He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 73

(73) The Age of Revolutionary Wars: There are Three Generals

In the tumultuous times of the Revolution, Napoleon wasn’t the only one who thrived in the original historical timeline.

“Three Stars? What is this about? I’ve never heard of this term before.”

In December 1794, Napoleon departed Paris with 1,000 men from the Marseille Postal Special Regiment.

The brigade-level troops and National Guard forces originally brought from Marseille remained in Paris.

The new commander of the National Guard was Marceau.

From Napoleon’s perspective, he entrusted the rear to a trusted adjutant who had worked with him since Toulon.

Furthermore, the core of the unit he was taking as a personal guard was none other than Eugene’s Special Company.

From Eugene’s point of view, the march had become quite comfortable.

However, Napoleon’s regiment’s route was not towards Italy.

It was a road leading from Metz, a city on the eastern border of France.

Ippolito, who was leisurely reading a newspaper while sitting in the supply wagon, asked.

Eugene, who was taking a break nearby, glanced at the newspaper.

-〈New Directory Government Declares Counter-Revolutionary Forces Repelled with the Three Stars!〉

It was an article on the front page of a newspaper bought in Metz earlier.

Eugene casually replied without even looking at the article.

He already knew about it from Paris.

“General Napoleon in the Vendée, General Hoche in Flanders, and General Moreau in the Rhine. Those are the three.”

“Wait, I know about Bonaparte and Hoche, but who is Moreau? I’ve never heard of him before? What happened to General Jourdan, the commander of the Northern Army?”

“Moreau is the conqueror of Mainz. He’s the most prominent figure on the Rhine front right now, which is currently vacant.”

Suddenly, Ippolito’s eyes widened.

“Oh, come to think of it, wasn’t Mainz the battlefield where General Kléber failed and retreated? That’s impressive.”

The city called Mayenne in French.

In modern history, it is called Mainz again after returning to Germany.

It is a border area that has been repeatedly occupied and recaptured between France and Germany for quite some time.

During the reign of Louis XIV, France succeeded in conquering Mainz.

However, shortly after the revolution began, Austrian forces occupied Mainz.

It was Kléber’s Mainz division that was defeated in Mainz at this time and assigned to the Vendée, taking responsibility for the defeat.

They are comrades who fought alongside Eugene’s Special Company.

Although Napoleon became the terminator of the Vendée, everyone in the Revolutionary Army knows that Kléber is a capable general.

However, he conquered a city where Kléber, a top-tier general, had been defeated.

It’s natural to be impressed.

Eugene nodded as he watched him.

“That’s the reaction the Directory wants. Or maybe it’s what Danton wants.”

“Huh? What do you mean by that?”

“A new government has been established. The economy is a mess, and the war situation is not good. The anti-French alliance is still firmly maintained.”

The revolt of the sans-culottes [working-class revolutionaries] was successfully suppressed.

Even firing grapeshot at citizens was tolerated.

Anyway, Robespierre, the de facto head of the government, was killed by rioters.

Even if it were not just shelling but a bayonet massacre, everyone would have to accept it.

The problem is what comes next.

Just because a new Directory government has been established doesn’t mean a bumper crop will suddenly appear.

Trade is still being hampered by the British fleet.

The new Directory government has decided to reverse this situation with a massive war.

At that time, Junot, who was driving a horse next to the supply wagon, tilted his head.

Junot was also promoted after suppressing the Fructidor coup [a royalist uprising], and a colonel’s insignia gleamed on his shoulder.

“Wait a minute. Is it that bad? Generals Dugommier in the Pyrenees and Jourdan in Flanders are still holding their ground, aren’t they?”

“Junot, you have a better grasp of the war situation than I thought. I thought you only saw what’s in front of you. Or maybe it’s the beautiful women.”

“Hey! I was the commander of the National Guard regiment, you know? I roughly know the entire French military structure!”

Junot flared up, and Duroc shook his head while Marmont chuckled.

No matter how impulsive Junot’s personality is, he had been an officer in the Paris National Guard headquarters.

