The officers looked at the luxurious conference table being moved away with perplexity, replaced by an ordinary small wooden table.
Joseph pointed to the room they were in, with its pillars and ceiling adorned with complex geometric patterns and tapestries hanging on the walls, and said to the crowd:
"I hope that from now on, our combat meetings will all be held in the army's tents. Please remember, our task is to fight wars, and to win wars. Thus, every action we take and everything around us must be related to combat. Pleasure and display can wait until after the war is won, and we talk about it back in Paris."
At present, the officers throughout the European army were full of aristocratic airs, such as hosting wine parties and banquets amidst the smoke of the battlefield, and there were even those who commanded battles with mistresses in tow.
The Crown Prince's Guard Corps had been quite restrained in this aspect, but still retained some of the old habits. Joseph had to remind them in daily minutiae to eradicate this bad practice completely.
This was not just about focusing an officer's mind more on combat, but also about eliminating as much as possible the barrier between soldiers and officers, so that they fully trust and admire their officers.
The officers from the Paris Police Academy were not at all surprised by the Crown Prince's demands—they were used to training like this.
The ones least accustomed, of course, were from Murat's Corps, but they still followed Bertier and the Police Academy officers, bowing and responding loudly, "Yes, Your Highness."
Subsequently, over ten high-ranking officers brought over ordinary wooden chairs and sat around the sand table in the middle of the room.
The sand table was personally supervised by the top European cartographer Bertier, very detailed and precise.
Joseph nodded to Bertier and took the seat furthest to the side—he was well aware of his own level, having cram-studied military courses at the Paris Police Academy for less than a year.
When it came to specific command in combat, he still had to rely on real experts like Bertier—the main significance of his being here was to boost morale and to maintain unity among officers of different backgrounds.
Bertier took to the front, reiterated the situation in Algiers, and then said:
"According to intelligence, it's clear that the British and Ottomans are behind this incident. So their goal is not merely to restore the rule of the Imperial Guard, but also to take advantage of our unstable foothold in Tunisia to drive us out from here." He looked around at the officers with a serious expression, "Looking at the overall situation, it is very unfavorable to us.
First of all, the People of Algiers began preparing for war at least six days ago, and in this regard, we are significantly behind them.
"Furthermore, their combat forces have 23,000 men, while we only have over 7,000 soldiers here. Even if we include Zemir's native corps, at most we can muster 12,000 men. We are still at a disadvantage in terms of manpower. And, as I believe everyone is aware, the combat effectiveness of native soldiers is not to be relied upon."
All the officers nodded slightly upon hearing this. After the Rebel Army took Tunis City, many troops disbanded on the spot, especially the native tribal soldiers. They were, after all, just peasants who followed along to loot the Imperial Guard's wealth, but once the fighting was over, they had to return home to tend their fields.
Currently, only about 15,500 remained, and many of these were needed to maintain law and order throughout various locations in Tunis.
"As for the combat capabilities of the enemy forces," Bertier continued, "Albanian mercenaries are a core force highly regarded within the Ottoman army. Although those who came to Algiers might not compare with the Ottoman elite forces, and are mixed with some Bosnians, they are clearly not to be underestimated."
He gestured towards the guards at the door: "Regarding the strength of the Algiers Guard, these men from the Tunisian Guard probably know it best. Please bring them in."
The soldiers immediately escorted three Tunisian Guard officers into the meeting room.
Bertier looked at them and asked, "In your view, how does the combat effectiveness of the Algiers Guard compare with yours?"𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮
An older Guard officer looked around nervously before cautiously answering, "Pasha, they are far stronger than us. They often recruit soldiers from Anatolia[Note 1] and maintain drills five days a week."
Another Guard officer added, "Some of their weapons are even better than those of the Sultan's army."
The French officers seemed to grow more somber upon hearing this, it was clear that their opponent would not be as easy to defeat as the Tunisian Guard had been.
Joseph, however, was not surprised—Algiers was a much larger country than Tunisia and was contested by three different powers. If their Guard had not been progressive, they would have long been devoured by the other two forces.
