Chapter 234: The Morality of the German Army (Please Collect, Please Vote, Please Recommend) 5600 Words Please Vote
Although Kai was angry about Diana's disobedience, he could do nothing about it. →In the final analysis, Diana's position was never the same as his. Simply put, the two had different views on the world. Diana could simply think that this world war was provoked by Ares.
But if Kai thought so, he would be a big fool.
The reason why Diana thought so was entirely due to the limitations of the times and knowledge.
Before the outbreak of this world war, no one in the world would think that this war would be so cruel and so large. The same was true for the participating countries. The Germans always believed in the Schlieffen Plan.
The core of the so-called Schlieffen Plan was to attack the West first and then the East. The plan envisioned that 79 divisions of the Western Front troops would be deployed on the Western Front to attack France in two routes, while only 10 divisions would be deployed on the Eastern Front to defend against Russia. Germany imagined that it would take Russia 6 to 8 weeks to complete the mobilization and launch the war. Germany only needed to defeat France during this period, and then it could turn around and slowly deal with Russia.
And how much time was left for France - 39 days!
The Germans always thought that the most brutal time of this war was only 39 days, a little more than a month. It was over after the war, the Western Front was finished, and the Russians would fight them to the death after they had eaten too much.
France and Britain actually thought so too. France and Britain held Germany back on the Western Front, and then Russia could take advantage of the opportunity and conquer Germany in one fell swoop. The estimated time was no more than two months. (As a result, both sides were pitted by Russia, you can Baidu for details)
Several participating countries believed that the war would end in a short time.
No one expected that the war would last from 1914 to now!
Many people still can't figure out why the war was so tragic. Before this, Europe had fought wars before, and it can even be said that the war in Europe has never stopped from beginning to end. But the previous war experience is completely useless for this war.
This makes many people very confused.
Anyway, everyone is now sure of one thing, that is, this war is definitely the cruelest war in history, and it is also the war to end all wars!
Like Diana, I think the war is so cruel because of Ares. The idea that killing the god of war Ares will balance the world is actually not an exaggeration. But Kai knew very well that human beings' ability to commit suicide was definitely beyond human beings' imagination. Twenty years later, another war more cruel than this war would start on this land.
At that time, more people would die and the impact would be greater.
As for whether human beings would commit suicide again in the future... Kai was pessimistic.
Maybe one day the whole world would start dropping nuclear bombs on each other.
Although Ares was the god of war, it was never gods who started wars, only humans would start wars.
...
That night, Kai arrived at the banquet in advance, just to find Diana in advance, and then let her be honest, so as not to let things get out of control!
The dinner was not held in the city, but in a castle outside the city. Although it was not gorgeous, it had a good view and was quiet enough, which was the best place to hold a private banquet.
But obviously, Diana was not stupid, and did not show up at the venue at the beginning so that Kai could catch them. Kai waited for a long time, but did not wait for these two guys until the dance started. But the dance started, and Kai could not stand there waiting for them.
Raven was very happy. For the first time in her life, she wore an evening gown and entered the upper class. This evening gown was not conjured by her. She had never worn an evening gown before, and had even seen it a few times. How could she conjure one?
This evening gown was bought by Kai.
Although the gown was not new, at this time, everyone was very tolerant of such things. The whole of Europe was in chaos. Where could they find someone to make a new evening gown? Even if there were tailors, there were no raw materials.
An 80% new gown was enough. The participants were all military men, all of whom were senior officers of various army groups. They were all veterans in the army and did not care much about pomp and circumstance. As for the local celebrities... there were no celebrities. Any upper-class people with some strength had already fled, either to foreign countries, or to England with the king, or to the coast and the capital. Where did the celebrities come from in the remote and poor Arlon?
Although the level of the ball was really not high, it was still very grand under the arrangement of the local German command.
During the ball, both Raven's beauty and Kai's identity received a lot of attention. This was also thanks to the fact that the people present were all high-ranking German soldiers, and Kai's identity was neither high nor low, so he was considered to have fooled everyone. Especially Kai's identity was an officer of the Fifth Army!
