October, the first autumn after the end of the Great War, was the season of harvest and famine.

The brutality of the war has devastated the land, and in the east and north, vast swathes of once-rich land have been abandoned after unprecedented heavy shelling, abandoned villages are everywhere, and those who survive have to worry about the coming winter. The situation was even worse on the other side of the Channel, where the English had been delayed by the fierce fighting, and the Scots had lost their seeds in the spring in the summer war, leaving most farmers looking at the bare fields. Fortunately, the German naval blockade had largely been lifted, and shiploads of grain could be brought in from outside Britain, but skyrocketing prices were draining the last savings out of the pockets of the British people.

In the southern part of the Apennine Peninsula, the Italian government seemed to have a difficult winter, although the crops were abundant, but a considerable amount of grain had become the spoils of the Austro-Hungarian Empire before they were harvested. As for Austria-Hungary, one of the victorious powers, the situation in the country had stabilized much more after plundering the grain of Poland and Italy, and the poor people could at least receive a little gruel for their lives from the almshouses. The Russians were the only ones in the victorious countries who had not had a good time, and the war not only forced millions of strong peasants into battle, but also forced some to leave their homes, with the result that this year's harvest in Russia was only enough to feed half of the population. However, the Russian rulers seemed to have been prepared for the colder weather to bring large quantities of grain into the Russian hinterland via the railway lines in the Far East.

In Germany in October, the ground is full of gold.

The war that lasted for nearly a year had depleted most of Germany's grain reserves, but thanks to the Kaiser's policies, the number of farmers in Germany returned to pre-war levels by spring, and the war never reached the country, and Germany's agricultural harvest this year was almost the same as in previous years, which greatly relieved the government's interior officials.

Berlin, Imperial Palace.

"The American ambassador? Something very important? ”

After breakfast, the Chentiandi attendant von Jonalet told him. The U.S. ambassador came to the palace early in the morning to wait for the reception.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Jonalet replied very seriously, this young man with soft brown hair is 28 years old this year, a native of East Prussia, who joined Chentian's staff seven years ago, and is very clever and honest.

"Oh, bring him to my study!" Chen Tian touched his chin, and he had already guessed in his heart about the intention of the Americans.

"Also. Marshal Tirpitz is invited to come to my study in the morning, I have something to discuss with him!" ”

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

After a while, Jonah Wright brought Beasley, the U.S. ambassador to Berlin, to Chentian's office. Chen Tian is also relatively familiar with this American ambassador, and he has met with him several times when he was still the acting crown prince. He was a typical businessman, polite and observant, believing that everything could be traded for money.

"Oh, your honorable majesty. It was a great pleasure to meet you on such a crisp autumn morning! ”

Beasley, with a hat in hand, said respectfully as soon as he entered the door.

Chentian motioned for the guards at the door to leave. The only people left in the room except for the Americans were him and the chief of the guard, Rainey.

"Mr. Ambassador, you're here so early today! Did you not sleep well last night? ”

"Oh, how so? The weather in Berlin has been nice lately. It was also quiet so I slept very well! Beasley was not restrained, but sat with Chen Tian on the sofa on the side of the study with some caution.

A long time ago, Chen Tian noticed that the monarchs of Europe were very different from the emperors of China, although their status was also very noble, but they were not as high as people imagined, many times they would sit and talk with people face to face, and it was common for them to eat with ministers and generals. Of course, there seems to be a lot more European monarchs than China who have been assassinated since ancient times.

"So, Mr. Ambassador. What are you doing today? ”

Chentian, who has never liked to go around the bend, doesn't want to beat around the bush in the face of this guy who is said to be the descendant of a profiteer. Naturally, this guy didn't come for morning tea, after all, it was far from easy for foreign ambassadors to meet the emperor than for tea.

"That's right, Your Majesty! Our President, Mr. Wilson, has asked me to convey to you on your behalf that although the treaty states that your country is required to return the goods and equipment that your country has borrowed from us during the war, the actual time and quantity of return are negotiable in principle! ”

Beasley said kindly, like Santa Claus.

"Oh? That's really good news! ”

Chen Tian suddenly had a pleasant look on his face. It's like I actually found a gift in my stockings. At the same time, the Americans sold ships to Britain, and out of balance, they also provided Germany with $5 billion worth of supplies and equipment, of which Germany paid $2.45 billion with the former French islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique, and the Lesser Antilles, and the other $2.55 billion was paid in installments after the war. There is no doubt that a country that has just experienced a war is in great need of money, even the number one victorious country in the war, and in this era, $2.55 billion is an astronomical amount for any country, which is almost 10 years of German revenue!

Of course, the German war machine undoubtedly benefited greatly from the acquisition of such quantities of supplies and equipment during the war!

