I Am the Crown Prince in France

Chapter 239 Filling the final shortcomings

Joseph was admiring the rolling Alpine branches in the distance—viewing the scenery was almost his greatest joy during the march—when he suddenly noticed that a cannon was stuck in front of him, and he immediately rushed over.

The soldiers who were trying their best to drag the cannon noticed a shorter figure approaching, turned their heads and looked around, and suddenly became excited: "It's His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

"Your Highness is here to help me drag the cannon!"

"Be careful over there, don't let His Highness get hurt..."

"Everyone, work harder and let His Highness see our strength!"

The number of soldiers dragging the cannon did not increase, but the previously motionless cannon suddenly jumped forward, and the nearly one-and-a-half-ton 12-pounder gun instantly broke away from the melting ice pit.

"Thank you, Your Highness!" The soldiers cheered again, with smiling faces, and raised their hats in salute to His Highness the Crown Prince.

Joseph nodded in return, then patted the dirt on his hands and got back on his horse.

In fact, how much power can his small body of less than 15 years old produce? But every soldier will remember the moment when His Highness dragged a cannon with them, which in turn translates into their high morale on the battlefield.

However, Joseph's expedition with the army this time was not simply to provide a "morale halo". What he wanted to do, if he didn't personally hold the line, the officers would not dare to do it.

After walking for a while, the sky gradually dimmed, and the Guards Corps began to camp for dinner.

Perna led the newly-established nurse company and drove several carriages through the camp.

The nurses shouted in clear voices along the way: "You must drink hot water!"

"Anyone who drinks water will not be allowed to listen to Lorena sing later."

"Is there anyone here who doesn't have water?"

At the same time, they skillfully scooped out boiling water from the barrels on the car and distributed it to the laughing and whistling soldiers.

Joseph also took the water glass from Perna's hand. Well, it's hot tea today. The military doctor has already taken the job of the crown prince's exclusive doctor, and now she is taking Eman's job.

Joseph was about to enjoy tea when he saw a messenger galloping on horseback from the north.

Eman took the letter from the messenger and sent it to Joseph: "Your Highness, it is from the Palace of Versailles."

Joseph saw Brian's private seal on the envelope, took a sip of tea and said, "Just read it."

"Yes, Your Highness." Eman opened the envelope and read it quickly. "Your Highness, Archbishop Brian said that he is still holding meetings every day in accordance with your request to discuss 'how to reconcile with the military as soon as possible.'"

Joseph smiled and nodded.

He knew very well that there were many eyes and ears of military nobles in the Palace of Versailles. This was done to make them think that the royal family did not dare to offend the entire military and was currently studying how to find a way out.

What he is most worried about now is that the military suddenly gives in and comes to the Palace of Versailles to admit its mistakes, which will not be easy to kill.

Eman continued: "In addition, Archbishop Briand mentioned that the Duke of Broglie had left for the Palace of Versailles and wrote a letter expressing his eternal loyalty to His Majesty the King. General Rossinho also sent people to Paris, saying that he Arrive soon."

Joseph was a little surprised by this.

He had previously singled out several influential military nobles who were not directly involved in the conspiracy, and wrote letters to them in the name of the royal family, stating that if they obeyed the king's orders, they would continue to have his majesty's trust, and hinted that they could obtain important Position.

He predicts that as long as the military is suppressed, these people are likely to choose sides again.

After all, he only has 20,000 troops in hand, and there is a serious shortage of generals. He must recruit some people from the old French army who can be recruited.

But he originally thought that someone would "surrender" until he made his most important move. Unexpectedly, these generals' sense of smell was so sensitive, and they made the "optimal choice" directly.

This is especially true of the Duke of Broglie. Although he is very old and does not have many troops, he is a marshal in the Louis XV era. He is very senior and quite influential in the army.

After this matter is settled, it is very appropriate for him to come forward to recruit the old army.

Joseph thought for a moment, returned to the military tent and wrote a letter to Brian, asking him not to disclose the Duke of Broy's defection to the royal family for the time being, and the position he could promise to the old man as minister of war.

According to Joseph's military reform plan, a general staff will soon be established to be responsible for specific army mobilization and command. The War Secretary will become increasingly insignificant and can be used as a bargaining chip.

Early the next morning, the Guards Corps set off again to the sound of military music.

Joseph looked south and asked Berthier: "General, how far are we from Montpellier?"

The latter immediately said: "96 kilometers, Your Highness."

He added: "We will meet Montcalm's Legion in three days."

Joseph nodded and took a deep breath. In three days, the last shortcoming of the royal family can be made up. By then, no one can stop him from taking France off!

…

Moncontoux city, western France.

General Scheer, commander of the Paris Army Corps, looked at the blood-stained streets indifferently, with soldiers escorting the rioters leading by him.

The legion staff rushed over and shouted: "General, the rioters on Changshiban Street have also been dispersed, and there are no rioters in the city. A total of 122 people have been arrested so far."

General Scheer nodded calmly. Backwaters like Brittany always have such unruly people. After the church started distributing food, the rioters continued to cause trouble everywhere and even robbed the church.

His legion was tempered on the border of Flanders, and it would be easy to deal with this kind of mob.

He looked at his staff: "Where will the next riot be?"

"Angri, on the west side of Anjou, General."

"There's still a long way to go. Send the order, rest for a long time, and set off early tomorrow morning."

The mission of the Paris Legion is to clear out the scattered stubborn rioters, as far as Béarn in the south, and he must seize the time.

While the Paris Corps was cleaning the battlefield, a small-scale battle was also going on near Valence, far northeast of Montpellier.

In the town of Amne in the north of the city, the rioters had still not dispersed. Hundreds of people were surrounding a nobleman's manor and were trying to rush in.

Beside the bell tower behind them, a sergeant returned the telescope to the officer beside him and frowned: "Second Lieutenant Buwanaba, we only have 50 people, and they have three to four hundred."

The second lieutenant's eyes flashed with excitement, he pointed at the rioters and said to the surrounding soldiers: "What did you see?"

No one said anything.

Lieutenant Buwanaba raised his voice: "That is our military exploits!

"The enemy is weak, but you are well-trained warriors.

"As long as everyone follows closely behind me, I can defeat them in an instant!

"Now, follow me!"

He drew his sword and strode towards the rioters, seemingly not thinking about whether the soldiers would follow.