"Of course, there are other things. I have always been an honest merchant!" Sheffield gave the other party a mysterious look, seemingly glancing unintentionally at the room's furnishings while continuing nonstop, "I can even offer an outsider's perspective on the whole of Germany."
"From Britain's current attitude towards the United States, the U.S.'s unilateral submission to Britain only invites humiliation. The U.S. must now build close economic ties with other European countries to avoid such humiliation. Moreover, the domestic market needs new technology and capital inflows to reduce dependence on Britain, thereby lowering the risk of British economic attacks on the U.S. This is the federal government's objective. However, for me, that's just a matter at the national level."
At this moment, Sheffield seemed to transform into a member of the Hate-Country Party, clearly distinguishing his personal interests from national will. His earlier mention of international situations was merely a prelude to his own interests—simple as that.
Changing the subject, Sheffield mentioned the domestic market of nearly eighty million people, aligning with Wilhelm II's current World Policy. After the new emperor ascended the throne, Germany needed to establish widespread influence worldwide, exporting its capital and will. Sheffield believed this could be directed towards the United States.
After all, his family had once been agents of the British Empire; they could certainly help Germany develop now. In this historical phase, while the comprador character of the family might need to recede, it didn't have to do so hastily.
Finally, Sheffield brought up Germany's fragile agriculture, beginning to boast, "No one understands farming better than I do. In the field of agriculture, it's not boasting to say no one is more professional than the Sheffield family. With Germany's seventy percent self-sufficiency in grain, this can serve as a basis for cooperation. Of course, we don't intend to seize the food bowls of all Germans; this is cooperation. The ultimate goal is to improve the utilization of German land, achieving greater production with less manpower."
In the end, Sheffield indirectly touched upon the agricultural topic—it was something he had to mention. His family was paying patent fees and working to open up the inflow of German goods, which was naturally for the development of the family business. However, this would negatively impact the United States. Germany couldn't get away without offering some concessions.
Although American manufacturing was somewhat rough, its citizens weren't like those of Tsarist Russia with little purchasing power. Even if the Republican Party raised tariffs, it would still be profitable. If the Germans didn't offer any benefits, Sheffield's next stop would be London. After all, they had already kowtowed to Britain for so long; enduring a few more years wouldn't hurt, though it would cost more.
"Krupp is a military-industrial enterprise and has no say in agricultural or food issues." After whispering with the servants beside him, Beta Krupp showed an expression of helplessness, saying, "Young Master William overestimates our family."
"In fact? Not at all!" Sheffield shook his finger, indicating he did not agree with the other party's view.
The surname Krupp was more influential than those with "von" in their names. Though the noble component wasn't visible in the Krupp name, it was only superficial. What era doesn't have some exceptions? Families like Thyssen and Krupp, according to the previous life, were entities that could reach the highest levels.
Within the German Empire, even if not as powerful as in the United States, getting one's ideas heard by Wilhelm II wasn't particularly difficult. It all depended on whether the other party was willing to speak.
"One can try to make some moves, but no one knows the final outcome." Beta Krupp shook his head, indicating he couldn't guarantee anything. Sheffield was mentally prepared for this. Things wouldn't necessarily go smoothly just because he came personally. If he had that kind of ability, he might consider making God redundant.
In the end, the Germans would still make decisions based on their own interests. As for which side they deemed more beneficial, that was beyond anyone's interference.
Leaving the Krupp family villa, Sheffield, with his hands in his pockets, glanced back at the villa and slightly shook his head, saying, "The situation just now was quite strange, don't you think?"
"This little girl is too calm. Are all the children of this generation of Krupps so capable that they can negotiate matters independently?" John Connor also found it strange and said, "Perhaps like Young Master, she's a genius."
"I am not a genius, and she'd better not be like me." Sheffield recalled the situation just now and said, "Several servants behind her kept whispering. Germany is an empire that values hierarchy very much. Someone is teaching her what to say."
Aside from the United States, which never had nobility since its founding, what country doesn't value hierarchy? In fact, the United States also values this. When Sheffield talks to others, he wouldn't let the servants steal the show.
"Could it be like Cao Cao? Lord Cao had great tolerance, yet the real hero was the one who caught the knife at the bedside." Sheffield tilted his head, thought about it, and then felt it was impossible. Would the Germans be so idle?
"That's how things are, Father. All the conditions listed by Sheffield are here; you can take a look." Beta Krupp laid out the entire situation. Friedrich Alfred Krupp, the president of Krupp, was at home. However, instead of performing a heroic act of catching a knife at the bedside, he observed the conversation between the two children through the servants. He also wanted to see what kind of guest had come from across the Atlantic.
Seeing someone of Sheffield's age controlling a company, Friedrich Alfred Krupp sent his daughter to lower the other party's guard and observe their depth from the sidelines.
Beta Krupp sat quietly aside, not disturbing his father's thoughts. After a while, Friedrich Alfred Krupp finally spoke, "This is a good opportunity for our arms exports. Now the Americans are showing a belligerent stance, but militarily, America can't challenge Britain, and whether they can defeat Belgium is questionable. Regardless of the outcome of this crisis, I believe the Americans will pay more attention to military matters, which is good for us. If the world remains peaceful, how will our business develop? Will we sell bicycles?"
"Believe that Sheffield will definitely visit Berlin. The U.S. Secretary of State and his entourage are also seeking assistance from the Empire. I'll go as well." After thorough consideration, Friedrich Alfred Krupp decided to personally visit Berlin to represent the capitalists of the Ruhr region.
Friedrich Alfred Krupp's heart had already been moved, but achieving the goal wouldn't be easy. It required the Emperor's approval and balancing the interests of the Junkers in Prussia's countryside.
"I've betrayed my country so blatantly. If the Germans don't offer any benefits, there's nothing anyone can do." Sheffield, sitting on the train to Berlin, was still thinking about the cooperation. Before the final result appeared, he felt quite uneasy.
(End of Chapter)