"So, this could very well be a tough battle."
Murat's Corps Commander Andre motioned for the three Guard officers to be taken away, then pointed to the Oued Medjerda river on the map, northwest of Tunis City:
"In the face of inferior troop strength, it's best that we rely on river defenses. The enemy's target is definitely Tunis City, and as long as we hold this line, they can never claim victory."
The Oued Medjerda river runs from northeast to southwest across the entirety of Tunisia. To the south lies the highest peak of the Atlas Mountains, Tunis Mountain. To take Tunis City, crossing this river is a necessity.
Setting up a defense along this river is indeed the most prudent strategy.
No sooner had Andre finished speaking than several officers nodded in agreement.
Bertier frowned slightly, "But both Bizerte and Kairouan, on the north side, are on the northern shore of the Oued Medjerda. If we arrange our defenses along this river, we will essentially be handing these places over to the enemy."
The officers immediately turned their heads to look at him: "What is your suggestion, then?"
Bertier tapped the western side of Bizerte with his finger: "To enter Tunis from Annaba, one must pass through here—Ferrieres, between Lake Ichkeul and Lake Bizerte. Here, we can ambush the People of Algiers!"
Andre frowned, "But, Lieutenant Colonel, that's a plain. If we choose this place, we will have to face an enemy many times our own number head-on."
In his words, he had already automatically ignored Zemir's indigenous forces.
An officer from the police academy immediately said, "But it's the only way to save Bizerte."
The officer next to him nodded in agreement: "Losing Bizerte will encourage the remnants of the Tunisian Guard and bring us more trouble."
Someone who opposed raised their voice: "Have you considered that, by deciding the battle on the plain, we will have no chance to retreat if the situation turns against us?"
The officer from the police academy was unyielding:
"The enemy sweeping through Bizerte will cause severe damage there. If we can't demonstrate our ability to protect Tunis, the prestige we've just established among the locals will be completely destroyed."
"Perhaps we should ask Paris to allocate more troops."
"That could take one or two months, or even longer. Who knows what changes will occur in the battle situation during that time."
"And the finances may not allow for further large-scale troop deployments either."
"So defending along the Oued Medjerda is still the most feasible option."
"I think we can definitely give Ferrieres a try!"
The two sides holding different opinions argued more and more fiercely. For a time, no one could persuade the other.
Just at this moment, Joseph suddenly stood up, interrupting the incessantly arguing sides: "I want to know where our logistical support is coming from?"
Bertier immediately said, "Your Highness, it is mainly orchestrated by Mister Agadon and the chamber of commerce, and a small part is carried by our fleet from Corsica."
"And the transportation to the front lines?"
"We can leave that to the local forces. We'll send a battalion to oversee."
Joseph immediately frowned: "Gentlemen, forgive my bluntness, but we probably only have one choice, and that is a quick resolution.
"Right now, Tunis doesn't even have an effective government in operation. The collection of food and supplies may encounter problems at any time. Moreover, the Imperial Guard will do everything in their power to disrupt our logistical transportation.
"As soon as we get stuck in a stalemate, logistics will be the death of us!"
Upon hearing this, Bertier's face lit up with joy: "Your Highness's concern is absolutely necessary. Then, we shall confirm our position in Ferrieres."
Joseph, however, fell into contemplation: "If I am not mistaken, the People of Algiers will also be ready to fight us there."
"That is very likely, Your Highness."
"Then the numerical disadvantage would cause us significant losses." Joseph shook his head slightly. The Guard Corps was his painstakingly built foundation, and he couldn't afford to squander it in North Africa.
Andre hesitated, "Your Highness, it seems that you agree with my opinion?"
"No." Joseph waved his hand, then stared at the intersection of Algiers and Tunis on the map for a while, suddenly revealing a smile, "We need to surprise the enemy. For instance, by resolving them in Annaba!"
Annaba was the easternmost province of Algiers. The officers in the conference room looked at each other in surprise.
...
Paris.
