"Send a telegram to Marshal Hindenburg, instructing him to expedite the annihilation of those guerrillas!" QinTian commanded.
Regardless of whether the mission of the envoy from Buo was related to those guerrillas, QinTian could not afford to be complacent. To safeguard Germany's interests and security, it was best to completely eradicate those guerrillas. This would also make it easier for Germany to control the new territories. After all, once the Buo faction members were removed, the remaining lower-class citizens would be easier to handle.
"Yes, Your Majesty. However, it is the heart of winter. Deploying the army on such a scale at this time seems rather inappropriate," Vashit replied. Though the Foreign Minister, Vashit was no stranger to military matters.
"Do not worry, Marshal Hindenburg and his forces will be prepared!" QinTian reassured. "Furthermore, the guerrillas no longer pose a significant threat. There is no need to mobilize a large force. Only elite units are necessary."
Since assuming command of the 8th Corps, QinTian had been deliberately cultivating elite units. Each regiment had a distinguished reconnaissance platoon, and each brigade a specialized reconnaissance company. Every division had an elite reconnaissance battalion. In the next phase, he planned to establish an elite special forces unit within every army group. These battlefield elites would prove invaluable.
"Understood, Your Majesty!" Vashit nodded. Having heard QinTian's words, he said no more, trusting that the Imperial army would handle the situation.
"Your Majesty, the envoy from Buo requests a meeting. Should we agree to this?" Vashit inquired.
QinTian pondered for a moment, then replied, "Joseph is an old friend of ours. It would be ill-mannered not to meet with him. Besides, we are not enemies with Buo at present, but rather allies. Arrange it, and I will meet him tomorrow afternoon. You should accompany me as well."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Vashit nodded.
At the Buo mission, Joseph was still puffing on his pipe when the mission director entered, his face beaming with joy.
"Comrade Joseph, the Germans have agreed to meet with you. Emperor Wilhelm III will see you tomorrow afternoon in his office at the Imperial Palace," the director announced.
Joseph had grown increasingly frustrated with the delay in securing German approval for the meeting. The director had been scolded severely for the hold-up, nearly driven to the brink of being berated as a fool.
"Excellent!" Joseph's lips curled into a faint smile. So long as the Germans agreed to meet with them, it was undoubtedly a good sign. While he knew it would be difficult to secure their demands, a meeting opened the door for further negotiation.
As he considered how to make the Germans agree to their terms, Joseph felt a sense of determination.
The next afternoon, Joseph traveled to the German Imperial Palace in the mission's car. While life in Buo was difficult, the mission represented Buo's interests and thus had been allotted a car. Though it was a modest one, it was still a privilege, as few in Buo could afford such luxury.
Upon arriving at the palace, Joseph was escorted to QinTian's study, where both the Emperor and Foreign Minister Vashit had already been waiting.
"Good afternoon, Your Majesty," Joseph greeted with a nod.
"Comrade Joseph, welcome to the German Empire!" QinTian greeted warmly, his face beaming with a smile. He held high regard for Joseph, seeing great potential in him as the future leader of Buo. Cultivating a positive relationship with him would certainly benefit the German Empire.
Of course, QinTian was also acutely aware that, in the future, they would be adversaries. Both Joseph and Buo would eventually have to be destroyed for the sake of Germany's interests.
After the customary pleasantries, the conversation turned to the matter at hand.
"Your Majesty, your forces have been wreaking havoc across the Eastern European plains, and many Russians have already lost their lives. If this continues, the entire region will be thrown into turmoil. Our people are growing increasingly dissatisfied with the widespread deaths of our kin. Many are demanding that our government intervene to protect them. The pressure on our government is enormous. If possible, we hope that your nation will cease these military actions," Joseph requested.
He carefully studied QinTian's expression, trying to gauge the possibility of success. But upon seeing the Emperor's somber look, he feared that this mission would fail.
"Comrade Joseph, you must understand that those we have eliminated are not innocent civilians. They are rebels who have destabilized society and attacked government institutions and military forces. It is entirely justifiable for the Empire to send its military to eradicate them!" QinTian responded.
"But, Your Majesty, surely you have killed too many? The entire Eastern European plains are now on edge!" Joseph countered.
"It is not that we have killed too many, but that too many have joined the rebellion. The Empire cannot tolerate such subversive elements. As long as they remain, our military operations will continue until they are completely eradicated!" QinTian's tone was resolute.
Joseph fell silent, unsure of how to respond.
The atmosphere in the office grew tense as Joseph furrowed his brow.
"Comrade Joseph, your request is unreasonable. These rebels are a threat to the stability of the Empire. To preserve peace on the Eastern European plains, they must be eliminated," Vashit added.
Joseph's face darkened further.
After a pause, he finally spoke again. "Your Majesty, to be frank, some of those in the guerrilla forces are members of our party."
Both QinTian and Vashit were already aware of this, but they feigned surprise at the revelation.
"Comrade Joseph, are you implying that these guerrillas are part of your organization?" QinTian's expression darkened, his gaze cold.
"Your Majesty, only a small portion of the guerrilla forces are from our party. The majority have no connection to us," Joseph hastily clarified. His explanation, however, only seemed to raise suspicion.
"Your Majesty, I understand that this puts you in a difficult position, but for the sake of our two nations' relations, I ask that you spare those people," Joseph pleaded.