Chapter 71: Landing on Freyrus
"That's why Britain keeps allying with other European nations to stand against us. But even though our French army is the best in the world, we are still helpless in front of the English Channel, forced only to look on wistfully. Britain's policy towards the European mainland has always been to unite with weaker nations to suppress the stronger ones, hence their repeated organization of coalitions against us. But the more they do this, the more we cannot give up. In the coming time, we must build a new navy. While not necessarily to defeat the British navy, we can at least tie down many of their forces and reduce their attacks on our crucial ports. We could also block the Channel, preventing them from easily dispatching troops to the European mainland. After all, Britain is also a European country, and as such, it cannot completely sever ties with Europe. If we can dominate the European mainland, we can impose trade sanctions on Britain. Only a two-pronged approach will truly defeat Britain," Roland passionately laid out his strategy.
"That's right, the British are indeed despicable, like a turtle hiding in its shell, always inciting other nations against our country while themselves remaining hidden, and yet we are unable to smash their protective English Channel shell!" Napoleon listened to Roland's articulate and clear reasoning, pinpointing Britain as the main pillar of the anti-French coalitions. He nodded repeatedly in agreement, his frustration with the impasse against the British palpable.
"What about the Holy Roman Empire then? In your plans, they are also a formidable enemy, aren't they?" Napoleon continued to inquire.
"Exactly, Uncle Napoleon. We need to deal not only with the British but also with the Holy Roman Empire. However, the British are much easier to handle compared to the Holy Roman Empire. At least the Holy Roman Empire is located on the continent," Roland said with a smile.
"That's true, any nation on land, France can easily defeat. This was also demonstrated in the previous two wars," Napoleon laughed heartily upon hearing Roland's words.
At this moment, France was not the nation of later times, often depicted only as surrendering. The France of now was an unparalleled military powerhouse, the true number one land army in the world. On land, France feared no country.
"Yes, Uncle Napoleon, our army is incredibly strong and can easily defeat the Holy Roman Empire. But just doing this, I believe, is not enough. We need a permanent solution to thoroughly resolve this issue," Roland confidently stated.
"Are you suggesting dismemberment?" As soon as Roland spoke, Napoleon understood his implication.
In fact, Napoleon had long harbored similar ideas, but he wasn't certain of their feasibility. Now that Roland had articulated the same thoughts, Napoleon felt an immense thrill, coupled with a sense of finding a kindred spirit. Such understanding was rare; had Roland not been his nephew, Napoleon might have sworn a bond of brotherhood with him on the spot.
A flicker of approval passed through his eyes as he thought, "It seems Roland truly is the ideal successor for me! It's astounding how someone so young could have such a precise grasp of the situation. The Bonaparte family's future would indeed shine even brighter in his hands. Louis is enviable to have such a fine son."
"Share your thoughts," Napoleon gestured for Roland to continue.
"I think we should first deal a heavy blow to the Holy Roman Empire in a war, then, using the momentum of victory, force Emperor Francis II to sign a treaty that guarantees the independence of the various federated states within the Empire. This would significantly weaken the Holy Roman Empire. Moreover, we should adopt different strategies for different countries. Towards Britain and Austria, we should maintain a hostile approach, continually striking at them. I think we should ally with Russia and Prussia."
"Relations between Russia and Austria have been discordant; they've been contending over the Balkans for decades, already deeply entrenched in enmity. There are also continuous frictions in Poland, with Russia and Prussia often clashing there. Although Austria and Prussia are of the same ethnicity, they have always been competing for dominance over Germany. Given these circumstances, we have ample opportunities to divide and conquer."
Roland continued outlining various strategies, common in later times but seemingly novel now. It appears the Industrial Revolution had not entirely eradicated the spirit of European chivalry!
"That's wonderful, Roland. You truly are a genius. When I eventually take power, I must have you in Parliament in a significant role. Why not become my chief strategist?" Napoleon said with a smile.
"Uncle Napoleon, you flatter me too much. I am not capable of that much," Roland replied, sweat forming on his forehead. Being in the spotlight was not a comfortable feeling, and for a moment, Roland even wondered if he was becoming too conspicuous, which did not align with his strategy of 'keeping quiet and making a fortune'.
However, Napoleon did not notice Roland's discomfort; he was fully immersed in his visions. After a night of discussion with Roland, he was eager to return to France and realize his ambitious plans.
Napoleon, embedded with his own intelligence network within the government, had heard rumors that the newly elected Consul Sieyès might be planning a coup. Thus, he felt an urgent need to reach Paris immediately to secure a favorable position and safeguard the current government.
Driven by the urgency of the situation, Napoleon ordered his fleet to set sail towards mainland France. His destination was the port of Toulon, where he had first made a name for himself in the battle against the anti-French coalition, and where his dreams had begun. He intended to land there and start crafting his new vision.
After two days at sea, the coast was finally in sight, with Toulon nearly within reach. However, just as tranquility seemed to return to the French fleet, a British warship suddenly appeared, throwing the fleet into disarray once again.
"Turn around, head for Fréjus. We'll land there," Napoleon commanded upon sighting the unexpected British naval ship, his frustration palpable. He had no choice but to reroute and land elsewhere. Fortunately, fate seemed to favor him once again, allowing him to evade the enemy's pursuit. But as night fell, the fleet could not land, forcing Napoleon to wait until the next day.
At dawn the following day, French soldiers stationed at the Fréjus artillery battery were startled to see a warship slowly making its way between the blue sky and sea. They promptly fired a warning shot, causing huge water columns to erupt. During the pause in the cannonade, they saw flag signals from the fleet.
"I am Napoleon Bonaparte; I have returned!"
"It's General Napoleon! It's our fleet," one of the soldiers at the battery shouted upon recognizing the flag signals. As he understood the meaning, his expression turned to excitement, and he yelled to his comrades, "Stop firing! It's friendly forces!" The excitement quickly spread across the battery, and soon the news that the hero of the Egyptian campaign, Napoleon, had returned, spread to the surrounding areas. Before long, the entire town of Fréjus knew.
The town of Fréjus erupted into excitement. Regardless of age or whether they were military or civilians, people thronged to the port, eager to catch a glimpse of their national hero, Napoleon.
Aboard the warship, Napoleon was also immensely excited. After 16 months of campaigning, he was finally back in the arms of his homeland, a feeling that was exhilarating, especially seeing the cheering crowd, which affirmed the warm welcome of the French people for him. In response, he loudly declared, "Thank you for your enthusiasm! We have just returned from abroad and must first undergo isolation and health checks!"