriedly stopped him, replying: "You're in Paris, you're in a hospital."

Gallieni recalled and gradually remembered the previous events.

He smiled mockingly to himself, shaking his head gently: "I couldn't persuade Xia Fei."

"Hmm." Shire sliced the apple into small pieces, placing them on a plate and offered a piece to Gallieni: "Leave it to me!"

"Leave it to you?" Gallieni looked at Shire in confusion.

It wasn't something he could get involved in. What could he do?

However, when Gallieni saw the coldness in Shire's eyes, he realized it wasn't so.

This young man had let go of his scruples and intended to deal with Xia Fei.

Xia Fei was doomed; no one could contend with him, not even Xia Fei!