He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 177

(177) Let’s Fulfill Caesar’s Dream

There’s a fundamental truth that remains constant throughout history:

War is waged by people.

This holds true regardless of new weaponry, elite leadership, or the construction of the finest fleet in France.

Especially in this era, at the close of the 18th century, straddling the early modern and modern periods, infantry warfare ultimately dictates the outcome of battles.

However, there’s a significant challenge.

Post-revolution, France adopted conscription over voluntary enlistment, and the mobilization order is currently being partially lifted.

So, how do we organize not a defense force, but an ultra-long-distance expedition – the Egyptian Expeditionary Force?

There’s a straightforward solution.

“Okay, has everyone been paid?”

Eugene asked, lightly patting his black horse.

-Neigh!

Outside Paris, Eugene and 1,000 cavalrymen were arrayed in the drizzling suburbs.

These were elite soldiers, drawn from those who hadn’t been discharged from the Grenadier Cavalry Brigade and the Marseille Postal Company.

However, these troops alone are insufficient for the Egyptian expedition.

In total, there are 5 divisions.

The troops are currently divided and advancing separately.

What promises induced the conscripts to participate in the expedition to distant Egypt?

Of course, it’s [money].

Eugene’s adjutant, Ippolito, also a general participating in the Egyptian expedition, clicked his tongue while consulting a small notebook.

“Well, everyone’s been paid. Two years’ salary in advance. The daily wage was still cut to about 10 sous [a former French coin of small value], not 13. Oh, right. Collo was frantically asking if this war would be successful.”

“We should avoid Genoa when marching.”

“Well, roughly 20 million francs were spent on salaries alone, so it’s no wonder Collo’s worried! Will a lot of money come in if this expedition is successful?”

In this era, the French army is a conscript army.

Salaries are not typically paid.

However, salaries were paid to mercenaries during the old regime, and Eugene paid two years’ worth of annual salary based on that precedent.

Since 1 franc is roughly 20 sous coins, the soldiers’ salaries alone cost about 18.25 million francs.

But this isn’t the end of the expenses.

Antoine Damas, the business manager of the Eugene Cartel, who came to greet them, interjected.

“That’s not all, Brigadier General Ippolito.”

“Hmm, the title of Brigadier General. I like it. Say it again, General Manager Damas. Wait, are there more expenses?”

“The cost of operating the army, marching, and supplies will generally be covered by government finances. However, we are covering a significant portion of the introduction of new weapons and gunpowder. That alone costs about another 20 million francs.”

Ippolito, now promoted to Brigadier General with the formation of the expeditionary force, puffed out his chest, then was startled.

It’s shocking that another 20 million francs are needed.

The bigger problem is that all of this cost comes from the Eugene Cartel’s Italian bank.

Eugene added with a calm demeanor.

“We also need to calculate the cost of accommodation, reorganization of conquered territories, and stationing costs. It will probably cost close to another 20 million francs?”

Ippolito, the merchant’s son, calculating the cost with a dumbfounded expression, lamented.

“Wow, we’re really going to go bankrupt if this expedition fails? Egypt is rich, right?”

“According to the scholars of the Directory [the French revolutionary government at the time], the annual tax revenue is about 50 million francs.”

“Huh? We’re already planning to spend 40 million francs! Good heavens, but we should be able to make ends meet if we just plunder, right?”

Eugene scoffed, thinking about the plan approved by the Directory when they authorized the expedition.

“That’s an estimate. In reality, it’s more accurate to see it as around 10 million francs.”

Even the original history’s Egyptian expedition, which cost less, ultimately failed with a deficit.

Because the information the French government obtained was completely wrong.

The peacetime tax revenue is not 50 million francs, but around 25 million francs, and when the French army invades, the tax revenue drops to 10 million francs due to the war.

In the end, Napoleon ends the expedition in the original history, leaving a deficit of over ten million francs.

So, what is Eugene trusting in to go to Egypt?

Ippolito pressed.

“How are you going to solve this?”

“It’s not like there’s no source of money. The ruling class there, the Mamluk Beys [members of the military caste that ruled Egypt].”

“Beys? Wait, are you suggesting we plunder the local ruling class?”

At that moment, a general shouted with a cheerful voice from beyond the suburbs through the rain.

“Of course. Aren’t we a revolutionary army? Behead the nobles and liberate the people! That’s the justification for our army!”

It was Lazar Hoche, the nominal commander of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force.

Hoche lightly rode his horse towards Eugene.

His only companion was his adjutant, Jean Travot, who always followed him.

