Chapter 54

Nicola spoke in perfect German, which greatly surprised Qing Ying. After a moment, he suddenly understood. When Nicola was still the heir to the throne during the reign of Tsar Alexander III, he had received systematic and rigorous court education. Besides his extensive knowledge of astronomy and geography, he could also speak fluent English, German, and French. Faced with such a super language scholar, Qing Ying, who had only managed to score just enough to pass in English in his previous life, was moved to tears. In response to Nicola’s slightly proud inquiry, Qing Ying smiled and said, "In the five months since I entered your country, I have been deeply impressed by its vast territory. Your country’s vast expanse surpasses all others, far beyond what the German Empire can compare to. At the age of 26, you are already in charge of the most extensive and powerful empire on this planet. Such youthful talent and achievement are truly enviable."

Nicola’s smile grew even wider, and his eyes shone with uncontainable pride. Four years ago, when he was still the heir to the Russian throne, he had crossed the entire Siberia, traveling from the far east of Vladivostok to the far west of St. Petersburg. The distance he had traveled was so vast that even he could not remember it clearly. Nicola had no doubt about the sincerity of Qing Ying’s praise. Who could travel nearly 10,000 kilometers in a straight line within the Russian territory without being awed by its vastness?

"I also crossed Siberia a few years ago and deeply understood the tedium and hardship, Little Eitel." Nicola smiled and patted Qing Ying’s head, making Qing Ying feel quite uncomfortable. "Germany and Russia are not only neighbors but have had a friendship spanning hundreds of years. The Romanov and Hohenzollern families have been intertwined through marriage for centuries, sharing honor and disgrace as one. This time, my cousin Wilhelm helped me with Far Eastern affairs, and it is only right that our families should grow closer. You don’t need to rush on your journey these few days. Stay at the Winter Palace for a while, and when you are well-rested, you can return."

Qing Ying nodded slightly and said, "Uncle, you are absolutely right. Germany and Russia are not only neighbors but have a friendship that spans hundreds of years. Ninety years ago, in the face of the arrogant French Emperor Napoleon, Germany and Russia, as old friends, united and faced the challenges together. After ten years of arduous struggle, we finally defeated the common enemy at the Battle of Waterloo, bringing precious peace to the European continent. My father has always remembered the precious friendship forged in blood during the ten-year war. The 50 million German people are also grateful for Russia’s great victory over Napoleon in 1812. In this era of great transformation, Germany values its brotherhood with Russia even more and is willing to stand together with Russia. As long as our two countries join hands, who in the world can stand against us?"

Nicola’s face showed surprise, seemingly not expecting Qing Ying to say such words. Today, he had only intended to meet his distant nephew in his capacity as an uncle and had no intention of discussing any political issues with the young boy, who was not yet 13. However, as the ruler of a country, he quickly regained his composure and smiled, "It should be so. Your country’s consistent stance on the issue of Liaodong is the best testament to the close relationship between Germany and Russia. When you return to Berlin, don’t forget to convey my greetings to Cousin Wilhelm. In two years, it will be the 60th anniversary of our grandmother Queen Victoria’s reign. At that time, I will personally thank him in London." Nicola’s words were not just for show. Although the reinsurance treaty between Germany and Russia had not been renewed due to Wilhelm II’s shortsightedness and arrogance, and Russia had turned to Germany’s arch-rival France, it was still 1895, and the relationship between Germany and Russia remained very good. Moreover, in Far Eastern affairs, Germany and Russia still had common interests. Even the most astute political veterans, except for Qing Ying, a time traveler, would find it hard to predict the trend of Germany and Russia moving towards confrontation.

Nicola chuckled a few times and patted Qing Ying’s head, saying, "These few days, we will only talk about family and not state affairs. Due to the war, you arrived in St. Petersburg a bit late and only now entered the Winter Palace. Otherwise, you would have been able to attend my wedding to your cousin Feodorovna."

Hearing the word "wedding," Qing Ying’s heart suddenly stirred, recalling a widely circulated rumor from the internet in his previous life. His adoptive father, Wilhelm II, before marrying his current empress Augusta, had been deeply infatuated with her cousin, Princess Elisabeth, and had even written many love poems for her. However, the woman ultimately rejected Wilhelm’s advances and ended up marrying a Russian noble. Some said that the Russian noble was the Nicola before him, while others claimed that it was Wilhelm’s great-grandfather, Tsar Alexander II, who had taken her away from Wilhelm and won her heart.

Before his time travel, Qing Ying had not paid much attention to these peculiar matters in the European royal courts. But after becoming Wilhelm II’s adoptive second son, he naturally had to pay attention to the people around him. In his spare time, Qing Ying had investigated the matter and found that both of the two popular theories on the internet had their flaws.

