I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France
Chapter 150 Shire Has No Secrets at All

Chapter 150: Chapter 150 Shire Has No Secrets at All

The next day, the newspapers in Paris were filled with news about Shire:

"Parliament has decided to let Shire take command. Can he perform miracles once again?"

"If Shire succeeds in recovering Lafox, it will not only prove his capabilities but also mean that his tanks have defeated the enemy!"

"It may even lead to a complete overhaul of France’s tactical theories!"

...

It wasn’t just France; the media of Britain, the United States, Russia, and even Germany shifted their focus to this defense line of only twenty-something kilometers.

They all sent their reporters to the Lafox area, and some war correspondents vied for the first scoop by going straight to the front lines.

The once obscure Lafox region suddenly became a hotspot, as if the entire three hundred-kilometer front line had action only here!

...

On the western side of the Lafox Defense Line, about ten kilometers from the front line, in the small town of Fairworth, reporters from around the world gathered early on.

There were also volunteers organized by private groups and the first batch of donated supplies, making this small town of just a few hundred people unusually lively.

Some held umbrellas, some wore raincoats, and some even ran to and fro directly in the drizzling rain, all busy with their tasks.

Everyone was waiting for Shire’s forces and his tanks, but they had yet to appear.

Reporters naturally turned their cameras to Xia Fei, who hadn’t left yet:

"General, do you think Shire can successfully recover Lafox?"

"We heard that the Germans have strengthened their artillery at Lafox. Now the enemy’s artillery and shells are several times more than before. Do you think this is fair to Shire?"

"Are you staying here to put pressure on Shire?"

...

Xia Fei could ignore other questions, but the last one hit a nerve.

Gallieni had repeatedly asked Xia Fei and his command post to leave the Lafox area because it could pose a threat to Shire’s command:

Shire was remotely commanding from the City Defense Headquarters in Paris via telephone and radio, while the front line had a supreme command post set up by the French Commander-in-Chief.

In wartime, if Xia Fei issued orders to Shire’s attack forces, what would the front-line troops do?

Or, if communication was interrupted, would it be natural for Xia Fei to take over command of these troops?

This would put immense pressure on Shire and his forces, making them constantly fear being usurped. The troops would worry about being sent to the battlefield as cannon fodder for internal power struggles.

Everyone knew this, but Xia Fei had another explanation.

Xia Fei straightened his chest in front of the reporters and calmly replied:

"I believe that a competent commander must at least be able to command on the battlefield in person."

"Because the rapid changes in battlefield situations often exceed everyone’s expectations, there are always some unforeseen emergencies."

"Commanding via telephone and radio can’t handle these issues in a timely manner!"

"The reason my command post and I are staying here is to ensure these dangers do not occur!"

...

Other reporters chimed in, but only the reporter from the Little Daily was tactless enough to continue:

"But General, as far as I know, you adhere to a strict schedule at all times, even during battles."

"So how do you deal with these emergencies while you’re asleep?"

Xia Fei was stunned for a moment and hastily replied, "I have temporary commanders arranged, sir. I’m confident they can handle those emergencies!"

The reporter pressed on, "Could Shire use the same command mode? I mean, arrange temporary commanders to deal with frontline emergencies while he handles strategic direction and planning from Paris..."

Deputy Commander Kanes timely interrupted, "Today’s interview time is over, gentlemen. The Commander-in-Chief has many other matters to attend to. You can ask your questions next time!"

Saying this, Kanes escorted Xia Fei out amidst a barrage of questions from the reporters.

As the reporters dispersed in disappointment, someone in the crowd shouted, "Shire’s troops have set off, they have set off!"

The reporters, smelling a hot story, swarmed over:

"What’s going on? How do you know Shire’s troops have set off?"

"Who told you?"

"Is the information reliable?"

...

The speaker was a volunteer. He replied, "Shire’s train usually leaves at five in the morning, but today, we’ve been waiting until now for it to depart!"

Reporters checked the time; it was already past eight, which was indeed unusual, suggesting that what was being transported was tanks and troops.

Someone voiced concern, "Does this tell the Germans that they’re coming?"

A military journalist looked around and smiled as he explained, "It seems there’s no need to hide it!"

The reporters suddenly understood, with some nodding in agreement while others shook their heads in worry.

Lafox was crowded and chaotic, with several German spies or bribed traitors mixed in. Shire’s troops’ movements couldn’t be concealed.

Taking a soft laugh, the Little Daily reporter said, "Do you think this was someone’s deliberate act?"

The reporters looked at each other, then some strange expressions appeared on their faces. The military journalist made a hush gesture, and they all exchanged knowing looks.

Under normal circumstances, the town of Fairworth, serving as a bridgehead for the Lafox offensive, should be under martial law.

All the roads from the railway station to Fairworth Town should be closed and guarded, with police or troops dispatched to check for potential spies.

But now, there was nothing. Anyone could come and go freely. Was this normal?

...

In the 16th district of Paris, Steed had an estate in this wealthy area, with a vineyard exclusively for making wine.

Steed, in his gold robe, sat at the dining table, nonchalantly eating while taking a check from the butler.

"This is the payment from the military for purchasing grenades, sir," explained the butler.

Steed raised an eyebrow, shaking the check with satisfaction. Though it wasn’t a large amount, it represented hope in Steed’s eyes.

"Saint-Etienne is about to shine again, Lucas!" Steed smiled, seemingly seeing the glorious future.

The phone rang, and the butler, Lucas, hurried to answer it. Shortly after, he returned and reported, "It’s the Little Daily. They say Shire’s whereabouts have been deliberately exposed, and his operations at Lafox are completely transparent!"

Steed responded with an "Hmm," as if it was within his expectations.

After all, his opponents were Xia Fei, Schneider, the Automobile Technical Services Department, and the right-wing aristocrats, encompassing most of the powerful and influential officials.

However, Steed believed that Shire could still achieve victory, although he didn’t know what method Shire would use.

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