Life of Being a Crown Prince in France Chapter 532

Chapter 532: Chapter 443: The Focus–Ratibor (Please Follow)

Austrian Silesian Army Headquarters.

Bertier shifted his gaze from the map, looking somewhat uneasily at Lefevre, “Do you think there's any chance that General Leao could actually rout the Prussians at Ratibor? After all, he has the absolute advantage in troop strength.”

The latter smiled, “If it were another officer in command, even an ordinary battalion commander, we might indeed need to worry about that. But the commander now is Leao, and please trust me, what he excels at is positioning his soldiers where they shouldn't be.

“Moreover, his ability to train soldiers is also very… ah, average. So, only the less than 2,000 soldiers left by General Willemze are somewhat capable in battle; the rest can't even perform a proper volley.”

“Now I'm actually a bit concerned that he will be overwhelmed by the Prussians…”

Joseph interjected, “General Leao has the advantage in troop strength, he should be able to hold out for at least five or six days. I have already sent Major Mason to Ratibor to support him.”

He looked towards the distant Prussian position, “Now it all depends on when the Duke of Brunswick makes his move.”

As they were speaking, the sound of horse hooves came from outside the tent, and soon a courier walked in quickly, saluted Joseph with his cap, and said:

“Your Highness, General Leao's attack on Ratibor has failed, and now he is surrounded by the Prussian Army.”

Mason had the Hussars standing by, keeping an eye on the battle situation at Ratibor, and this courier was sent by him.

The courier continued:

“According to the scouts, it was because General Leao failed to notice the Prussians' movement on the flank, insisting on using the main force to attack the front, resulting in the Prussians flanking from the rear. Then he mistakenly withdrew the attacking troops, and the enemy forces in front immediately pressed forward, ultimately pincering them.”

Joseph immediately gave Lefevre a look of commendation, laughing, “You were right in your prediction, he does indeed excel at incorrect movements.”

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Lefevre sighed, “12,000 men surrounded by 7,000 Prussians, he has really outdone himself this time.”

Bertier looked at Joseph, “Your Highness, shall we have Major Mason reinforce immediately?”

Joseph shook his head, “We have to believe in General Leao. His corps is the best-equipped in the Austrian Army; even if they are surrounded, they should be able to hold out for a few days.

“Now go immediately and inform Marshal Lacy and the Duke of Brunswick about the situation with the Leao Legion.”

Joseph then said to another officer, “Please send someone to notify Potsdam that they can start acting.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The officer was a liaison from the French Intelligence Bureau with the Crown Prince and immediately left with Bertier to carry out the order.

East of Legnica.

In the Prussian headquarters, the Duke of Brunswick looked at the map in disbelief, shaking his head:

“What the devil do these Austrians intend to do? Attacking Ratibor makes no sense.”

Just half an hour earlier, he had just received intelligence sent back from Austria that Leao's Legion of over 12,000 men had suddenly attacked Ratibor, but Colonel Erwin, who was responsible for defense, reacted quickly, exploiting the Austrians' negligence, and surrounded them on the outskirts of Ratibor.

Chapter end

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