It was truly a modest entourage.

Eugene saluted on horseback.

“Commander Hoche.”

“Come on, wasn’t the real commander General Eugene Freiherr von und zu Liechtenstein [a German noble title]?”

“I am just the commander of an independent division and the chief of staff. Besides, Marceau is my senior major general.”

But instead of Hoche, another man’s shout was heard.

“There’s no need to be modest. Gambling prodigy! Who doesn’t know that the expedition plan came from your head?”

This time, a fat general was walking towards them from the city of Paris.

“It’s been a while, General Kléber.”

“Cut the greetings. Is the success rate of this war certain?”

“Egypt? Of course. But I can’t guarantee anything about England.”

The fat general, Kléber, stared intently at Eugene and pressed him.

“Do you have a contingency plan? I’m taking my confidant, Caffarelli, and the Mainz Division this time. It’ll be a problem if we’re annihilated without a plan!”

This expedition is a war in which Kléber has mobilized all of his military connections.

Because the organization of the expeditionary force itself was left to the discretion of the division commanders.

Eugene, Marceau, Kléber, Desaix, and Junot.

The five generals who were promoted to division commanders in consideration of their contributions to this expedition and the previous revolutionary wars.

The 5 divisions participating in this expedition were each organized by the so-called Egyptian division commanders.

Eugene nodded lightly.

“Of course.”

“Where is it?”

“They’ve already left. This expedition needs to deceive the enemy. So, they are conducting dispersed maneuvers. By now, they should have already crossed Nice. Well, isn’t the Mainz Division doing the same?”

Kléber nodded and asked.

“Okay, so where is our destination?”

Originally, the starting point of the sea route from France to Egypt is Marseille or Toulon.

However, Eugene deliberately chose a different route to deceive England.

By now, British spies will have seen the decoy fleet gathering in Toulon and reported it to their home country in surprise.

But the real army and fleet are heading elsewhere.

Eugene smiled and turned the black horse’s head.

“Brindisi, the end of Italy.”

The end of the famous Roman Empire’s Appian Way.

The tip of the southeastern peninsula of Italy is the gathering place for the Egyptian Expeditionary Force.

***

Of course, not all of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force can ride horses.

-Step, step, step.

There was an infantry division of 10,000 men, walking fast and powerfully, but ultimately on foot.

With all five divisions marching separately, this unit was particularly noticeable.

Because the commander is someone who especially doesn’t know how to deceive others.

Fortunately, they had come through the interior of the Italian peninsula, so they were not exposed to the eyes of intelligence agents from various countries.

Only the farmers along the way were surprised to see them.

Today, while looking at the wheat fields of the Campanian plain, Commander Junot burst into laughter on horseback.

“Ah, it’s peaceful. You wouldn’t even think there was a war here.”

“It’s better to be vigilant, General Junot.”

“Puhahaha, Joubert. Why do I find it so funny to hear you say you’re vigilant? The friend who fought so bravely on the battlefield.”

Barthelemy Catherine Joubert, who had been a lieutenant during the Italian expedition but had now been promoted to brigadier general, shook his head.

“That’s when I charged alone; it’s naturally different when commanding a unit.”

In fact, Joubert’s promotion is quite late compared to the original history.

Originally, he made outstanding contributions during the Italian expedition and was rapidly promoted to the division commander level.

However, he also faces an early death by fighting at the forefront instead.

Considering that point, Joubert might be happier now that his promotion is delayed.

At that moment, a disgruntled voice came from behind Joubert.

“Hey, when did you charge alone? Let’s get the facts straight?”

“Kiya, our Joubert is successful and abandons his old comrades and monopolizes the achievements!”

“Champeaux, Lasalle. That’s not what I meant! And haven’t you guys been promoted?”

Barthelemy Catherine Joubert, Clement de Champeaux, and Antoine Lasalle.

They are the very people who created the history of the 30-man cavalry breakthrough with Laharpe during the Italian expedition.

They are also the new brigade commanders that Junot chose as his adjutants.

Division Commander Junot, watching the three generals argue, laughed heartily.

“Puhahaha! Enough. Anyway, you don’t have to be nervous until you get on the ship. Oh, it looks like someone’s come to greet us?”

Suddenly, the end of the Campanian plain can be seen in the distance.

Naples.

A city once ruled by a branch of the Bourbon royal family.

But now the tricolor flag of the republic is fluttering.

A general wearing the French-specific blue military uniform was seen on the outskirts of the city.

“Junot, you’ve finally arrived!”

It was none other than Laharpe, the commander of the Naples garrison, who came out himself.

