.October, the first autumn after the war, a season of harvest and famine.

The cruel war left the land of France full of devastated. In the east and north, large areas of once rich land were abandoned after unprecedented fierce artillery fire, and abandoned villages were seen everywhere. Those who survived had to worry about the coming winter. The situation across the strait was even worse. The English's spring plowing was delayed due to fierce battles, and the seeds sown by the Scots in the spring were severely burned in the summer wars. Most farmers could only look at the bare fields and could not do anything. Fortunately, the sea blockade of the Germans had been basically lifted, and ships of food were transported from places outside the UK, but the soaring prices were squeezing the last bit of savings in the pockets of the British people.

In the southern part of the Apennine Peninsula, although crops have achieved a bumper harvest, a considerable amount of grain has become the trophy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire before it has been harvested. This winter by the Italian government seems to be very difficult. As for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, one of the victorious countries, after plundering the food from Poland and Italy, the domestic situation has been much more stable. The poor people can at least get a little porridge from the relief facilities to maintain their lives. Only the Russians in each victorious country have not had a good life. In the war, not only millions of strong peasants were allowed to go to the battlefield, but also forced some people to leave their hometowns. As a result, Russia's harvest this year can only satisfy half of the food. However, the Russian rulers seemed to have been prepared. When the weather was getting colder, a large amount of food was transported into the heart of Russia through the railway line in the Far East.

In October, Germany is full of golden ground.

The war that lasted for nearly a year consumed most of Germany's food reserves, but thanks to the German Emperor's policies, the number of German farmers returned to pre-war levels before spring. In addition, the war never affected the local area, and Germany's agricultural harvest this year was basically the same as in previous years, which greatly relieved the government's internal affairs officials.

Berlin, palace.

"American Ambassador? A very important thing?"

After breakfast, Chen Tiandi attendant Feng Jonalet told him that the American ambassador came to the palace early in the morning to wait for reception.

"Yes, your Majesty!"

Jonalet answered very seriously. The young man with soft brown hair is 28 years old and a native of East Prussian. He joined Chentian's staff 7 years ago and is very clever and honest.

"Oh, take him to my study!" Chen Tian touched his chin, and had already guessed the purpose of the Americans.

"Also. Please call Marshal Tirpitz in the morning" to my study. I have something to discuss with him!"

"Yes, your Majesty!"

After a while, Jonalet brought the US Ambassador to Berlin Beasley to Chen Tian's office. Chen Tian was quite familiar with this US ambassador. He had met with him several times when he was the acting crown prince. He was a typical businessman, spoke politely and was good at observing words and expressions, believing that everything could be exchanged for through transactions.

"Oh, my dear Majesty. I am very honored to see you on such a cool autumn morning!"

Beasley, holding a hat in his hand, said respectfully as soon as he entered the door.

Chen Tian signaled the guards at the door to leave. Apart from the Americans, he and the commander of the guard Rennie were the only ones left in the room.

"Mr. Ambassador, you came very early today! Didn't you sleep well last night?"

"Oh, how could it be? The weather in Berlin has been very good recently and is very quiet, so I slept well!" Beasley was not restrained, but just sat with Chen Tian on the sofa on the side of the study with him.

As early as a long time ago, Chen Tian noticed that European monarchs were very different from Chinese emperors. Although their identities were also noble, they were not as high as people imagined. Many times they would sit face to face and talk to others, and eat with ministers and generals. Of course, there seemed to be many more European monarchs who were assassinated from ancient times to the present than China.

"So, Mr. Ambassador. What's the matter with you here today?"

Chen Tian, ​​who has never liked to bend around the corner, doesn't want to beat around the bush when facing this guy who is said to be a descendant of a profiteer. Naturally, this guy wouldn't come to have morning tea. After all, it's far from easy for a foreign ambassador to meet the emperor.

"It's like this, my respected Majesty! Mr. Wilson, President of our country, asked me to tell you on your behalf that the materials and equipment loaned to our country during the war, although the agreement states that your country needs to return from the date of the end of the war, the actual time and quantity of return can be negotiated in principle!"

Beasley said with a kind look on his face, like Santa Claus.

"Oh? That's really good news!"

Chen Tian suddenly felt a look of joy on his face. It seemed like he was really accidentally found a gift in his long socks. While selling ships to Britain, the Americans also provided Germany with US$5 billion worth of supplies and equipment for balance. Germany used the original French Guadeloupe, Martinique and Antilles Islands to receive US$2.45 billion of them, and the other US$2.55 billion was paid in installments after the war. A country just experienced the war was undoubtedly in great need of funds, even the number one victorious country in the war was no exception. Moreover, in this era, US$2.55 billion was an astronomical figure for any country, which was almost Germany's fiscal revenue for 10 years!

