Paris, France, although the cold winter has passed and the weather in Paris has begun to warm up, but for many people, this warm season is no different from the cold winter, especially the members of the Allied delegation...

Not long ago, after months of controversy and discussion, the Treaty of Versailles on what to do with the Central Powers was finally finalized and officially made public.

And with the announcement of the treaty, the whole world was also in an uproar.

This is especially true of the Allies and the United States, as well as a series of neutral countries.

In the eyes of the neutral powers, especially the Central Powers, this treaty was undoubtedly extremely harsh, because if it had been carried out according to the treaty, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Ottoman Turkish Empire, which had a long history, would cease to exist, and the two vast empires would be completely dismembered into innumerable parts, and even Germany itself would be greatly weakened―――――― both territorially and otherwise.

It is conceivable that the Central Powers would not have been satisfied with such a treaty, not only by the Central Powers, but also within the Entente.

Long before the Paris Peace Conference, France, Great Britain, and the United States had already indicated different purposes for the Peace Conference. France, having suffered greatly from the war and for several German aggressions against France in history, advocated severe punishment and weakened Germany as much as possible. Britain, out of traditional policy considerations, wanted to maintain a relatively strong and economically self-reliant Germany in order to maintain the balance of power on the continent. The United States, for its part, wanted to build and benefit from a system that would guarantee a lasting peace, and at the same time demanded war reparations from Germany.

As for China? As a country that entered the war later. China's role in this peace conference is purely a soy sauce player. The reason is simple: China has little interest to speak of, except on the Eurasian border in Eastern Europe. Naturally, I don't really care. In fact, if it weren't for the head of the German delegation, Foreign Minister Bruckdorf, who personally came to the door, Yan Shao would not even speak at the peace conference―――――― anyway, as long as he could get his own benefits, he really didn't care much about other people's affairs.

After excluding China, the three main Entente powers had different and even contradictory goals, and although all three countries made concessions and eventually reached an agreement, the result was that all sides made compromises but none of them fully achieved their goals. And Germany was not completely weakened and not appeased. This result portends a source of instability for both the victorious and the defeated countries, as well as for Europe as a whole and the whole world.

After learning about the content of the treaty, the Germans were deeply humiliated. Anger and humiliation quickly spread within Germany, and the German government even refused to accept the treaty.

The Entente, on the other hand, were not very satisfied with the treaty. France felt that it was not fully satisfied, and Clemenceau stepped down in the subsequent general elections. On the whole, Britain was satisfied with the treaty. Germany's eastern borders were somewhat secured. Such as the independence of Poland and the founding of the Free City of Danzig. In some cases, Britain even considered the treaty to be too harsh on Germany, which could lead to German dissatisfaction and become a factor of instability in the future. The United States, on the other hand, saw the treaty as a problem for Europe and was too harsh on Germany, and the US Congress even voted to refuse to sign the Treaty of Versailles and join the League of Nations.

Coupled with the Soviet Russia, which is still making trouble in Eastern Europe, this kind of thing makes today's Europe not a cold winter, but even more cold...

Of course, that's not all that makes Europe feel like a cold winter. There are a few other factors...

――――――――――――――――――――

In the meeting room, Yan Shao and German Foreign Minister Bruckdorf were sitting face to face.

"I'm sorry. Mr. Minister..."Looking at Bruckdorf, Yan Shao said apologetically.

"Please don't say that..."Although his complexion looked very bad, when facing Yan Shao, Bruckdorf still tried his best to put a smile on his expression. We are all aware of the efforts that Mr. President has made for our country in the past few months, and although the conditions put forward at this peace conference are indeed harsh and abnormal, Mr. President cannot be blamed in any case..."

This is exactly what Yan Shao wants, after all, he got so many things, and even spoke for the German government in front of the peace conference, isn't what he did was the favor of the Germans...

Naturally, these must not be directly revealed, so Yan Shao could only sigh lightly.

And when he looked at Yan Shao, although his expression was a little depressed, Bruckdorf's eyes still showed a trace of gratitude.

Although Bruckdorf had wasted a lot of effort to get to the peace conference, Yan Shao's efforts for Germany had already been learned through other channels. Especially after Bruckdorf and they entered the venue, Yan Shao argued for Germany many times at the venue, believing that the conditions in the [Versailles Treaty] were too harsh, and some milder conditions should be put forward again...

It's a pity that at this peace conference, the opinions advocating revenge were too great, especially the forces led by France. Despite Yan Shao's 'arguments' and Wilson's help, the situation could not be reversed.

However, even so, Yan Shao's efforts still left a deep impression on the Germans, and at the same time, the entire German delegation had a deep affection for Yan Shao―――――― but perhaps Bruckdorf did not know that Yan Shao's performance at the peace conference was completely a show, and he did not insist on it at all.

What is pictured is nothing more than the favor of the Germans.

In the eyes of others, perhaps after the signing of the 'Treaty of Versailles', Germany has been abolished, and it will not be of any use at all. But in Yan Shao's view, those German scientists and engineers are priceless treasures, if they can be brought to China, then his performance at the peace conference will not be in vain...