This identity was very particular, and the commander-in-chief of this army was Crown Prince William! Oh no, this year, Crown Prince William is already the commander-in-chief of the army. The Fifth Army is also called the "Crown Prince William Army".
To be honest, although there were many accusations against Crown Prince William after World War I, such as his recklessness and disobedience, at this juncture, no matter how capable he was, under the propaganda of the German Empire, the lower-level officers had a decent impression of the Crown Prince. Otherwise, the Fifth Army would not have become the Crown Prince William Army.
The most interesting thing about this ball was that there was no general of the Fifth Army present! In other words, Crown Prince William did not participate in this party, not even a representative!
Very interesting, right?
If these veterans in the army were just having a normal gathering, they would naturally not make such a mistake and exclude the crown prince! Even if they did not invite the crown prince himself, they would have asked the crown prince to send a representative!
The Kaiser's prestige in the German Empire was still acceptable, at least much stronger than that of George V next door. Many military and national affairs could not bypass the Kaiser. Now on the front line, the German generals excluded the crown prince. The significance of this is self-evident.
However, this helped Kai. There were millions of German troops in France. Kai's disguised identity was just a school officer or a major. It was normal for other people in the army not to recognize him. Besides, , the people who came this time were all high-level people, so it was even more impossible for them to get to know Kai, a small character.
But thanks to Kai's identity, a group of high-level officials were still a bit wary of Kai's arrival. Although they didn't think he was a spy of Crown Prince William, they still had to be polite. Of course, it was inevitable that a group of people would be watching Kai secretly. It is even very possible that after the banquet, Kai will die under various names and inexplicably.
There is no way, this thing is too strange. A group of high-ranking German military officials gathered in a small town without the Kaiser's knowledge. Who would believe it if there is no ghost? In order to ensure that the news was not leaked, it was really normal for Kai to be silenced.
But it's impossible to say for sure. With so many high-level officials gathered together, let alone the Crown Prince, even if the Kaiser came over now, it would be useless. He would be nothing more than a little shrimp. Just wait and see what the big guys at the meeting think. But necessary surveillance is absolutely indispensable.
If Kay was really Major Aldridge, he would really be worried about his life right now.
But the problem is that Kai is not Aldridge, so Kai didn't even look at the monitors.
A group of high-ranking German military officials did not engage in secret talks from the beginning, but had a very tacit understanding of eating, drinking and having fun. The dance soon entered a cheerful atmosphere with the support of a group of caring people. Whether it was a German army boss or a 'big shot' who came to make up the numbers, they all acted very enthusiastically.
Ruiwen has been invited to dance several times, but unfortunately Ruiwen can't dance... The court dance of the aristocratic ball in these days is really not something ordinary people can learn. So I could only stand reservedly beside Kai, holding Kai's arm, and declined politely. This is okay. The aristocracy is still very powerful in Europe these days, and aristocratic style is still popular. No idiot will become angry because of a lady's rejection. So most of them just smile and walk away.
Neither does Kai, by the way.
Therefore, I can only decline invitations from many women.
This is a little bit like that. It is very ungentlemanly for a man to refuse a lady's invitation. But Kai himself didn't care, and neither did anyone else. And the Junkers aristocrats... To be honest, they are all weak-legged in the eyes of other European aristocrats, at least most of the middle and lower-class Junkers aristocrats. The Junkers are military aristocrats, most of whom are the landlord class and the mainstream European aristocrats. There is still a difference, and being rude is nothing.
This also makes Kai and Raven become outliers at the dance. A group of people are enjoying themselves, but they are playing one-two-three wooden figures. How can they not be outliers?
But Kai was not in a hurry. Instead, the old god stood there and waited.
What are you waiting for? Of course they are the protagonists! These German generals can only count as chasing rabbits, an unexpected gain.
Soon the main villain finally appeared on the stage. Ludendorff and Madam Viper came hand in hand. The two held hands and looked very close. They were still talking and laughing with each other while walking. Ludendorff was a typical German, tall, with a big beard and a military demeanor when he walked.
In comparison, Mrs. Viper is much more attractive. Except for a scar on her right face, she is absolutely a perfect woman. She has a sultry and beautiful appearance, a tall and plump figure, and although her green hair is a bit weird, it matches That extremely beautiful face, unexpectedly matched her well.