Of course, Germany's war machines undoubtedly benefited a lot from obtaining such a large amount of materials and equipment in the war!

Seeing the German Emperor happy, Beasley was very satisfied with the strategy he adopted. Everything was as he often said, "People are dominated by greed!"

"Your Majesty, there is another important thing." Beasley said, stroking the brim of the hat in his hand. "Mr. Wilson said that he had received the letter you had previously entrusted to your ambassador to him, and had carefully considered the suggestions made by your country!"

As expected, Chen Tian knew that this was the real purpose of the Americans. Two days ago, he asked the German ambassador to Washington to forward a letter asking President Wilson and the US government to carefully consider the plan to expand the army and navy, because the implementation of these two plans is related to the stability of the Americas, the Pacific and even the world. In the letter, Chen Tian did not oppose the US government's recent military expansion, but expressed some concerns about such a large military expansion.

"Oh, then what your Excellency the President of your country means...?"

"Uh, that's it! Mr. Wilson said the bill to expand the Army has been approved by Congress, so it's basically unlikely to be retracted or changed! As for the Navy expansion plan, it's still under discussion!"

The implication of the Americans is very clear, and there is still room for talks about the naval expansion plan.

"Oh, it's such a pity!"

Chen Tian looked very regretful. But in fact, even if the US Army doubled its organization, it would only be 260,000, and the actual number of non-war periods will not exceed 200,000. Its strength is not worth mentioning compared to the German Army. Like other countries, Chen Tian is concerned about the Americans' plan to "add 10 new battleships, 6 battlecruisers and a large number of light ships."

"Your Majesty, don't worry, as our government said, the current expansion of the US Army is for the purpose of peace and has no intention of invading other countries! As for the navy..." Beasley whispered, "Your Majesty. You also know that our country has the Philippines in the Pacific and Hawaii with coveted archipelagos and islands, and our strengthening of the navy is only used to protect them!"

"But, the Pacific region is very stable now!" Chen Tian said with an unknown look on his face. "In order to ensure this stability, we have also formed a powerful joint fleet with Russia and Japan. I think no country dares to blatantly undermine peace now!"

Beasley was in pain between his eyebrows, but still had a smile on his face. The emperor in front of him knew that he meant to extend the loan time and reduce part of the loan in exchange for German support, but deliberately pretended not to understand.

"We in the United States also have permanent stability. That's all the purpose of expanding the navy!"

Just like this weather, the conversation between the two paused in a lukewarm atmosphere for a moment.

Beasley's face was calm, but Chen Tian could easily see the uneasiness he was hiding in his heart, because he had excellent control over the current situation. Chen Tian knew very well. Before 1916, although the United States was the world's largest economic and industrial power, its military facilities were simply unbearable. Although the United States had military rushes such as the Philippines and Hawaii at this time, its defense there was extremely weak. Due to the US government's policy of first the Atlantic Ocean and later the Pacific Ocean, the US Navy's Far East Fleet had only a few light ships.

There are not even decent fortifications in the Philippines and other places. The biggest achievement in recent years is the establishment of a series of coal-added stations in the Pacific. Therefore, the US government will not allow the situation to develop like this in any case. Once the Pacific war breaks out, the Japanese fleet will easily occupy the Philippines, and at the same time use the port of Tahiti, which Germany has loaned them, as an outpost. The advance fleet from there will destroy the Americans' coal-added stations in the central Pacific. In that case, the US local fleet will rush to the battlefield for at least 6 months!

Beasley sighed lightly, he was unwilling to give up his cards, but he had to do so now.

"Your Majesty, Mr. President asked me to tell you that if you can ensure that other countries do not threaten the national security of the United States, we are willing to appropriately reduce our naval expansion plan! In exchange, both of us can also negotiate on previous loans and future cooperation that will benefit both sides!"

After a while, Chen Tian replied calmly, "This is a good suggestion!"

"Our local governments and citizens do not want to see the war. I beg your Majesty to consider our suggestions!" Beasley said sincerely, but he blamed himself for coming to the German ruler so quickly. But there was no way. Washington's telegram was anxious between the lines, and meeting the German Emperor was undoubtedly the fastest and most effective way at present. After all, the emperor had the final say in this country's main diplomatic and military matters.

Seeing Beasley revealing his true desire in his heart, Chen Tian was satisfied. He nodded, "I will consider it!"

Beasley wanted to say something, but considering that the conversation would only be bad for him if it continued like this, he had to get up and say goodbye.

"Mr. Ambassador!" Chen Tian called out just as Beasley was about to exit the door.

"Dear Your Majesty!" Beasley turned around, bowed slightly, and said ten times more respectfully than when he entered the door, "What else do you have to do?"

"Please tell your President Mr. Wilson that Germany is willing to be the coordinator between the United States and Japan, but we did not do this because of the economic benefits your country has given!" Chen Tian looked serious and serious. At this time, he decided to end the game with Mr. Beasley.

