(Xiaoyu returned to Chengdu today, and the update will resume from today. Thank you for your support. The first chapter is here, and there will be a second chapter later)

On January 1, 1813, the new year came. At this time, it had been more than ten days since Napoleon was defeated and fled back to Paris. During this time, Napoleon had been in a daze. He was hit hard by a colossal defeat which he had never suffered since reaching the pinnacle of French power. In this battle, France's power can be said to have lost more than half. There is no doubt that his failure this time will give other European countries oppressed by France an excellent opportunity to counterattack. It is not difficult to predict that in the near future, other powerful countries headed by Britain and Russia will definitely form new counterattacks. The French Alliance, France will face greater challenges at that time, and no one understands all this better than Napoleon.

Perhaps after more than ten days of recovery, Napoleon's spirit has finally improved, but it is completely two extremes from his high-spirited time before the war. Perhaps because of his natural refusal to admit defeat, Napoleon still managed to pull himself together. Today is the first day of 1813. Taking this opportunity, Napoleon delivered an impassioned New Year's speech, hoping to awaken the fighting spirit of the French people to overcome the coming difficulties. At this moment, he also knows that the situation in France is so bad that it is difficult to recover.

On the morning of January 1st, the Hall of the French Assembly. Accompanied by a large number of senior French officials including Prime Minister Cambáceres and Chief of General Staff Clark, Napoleon appeared on the rostrum in the hall. After waving to people from all walks of life attending the meeting, Napoleon climbed up the steps and took his seat. It was a golden chair much taller than the speaker's seat, symbolizing Napoleon's supreme status and power.

The meeting began quickly, and Napoleon's speech was undoubtedly placed first. He got up from his chair, looked at his subjects sitting below, and said, "Gentlemen, it's good to see you all, I thought I almost died in that damned ice and snow in Russia. Unfortunately, my soldiers were not as lucky as I was, and most of them have already died in that hellish place. I am deeply saddened by this. As you all know, this time In the war we lost, we failed miserably. At the same time, I also admit that I must take responsibility for this war. Yes, I underestimated the enemy so much that I let hundreds of thousands of my most loyal and brave soldiers die in Russia Their precious lives were lost under the treacherous weather and harsh environment.” Speaking of this, Napoleon looked at the audience’s reaction below, and he tried his best to attribute the responsibility for the failure of this war to the fickleness of Russia. In order to divert the attention of the people and stabilize his rule.

"This is a huge loss for me and for France. The loss of these loyal soldiers put France in an extremely dangerous situation. Before the war, France was the most powerful country in the world. Doubtful. But now, our strength has dropped to a freezing point, while our enemy is still very strong. I am sure that in the near future, maybe tomorrow, they will launch a fierce attack on us. To At that time, the interests of France will be seriously threatened. Once we cannot stop the enemy's attack, then I and everyone here will probably become subjugated slaves. And those invaders will definitely restore the vicious, barbaric and ignorant Bourbon dynasty , Then what will happen to everyone? I really can’t imagine.” Seeing that the faces of everyone had changed, Napoleon breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that he had only one last chance, and if he failed again in the coming war, then he would lose everything, even the throne and his life. Therefore, he must have the full support of these people present, so that he has a slight chance of making a comeback. Those who can attend this meeting are all celebrities from all walks of life in France, including many influential nobles and industrial and commercial capitalists.

Seeing that things were developing in the direction he expected, Napoleon continued: "However, everyone must believe that, as your emperor, my loyal soldiers and I will do our best to protect everyone and protect the French. .But our enemy is very powerful, so I hope to get everyone's unconditional support." With their lives at stake, Napoleon believed that they would make the right choice. As the vested interests of the French Empire, they are already tightly bound to Napoleon in France. If Napoleon fails, they will also die.

