Chapter 112: Night Raid?

"Just like the 01 rifle? How many francs do you need? Just name it, and I'll allocate the funds immediately." Upon hearing this, Napoleon's interest was piqued. Since the Battle of Florence, the fame of the 01 rifle had spread throughout Europe, elevating Roland's reputation significantly. He had even earned the title of "Master Weapon Inventor." So when Roland said he could manufacture a new type of cannon, Napoleon didn't hesitate for a second and immediately asked how much it would cost.

After a prolonged period of warfare, the crucial role of cannons in battle had gradually become apparent. Whether in field battles or sieges, cannons were indispensable. However, due to technological limitations, current cannons weren't very powerful. If one wanted to enhance their power, the cannons would become too heavy to transport. Thus, when Roland mentioned he had developed a new type of cannon, Napoleon was understandably astonished.

Roland's new rifle had already proven its power. If this new cannon was as formidable as the rifle, it would have a significant impact on the future of warfare.

"The basic parameters are already in place, but it will take some time before we can begin actual production," Roland replied honestly.

"We need to expedite this! If you encounter any issues, let me know, and I'll resolve them for you. My only requirement is that the new cannon be produced as quickly as possible," Napoleon insisted firmly.

"Yes!" Roland nodded. He had anticipated that Napoleon would be very interested in the new cannon, but he hadn't expected this level of concern.

After giving his instructions to Roland, Napoleon fell silent and turned to look at the Austrian fortress being bombarded before him. This time, however, his lips curled into a faint smile. It seemed that the emergence of the new cannon had pleased him greatly.

In the distance, the sound of cannon fire roared as the French cannons continued their relentless barrage.

Inside the Rome city government building, Philip was pacing anxiously. The distant rumble of cannon fire signaled the ferocious assault by the French army on Rome. Although he had exuded confidence in the previous meeting, deep down, he was uncertain about their ability to hold Rome. The swift defeats in the prior battles had shaken his confidence. In less than a month, they had lost vast territories, including Milan and Turin. The combat effectiveness of the French was vastly different from that of the Turks he had previously fought against in the Balkans.

As Philip fretted, Brigadier General Yegor approached him.

"Yegor, how is the situation at the front? Can our fortress withstand the French assault?" Philip asked immediately upon seeing Yegor. The intense bombardment from the French had him deeply concerned.

"Rest assured, General. Although our fortress has sustained some damage, overall, the situation is stable. Holding off the French is not a major issue," Brigadier General Yegor replied confidently.

"That's good to hear. Brigadier General, as long as we can repel the French assault and hold Rome, I will report your merits to His Majesty the Emperor," Philip said, patting Yegor on the shoulder.

"Thank you, General. Rest assured, the French will never breach our defenses and invade Rome," Brigadier General Yegor assured, patting his chest. He knew that if they could indeed repel the French attack, he would surely be promoted to a more significant position. When that time came, his arch-rival Aniga would no longer be a threat.

Outside the city:

The fierce artillery battle between the French heavy artillery units and the Austrian fortress defenders continued unabated. The French aimed to demolish all Austrian fortifications with their heavy artillery. However, the fortifications proved more robust than the French had anticipated. An hour of shelling had only managed to destroy some smaller forts. The solid Austrian artillery positions remained largely unscathed.

In fact, before the battle began, British Mediterranean Fleet Commander Nelson had already sent a batch of British cannons to the Austrian troops in Rome via Naples. These British cannons were the newly equipped 18-pound howitzers of the British Army, originally intended for quelling colonial uprisings. However, upon learning of Napoleon's intentions toward Rome, Nelson immediately ordered these cannons to be sent to the Austrians. His decision proved to be correct, as the Austrian army now matched the French in firepower during the artillery duels thanks to his support.

"Boom!" Suddenly, a massive explosion resounded. A French artillery position erupted in black smoke.

"What happened?" Napoleon quickly asked.

"Sir! Reporting to Consul Napoleon, an artillery position was hit by the Austrian heavy artillery. A howitzer was destroyed, and all the artillerymen operating it were killed," a staff officer hurriedly reported to Napoleon.

"Damn it! Order the heavy artillery units to turn their guns and attack the Austrian artillery positions. Don't spare any shells, bombard them fiercely. I want all Austrian artillery positions completely destroyed!" Napoleon commanded angrily.

"Yes, Consul!" The staff officer nodded and immediately went to convey the orders.

"Consul, the Austrian artillery fire sounds unusual, doesn't it?" Desaix approached Napoleon, asking with a hint of doubt.

"Of course it does! Didn't you recognize it? That's the sound of British Armstrong guns, the same ones they supplied to the Turks before," Napoleon replied angrily. He was infuriated. The damned British were constantly opposing him—first in Egypt, and now in Rome.

One day, he vowed to teach the British a harsh lesson and avenge these affronts.

...

For the next while, the French artillery had a new target. All French artillery units redirected their fire towards the Austrian artillery. The two sides engaged in an intense artillery battle that lasted the entire morning.

By noon, the French bombardment gradually ceased. It wasn't that they didn't want to continue; the soldiers were simply exhausted. Operating these large-caliber heavy cannons was a physically demanding task, and after a whole morning of intense combat, they were nearly worn out. Additionally, the rapid consumption of ammunition led to some supply shortages from the rear.

Despite this, the results of the morning's bombardment were limited. The Austrian artillery positions in the distance continued firing, and the core gun emplacements had suffered minimal damage.

"Consul Napoleon, this isn't working. Trying to destroy these fortifications with artillery alone is too slow," Murat said, frowning as he observed the battlefield.

"Oh? Do you have a better idea?" Napoleon asked.

"Consul, I suggest we launch a night raid. Under the cover of darkness, our soldiers could approach the fortifications stealthily. This way, we might be able to capture the Austrian fortresses," Murat proposed.

"Very well," Napoleon hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. Although he wasn't entirely convinced of the plan's feasibility, it was worth trying. At this point, he had no better alternatives, and if successful, they could capture Rome quickly.

"Go ahead and make the preparations. However, do not force the attack. If it looks like it won't succeed, retreat immediately to avoid unnecessary casualties," Napoleon advised after some thought.

"Yes, Consul," Murat replied.

"Cease the attack!" Napoleon then ordered the cessation of the current assault. Since they had decided on a night raid, continuing the artillery battle with the Austrians during the day seemed pointless.

As the French prepared for the night raid, there was a sense of jubilation in the Austrian positions. The lack of an afternoon attack from the French led all the Austrians to believe they had successfully repelled the French offensive, which for them was undoubtedly a victory.