Chapter 101: Roland's New Equipment

The outcome of the war had defied expectations: the French military was far too strong, and the Austrians were significantly weaker. As a result, the British had to consider other strategies. What would happen if the Austrians were defeated? Where could they find a new ally to balance France? Consequently, the British began to pressure Austria to launch a renewed offensive, believing that a weak country was unworthy of being a British ally.

The French army's battlefield advantage impressed the entire world, leading everyone to reassess the French military's capabilities. The Austrians also keenly felt this shift in perception, further enraging Emperor Francis II. He furiously ordered the Minister of War, Prince Windisch-Grätz, to show the French some resistance and restore Austria's lost dignity at any cost.

With no other choice, Prince Windisch-Grätz conveyed Emperor Francis II's orders to Archduke Charles in Venice. Upon receiving the directive, Archduke Charles was deeply troubled. The weak Austrian logistical support had significantly slowed down their war preparations. He had requested cannons a week ago, but the military headquarters had yet to deliver them.

Unable to do much else, Archduke Charles sent orders to General Philip in Florence, instructing him to continuously harass the French supply lines and, when possible, seize opportunities to attack French forces.

...

Hungarian Hussar commander Major General Philip, upon receiving Archduke Charles's orders, immediately recognized his chance. With Vasily's defeat, Austria was engulfed in an atmosphere of disappointment. In such a situation, any victory, no matter how small, would earn him recognition from the high command. This would secure his promotion to lieutenant general.

Excited by this prospect, Major General Philip promptly began preparing to seize this opportunity. However, he was unaware that his cavalry regiment, having previously defeated Joachim Murat, had already caught Napoleon's attention. Since Florence was a crucial location on Napoleon's route into Italy, he had long devised a plan to deal with Philip.

Cavalry is the most crucial mobile force on the battlefield. If the French could decisively defeat the Austrian cavalry, it would grant them a significant advantage in the upcoming battles. Murat's central cavalry division, after being ambushed, had retreated to the rear for recuperation. Following Napoleon's urgent replenishment efforts, Murat's cavalry division was nearly back to full strength. Although most of the new recruits were fresh, they would quickly grow through the crucible of battle.

Thus, driven by the intentions of both sides, a large-scale cavalry showdown was set to unfold in Florence. The combatants would be the renowned Hungarian Hussars of Southeast Europe and the elite of French cavalry, Napoleon's Imperial Guard.

...

Inside the city hall of Turin, the French generals gathered. After capturing Turin, Napoleon promptly relocated his headquarters there and convened a meeting to plan the next phase of operations against the Austrian army.

"Murat, it's great to see you. You can return to the battlefield," Napoleon said joyfully as he embraced Murat. Murat's return signified that his central cavalry division was ready for combat again, just in time for the revenge battle against the Hungarian Hussars.

"Of course, Consul Napoleon. I'm glad I made it back in time. Please allow me to join the battle for Florence. I want to avenge our fallen comrades," Murat responded excitedly. The previous defeat at Turin was a source of lifelong shame for him, and now he sought vengeance against the Austrian cavalry.

"Certainly, Murat. I've decided to reestablish the southern front. The objective of the southern army will be to attack Florence, and you will be the backbone of this force," Napoleon said, patting Murat on the shoulder.

"Gentlemen, we have taken Turin and achieved our strategic objectives. We can now advance or defend as needed. We already have the upper hand. But I don't want this war to end here. I want to continue fighting until Austria surrenders," Napoleon declared resolutely, waving his arms with conviction.

From the previous battles in Turin to the Italian campaign, and now to this current conflict, Austria has been endlessly at war with France. These continuous wars have demanded a vast amount of manpower and resources from France, severely impacting the nation's economic development. For the sake of France's future, Napoleon knew he had to decisively defeat Austria once and for all, ensuring that Austria would not dare to invade France for at least two or three years.

"The scouts have confirmed that the troops stationed in Florence are Philip's cavalry. So, Murat, Davout, the next phase relies on your cavalry," Napoleon ordered Murat and Davout.

"Yes, Consul Napoleon!" Davout responded with a sharp salute upon hearing Napoleon's command.

"Don't worry, Consul Napoleon. This time, I will definitely avenge our previous defeat," Murat shouted confidently.

"Roland!" After giving instructions to Murat and Davout, Napoleon suddenly called out to Roland.

"Uncle Napoleon!" Roland exclaimed in surprise. He was startled, not knowing why Napoleon had called him. He had had little involvement recently.

"Roland, I heard the arsenal has manufactured the Model 01 rifle that you designed and delivered it to your unit. Is this true?" Napoleon asked, a cunning glint in his eyes.

He was well aware of the power of Roland's new Model 01 rifle. Now that the new rifles had arrived, Roland hadn't informed him. Was Roland planning to keep this batch of powerful equipment for himself? This young man underestimated him. Did he think his intelligence network was ineffective? Napoleon knew the moment the new equipment arrived.

"Um... I think so," Roland replied awkwardly, scratching his head. He had underestimated Napoleon, the sly old fox. He had planned to secretly test the new rifles himself once they arrived, but now Napoleon had found out. There was no way he could keep the new equipment to himself.

"Alright, alright, look at you being so stingy. Don't worry, I'm not going to take your new equipment," Napoleon said, laughing at Roland's reaction.

"How many new rifles have arrived?" Napoleon inquired.

"A little over a thousand, enough to equip a regiment," Roland answered truthfully.

"Desaix!" Napoleon called out, turning to General Desaix.

"Consul Napoleon!" Desaix stood at attention, ready to receive his orders.

"From now on, Roland will be integrated into your infantry division as a staff officer. During the attack on Florence, you will coordinate with Murat and Davout. Additionally, guide Roland—he has great potential but lacks experience," Napoleon instructed, placing Roland under Desaix's command.

"Yes, Consul Napoleon. Rest assured, I will take good care of Roland," Desaix responded, looking at Roland before standing tall and confidently promising Napoleon.

Desaix's heart raced with excitement. He couldn't believe that Napoleon had assigned Roland to his command—this was tremendous news. It wasn't just because Roland's unit had a regiment equipped with new rifles; it was also because of Roland's status.

Since Napoleon had no sons, Roland was not only Napoleon's nephew but also considered his future successor. This was an unspoken truth throughout France. Naturally, Roland's status had thus become highly esteemed, and countless nobles sought to align themselves with Roland. If Roland were to inherit Napoleon's position, their own statuses would rise accordingly. The concept of gaining favor from supporting a future ruler wasn't unique to China; it was present in France as well.