Others also expressed strong welcome to Ludendorff's appearance. No matter how many things Ludendorff did that made people and gods angry, one thing is certain, he is indeed a star on the battlefield! Because of his presence, the German army achieved a more glorious record than in the original history.
The German army always appears to be more tolerant towards those who can bring victory.
Ludendorff responded to these people's enthusiasm. And joined the dance very gregariously.
Following Ludendorff's appearance, two other protagonists soon followed. Steve and Diane also came dressed in costumes.
Steve was wearing a German colonel's uniform with the Iron Cross on his chest. Diana, on the other hand, is dressed in a lady's outfit, which seems to match her well. Kai also had to admit that she was indeed a talented woman and a beautiful woman, especially Diana. Her appearance directly dimmed the light of all the ladies in the venue, including Raven. Of course, they also put on some makeup, otherwise with Wonder Woman's popularity, they probably wouldn't have been able to sneak in so easily.
Kai patted Raven's hand and motioned for her to come with him.
Seeing Kai and Raven coming directly towards them, Diana was a little panicked. She felt that this was her responsibility and she had to do this. But she knew that what she did made Kai very angry, and she felt guilty for some reason.
"You two, aren't you going to explain?"
Kai stood in front of Diana and Steve with a smile, but there was no smile in his eyes.
"For Ares!" Diana could only stand up. Steve is still a bit unqualified against Kai.
"...I don't want to repeat what I said before. Diana, remember what I said and be patient. At least wait until I figure out what a group of high-level German soldiers are gathering here to do before you can take action!"
Seeing Kai's serious eyes, Diana struggled for a moment and finally chose to nod.
"very good!"
Kai then turned to look at Steve.
"Mr. Steve, I have always had a good impression of you before today. I don't know how the US trains soldiers, but in my education, soldiers are never reckless! They will not be dominated by emotions at will. I know your little thoughts, but I have never cared about them. Because I believe you are a rational person! But now, I must change my mind."
Steve was a little embarrassed and annoyed by Kai's blatant exposure of his thoughts. But he couldn't say anything. He was a spy, and emotionality was the most taboo in the spy industry.
"Okay, I don't want to say anything else. Remember your position and don't let me down again!" After saying that, Kai turned and left.
Everyone is here, what can he do, drive them back? Fortunately, Diana should at least not make a fuss now. As for now, Kai has more important things to do. Because inadvertently, several German senior officials who were originally observed by Kai actually left the venue one by one.
Kai must follow them now and listen to what they are going to do.
Raven also left with Kai. She had to pretend to be Kai and stay at the venue. There were so many people monitoring him at the scene. If it weren't for Raven's help, it would probably be exposed in a few minutes.
Using the excuse of going to the bathroom, Kai and Raven left the venue. After a while, only Major Aldridge came back, and her female companion stayed in the washroom for some embarrassing reasons. The German army was not too vigilant about Raven, a civilian, and they would not doubt it for a while.
And Kai relied on invisibility and followed a German senior officer to the basement.
In the underground conference room, many German senior officers had gathered, and the number was still increasing. About ten minutes later, almost everyone who should come came, and the only one missing was Ludendorff.
However, Ludendorff's adjutant was in the conference room.
"Okay, everyone is here, we can start. Lieutenant Engel, let's listen to what news Marshal Hindenburg brought us." One of the German generals said to another soldier who looked like an adjutant.
Kai learned from the previous casual conversations of these people that Lieutenant Engel was the adjutant of the current German Chief of Staff, Marshal Hindenburg.
"Yes!" Although he was the adjutant of the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Engel's rank was not good enough in front of the generals present, so he still reported in a subordinate manner. "Marshal Hindenburg wants to tell you that the German Emperor intends to make peace!"
Boom!
This sentence made all the generals talk about it! In the eyes of these German generals, this is definitely a betrayal. They have the advantage on the front line, but the leaders in the rear intend to surrender? That's right, seeking peace is surrender in the eyes of these soldiers!
Soldiers and politicians are always two different creatures, and they look at problems in completely different directions.
