On the evening of April 19, at the German headquarters in Versailles, QinTian, after a long day of duties, found a rare moment to rest. However, his respite was soon interrupted by the entrance of Major General Manstein.
"General, what brings you here?" QinTian inquired, aware that Major General Manstein would not disturb him without good reason.
"Your Highness, the front lines report that they have captured an officer from the British Expeditionary Force. He claims to be the adjutant of General Allenby, the commander of the Fourth Army, and wishes to discuss an urgent matter with us," Manstein explained.
"The adjutant of General Allenby? What do they intend? Are they here to surrender?" QinTian asked.
"Your Highness, I suspect the British are indeed here for that purpose. It seems the relentless offensive over the past few days has pushed them to their limits. For the sake of their own lives, they are considering surrender. It's hardly surprising; after all, this is the capital of France, and the British have little reason to sacrifice themselves for it," Manstein replied.
QinTian nodded. "Then let the British envoy in. If the Fourth Army of the British Expeditionary Force surrenders, it would be a significant boon for us."
"Yes, Your Highness," Manstein affirmed, promptly making the necessary arrangements.
A few minutes later, Allenby's adjutant was brought into QinTian's office. Prior to his entry, the guards had conducted a thorough search, ensuring he bore no weapons. Nonetheless, several additional guards were stationed inside, given QinTian's status as the heir to the German Empire. The consequences of an enemy attack on him would be dire, an outcome none could afford.
"Good evening, Your Highness. I am Major Edward, the adjutant to General Allenby," he introduced himself, bowing courteously in flawless German, eliminating the need for translation.
"Please, have a seat, Major. Has General Allenby sent you here with a matter of importance?" QinTian inquired.
"Your Highness, General Allenby believes that the Anglo-French coalition has no hope of victory in this war. He no longer wishes to continue fighting, as further conflict would only result in needless loss of life for both sides," Major Edward stated.
QinTian nodded thoughtfully. "It is indeed fortunate that General Allenby recognizes this. Do you represent only the Fourth Army, or do you speak for the entirety of the Anglo-French forces in Paris?"
"Your Highness, we can only speak on behalf of the Fourth Army. We do not represent the French," Major Edward replied.
This revelation did not surprise QinTian; the French, driven by their fierce national pride, were undoubtedly more resolute in their resolve than the British, especially since they had no option to retreat in their own capital. While the British could surrender when faced with adversity, convincing the French to do so would prove far more challenging.
"Major, does General Allenby have any conditions?" QinTian asked directly.
"Your Highness, General Allenby requests that you guarantee the safety of the lives and property of the remaining officers and soldiers of the Fourth Army until the end of the war, ensure the supply of food and medicine, and provide proper care for the wounded, without subjecting prisoners of war to forced labor. After the war concludes, he seeks safe passage for us back to Britain," Major Edward outlined.
QinTian nodded; these terms were not overly demanding. Continuing resistance from the British would lead to significant losses, even with the German military's formidable firepower. The inevitability of thousands of casualties was apparent. With the British surrendering, they would save countless lives and manpower.
Moreover, the capitulation of the British would mean the entire southern region of Paris would fall under German control, allowing them to regroup and advance toward the northern parts of the city. With only twenty thousand French soldiers remaining, there was little chance they could withstand the assault of four German corps. Thus, a swift victory for the Germans in the Battle of Paris was imminent.
"Major, please convey to General Allenby that I accept his terms. Upon the Fourth Army's surrender, I promise to ensure the safety of your lives and property. However, the artifacts pillaged by the British within Paris must remain behind. After the war, I will release you to return to Britain," QinTian stated.
"Your Highness, I will relay your message to General Allenby," Major Edward replied, taken aback by QinTian's willingness to negotiate. This indicated that the terms had been mutually agreed upon, paving the way for the Fourth Army's surrender to the Germans.
After Major Edward departed with newfound optimism, QinTian summoned General Kluck, the commander of the First Army Corps, and General Dimlin, the commander of the Fifth Army Corps, to inform them of the impending surrender of the Fourth Army.
Both generals were momentarily stunned; they had not anticipated an entire British corps would capitulate. However, this was undoubtedly a favorable development for the German forces.
"Your Highness, this is a momentous occasion! We must agree to their terms," General Kluck exclaimed.
"Indeed, Your Highness. With the British surrendering, only the French remain. We are merely days away from conquering Paris!" General Dimlin added excitedly.
QinTian nodded in agreement. "In that case, I shall fully accept the British terms. Our primary objective is to conclude this conflict as swiftly as possible."
QinTian found himself intrigued by General Allenby. Undoubtedly, he was a man of considerable talent, one who could discern the realities of the situation. Learning that he had been instrumental in compelling the Germans to abandon their plans for heavy artillery and aerial bombardments of Paris further solidified QinTian's esteem for him.
As the Germans prepared to land on the British Isles and dismantle the British government, consolidating their rule there would be essential. This necessitated the support of local allies. Individuals like General Allenby, who were willing to surrender to the Germans, would undoubtedly be prime candidates for such collaboration. Consequently, QinTian resolved to delve deeper into Allenby's potential loyalty, intending to nurture his position should he be inclined to serve the German cause in the future.