"By the way, about this treaty that came out of the peace meeting..."Pursing his lips, Yan Shao asked knowingly. Don't know what your country plans to do? ”

"I don't know about this," said Bruckdorf's face with a hint of confusion about the future. Now we can only see how the country responds..."Speaking of which. Bruckdorf couldn't help but smile wryly again. "I guess it's already a mess in the country now..."

It was indeed a mess, after all, no matter how much the Germans thought about it, they never thought that what they were waiting for would be such a harsh treaty.

But I am afraid that this has little to do with Bruckdorf. After all, no matter how lively the domestic turmoil is, it is not something that he, as a foreign minister, can decide. Now he can only stay in Paris and wait for the final decision at home.

If Germany decided to accept the terms of the Entente, all he had to do was sign his name to the treaty. If the country chooses to refuse, it's simpler, all he has to do is return directly to the country, that's all...

But at the end of the day. In his heart, he still hopes that the country can accept this condition. Not because he was bought by the Entente, but because he knew very well that Germany today no longer had the ability to continue fighting.

After the armistice between the Central and Entente powers, although the war on both sides had stopped. However, the Allied blockade of Germany did not stop. Today, the economies of Turkey and Austria-Hungary have completely collapsed, and the German economy is on the verge of collapse. Rather than conceding defeat until you are exhausted, it is better to admit defeat early, so that at least you can leave a little spark for Germany...

Meantime. They can also have some hope of a resurgence―――――― although this little hope is not very great...

――――――――――――――――――――

Perhaps Bruckdorf himself is not how to deal with others. So in the end, he stayed with Yan Shao for a long time, and then took the car back to the place where the delegation now lives.

At the same time, looking at Bruckdorf's departing car, Yan Shao also sighed.

A few years ago, who could have imagined that the German Empire, which was once in high spirits, would now be reduced to such a state. But from a certain point of view, this can be regarded as feng shui turns...

"But then again, to George? Lloyd's and Wilson's invitation, what are you going to do? ”

Stand by Yan Shao's side. Elaline asked softly.

In the room, Lu Ying and Katarina, who were circling around Yan Xiaoyu. I also looked at it one after another.

Not so long ago, British Prime Minister George ? Lloyd's and U.S. President Wilson both issued formal invitations to Yan Shao, hoping that Yan Shao would go to Britain and the United States. Yan Shao has not officially replied to this, but only told them that they have to see the situation first, but this kind of thing always has to be answered. Lloyd and their invitation have been almost a week, and Yan Shao seems to give them an answer...

"Let's see..."Yan Shao thought for a while. At least wait for the Germans to sign the treaty..."After speaking, Yan Shao glanced at Elaine, as well as Lu Ying and the others who were pricking up their ears next to the bed. "But I think it's a bit too risky to go to the United States and the United Kingdom now, so let's take a while..."

Hearing Yan Shao say this, Elaline nodded slightly and agreed. Even Lu Ying and Kaoru Otsuki on the side agreed.

Indeed, at present, the United States is indeed in some danger.

It's not that anyone plans to kill Yan Shao, to be precise, there must be a lot of people who want to kill Yan Shao, at least the Japanese and Russians will definitely want to do so―――――― in fact, not long ago, Yan Shao's guards also stopped a Russian assassination of him.

There's no way, who makes these Russians in exile in Europe hate Yan Shao's teeth itching, but their assassination skills are inevitably a little out of sight. The kid who was still studying Sarajevo planned to assassinate Yan Shao with a pistol.

As a result, before he could get close to Yan Shao's body, he had already broken his knee with a gun by Yan Shao's guards.

The scene was naturally miserable, but others couldn't say anything, after all, Yan Shao was also a legitimate defense. You can't let Yan Shaobai take a shot from the other party, right?

However, the danger in Yan Shao's mouth is not this, but something more dangerous, for example...

【Spanish Flu】

Although as early as 1918, the Spanish flu was rampant for some time. But it was during this time in 1919 that the Spanish flu made a comeback, and it was no worse than the previous year, leaving many countries in a state of panic.

Among them. The United States is naturally one of the regions with the strongest flu outbreaks, and of course, China is no different. After all, there is a huge population out there. If any country has such a population as China, any epidemic will cause a lot of trouble.

However, compared with the United States, China's epidemic situation is obviously a bit unacceptable.

Although the number of deaths in China is now in the hundreds of thousands, the number is slightly lower than that of the United States. This naturally surprises other countries, after all, no matter how you look at it, the United States seems to be much better off than China. Especially in areas such as the economy and industry, as for infrastructure?

No matter how hard China has tried in recent years, after all, it cannot be compared with a country like the United States on wheels.

But the truth is. It is true that the death toll in China is lower than in the United States. Although it is only a little lower, after considering the population comparison between the two countries, this has become a miracle in the eyes of many people, and it has become a very proud item in the hearts of Chinese people.

