The German strategy, following their victory over France, was to turn their attention to Britain, contingent upon Britain's refusal to surrender. In such a scenario, the German forces would proceed to land on the British Isles.
However, QinTian secretly hoped for the British to resist surrender. This would grant the formidable German army the opportunity to invade the British Isles and reduce them to ruins. Although Britain's defeat in this war seemed inevitable, QinTian had to acknowledge the strength of British industry; given time, they could rearm themselves. This posed a significant threat to Germany in the future. Hence, QinTian aimed to utilize this war to decisively crush Britain, eliminating any chance of resurgence.
Moreover, in the event of negotiations, no matter how stringent the conditions imposed, they would pale in comparison to the satisfaction of defeating Britain and then proceeding to carve up its remnants at will. Once defeated, Britain would have no recourse to oppose German designs; they would be as meat laid upon a chopping block. Furthermore, bringing the flames of war to British soil would undoubtedly inflict severe damage upon their industrial capabilities.
Additionally, QinTian planned that the new cabinet of the British government, post-war, must be pro-German to ensure the safeguarding of German interests within Britain. This would require the cultivation of a cadre of pro-German individuals, with General Allenby, commander of the Fourth Army of the British Expeditionary Force, undoubtedly being a suitable candidate. Should he express loyalty to Germany, he could very well serve as a Minister of War in the future British government.
In his office, General Allenby paced anxiously. He was deeply concerned that the Germans might reject his offer of surrender. Although he considered this likelihood to be slim, he feared unforeseen complications.
"It cannot be. They will not refuse our request. Our surrender would be highly advantageous for the Germans," Allenby reassured himself, as if such affirmation could bolster his resolve.
"General, I have returned," reported Major Edward.
"Major, what did the Germans say? Have they accepted our terms?" Allenby asked hastily.
"General, the Germans have agreed to our demands; they accepted nearly everything. However, they insist that we cannot take any of the artifacts we plundered from Paris," Edward replied.
Allenby frowned but ultimately nodded. Despite their intentions to profit from the treasures pilfered from Paris, he understood that preserving their lives was paramount. Only by safeguarding their existence could they hope for a future.
"Very well, Major. Please inform the Germans that we accept their conditions and will surrender the artifacts," Allenby instructed.
"Understood, General." At this moment, Edward let out a sigh of relief. He had worried that Allenby might refuse, but it seemed he had been overly concerned. Given Allenby's fear for his own life, it was unlikely he would turn down the Germans' demands.
That night, Major Edward hurried to the German headquarters to convey the decision and discuss the specifics of the surrender.
Meanwhile, Allenby summoned the various division and corps commanders of the Fourth Army, informing them that an agreement with the Germans had been essentially reached. This news brought immense satisfaction to the British Expeditionary Force's leaders, who were relieved to avoid death and wore expressions of reprieve.
Subsequently, discussions between the Germans and the Fourth Army established that the surrender would occur in the early hours of April 21. At that time, the Germans would occupy the southern districts of Paris, taking control of the Fourth Army's defense zone.
This timing was chosen both for its strategic obscurity and for operational considerations. The bridges connecting the areas along the Seine had yet to be destroyed. The Germans had deliberately avoided targeting this region during their bombardments. Following the surrender of the Fourth Army, the Germans would discreetly position themselves south of these bridges, launching an assault at dawn to capture them. Securing the bridges would significantly ease the forthcoming offensive against the northern districts of Paris. Furthermore, following the British surrender, the location of the French command center would no longer remain concealed from the Germans.
As time passed, the German assault on Paris continued. The French were entirely unaware that the British Expeditionary Force's Fourth Army had already surrendered. Even among the higher ranks, knowledge of this development was sparse; only senior officers were informed.
On the evening of April 20, British commanders revealed this news to junior officers. Reactions varied, but the majority favored surrender. Those opposed, however, were swiftly apprehended, posing no threat to the proceedings.
At 2 a.m. on April 21, accompanied by several corps commanders, QinTian arrived at the outskirts of Paris. There, General Allenby awaited, presenting his sidearm to QinTian as a formal act of surrender.
Simultaneously, the Germans began to clandestinely occupy the southern districts of Paris, assuming control and accepting the Fourth Army's capitulation. Despite a few moments of confusion, the entire process unfolded smoothly and went undetected by the French forces across the Seine.
"Your Highness, Germany has won this battle. Continuing further would only result in greater loss of life. Therefore, I surrendered for the sake of my soldiers," Allenby proclaimed, framing his actions as noble and selfless.
QinTian smiled, feigning agreement. "General Allenby, you are a courageous individual and a remarkable talent. Should the day come when the German forces land on the British Isles, someone of your caliber will undoubtedly be of great importance."
Allenby's eyes sparkled with newfound hope.