Li Xiaofeng glanced at Brusilov, although the old man looked very sincere, but he knew that this old guy was a wolf in sheep's clothing. If you are deceived by his appearance and think that you have completely convinced the old man, then you will suffer a big loss.

Before the October Revolution, or before his only son Alexander was shot by the White Army, his attitude was very clear, that is, he did not want to see Lenin and the Bolsheviks, and would rather eat and wait for death than go out of the mountains.

It can be seen that this man has a insistence in his heart, he really does not appreciate any revolution, nor does he approve of peace talks with the Germans, and of course he is also against civil war. So it is very unrealistic to expect to convince the old man in a few words. Even if he already agrees with Li Xiaofeng's point of view, he will not go out to help him.

Li Xiaofeng played the first card: "We Bolsheviks have only one very simple request, please use your prestige in the army to avoid the outbreak of civil war as much as possible!" ”

Hearing this, Mannerheim's face changed, and he knew very well that this was not someone's request, at least someone didn't have this idea before he came. Before they came, they had already agreed to persuade Brusinov to succeed him as military adviser as much as possible, and to help EO continue to train officers and the military.

And now, someone is asking for more than expected, and to put it mildly, Mannerheim thinks it's a sky-high asking price. With what he knew about Brusinov, the old man would definitely flatly refuse this request.

Sure enough, Brusinov immediately rejected the proposal: "I can't help this, you should know very well that I have left the army, and my influence in the army has greatly decreased, if you really want to avoid a civil war, you should negotiate with Prime Minister Kerensky, or go directly to Kornilov, Denikin or Kalykin...... Looking for me? It doesn't work at all! ”

Li Xiaofeng smiled, completely unimpressed by the old man's refusal, "We won't negotiate with villains like Kerensky or Kornilov." Even if it's privately. Secret negotiations are also impossible...... We have nothing to talk to them about, and we can't get along, just like you would never talk to a traitor who betrayed Russia...... For reactionary leaders like Kerensky or Kornilov, it is our stated goal to eliminate them! ”

Brusinov shook his head and said, "Then the civil war will definitely break out!" ”

Li Xiongfeng smiled: "Maybe, but we have to make some efforts...... If you can stand on the side of the people, there is no doubt about it. Even if the civil war really broke out, it would reduce a lot of losses! ”

Brusinov was silent about this, the old man was still stubborn, and he was very skeptical that the Bolsheviks would be able to take power, even if they could. It is not necessarily possible to win the civil war. So he had to make a careful choice.

As if seeing through the old man's doubts, Li Xiaofeng suddenly asked, "Who do you think can win the civil war?" ”

Brusilov was stunned for a moment, and then said bluntly: "I'm not a wizard, and I can't make predictions about what hasn't happened yet, but if the civil war really breaks out, I have to say that I'm not optimistic about you at all!" ”

Li Xiaofeng suddenly became a humble primary school student at this moment, and asked very humbly: "What are you doing?" Can you explain why? ”

Brusilov was quite satisfied with someone's attitude. Feel after the conversation began. For the first time, he had the upper hand. At this moment, he seemed to have become the general who commanded thousands of troops and horses to gallop on the battlefield, and said proudly: "The reason is very simple. I do not deny that you have the support of the overwhelming majority of the workers in the rear, and even a large part of the routs who have retreated from the front support you. But I must point out that most of the middle and senior officers at the front wanted to continue the war. If you really intend to cease war with the Germans, it will greatly anger them. And as far as I know, the economic policies held by your party are quite unfavorable for us propertied people...... Under the domination of these two emotions, a large number of high-ranking officers on the front line will point the finger at you......"

Speaking of this, Brusilov paused and said in a slightly mocking tone: "At that time, the day you signed the armistice with the Germans was the beginning of the civil war...... The officers on the front line will directly defect, and without the Germans' containment, the million-strong army will directly return to overthrow your regime. Honestly, it's quite ironic! ”

Li Xiaofeng was not angry, and after listening to the old man's words very calmly, he replied with a smile: "I have to admit that the probability of the prediction you made is quite high, but ......"

Brusilov asked nonchalantly, "But what?" ”

"But you forgot that in Petrograd and the area around Moscow there are more than a million troops who support our party......"

"Humph!" Before Li Xiaofeng finished speaking, Brusilov sneered: "Do you think those rear garrisons and those deserters who have broken down from the front line will be the opponents of the front-line troops?" I unequivocally warn you, Mr. Andrey, not to confuse the two! ”

"Of course I didn't mix it up," Li Xiaofeng said calmly, "The troops in the rear are indeed inferior to the elite troops on the front line against the German army in terms of combat effectiveness, but I must also remind you that for ordinary soldiers, letting them go home and giving them land will have infinite attraction, and it is difficult to say how many of those elites you said can unite around their generals." ”

Brusinov's face changed, and he knew that what Li Xiaofeng said was true, as long as there was a reinstatement order, half of the soldiers on the front line would probably immediately drop their weapons and go home, especially if they could get the fields, then they would speed up and flee home. It's hard to say how many people will be able to follow the likes of Kornilov and Denikin.

