Chapter Five: Open Strife and Secret Rivalry

  The second imperial conference after Frederick III's accession finally got down to business.

  Intelligence has confirmed that France sent a signal of alliance to Russia last year, and plans to provide a loan of 500 million francs to Russia this year, rather than the previously mentioned 400 million francs. Russia will use this loan to purchase large quantities of military equipment from France, including 500,000 rifles.

  Clearly, five billion francs is far from enough.

  According to estimates, if Russia is preparing to expand its army by one million, it will need at least two billion francs. If the planned construction of the Far Eastern Railway is included, even more loans will be needed.

  Accordingly, Bismarck estimated that France would also provide Russia with a loan of around two billion francs.

  What is this concept?

  Although Russia is vast and rich in resources, it is not wealthy. With Russia's financial capabilities, especially its fiscal surplus, it would take at least twenty years to repay the loan.

  This means that the French authorities never even thought of making Russia repay its loans.

  France was so generous that there had to be a condition: Russia would respond with an alliance signal and sign an alliance treaty with France.

  However, there is no news on this aspect for the time being.

  If France and Russia were to form a military alliance, it would be an absolute disaster for the Empire.

  The atmosphere of the meeting in front of the throne was extremely tense, even Bismarck and Moltke looked very gloomy, Frederick III did not say a word until the end.

  The conclusion reached was: apart from making preparations for war with France and Russia, they must also try their best to gain the support of Britain.

  As was customary, Bismarck and Moltke remained behind after the meeting, waiting for a private audience with the Emperor to discuss more important matters.

  Minister of War, also one of the Imperial Ministers.

  Within the political framework of the German Empire, the position of Minister of War ranked below that of Chancellor and Foreign Minister but above that of Chief of the General Staff.

  Previously holding this office was Albrecht von Roon, creator of the modern Prussian army.

  Count Roon was still a close friend of Bismarck and Moltke, it was he who introduced the two to Emperor William, and the three were the three founding heroes of the Second German Empire.

  It can be seen from this that Mao Qi's opposition to Emperor Xianzong's appointment of Feng Changqing as the Minister of War was not unreasonable.

  With three senior ministers, Frederick III was somewhat less constrained and more affable.

  In the Second German Empire, the emperor was merely a figurehead. Except for the Chancellor and the Chief of the General Staff who were directly responsible to the Emperor, most administrative affairs were handled by the Chancellor, military actions were handled by the Chief of the General Staff, and the power in the hands of the Emperor was not great.

  Obviously, the Emperor had to issue orders through the Grand Vizier and the Chief of General Staff.

  In some sense, the Minister of War is a bridge between the government and the army.

  It can be seen that a real court meeting only needs the participation of the prime minister, the war minister and the chief of staff, while other military ministers and generals are redundant.

  Feng Chongqi has already had a separate conversation with Bismarck, and the two have reached an agreement on the issue of Franco-Russian alliance.

  Both believed that the key was not in France and Russia, but in Britain's attitude. As long as they could get Britain's support, the impact of the Franco-Russian alliance would not be great.

  How can we get Britain's support?

  Feng Chengqian shared the same view as Bismarck: Britain must be made to believe that the Empire was a victim of the Franco-Russian alliance, and that France and Russia would inevitably disrupt the existing order in Europe, posing a threat to Britain's vital interests and causing it to lose its ability to dominate the European situation.

  However, neither of them had confidence in this.

  The most powerful state on the European continent is neither France nor Russia, but Germany under the Second Empire, and it already poses a threat to Britain.

  From another perspective, it can be understood that Britain also does not want the Second German Empire to develop and grow.

  The resulting conclusion is: even if Britain's sympathy and support can be obtained, the Franco-Russian alliance will still be inevitable and pose a threat to the empire.

  As for whether Britain will lend a helping hand when necessary, it remains an unknown quantity.

  All in all, the empire must be prepared for both possibilities.

  Fortunately, the Emperor and the three ministers held the same view.

  What's left is how to do it.

  After discussing for half an hour, Frederick III decided that at the beginning of April he and the Empress would visit England with their granddaughter Victoria, who was Queen Victoria's favorite.

  April 12th was Princess Victoria's birthday.

  Although the UK is a constitutional monarchy and the Queen has no real power, having good relations with the British royal family can be very helpful in promoting Anglo-German interests.

  "Before that, some groundwork needs to be done." Feng Chengqian followed the emperor's instructions and stopped being overly obsequious. "Royal interactions are important, but what's more important is to show sincerity, making Britain believe that the empire is a trustworthy ally and an indispensable member of the European balance of power."

  "What do you think should be done?" Frederick III asked.

  "The only way not to let Britain feel that the Empire is a potential threat is to focus on the army and modify the colonial policy of the Empire."

  Bismarck's eyebrows twitched a few times, for Feng Chengqian's words implied that his colonial policy was wrong.

