"Gentlemen, I plan to divide Britain into several independent nations after we have defeated them. This will not only allow us to control Britain more effectively but also eliminate their influence on our Empire," Qin Tian declared, addressing the senior officials of the Empire.
Although the campaign against Britain had not officially begun, everything was already in place, poised for action. The strategy for Britain's post-defeat handling had been agreed upon in advance, ensuring swift action once the war concluded.
"Your Majesty, I am in full agreement," said Premier Bloor, the first to support. "Britain has a population of tens of millions. If the Imperial Army lands on the British Isles, the losses will be immense. Many will surely perish in the war. This will deepen our animosity with the British. Even if we impose various demands to weaken them, a Britain that harbors hatred towards us will always pose a great threat. Dividing Britain will greatly reduce this threat. It is a most excellent strategy, and we must follow through on it once we defeat them!"
In the ensuing conflict and the handling of Britain, Germany's primary objective must be to eliminate any future threat from Britain. Splitting the nation was, without a doubt, the most effective way to achieve this.
"Your Majesty, the Irish long for independence, and we have always supported them. After we defeat Britain, supporting Irish independence should pose no problem. The Scots and the English share constant friction. If we stoke the flames, pushing them toward independence should be relatively easy. However, the Welsh and the English are tightly bound. It will be very difficult to force them into submission," remarked Foreign Minister Wahit.
Qin Tian nodded. "Britain's population exceeds forty-five million, but excluding the four million from Ireland and Scotland, only thirty-five million remain in England and Wales. Although still a populous nation, with Ireland and Scotland as obstacles, they will no longer pose a significant threat to us."
"Indeed, Your Majesty!" Wahit replied.
"Your Majesty, the leaders of the Irish Sinn Féin and the Irish Republican Brotherhood are here in Berlin. They wish to meet with you," Wahit continued.
"Arrange it. I have an hour this afternoon for a meeting. Also, in Scotland, we should try to select pro-Empire figures. As for Wales, we must find a way to sow discord. If we can help the Welsh gain independence, it will further weaken England," Qin Tian ordered.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the officials answered in unison.
That afternoon, Emperor Qin Tian of the Empire met with Griffith, the founder of Sinn Féin, and Patrick Pearse, the leader of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, in the royal palace's reception hall.
Among the many factions resisting British rule in Ireland, Sinn Féin and the Irish Republican Brotherhood were the two most prominent forces. They were seen as thorns in the side of the British. During the numerous British crackdowns, many of their members had perished at the hands of the British, instilling in them a deep hatred for the British government.
Though the British Isles were the heart of the British Empire, its citizens enjoyed great privileges. Yet, this was of little concern to the Irish, who were constantly subjected to British exploitation and oppression. The majority of them lived in dire poverty, fostering a deep desire to overthrow British rule one day.
Now, with Germany preparing to launch an assault on Britain and poised to potentially defeat them, the Irish were filled with hope. Griffith and Pearse, eager to gain German support for Ireland's independence, had hurried to Berlin.
Griffith, wearing glasses and exuding a scholarly demeanor, had been the editor of The Irish Federation Journal before founding Sinn Féin. Pearse, on the other hand, was a tall, muscular man, resembling an athlete more than a politician.
Before Qin Tian, they were visibly nervous, aware they were in the presence of the world's most powerful monarch.
"Your Majesty, thank you so much for your unwavering support!" Griffith said first.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Without your assistance, we might have already been crushed by the British," Pearse added quickly.
Qin Tian nodded. "The Irish are a great people, yet the power of the British has led to years of suppression. The German Empire is a great nation, and we have an obligation to support you!"
"Yes, Your Majesty. The British have oppressed us for centuries, killing many of our people. Now, with the support of the German Empire, we are no longer afraid of them!" Griffith said.
"This time, the German Empire will defeat the British. Ireland will gain its independence. This is my promise to you!" Qin Tian affirmed.
Griffith and Pearse's faces lit up with joy. With Qin Tian's guarantee, Ireland's independence seemed certain.
"However, as you know, there is no such thing as a free lunch. You must fulfill your part as well," Qin Tian cautioned.
"Your Majesty, what do you require of us?" Pearse inquired.
"First, when we launch our attack on Britain's homeland, you must rise in Ireland to tie down a portion of the British forces. We will supply you with weapons and other support. Second, once Ireland gains independence, you must sign an alliance treaty with the German Empire, becoming our ally. In diplomacy and military matters, you must align with the German Empire. Of course, the German Empire will also ensure your security!" Qin Tian continued.
Griffith and Pearse's faces grew uneasy.
Qin Tian did not rush them; he knew they would make the right choice.
After a moment of hesitation, Griffith and Pearse nodded, accepting the conditions Qin Tian had laid out.