That means he was in a place where he could obtain all the information on the French military strategy and structure.

This applies to the entire command of Napoleon’s regiment, which is currently marching.

Everyone here has been reporting, learning, and researching information on the entire French Revolutionary Army for about a year.

This will probably be a great foundation when they take on military command in the future.

However, it is also true that there are still things that soldiers cannot see.

Eugene shrugged.

“That’s right. General Claude Michaud, the current commander of the Rhine Army, is also here. The problem is that all of them are generals appointed by the previous regime.”

Seeing Junot, Marmont, and Duroc, who were surprised to realize what he meant, Eugene said.

“Of course, Danton would want to replace them all with new faces.”

In short, it’s not necessarily a matter of merit or ability.

Danton is not a military expert anyway.

Perhaps there were recommendations from Carnot, who is not a director but still in charge of military administration, or Lafayette, who has military command experience.

As a result, three young generals who rose during the Revolutionary Wars came to the fore.

Napoleon, 25, Hoche, 26, and Moreau, 31.

In effect, the fate of the French military was entrusted to young people.

Junot tilted his head.

“Wait, is the commander of Flanders also being replaced?”

“Jourdan seems to be faltering. He won’t be completely dismissed, but the Northern Army will be reorganized around the Moselle Corps, and he will be given independent operational rights. That’s the army Hoche commands.”

“Wow, General Hoche has made it big! Isn’t he Monsieur Joseph’s ‘brother-in-law’? Right, Commander?”

At that moment, Napoleon, who was riding at the head, nodded.

“Yes, Hoche is a reliable person. The Directory government has made a good appointment.”

“He’s a friend of Robespierre, but he got away with it, fortunately.”

“Huh, if you put it that way, wasn’t I also chosen by Robespierre?”

Instantly, Napoleon narrowed his brows.

“The problem is Moreau. I’ve only heard his name, but I don’t know exactly what he’s thinking.”

In fact, Eugene has never met Moreau either.

In the original history, Moreau achieved great success on the Rhine front but clashed with Napoleon.

He even refused Napoleon’s proposal to marry his adopted daughter, Hortense.

In the end, the conflict between Moreau and Napoleon ended in exile.

What will happen now?

Napoleon is still devoted to the revolution, and Moreau is at the height of his career.

Suddenly, Eugene smiled and said to Napoleon.

“That’s why we’re going to meet him today, isn’t it? In the midst of this busy schedule.”

Napoleon nodded silently and spurred his horse.

-Neigh!

This is where Napoleon’s regiment is going now.

Mainz, the easternmost front of France.

Furthermore, it is the location of Moreau’s Rhine Army headquarters.

***

The front line was filled with gunpowder smoke.

-Bang!

The sound of sporadic skirmishes could be heard in the distance.

It’s not a full-scale battle that would require the commander to move directly.

However, it is a dangerous area where you can encounter the enemy at any time.

Even in this situation, a man with a stern attitude greeted Napoleon and Eugene.

“Welcome to Mainz. This is the front line that defends the revolution.”

The army gathered on the Rhine front numbered as many as 300,000.

Not to mention Italy, which is not the main front, it is a much larger scale than the Vendée, where there was a civil war, or the Flanders front, where a conquest war is in progress.

The man in front of them is Jean Victor Moreau, the commander who is leading France’s largest border army.

Silver-gray hair close to white, a stubborn expression, and fierce eyes that gleam.

Eugene thought that he would not be an easy opponent.

Napoleon reached out his hand first.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Bonaparte, in charge of the Italian Army. I’m in charge of the southern front in this operation.”

“Pleased to meet you. In the end, the main battlefield is the Rhine, and the key is to defend it from Italy.”

“What did you just say?”

Napoleon’s face changed.

The main battlefield is the Rhine front, right here.

So, fulfill your role as auxiliary troops and concentrate on defense.

That’s what Moreau just said.

However, there was no arrogance to be found on Moreau’s face.

Rather, only a sense of responsibility to fulfill his duty was felt.

