Chapter 49: Perseverance
The Marquis de Treville and Mademoiselle de Léoland had a private conversation that was at least immoral, if not shocking, and Charles could not have known anything about it at this time. &
At this moment, he is sitting upright in a conference room in the 6 Army Headquarters, loyally fulfilling his obligations to the country.
The room was noisy before the meeting had even begun, but Charles was calm, his hands on the table, his chin propped up, and he looked thoughtful.
A large group of people gathered around the long conference table, with different expressions, sitting in their places according to a strict hierarchical order, sometimes whispering to the people next to them, speculating about the purpose of the person in front of them calling them over today.
and how to deal with the young man without losing courtesy.
After letting the noise go about for a while, Charles finally looked up, and then in the eyes of everyone, he took out his pocket watch and looked at it, when the whispering in the conference room stopped for a moment.
It's almost time. Charles muttered inwardly.
Then, without a trace, he rolled his eyes and glanced around at the officials who were sitting around him, taking in their faces and attitudes one by one.
Today was an effort and an attempt by him to promote his plan to introduce Mini guns into the 6th Army -- he summoned Mr. de Trivo, the director of the Department of Armaments and Weapons Management, and his subordinate Baron de Hirlo, who was in charge of weapons procurement, as well as a large group of officers under them. Prepare for a special meeting.
"Everyone, let's start the meeting now." Seeing that the atmosphere was already brewing, he nodded to the officials.
In the silence. Charles continued.
"First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to all of you. It is precisely because of everyone's hard work that our military exercises at Le Mans can go so smoothly. Charles's tone was calm and a little passionate, just right to show his respect for these people, "That's right, the exercise is very smooth, and the appearance of the soldiers participating in the exercise is very eye-catching. It made a deep impression on the officers who were present to observe. ”
After hearing Charles's words, everyone couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief when they saw that his posture was so low and so pleasant. Only Monsieur de Trivo, who sat next to Charles, still maintained the same stern posture as before.
This Monsieur de Trivo was about fifty years old. He had a large, tall nose that was slightly hooked, and it seemed to cover half of his face. His face was pale, his cheeks were shriveled and wrinkled. He doesn't look like a soldier who has been trained on the battlefield for a long time. Instead, it's like an old politician.
However, as if to counter this first impression, he wore a very bright uniform, with brass buttons shining in the light, as if to use this dress to regain for himself a majesty that he had never had.
"Monsieur de Treville, we've only done our part, besides. The main preparations were not done by us. "Maybe it's because I'm used to dictating to my subordinates on weekdays.,When I look at Charles.。 Charles always felt that this look was a little sharp, at least there was not much kindness, "If you want to thank them, it is better to thank those who have worked overtime to prepare a schedule and enough food for your exercise plan......"
After hearing this rather cold answer, Charles frowned slightly.
This Monsieur de Trivo, a member of the famous family of the Marquis de Trivo, was not a brother to the Marquis himself, but had always been very close, so he was not as fearful as the others, but had a faint antagonism—perhaps because Charles had attained such an enviable high position at this excessively young age.
Of course, although this attitude was not friendly, Charles had been accustomed to this attitude for a long time these days, so he didn't think it was upset, but just smiled slightly.
"Of course, I thank them too, and I have thanked them, sir. But...... That doesn't take away your hard work, does it? ”
"It's an honor for you to be so considerate of us." After being hit back by Charles in such a subtle way, Monsieur de Trivo could only smile.
The implicit confrontation between the two officials was also seen by every official, and they did not dare to speak now, but only looked at each other, and secretly watched the jokes of the two superiors - but, from their own hearts, they were probably more supportive of Mr. de Trivo.
Charles stopped looking at the other, but retracted his gaze and continued.
"Of course, like many things, we should not only see the results, but also the shortcomings...... At least, from this exercise, I, and many others, have seen some of the problems that are currently plaguing the 6th Army. ”
This sentence made the officials, who had already relaxed, instantly tense up again.
"I don't know what you're referring to?" Mr. Trevo looked at Charles in bewilderment. "Is that what you're calling us here for?"
"Oh, you don't have to be so strict," Charles smiled and waved his hand, "It's just a meeting to exchange opinions, it's not like I'm asking you for it." I'm just saying that we now have some deficiencies in the operation of the military, and then we can talk about how to solve them. ”
"I don't know what the flaws are?"
"You'll know when you see it." Charles gestured, and his secretary distributed stacks of jiàns to several of the highest-ranking officials.
This was a summary of the exercises written by Lucien and his colleagues after returning to Paris at the invitation of Charles - and there was naturally a section on weapons at Charles' behest.
It's a very long report, and of course no one will be able to read it in a short time, but that's not a problem. Because there are not many paragraphs on the theme of this meeting, and they have already been highlighted by Shire.
“…… Although the courage and tactical discipline of the soldiers were unquestionable, the standard weapons used by the soldiers of the 6th Army were rather old. It is a pity that the arms exhibition, which is not adapted to the new era, has greatly discounted the bravery of our soldiers, and has made people worry about the ability and strength of the army to resist pressure in the future......" Mr. de Trivo read the circled contents, and then looked up at Charles suspiciously, as if he understood something. "What do you mean, Mr. Trelville. Are you not satisfied with the standard weapons that our soldiers use now? ”
"This is not my opinion, it is the opinion of the officers involved in the exercises." Charles replied with a smile.