However, the old man still insisted: "Even so, as long as there are quite a number of elite troops standing on the opposite side of you, it will be enough for you to have a headache, and it is difficult to say who will kill the deer!" ”

forced the old man to take a step back, which made Li Xiaofeng feel a little proud, but he was still very sober and continued to strike with the hot iron: "Even if they can control a considerable number of elite troops, I want to ask you, what is the most important thing to ensure that an army of hundreds of thousands or even millions continues to fight?" ”

This time there was no need for Brusilov to answer, his son Alexander preemptively replied: "Logistics!" ”

As soon as he heard this, Brusilov's face suddenly changed, and Li Xiaofeng said a little proudly: "At that time. We, the Bolsheviks, took control of the most industrially developed core of Russia. To put it bluntly, the food, clothing, ammunition and ammunition needed by the front-line troops are all supplied by this part of the area. If they mutinied, then there would be no more provisions, and the forces that supported us might experience a lot of defeats, but as long as they withstood their counterattack, over time. We will get stronger and stronger, and they will get weaker and weaker. Which side do you think has the better chance of winning? ”

Brusilov was silent, as Russia's former supreme commander, he knew all too well the logistical dependence of modern warfare, and that Russia's vast war machine would not last a day without the support of Petrograd and the industrial zones around Moscow. And now. It was the Bolsheviks who had absolute superiority in this part of the region. I have to admit that this advantage is quite large, so big that it can affect the outcome of the battle.

"It's just on paper!" Brusilov is still making the last resistance, "When you really get to the battlefield, everything is difficult to say, although you have a certain advantage, your enemy is not without opportunities!" ”

"I admit it!" Li Xiaofeng said with a smile, "This is also an important reason why I came to you!" ”

Brusilov looked at him suspiciously. Puzzled, "You still want to use my prestige to dispel those people's minds?" I have to warn you. This idea is so naïve! ”

"Maybe!" Li Xiaofeng smiled and said indifferently: "Of course, it is best if your prestige can work. However, we also know that it is the distribution of benefits that really plays a decisive role...... We, the Bolsheviks, will change the pattern that has existed in Russia for centuries, and a part of the vested interests will be very disappointed, and this loss will directly determine their actions. ”

Brusilov snorted and said sullenly: "It's good that you know the way!" ”

"But that's not the main reason I want to ask you out of the mountain!" Li Xiaofeng emphatically emphasized, "What really attracts us is your outstanding military ability......

Brusilov took a large sip of tea and said with a wry smile: "Are you sure this is not sarcastic about me?" ”

"Of course not!" Li Xiaofeng hastened to deny, "The failure of the Kerensky offensive is fundamentally not your responsibility, or you do not bear the main responsibility...... The impatience of the Cadets and Kerensky was a big reason for the fiasco. Our army is exhausted and completely incapable of launching a counterattack of this magnitude. In a sense, this counterattack is more in the service of the military, but of politics. Politicians hastily launched this senseless battle in order to ensure their own political interests, and they should be fully responsible for the defeat! ”

These words made Brusilov feel a lot more comfortable, and the failure of Kerensky's offensive had always been a thorn in his heart, which made him quite uncomfortable and made him even more difficult. But who can he tell about the internal cause?

He was just a soldier and had to obey the orders of the Cabinet, which didn't care how many people died, they just wanted to consolidate their position with a brilliant victory. But after the gamble failed, it was definitely not those politicians who were clever and eloquent to bear the blame.

For the first time, Brusilov felt that Li Xiaofeng was a lot more pleasing to the eye, although he also knew that the other party said this largely to please him.

"Thank you!" The old man said softly, but he immediately admitted: "Although there are political reasons, my mistakes in military command are also an important reason for my failure, and I will not shirk my responsibility." ”

Li Xiaofeng didn't follow his words, he didn't answer this at all, and instead said: "All of Russia knows about your military talent. And this is exactly what we Bolsheviks need you the most...... As you said at the beginning, we Bolsheviks are not good at military affairs, and the quality of our troops is limited. Therefore, in order to end the civil war as soon as possible, and to reduce the bloodshed of Russia, it is imperative to improve military skills and military quality. And you, you have a lot of experience in this area! ”

Although Brusilov was mentally prepared, when Li Xiaofeng revealed the mystery, he was still extremely surprised: "You want me to train officers for you?" ”

"That's right!" Li Xiaofeng nodded, "I think this is a cooperation plan that is acceptable to both of us. ”

Brusilov still hesitated a little, and sat on the sofa in silence, until his son Alexander was in a hurry, and couldn't help but say: "Father, I think Mr. Andrei's proposal is very good, Russia is already inevitably going to change, and it is completely impossible to maintain that old order!" ”

Brusilov glanced at him. Still didn't speak. Li Xiaofeng hurriedly said: "I know that you have some concerns about this. The only thing I can assure you is that you are not directly serving us Bolsheviks, but for my personally owned EO company, you are just an employee I have hired and can leave your job unconditionally at any time if you feel unsatisfied! ”

Brusilov glanced at Li Xiaofeng in surprise. He really didn't want to save such a messy end to his career, especially after listening to someone's analysis of the situation, he felt that he could make a difference.