Under the other party's majestic gaze, Beasley lowered his head full of trades.

"Yes, your majesty!"

"In addition, on behalf of the German government, I propose a suggestion to avoid arms races! That is, representatives from all countries will be sent together to negotiate a public treaty that limits the endless expansion of the navy! In this way, the peace that sacrifices countless lives will not be easily lost!"

Beasley's eyes were full of surprise. In fact, it was not to mention him. Even Wilson did not expect to establish such a treaty. The reason was not difficult to understand. Just like the Washington Navy Treaty in another world, only the victorious strong people have the right to speak. The United States is at best an economic power, and its political influence is far from that of the leaders of the Allied Powers who had just won the war. After being stunned for nearly half a minute, he answered excitedly:

"Yes, my respected Majesty, I will convey it truthfully!"

When he left, the US ambassador took a brisk pace, as if he had picked up a large sum of money.

Two hours later, the Imperial Navy Minister came to Chentian's office as promised.

When Tirpitz entered the door, Chen Tian was standing in front of the window, but it seemed that he was not just enjoying the autumn scenery outside the window.

"His Majesty!"

"Oh, my marshal, you are here!" Chen Tian turned around, with a smile on his face, without any condescending intentions. When he talked to the navy veteran, he still respected as before.

"Your Majesty has something to worry about?"

Tirpitz did not directly ask Chen Tian why he was summoned. The old marshal was old and the main work of the Navy Department was currently handed over to Marshal Boer and the General Staff of the Navy. If it were not for major matters, he would not be asked to take action in person.

"Oh, no! I just think that the autumn scenery around the world is different! The last time I traveled around the world was 15 years ago, and now I miss that time!" What Chen Tian said was the global trip he took on the naval practice ship "Little Medusa" from 1899 to 1900 after graduating from the Royal Army Academy.

"Oh, I've been traveling around the world many years ago!" Tirpitz thought hard, "It's been nearly 40 years! Your Majesty, you are not planning to travel around the world again!"

"It would be great if I could, but I can't leave my country to have such a big vacation!" As the German Emperor, Chen Tian also had vacation time, but the time usually does not exceed one month, and for various reasons, they generally do not stay away from Germany.

As for Tirpitz, his long-term naval career gave him a healthy body, but after all, time is unforgiving. He is nearly 70 years old and he will not have much time left in his life. Perhaps his health will not allow him to travel far in a few years.

"Then your Majesty summoned me to come for the purpose of the new American Navy plan!"

"Yes! The US ambassador came to see me in the morning!" Chen Tian sat down opposite Tirpitz. "As we expected, the US government was very uneasy about the joint fleet. Their new naval plan was only for the joint fleet. If we were the joint fleet, they would be willing to cut the plan! This is the opportunity we are waiting for. I think it will not take long for the treaty to limit the development of the naval will be passed by most countries!"

Long before the end of the war, Chen Tian mentioned to Tirpitz that the various countries jointly concluded a naval treaty and explained the pros and cons of it. After careful consideration, the old marshal affirmed this idea. Previously, the German Navy batched old warships as part of this idea.

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Tirpitz was not stingy with his praise, of course, this praise was not a pure compliment. When most people were still immersed in the joy of victory, he was very happy to see his monarch being able to make such a future plan for the German Navy with a calm and vision. At the same time, he was also very clear that this navy he had built had the best surviving battleship, but as we all know, the original mission of this navy was to be matched with the British Navy, which was separated from the sea.

Resist, and there are very few medium-sized ships suitable for defending overseas territories! Now, the German Navy has replaced the British Navy as the world's number one, but it is not enough to dominate the world with just a group of excellent battleships. According to the radicals, Germany still needs to maintain the speed of wartime shipbuilding to build more combat and protective cruisers. However, if this continues, it will inevitably put considerable pressure on the government's finances and is not conducive to the recovery and development of the post-war economy.

"I was thinking that if you really want to negotiate such a treaty, it would be better not to set the venue for the talks in Berlin or Vienna. Of course, not many people are happy to go to St. Petersburg or Istanbul!"

"Your Majesty wants to..."

"Washington!"

When Chen Tian bounced such a place name, Tirpitz seemed to be very confused, because according to common sense, Berlin seemed to be the best choice.

"The United States is in the most passive situation now. If the talks are held in Washington, it will make their government less nervous, and there will be no one who will put pressure on the host!" Chen Tian's choice is actually aimed at the Japanese and Austrians. If the meeting location is chosen in Berlin, then Japan, as a member of the ally, will be more beneficial than the United States. The same is true for choosing Vienna or other European cities.

Tirpitz thought about it and quickly understood the truth.

"In addition, I want to go to Washington in person to see the autumn scenery in North America!"
Chapter completed!