Chapter 331: Retreat to Advance

"Is there no other way?" Dominic's eyes were full of helplessness.

"Unless you can think of it." Charles replied.

Charles had tried it before, but this is a system problem, not something that an individual can challenge. Unless, he took the army to control the government and forcibly dissolved the parliament.

Steed never interrupted. In his opinion, there was no need to discuss these things at all. Dominic was just making trouble. Businessmen should do business well. As for whether there were more or fewer deaths on the battlefield of Gallipoli, that was a problem that the government and the military needed to consider.

Steed swallowed the last bite of cream cake, wiped his mouth with a napkin, took it off and threw it on the table, and signaled the waiter next to him to clean up the food.

"Regarding the issue of changing military uniforms." Steed said: "We will strive for parliament to pass it as soon as possible. I think it is very promising."

"Really?" Charles was a little surprised.

"Yes." Steed nodded approvingly: "Your speech and answers during the questioning were wonderful. I think you at least convinced the 'French Branch of the Workers' International'."

"'French Branch of the Workers' International'?" Charles heard this name for the first time.

"Yes." Steed explained: "It is the name of a party. Although it has little influence in the parliament, it is neither left-wing nor right-wing."

"Then he is..." In fact, Charles had already guessed that, as the name suggests, this is most likely a political party organized by workers.

Sure enough, Steed replied: "They are the Workers' Union, Colonel. The main body of this party is workers. They emphasize the protection of the interests of workers and advocate the promotion of pragmatic economic policies. Externally, they maintain the independence of France and oppose the invasion of France by foreign capital."

Then Steed asked again: "Remember the member who asked the question? The one who said that red can stimulate soldiers to charge instead of surrender?"

Charles nodded.

"His name is Gaspard." Steed said, "The leaders of the Workers' International Party usually don't care much about the issues in parliament because they don't have much to do with them. But they seem to support you, and many left-wing capitalists don't care about the issue of military uniforms, so we are likely to pass it!"

Charles had some impression of him. He was a middle-aged man with a beard. Although his words seemed ridiculous to Charles, he was the only member of parliament who didn't set a trap for Charles.

It can even be said that his question reminded Charles: This is not just about changing military uniforms, but about the tactical theory of France.

It was also at that time that the parliament suddenly shifted the focus of the debate to the tactical theory that was beneficial to Charles.

Charles smiled lightly. It was interesting. Did he ask questions intentionally to help Charles secretly?

Sted continued, "I think the greater danger seems to be that Wells' attitude is not clear enough..."

Charles said "hmm".

Charles could understand Wells. He wanted to stand on Charles' side, but steel had too much influence on the shipyard, and he didn't dare to offend the Schneider Group easily.

Or, Wells did it on purpose: standing between Schneider and Charles, maintaining a good relationship with both sides and then taking advantage of both sides.

There are only eternal interests, no eternal friends, Charles reminded himself again and again.

Even if he and Tijani were comrades-in-arms who lived and died together, Wells was a businessman after all, and he had to consider his shipyard.

To change this situation, perhaps there was only one way: to own his own steel plant.

At this time, Charles realized how important steel was. It was not just a matter of "money", but also a matter of power and voice.

Steed reminded: "If possible, you'd better confirm with Mr. Wells."

"No." Charles shook his head: "No need."

"Do you think Wells will support us?" Steed asked doubtfully.

Charles shook his head again: "He is likely to abstain."

Steed agreed, he thought so too, abstaining from voting would not offend anyone.

The problem is that Wells' abstention is likely to result in the failure of the agenda.

"I just hope that the parliament will reject this proposal, not pass it." Charles said.

Steed was stunned.

Dominic didn't care about this at first. He was thinking with his head down, as if he was thinking about how to launch the machine gun. When he heard Charles say this, he looked up at Charles in confusion.

Soon, Dominic suddenly understood: "Like a machine gun?"

After being reminded by Dominic, Steed suddenly realized: "Retreat to advance? Good idea, Colonel!"

Charles was indeed retreating to advance.

Charles was not the only one who called for changing military uniforms. This was the voice of the army. Many soldiers fighting on the front line had already hated the red army pants and red army caps. Charles was just speaking for them.

If the House of Representatives passed Charles's agenda, it would relieve the pressure and give the soldiers an expectation: wait a little longer, they may change their uniforms soon, and the parliament has made the right decision.

Then there was a repeated tug-of-war between the Senate and the House of Representatives. When the decision was finally made, many innocent soldiers were killed and injured on the front line.

But if the parliament did not pass it, the pressure would explode instantly, and the parliament would bear a shock from the people, which could also be said to be Charles' warning.

Steed's eyes sparkled with excitement. It seemed that the replacement of military uniforms was inevitable and no one could stop it. Moreover, every soldier's uniform had to be replaced.

This was similar to helmets, and even more expensive than helmets.

Now, should we acquire several textile and clothing factories to prepare?

...

Charles was very low-key in replacing military uniforms.

The "Meritorious Newspaper", which represents the military, did not mention the issue of changing uniforms, and always discussed the development of the Gallipoli War.

The "Le Petit Journal" said a few words about Charles' speech in parliament.

Although other newspapers reported it, almost everyone focused on whether the tactical theory was correct:

"I think the offensive theory is right. France has always fought according to this theory. If it is wrong, France may not exist long ago!"

"Wasn't Paris once captured under the offensive theory? Not long ago, it was almost captured again!"

"Then it should be the defensive theory. Pétain used it to win on the front line again and again."

"If we talk about the victory, who can compare with Charles?"

...

Charles is very satisfied with this situation.

He is worried that the parliamentarians will notice the seriousness of the issue of "changing uniforms".

It is no exaggeration to say that it is like a dam that is about to collapse. On the surface, it seems that there is nothing wrong. The soldiers have worn this uniform for so many years and have never had any problems. What's wrong with continuing to wear it now?

But these congressmen who hold high positions and have almost no contact with the grassroots would never have imagined that such a small matter could actually trigger a riot!