Chapter 978 William II's Thoughts
Washington held an emergency press conference:
"We regret what happened at the Freeman Joint Command and are appalled by Baker's actions."
“I can’t believe that Baker, as the U.S. Secretary of War, secretly reached an agreement with the Germans and set a trap.”
"The White House knew nothing about these things, and we will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly."
"Until this time, General Pershing was in full charge of American military affairs in France."
…
The War Office in London then sent a telegram to Clemenceau:
"Britain had nothing to do with what Haig did, it was all Haig's personal behavior."
"Please believe that we are steadfast allies and our goals have always been the same."
"Especially at this last moment, when we are about to win, the British government will certainly not be stupid enough to betray its allies and reach an agreement with the Germans."
…
Clemenceau just smiled when he received the telegram.
These words may be used to deceive others, but if you use them to deceive me, you are treating me as a fool.
Britain's interest has never been to defeat Germany, but to defeat Charles and maintain its position as the world's number one.
You may have had a chance before, but now it's too late.
…
Public opinion continues to ferment in countries around the world.
Although both Britain and the United States responded promptly, the impact of this incident is too great to simply sever ties with them.
The Times openly expressed doubts:
“What is our government doing?”
"They told us that the soldiers went to the battlefield to fight against the Germans, to oppose German aggression, to end the war and for the peace of mankind."
"But in the end we find ourselves allies with the Germans and enemies with the Shire?"
"So, should we launch an attack on France next?"
"Although the British Expeditionary Force is not as good as the Charles Army, I firmly believe that with the British Expeditionary Force as an insider, we will definitely win!"
…
The sound of artillery fire could be heard in the distance from the Liege Fortress. The smoke in the air had not yet completely dissipated, and the whole city was cheering and celebrating.
Not long ago, the German troops who still had a few forts seemed to be holding on to a glimmer of hope: as long as they held on to the forts and waited for reinforcements to arrive, they still had hope of victory.
However, the appearance of Charles' dive bombers destroyed several small fortresses and completely destroyed the Germans' faith.
Charles set up his headquarters at "Fort Lautice" in the northeast corner.
This is a castle that has never been bombed. It is close to German territory and one only needs to stand in front of the loophole and look out to see the soldiers marching into Germany in a steady stream.
They were infantrymen from the French 6th Army and soldiers from the Belgian 1st Special Reconnaissance Corps.
In this battle, the Belgian army played a very good supporting role. They were familiar with the terrain and many of them could speak German, so they had no problem communicating with German civilians.
However, this is not what Ciel is focusing on.
He sent a telegram to Christine: "Do you know what to do?"
"Yes, General," Christine replied, "It's already underway!"
"Very good!" Charles nodded with satisfaction.
The Ruhr Industrial Area is the most important industrial area in Germany, with all kinds of talents, including military industry.
From the outbreak of the war to the present, Germany has been trying to catch up with Charles' research and development pace, and the speed of catching up is quite fast, which surprised Charles a little.
Charles knew very well that talent was the most important thing, and he would not miss this opportunity.
Therefore, all researchers and technicians from all walks of life in the Ruhr industrial zone, including artillery, machinery, aircraft, metallurgy, etc., will be recruited by Charles.
Of course, Charles will follow the principle of voluntariness.
However, when soliciting talent suggestions, Christine would bring along a few fully armed soldiers with blood on their bodies.
Christine will be polite:
"Who wouldn't like to work for Bernard, please raise your hand!"
"Don't worry, we are French, we uphold the French spirit, even if you don't want to, we won't do anything to you."
At the right time, gunshots and screams would be heard outside the window.
Of course, this is just acting.
Christine walked to the window and closed the curtains, then turned around and asked again: "Tell me, who?"
Then, the researchers would respond simply:
"We are all willing to work for the Ciel, General."
"Yes, it is an honor for us to work for the Ciel."
"The salary he offered was very generous, and he would bring our family over, so there was no reason for us not to agree."
…
Then, with the cooperation of these talents, Christine will dismantle and move as much machinery as possible in the Ruhr area.
They are advanced technologies that France does not have, or they are relatively expensive equipment.
This was one of the purposes of Charles' attack on the Ruhr industrial area.
With France's military strength, Germany's talent, and Charles' strategic vision, it is not difficult to imagine how much of an advantage France will have.
Just as Charles was thinking about how to make use of these talents, the staff officer reported to Charles: "General, General Tijani called and he received a request for surrender from the Germans."
Charles said, "Oh!" "Is it the German tank division?"
"No, General." The staff officer replied excitedly: "It is Kaiser Wilhelm II, who wishes to surrender to you on behalf of Germany."
Charles was stunned. Does this mean that the war is over?
The signalmen around were all delighted, and some even cheered quietly.
But Charles remained calm. He thought for a moment and flatly refused: "No, he can no longer represent Germany."
Charles saw through William II's thoughts.
At this time, an uprising was breaking out in Germany, and angry people wanted William II to step down and hand over power.
If Charles agreed that William II would surrender on behalf of Germany, it would mean that Charles recognized William II's identity.
Therefore, under Charles' military deterrence and prestige, William II was able to maintain his position.
Ciel is not so stupid that he will be taken advantage of at this time.
…
The Palace of Forget-Me-Not was no longer as peaceful as it used to be. It was surrounded by civilians, and people were shouting for William II to give an explanation.
More people did not want an explanation, but instead wanted William II to abdicate.
In the tense living room, William II paced back and forth anxiously, waiting for Charles' call back.
"As long as Charles agrees, everything will be different." He murmured to himself: "There is still a chance, even if Charles makes me a puppet, just like Clemenceau."
William II believed this would be tempting for Charles.
But he was wrong.
Even if Charles needed a puppet, he didn't want an emperor abandoned by the military and civilians.
In the current situation, Charles could even choose a German soldier who had made contributions who would be better than him as the emperor.
Finally, the aide-de-camp delivered a telegram.
William II just took a glance and sat on the sofa like a deflated ball.
It was all over, and William II sighed.
(End of this chapter)
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