Chapter 687: The Trap Set by Charles
In the conference room, only Briand remained calm.
He understood the situation in the parliament. Many of the parliamentarians had been bribed by the British or even the Germans. Once the military plan was revealed in parliament, it would no longer be a secret to the Germans.
However, Briand faced a dilemma. He couldn't outright dismiss the plan proposed by Gallieni, and Briand's military knowledge was not advanced enough to identify flaws in the plan.
After thinking for a while, Briand believed he had found a way to break through.
He took the map and walked to the podium, looking up at Gallieni: "Mr. Minister, the focus of this plan is to capture the Liege Fortress, correct?"
"Yes," Gallieni nodded. Everything was based on the occupation of the Liege Fortress.
"But as far as I know, the Germans have repaired about 80% of the Liege Fortress." Briand asked again, "Additionally, the Germans have set up a large number of land mines, barbed wire, and anti-tank trenches outside the fortress. How does Charles plan to capture it?"
This question alerted the parliamentarians, and they quickly joined in, speaking over each other:
"Yes, the Germans have been fortifying the Liege Fortress for almost two years. It's full of giant fortifications and large-caliber artillery."
"Moreover, it is wedged between the Ardennes Forest and the Netherlands, with no other routes to bypass it. The only option is to assault it directly."
"I've also heard that the Germans have added several artillery divisions and stored a large number of shells there."
Some parliamentarians, with limited military knowledge, shouted:
"Charles' armored units are not suitable for attacking such a fortress; they'll be blown to pieces by German artillery."
"If Charles cannot break through the Liege Fortress, then this plan is pointless, and we cannot defeat the Germans."
…
Briand continued to look at Gallieni and asked, "General, does Charles have a plan to attack the Liege Fortress?"
Then he added, with a hint of regret in his voice:
"Please believe me, I really hope he does."
"Because no one would be unwilling to achieve victory, especially not me."
"But I fear that if we go all-in to attack the Liege Fortress and fail, on the other side, the British Expeditionary Force might be crushed by the enemy."
The parliamentarians voiced their support:
"We cannot place our hopes on unrealistic fantasies."
"Even if it's not a fantasy, this plan is still a risky venture."
"Should we fail, the Allies will break apart, and France will lose all support, ultimately being defeated by Germany!"
…
Gallieni's face turned red, and he stammered, "Yes, of course, Charles does have a plan to attack the Liege Fortress."
"What is it?" Briand asked again.
"I… I cannot say, Mr. Prime Minister." Gallieni replied. "Sorry, this is a military secret, I've already disclosed too much. If I say anything more, this plan may never be implemented…"
"You only need to reveal a little," Briand pressed him. "Just enough to make us believe. Or, convince us and then impose martial law on all the parliamentarians like before."
"This is different, Mr. Prime Minister." Gallieni responded. "Charles' attack is still at least a month away. We can't keep all the parliamentarians locked up for that long!"
Briand smiled slightly: "Perhaps Charles never had a plan to attack the Liege Fortress at all."
The parliamentarians immediately started murmuring.
Briand believed that Charles had a plan to attack the fortress. In fact, he even believed Charles could capture the Liege Fortress and possibly maneuver around the German defense lines to end the war.
But Briand was certain that Gallieni would never reveal this plan, even if it was just a hint.
Because the attack on Liege Fortress was too crucial. It could almost decide the outcome of the entire campaign.
Briand had seized on this point to reverse the momentum that had initially favored Charles, and the parliamentarians began to argue that Charles and his forces should be sent to Dunkirk to reinforce the British.
Meanwhile, public opinion even began to spread the idea that Charles was unwilling to rush to Dunkirk to help the British because he did not want to give up his interests in Belgium.
…
Namur Castle.
Charles received a telegram from Paris, informing him that the parliament was in an uproar over whether to send reinforcements to Dunkirk. However, he didn't care much about it and casually tossed the telegram aside.
Tigani smiled gently at the telegram: "Is this your idea?"
"What?" Charles pretended not to understand.
"The plan mentioned by General Gallieni," Tigani raised his head, holding up the telegram. "And Steed and my father's support for you. They've gone to great lengths to make others believe that we have a plan to attack the Liege Fortress."
Charles responded, "Did it work?"
"Should have!" Tigani nodded. "I heard that the Germans have added two infantry divisions to the Liege Fortress. Also, they are building trenches outside the fortress, seemingly preparing for the possible loss of the fortress."
The Germans had lost confidence after being repeatedly beaten by Charles. Even though the Liege Fortress was a stronghold, they were worried it might be broken through by Charles.
…
In Berlin, Fagginhan received word that Charles was planning to attack the Liege Fortress.
He immediately became anxious and convened a meeting, instructing his staff:
"Although we don't know what method Charles will use to capture the Liege Fortress, we must never assume he can't do it."
"History has shown us time and again that Charles can achieve the impossible."
"Therefore, we should assume that Charles will succeed!"
…
If they assumed that Charles could succeed, the cost would be high: not only would the German forces need to send more troops to Liege, but they would also need to build defensive lines north of the fortress to prevent Charles from infiltrating.
This was exactly what Charles wanted to see.
Only in this way could he draw the German forces and resources toward the Liege Fortress, rather than toward the critical position of Mezizer on the Somme.
At this moment, a guard came forward to report: "General, King Albert I is outside."
"Let him in," Charles nodded, knowing why King Albert I had come.
As expected, when King Albert I entered, his face was pale, as though disaster was imminent: "General, I want to know if you plan to leave here?"
If Charles' forces left to reinforce Dunkirk, Belgium would be finished.
Although Charles would eventually return to fight again, the Belgian people could hardly endure such repeated invasions!
"Yes, I can only leave, Your Majesty!" Charles replied calmly and assuredly.
"No, you cannot do that," King Albert I's face turned ashen: "You must, at the very least, set up defenses for Belgium."
"Of course," Charles nodded. "I'll leave the 6th Army here."
"I know my forces aren't very strong, but perhaps we can hold out until you return…"
King Albert I anxiously spoke, not even fully understanding what Charles had said.
Suddenly, it dawned on him, and he stared at Charles in shock: "What? You're leaving the 6th Army here?"
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