New "Battle of Marengo"

Historically, European nations did not establish General Staff Headquarters to take full responsibility for logistics and supplies, terrain surveying, training, Operation Plans, and such matters until after the 1830s.

Even in France, where Joseph had led reforms to the staff system, Napoleon was still temporarily suffering under the inefficient bureaucracy of the old military.

Napoleon reined in his horse and had a staff officer bring out the map. He stared at it, frowning in thought for a long while, then shook his head with a sigh. "If I remember correctly, the cavalry battalion of the Moulins Legion is still in Nice, isn't it?"

The staff officer nodded. "Yes, commander. The cavalry was too heavily depleted on the day we attacked Vence, so they were arranged to pass through the mountain pass last, allowing them a few more days of rest."

"All right. Let them recuperate a little longer. There's no need to bring them over here for now."

As Napoleon spoke, he gestured for an attendant to bring him paper and pen. Leaning over his Saddle, he began tremblingly writing a report to the Crown Prince.

As he carefully considered his tone and wording, he breathed a few puffs of warm air onto his icy right hand. From the corner of his eye, he spotted a sharp-eyed middle-aged man standing beside some rocks not far away, holding a drawing board. From time to time, the man glanced at him before lowering his head to add a few strokes.

Napoleon waved to him. "Mr. David, how is your work progressing?"

"Thanks to you, I finally found my inspiration just now." The middle-aged man remained focused on the painting without even lifting his head. "So, in no more than a week, you will be able to see your heroic bearing upon my