Chapter 65

"Why, why do we have to explain ourselves to the British?" William slowly spoke, his voice tinged with barely suppressed agitation. "This is the internal affairs of my German Empire, and no country has the right to interfere. Do we have to consider the British attitude when we sell a ship abroad?"

Since traveling back to this era, Qing Ying had spent nearly a year by the side of Wilhelm II. After so much time together, Qing Ying had a good understanding of his adoptive father's character. Hearing Wilhelm's words, Qing Ying immediately sensed the anger and displeasure in Wilhelm's heart. He nodded slightly and said, "Father is absolutely right. We, the German Empire, are a top-tier power in Central Europe, and no country dares to interfere in our internal affairs."

After flattering Wilhelm, Qing Ying changed the subject, "However, in certain situations, for the benefit of the empire, there are things we want to do but cannot, and things we do not want to do but must. Only by carefully observing the current situation, analyzing the challenges we face, and then deciding whether to show our strength or to be discreet, can we achieve the greatness of the German Empire. Even the current world-dominating British Empire adheres to this rule."

"Therefore, our explanation to the British about selling ships to Russia is due to the current situation, which compels us to act for the benefit of the German Empire." After finishing, Qing Ying organized his thoughts and briefly presented his views to Wilhelm II.

At present, Russia's strategic focus has shifted eastward, eyeing Northeast China. They not only aim to expand their territory and turn Northeast China into a Russian colony but also to reach south of Liaodong to seize the ice-free port they have long desired. Whether it is establishing a colony in Northeast China or obtaining an ice-free port in the Pacific, both would significantly expand Russia's influence in the Far East, posing a major threat to Britain's traditional interests in the Yangtze River basin of China. Therefore, since the reign of Alexander II, Britain has been secretly competing with Russia in the Far East, striving to prevent Russia's southward expansion. Now, Germany has not only offered to sell a large warship with a displacement of over ten thousand tons to Russia but also plans to deploy it to the Pacific Fleet, clearly aiming to strengthen Russia's Pacific Fleet and challenge Britain. The intervention by the three countries six months ago has already made Britain dissatisfied and angry with Germany. If this matter is not explained, the friendly relations between Britain and Germany will be in doubt.

"France is our hereditary enemy, and for various reasons, Russia has also gradually become an adversary of Germany. The favorable international environment of the Holy Roman Empire has quietly faded away, and the empire is now facing the disadvantage of a two-front war. If we further strain our relations with Britain, Germany will be isolated internationally, which is certainly not good news for us." Qing Ying chose his words carefully and spoke slowly.

Hearing this, Wilhelm's expression was a mix of satisfaction and mockery. He gently patted Qing Ying's head and said with a chuckle, "You have started to pay attention to international politics, which shows that you have made considerable progress compared to before. However, you have only seen the narrowest aspect of international relations and have not considered the big picture. Today, I will teach you the first lesson in international politics: do not just think from your own perspective!"

William continued calmly, "2400 years ago, a sage in the Far East once said that by understanding both yourself and your enemy, you can win all battles. This principle applies not only to war but also to current international relations. Indeed, the empire and France are hereditary enemies, and the relationship with Russia has become irreconcilable. But for the British, are France and Russia their friends?"

"Let's start with France. Since the Middle Ages, France and England have been in constant conflict. During the Industrial Revolution, the two countries fought fiercely. Ninety years ago, Napoleon the Short not only defeated the British army but almost conquered Britain itself. The impact of that giant on Britain still makes them tremble with fear. If we talk about hereditary enemies, the centuries-long hatred between Britain and France is even more intense than that between Germany and France! In recent years, although France's attempt to surpass the British navy has failed, the two countries continue to engage in hostile actions. For example, in the issue of African colonies, the conflicts between these two old colonial powers are extremely sharp. Therefore, for Britain, France is not only a centuries-old enemy but also the greatest rival in colonizing Africa. Britain, like Germany, views France as an enemy."

