Chapter 69

"However, the second obstacle is the expiration of the Reinsurance Treaty between Germany and Russia, and the establishment of the Franco-Russian Alliance. Five years ago, the Russians, eager to develop their industry and in dire need of funds, requested a loan from Germany; but Germany, fearing that an industrialized Russia would pose a threat to itself, refused to lend. Meanwhile, France, seeking allies to counter Germany, seized the opportunity when Russia was rebuffed by Germany. They promptly provided Russia with substantial funds and technical assistance. In comparison, Russia naturally chose France. Moreover, the capital in Russia controlled by the French would never allow Russia to return to Germany. The political influence exerted through large-scale lending cannot be altered by the personal will of a monarch; the kind of luck enjoyed by Redbeard Frederick is merely a product of a specific era and cannot be replicated in today’s world!"

Cecil cleared his throat and continued, "Therefore, despite the recent signs of warming relations between Germany and Russia, this is merely a fragile alliance formed due to their shared interests in Russia’s eastward expansion, temporarily setting aside their differences. Due to the two obstacles I mentioned, Germany is destined to become estranged from Russia and ultimately become enemies. Hence, the Germans will never side with Russia or fully support their future adversary; doing so would be tantamount to aiding the enemy and deliberately making life difficult for themselves."

"But isn’t Germany’s current shipbuilding for Russia a form of support for Russia’s eastward strategy?" Prentice, still puzzled, couldn’t help but ask.

Cecil replied with a wry smile, "Supporting Russia’s eastward expansion and fully supporting it are two entirely different concepts. There are many ways to support Russia, such as building warships, providing loans, and dispatching military advisors. Full support, however, involves comprehensive assistance in all aspects. The Germans’ intentions are easy to guess; they merely want Russia to engage in a major conflict with Japan, which we support, so that they can benefit from it. A Russia that has expended a great deal of national strength in the Far East is exactly what Germany wants to see! Therefore, Germany chose the most malicious way to support Russia by building warships. This way, Germany supports Russia’s eastward expansion, reducing pressure on itself in Europe, while also forcing Russia to invest a large amount of money into the bottomless pit of the navy, thereby posing no threat to Germany on land. More importantly, these warships will be deployed in the Far East, with no conflict with German interests! This is a win-win business, and the Germans will certainly not stop at just this. It can be foreseen that in the future, they will build even more warships for Russia’s Pacific Fleet."

At this point, Cecil smiled slightly and said, "Since the old Otto retired, these Hans have not had such a brilliant move for a long time. If possible, I would really like to meet the person who came up with this idea." Prentice suddenly understood. Thinking about how he had just tried to show off his knowledge of international politics to Cecil, he felt somewhat embarrassed and lowered his head slightly. Cecil, not noticing Prentice’s reaction, paused for a moment, a hint of ferocity in his eyes, and said coldly, "However, Germany’s sale of warships to Russia directly harms the interests of the British Empire, and we must teach these Hans a lesson. The mane of the British lion is not to be toyed with by just any country!"

—

Lightning flashed, and rain fell in torrents. Cecil glanced at the rainy night outside the window, unsure of how to discipline the disobedient German. If the sanctions were too harsh, Germany might take a hard line and launch another "Triple Intervention"; but if they were too light, they would not have the desired effect. He sighed lightly, drained his coffee in one gulp, and the familiar and sweet taste stimulated his taste buds but did not dispel the darkness in his mind.

The door creaked open, and a waiter bowed slightly as he entered. Seeing the wet shoes of the waiter leaving stains on the polished floor, Cecil felt a great deal of displeasure. His eyes revealed undisguised disgust as he said, "I want to see these stains you made completely cleaned up within two minutes. By the way, why did you come in? Is there something you need?"

The waiter bowed and replied, "My lord, the German ambassador, Jodicke, has come to visit. He is now outside the door."

"Hmm?" Cecil was startled and exchanged a glance with Prentice, both seeing surprise and confusion in each other’s eyes. They had just been discussing the Germans, and now Jodicke had come to visit! In a moment, Cecil had already considered all the possible reasons for the German ambassador’s visit. He raised his hand and said to the waiter, "I understand. Please ask him to come in."

