Life of Being a Crown Prince in France-Chapter 745 - 653 For Victory (Please follow)
Chapter 745: Chapter 653: For Victory (Please follow!)
Chapter 745: Chapter 653: For Victory (Please follow!)
Joseph was well aware that Russia’s strategic goal was not to swallow Poland whole, but to occupy the eastern provinces home to the Eastern Orthodox faith.
So there would be no Battle of Warsaw—once Poland retreated westward, the Russian Army would halt its advance and begin to digest the acquired lands. The debacle of the Polish military made it difficult for the Polish Government to refuse a ceasefire agreement.
Furthermore, as soon as the Russians gained the upper hand, Prussia would instantly stab Poland in the back.
Therefore, Poland had to defend its eastern territories, or else it would face a repetition of the Second Partition of Poland.
But how to block the Russian advance seemed to be an insurmountable problem…
As Bertier continually outlined the full extent of the battle plans, the Polish officers’ eyes grew wider and wider.
“…this way, we can confront Russia. As their losses mount day by day, they will have no choice but to seek a ceasefire…”
Rzewuski swallowed and said subconsciously, “This, isn’t this too aggressive?”
Joseph immediately replied, “No, this is the only way to preserve Poland.”
Yes, this was the tactic he had finally settled on—choosing the most aggressive of the many battle plans from the staff room, then combining it with classic war examples from the future and making it even more aggressive. He tasked Bertier and the staff to complete the specific tactical design.
As the weaker party, Poland had to be prepared to risk everything to have any hope of survival.
Moreover, he knew that even if the plan ultimately failed, it would not be worse than the results of a passive defense. Neither Russia, Prussia, Austria, nor other Western European countries wanted Russia to come into direct contact with Central European nations.
Thus, Poland was in no danger of being annihilated.
In that case, why not take a chance?
Moreover, if this “mad dog” stance succeeded, it would have a good deterrent effect, causing Prussia and Austria to reconsider their positions.
Poniatowski and his officers, however, exchanged glances, seeing in each other’s eyes the question of why these French were more radical than they were.
“Your Highness, if we fight this way, the central army will be in grave danger, even…”
Kosciuszko took a deep breath and interrupted calmly, “I think Your Highness’s plan is excellent. To be honest, this is the first time I have seen hope of preserving the eastern territories. I am willing to command the central army.”
Joseph looked deeply at this great Polish national hero.
Some heroes are made by the times, while others shine brightly no matter the circumstance.
Without a doubt, Kosciuszko was of the latter.
In history, after the fall of Poland, he refused to accept the King’s surrender decree and went alone to the region of Lesser Poland to call the people there to revolt. Then, leading over ten thousand rebels armed with spears, axes, and even scythes, he repeatedly defeated the Russian military’s encirclement and spread the flames of uprising throughout Poland.
Although his rebellion ultimately failed under the joint repression of Russia, Prussia, and Austria, it wrote the most spirited page in the Polish resistance wars.
And now, this national hero once again stepped forward without hesitation, ready to undertake the most dangerous military task with a resolve to die if necessary.
Another Polish officer stood up, saying, “Come on, let’s have a proper showdown with the Russians!”
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Rzewuski also clenched his fists and said, “I think we can give it a try!”
All the officers then looked toward Prince Poniatowski.
After pondering for a moment, the latter spoke to Joseph, “Your Highness, with our current strength, it would be very difficult to hold off the Russian Army. In other words, the Russians might break through Warsaw before our tactics take effect.”
Joseph nodded, “So you will have to expand the army as soon as possible. After the military academy in Warsaw is completed, the expansion should be able to proceed faster.
“Moreover, don’t forget about the ten million people of Poland.
“As long as they are mobilized, even if lacking training, they can still cause the Russian Army a great deal of trouble.”
The Prince of Poland furrowed his brow and hesitated, “We should not place our hopes on common folk; they usually only care about their own humble lives.”
Actually, due to the arrangements Joseph had made previously, nationalism had widely spread in Poland over the past two years, and anti-invasion sentiment among the public was extremely high. However, the Prince was accustomed to an army supported by nobles, so it was natural for him to lack confidence.
Joseph asserted with certainty, “Please believe me, you will definitely be able to recruit the army you need. Moreover, in the most critical situations, you still have a strong ‘weapon’ you can use.”
“What is it?”
Joseph glanced at the other Polish officers, “I will tell you when the time comes.”
The next afternoon.
At the VIP seats in the Paris Royal Stadium, the voice of the score announcer reached Prince Poniatowski’s ear, “Natorski, 25 meters…”
He had no interest in watching the competition, his mind was occupied with that crazy plan from the French general staff.
Poland might be destroyed after this battle.
Or fail to recover from the ravages of war…
Just then, the referee in the stadium raised the result board, and the commentators around immediately shouted, “The results of the discus throw competition—American athlete Simmons 24.4 meters. Polish athlete Natorski 26 meters. Sardinian athlete…”
To ensure all spectators could hear, there were 12 commentators in the stadium, each responsible for a different section.
Once the results were announced, the commentators said in unison, “The Polish athlete has won the final victory! Poland has won!”
Prince Poniatowski suddenly felt a jolt through his body, a surge of pride and excitement filling his chest.
“Poland, won?”
He muttered quietly, “Poland, won!”
“Yes, won!”
He slowly stood up, the traces of hesitation in his heart completely vanished.
For victory, for that moment of pride as a Pole, fight a duel with the invaders!
…
Caribbean Sea.
Barbados.
“General, it’s time to change your dressing,” a military doctor reminded from outside the tent.
General Brand, commander of the British Expeditionary Force, glanced at the Frenchman sitting opposite him and, irked, signaled to his attendant with a look, “Tell him to shut up.”
He then turned to the French emissary, “Mr. Brissot, 100,000 British Pounds is a bit much for a minor skirmish.”
“There’s also a ship, as well as the necessary supplies,” Brissot corrected.
Indeed, he was the negotiator. He had not concealed the news that he represented the French Government’s arrival in Santo Domingo because it was publicly announced that he was there to suppress the slave rebellion.
Brand frowned, “You see, my forces have already won the victory, I can go to the Bahamas myself.”
“This is the minimum condition for our forces to go to the Bahamas to help you suppress the rebellion,” Brissot said calmly, “It’s a big risk for the soldiers to leave the Magua Fortress.”
Brand looked at him, his expression one of firm resolve, and it grated on his nerves.
Yet, he had no other choice. His army of thousands had grappled with the black Rebel Army in Barbados for months, and although they had achieved a hard-won victory, the casualties among the soldiers were severe, and they were extremely worn out both physically and mentally, requiring a long period of rest and recuperation.
And the rebel Congress in the Bahamas was about to start elections for the President!