William said calmly, "As for Russia, you have just met little Nicky at the Winter Palace, so I don't need to repeat myself. Thirty years ago, Britain began to compete with Russia, and the conflict in the Far East has intensified. Being at odds with both France and Russia has already caused Britain considerable trouble in international affairs. In such a situation, how can they possibly sanction the German Empire? If the British dare to do so, they will be at odds with Russia, France, and Germany, and the consequences of being an enemy of three countries, as Britain has already experienced in the intervention in Liaodong six months ago, are not favorable."

Qing Ying looked up and saw that Wilhelm was also looking at him with a calm gaze. He remained silent for a moment, avoided Wilhelm's eyes, and then slowly said, "Father is absolutely right. Britain indeed cannot match the combined strength of three countries. But have you considered what Britain might do if we openly support Russia's eastward expansion and oppose Britain? Facing three adversaries—France, Russia, and Germany—what would Britain do?"

William was slightly taken aback and had not yet spoken when Qing Ying continued, "For centuries, Britain, with its advantageous geographical location and the dominant Royal Navy, has always been above the fray, influencing the situation in continental Europe. Inciting internal strife, taking advantage of others' misfortunes, being fickle, and using threats and inducements are all their specialties. What they are most skilled at is forming alliances to collectively oppose any power that threatens the balance of Europe. Therefore, facing the three countries—France, Germany, and Russia—that are opposing Britain, the most likely action Britain would take is to temporarily reach an understanding with one of them, then use the combined strength of two to deal with the other."

William's eyes showed surprise as he said, "Indeed. For centuries, Britain has used its superior position to balance the power of the major European countries, making them fight to the death. Once both sides are exhausted, Britain can easily gain enormous benefits. When Frederick the Great of Prussia emerged, Britain led an alliance of countries to attack him, causing the Great to fight for seven years and nearly lose his life. When Napoleon rose in Corsica, Britain used all European countries as tools against him. During the years of war, Prussia, Austria, and Russia suffered repeated defeats, losing millions of soldiers and signing countless humiliating treaties with Napoleon. After the failure of the anti-French coalition, the shameless British retreated to their homeland, leaving the continental countries to bear Napoleon's wrath on their behalf! Any major European country would love to find a way across the Channel and lead an army to Britain to eliminate this evil tumor!"

Qing Ying nodded in agreement. Britain has always been the source of wars in continental Europe. Although the major European countries have been unwilling, they have also had the idea of uniting to destroy this evil nest. However, the Royal Navy's control of the seas has made it impossible for continental countries to eliminate the Royal Navy and cross the English Channel. Additionally, the countries of Europe have their own selfish interests and constant conflicts, ultimately having to rely on the sea-controlling power of Britain to achieve their goals. Therefore, Britain, with the wealth accumulated from its monopoly on maritime trade, has influenced these countries and maintained control over the European situation. In modern times, Britain's only mistake was agreeing to the unification of the German states. Originally, Britain hoped that the newly unified Germany would clash with France, but it did not expect Germany to develop so rapidly that within 40 years, its strength reached a staggering level, capable of easily defeating France and challenging Britain's naval supremacy!

William slightly calmed his somewhat agitated emotions and continued, "The Habsburg Dynasty is our defensive ally, and our interests are aligned. Italy is weak and can be ignored. In this situation, if the three countries—Russia, France, and Germany—are all in conflict with Britain, Britain will inevitably choose one of them to divide and conquer, first forming an alliance with one to deal with the others. Compared to the old rivals France and Russia, Germany is clearly much closer to Britain. Therefore, even if we build ships for Russia to support their eastward expansion, Britain will not do anything to us."

"Father is wise. If we, the German Empire, support Russia's eastward expansion for our own benefit, Britain will inevitably temporarily reach an understanding with one country to deal with the others. The country chosen by Britain must have a relatively smaller conflict with Britain and be capable of reaching an understanding. Only if these conditions are met will Britain consider forming an alliance." As he spoke, Qing Ying looked up, his eyes meeting Wilhelm II's, and he said clearly, "But in my view, the conflicts between Britain and Russia and France can be reconciled, while the conflict between Britain and Germany is irreconcilable!"