With a mechanically cold and stern attitude, Moreau replied.

“I’m talking about the basics of the military, General Bonaparte. Our main enemy is ultimately the Holy Roman Empire, especially the Austrian army.”

“I agree with that, but.”

“Josiah, the victor of the Dutch defense, and the Emperor’s brother, Archduke Karl, are coming to the Rhine. We must defeat them.”

Moreau pointed to a map on the desk.

“To do that, thorough defense is needed in Flanders and Italy. A defensive battle is absolutely necessary.”

It is literally textbook.

France’s eastern border consists of Flanders, the Holy Roman Empire, Switzerland, and the Italian Peninsula.

The places where battles are taking place are Flanders and the Rhine River, which is the border area of the Holy Roman Empire.

In particular, the main forces of the enemies, Prussia and Austria, have dispatched large armies to the Rhine.

Therefore, winning in this area is the key to winning the Rhine War.

The Flanders and Italian armies must concentrate on defense.

It is very common sense, textbook, and orthodox.

However, if they are only going to concentrate on defense, why would Napoleon abandon Paris and jump into the front lines?

Moreover, there is a significant problem with Moreau’s words in terms of strategy.

That’s when it happened.

“I can’t agree with that. General Napoleon, can you?”

Napoleon turned his head and was surprised.

“Hoche!”

“It’s been a while, brother-in-law. Oh, can I call you that? In fact, if you think about it, my wife could have been the general’s wife.”

“Why are you making such jokes? Come to think of it, Désirée went to Flanders?”

When Napoleon gladly grabbed Hoche’s hand, Hoche grabbed it back with force and smiled kindly.

“That’s right. I told her that the battlefield was dangerous, but she finally came up this time. It’s all because of that boy aide over there.”

Eugene, who was sitting next to Napoleon as his chief adjutant, widened his eyes.

Moreau is also here.

Why is Hoche suddenly mentioning Eugene and showing intimacy?

It is clearly to show his bond with Napoleon.

In an instant, Eugene, realizing Hoche’s intention, smiled and asked back.

“Me? Why is that, Commander Hoche?”

“How could Désirée come up here alone in the first place? It’s all because you put guards on her, Eugene. Nicolas brought her.”

“Nicolas Surcouf? That guy smuggles, why would he do that?”

This time, Eugene was surprised in a different sense.

Nicolas Surcouf is the captain in charge of smuggling in the Boarneh Cartel [a smuggling ring].

However, in fact, Nicolas is also close to Hoche.

Hoche winked.

“If you know that friend, I have crossed the Atlantic with him. Well, maybe he thought I was lonely. Or maybe he felt sorry for Désirée.”

Remembering the adventures he once went on to Martinique, Hoche and Eugene smiled at each other.

Of course, there was one man who was uncomfortable with this sight.

Clearing his throat, Moreau said.

“Ahem! You seem to be close. Anyway, why don’t you agree? Today’s meeting is also to notify you of the final strategy of the Rhine War.”
Hoche smiled and turned his gaze back to Moreau.

As Moreau just said.

The reason why Hoche came all the way to Mainz, even leaving the battlefield, is to hold a strategic meeting to carry out the anti-French alliance war that the Directory government announced the Three Stars would conduct.

But now, it seemed like they would only confirm their differences.

“Ah, I almost forgot to talk about that. It’s simple, Commander Moreau. Flanders is the front line facing England. In particular, if we don’t occupy the Netherlands, England may launch a full-scale invasion.”

“Ha, will that happen? Even Louis XIV couldn’t do it, now?”

“Maybe it’s possible now? I don’t think the Dutch citizens won’t sympathize with the revolution.”

Once in the 17th century, France tried to occupy the Netherlands.

Of course, it failed, and thanks to that, the Netherlands was still an independent country, a powerful country with a thriving finance and shipping industry.

However, Revolutionary France is aiming for the Netherlands, following Austrian Flanders.

The Flanders Army has repeatedly failed so far.