  "We must understand that Britain cannot tolerate a great power at sea, but not on land. The First French Empire established by Napoleon almost conquered the entire European continent, but failed to cross the English Channel and was defeated in Waterloo. If an empire is vying for colonies overseas, it will inevitably build a powerful fleet, which will inevitably pose a threat to Britain and become its arch-nemesis."

  "Are you suggesting we should give up our navy?" Frederick III said this while furrowing his brow.

  "Of course not, this is just a temporary measure." Feng Chengqian paused for a moment and continued, "Building a powerful fleet requires not only money but also time. Unfortunately, the empire currently has neither sufficient funds nor sufficient time. At the same time, being an enemy of three powerful nations is likely..."

  "Baron von Moltke is absolutely right, we cannot afford to be an enemy of Britain at present." Moltke added.

  Of course, Mao Qi's intention was not to support Feng Chengqian, but to take this opportunity to speak for the army, so as not to let the emperor spend too much on the navy.

  "Why not let the Earl take charge of naval affairs?"

  Upon hearing this, Frederick III looked at Bismarck, while von Tschirschky secretly sighed. Apparently, Bismarck still regarded him as a potential opponent.

  "Count von Bülow is right, we cannot afford to offend Britain at present and must therefore be more restrained in our colonial policy, even if it means temporarily halting the construction of our navy. However," Bismarck glanced at von Bülow and continued, "since this is only a temporary measure, the Empire will not be able to forever neglect its naval development. Count von Bülow mentioned that building a fleet requires money. Although we don't have it now, we certainly will in the future. What we truly lack is time. Since Count von Bülow is so concerned about the Empire's navy, why doesn't Your Majesty put him in charge of the Imperial Navy as a long-term plan?"

  Frederick III remained silent, it was clear that Bismarck's intention was not in the wine.

  Let Feng Chengqian be in charge of the navy, it is clear that he was told not to interfere with the affairs of the army.

  Whether Frederick III valued the navy or not, the German Second Empire was a continental power and the importance of the army would always be above that of the navy.

  That is to say, Bismarck wanted to take this opportunity to send Feng Chengqian into exile.

  However, direct opposition would inevitably lead to discord between the monarch and his ministers, putting Frederick III in a difficult position.

  "The prime minister is far-sighted, which is exactly what I think." Feng Chengqian did not want to make it difficult for the emperor, and he originally did not want to become the Minister of War of the Empire. "Your Majesty, I am dull and shallow in talent, and there are still many places that need to be learned, so I'm afraid I'm not suitable for important positions, so..."

  "Since the Chancellor has spoken, let us do it this way." Frederick III took a deep breath and said, "Count von remains Minister of War, in charge of planning the construction of the Imperial Navy. Matters related to the army will be handled by the General Quartermaster. Next month, Count, you will accompany me to England."

  "This..."

  "My illness has just been cured, but I'm afraid it will recur, and the earl should accompany me."

  Feng Chengqian nodded and didn't say much. In fact, Frederick III had long since recovered and was in much better health than ordinary people.

  "There's nothing else. Let's stop here for today." Frederick III rubbed his forehead, a standard gesture of his when dismissing guests. "Count von, you stay behind."

  Bismarck and Moltke took their leave at once without delay.

  "What happened today was not what I intended. You are still shallow in the imperial court, wait until the opportunity is ripe, and I will arrange for you."

  "Your Majesty is worrying too much, this is also the humble intention of your subject."

  "What did you mean?" Frederick III furrowed his brow.

  "Does Your Majesty recall what we discussed on the night of our first meeting?"

  Frederick III nodded and sighed immediately.

  "I have always believed that France and Russia are not to be feared, even if we were to go to war with both at the same time, our chances of victory would still be over 80%. The only country that truly needs to be worried about is Britain. If we cannot handle our relationship with Britain properly, our empire will surely suffer a disastrous defeat in thirty years' time." Feng Chengqian paused for a moment before continuing, "Looking further ahead, as long as we do not resign ourselves to being inferior to others, there will come a day when we will inevitably be at odds with Britain. At that time, what the empire needs most is not a strong army, but a powerful navy. If we do not think far ahead, our downfall is inevitable. I am not speaking alarmist words, within thirty years, our empire and Britain will inevitably go to war."

  "In that case, must we consider naval construction at present?"

  Feng Chengqian nodded and said: "It's not just a consideration, but also a long-term plan."

  "In that case, you must come with me to England," Frederick III said with a smile, "to see the most powerful navy in the world."

  Feng Chengqian also smiled, he too wanted to see with his own eyes what the Empire of the Setting Sun looked like in its heyday.

  "Gustave has already arranged a mansion for you, you can go take a look later, if there's anything unsatisfactory, tell Gustave and he'll make adjustments."

  "Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness."

  "You are an imperial minister, or the Earl of Brandenburg, you should live a little better."

  "I, your humble servant, take my leave."

  Frederick III nodded and waited for Feng Chengqian to get up before leaning back on the sofa and closing his eyes.

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