Chapter Two: Laughing at the World
Bismarck was studying Feng Chengqian, and Feng Chengqian was also studying Bismarck. Both men were occupied with their own thoughts and neither was in a hurry to speak.
After some time had passed, Bismarck had to admit to himself that this young man, who appeared to be just over twenty, possessed a steadiness rare among his peers.
What Bismarck did not know was that Feng Chengqian’s thoughts had already drifted a thousand miles away.
Arriving in this era was, for Feng Chengqian, an utter surprise. As the last survivor of the apocalyptic war, he had been meant to be sent to the early twentieth century, to prevent the technological discoveries that would later destroy human civilization. Unfortunately, the time transmission had been too hasty, resulting in a deviation of several decades from the intended target.
Yet fortune smiled on him: the first person Feng Chengqian encountered in this era was the gravely ill Crown Prince Frederick.
Feng Chengqian knew that from the moment he met Frederick and saved his life, the wheels of history had been set on a drastically different path; the future he once knew no longer existed. He had once considered retiring from the world, living out his days quietly on the rewards granted by Frederick.
But living in obscurity was not in Feng Chengqian’s nature.
If one wishes to gain, one must be willing to give. The fate of the German Empire had already changed; now, Feng Chengqian wished to alter the destiny of himself and his kindred nation.
The road ahead was fraught with uncertainty, and Feng Chengqian could only do his utmost.
Now, he faced a barrier he had to cross.
No matter how much the emperor trusted him, even if he swore in blood, to truly establish himself in the German Empire, he had to rely on the Junker faction led by Bismarck.
“Your Excellency, do I look familiar to you?” Feng Chengqian could not help but be the first to break the silence.
The Chancellor was waiting for him to speak first. “Count, you flatter me—have we met before?”
“No, today is the first time I have had the honor of meeting you.”
“In that case…” Bismarck, sensing the topic was fruitless, shifted gears. “I have heard that you cured His Majesty’s illness?”
“It was a trifling matter, not worth the Chancellor’s mention.”
“Then, I suppose you are a skilled physician?”
Feng Chengqian smiled. “To tell the truth, Chancellor, I am not much of a healer—I am far more adept at governing a nation.”
Bismarck’s brow twitched as he regarded Feng Chengqian. To utter such bold words—one was either an arrogant fool or a man of deep strategy. Bismarck hoped it was the former, but he suspected it was the latter. Frederick was mature and shrewd, not one to trust lightly; for Feng Chengqian to win the emperor’s trust and favor in merely a month proved he was no mediocrity.
“Of course, I am newly come to the world of affairs, and I have much to learn from Your Excellency.”
“So you think His Majesty has made a mistake in employing you?” Bismarck smiled faintly. “I am an old man, Count, and I submitted my resignation to the emperor only yesterday. I expect you shall have your wish soon enough.”
“You misunderstand me, Chancellor. I am by no means equal to the affairs of state.”
“Is that so?”
“I hear that France is about to grant Russia a loan of four hundred million francs.”
Bismarck was startled, looking at Feng Chengqian in disbelief.
“I only heard it in passing; the details are far from settled.”
Bismarck smiled. Feng Chengqian had been residing in the palace all month—clearly, the ‘other’ he referred to was Emperor Frederick III.
“What is your view, Chancellor?”
“The Franco-Russian rapprochement has long been anticipated. However, four hundred million francs may not suffice to sway the Tsar; an alliance will take time.”
“Then, can we rest easy for now?”
“What is your opinion, Count?”
Feng Chengqian smiled. “In your presence, Chancellor, I dare not speak carelessly.”
“You are Minister of War and share in His Majesty’s burdens. You must speak frankly and serve with all your heart—why feign modesty?”
“You are right, Chancellor. In my view, the Empire stands in grave danger of being beset on all sides.”
“Indeed?”
Feng Chengqian pondered for a moment. “Since Sedan, when the late emperor was crowned at Versailles and the Empire was founded, we and France have been mortal enemies. In the years since, through your tireless efforts, Chancellor, the Empire has prospered and stands as Europe’s foremost power.”
Bismarck smiled; even flattery was pleasing to hear.
“But the Empire’s position is far from secure.”
“What makes you say that, Count?”
“It is undeniable—His Majesty is wise and will seek friendship with Britain. Yet the fate of the continent is determined by the nation across the North Sea.”
At these words, Bismarck’s brows knitted in concern.
“I have heard, Chancellor, that you and His Majesty differ in your views. But you must know—in matters of imperial interest, you and His Majesty are united in purpose.”
“And you mean…?”
“Whether it is leaning toward Britain or Russia, liberalism or the policy of iron and blood, it is all to build strength and grant the Empire a period of peaceful development.”
Bismarck smiled, now regarding Feng Chengqian in a new light.
