56: Chapter 56 Secret Covenant

A secret envoy from the German Empire palace arrived secretly at Li Ling's base in the middle of the night.

The visitor was no ordinary person, but Count von Strauss, the most trusted diplomatic advisor to Kaiser Wilhelm II of the German Empire. This diplomat, over fifty years old, had served as an ambassador in many European countries, was fluent in six languages, and it was said that even Kaiser Wilhelm II sought his advice on certain major decisions.

The fact that such a figure would come in person showed how much the German Empire valued this secret meeting.

The meeting place was set in a secret room deep within Li Ling's base. This secret room was designed by the System for Li Ling, with half-meter thick lead plates sandwiched in the walls, impenetrable by any eavesdropping equipment. There were no windows in the secret room, only a dim yellow oil lamp overhead, stretching the shadows of the two men long and distorted.

Count von Strauss wore the attire of an ordinary merchant, but the aristocratic air that permeated his bones could not be concealed. Although his Chinese had a heavy accent, it was already quite fluent.

"General Li, His Majesty asked me to convey his highest respects to you." Count von Strauss got straight to the point, taking a letter sealed with wax from his briefcase, "This is a handwritten letter from His Majesty to you."

Li Ling took the letter, and the System immediately projected a translation onto his retina. Kaiser Wilhelm II's letter was quite straightforward—a rarity among European monarchs, as most preferred to use flowery and empty rhetoric for diplomatic language, but this German Empire Emperor preferred to get straight to the point.

The letter expressed several main points: First, the German Empire was very interested in Li Ling's military strength and industrial capabilities; Second, the German Empire hoped to find a reliable partner in the East Asia region; Third, if Li Ling was willing, the German Empire could sign a secret alliance with him, engaging in deep cooperation in military, economic, technical, and other fields.

After reading the letter, Li Ling's expression remained unchanged. He looked up at Count von Strauss and asked slowly, "Your Excellency, I would like to know one thing—does His Majesty truly want to cooperate with me, or does he just want to use me to restrain other countries?"

This question was quite sharp, perhaps even a bit offensive. But Count von Strauss was not angry; instead, he showed an appreciative smile. He had seen too many sycophantic diplomats in Europe, those who would only say pleasant things in front of him and never dared to ask such hard-hitting questions.

"General Li, you are a straightforward person." Count von Strauss picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip, "Then I will not beat around the bush with you. His Majesty does indeed hope to use your strength to restrain other countries, but this does not mean that we only want to use you. In international politics, all cooperation is built on the foundation of mutual benefit. We hope to obtain advanced military equipment and technology from you, and at the same time, we can provide you with industrial support, diplomatic cover, and even military assistance in certain situations."

"In other words, this is a transaction." Li Ling smiled.

"You could say that." Count von Strauss also smiled, "But after trading for a long time, it will turn into a true alliance. His Majesty is a man who values loyalty and friendship. As long as you cooperate with us sincerely, the German Empire will never treat you unfairly."

Li Ling complained to the System in his heart, "Listen to that, this foreigner speaks better Chinese than some of my subordinates, he even knows how to use words like 'valuing loyalty and friendship.'"

The System retorted, "He is a professional diplomat, after all; can your rough subordinates compare? Besides, your Chinese isn't much better; you even made a typo on an official document last time."

"That was a typo! Do you understand what a typo is?"

"Hehe."

Li Ling collected his thoughts and said seriously, "Your Excellency, I will not beat around the bush with you either. I can sign a secret alliance with your country, but I have a few conditions."

"Please go ahead."

"First, our cooperation must be kept absolutely confidential. Apart from your Emperor and yourself, no fourth person may know. If the news leaks, the alliance will be automatically voided."

Count von Strauss nodded, "Please rest assured on this point; His Majesty feels the same way. Every move our diplomats make in East Asia is monitored by other countries, which is why I came in person for this meeting, without even bringing any attendants."

"Second, I can provide your country with advanced military equipment and technology, but your country must exchange it with equivalent resources or funds. I do not accept any form of credit."

"That is only natural."

"Third, and most importantly." Li Ling's tone suddenly became serious, "If one day I have a full-scale war with the Japan or other powers, your country must support me morally and materially. You do not need to send troops directly, but at least you must provide material assistance and speak up for me internationally."

Count von Strauss pondered for a moment. This condition was within his expectations, but it was a bit tricky to implement in practice. If Li Ling truly went to war with the powers, and the German Empire publicly supported him, it would likely trigger collective opposition from other powers and might even drag the German Empire into the war.

"General Li, I need to consult His Majesty regarding this condition." Count von Strauss said truthfully, "However, I personally think that as long as you do not ask us to participate directly in the war, His Majesty should agree. After all, having a powerful ally in East Asia to restrain other powers is also beneficial to us."

"That's good." Li Ling smiled and reached out his hand, "Pleasure doing business with you?"

Count von Strauss shook Li Ling's hand, "Pleasure doing business with you."

