Chapter Six, Duan Qirui

The large man with red eyes was at a loss as to how to respond to this action of Duan Qirui

I have met with the senior!

Your Excellency, the military officer, is this esteemed individual beside you not the so-called talent?

Mannheim coldly questioned, this damned yellow-skinned monkey has too many secrets, even the Imperial Intelligence Bureau is unaware of them, yet he knows them all too well, it seems necessary to investigate further

"Rest assured, Mr. Military Officer, soldiers should never lie."

Not bad, I wonder where the young person is from

Dai Jiliang was explaining

The large man apologized and then sat back down steadily

Duan Qirui glanced at Dai Jiliang, who was standing behind Manhain, and nodded.

Finally, I would like to mention that although Germany holds a certain advantage in heavy artillery, the French 75mm gun, with a rate of fire of 30 rounds per minute, has completely outclassed the German 77mm quick-firing gun in the medium to close-range support category. Therefore, our country should find ways to import a portion of the French quick-firing guns for the purpose of imitation

Dai Jiliang has indeed stooped to the utmost degree, and this has become a blatant act of sycophancy

As expected of someone capable of serving as a military official, at this moment, Manhain had completely calmed down. He stood up, first smiled at Duan Qirui to politely decline the dinner invitation, and then glanced at Dai Jiliang.

Since the Germans are not having a meal with me, Zhixiang, would you like to join me for a simple meal?

For foreigners, the formalities of serving tea to guests cannot be applied, thus Duan Qirui extended an invitation

I have just learned from vague information that Italy may change its stance, so now I will analyze whether it is possible for Italy to change its stance in reality

Therefore, although he was surprised by the arrival of the German military attaché, he still expressed his warmest welcome.

Wan Sheng is from Gaoyou in Northern Jiangsu.

Germany remains quite friendly towards China, so you might as well share everything you know with His Excellency the Military Attaché

"Yes, Mr. Zhi, please wait a moment, I will pass on the information I have to Colonel Manhein"

Your Excellency, the Minister, is indeed quick-witted

Duan Qirui interjected

Upon hearing this, Dai Jiliang stood at attention and rendered a German-style salute to Duan Qirui

If it can be said that Dai Jiliang's initial remarks were merely superficial, then what followed was truly shocking

In the event of a major war breaking out, Germany would undoubtedly find itself in a besieged position. If it cannot defeat France with the utmost speed, once the Russian juggernaut is set in motion, it would not merely be a matter of concern for the imperial command regarding a two-front war; it would inevitably lead to multiple fronts, such as a three-front or four-front situation. One must consider that, in the face of the tenacious Serbians and the complex mountainous terrain, it remains questionable whether the Austro-Hungarian Empire can achieve success in the Balkans, especially since it also has to contend with the dual pressure from Russia and Italy.

This double entendre was naturally understood by Dai Jiliang, who responded with a military salute

This was originally the residence of Prince Gong, the fifth son of Shunzhi. In the late Qing Dynasty, it became the residence of his descendant, Duke Chengxi, and is commonly referred to as the Chenggong Mansion

Your Excellency the Military Attaché, welcome to your presence

Dai Jiliang nodded slightly, indicating his agreement with Manhain's doubts

Duan Qirui nodded once more, indicating that the conversation should be concise. After all, the German military attaché was still present, making it naturally inappropriate to discuss old friendships or past connections. Furthermore, Duan Qirui had the intention of scrutinizing Dai Jiliang, so he posed a question.

Talent

Lieutenant, you wouldn't have heard that from the drunken French colonial official, would you

"Sir, this is a matter of concern for the intelligence department. I have heard some things, but they are not sufficient as evidence."

After 1901, the Qing government implemented the "New Policies," merging the former Ministry of War, the Military Training Office, and the Imperial Horse Department into the Ministry of Army

Manhain originally stood up, preparing to pounce and grab Dai Jiliang by the neck, but was blocked by Dai Jiliang.

Once, I got a French colonial official drunk

Returning to the hall, the host and guests took their seats. Observing Dai Jiliang, who was seated respectfully under the statue of Mannheim, Duan Qirui inquired in a composed manner to the large man.

In the spring of 1889, Duan Qirui entered the Berlin Military Academy as a government-sponsored student. After spending a year and a half systematically studying theoretical courses, he was assigned to the Krupp Armaments Factory for an additional six months of study. The Krupp Armaments Factory was the foremost military factory in the world at that time. There, he was immersed in the environment and gained practical experience, which greatly benefited him. However, this also led to an irreparable blind admiration for the German military as the best in the world.

Next, Dai Jiliang began his German speech in the form of a thesis defense

The current situation in Europe is highly volatile, primarily due to the naval conflicts between England and Germany. Your Majesty's ambitions are intolerable to St. George

I am here to introduce a talented individual to you

You are talking nonsense

Lieutenant, I wish you a bright future, but do not forget our agreement

Dai Jiliang spoke indiscriminately

Of course

Thank you for your kindness, I shall still be called Zhixiang in the future.

Forget it, I cannot get used to the food of you Chinese people, I might as well go back to eat my Bavarian sauced pork knuckle

The Army is located at No. 3 Tieshizi Hutong, facing south.