Petit Trianon Palace.
Queen Mary nearly forgot her decorum, her hands clenched into fists as she said loudly to Brian in front of her, "Does this mean that the troops heading to North Africa haven't set off yet?"
"That, I'm afraid, is the case, Your Majesty," Brian said with his head lowered, "You know the current financial situation. The 4 million livres needed by Marquis de Saint-Veran can't be disbursed immediately..."
He hurriedly added, "The funds are ready, but due to the large sum, the Bank of France Reserve wants to pay with banknotes, and the military insists on silver coins. The exchange will take some time."
The Queen took a deep breath, obviously suppressing her anger, "It has been 5 days, and he still hasn't left the camp. The People of Algiers could harm Joseph at any moment!"
Brian carefully said, "Your Majesty, a large-scale troop mobilization requires considerable preparation time. The People of Algiers are likely the same; they probably haven't left the country either."
Queen Mary practically spat the words through her teeth, "Go tell Marquis Saint Priest that Marquis de Saint-Veran's army must arrive in Tunisia before the People of Algiers. I will sincerely thank him for his hard work."
...
Algiers.
East of Annaba.
A fully-equipped Ottoman army of over ten thousand was advancing slowly.
In the middle of the column, Commander Caheller of the interfering army of Algiers looked at the intelligence report that he had just received, a smug smile on his face, and tossed the piece of paper to an Aide-de-camp beside him, his deputy:
"The British have clearly overestimated the French Army. They were still resupplying in Tunis City 4 days ago and are estimated to set off only in the next few days."
This was sent by the remnants of the Tunisian Guard within Tunisia. The content was very reliable.
The latter looked over the intel and turned to say:
"General, judging by their deployment, they are likely positioning their defenses around the Oued Medjerda river area."
"Are you saying it's difficult to attack there?" Caheller snorted, "Anyway, it doesn't matter how long we fight since the British are paying. Bizerte is very wealthy. In the meantime, we can transport all its riches back to Mitidja."
However, the tall military officer on the other side said solemnly:
"General, based on the scouting from the day before yesterday, it seems the Tunisians are preparing to cross the Oued Medjerda river from the north of Kairouan. This might be a preparation to engage with our forces near Bizerte."
The attendant scoffed dismissively, "That rabble of despicable mobs doesn't know how to fight. On the plains of Bizerte, we can easily tear them to shreds. Those Tunisian Guards are useless, to be defeated by such riffraff."
But Caheller instructed:
"We also need to be cautious of Tunisian ambushes. Pass the order, double our scouts, and find the main force of the Tunisian rebels as quickly as possible."
The tall officer looked back with some puzzlement:
"General, I'm curious why those rebels don't join forces with the French? It clearly weakens them both, making them unable to confront us head-on."
Caheller corrected, "Even combined, they don't have the capability to confront us. Those rebels were still farming a few months ago; they probably can't even form ranks properly. I suspect the French don't want to expend too much fighting us, so they choose to defend along the river."
The tall officer again said, "Are the French waiting for reinforcements?"
"The British say that the financial situation in France doesn't allow them to reinforce on a large scale. Moreover, they've promised that if France sends reinforcements, they will provide us with even more support."
As Caheller was speaking, a scout came riding quickly, reining in his horse at a distance, and called out:
"Report, General, the Albanians have sent a message that their scouts discovered Tunisian traces near Naivesey. Awaiting your orders!"
Naivesey was almost at the easternmost point of Annaba, nearly leaving the territory of Algiers. The Albanian mercenaries, serving as the advance party, had already reached there.
Caheller narrowed his eyes in thought for a moment, then decided:
"It must be the tribal militiamen of Bizerte coming to scout our movements. Tell Semiz to strengthen the reconnaissance and continue advancing."
Semiz was the Guard officer in charge of commanding the Albanian mercenaries.
[Note 1] Anatolia generally refers to the territory of the Ottoman Empire south of the Black Sea, which is part of Asia Minor. It can be considered the most "authentic" Turkish ethnicity.