Chapter 522: Echoes of Berlin

After hanging up the phone, Lansing immediately began drafting a reply telegram. But he knew in his heart that the significance of this meeting could far exceed the surface. At a time when US‑UK‑German relations are tense and war clouds loom, a third‑party force's involvement could change the whole course of the game.

He finished the draft and called the code clerk.

"Encrypt with the 'Eagle‑4' code and send to Dubai. At the same time, notify the Pacific Fleet headquarters that Pearl Harbor will receive a special diplomatic delegation in early January next year, and ask them to prepare security and reception in advance."

"Yes, Secretary of State."

After the code clerk left, Lansing walked to the window. Outside the State Department building, traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue wove like a tapestry, pedestrians hurried. The overwhelming majority of this city's people at this moment had no idea that, far across the Pacific, a meeting that could affect the war — and even the world order — was brewing.

Power works like this: in places the public cannot see, in encrypted waves, in secret conference rooms, decisions made by a handful of people will alter the fate of countless others.

Lansing suddenly felt a wave of fatigue. He was fifty‑three, his hair beginning to turn gray, his vigor not what it once was. This war, this endless diplomatic game, was draining everyone's life and enthusiasm.

But he could not stop. No one could stop.

History is like a runaway train; once set in motion it can only rush forward until the fuel runs out, or it crashes at the terminus.

November 22, Berlin, Naval High Command.

Marshal Tirpitz sat behind his desk, reading the two documents that had just arrived. The first was a comprehensive report on the situation concerning Meilika, compiled by Dr. Qi Mo Er Man. The second was General Bei En Ke's submission, "Implementation Plan for Unrestricted Submarine Warfare and Expected Effect Evaluation."

Sunlight slanted in through the high windows, illuminating the dust floating in the office. Tirpitz was nearly seventy, an age that should have him at home with grandchildren, enjoying the peace after a lifetime of war. But war had changed everything. His hair was all white, his back slightly stooped, yet his eyes remained sharp, like an eagle that can see through appearances.

The numbers in the report were cold and precise:

— Currently Germany possesses 142 operational submarines, of which 68 are ocean‑type.

— Expected monthly tonnage of merchant ships that could be sunk: 600,000–800,000 tons.

— Minimum monthly import requirement for Britain to be maintained: 1,200,000 tons.

— Estimated time required to force Britain's surrender: 4–6 months.

— Probability of Meilika Entry into War: according to mathematicians' calculations, over 80%.

Tirpitz set the report down, removed his glasses, and rubbed his sore eye sockets. 80% probability. Almost a certainty. Once unrestricted submarine warfare is launched, Meilika Entry into War is only a matter of time.

But what if they do not launch? Under the current war‑of‑attrition model, Germany might not survive the summer of 1917. Food shortages have already sparked multiple riots, factories are cutting output due to lack of raw materials, and front‑line soldiers are beginning to complain about outdated equipment and insufficient supplies.

A dilemma.

The door was knocked.

"Come in."

The door opened and Wei Lian Er Shi entered. The emperor was not in uniform today, wearing simple gray civilian clothes, his face showing obvious fatigue. Behind him followed General Bei En Ke and Dr. Qi Mo Er Man.

"Marshal." Wei Lian Er Shi walked to the desk, without small talk, "Lanfang's reply has arrived."

Tirpitz sat up immediately: "What does it say?"

Qi Mo Er Man handed over a document. Tirpitz read quickly, his brows furrowing tighter.

The core of the telegram was clear: Lanfang was willing to help, but needed guarantees. Specifically: first, if Lanfang successfully delays Meilika Entry into War, Germany must guarantee that, regardless of the post‑war outcome, all of Lanfang's investments and contract rights in Germany will be fully respected; second, Germany must provide additional rights to mine rare‑metal ores as a "show of cooperation"; third, regarding the transport of Sakura Nation troops, Germany must accept a 15% price increase.

"He is looting the fire," General Bei En Ke said coldly.

"No," Tirpitz put down the telegram, "he is doing business. Clear pricing, no deception of old or young. That's Chen Feng's style."

Wei Lian Er Shi walked to the window, back turned to the room.

"Do you think he truly has the ability to influence Meilika?"

Silence.

Qi Mo Er Man spoke first: "According to intelligence, Chen Feng has no deep contacts in Meilika, and Lanfang's trade volume with the United States is also small. But he has one advantage: he is a completely neutral third party, renowned for shrewdness and pragmatism. If he can propose a seemingly feasible peace plan, Wilson might be interested — after all, the President has been looking for a reason not to enter the war."

"But the British will sabotage it," Bei En Ke said, "A Si Kui Si will not allow any interference with Meilika's entry into the war."

"So Chen Feng's proposed meeting location might be Hawaii," Tirpitz pointed to the last paragraph of the telegram, "far from Meilika's homeland and also far from Europe. That means the meeting can remain relatively secret, at least at the start."

Wei Lian Er Shi turned, bloodshot veins in his eyes.

"So we have to accept his terms?"

"We may have no choice, Your Majesty," Tirpitz's voice was calm, "If Meilika enters the war, we are doomed. If we accept Chen Feng's conditions, at least there is a sliver of hope — he can buy time, or propose some peace scheme that gives us a chance to negotiate better terms at the table."

"What's the price?"

"Some mining rights, some money, and some post‑war commitments — if we still exist after the war." Tirpitz's bluntness made everyone in the room pause, "Your Majesty, we are now fighting for survival. Survival leaves no room for bargaining."

The emperor closed his eyes. A few seconds later, he opened them.

"Agree to him. All conditions. Tell Chen Feng that Germany thanks him for his help and looks forward to his good news." He paused, "Also, notify the General Staff that the start date for unrestricted submarine warfare… is tentatively set for February 1, 1917. If by then the trend of Meilika Entry into War has not changed, we will execute."

"Your Majesty!" Bei En Ke began to say something.

"This is the final ultimatum, General," Wei Lian Er Shi's voice carried a resolve of burning the boats, "Give Chen Feng two months. If he can create a miracle, fine. If not…" His gaze turned icy, "then we will drag everyone down to hell together."

The order was given. Qi Mo Er Man and Bei En Ke saluted and left. Only Tirpitz and the emperor remained in the office.

"A Er Fu Lei De," Wei Lian Er Shi suddenly addressed the old Marshal by name, a rare occurrence, "to be honest, do we still have a chance?"

Tirpitz remained silent for a long while.

"Mathematically, the odds are small. Historically, miracles have happened. But whether or not there is a chance, Your Majesty, we must fight to the end. For Germany, there is no dignified surrender, only victory or annihilation."

Wei Lian Er Shi nodded, said no farewell, and turned away.