Bab 42: Chapter 42: Trouble Doubled
"Uncle Napoleon, gentlemen. I believe this rebellion in Egypt is not as simple as we might think, and I suspect the Turks are behind it," Roland stated emphatically.
"Turks!" The room filled with surprised expressions upon hearing Roland's words, even Napoleon looked taken aback.
"Roland, are you suggesting that this rebellion has been influenced by the Turks?" Napoleon asked for clarification.
"Uncle, you must realize that the Turks have always viewed Egypt as their territory. They have been opposed to our conquest, but they did not express strong opposition earlier because they did not expect us to defeat Murad so easily. They thought we would be caught in a protracted struggle with Murad, which would benefit them. But now that Egypt is firmly in our hands, it's certain that the Turks would take action," Roland explained, looking directly at Napoleon.
"You make a very valid point. It is indeed too coincidental that the Egyptians would choose this moment to rebel, especially so close to the Turkish border," Napoleon nodded, increasingly convinced by Roland's argument.
"Moula, you will accompany Marmont to suppress this rebellion. I want to see what the Turks are up to," Napoleon then adjusted his strategy, deciding to send General Moula to support Desaix.
"By your command, General Napoleon!" Moula nodded in acknowledgment.
"Roland!" Napoleon then turned to Roland.
Hearing his name, Roland stepped forward.
"Roland, the advice you've provided is crucial. Therefore, I've decided to promote you to the commander of the 18th Battalion, temporarily serving under Marmont's infantry division," Napoleon instructed, effectively promoting Roland from captain to major in command of a battalion.
"Yes, Uncle Napoleon!" Roland nodded, feeling a surge of excitement within. He had thought any promotion would have to wait until after the battle, but Napoleon had accelerated his rise.
"I've been in the army for less than six months, and I've risen from captain to battalion commander. This promotion is as fast as a rocket! There are many who spend their entire lives without reaching the rank of battalion commander, and here I am, promoted so swiftly. I wonder how many are secretly envious of me," Roland thought to himself, aware of the rarity and significance of his rapid rise.
Indeed, just as Roland had thought, when everyone heard that Roland was promoted to battalion commander by Napoleon, they all looked envious, even though many of them held higher ranks than him. However, it had taken them many years to reach their positions, whereas Roland had been in the army for less than half a year.
Although everyone envied Roland, very few were jealous of him. After spending so much time together, Roland's intelligence and talent had gradually become apparent, and he truly had inherited the Bonaparte family's excellent military capabilities. Often, it was his strategies that led to the French army defeating their enemies. Therefore, everyone agreed with Roland's promotion to battalion commander.
After the strategy to suppress the Egyptian revolt was decided, the meeting quickly concluded. Everyone went off to attend to their own duties, preparing for the upcoming war. However, they were unaware that not only were enemies present on land, but also on the distant seas—a fleet had appeared.
This was the British Mediterranean Fleet.
...
On the afternoon of August 1st, the sun was slowly setting, bringing a slight coolness to the scorching land. It was as comforting as a thirsty person finally drinking a glass of water.
At the port of Alexandria:
Seabirds were soaring leisurely above, and below them were massive warships lined up in a row, about a mile and a half from the shore. This was the French fleet.
Among the troops fighting in Egypt, the navy undoubtedly had the most comfortable life. They had not encountered any significant battles from start to finish, nor did they have to cross the desert like the infantry to fight against the enemy's cavalry. Since Napoleon had not issued orders to the navy before he left, the French naval soldiers were very leisurely. Some were fishing on the warships, while others were sunbathing.
"How comfortable! This is the life," exclaimed the commander of the French naval flagship "Orient," Brueys, as he enjoyed his tea.
"Suddenly, being a naval general feels much better than being in the army. Right now, Napoleon is eating sand in the desert, while I can relax and vacation here," Brueys said as he finished his tea. The delicious taste of the tea made him sigh in comfort. Then, Brueys spoke to his aide.
"Indeed! In this battle, our task is much easier than that of the army. But just now, General Napoleon sent an order to be on guard against the British fleet. They might attack us," said Brueys' aide, nodding and then cautioning him.
"Of course, I know there's the British Navy in the Mediterranean, but who knows where they are? We left from Toulon, France, all the way to Egypt without encountering any British," Brueys said, waving his hand casually.
"True, but I think we still need to be cautious," the aide continued.
"Of course, that is an order from Napoleon, after all. If I don't comply, he might trouble me again. Let it be, let it be. Send the order down to not be so relaxed, and to be more cautious. After all, this is not France, this is Egypt."
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