Chapter 588: The Hundred Years War Restarts

Chapter 588: The Hundred Years War Restarts

Brandenburg took the lead in detonating the powder keg. Not only was the South confused, but the North was also confused.

News of Brandenburg's capture of Silesia came to the rest of the alliance without any information, which caught them off guard. But the deal is done. At this time, I am afraid that the other party will not believe in me. You must know that they are an alliance. How can you not know their actions?

They must go all out now. Given the situation over the years, leaving the body intact would be considered a mercy on the other side. Hurry up and prepare supplies and troops to fully assist Brandenburg.

The changes that occurred in Brandenburg also spread throughout the northern region within 10 days, and the English envoy in Berlin also sent people to London to report with the news.

Therefore, Stefan, who had just returned to London, summoned the auxiliary ministers, major department ministers, and important military generals to hold an important meeting in the palace.

Stefan asked Salmon to distribute the battle report to the ministers, and then said: "Everyone, the war between Brandenburg and Sigismund broke out again, but this time they were defeated by Brandenburg in the battle. . What measures should we, as an alliance, take in the next war? "

"Your Majesty," Chief Minister Salmon said first: "Now that Brandenburg has turned most of its attention to the east, which naturally includes France, we can proceed with our plan."

Salmon's plan was naturally to attack France, go south to Paris, and then ascend the throne and become king. This has become a national policy and cannot be changed.

The Earl of Cambridge, Minister of Military Affairs, spoke: "Your Majesty, from a military point of view, it is a good strategic choice to attack from Normandy. If our army lands in France or Calais through the Channel, we will join forces with the Burgundian army in Fighting together is indeed safer, but it also means that most of the results we obtain may be obtained by Burgundy, and it will also arouse the vigilance of other nobles, such as Orleans and Bourbon.

But if we open a separate battlefield, we have to consider whether the local lords are willing to help us manage the place. If they don't cooperate with us, it will be difficult to carry out our work. Whether it's recruiting troops or collecting supplies. "

Although the Earl of Cambridge is a military officer, he will also seriously consider political factors when making military plans. This is what Stefan appreciates the most: "Very good! Make a plan to attack Paris as soon as possible."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The other party responded immediately.

"Your Majesty." Salmon picked up the battle report in his hand and said, "I noticed in this battle report that a large number of French troops have recently moved towards Dijon. This may have attracted our attention!"

Stefan thought for a while, fearing that they were going to take action against the third brother, and hoped that everything would go well for him.

"The movement in the direction of Bohemia has not stopped recently. We should send troops to them."

"Dear Count, please make a judgment now. How many troops will we need to seize the northern region and then attack Paris?"

The Earl of Cambridge also called the Duke of York, the military training officer, the Earl of Cornwall, the quartermaster, the two generals Mattony, Oliver and other generals to form a circle in the corner of the hall.

After some quiet discussions, the Earl of Cambridge walked up to Stefan and said solemnly: "Your Majesty, based on what we know now about the situation in France and the geographical conditions of the Paris area, after discussion, we believe that only 2 people need to be sent. -30,000 soldiers are enough to complete the expedition mission."

"20,000-30,000 people..." Stefan turned around and asked, "How long can the existing grain reserves in the country support their operations?"

"Your Majesty, the country has continued to have good harvests in the past few years, and coupled with the grain purchased from the Hanseatic League, it should...be able to guarantee an army of 30,000 people to fight in France for more than a year."

"More than a year...um...where are the weapons and equipment?"

"Your Majesty, the armories of military camps in various regions have sufficient arrows, gunpowder, tents, blankets, pack cars, and other military supplies, which are more than enough to supply 30,000 soldiers."

After hearing this, Stefan showed a somewhat satisfied smile. He thought for a while, looked at the minister and said: "Considering that this is England sending troops to fight in Greece again, in order to reduce the local people's dislike of us, it is best to restrict the soldiers Looting of the local area.

The reason why I failed several times before was because I was slacking off and letting myself go thinking that nothing would happen. Nothing can be relaxed until everything is completely resolved. This time, all the soldiers have to cross the strait and must succeed.

Everyone, since we have made it clear that we are going to go to France, regardless of whether you have any objections in your heart, and no matter how the war situation in France will develop next, you must concentrate your efforts, unite and cooperate, and carefully prepare for the next expedition of great significance! "

"Yes, Your Majesty!!"

This expedition was led by Stefan himself, with a total of 32,000 troops, including 7,000 troops assisted by Wells. At the same time, Stefan began to promote that he had inherited the previous claim of the King of England, that is to say, he also wanted to obtain the title of King of France.

This caused chaos in the French court. Unexpectedly, the ambition of the king's son-in-law grew so fast. Since he wants the title of King of France, it is absolutely impossible.

Stephane also addressed Parliament and succeeded in persuading it to grant him a "double subsidy", a tax of twice the traditional rate. Meanwhile the army was being assembled, in the way that England had developed a very complex system of recruiting troops during Edward III's reign to cope with the demands of the continuous campaigns in France. This system was based on contracts.

There were two types of contracts. One required one party to serve the other in war and peace. This was usually for life. The other was for a specific military campaign, usually with a predetermined length of service. Just as they formed the backbone of the lord's household in peacetime, so they were the backbone of the lord's armed forces in wartime. This group was also the first to be summoned by the king.

Three days later, the king invited the members of the Great Council to breakfast at Westminster Palace, and once again consulted them on the war with France. They formally agreed to go to war and put in place the arrangements necessary for victory.

At the same time, France also gave Stephen the most generous conditions to cease fire through letters: including the return of Gascony, 400,000 lei and support for England's annexation of Ireland. Stephen scoffed at these conditions and once again confirmed that Charles VI was beyond help. He could prepare for the attack with confidence.