.On December 23, 1915, the Washington International Naval Conference was grandly opened, and the whole world focused its attention on the United States.

The Capitol, located in the center of Washington, was chosen as the venue for the international naval conference. The flags of the six countries with unique appearance, fluttered high around the unique Capitol. At such a naval event, blue and white naturally became the main theme. The naval uniforms of the four countries of the United States, Russia, Japan and Turkey all adopted white as the main color, while the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the German Navy adopted dark blue. Of course, a considerable number of non-naval internal officials attended the meeting, and there were also many brightly dressed royal families - the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Germany and Russia were all heads of state leaders.

As a result, the Navy Conference has not been held yet, and its specifications have attracted the attention of the world.

Currently, there are only six participating countries, but this does not prevent the Washington Naval Conference from becoming a world-renowned conference. After all, the total tonnage of naval ships in these six countries currently accounts for more than 80% of the world. Once this conference signs a formal international agreement, small naval countries like the Netherlands, Norway, Brazil, and China will be included in the category of treaty recognition countries and signatories of affiliated treaties, even if these countries currently do not have the ability to participate in international naval competitions.

The rain had already stopped, but thick clouds were still piled up above people's heads. It was only one day before Christmas, and it seemed that Santa Claus had prepared a big snow for the people here.

After making appearances, taking photos and greetings, representatives of the six countries walked into the venue with their own thoughts. On the first day, the collective meeting was first held in the main hall, and in the later time, the details of the agreement will be discussed in the department and the department will be discussed again, and then returned to the main hall for the final voting and signing ceremony. The organizer expects that the entire process will last about 7-10 days.

After entering the main hall, the temperature and atmosphere were much higher than outside. This was a spacious and bright hall that looked to accommodate two or three thousand people. The walls and round dome ceilings were filled with huge oil paintings and murals that recorded the American War of Independence and major events in history. In addition, there were stone statues of celebrities such as Lincoln and Jefferson. The statues of President Washington were in the middle.

After the representatives of the United States, Japan, Austro-Hungary and Russia had all entered the venue, German Emperor William III took his delegation to slowly walk into the hall. The group attracted not only many eyes, but also countless speculations and discussions. Many people did not know that the German delegation would almost withdraw from the meeting. It was only on the last day of the deadline that the US authorities handed over more than ten members of the British Free Army who participated in the assassination operation and began to actively implement the terms of the Washington Secret Agreement that the German Navy delegation finally agreed to attend the meeting.

Although the news of the assassination of the German Emperor was not announced to the outside world, the politicians from all countries where they attended the Washington International Naval Conference basically received some news. However, what the countries learned were inevitably somewhat different. In short, when they saw the German Emperor himself, all rumors about his assassination and injury or even coma were self-defeating.

"The Germans are becoming more and more cunning. They show their style in their choices and know that they can use this as an opportunity to obtain more powerful conditions for themselves!" Linda commented in a strange tone, and her husband Agreni agreed:

"Indeed, the scholar should look at him with admiration for three days! It is said that the German Emperor lost the closest guard captain, and in the end he just asked the Americans to lose money! I originally thought that this meeting would be ruined!"

"This time there is a captain of the guard who will die for him. Maybe he will be less lucky next time!" Linda said sourly, which made Agreni look at her very unexpectedly. Her expression seemed to suspect that the assassination was arranged by Linda.

"I wouldn't have arranged such a low IQ assassination!" Linda said very disdainfully. Then she gestured to Agreni to look at the Japanese delegation not far away, "I think it's very likely that it was the action they arranged!"

"Oh?" Agreni was still surprised, while the Japanese representatives all kept silent.

At this time, Linda added another sentence: "But there is no definite evidence now!"

Agreni retracted his gaze in disappointment. In his opinion, if the German Emperor was assassinated, it might not be a bad thing. In that case, Europe would likely reorganize its forces, and his Russia would have the opportunity to gain something from it.

"Oh, the guy with a big life!" Austria-Hungarian crown prince Carl also muttered in his position. The guy who was afraid of the world was not his wife, but Baron Condra, the chief of the Austrian staff, was a notorious warrior.

