"The British had also developed percussion cap guns and bulletproof inserts. That will make it far harder for us to achieve such enormous exchange ratios."
"But we will possess weapons superior to percussion cap guns, equipment more convenient than Chappe signal towers, and tactics better than 'reverse slope + thin white line.'
"We will keep innovating. Even if we become a 'lion,' we will not stagnate."
Joseph spread his arms and declared loudly, "I can tell you all that France will surely become as great as Rome! Let us welcome the coming of that day together!"
All the officers rose to their feet at once, their faces flushed with excitement as they shouted with all their might, "As great as Rome!"
"Long live France!"
The officers who had been clamoring to petition for Napoleon earlier had now fallen silent as their banners drooped.
Having risen to the rank of senior officers, they were all intelligent men. The Crown Prince had made it very clear just now: France's current goal was to accumulate national strength, continue improving the army's combat capability, and avoid being drawn into a biting struggle with other "wild dogs."
Yet General Bonaparte's previous actions would have kept the nation "wounded and bleeding."
No wonder the Crown Prince had been so enraged.
But the Crown Prince had also mentioned being "as great as Rome," so France would not stop at its current sphere of influence. That meant General Bonaparte might still have a day when he could once again command troops and serve the nation.
Only after the officers had calmed down did Joseph begin announcing the list of officer promotions, followed by the broad outline of the Second Military Reform. It was not until nine that evening that the hundreds of officers left the Military Academy hall