The rain pattered, and thunder rumbled. Soon, an elderly man with gray hair slowly ascended the steps and walked up to them under the watchful eyes of Cecil and Prendick. Cecil noticed that the old man had carefully wiped the water from his shoes before entering, leaving no stains on the floor. Seeing this, Cecil, the Mediterranean with a beard, sighed inwardly. This was the kind of gentlemanly behavior that should be expected from someone steeped in upper-class culture.

After the usual pleasantries and seating, Cecil looked at the German sitting below and asked, "Mr. Jodicke, have you also taken to moving about at night like young Prentice? You should know that it’s not office hours, and if I weren’t here, you would have made a wasted trip."

Jodicke smiled slightly and said, "Indeed, that is a possibility. However, I know that Mr. Cecil is diligent and meticulous, and even at night, you work hard for the future of the British Empire at the Prime Minister’s residence. It seems I was right; Mr. Cecil’s ability to form a cabinet three times and become the Prime Minister of the British Empire is indeed a testament to your unwavering will and determination." Hearing Jodicke praise his greatest achievement, Cecil, despite knowing that the German was just being polite, felt quite gratified and pleased. He cleared his throat and said, "Mr. Ambassador, you must have come for more than just this compliment."

"Indeed. I am here to discuss a recent event. The German Empire has undertaken the construction of an armored cruiser for Russia." Jodicke paused, glancing at the two British men; seeing no reaction on their faces, he realized that the British, with their efficiency, had likely already learned of this matter, which had occurred five days ago.

After a moment, Cecil slowly said, "The sale of warships is an internal matter of your country, and the British Empire should not interfere. However, this matter must be treated differently. Your country has taken the initiative to build warships for Russia, and even a large warship with a displacement of over 10,000 tons, which is extremely disappointing to the Empire!"

Cecil’s eyes showed a hint of regret as he spoke in a tone of deep disappointment, "Throughout history, Russia has been the root cause of war and chaos. Their insatiable greed for territory has reached an intolerable level; they already possess a territory twice the size of Europe, yet they still covet Chinese land! In recent years, Russia has been dormant in the Far East due to its weak naval power. If Russia gains this large armored cruiser in the Far East, it will pose a significant threat to the peace of the region. If the Empire does not respond to this, I will not be able to continue as Prime Minister."

"What response does the Prime Minister suggest?" Jodicke asked cautiously.

"Mr. Ambassador, please forgive my frankness. For years, your country has enjoyed tariff privileges from the British Empire, earning tens of millions of pounds in trade surplus annually. However, how has your country reciprocated? Last year, your country joined the Russian-led intervention alliance, urging Japan to abandon its occupation of the Liaodong region in China. Now, your country is actively helping Russia build warships, which will be deployed in the Far East. Both of these actions are detrimental to the British Empire. In this situation, it is only reasonable and just for the Empire to revoke some of the tariff privileges granted to your country. This is in the best interest of the British Empire," Cecil said calmly.

Hearing that the British intended to impose tariff sanctions, Jodicke could no longer maintain his calm demeanor. He gathered his thoughts and said, "Prime Minister, you may have misunderstood. The British Empire’s tariff benefits to Germany have always been deeply appreciated. Otherwise, five years ago, Germany would not have considered its friendly relations with your country and refused to lend money and issue bonds for Russia’s industrialization. This time, Germany’s assistance in building warships for Russia is not only harmless but beneficial to the British Empire!"

Cecil’s eyebrows twitched, and a wave of anger surged within him. The Germans had the audacity to build warships for Britain’s hypothetical enemy, Russia, and claim it was beneficial to Britain! However, having spent most of his life in politics, he had long mastered the art of self-control. Despite his inner fury, his face remained calm. He looked at the German and said, "Beneficial to the British Empire? I would like to hear your explanation." Jodicke nodded and began to explain the pretext he had prepared.