Dai Jiliang let out a quiet sigh; he had already indirectly reminded the other party. As for the outcome, it was beyond his control

Your Excellency, the Military Attaché, please come inside to discuss further

In this moment of daze, the form of address upon speaking has changed.

The elder is correct. My elder sister is married to a person from Anhui, and my brother-in-law is actually a close associate of the esteemed Zhu family from Anhui.

Dai Jiliang did not show any signs of joy; he simply nodded firmly. The first step has been taken, but the road ahead is still very long

Duan Qirui's words undoubtedly opened a door for Dai Jiliang. It is important to understand that relationships are highly valued in China. Whether it is being fellow townsmen, classmates, having fought together, or having visited brothels together, as long as one is connected by any of these "commonalities," matters become much easier to handle

Your Excellency, there is a saying in your country that one does not visit the Three Treasures Hall without a reason

Manstein was originally listening attentively and agreed with many of Dai Jiliang's arguments, especially regarding the concept of decisive battles and the issues concerning Austro-Hungarian military strength. However, when the topic of Italy was brought up, he could not help but interject.

Dai Jiliang spoke eloquently, first discussing the historical grievances between Italy and Austria-Hungary, then analyzing the conflicts of interest between Italy in the Balkans and Austria-Hungary. From hypothesizing the changes in the battlefield after Italy's potential entry into the war to the current developments in weaponry in Europe, the entire morning turned the reception room of the Ministry of War into a showcase of Dai Jiliang's personal exhibition

Indeed, it is my indiscretion

Lieutenant, what were you just saying? Italy?

Although the Germans also have doubts about the Italians' position, Dai Jiliang's assertive statement still came as an extraordinary surprise to him, prompting him to question it

Berlin Military Academy

This individual is an elite of your country, having studied at the Imperial Military Academy in Berlin. The imperial government awarded him the rank of lieutenant, and he is a recipient of the Second Class Iron Cross, conferred by His Majesty Emperor Wilhelm II, Lieutenant Dai Jiliang.

Dai Jiliang nodded nonchalantly, planning to fabricate some fragmented words at that time since there would be no way to verify them, letting the Germans flounder in confusion

The aforementioned reasons are the inevitable causes for a war between the Allies and the Central Powers. However, due to the constraints on both sides, the war will certainly not be initiated by either of the two major camps. It is bound to be instigated by some Balkan fool, and this argument is already well-known throughout Europe. The reason is quite simple: the Balkans are the entanglement point of the interests of Russia, Britain, and Austria-Hungary. Any slight disturbance will inevitably involve the surrounding great powers.

Dai Jiliang shrugged in a very Western manner

Your Excellency the Military Attaché, it is getting late. Thank you for bringing a top talent to the President. How about we have a casual meal together?

Who says that foreigners do not understand flattery? Duan Qirui is quite fond of this approach. As he observed Duan, whose face was radiant with excitement, Manhain introduced him.

Dai Jiliang quickly climbed up the pole, placing himself in the position of a junior relative of Duan Qirui.

Dai Jiliang expressed himself freely, and after a scolding, Manhaiyin instead became calm.

Oh?

"The total length invites, does Zhixiang dare not comply!"

Slow!

So, Lieutenant, do you have anything else to continue with

Moreover, the longstanding animosity between France and Germany, as well as their hostility over the Moroccan issue, was also one of the triggers.

Zhixiang

In the eyes of later generations, Dai Jiliang's words may seem ordinary, but to these two individuals, they held a different significance

However, I heard a rumor on my way back to the country. You know I was on the Toulon to Tokyo route, and on the *Tush* ship, apart from the French, there were only Italians.

Doesn't the lieutenant know that Italy is one of the Allies

As for Russia, since the head of the double-headed eagle extending eastward was severed by Japan, the only option for the Tsar is to turn westward

It must be said that the title used by Dai Jiliang just now and the words of Manhain reminded Duan Qirui of the passionate ambitions of his youth

That is just a lake apart from Tianchang, so we can still be considered half fellow townsmen

I am merely addressing the matter at hand, offering some suggestions for the Chief of Staff of our country's army

Zhi Xiang has just returned from Europe, right? Please share, what are the new developments in Europe?

In the 33rd year of Guangxu (1906), the remaining funds from the naval budget used by Empress Dowager Cixi to construct the Summer Palace were utilized to build the current Ministry of the Army on the original site of the Chenggong Mansion

Italy is one of the Allied Powers

The relationship between Zhu Jiabao and Yuan Shikai is also extremely close, and Dai Jiliang's statement reflects his own connection with the Beiyang faction

As the Minister of War in the Tang Cabinet and subsequently serving seven consecutive terms in the cabinet, Duan Qirui worked in this location

The big guy speaks Chinese quite well, but as a foreigner, he tends to be rather direct in his speech

Then let Zhixiang act recklessly

Mannheim's eyes were fixed in a stare

As he watched the departing figure of Manhain and then glanced at the spirited Dai Jiliang, Duan Qirui seemed to see his own past, and could not help but feel a sense of admiration for talent

Whether it is nonsense or hearsay, this is merely my personal opinion. The commander may seek verification, but do not forget the honor of the German soldier

He pointed at me and scolded, saying that the Germans would not last long, and that Italy and France had a secret pact; once war broke out, Italy would turn its guns and strike Germany's soft underbelly from an unexpected direction. Commander, please maintain your composure