The two talked in the secret room for over two hours, detailing the terms of the secret alliance. According to the agreement, Li Ling would provide the German Empire with various military equipment, including rifles, artillery, and warships, while the German Empire would provide Li Ling with industrial equipment, technical personnel, and diplomatic support.

In addition, the two sides agreed to exchange intelligence regularly, especially military intelligence regarding the activities of other powers in East Asia. The German Empire's intelligence network in Europe was quite well-developed, which was a huge asset for Li Ling.

After seeing Count von Strauss off, Li Ling returned to the secret room and slumped into his chair, letting out a long sigh.

"System, do you think I made the right move?"

The System rarely didn't retort, but analyzed seriously, "From a strategic perspective, this move is correct. The German Empire is currently the only power that has the ability and willingness to cooperate deeply with you. Britain and France are old colonial empires with intricate ties to the Japan; they cannot truly help you. Although the Meijian Country is currently maintaining neutrality, its policies have always been erratic; they might do business with you today and turn their backs on you tomorrow."

"By comparison, although the German Empire has its own agenda, at least for now, its interests are aligned with yours—you both want to weaken the influence of other powers in East Asia."

"I know." Li Ling rubbed his temples, "But I always worry that one day I will be bitten back by this ally. Historically, the German Empire was not a benevolent entity; they started both World Wars."

The System said, "That is history from another parallel universe; it may not repeat in this world. Besides, even if it did repeat, it's not certain who would bite whom. With my help, are you afraid of a small German Empire?"

Li Ling smiled, "When did you become so confident?"

"I have always been confident; I just usually couldn't be bothered to argue with you." The System paused, "By the way, a reminder: the German Princess has written again recently. Do you want to take a look?"

"Bring it here."

The System projected the contents of the letter onto his retina. The German Princess's handwriting was elegant and neat; one could tell at a glance that she had received strict calligraphy training. She said in the letter that she had been thinking of Li Ling ever since their last correspondence and hoped he would take care of his health and not overwork himself. She also said that if Li Ling had the chance to come to the German Empire, she would be willing to personally show him around the scenic spots in Berlin.

At the end of the letter, she drew a little smiley face.

Li Ling looked at the smiley face and couldn't help but laugh. This German Princess was quite interesting; clearly a high-and-mighty royal member, yet her writing style was like that of a young girl.

"It seems she is quite taken with you." The System teased.

"Don't talk nonsense; she might just be being polite."

"Come off it, what royal princess would draw a smiley face for a foreign general? If she isn't interested in you, I'll eat my database."

Li Ling couldn't be bothered to argue with the System, put the letter away, and got up to leave the secret room.

Early the next morning, Li Ling gathered his core generals for a meeting.

He did not disclose the specific details of the secret alliance, only stating that the German Empire had basically finalized things and that there would be more cooperation in the future.

The generals had mixed reactions to this news.

Some were excited, believing that with the support of the German Empire, Li Ling's strength would be further enhanced; others expressed concern, fearing that getting too close to the great powers would invite disaster; still others simply did not think about it at all, doing whatever Li Ling ordered.

Li Ling did not explain much, simply issuing a few orders: First, accelerate the production progress of the Production Base, as the German Empire would soon have a large order; second, select a group of elite officers to study in the German Empire, partly to learn technology, and partly to investigate the real situation of the German Empire; third, strengthen coastal defenses to prevent Japan from launching a sneak attack while they were cooperating with the German Empire.

After the meeting, Li Ling went to the Production Base alone.

The underground factory was busy, with technicians materialized by the system working overtime to produce various weapons and equipment.

Three hidden Dreadnoughts were 70% complete and would be ready to launch in two months.

"System, how much do you think the German Empire will order this time?" Li Ling asked while inspecting.

"Based on my assessment of the German Empire's military industrial needs, they will order at least 300,000 rifles, 500 artillery pieces, and at least three Battleships," the system replied.

"These orders are enough for you to make a fortune."

"Only three?" Li Ling was a little dissatisfied.

"I thought they would order ten at once."

"Do you think Battleships are cabbages? You can buy as many as you want?" The system was speechless.

"The German Empire has a limited naval budget now, and it's good enough that they can scrape together the money to buy three.

Besides, you are selling them the most advanced Battleships; even one is enough to make them hurt for a long time."

Li Ling thought about it and felt the system made sense.

His goal now was not to make a lot of money at once, but to establish a solid interest bond with the German Empire through the arms trade.

As long as the German Empire could not do without his weapons and equipment, this ally would not be able to run away.

Just as Li Ling was inspecting the Production Base, in the German Empire palace in Berlin, Kaiser Wilhelm II was having a secret talk with Count von Strauss.

"Did he really agree?" Kaiser Wilhelm II was a little surprised.

He had thought Li Ling would bargain, but he did not expect him to agree so readily.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Count von Strauss presented the detailed content of the secret treaty.