In the eyes of politicians, Germany has reached the point where it is exhausted. Especially in the eyes of the civil service group headed by the black chancellor Theobadden von Bethmann Hollweg, Germany has no future if it continues to conquer.
Germany has been running a fiscal deficit for more than a decade, which has made the entire country breathless. Coupled with the continuous wars, Germany's domestic food and strategic material reserves are close to the critical point, and Germany can no longer afford it.
In addition, the advantages now gained on the battlefield are enough for Germany to end the war decently. They cannot exhaust the Allies, especially after the Battle of Verdun. They seem to have gained an advantage, but in fact, because of the unity of France and Britain, and the participation of the United States, their advantages are gradually lost. Maybe one day Verdun will completely collapse.
Instead of this, it is better to negotiate early and withdraw from the war decently. According to their current advantages, even if they cannot gain any territory in Europe, they can force Britain and France to make concessions in colonies.
At present, Britain and France can no longer hold on to the war. What else can they get if they continue like this except giving the United States a chance?
And I believe that the United States is also willing to let Germany cease fire, because a Germany that maintains a certain strength is also of great help to the United States' international strategy. At least the existence of Germany can delay the attention of Britain and France, giving the United States more room for development.
Compared to Britain, the United States is the one that is most willing to see Europe hostile to each other, especially to contain Britain, which is the situation that the United States wants to see most. This is also part of the reason why the United States supported Germany after World War I.
In short, in the eyes of Chancellor Hollweg, now is the best opportunity.
Unfortunately, the German generals don’t think so.
“Does that mean we have fought this war in vain? Not only can we not gain any benefits on the Eastern Front, but we even have to keep our biggest enemy, France?”
“We paid such a high price and fought this war, just to let those politicians sacrifice our interests in exchange for peace? What use is such peace to the great German Empire?”
“This is treason! It is betrayal!!!”
From the military’s point of view, peace talks are undoubtedly unacceptable! This means that Germany will give up a lot of benefits that have already been obtained. Or to put it another way, the military will give up those benefits.
Germany's militarism did not happen overnight. The military's strength in Germany was so strong that even the Kaiser had to give in. In fact, after the death of Kaiser Wilhelm I (that is, the grandfather of the current Kaiser Wilhelm II), the royal family could no longer suppress the military's surge in strength. Greater power means greater interests. This is not just playing house. After the game is over, everyone goes back to their respective houses. The entanglement of interests involved can be written in hundreds of thousands of words.
At least from the military's point of view, it is undoubtedly foolish to negotiate peace when the war situation is favorable. As for the things that the civilian group is worried about... what does that have to do with generals like them? They are soldiers, do they still have to worry about this?
Kai's sense of these soldiers suddenly dropped a lot. Due to his experience as a soldier, Kai has always felt close to the soldiers. But now the soldiers who were supposed to protect their families and the country still wanted to continue this tragic war because of their own interests. This was something Kai couldn't accept.
It seems that not all politicians are dishonest!
"The Kaiser's attitude is biased towards our Chancellor?"
Lieutenant Engel said sternly: "Your Majesty remained silent..."
Obviously, although the Kaiser did not speak, his attitude said everything.
"Then Field Marshal Hindenburg means..."
Lieutenant Engel did not answer directly, but talked about other things: "Marshal Hindenburg has asked General Ludendorff to prepare a feast for you. I believe that after you see those things, everything will be clear."
Ludendorff was Hindenburg's best partner, and the two were surprisingly consistent on many issues. It was also because of the support of Marshal Hindenburg that Ludendorff got to where he is today.
"So it turns out that this is why General Ludendorff hurriedly came back from the front line? Could it be that it is rumored that the new poison gas studied by General Ludendorff has been successful?"
Lieutenant Engel did not speak, but nodded silently.
"That's great! We..."
Before the German general finished speaking, he heard a huge artillery sound coming from outside!
Kai's expression changed immediately, Damn it! These guys came here to see the effects of weapons! The sound of the cannon just now was...
Gas bombs!
But why was it cast in advance!
Kai didn't care about these people at this time, and directly showed his body and rushed out! This shocked the German generals!