“Wow, General Laharpe! When did your skin get so tanned? You’ve completely become a southerner!”

“You’ve been living in the north, but you’re still dark-skinned. General Junot. Was Venice that hot?”

“Haha! The beauties there were really passionate. Unlike the prim Parisian beauties.”

Suddenly, Junot, who was greeting Laharpe happily, asked.

“How is Naples? Venice is now successfully undergoing dismantling procedures.”

The Italian expedition officially ended when Napoleon signed the Treaty of Schönbrunn.

However, unofficial warfare continued even after that.

The Venetian revolt, the capture of Naples, and the suppression of sporadic unrest.

The three people who carried out this process in Italy are:

Serurier, who guarded Milan, Junot, who suppressed the Venetian revolt, and Laharpe, who occupied Naples.

In particular, Laharpe had to carry out the task of conquering the [Kingdom of Naples], which was a perfectly good independent kingdom.

But the conquest itself was not that difficult.

Because King Ferdinand III fled to Sicily, the island where the kingdom began.

However, the Kingdom of Naples is a vast country encompassing the entire southern half of Italy.

Even if conquering it was simple, governing it was by no means simple.

Laharpe is currently faithfully carrying out this difficult task.

Laharpe replied with a bitter smile.

“There are difficulties. The king fled to Sicily, and I occupied the city. But there are still ominous movements in the countryside.”

“There are no friends who have openly revolted, right?”

“Just minor disturbances. But the newly formed Parthenopean Republic [the short-lived republic established in Naples by French forces] is still under military rule.”

Parthenope, the name of the city that was established in Naples during ancient Greece.

In this era, France modeled itself after ancient Greece and ancient Rome, which were models of the republic.

So, using the names of that time was a kind of trend.

That’s why the satellite republics were also given ancient Greek names.

Of course, Laharpe was just carrying out what the higher-ups, mainly Napoleon, were instructing.

Junot, a soldier who didn’t care about the name, smiled strangely.

“So, did the ‘decoy fleet’ depart from Naples?”

To hide this Egyptian expedition, the decoy fleet that Eugene used is not one.

Naples was also a maritime nation to some extent, and surprisingly, it had put quite a bit of effort into fostering its navy.

That’s why Nelson was in the Kingdom of Naples for a while.

Thanks to that, France, which had seized control of Naples, ended up taking over all of its fleet.

Laharpe nodded and replied.

“Yes. But where is Commander Freiherr von und zu Liechtenstein going?”

“Hey, Eugene is not the commander. General Hoche is the commander after all.”

“Where in the army doesn’t know that he couldn’t do it because of his age? Surely Sicily isn’t the destination?”

At that moment, Brigadier General Lasalle couldn’t stand it and stepped forward.

“Wow, our former superior. You’re too slow, aren’t you? General, don’t we all seem to have strangely thin clothes? Even though it’s summer.”

“Huh? Now that you mention it, that’s true. It seems like the material is different?”

“It’s made of Indian cotton instead of wool. It’s to prepare for the heat. Because.”

Lasalle, wearing a blue-dyed cotton uniform, winked.

“We’re going to Egypt. Like Caesar’s legions!”

A secret operation where even allies only hear about the expedition information right before departure.

Two decoy fleets and five corps of troops are advancing.

Here, they deceive England with a world expedition spanning Gibraltar, Ireland, and Florida.

This is the Egyptian expedition planned by Eugene.

***

Brindisi, a port at the southeastern tip of Italy.

This place has been famous as a gateway to the Mediterranean since the days of the ancient Roman Empire.

Therefore, Rome built roads to directly manage this area from the capital.

The most famous road among the many Roman roads.

The Appian Way is the road that was created to go to this place.

However, after the fall of the Roman Empire, this road was virtually closed and not operated.

But there is someone who ordered this road to be repaired and operated again.

It’s Pope Pius VI of that time.

Ironically, the person who used this road was not the Pope, but Eugene.

-Splash! Splash! Splash!

In front of the turbulent port of Brindisi, a man who had run along the Appian Way shouted.

“I report to Commander Hoche and Chief of Staff that the Egyptian Expeditionary Division has all gathered in Brindisi!”

Marceau, the former commander of the French gendarmerie [military police force].

Furthermore, the current senior division commander of the Egyptian Expeditionary Division.

Behind him, a total of 50,000 soldiers lined up in front of the port.

At long last, the Egyptian Legion has succeeded in gathering in Brindisi.

For the conquest of Egypt.

Just like Caesar, who ran along the Appian Way.