I Am the Crown Prince in France

Chapter 284 Follow the Strong

Joseph smiled happily. Now he has retained the emperor, but as for his heart... Nahuang is only 20 years old now, and there will be plenty of time and opportunities to cultivate relationships in the future.

He, Berthier and others entered the office of the Chief of General Staff, sat down on the chair at the head, and motioned to everyone: "Everyone, please sit down.

"I have read the report sent by the General Staff Headquarters before. You all have done an excellent job and got this place up and running in a very short time."

Of course, most of this is due to Berthier.

If his level of leading troops in battle is 70 points, then his ability as an auxiliary staff officer can definitely get 100 points. It's not that he can only score 100, but that the highest score is only 100. In this regard, he is definitely the most outstanding genius in France!

Berthier and the officers immediately stood up and shouted: "It is our honor to serve His Majesty the King!"

Joseph motioned for everyone to sit down and continued: "In addition to the basic recruitment and training work during this period, there are still many things that the general staff needs to be busy with.

“The first thing is to conduct a ‘whole-army combat effectiveness assessment’.

"All legions must participate. As long as they can meet the assessment standards, they can obtain the title of 'Royal'. Officers who perform well in the assessment will also be promoted."

Berthier was a little surprised and said: "Your Highness, is this reward too heavy? I mean, this is just an assessment..."

Joseph smiled and shook his head: "No, if you know the assessment standards, you will think that this reward is very reasonable."

"Then, what are the assessment standards?"

"Follow the daily training standards of the Guards Corps and slightly improve them. Any regiment that can do it will be considered qualified."

When Berthier heard this, he immediately showed a knowing smile - looking at the whole of France, except for the Royal Guards Corps, even including the elite Swiss Guards, who can run 5 kilometers in 22 minutes? Not to mention carrying 18 pounds...

There are also shooting, formation, obstacle crossing, tactical coordination and other events later. Not to mention whether those old-style armies can meet the standards, they may have never even heard of some training events!

A staff officer who was brought up from the Guards Corps next to him hesitated and said: "Your Highness, there should be no regiment that can pass the assessment. So, what is the significance of the assessment?"

"Good question." Joseph cast an approving look at him, "So after the assessment, they will definitely say 'no one can meet such standards'. At this time, it is up to the Guards to destroy their self-confidence. Tell them what the real elite is.”

Berthier and others suddenly had strange expressions on their faces, the Crown Prince must be too cruel. This means that the soldiers of other legions will always live in the shadow of the Guards Legion from now on.

Joseph smiled again and said: "Remember to send application forms to those in the legion after the assessment."

Berthier didn't respond: "Application form?"

"Well, the application form to join the Guards Corps. Remember that the review and approval must be strict. As long as you have talent and courage, waste must not enter the Guards Corps!"

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Joseph didn't think that this demonstration alone could convince the noble officers, but at least it could leave a deep mark on their hearts.

In the final analysis, to completely convince them, the Guards Corps must achieve impressive results on the battlefield.

In the previous battle in Tunisia, the opponent was only a North African army whose equipment, training, and command were lagging behind the times. And the battle against the Montcalm Legion had an element of calculation. None of this convinced the arrogant French aristocratic officers.

Only by facing a real European army and achieving an overwhelming victory can the powerful combat effectiveness of the Guards Corps be truly demonstrated.

Soldiers respect the strong - as long as you are strong enough, they will naturally follow you.

Just like taking the throne, whether he is establishing a republic or proclaiming himself emperor, everyone from nobles to common people will follow him without hesitation. Even if he was exiled, he could still make countless soldiers cheer for his return.

After discussing some details of the army's combat effectiveness assessment with the staff, Joseph continued: "Next we will talk about the situation in the Far East.

"I wonder if you have received the news that the Kingdom of Mysore in India had a dispute with the Dutch and the State of Travancore?"

Berthier and others looked at each other in confusion. An officer quickly left the conference room and returned not long after with a document.

After the staff circulated the document, they all looked at His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in surprise.

That was intelligence sent just two days ago from Pondicherry, India, saying that there was a possibility of conflict in the princely states in southwestern India, and the Dutch were involved in it. As for details, nothing was mentioned.

But His Royal Highness the Crown Prince knows everything about what is going on there. Could it be that the Intelligence Bureau has already reached out to the Far East? !

Of course Joseph would not explain it to them, and it was unclear. The Intelligence Bureau has barely managed North Africa now. Even the Americas have only just begun to penetrate. Naturally, the Far East is a no-brainer.

At present, the information on the Far East is provided by businessmen and diplomats, so the content is very vague.

Only he, the one who opened the game, knew the details.

Joseph also glanced at the military intelligence and had to introduce the situation in Mysore to the staff first: "The cause of the matter was that the prince of Travancore purchased two fortresses in the territory of Mysore...

"That's probably what happened. Tipu Sultan of Mysore has always been strong. He would never allow a rival prince to hammer two nails under his nose, so I think it is highly likely that he will go to war with Travancore. "

One staff officer mused: "Travancore has our interests, and perhaps we should support it."

Joseph shook his head: "On the contrary, Mr. Major.

“Travancore was by no means a match for Mysore and they were bound to seek help from the British.

"The British have long disliked Mysore. It is the only kingdom in India that has not surrendered to them, so they will definitely take this opportunity to declare war on Mysore."

He looked around at everyone: "Our interests in Travancore are simply insignificant. We even only exist in the entire Far East and have no interests at all.

“So our goal should be to consume as many British people as possible in the Far East!

"That said, we will support Mysuru."

The staff officers looked at each other again and nodded slowly.

Berthier said with some hesitation: "Your Highness, if we directly send troops, it is likely to trigger a full-scale war from Britain against us."

Joseph nodded: “So, we must hide ourselves as much as possible.

"The main thing is to assist Mysore with weapons and equipment - try not to use French weapons, and send officers. As for the army, you can choose a small number of Tunisians, who have the same religious beliefs as the Mysore people."