What Hoche is trying to obtain is the victory that surpasses that failure.

Of course, it’s a difficult task.

However, in Hoche’s view, now is the opportunity, as the main forces of the Allied forces are concentrated on the Rhine.

“Besides, Italy is Austria’s rear. If there is no opportunity, I don’t know, but if there is an opportunity, it is a battlefield that should not be missed.”

Hoche also praised the Italian front that Napoleon was in charge of, and elegantly isolated Moreau.

The complexions of the adjutants under Moreau changed.

Then Napoleon clapped his hands and joined in.

“This is exactly what our brother-in-law sees! That’s right, Italy is the place where you can grab the Emperor’s lifeline! It is the land of long-cherished desire that the kings of France have tried to conquer!”

Eugene quickly examined Moreau and his adjutants.

Among them, there will probably be generals who will work under Napoleon in the future.

Who was on the Rhine front during this period?

[Louis Charles de Sade, Joseph Souham, Laurent Saint-Cyr.]

Suddenly, the white silver letters came to mind every time he looked at the adjutants.

Eugene engraved their faces in his eyes.

He may not be able to go to Italy with them, but there may come a day when they will fight together.

At that moment, Eugene’s notification disappeared into the noise.

-Bang!

The 31-year-old youth with a stern and stubborn face was slamming the desk.

“I fully understand your intentions.”

Moreau glared at Napoleon and Hoche and said sternly.

“I understand the ambition to gain glory. You may have the ability. I also know very well the merits you have already established in the Vendée and Dunkirk.”

“General, we are now talking about an effective strategy to annihilate the enemy.”

“You’re wrong!”

Towards Hoche, who was protesting, Moreau raised his voice.

“We are the vanguard of the Republic. Only guardians! I have no authority to force the generals. But please keep in mind.”

Republic.

A system without a king created by the revolution.

Moreau believes in this system.

Even in the original history, he kept his place even though his father Gabriel was beheaded during the Reign of Terror.

Rather, now that his father did not die because of Robespierre, Moreau’s heart is firm.

With loyalty to the French Revolution.

But what should we do to protect this republic?

Moreau, a man of principle, was convinced.

“If we don’t win on the Rhine, the Republic will perish. That’s the alpha and omega of this full-scale offensive, the beginning and the end!”

What if the Rhine is breached?

The counter-revolutionary forces will rise again throughout France.

The legions of the anti-French alliance will invade French territory.

This will appear in reality after Napoleon’s defeat at Leipzig in the original history.

Moreau, who was in charge of the easternmost front line, was thoroughly feeling the tightening responsibility.

He wanted the other two commanders to know this feeling.

That’s why, even though the front line was urgent, he took the time to call Hoche and Napoleon.

At that moment, Napoleon broke his baton.

-Crack!

Throwing away the broken baton, Napoleon glared at Moreau.

“Then you better know it clearly, Moreau.”

It’s not as thick as the marshal’s baton in later generations, but the general’s baton during the Revolutionary period is also considerable.

Eugene was quite impressed with his remarkable grip strength.

He must have strengthened his muscles by training as an artilleryman.

However, Napoleon did not break the baton to show off his grip strength.

It was to express his intention not to be commanded by Moreau.

Napoleon urged Moreau.

“Protecting the Republic is not about stubbornness or fixed battlefields. It’s about victory that defeats the enemy.”

“No, so on the Rhine!”

“I’m not saying this because I’m not in charge of the Rhine battlefield. The Revolutionary government has no more resources to continue the war. We must win as quickly as possible and end the war as quickly as possible!”

Napoleon declared to Moreau.

“To do that, whether it’s Flanders or Italy, we must directly strike the enemy’s main force with a detour and annihilate it! That’s the key and the alpha and omega of the strategy!”

Napoleon has never commanded a large-scale war.

His combat achievements are limited to civil war.

But these words are the key to a new era, a new war paradigm.

A new war paradigm that overturns the stereotypes of the 18th century.

That the main force, not the capital or fortress, is the core of the war.