"The reports in the hands of officials have always reflected the opinions of officials. Otherwise it wouldn't have come out at all, would it? "Mr. Trevo sneered and asked, as if to say, 'It's all in the government, don't try to fool us......'" So. I want to ask. What is your opinion on this report? ”
"Hmm...... After a period of investigation, I agree in principle. Xia Eryan nodded solemnly, as if the suggestion had really been made by someone else and he had considered it carefully.
His words caused a commotion in the conference room, and the gaze that met him was not so friendly.
"The rifle that is now used in the army was only finalized and produced a few years ago, and I think it is still an advanced weapon, and the problems reflected in this report are absurd." Baron de Hirlo, the chief of the Division in charge of weapons procurement, immediately spoke, "Sir. You should not listen to such baseless hearsay. ”
As a standard rifle recently adopted by the soldiers of the 6th Army, the M1E1842 smoothbore gun is indeed not an old equipment. It has been mass-produced ever since. Now it has basically spread to all units of the 6th Army. And, in all fairness, it's really a pretty good smoothbore gun.
But unfortunately, even so, it is still a work that should be eliminated.
"In this day and age, the exhibition of science and civilization is enough to make a few years represent the past centuries." Charles looked at the baron firmly, "Yes, it hasn't been around for a few years, but there is no doubt that it is outdated, and it is time for us to replace it with a better and more epoch-making weapon in order to effectively improve the combat effectiveness of the army." Or, sir, are you against the use of more advanced weapons by the 6 Army? ”
The baron was speechless, no one could afford this hat. He stole a glance at Monsieur de Trivo, hoping that his boss would stop the young man who was going crazy.
"Of course, we have no objection to the upgrading of the equipment of the 6th Army, but this must be done under the leadership of capable and experienced people......" Living up to his expectations, Mr. de Trivo stood up at the right time, "and this kind of heavy affairs, we cannot let a layman make judgments or decisions, he does not have the corresponding knowledge, and therefore does not have the corresponding qualifications." ”
"Each of us has an obligation to serve the country in times of need, sir." Charles looked at the other rather unkindly, "Military power is the most important pillar that sustains our country, and it deserves more attention than any other issue, so don't you think I'm right when even people who have nothing to do with it should do what they can to do something good for our power?" ”
This undisguised toughness made Mr. de Trivo couldn't help but be slightly stunned.
Before he could figure out how to refute Charles's high-sounding words, Charles continued.
"That said, you don't think there's anything wrong with what I'm saying, do you?" Charles sneered, "I have the right and the right to do my duty as a citizen, not to mention that I am not unrelated to anyone now, so I ask you to think about my mention in detail, sir." ”
After a moment of silence, as if sensing Charles' unchangeable determination, Monsieur de Trivo sighed helplessly.
"Well, let's not talk about whether this accusation can be established, and if it does, how are you going to solve it? Instruct the military industry to do everything possible to prescribe a new type of rifle? ”
"There's no need to be so troublesome, we now have a good choice......" Seeing that the topic finally fell here, Charles couldn't help but smile, "In France, there is now such a rifle, which can give our soldiers several times the range advantage before, which is an epoch-making weapon." ”
"This ...... How is this possible? You're not kidding, are you? Mr. de Trivo looked at his subordinates.
"I'm certainly not going to talk nonsense at such an important meeting." Charles replied calmly, "If you want to confirm it, it's actually very simple, I have the drawings of this new rifle here, and even the real thing, I hope you can arrange a comparison of the real ones as much as possible, so that you can analyze the advantages and disadvantages......"
"This is a gross interference in our work! You don't have the right to do that! Baron de Hirlo's face was already red, and he didn't even talk about etiquette, and directly glared at Charles, "Sir, it is our responsibility to equip the French team with what kind of weapons, not yours, and you can't interfere in our affairs because of your own preferences!" ”
"This kind of talk is completely unreasonable, is there a better weapon, and I don't even have the right to recommend it to you?" Charles frowned slightly, "The question is very simple, I don't want to force your neck to force you to adopt my opinion, I just say that I can recommend you a better weapon, which can bring revolutionary changes to the soldier's rifle and greatly enhance the combat effectiveness of the army." ”
"Even then, it's not your job." De Trevo looked at Charles coldly, "Everyone should do their part, this is the right way for an institution to keep running well." ”
"In other words, you won't even give it a try? Even if the real thing can I put in front of your eyes? Charles asked in a deep voice, trying to suppress the anger in his heart.
"No, sir, you can keep it to yourself, we have our own way of working, and we don't need anyone to dictate us." De Trivo replied immediately.
Charles was silent, glancing at every official present, but not a single supporter was revealed. On the contrary, it was as if they all had the same hatred and wanted to resist his brutal interference.
It seems that we can't talk about this issue today.
He was angry, but he couldn't do it, so he remained calm.
"So, let's adjourn the meeting today, and I'll reconsider."
"Goodbye, sir." De Trivo immediately stood up, then nodded coldly, and led the way out of the room.
Soon, Charles was the only one left in the conference room.
Charles remained silent, sitting expressionlessly in the conference room.
He encountered a strange setback, which caused his already terrible mood to fall to a new bottom.
However, he does not intend to bow to this setback.
Didn't you have to be mentally prepared in the first place?
You can't stop me. (To be continued!)
Tips: The new domain name "biquge.info" has been launched by Biquge, and the original domain name is about to be discontinued. Please tell each other, thank you!