The meeting of the Supreme Committee of the Russian Bolshevik Party failed to reach any resolution. Some members advocated for reconciliation with Germany, while others vehemently opposed conceding to German demands, resulting in a chaotic atmosphere throughout the gathering. Ultimately, Ulyanov departed the conference room with a somber expression, marking the conclusion of the meeting.
For several consecutive days, the Bolsheviks engaged in heated debates regarding their course of action, while time slowly slipped away. Three days later, they had yet to provide Germany with a definitive response. In light of this delay, German Foreign Minister von Kiderlen-Wächter abruptly left Brest, disregarding Trotsky's pleas, and led the German delegation back to Germany.
The departure of the German delegation heightened the sense of urgency among the Bolsheviks, as everyone recognized that a breakdown in negotiations would expose them to the military threat posed by Germany. Upon his return to Berlin, von Kiderlen-Wächter immediately conferred with QinTian, who was joined by Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow.
"Your Highness, are we perhaps demanding too much? We seem to have frightened the Russians," von Kiderlen-Wächter remarked.
"Indeed! Your Highness, if the Russians refuse our terms, are we truly prepared to resort to military action against them?" Bülow expressed his concerns.
They all understood that Germany's primary focus would remain on the western front, with only a minimal force allocated to the east.
"Of course, we cannot engage them militarily. However, we can certainly intimidate them. Since the Russians are unable to make a decision, let us assist them! I shall instruct the Eighth and Ninth Armies to adopt a posture of impending attack. I believe that will compel the Russians to choose wisely," QinTian stated confidently.
Yet, this was merely a façade. In reality, he was uncertain whether the Bolsheviks would capitulate as easily as in another timeline, given that many factors had shifted. The Bolsheviks in this timeline were stronger than their counterparts in another.
"Your Highness, perhaps we should consider slightly lowering our demands," von Kiderlen-Wächter suggested. If their high price resulted in achieving nothing, it would be too great a loss.
"Not at all! Although we are currently collaborating with the Bolsheviks, our honeymoon period will soon come to an end. At that point, we will be adversaries. Thus, the harsher we are now, the more we will weaken them. This will place us in a favorable position for future confrontations," QinTian asserted.
"Von Kiderlen, let us proceed according to the Prince's wishes! I have faith that His Highness will succeed," Bülow affirmed.
"Very well," von Kiderlen-Wächter acquiesced, choosing not to voice further objections.
"Minister, we must remain patient during negotiations with the Bolsheviks. They are currently obstinate and will not relent until they face dire circumstances. Once our forces begin their advance, they will surely concede," QinTian advised.
"Let us hope that is the case," von Kiderlen-Wächter replied.
Subsequently, QinTian personally ordered the Eighth and Ninth Armies to mobilize toward the border, presenting a façade of an impending invasion to intimidate the Russians.
"This time, I am eager to see if those Russians still possess the audacity to resist!" QinTian's eyes gleamed with cold determination.
Upon receiving QinTian's orders, the Eighth and Ninth Armies, undeterred by the winter chill, immediately departed their encampments and headed for the border. Although the Eighth Army had suffered significant losses during their engagement with the Russian Southwestern Front, they were swiftly reinforced upon returning to East Prussia. Germany's mobilization had been completed, with the second phase already underway, ensuring a steady supply of troops in the short term. However, should the conflict prolong, the disadvantages of troop shortages would inevitably manifest.
The Ninth Army, though newly formed, comprised over 180,000 personnel, including ten infantry divisions and one armored division. Their equipment mirrored that of the Eighth Army; their only deficiency lay in battlefield experience. Once they had endured the crucible of war, their combat capabilities would surely be enhanced, transforming them into a formidable elite force. QinTian had proposed General Hindenburg as commander of the Ninth Army, recognizing his exceptional talents, and he believed Hindenburg would mold the Ninth Army into a powerful, loyal unit.
As the two elite German corps advanced toward the border and assumed attack formations, the ominous presence of their menacing artillery and dark, formidable tanks symbolized their overwhelming military might. This display struck fear into the hearts of the Bolshevik leadership.
"What should we do? What is our course of action? The Germans have deployed two elite corps to the border. If they launch an assault, what can we possibly do to resist? How could we withstand it? One German corps has already decimated nearly two million Russian troops. Two corps combined could effortlessly obliterate us!" Joseph exclaimed in a state of panic.
Ulyanov's countenance reflected his own grave concerns. The Germans had unmistakably signaled their intent to attack. While he suspected this might merely be a tactic of intimidation, he was not willing to gamble. If the Germans were genuinely prepared to strike, the repercussions would be severe.
Ulyanov understood that if the German forces initiated an attack, even with only two corps, they could annihilate the entire army currently under their control. Moreover, numerous forces loyal to Tsar Nicholas II were poised to launch their own offensive against them. The situation for the Russian Bolsheviks could become exceedingly precarious, potentially leading to their complete destruction.
"Comrade Joseph, we cannot afford to take risks. At this stage, we cannot openly confront the Germans. Let us negotiate and reach an agreement after some bargaining," Ulyanov advised.
Faced with the choice between betrayal and self-preservation, Ulyanov opted for the latter.
"Understood, Leader. However, both Comrade Kaminiev and Comrade Trotsky vehemently oppose this. If their stance remains unchanged, achieving consensus will be exceedingly difficult," Joseph expressed his concerns.
"Do your utmost to manage the situation! They may not fully grasp the gravity of the circumstances, but we cannot allow them to jeopardize our revolution!" Ulyanov's eyes glinted with resolve.