The conversation with the German Emperor in Charlottenburg Palace seemed to have had some effect. In the afternoon of the second day, a childcare group meeting chaired by Ludendorff himself. Hersman was informed of the decision of the Imperial Council held that morning: the goal of the line was to "guarantee the absolute security of the border." "To establish a German sphere of influence on the eastern flank along the German border line. In addition to Lithuania, Courland, and Poland, the sphere of influence expanded to Livland and Estonia. The adoption of national self-determination to achieve annexation means holding elections under the control of the German occupation forces, establishing a pro-German government, and demanding German protection or merger with Germany; or adopt a one-body (one-monarchy) system with Prussian Germany; Or they could declare their independence from Russia, and then ask Germany for assistance, and Germany would control these countries politically, economically, and militarily, and make them vassal states of Germany. Germany has done so in Lithuania, Courland, Poland, and now wants to expand the region......

Ludendorff then told Hersmann and other members of the childcare group: "The conditions for Germany's public peace are: 1. Poland, Lithuania, Courland, Estonia, Livland, and Livonia shall enjoy the right to free self-determination; 2. First, the original trade treaty will be extended for another three years, so as to establish normal trade relations; 3. Repeal all wartime legislation; 4. Exchange of prisoners of war; 5. Russia to return at least 500,000 ethnic Germans; 6. Both sides renounce war reparations (of course, public reparations). ”

At least in this initial version, Germany abandoned its claims to Ukraine and Belarus, and Finland was not mentioned. If Poland is not taken into account, even by non-Bolshevik Russian revolutionaries, few people regard Poland as an integral part of Russia, and that Poland now has a strong military (the Polish Legion under Pilsudski) and an independent government, and that Russia is simply not capable of conquering it - Russia has lost only 150,000 or 60,000 square kilometers of land, which is miserable but not unbearable. At least much more generous than the historic Brest Treaty, which lost Ukraine and Finland.

At the same time, Ludendorff also proposed a "secret supplementary version", which was mainly based on four points: 1. Russia secretly handed over at least 600 tons of gold, 2. Autonomy in Ukraine and Finland, 3. The establishment of the Russian-German Agricultural Technical Cooperation Company, a joint venture between the two sides and controlled by Germany, responsible for purchasing Russian agricultural products and resources (mainly coal) at low prices, and at the same time exporting weapons and equipment to Russia (Bolsheviks) and providing military advisers and technicians to help them win the civil war The Russian Bolsheviks had to supply large quantities of grain and coal, otherwise Germany would have to consider supporting the Bolshevik enemies; 4. The transfer of Tsar Nicholas II and his family to German protective custody - they were collateral to ensure that the main German forces on the Eastern Front would remain friendly to Germany after the retreat.

"Major Hersman." Inside the Great General Staff, in a rather secluded conference room, a secret meeting of the childcare group was taking place. Admiral Ludendorff, who presided over the meeting, had finished announcing the terms of the German peace talks, both openly and secretly, and named Hersmann in a rather low and stern tone.

"Your Excellency, Admiral." Hersman stood up, snapped upright, and waited for Ludendorff's order.

Ludendorff stared at him for several seconds, then smiled grimly and arrogantly and said, "It is your suggestion to set up a special company to provide assistance to the Russian Bolsheviks. ”

This was proposed by Hersmann at the end of his report to the General Staff, and he hoped that there would be a semi-official, semi-civilian, and relatively independent organization, a company secretly controlled by the German side, which would be responsible for cooperation with Soviet Russia. It's not just about looking at the present, it's about the long term. Once Germany loses the war and is tied to the Treaty of Versailles, cooperation with the Soviet Union will become very important. As long as Hersman had this channel, he would not be too sad in the post-war days, and such a company was completely within the control of him, a major.

Ludendorff paused slightly, showing a slightly regretful expression, "Major Hersman, if I appointed you as the manager of this company's headquarters in Russia, would you accept it?" ”

Being the manager of a military-controlled trading company with a special mission, such a thing is definitely undesirable in the future!

But in Germany in 1917, it was not a good job for an army officer who had the rank of major at the age of 25 - from the beginning of his career in the army, Hersmann should have served as a battalion commander at the front, participated in several bloody battles, and then went to the Western Front Command as a staff officer. In this way, he can be promoted to lieutenant colonel after the end of the war (the end of victory), he can be promoted to colonel at the age of 30 or so, and he will definitely be a general before the age of 40.

But once he takes on the role of manager, with Hersman's connections in Russia, this errand is likely to be done for half his life. He would have become a millionaire - there would have been a lot of oil and water in making a big deal with the Russians, but he would not have the opportunity to gain experience and seniority at the front, and the lieutenant colonel and colonel would be the end of Hersman's career. After that, he changed careers and became an ambassador to Russia or something. Although he is also a big man, he can't be compared with the generals or even marshals of the empire after all.

"Your Excellency, I do!" Hersman replied without hesitation. What is considered a chicken rib in the eyes of others is a big fat piece in his eyes, because he knows that the Second Empire has no future at all.

"Okay," Ludendorff said slightly, "and only you can do this job." Mr. Ettel and Ms. Heinsberg from the Foreign Office will work with you as employees of the company. The rest of Thor's group also rotated to Petersburg on a regular basis. The headquarters of the company will be located in Berlin, the general manager will be appointed by the General Staff, and the capital of the company will be 400,000 gold marks......"

Compared with the Great General Staff, the grass-roots Russian-German Economic Promotion Company is only an inconspicuous existence, and even the capital is only 400,000 gold marks, almost 100,000 US dollars. However, the responsibility it bears is very important at the moment, so a big man like Ludendorff will personally ask about it.

"The company's first task is to buy Russian grain and coal," Ludendorff explained, narrowing his eyes and emphasizing his tone, "and it can be exchanged for cannons and shells, as well as other civilian industrial goods of German and Austro-Hungarian production...... Remember, the more grain and coal, the better, and the sooner you get it, the better! ”

The grain and coal reserves of Germany and Austria-Hungary were already very tight, as can be seen from the reduction of rations. And Hindenburg and Ludendorff were planning a new large-scale offensive, which would inevitably make it more difficult to supply supplies.

Ludendorff added: "The company's secondary task is to transport at least 500,000 Russian-Germans to the Gulf of Riga. All expenses are paid with the company's profits. ”

"Your Excellency, I will do my best." Hersman replied confidently.

Ludendorff nodded and said with a smile: "Very well, Major Hersman, I am looking forward to your new achievements in Petrograd." Your work in Petrograd will have a huge impact on the whole battle as well! Do your best! ”

Then the Admiral stood up and strode out of the room. Today, there is an important military meeting waiting for the admiral to preside. The Eastern Front looks like it can be secured, if a treaty can be signed before the end of the year to get gold, grain and coal. Then next spring, the German-Austrian army will be able to launch a large-scale offensive on the Western Front!

It will be a great battle that will decide the fate of the German Empire!

――

At the end of the first volume, the year 1918 will follow, Germany will be defeated, its society will be torn apart, its economy will collapse, and it will be oppressed internationally. Hersmann, on the other hand, has found his sweet spot and will be a key player.