Seeing the Kaiser's happy face, Beasley was very pleased with his strategy, and as he used to say, "Man is ruled by greed!" ”

"Your Majesty, there is another important matter." Beasley said as he stroked the brim of his hat, "Mr. Wilson says that he has received the letter that you have entrusted your Ambassador to forward to him, and that he has given serious consideration to your proposal!" ”

As expected, Chen Tian knew that this was the real purpose of the Americans. Two days earlier, he had the German ambassador in Washington transmit a letter asking President Wilson and the United States Government to give serious consideration to plans to expand the army and navy, because the implementation of these two plans has a bearing on stability in the Americas, the Pacific, and the world. In the letter, Chen Tian did not oppose the recent military expansion of the US government, but expressed some concern about such a large military expansion.

"Oh, so what do you mean ......by your Excellency the President?"

"Well, that's right! Mr. Wilson said that the bill to expand the Army had already passed Congress, so it was unlikely that it would be withdrawn or changed! As for the expansion of the Navy, it is still being discussed! ”

The implication of the Americans' words is very obvious, and there is still room for discussion about the naval expansion plan.

"Oh, what a shame!"

Chen Tian looked very sorry. However, in fact, even if the US Army is doubled, its strength will only be 260,000, and the actual number will not exceed 200,000 in non-wartime, and its strength is not worth mentioning compared with the German Army. Like other countries, Chentian is concerned about the Americans' big naval plan to "add 10 new battleships, 6 battle cruisers, and a large number of light ships".

"Your Majesty, don't worry, just as our government has said, the current expansion of the US Army is for the purpose of peace, and there is absolutely no intention of invading other countries! As for the navy......," Beasley whispered, "Your Majesty." As you know, our country has coveted islands and islands in the Pacific Ocean, such as the Philippines and Hawaii, and our naval strength is only used to protect them! ”

"However, the Pacific region is very stable now!" Chen Tian said with a look of ignorance, "In order to ensure this stability, we have also formed a powerful combined fleet with Russia and Japan, and I don't think any country dares to blatantly destroy the peace now!" ”

Beasley was tormented between his brows, but a smile was still on his face, and the emperor in front of him knew that he meant to extend the loan period and forgive part of the loan in exchange for German support, but he deliberately pretended not to understand.

"We in the United States are also permanently stable. The purpose of expanding the Navy is nothing more! ”

It's like the weather. The conversation between the two men paused for a moment in a lukewarm atmosphere.

Beasley's face was calm, but Chentian could easily see the hidden uneasiness in his heart, because he was in good control of the current situation. Chentian knew it very well. Before 1916, although the United States was the world's largest economic and industrial power, its armaments were simply not vulnerable to war. Although the United States has the Philippines and Hawaii at this time, its defense there is extremely weak; due to the US Government's policy of first the Atlantic and then the Pacific, the US Navy's Far East Fleet has only a small number of light ships, and the Philippines and other places do not even have decent fortifications, and the greatest achievement in recent years has been the establishment of a series of coaling stations in the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, the U.S. government will not allow the situation to continue like this under any circumstances, once war breaks out in the Pacific. The Japanese fleet would easily occupy the Philippines and use the port of Tahiti, which Germany had leased to them, as an outpost, from where the advance fleet would destroy the American coal station in the middle of the Pacific, and the American Home Fleet would be on the battlefield at least six months later!

Beasley sighed lightly, he didn't want to show his hole cards, but he had to do it now.

"Your Majesty, Mr. President, I have asked you to convey to you that we are willing to appropriately reduce our naval expansion program if you can ensure that other nations do not threaten the national security of the United States! In exchange. Our two countries can also negotiate for the benefit of both parties on previous loans and future cooperation! ”

After a while, Chen Tiancai replied unhurriedly, "This is a good suggestion!" ”

"Our local government and people do not want to see war, and I implore Your Majesty to consider our proposal!" Beasley said sincerely, but he blamed himself for coming to the German ruler in such a hurry. But there is no way to do this, Washington's telegram is anxious between the lines, and meeting the Kaiser is undoubtedly the quickest and most effective way at present, after all, the main diplomatic and military matters in this country are the emperor's final say.

Seeing Beasley express his true desire, Chen Tian was satisfied, and he nodded, "I'll think about it!" ”

Beasley wanted to say something, but considering that the conversation would only be detrimental to himself, he got up and took his leave.

"Mr. Ambassador!" Just as Beasley was about to exit the door, Tatsuten stopped him.

"Your Majesty!" Beasley turned, bowed slightly, and said ten times more respectfully than when he entered the door, "What else do you command?" ”

"Please tell your President, Mr. Wilson, that Germany is willing to act as a mediator between the United States and Japan, but we are not doing so because of the economic benefits that your country has given us!" Chen Tian had a serious and serious expression on his face, and at this time, he decided to end the little game with Mr. Beasley.