A few words, yet each struck at the heart of the matter, revealing a deep understanding. Even Bismarck had taken years to reach such insights.
“In my humble view, the peace of Europe will last, at most, another thirty years.”
Bismarck started. “You mean, Count, that in thirty years there will be another Sedan?”
“No, not at all. It will be a war that engulfs all of Europe, perhaps the world—a cataclysm that will see empires reduced to ashes.”
“Is that not needlessly alarmist, Count?”
“When the weight of history grows too great, only war can cleanse old hatreds.” Feng Chengqian took a cigar from his sandalwood case, his manner relaxed. “Since the Empire’s foundation, Europe has been restless beneath the surface. France dreams of revenge, to reclaim lost lands and regain primacy. Russia is ambitious, eager to dominate the continent. Austria-Hungary is impoverished and weak, incapable of much. Italy is fickle, always seeking advantage, unlikely to achieve greatness. Britain watches from across the sea, hoping the continental powers will destroy one another, so she may profit as the fisherman. Chancellor, do you see the present situation as opportunity, as crisis, or both?”
“You speak with reason, Count—every word is true.” Bismarck’s gaze lingered on him before he continued. “But if, as you say, this is both opportunity and crisis, how does one overcome the latter and seize the former?”
“Through unceasing self-strengthening and perfect preparation for the unexpected.”
“What constitutes perfect preparation? What is unexpected?”
“There is an old saying: ‘Do not harbor the desire to harm others, but never lose the heart to guard against them.’ With such grave threats before us, the Empire must remember past lessons and unite from top to bottom to meet the coming challenge. With our strength, a Franco-Russian alliance need not frighten us—the key is Britain.” Feng Chengqian took a slow draw on his cigar. “Handled well, a thousand-year foundation will be laid. But if mistakes are made, I fear…”
“So, you too favor an alliance with Britain?”
Feng Chengqian smiled. “Alas, Britain never allies herself with a continental power.”
Bismarck also smiled; clearly, Feng Chengqian had touched on the essential point.
“Do not misunderstand me, Chancellor. Though I am close to His Majesty, I am no Anglophile. You must also know that the Emperor’s Anglophile stance is a necessity, not a true conviction.” Feng Chengqian exhaled. “For now, the Empire needs Britain to balance the continent—but must be wary of her all the more.”
“To be wary?” Bismarck’s expression softened a little.
“Exactly, Chancellor—as you suspect, Britain is the real threat.”
“I have said nothing. I have thought nothing.” Bismarck laughed, and the atmosphere relaxed.
“Of course, it is only my idle conjecture. But…” Feng Chengqian leaned forward, his tone grave. “Since the days of Napoleon, Britain’s core policy has been to prevent the rise of any continental power that poses a mortal threat to her interests. Whether in the past it was France, or now the Empire, any nation strong enough to threaten Britain becomes her enemy. A powerful navy may safeguard Britain’s shores, but her stance can determine the fate of Europe.”
“You believe Britain will become our enemy?”
“Perhaps, perhaps not.” Feng Chengqian paused, then smiled. “It all depends on what kind of Empire we become.”
Bismarck smiled as well, understanding the unspoken meaning.
“Chancellor, you have toiled for decades. Surely, your ideal Empire is more than just a continental power?” Feng Chengqian watched Bismarck’s reaction closely. “When you first called for ‘a place in the sun’ for the Empire, your intentions were clear. The ideal Empire must be global in scale, shaping the world order—not merely ruling the continent.”
“Have you spoken these words to His Majesty, Count?”
“Of course not. Otherwise, I would not dare mention them to you.”
“Then you mean…”
“You know well, Chancellor, that as sovereign, His Majesty must weigh all sides and faces many dilemmas. Fortunately, you are magnanimous and bear no grudges.” Feng Chengqian paused and continued, “The Empire’s future depends on unity between sovereign and ministers. If they are divided, no opportunity will avail. You see this clearly, Chancellor.”
“You realize, if that is so, then…”
“Without crisis, there is no opportunity,” Feng Chengqian replied with a smile. “For decades, Chancellor, from the fortress of Düppel to Sedan, every one of the Empire’s great victories has come only after overcoming grave crises. Without them, we would not have the Empire we have today.”
Bismarck nodded thoughtfully. “You are quite right, Count. His Majesty has chosen well.”
“You flatter me, Chancellor. His Majesty has only given me a titular post.” Feng Chengqian, sensing their tacit understanding, pressed his advantage. “By His Majesty’s command, my responsibility is solely the development of armaments; all other matters are still under your and the Chief of Staff’s authority.”
“So…”
“I am inexperienced and hope for your guidance in the future.”
“His Majesty is fortunate indeed to have you as his adviser, Count.”
“You are too kind, Chancellor.”
The two men laughed together. Even if there was still some wariness between them, Bismarck now had a far deeper understanding of Feng Chengqian.