It's time to give everyone a reassurance. Napoleon continued: "There are many factors that affect the war. Therefore, the outcome of the war is also unpredictable. But I believe that as long as everyone works together, the final victory will be achieved." It must also belong to us. I assure everyone that this will be like 1799, and what awaits us will be a brand new situation." 1799 was the year when Napoleon's expedition to Egypt suffered a complete defeat, but he also took advantage of this opportunity, He quickly ascended to the pinnacle of power in France, and then led France to glory. At this moment, he used this as a comparison, no doubt to reassure everyone. As for whether the final result will be the same as he imagined, it is difficult to say.

After Napoleon finished his speech, there was warm applause in the venue, as if the decadent situation in France had been improved. Of course, some of them reacted indifferently. Most of them are people who are more aware of the current situation or have a less close relationship with Napoleon. It doesn't matter to them if it doesn't affect their interests.

It has to be said that Napoleon's speech was very successful, and he revived a large part of the ruling class. Although France suffered heavy losses in the war, it would be wonderful if they haven't lost yet, or everything will be like 1799 as Napoleon said.

After the meeting, Napoleon immediately held an imperial meeting. He needed to have a very detailed understanding of the current situation and make a correct response so that he would not be so passive in future wars.

Napoleon, Campaceres, Reiter, Compigny, Clark, Davout, Bessières, Murat and other people who were at the top of the French ruling class all gathered in Napoleon's study to discuss solution to this crisis.

"Your Majesty, I think it is necessary for me to let you know the serious situation in the country. From the beginning of the war to this month, 50% of the factories in France have closed down, and the urban unemployment rate has reached more than 60%. Prices The price of flour and beef has risen 13 times. At present, the French economy is facing the most dangerous moment. If we do not take favorable measures, the economy may collapse at any time." Cambacérez looked serious Said.

"Restrict the maximum price of various daily necessities, crack down on black market transactions, and confiscate all property for those businessmen who take the opportunity to hoard, and they will not be punished." Napoleon said after thinking for a while. There is no other way, he can only adopt the set of measures taken during the Great Revolution, hoping to cope with this crisis.

Seeing Napoleon's decision, Cambaceres moved his mouth a bit, wanting to say something, but finally held back.

"Clark, tell me about the current situation of the army. How is the conscription order I issued before going? We are running out of time, and we must maintain enough troops to cope with the coming crisis." Napoleon asked, quite Napoleon still paid more attention to the army than the economy. This is inseparable from the source of his power.

Clark stood up and said: "Frankly speaking, Your Majesty. The current army is also a mess. The legions that participated in the Russian expedition suffered heavy losses, and some of the legions were even wiped out. Only more than 100,000 soldiers were withdrawn from Russia, and many of them Due to the severe cold and disease, they have already lost their combat effectiveness. The legions stationed in other places have also become unstable because of this failure, and all the legions have deserted. Fortunately, the leader of the legion suppressed the situation strongly. The worst. Unfortunately, it has been almost a month since you signed the "29th Army Proclamation" ~lightnovelpub.net~ But until now, we have only recruited less than 50,000 people. And a large part of them have not yet recruited Up to standard, if it was five years ago, I would never have agreed to let such a person join the great French team."

Hearing that the situation was so bad, Napoleon's face was very ugly, and he said in a deep voice: "I don't care what method you take, even if it is compulsory conscription, after three months, I will see 300,000 people Put on the military uniform. In addition, from the troops withdrawn from the battlefield, select those who can continue to fight, and fill them all into the guards. Rebuild the 4th and 6th legions. As for the commanders of these two legions, I have I have found the right person to tell you. Other legions that have been severely damaged must also be enriched or rebuilt immediately. In a word, I want my army to have the strongest combat effectiveness in the shortest possible time."

"Okay then, as you wish!" Clark sat down with a bitter expression on his face.

"Very well, I believe you will be able to accomplish the mission I entrusted to you with excellence." Napoleon cheered him up. "Campini, what kind of actions are our opponents doing? I want to know if those sons of **** have started contacting secretly again, plotting against the great French Empire." Napoleon continued to ask.

(To be continued, if you want to know what will happen next, please log in to .FU., more chapters, support the author, support genuine reading!)