Chapter 247: The Wind Fades Away
"When I saw those photographs, I was shocked by the cruelty of the Germans."
Churchill's voice carried through every radio in London, heavy, hoarse, and filled with carefully controlled anger.
"And I understood even more clearly that this is no longer a struggle over interests. It is not a clash over some territory, nor a dispute over some right to speak."
"This is the law of the jungle."
"A life-and-death struggle between one nation and another."
"Surrender and peace talks mean delivering our heads to the butcher knives of the Germans."
"They treat French soldiers as slaves. They revel in the beds of French women. They brutally murder and bury the brave warriors of the expeditionary force, trying to bury these crimes along with them, then pretend to be civilized men in suits while speaking to us of peace."
Churchill paused for a brief moment.
Then he pulled the photographs from his pocket and waved them toward the camera.
"But I will tell them this."
"There will be no negotiations."
"We shall fight to the end."
"In the air, our brave warriors will defend England's blue skies."
"At sea, the Royal Navy of England will answer their blockade with the cannons of battleships."
"On land, our soldiers will fight in the alleys of cities and struggle in the fields, all for true peace."
The long speech finally ended.
Sempill crossed his legs, smiled, and said, "I told you. The war is far from over."
On the other side of the English Channel, in the Netherlands, Jörg, who had found time to bring Lucy to visit her father, sat side by side with Wilhelm II.
On the coffee table, Churchill's voice gradually faded. Then, as the record dropped into place, classical music began playing again.
"Jörg, it seems you will be very busy."
Wilhelm II continued, "The British Navy is highly accomplished, whether in tactics or strategy. You must be careful."
Although he had once sworn before God never to interfere in politics again, nor to return to Germany, Wilhelm II had clearly only managed to keep the latter half of that oath.
As for politics, that intoxicating poison, vows were useless.
A hundred vows would eventually be broken.
Of course, Wilhelm II naturally had his own explanation.
In his words, this was not discussing politics.
It was merely a chat with his daughter's husband.
Although a single word from his daughter's husband could sway the situation in Germany, that was none of his concern.
"I will, Herr Wilhelm."
Jörg took a sip of black tea, using it to dispel the bitter sweetness in his mouth.
Because of her pregnancy, Lucy, who had nothing to do, had begun immersing herself in culinary research.
The result was naturally as expected.
The main dishes were still edible, but the desserts were beyond description.
Wilhelm II, growing more animated as the conversation continued, began speaking about the Air Force.
Because Cardolan had recently sent him a private aircraft, Wilhelm II had developed an interest in aviation.
"Can Germany's Air Force gain an advantage against Britain now?"
"If we want to land on the British Isles, the Air Force must at least control the landing areas and conduct raids on various regions."
Facing Wilhelm II's strongly military questions, Jörg treated them as nothing more than a conversation with an old man.
"There is no need to worry about air raids, Herr Wilhelm."
"I can say responsibly that Germany's current military technology surpasses that of every other country in the world."
"If Churchill wants to fabricate a pile of baseless evidence to drag his people onto his war chariot, then let him."
Jörg placed his teacup down and smiled faintly.
"Because the Lord does not care."
Meanwhile, in Moscow.
Yezhov, who had replaced Menzhinsky as head of the Cheka, stood respectfully before Stalin's desk and submitted a report on the preliminary completion of the first phase of the purges.
In fact, this position had originally been contested by Yagoda and Yezhov.
But Yagoda had been personally executed by Yezhov on multiple charges, including anti-Soviet Russian activities and collusion with Germany.
With no competitor left, the position of Cheka chief naturally fell into Yezhov's hands.
Stalin was naturally aware of the struggles among his subordinates.
He also knew that Yezhov was a ruthless butcher.
But the purges required such a butcher.
Only someone thoroughly stained with blood was convenient to use.
And when the time came to break him, there would be no pain.
Yezhov, of course, did not understand that his fate had already been sealed.
Feeling Stalin's gaze sweep over him again and again, he thought only that the other party greatly appreciated him. Involuntarily, he lowered his head even further.
"Well done, Comrade Yezhov."
Stalin's voice was calm and deep.
"How is the intelligence work regarding Finland progressing?"
"I heard from comrades in the Army that many German-made weapons have appeared along the Finnish border."
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
"I want to know whether the Finnish Bolsheviks will stand with us if war breaks out."
Yezhov, who had already prepared his answer, immediately spoke.
"We have already made contact with several Finnish communists. Their propaganda will…"
Before Yezhov could finish speaking, Stalin's secretary quickly walked in and whispered close to Stalin's ear.
"Comrade Stalin, Comrade Molotov has an important international matter to discuss with you."
Stalin nodded.
A smile appeared on his serious face.
"I understand."
Then he looked at Yezhov.
"How about this, Comrade Yezhov? You may return first. I will find time to hear your separate report."
Although Yezhov was slightly displeased at losing this opportunity to perform, he maintained the obedient demeanor of a loyal child in front of Stalin and nodded repeatedly.
"Yes, Comrade Stalin."
After Yezhov left the office, Stalin's expression immediately changed.
He waved his hand.
"Call Molotov over."
"Also, inform Meretskov and Pavlov from the military department."
"If there is still no resolution to the Finnish territorial exchange issue this year, I believe we may need a little German diplomatic experience."
"Yes, Comrade Stalin."
The secretary recorded the order and slowly left the office.
Soon, Molotov entered.
After greeting Stalin, he immediately began his report.
"Comrade Stalin, there is news from England."
"They have officially declared their position. The German-English war is now unavoidable."
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sufficient reason to suspect that the Americans, who are deeply entangled with the British, will also join this war."
"Japan may also stand against Germany due to historical ties."
Upon hearing this news, Stalin remained silent for a moment before replying, "This is good news for us."
"Germany's military strength has exceeded our imagination."
"If England and America are tied down, then we will be able to resolve the Finland issue as quickly as possible."
"Once both sides have exhausted one another, we can then initiate the European liberation operation."
Molotov listened silently, then put forward his own view.
"Comrade Stalin, I believe that even if Germany goes to war with England and America, Jörg von Roman will not simply stand by if Finland encounters trouble."
"Germany's attitude toward Finland has never changed. It has always been ambiguous."
"If we launch military action against Finland, can we use this point to gain the support of England and America?"
"Although these two countries are also enemies, they can certainly be exploited."
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