Because they know it well. Why in the same situation of the flu. The average death toll in China is much lower than in the United States and other European countries. In addition to the improved medical conditions in China, the most important is the large number of epidemic prevention measures introduced by the national government, such as the closure of a large number of public places and the requirement that people must wear masks when traveling. One of the most important points is the application of [disinfectant water].

Despite the use of a large amount of disinfectant, the air is filled with a pungent smell. But the effect is really good. This can be seen from the fact that China's death toll is one step lower than that of the United States. Of course, the cost is certainly not low.

After all, during the flu. Domestic disinfectants are almost as if they don't cost money. And this is very satisfying to the people, after all, it shows that the government is indeed concerned about the safety of the people.

With this in mind, shouldn't they be proud to have such a 'filial piety' government compared to foreign governments?

Yan Shao's own prestige has risen to a higher level again because of this reason.

――――――――――――――――――――

As mentioned above, the resurgence of the [Spanish flu] has caused headaches for the upper echelons of various countries for a long time, especially some time ago, even US President Wilson was infected with the flu, which caused the heads of state to panic, and even the peace conference had to be temporarily ended.

It is precisely because of this that Yan Shao feels that it will be a little dangerous to go to the United States and the United Kingdom at this stage.

Although the number of deaths in China is also relatively high, even much higher than that of countries such as Britain and France, in fact, when you consider the 'per capita' issue, China is much more national security than other countries.

Therefore, in a later response to Britain and the United States, Yan Shaowan rejected Wilson and George? Lloyd's invitation. However, Yan Shao also promised that when the [Spanish flu] is over, he will take his family to the United Kingdom and the United States, as for France―――――― aren't they in France now...

Rejection of Yan Shao, George? Lloyd's and Wilson also expressed understanding.

Wilson, in particular, was a little scared when he contracted the Spanish flu. Now that the domestic flu is raging, how can he let Yan Shao go to the United States to take risks...

Of course, you can also say that after arriving in the United States, Yan Shao will naturally be heavily protected.

But the problem is that after arriving in the United States, Yan Shao always has to attend some public places, and at that time, can Yan Shao still wrap himself and his family tightly as usual? Especially at the welcome reception hosted by the U.S. government, it would be rude to do so...

Think about Wilson, as the president of the United States, maybe Wilson's protection level is worse than Yan Shao's, but it is not much worse than that, even he was infected with the [Spanish flu], Yan Shao really can't be careless...

At the same time, despite many small stories, in the face of the agreement that the Entente came up with, Germany finally chose to give in and signed its name on this harsh treaty...

They had refused before, but then the British and French sent in their troops.

At this time, although the German army was still relatively complete, it no longer had the ability to continue the war, especially after the German Army Commander-in-Chief Ludendorff claimed that Germany was no longer capable of continuing to fight. In the face of the ultimatum put forward by the Entente, the president of the newly established Weimar Republic, Friedrich ? Albert could only decide to accept.

It's just that while the French were celebrating there, and Britain and the United States were smiling, everyone did not notice the humiliating anger in the eyes of the German representatives.

In real history, it was this humiliation that triggered the outbreak of World War II. However, it is difficult to say in this era, after all, it is not even clear whether Hitler is dead or alive, but one thing is certain, that is, even without Hitler, according to the current situation, I am afraid that another person will stand up to replace Hitler's place...

But these are not what Yan Shao needs to care about...

Although Yan Shao did not publicize it for the sake of the feelings of the Germans, in fact, Yan Shao was very happy in private, because with the signing of the treaty, the end of the war was officially announced.

At the same time, it also declares China's ownership of the Middle East.

According to the treaty signed by Yan Shao with Britain and France, China would have a share of the Middle East, in addition to the reparations for the defeat of Germany and other Allied powers, and China also had a share.

Although China had a conflict with Britain and the United States and other countries not long ago because of the Russian problem, an agreement is an agreement, and unless Britain and the United States want to completely turn their faces with China, they can only recognize it.

Now that Soviet Russia has not been destroyed, may they turn against Yan Shao?

Of course not...

What's more, even if you turn your face, it is impossible to turn your face on such a small 'little thing'.

As a person of later generations, Yan Shao certainly knows the importance of the Middle East, but for the people of this era, the so-called Middle East is just a wasteland, even if it counts some reparations, it is not of much use, taking such a wasteland to threaten others, in the end, wouldn't it make people laugh off the big teeth―――――― the defeat reparations of the allies, Britain and France must take the lion's share, after all, they contribute the most and lose the most. China and the United States and Italy are second, followed by countries like Japan, which have not contributed much...

On the other hand, although the border between China and North Korea was filled with gunsmoke, when the news of the end of the peace conference reached China, there was still a lot of jubilation in the country. Although they were sympathetic to the fate of Germany, the war was over, and this was the one thing they were most happy about...

In July 1919, with the signing of the treaty by the German representatives, the First World War, which had lasted for five years, was finally over...

Next, it seems that people can happily enjoy peacetime?

Perhaps...

But one thing is certain, peace is always short-lived, and war is the mainstream in this world...

Let's say the fierce battle that took place on the border between China and North Korea... (To be continued......)