The Baron naturally had a similar view: "No, why didn't he bring a subversive war to the world like the Grand Duke Ferdinand back then? Maybe our Austro-Hungarian Empire will become the overlord of Europe!"

"Oh, what a pity!" Carl felt very sorry after hearing the Baron's words. If Germany fought with the United States inexplicably, his Austro-Hungarian Empire would undoubtedly be able to reap the benefits. "Oh, I heard that the Americans lost a lot of money to Germany?"

"It seems like this!" Kondra didn't seem very sure. Although the Austro-Hungarian Empire had a vast territory and a large population, its intelligence network was not developed, let alone in a place like North America far away from Europe.

"No wonder Germany did not attack the United States! Who did you think it would be the assassination of the German Emperor?" Carl whispered with his chin, glancing at the German Emperor and his party who had just sat down.

"I think it's British. They are the ones who hate Germany the most in the world! Of course, France is also possible. But it seems that a civil war breaks out of thin air!" Condra's words meant a bit speculation, because the Austrian intelligence agency has not provided written evidence for the time being, but this does not prevent him from investing a lot of attention in the identity of the assassin and whether France will fight a civil war.

Judging from some small details, the northern French government supported by Germany is entirely possible to use force against the Free French government in the south, but I don’t know whether the French people’s wishes can stop such a war.

"Fight, fight! Let the war become the celebration of my ascension!" Carl said gloatingly. The old Franz on the sickbed was still not improving. According to the doctor, it was difficult for him to live until summer. In this case, Carl had begun to prepare for the grand ascension ceremony in private.

After the German delegation entered the venue, the Turks also appeared in the hall, but neither the Americans nor the Japanese looked at them. Although the republic was booming under Kemal's leadership, the title of "Sick Man in Europe" was still in people's minds. The army, oil, railways and fleets seemed to be the Germans' contributions. Turkey was still the declining Ottoman Empire.

After everyone took their seats, US President Wilson walked up to the speech stage to deliver a speech to the meeting:

"Okay, first of all, I want to welcome you to the beautiful Washington from thousands of miles away. I represent the people of the United States..."

Despite the translators and written texts translated in advance, the representatives below were all uninterested. No one cared about what welcome Wilson would say, and no one cared about how the United States welcomed itself. People were ready to fight at the negotiating table later.

Chen Tian briefly read the speech and found that there was indeed no substantive content. Then he looked at Wilson, who had the voice and color on it, and felt that Americans always like to dance when expounding their views. Wilson was full of talks about "peace", "development", and "harmony", but Chen Tian turned his eyes to the place outside the podium. When his eyes swept over Carl's proud face, Chen Tian suddenly remembered Franz Joseph I, the founder of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, who was a diligent, friendly, and friendly person. In many people's ideas, he was also an important bond to maintain the huge and complex Austro-Hungarian Empire. Unfortunately, he and his empire are now terminally ill.

Austria? Hungary? Or is it located on the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea?

Chen Tian was planning in his mind. In his opinion, Carl's face was very pitiful. Not to mention that he did not have the ability of Emperor Franz, even if he had it, it is still unknown whether he could ascend the throne successfully. At home, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was full of factions and many forces. Some surrendered to the vastness of the empire, and some surrendered to the authority of the old emperor. But at least for now, not many people were impressed by Carl's personal charm. Foreign, German and Russian powers as close neighbors could never be completely eliminated. The most important thing is that at this time, Germany and Austro-Austria no longer had the common enemy in the war. Germany, regardless of population, national strength and military strength, were above the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

In Chen Tian's opinion, if Carl saw the combat plan called "Lightning" in the safe deposit box of the German Army General Staff, he would probably not have the current proud expression.

