>"He explains it a bit differently, that an order would be read to a corporal who had to explain what the order meant. If the corporal could explain the order correctly then it was simple enough to be sent to his generals."<

Though both story sound improbable, the one I gave at least made sense. Would a corporal, whose job it is to polish boots, tell the truth in a room full of Emperor, marshals and generals? Or say what he thought they wanted to hear, or, more likely, claim he wasn't listening (the safest answer).