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

Early in the morning, Xia Fei, who had a good sleep, got up on time at eight o'clock. After breakfast, he strolled along the woodland path beside the command post with his large belly protruding.

(The image above shows Marshal Xia Fei in a body size comparison with his attendants)

Kanes, who was only half the size of Xia Fei, followed beside him cautiously, reporting the battle situation from the previous night:

"We failed to recapture Duomeng Castle as expected."

"The Germans were well-prepared. They deployed a new type of gas that can be fired with shells into our positions."

"This increased the difficulty and danger of night battles."

...

A trace of dissatisfaction flashed in Xia Fei's eyes. He responded nonchalantly:

"Ultimately, it was their lack of determination to attack."

"As long as the interference of the gas is removed, the losses can be almost negligible. We can still successfully recapture Duomeng Castle."

"As long as they can advance, victory is within their reach!"

Kanes nodded in agreement, then leaned in closer, lowering his voice:

"Over twelve thousand people sacrificed last night, Marshal."

"There were some discordant voices in Parliament."

"Some members questioned the government: 'The name of Xia Fei is no longer synonymous with confidence. On the contrary, should we still tie our fate to him?' ..."

Xia Fei cleared his throat with a hint of embarrassment, and Kanes sensibly stopped talking.

The surroundings fell into silence. A few blackbirds jumped and chirped on the branches overhead, staring with accusing eyes, seemingly denouncing Xia Fei's crimes.

Xia Fei knew his situation well. He had originally hoped that the battle last night would secure a victory for his "release," but unfortunately, the battle did not unfold as he had hoped.

These cowards, Xia Fei cursed in his heart, why couldn't they bravely charge at the enemy?!

After taking a few steps with his head down, Xia Fei suddenly asked: "Does Fuxu really look sick?"

Kanes looked confused. He had never heard of Fuxu being ill.

But he quickly realized, nodding: "You think so too? I thought only the staff of General Castelno believed that Fuxu was ill."

Xia Fei smiled slightly, saying nothing.

(The image above shows General Castelno, then the commander of the Eastern Army Group. He recognized talents and promoted Petain, but had conflicts with Fuxu, once suggesting that Fuxu should resign from his position as the commander of the Northern Army Group due to health issues.)

...

Fuxu's command post was moved to Brussels.

This was for the convenience of command, as telegraphs during this period were unreliable and most of the time had to use telephones.

There were always few telephone lines between France and Belgium, and during Germany's occupation of Belgium, they intentionally isolated it from France.

If the Northern Army Group were remote-controlled from within France, it would not only be easily cut off but also likely intercepted.

Fuxu did not pay much attention to the Battle of Verdun, his mind solely on how to attack Leuven and the Namur Fortress to expand the gains in Belgium.

"If we can reach Liege and consolidate Belgium's advantage, the rear of the Germans will be exposed to us." Fuxu confidently told his staff: "So, we are the direction that ultimately determines victory."

However, Belgium, this small country, was full of fortresses, and France was on the side lacking artillery.

To be precise, it wasn't short of artillery; France had countless 75mm guns.

But to attack fortresses and strong fortifications, larger caliber and longer-range artillery were needed, like the Germans' "Big Bertha."

Without these artillery pieces, it meant that the French Army would be suppressed by the German fortress artillery on the attack routes.

Fuxu was reluctant to continue relying on Shire, as it made him feel like he was fighting under Shire's protection.

"How should we attack?" Fuxu muttered to himself: "Could it be that without Shire, we cannot fight?"

At this moment, Wei Gang came forward with a solemn expression, holding a telegram, hesitating to hand it over.

Fuxu, who was looking at the map, noticed and asked in confusion: "What's the matter?"

Wei Gang said nothing, silently handing over the telegram.

Fuxu glanced at it and froze. The telegram was from Minister of the Army Messimi: "Given your health reasons, we have decided to relieve you of the position of Northern Army Group commander and reassign you as 'Director of the Military Research Center.' Please report to Paris after handing over your duties. Thank you for everything you have done for France. Long live France!"

Fuxu felt dazed. He looked at Wei Gang, then at the telegram, thinking he was seeing things: "Health reasons? Relieved?"

Wei Gang sighed lightly and answered softly: "The media in Paris spread unfavorable comments about you. They believe the decision-making errors in the Battle of Verdun were made with your support."

Fuxu understood. This was Xia Fei shifting the blame onto him to save his own "throne."

He stood up angrily:

"If the government wants to dismiss me, then dismiss me! But they shouldn't say I'm ill, that's a lie."

"The bigger lie is the decision at Verdun..."

At this point, Fuxu paused.

He was indeed Xia Fei's think tank, almost every decision of Xia Fei would be consulted with him by telegraph or phone, so saying Verdun had his support was not without basis.

However, the problem was, the information Fuxu received was processed by Xia Fei, for instance, Xia Fei's judgment was: there was reliable intelligence proving that the Germans' real attack was aimed at Belfort, and Verdun was just a feint, there was no doubt about this point.

Based on this, Fuxu supported Xia Fei's decision. Fuxu had no fault.

However, who would listen to his explanation?

"That bastard!" Fuxu cursed angrily, standing up and heading to the communication room to telegraph Xia Fei.

Of course, Xia Fei wouldn't admit it, he responded ambiguously: "You were dismissed? I should be dismissed too, we should all be dismissed, because we failed! This is war, victory to the winners!"

Fuxu knew it was settled. Xia Fei was determined to make him the scapegoat.

He walked back to his seat powerlessly, slumped in the chair in a daze, and after a while, he gave a bitter smile: "When you want to kill your dog, you start saying it's gone mad. It's a time-honored rule, almost no exceptions!"

"But this is not fair, Marshal." Wei Gang was a bit agitated: "You have nothing to do with the errors of Verdun, you even just won a victory."

Then Wei Gang suggested: "Should we let Shire speak up? After all, we just cooperated with him..."

Fuxu shook his head gently: "Shire may be able to defeat the Germans, but these people, he is powerless."

This is French politics, a complex web of interpersonal relations, not Shire's forte.

(Note: The events in this chapter are based on historical facts. Online sources briefly mention that Fuxu was dismissed due to being implicated by Xia Fei. The book "Marshal Fuxu's Biography" records in detail the process of Fuxu's dismissal. In reality, the French Government had no intention of dismissing Fuxu. Xia Fei delivered the fatal blow, saying that Fuxu made erroneous judgments due to health and age issues, hoping to divert public attention and media criticism.)