Under the other's majestic gaze, Beasley lowered his head full of deals.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"In addition, on behalf of the German government, I would like to make a proposal to avoid an arms race! That is, countries are represented and sat together. Negotiate a public treaty that limits the endless expansion of the navy! In this way, the peace that has been bought at the expense of countless lives will not be easily lost! ”

Beasley's eyes were full of surprise, and in fact, needless to say, he and even Wilson did not think of establishing such a treaty. It is not difficult to understand why, as in the Washington Naval Treaty in another world, only the victorious power has a say, and the United States is at best an economic power, far less politically influential than the leaders of the Allied powers who have just won the war. After being stunned for nearly half a minute. He replied excitedly:

"Yes, your majesty, I will convey it truthfully!"

As he left, the U.S. ambassador walked briskly, as if he had picked up a large sum of money.

Two hours later, the Imperial Admiral came to Chentian's office as promised.

When Tirpitz entered, Tatsuten was standing in front of the window, but it didn't seem to be just admiring the autumn scenery outside the window.

"Your Majesty!"

"Oh, my marshal, here you are!" Chen Tian turned around. With a smile on his face. There is no condescension. When he spoke to the Navy Veteran, he was still as respectful as ever.

"Your Majesty has something on your mind?"

Tirpitz didn't directly ask why Tatsu had summoned him. The old marshal was very old, and the main work of the Admiralty was now entrusted to Marshal Ball and the General Staff of the Navy. If it is not a major matter, he will not be invited to go out in person.

"Oh, no! I'm just thinking that autumn scenery is different all over the world! The last time I traveled the world was 15 years ago, and I miss that time a little bit! Chen Tian was referring to the round-the-world voyage he made aboard the Navy training ship "Little Medusa" after graduating from the Royal Army College from 1899 to 1900.

"Oh, it's been many years since I traveled the world!" Tirpitz struggled to think, "It's been almost 40 years!" Your Majesty, you are not planning to travel the world again! ”

"It would be nice if I could, but I can't leave the country behind to spend such a big vacation!" As Kaiser. There are also holidays in Chentian, but they usually don't last more than a month, and they generally don't stay away from Germany for various reasons.

As for Tirpitz, his long years in the Navy gave him a healthy physique, but after all, the years are not forgiving, and he will not have much time left in his life when he is nearly seventy, and perhaps he will not be allowed to travel far in a few years.

"Then Your Majesty summoned me for the purpose of the new US naval plan!"

"Yes! The American ambassador came to see me in the morning! Chen Tian sat down across from Tirpitz, "As we expected, the U.S. government is very uneasy about the matter of the Combined Fleet. Their plans for a new navy are only for the combined fleet, and if we combine the fleet, they are willing to cut the plans! This is exactly the opportunity we are waiting for, and I think it will not be long before the treaty restricting the development of the Navy will be adopted by the majority of countries! ”

Long before the end of the war, Chentian proposed to Tirpitz the idea of a naval treaty between the various countries, and explained the pros and cons of it, and the old marshal affirmed this idea after careful consideration, and the German Navy had previously disposed of old warships in batches as part of this idea.

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Tirpitz did not skimp on his own compliments, which, of course, were not purely compliments. While most people were still basking in the joy of victory, he was glad to see that his monarch was able to calmly and foresight make such a plan for the future of the German Navy. At the same time, he also knew very well that this navy he had built himself had the best survivability of capital ships, but as we all know, the original mission of this navy was to confront the British Navy across the sea, and there were very few medium-sized ships suitable for defending overseas territories and escorting ships! Now, the German Navy has replaced the British Navy as the world's first, but it is not enough to dominate the world with a group of excellent battleships, according to the radical view, Germany still needs to maintain the speed of wartime shipbuilding, in order to build more combat and protective cruisers, but this will inevitably bring considerable pressure on government finances, and is not conducive to the recovery and development of the post-war economy.

"I was thinking that if such a treaty were to be negotiated, it would be better to hold the talks in Berlin or Vienna, and of course, not many people would be happy to go to St. Petersburg or Istanbul!"

"Your Majesty wants to ......"

"Washington!"

When such a place name popped out of Chentian's mouth, Tirpitz seemed to be puzzled, because according to common sense, Berlin seemed to be the best choice.

"Now the United States is in the most passive position, and if the talks are held in Washington, first, it will make their government less nervous, and second, no one will use the host's authority to exert pressure!" The choice of Chentian was actually aimed at the Japanese and Austrians, and if the meeting place was Berlin, then Japan, as a member of the Central Powers, would be more advantageous than the United States, and the same would be true for Vienna or other European cities.

Tirpitz thought about it and quickly understood the reasoning.

"Also, I'd like to go to Washington and see the autumn scenery in North America!"

Chen Tian's casual sentence surprised Tirpitz a lot.