On the railway from Königsberg to Berlin, military trains were steadily making their way. Attached to one of these trains was a passenger car. Inside, the passengers were none other than the secret diplomatic mission sent by Russia to Germany.
"Comrade Joseph," one of them said, his voice laced with concern, "This entire railway seems to be filled with military convoys! I can see soldiers packed tightly on those trains. What is the German Empire preparing for? Could they be planning to launch an attack on us?"
"No, the Germans have yet to defeat the British. They won't launch an attack on us," Joseph replied with a shake of his head. "Besides, they have no reason to go to war with us."
"But then, what are these troops for?" came the question again, laced with confusion.
"These soldiers are probably being sent to deal with the partisans," Joseph sighed. "We've ceded so much territory to the Germans, but Comrade Chairman has allowed Trotsky to establish numerous partisan units in those regions. The Germans were preoccupied with the war and hadn't paid much attention to them. But now that France and Italy have exited the war, the Germans have enough strength to deal with the partisans. This time, I fear those units will face severe challenges."
"Why not withdraw the partisans then? They are poorly equipped and would never stand a chance against the elite German forces."
"That is the Chairman's order. We are merely to execute it," Joseph said coldly. "Besides, that's a military matter, not for us to decide."
The subordinate fell silent, aware of the strained relationship between Joseph and Trotsky. Both men were vying for Ulyanov's position, and the tension between them was palpable.
Upon their arrival in Berlin, Joseph and his entourage were immediately escorted by the German Foreign Ministry. Despite the secretive nature of their mission, the Bolsheviks were still widely regarded as a dangerous threat in mainstream society. Germany, as the leader of the capitalist world, certainly didn't want it known that they were maintaining any contact with the Bolsheviks. While many governments understood this covert relationship, no one dared openly criticize Germany without solid evidence.
That evening, Germany's Foreign Minister, von Kidron-Washit, secretly met with Joseph.
"Minister, congratulations to your country on the successive defeats of France and Italy. Now, only Britain remains, struggling to hold on. It seems the final victory in this war is all but assured," Joseph offered, expressing his congratulations.
"All of this is thanks to the Emperor's wise leadership," von Kidron-Washit replied with a smile.
"Indeed, His Imperial Majesty is the most brilliant leader in the world!" Joseph said, a note of admiration in his voice. He had dealt with QinTian before. In the past, QinTian had been just a prince—gifted in business and ship design. However, due to his status, it seemed he was destined to remain a successful businessman at best. To Joseph's surprise, QinTian had suddenly ascended to the throne of the Empire, and at the age of only 27. A young emperor, now ruling the world's most powerful empire—such an achievement was enough to make the entire world envious.
"Comrade, what brings you to us this time?" von Kidron-Washit inquired.
"Minister, Russia has been severely weakened by years of war. Our people are suffering, and our industrial base has been destroyed. The White Army still resists, but it poses no real threat. Therefore, we hope to purchase machinery from Germany to help restore our industry," Joseph explained.
Von Kidron-Washit nodded. Given the Bolsheviks' current situation, Germany was the only nation that could provide them with the machinery they needed. No other country would be willing to sell to them.
"I will report this to His Imperial Majesty. Such a significant matter is beyond my decision-making," von Kidron-Washit replied.
Joseph nodded in understanding. Before QinTian had become heir to the throne, he would have had the opportunity to meet with him directly and discuss matters face-to-face. But now, such opportunities had become exceedingly rare.
"Minister, we hope to substitute grain, timber, and mineral resources in place of funds to pay for the machinery," Joseph added.
"Very well, Comrade. I will report this as is to His Imperial Majesty," von Kidron-Washit said with a nod.
The meeting ended swiftly. Joseph went back to his quarters to await news, while von Kidron-Washit set off for the imperial palace to inform QinTian of the Russian request.
"Machinery? The Russians have their eye on this after all!" QinTian remarked with a smile. "It seems they understand the importance of industrial power. To strengthen their nation without a robust industrial base is utterly unrealistic."
In another time and place, wasn't that what they themselves had done? After defeating the White Army, they had immediately tightened their belts and focused on industrial development, quickly becoming one of the world's industrial powers.
"Your Majesty, should we tighten the noose around the Russians?" said Prime Minister Belov. "With Britain, France, and Italy defeated, the only remaining threats to the Empire in Europe are Austria-Hungary and them. As you've often said, if Russia strengthens, they could become a terrifying force."
QinTian shook his head. "Simply tightening the noose around Russia won't work. Even if we refuse to sell them machinery, others, like America across the ocean, will gladly do business with them. They would love for a strong country to emerge beside us. It would prevent us from being able to challenge them."
"Then are we to watch as Russia grows stronger step by step?" asked Army Minister and Chief of Staff, von Falkenhayn.
"Of course not. Since the Russians want machinery, let them have it. Let them pay in grain and minerals, but with a greater share of grain," QinTian said with a knowing smile.
"Your Majesty intends to use machinery to extract grain from Russia?" Prime Minister Belov quickly grasped the crux of the plan.
"Precisely! Since Russia has lost so much of its grain-producing land, their food supply is already tight. If they begin exporting large quantities of grain to purchase machinery, what will happen within Russia?" QinTian chuckled.
He remembered in another time and place, when Russia rapidly developed its industry, they had abundant harvests year after year—but also suffered from frequent famines. Countless lives had been lost to hunger.