However, what made him feel embarrassed was that it was the Bolsheviks who opposed it in the upper hand. He had considerable misgivings about this, if he threw himself directly into the arms of the Bolsheviks. So what will his former friends, colleagues, and subordinates think of him? He didn't have the determination to sneer at Qianfu, especially for the sake of the Bolsheviks, whom he hated, he felt even more awkward. However, although this condition is not bad, he is very suspicious that the other party is fooling.

Li Xiaofeng smiled lightly and pointed at Mannerheim, "You don't have to worry about this at all. Before that, General Mannerheim played this role. A group of troops was trained for me. And now. He's going back to Helsinki, and I'm not making any obstacles to that! ”

Brusilov turned to Mannerheim. The latter nodded, and with this layer of protection, the old man agreed: "If it is only to serve a private company, I can accept this." But I must emphasize that I am only responsible for training officers and soldiers, and not for leading them into battle! ”

"That's no problem at all, as long as you're willing to agree to be an instructor, I'm already satisfied!" Li Xiaofeng hurriedly agreed, of course, he didn't quite think so in his heart - hehe, old man, did you get on the thief ship of your brother, and you still want to come down? Having you as an instructor was only the first step, and then you had to be put in the position of a military adviser, and finally you would have to go directly to the Bolshevik armed forces. Boiling frogs in warm water, this trick is the best brother.

Li Xiaofeng suddenly said: "But I still have a little request. ”

Brusilov frowned and asked, "What request?" ”

Li Xiaofeng cheekily asked, "Can you introduce some officers who are at home like you, but who are more reasonable, come to teach together...... We are very hungry for military professionals......"

Brusilov: "@#¥%......"

Leaving Brusilov's estate, both Li Xiaofeng and Mannerheim breathed a sigh of relief, although the process was a little twisty and turning, but the result was still relatively ideal.

In this regard, even Mannerheim was a little incredulous: "Before I came, I never thought that you would be able to talk about Brusilov!" It's a miracle! ”

"Sort of!" Li Xiaofeng didn't seem particularly excited, which made Mannerheim a little strange, and he asked, "Are you still not satisfied with this result?" ”

"Not really!" Li Xiaofeng sighed, "This is just the first step......

This is not a disease-free moan, it makes sense that Brusilov is indeed just a good start, and then Li Xiaofeng will have to do Lenin's work, and without the approval of his mentor, the former Supreme Commander will not be able to go to EO to take office.

"What? You even said that you moved Brusilov to EO as a military consultant? Lenin was also taken aback by the news, "Don't you know that his consistent position is in favour of the Cadets?" ”

"Zhilu Dao!" Li Xiaofeng honestly admitted, but immediately explained: "However, he and Luo Jiangke and others are not of the same mind, I personally think he still belongs to the kind of people who can be saved!" ”

Lenin walked around his office, and from time to time he lectured a certain immortal: "Comrade Andrei." Can you not be so capable, don't be so capable of tossing. Did you know that the hiring of Brusilov by Lu Dao would cause an uproar in the party?! ”

Li Xiaofeng insisted: "I have thought about the risks. But I think it's worth it! ”

"Tell me your reasons!"

"It's easy! With the development of the revolution, armed struggle has become inevitable. However, our party is still relatively weak in this regard, especially the lack of formally trained officers. The lack of qualified officers will inevitably affect our work in military struggle. ”

"So you pulled Brusilov over, didn't you?" Lenin asked angrily, "But, Comrade Andrei, you can't co-opt a person with a little less influence, for the last Mannerheim caused a stir in the party......

Li Xiaofeng hurriedly interjected: "But as you can see, Mannerheim has greatly improved the combat effectiveness of our troops, and it is very worthwhile to do so!" ”

Lenin knocked on the table, "But Brusilov's influence is not comparable to Mannerheim's!" ”

"That's one of the reasons I chose him!" Li Xiaofeng said without giving in, "Think about it, with Brusilov's influence, his choice will affect the choice of how many officers, even the former Supreme Commander chose the Bolsheviks, this will be great propaganda in military terms!" ”

Lenin nodded, "But that's not enough!" Many comrades will also worry that this will allow the enemy to infiltrate our ranks, how do you solve this problem? (To be continued.) )