The Lightning Plan, as the name suggests, refers to an unexpected war. This plan was finalized as early as May 1915. The general designer was Chen Tian himself. Senior army generals including Paul von Hindenburg, Rudendolph, Hoffmann, etc. planned to use 850,000 troops stationed in East Prussia, Prussia, Poland, and Bavaria to suddenly attack the Bohemia Kingdom, the Principality of Austria-Hungarian Empire, the Principality of Austria-Hungarian Empire, the Principality of Austria-Hungarian Empire and the coastal provinces in an undeclared war. The purpose was to occupy the main industrial areas, shipbuilding bases and military ports of the Austria-Hungarian Empire, so as to maximize the weakening of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

On the timeline of the Lightning Plan, the death of the old O'Neon Franz is a key point.

Despite such a plan, it does not mean that Germany will invade the Austro-Hungarian Empire. There are still many expired or unexpired strategic plans in the safe of the German Army Staff. Whether they are implemented depends on the political environment and situation. In such a complex international environment, anything can happen. Therefore, the Lightning Plan is more precisely a preparatory combat plan, which is not as prepared to fight a war that will inevitably occur like the Schliffen plan back then.

Moreover, before the old Austrian Emperor died, Chen Tian did not intend to act rashly. After all, this great monarch who created the Austro-Hungarian Empire had been in power for 65 years. He is the backbone of the 17 kingdoms, principalities, autonomous provinces and 11 nations of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. As long as he is still alive, most members of this empire will unanimously go abroad.

Compared to annexing part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Chen Tian was more eager to completely defeat the United States. For this reason, he did not hesitate to unite all forces that could be united, including the Japanese.

Thinking of this, Chen Tian turned his attention to the Japanese delegation. Wilson was still talking big, while the Japanese looked at the speakers on the stage who were immersed in the peace and harmony atmosphere he made up. This argument is very different from the national spirit of Japan from ancient times to the present. How could these Japanese who are aggressive by nature accept a world without fighting and plunder?

Chen Tian suddenly felt that it was indeed a bit ridiculous to win over Japan into this meeting, but the reason why the Japanese government did not refuse or even responded positively was that they were concerned about the German Navy, which was far ahead of its strength and technology, and the US Navy, which could invest huge amounts of money to expand at any time.

"The reason why this mad dog in Japan is willing to wear a collar is because the other end of the rope is also tied to our neck!" This is what German Foreign Minister Strezeman said to the US ambassador after the Japanese government agreed to attend the International Naval Conference. Chen Tian thought this description was very appropriate.

The Japanese are not only fanatical, but also good at using some small conspiracies. Chen Tian remembered a strange situation reported by his intelligence officials. After the Japanese delegation came to the United States, every time they visited a place, they would convene local Japanese expatriates for partying and discussion. This is true in Washington, New York, and Philadelphia. As for local attractions and historical sites, the Japanese delegation only sent some insignificant officials to visit, and important figures went deep into the midst of the expatriates.

A vulgar and cunning nation!

Chen Tian warned himself in his heart that Japan's wolf ambitions must not be tolerated, but compared with the Japanese ambition and arrogance, the United States is the most important enemy at present, and Germany has the chance to defeat it only when the United States has not yet been fully armed. Otherwise, it is not necessary to say that it is Germany, even if the whole world unites, it may not be able to defeat the United States. The final result is likely to be the confrontation between the two sides across the sea, and the United States has the opportunity to divide and disintegrate the coalition one by one, or use its strong economic and industrial strength to drag down the coalition.

A burst of warm applause brought Chen Tian back to reality from his terrible prediction. It seemed that Wilson finally ended his enthusiastic speech. At this time, Ryan walked to the front. "The following will be General William S. Benson, Secretary of the Navy, will introduce the predetermined framework of this naval meeting to you. If you have any objections to this predetermined framework, please raise it in the next meeting discussion stage!"

Under the gaze of people, an American general wearing a white military uniform slowly walked to the podium. His face was wrinkled and his hair was white under his hat. This made Chen Tian look a bit like General Patton who had watched in another world's TV documentary. Of course, this person could never be Patton himself, because Patton was only 30 years old in 1915, and he was still serving in a certain cavalry unit.

"First of all, I would like to express my special thanks to the German Emperor, the Austro-Hungarian Emperor and the Crown Prince, the Japanese Emperor, and the Russian Tsar..."
Chapter completed!