In the moment that Moreau blinked, Napoleon turned his back and went out of the barracks.

“If you don’t understand that, you can’t win, Moreau.”

In the end, Moreau will not understand, but Moreau is not the only one here.

Eugene and Hoche, and the members of the Napoleon Club, confidently left the barracks.

After that, Moreau and his adjutants remained blankly.

Those who will remain in this chaos of the Rhine battlefield.

***

In fact, what Napoleon said is a kind of gamble.

“Wow, General Napoleon is really amazing.”

Suddenly, Hoche whistled, patted his horse, and said.

Hoche is also the commander of the Moselle Corps, one of the armies on the Flanders front.

Jourdan is in charge of defense, but since the attack is entrusted to Hoche, he cannot continue to leave the front line.

So, just as he was about to leave, he spoke to Eugene.

Eugene shrugged as he sent Hoche off.

“Well, you know that too, don’t you, Hoche?”

“It’s a little different. I vaguely guessed it, but I didn’t think about it until General Napoleon said it.”

“Well, he seems to have been born with his eyes open.”

Why is what Napoleon said dangerous, amazing, and a gamble?

Because it means that we should sometimes abandon even the base and concentrate our forces to annihilate the enemy’s main force.

Looking at the Rhine front, it means emptying Mainz and advancing the entire army.

It is a path that a man of principle like Moreau can never choose.

Even Hoche is not easy.

Then Hoche looked at Eugene and smiled.

“You too, Eugene.”

Eugene scratched his head awkwardly.

In fact, it is only possible because Eugene knows history and has the guidance of white silver letters.

Very few people can take such a gamble without transcendent knowledge and ability.

Of course, it doesn’t mean that anyone with such ability can do it.

Breaking Eugene’s thoughts, Hoche asked seriously.

“Did you send your father off well? He seems more cheerful than I thought.”

“You’ve been an orphan since you were a child, why are you saying this now? In the first place, it was you, not my father, who went to save our mother.”

“I couldn’t take responsibility until the end. Honestly, you’re right. I can’t handle ‘Rose’.”

Hoche smiled bitterly and saw Napoleon approaching in the distance.

“But I think that friend can handle it.”

Napoleon in a black uniform, riding a horse, was approaching.

Hoche is definitely much taller.

But somehow, the imposing power that feels huge always emanates from Napoleon.

Maybe it’s because of those intense eyes.

Shining with bright eyes, Napoleon spoke to Eugene and Hoche.

“You were here, boy aide. And Hoche.”

Hoche quietly looked at Napoleon and smiled.

“I wish you good luck in Italy. And, please take care of our Eugene.”

Napoleon raised his eyebrows and chuckled.

Napoleon must have heard the rumors of Hoche and Josephine in Paris.

However, when they met, he did not bother to mention the rumors.

The past is just the past.

Furthermore, Hoche just said this.

Please take care of Eugene and Eugene’s mother, Josephine.

“I will protect it even if you don’t say it. Well, the boy aide may do better than me.”

Looking at Napoleon, who simply said with conviction, Hoche nodded.

“Thank you. Then, I’m going! Eugene!”

Hoche and his adjutants rode their horses and disappeared to the north.

Today’s meeting of the Three Stars was virtually broken down.

The three generals will move as they please on each front.

Fortunately for France, all three are top-notch generals.

Then, who will be the protagonist of glory among them?

In the moment that Eugene was thinking, Napoleon suddenly said.

“Eugene.”

“Yes? Commander. Is there anything you want to say?”

“People are talking about the three stars. But in the end, there is only one sun.”

Napoleon, who remained the protagonist in history, stared at Eugene under the winter sunset.

“I want to be the sun. I have to test if I can do that in Italy.”

Eugene smiled and saluted.

“I will gladly follow you, Mon [My] Napoleon.”

The day the three stars met and parted.

Napoleon’s regiment turned its banner south again.

The destination is Nice, where the Italian headquarters is located.

-Doo doo doo!

December 1794.

During the French Revolution, the Italian campaign finally arrived.