"General Li is a very pragmatic person; he knows he needs allies, and he knows we are the most suitable choice."

Kaiser Wilhelm II read the secret treaty carefully and nodded with satisfaction: "Very good, very good.

With this ally, we have a foothold in East Asia.

Other great powers wanting to cause trouble in East Asia will have to weigh the consequences first."

"Your Majesty, General Li also raised a condition, hoping that we would provide him with material and moral support when necessary," Count von Strauss reminded him.

"That is no problem." Kaiser Wilhelm II waved his hand.

"As long as he does not ask us to join the war directly, what does it matter to give him some material assistance?

Besides, helping him is helping ourselves.

With a powerful ally in East Asia to contain other great powers, we can deal with those old rivals in Europe more calmly."

Count von Strauss hesitated for a moment, then could not help but ask: "Your Majesty, do you really believe this oriental can accomplish great things?

Although his current strength is not weak, he is, after all, just a local warlord, and compared to those old-fashioned great powers, he is still far behind."

Kaiser Wilhelm II was silent for a moment, then said slowly: "Count, do you know why I am so optimistic about him?"

"Please enlighten me, Your Majesty."

"Because I saw ambition in his eyes."

Kaiser Wilhelm II stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the city of Berlin outside.

"A person with ambition, as long as given the opportunity, can create miracles.

Moreover, this Li Ling is not an ordinary person; he has ability, an army, industry, and a clever mind.

Such a person, even if he is just a local warlord now, will definitely become a hegemon in the future."

Count von Strauss nodded thoughtfully.

"Also, I had people carefully check the weapons and equipment he sold us, and the quality is absolutely top-notch.

Some designs are even better than our current most advanced ones."

Kaiser Wilhelm II turned around, his eyes flashing with excitement.

"A person who can produce such equipment has potential that is definitely more than what we see now.

What we need to do is to establish a solid alliance with him before he has fully grown up.

When he really becomes a force to be reckoned with in the future, the cost of wanting to cooperate with him will be much higher."

The signing of the secret treaty marked the entry of the relationship between Li Ling and the German Empire into a whole new stage.

In the following days, the German Empire successively sent more technical personnel and military advisors.

These people came to China under the guise of private visits, but in fact, they carried an important mission—to help Li Ling build a military industry system while also learning Li Ling's advanced military technology.

Li Ling was both trusting and wary of these Germans.

He trusted their professional abilities; the level of German engineers and technical personnel was indeed world-class.

He was wary because he feared they would steal core technologies and then turn against him.

Therefore, he deliberately held back.

He did not let the Germans touch any part involving core technology, only letting technicians materialized by the system operate them.

What the Germans could learn were only some relatively less important technologies.

"Aren't you afraid they will be unhappy if you guard against them like this?" the system asked.

"They will have to endure it even if they are unhappy." Li Ling said matter-of-factly.

"I am their partner, not their subordinate.

Besides, it is generous enough that I gave them the less important technologies.

Do you really expect me to hand over my best assets?"

The system rarely did not retort: "That is true.

Core technology is safest when kept in your own hands."

Meanwhile, letters from the German Princess also came more frequently.

Almost every two or three days, Li Ling would receive a letter from Berlin.

The content of the letters also gradually changed from the initial polite greetings to more private topics.

The German Princess would share her daily trivialities in the letters, such as where she went horseback riding today, what ball she was going to attend tomorrow, and what interesting book she read the day after.

She would also ask Li Ling various questions, such as what he liked to eat, what color he liked, and whether he had been to any fun places.

Li Ling would reply seriously every time, and the style of his replies was as relaxed and casual as hers.

He did not use those official polite phrases, but communicated with her in the most authentic tone, like chatting with a friend.

Back and forth, the relationship between the two became closer and closer.

"What did I tell you?" the system said triumphantly.

"She is just interested in you.

Look at the content of this letter; does it look like a princess writing to a foreign general?

It is clearly a young girl writing to her sweetheart."

"Can you stop being such a gossip?" Li Ling said helplessly.

"I am caring about the host's emotional life, not gossiping."

"Forget it, you just want to see me make a fool of myself."

The system chuckled and said nothing more.

Li Ling shook his head and picked up his pen to continue replying to the German Princess.

In the letter, he said he hoped to visit Berlin in person one day and would definitely ask her to be his guide then.

He also said that if she had the chance to come to Qingxia Kingdom, he would definitely take her to eat the most authentic snacks and see the most beautiful scenery.

At the end of the letter, he also drew a small smiley face.

Sealing the envelope, Li Ling had someone rush it to the port to be handed over to a merchant ship bound for the German Empire.

Standing by the window, looking at the distant sea, Li Ling felt exceptionally calm.

He knew that with the signing of the secret treaty, the road ahead would become more and more difficult.

The great powers would not sit idly by while he grew stronger, and Japan would certainly not give up.

But he was not afraid.

Because he was not fighting alone.