Chapter 23

As the sun set over Tianjin, a violent storm raged; while in Berlin, thousands of miles away, it was noon, with the sun blazing. The wide, well-paved streets were lined with tall buildings, bustling with traffic and people. Citizens who had finished their morning work returned home, their faces beaming with happiness and hope for the future.

Emperor Wilhelm II stood on a balcony in the palace, letting the gentle breeze lift the corners of his coat. The scorching August sun shone on the top of the awning, casting a cool shade on the balcony. He slowly placed his withered left hand behind his back and murmured, "China and Japan, they couldn't wait to start fighting. Dear, do you regret letting Eitel go to the Far East?"

Empress Victoria ignored her husband, her delicate fingers forming a cross on her chest as she prayed softly, "Almighty Lord, your devout servant Augusta Victoria prays sincerely: please protect my child, Friedrich Wilhelm Eitel, in the Far East, and keep him safe and sound."

Feeling Victoria's silent protest, Wilhelm felt a bit awkward. He cleared his throat and put his right arm around her shoulders, smiling apologetically, "Dear, it's not entirely my fault. That boy must have been out of his mind, wanting to open up the Far East market for German arms sales at such a young age. I got carried away and agreed without thinking, and you didn't object either."

Victoria clenched her teeth, a vein pulsing on her smooth forehead. Wilhelm knew this was a sign that she was about to lose her temper. In a panic, he couldn't think of the right words to calm her. After a moment, Victoria broke free from his arm and shouted, "I don't want to hear about economic reasons, and I don't want to deal with political stuff! Wilhelm, I'm telling you, if a single hair on Eitel's head is harmed in the Far East, I'll beat you into a pig's head!"

Seeing his wife's harsh words, Wilhelm's brow furrowed, and a hint of anger crept onto his face. As the supreme ruler of the country, he was used to being respected and flattered, and few people could speak to him as equals, let alone scold him. His face darkened, and he was about to react when he noticed tears welling up in Victoria's eyes. He was momentarily dazed, remembering some past events, and the anger that had built up quickly dissipated.

He opened his mouth, hesitated for a moment, and finally smiled at Victoria, reassuring her, "Dear, don't worry. Eitel is in the Chinese capital, under the strict protection of the Chinese guards. There shouldn't be any safety issues. Even if something unexpected happens, there are those two bodyguards always with him. They are rare talents in the palace, and even Hudson can only match them. What else do you have to worry about?"

Victoria seemed to know who Hudson was. Hearing her husband's words, the vein on her forehead gradually disappeared, and her expression softened. After a moment, she looked at her husband with red-rimmed eyes, her resolve to argue fading, though she still wouldn't admit defeat, saying softly, "Is Hudson really that good? Hmph, he's as skinny as a skeleton, and his voice is awful... He's been your friend since childhood, so what real skills could he have..."

Seeing Victoria's pout, Wilhelm couldn't help but smile. He shook his head, laughing, and put his right arm around her shoulders again. Victoria fidgeted uncomfortably, glared at him, but ultimately accepted the situation.

"Although the ancient Eastern country is decaying, their wise ancestors said something that left a deep impression on me: 'Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles.' Eitel is destined for great things; he can't always stay in the palace, studying books. He needs to go out and gain experience and training." Seeing his wife's resolve weakening, Wilhelm pressed his advantage, "After all, you're too indulgent with him. You treat him like a child, always doing everything for him, which isn't good."

Victoria replied somewhat unhappily, "He is just a child! He only turned 11 a little over half a year ago!"

Wilhelm snorted, "So what if he's 11? When I was 11, I was already following my ancestor, the Holy Emperor, in the campaign against Austria and the pacification of France. As my most valued descendant, how can he waste his life in the palace? When August was still around, I turned a blind eye to your hiding Eitel from me. After all, the empire had an heir, so it was fine to be a bit lenient with Eitel. But now that August is gone, are you going to let this smartest child continue to be spoiled? The third son is lazy and dull, not fit for great things. The only one who can inherit my throne is Eitel. From now on, I will constantly train and temper him, so that one day he can lead our great Germany to the pinnacle of the world!"

"Enough with your talk about following the Holy Emperor in the campaign against Austria and the pacification of France," Empress Victoria laughed, "In truth, you were just brought along to see military life. With so many talented generals in the army, how could a 11-year-old boy like you come up with any brilliant strategies?"

Despite his wife's pointed reminder, Wilhelm showed no sign of embarrassment. He paused and said, "Whether it was strategy or experience, that period has been subtly shaping me, and I have benefited greatly from it. Eitel's journey will greatly enhance his mental and experiential growth, a rare and valuable experience for him. You shouldn't interfere and make him come back early."

"Come back early? Eitel can't come back now!" Hearing Wilhelm's words, Victoria's emotions, which had just calmed down, became agitated again. Seeing her about to lose her temper, Wilhelm was troubled and asked, "Dear, what's wrong? Why can't Eitel come back?"

"Isn't it obvious? Because of the war between China and Japan! The two countries are already at war, and there will be countless bandits and marauders in China. In such a situation, how can Eitel travel north to Russia and then return to Berlin?" Victoria's voice was filled with anxiety. If this were the case, she wouldn't see her favorite child for half a year or even longer?

Wilhelm was taken aback; he hadn't considered this problem. He pondered for a moment and said, "It shouldn't be a problem. Even if the war between China and Japan is intense, the current battlefield is limited to southern Korea, far from the Chinese capital. The capital is still far from the front lines, and with the emperor still there, the surrounding areas won't be in chaos. Besides, how can a country fail to protect the safety of foreign envoys? At worst, a squad of guards can escort Eitel all the way to Uncle Alexander's territory."

"I don't care. Eitel must not be harmed in any way! As long as the war continues and the situation in China remains unstable, Eitel must stay in the Chinese capital and not go anywhere!" Victoria's face showed a mix of reluctance and firm resolve, "Even if I don't see him for a year, I'll accept it as long as Eitel is safe!"

Wilhelm inwardly sneered; women were indeed the most unreasonable creatures. The front lines were a bit chaotic, but what was the big deal? If he wanted to, he could easily have China send a guard to escort Eitel, and there would be no danger. Would any bandits dare to attack a military escort? However, Wilhelm had no intention of explaining this to his wife. Victoria's excessive indulgence of their second son had caused him much trouble. Now was the perfect opportunity to change this. If Eitel stayed in the Far East longer and didn't rush back, Victoria would gradually get used to his absence, and her attachment to him would lessen. By then, Wilhelm could have Eitel undergo any training without Victoria's opposition.

With his plan set, Wilhelm made a decision that he would later regret, nodding and saying, "Yes, dear, you're right, and I think so too. For his safety, Eitel should stay in the Chinese capital until the war ends."

Victoria looked at her husband suspiciously. When had he started to care so much about Eitel? Although her sixth sense told her that Wilhelm had ulterior motives, his nod was indeed what she wanted. Victoria shook her head, deciding not to think about it anymore.

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