Tsar Alexander II was born in 1818, 41 years older than Wilhelm. None of his two spouses had any connection to Germany. As for Nicola’s empress, Feodorovna, who was Wilhelm’s royal cousin, she was 13 years younger than Wilhelm. When Wilhelm married in 1881, she was only 9 years old. Even if Wilhelm II’s tastes were peculiar, it was unlikely that he would be infatuated with a 7- or 8-year-old girl at the age of 20. Qing Ying was puzzled and wanted to ask his adoptive uncle Nicola, but it was clearly not the right time, so he decided to let it go.

Nicola paused, and his smile reappeared. "Don’t underestimate the scenery of Russia. Although the Winter Palace is not as opulent as Buckingham Palace in Britain, and St. Petersburg is not as bustling as London, its unique beauty far surpasses that of London. From May to August, when night falls, the night sky of St. Petersburg is illuminated by a bright silver aurora, lighting up the entire city. It is now mid-June, the golden season for the aurora. This is one of the few places in the world where you can experience the white nights, a unique sight."

Qing Ying had been traveling through Russia and was already feeling extremely bored. Staying in St. Petersburg for a few days before continuing his journey would be the best option. He nodded in agreement. Nicola said, "You are new to the Winter Palace, and it will be inconvenient for you to move around. You need someone to guide you." He turned and saw the empty imperial desk, shaking his head helplessly. "Sonia? Cousin? Stop being naughty and come out."

—

In response to Nicola’s repeated calls, a girl suddenly darted out from behind the desk. She was around the age of 15, with stunning beauty, golden hair like a waterfall, and skin as white as snow. Her blue eyes sparkled like stars, and when she met Qing Ying’s gaze, they revealed a unique glint of interest.

Qing Ying, having already won over the young girl Xue’er, had developed a certain level of resistance to the charms of young girls. Although the girl before him had exceptionally beautiful features, which were rare among Russian girls, he did not feel any unusual emotions. The girl walked up gracefully, her long, shapely legs exuding vitality, and the elegant yet elastic charm made Qing Ying look at her a few more times.

"Brother, this guy’s eyes are so lecherous. He’s been staring at my legs the whole time. Do you really want me to take this guy on a tour of St. Petersburg?" The girl, Sonia, glared at Qing Ying angrily and said to Nicola with displeasure. Nicola patted her head and said, "Sonia, don’t be silly. Eitel is just a 12-and-a-half-year-old boy, a generation younger than you. It’s impossible for him to have any improper thoughts about you. Besides, didn’t you volunteer to be his guide? Eitel is so pretty; you can’t possibly dislike him."

Although they were speaking in Russian, which Qing Ying couldn’t understand, he could guess the gist of what the girl was saying from her angry glare and the expressions on their faces. He had merely looked at her legs a few more times and had no other intentions. Besides, the girl was at least 175 cm tall, a full head taller than him. How could a man accept a girlfriend who was so much taller?

Seeing the awkward expression on Qing Ying’s face, Nicola chuckled and said in German, "This is my cousin Sonia, who just turned 15. My father spoiled her a lot, which is why she is so capricious. Don’t take it to heart. During your stay at the Winter Palace, she will be your guide. Although she is a generation older than you, you are about the same age, so you can call each other by your names."

"Right, I’m my brother’s sister, and you’re my brother’s nephew, so you’re a generation younger than me!" The girl seemed excited, then put on a serious face and said in a coquettish voice, "Hey, you, call me Auntie." The girl could also speak fluent German.

Seeing the girl’s coquettish behavior, Qing Ying felt a bit resistant, but he remembered his earlier indiscretion and the discomfort faded. He opened his mouth and, considering the Russian advantage, chose to comply. Hearing Qing Ying call her Auntie, the girl was delighted. She extended her delicate hand and gently stroked Qing Ying’s head, her face showing a mischievous smile. "Good boy, you must listen to Auntie. If you dare to peek at my legs again, I’ll pinch your tender skin until it’s black and blue, got it?" She then made a pinching gesture in front of Qing Ying’s face, her long nails making Qing Ying swallow nervously and nod vigorously.

"Sonia, stop fooling around." Nicola patted the girl’s head and then said to Qing Ying, "Uncle has some business to attend to and won’t be able to spend much time with you. If you want to go anywhere or need anything, just ask Sonia. You two are about the same age, so I’m sure you’ll get along well."

Qing Ying looked at Nicola’s smiling face and then at Sonia, who seemed to have found a new toy, with a black devil’s tail wagging behind her. He couldn’t help but sigh: These few days are going to be tough...

This chapter has 3600 words, which should make up for the shortage from yesterday...

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