Chapter 20
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
Chapter 20: A Plot Unraveled Early
Estate of Brandenburg Prince-elector.
Leader One checked on the conditions of the Academy of Science and the Academy of Engineering, then sat at a gazebo in the oak forest waiting for guests to arrive.
Influenced by the renowned Ming Dynasty at the time, Frederick the Great was fond of Eastern culture. He constructed a dedicated Chinese hall at Sanssouci Palace and incorporated some Chinese elements at the Brandenburg Prince-elect’s estate.
However, all those were mere fantasies conjured by the spirited Great Ming people. Only this cool gazebo in the oak forest had a hint of the Jiangnan style, making one wonder if the designer had truly visited the Great Ming Empire.
Today’s event was a secret meeting, with Leader One inviting four guests.
Major Ron, 31 years old, and Colonel Moltke, 34 years old.
These two were well-known young talents in the Prussian military, with Ron teaching at the Military Academy and Moltke working in the General Staff Department’s mapping bureau.
Catherine, 25 years old, and Hans Schneider, 27 years old.
Two people who were not well-known in the army, but were instead tasked by Leader One to build a secret team. Catherine led the Magic Energy Knight unit, and Hans led the regular militia unit.
The seed of change was planted when Leader One was young. He met Catherine at the age of 12, and Ron Moltke and Hans at the age of 17.
After several years of development, the carefully laid-out plan started taking shape. Originally, they were supposed to wait for another decade as per the plan, but Leader One couldn’t wait any longer. He decided to start early, leading to this secret meeting.
The crisp sound of horse hooves drew closer, and four people on horseback appeared in the oak forest. They dismounted gracefully in front of Leader One.
“Your Highness,” the four individuals greeted.
Leader One casually returned the gesture and invited everyone to sit in the pavilion.
“Due to some reasons, I intend to start the plan next summer. How prepared are you all?”
Catherine, already informed in advance, remained calm. She briefly mentioned that including herself, there were twelve Magic Energy Knights, highly skilled in both combat and magic energy, equipped with the best gear.
Ron, Moltke, and Hans exchanged looks. They had seen plans accelerated before, but never a ten-year jump like this. It was far beyond what Leader One had initially planned.
Ron said, “I have gathered around 160 students, but I can’t guarantee their loyalty to you. These students from military schools seem more willing to follow the King of Prussia and Prince Wilhelm.”
Moltke said, “The infiltration work at the surveying bureau is not going well. So far, I have only found two like-minded individuals. The infiltration effect on the higher-ups is okay. I have already established contact with seven generals.”
Hans said, “Your Highness, I have recruited 400 militia members, but we lack weapons. Also, we face some other difficulties, our training is not good, and we are currently not combat-ready.”
The rifle is very important. Without a rifle, Leader One can’t do anything.
His power is still very weak. To expand his network within the Prussian Regular Army will take many years of effort. His private army also lacks combat effectiveness and is too small in number.
Leader One told the four people, “Due to starting the plan early, we have to rely on other forces and unite all those who can be united.”
From serfs to workers to citizens, they all have their strong demands. Serfs desire freedom and bread, workers hope for fair pay and treatment, and citizens want universal suffrage. They long for a constitution.
The people are very dissatisfied with the new ruthless capitalists and corrupt nobles. Their anger continues to build up. Despite repeated bloody suppression, their resistance spirit remains unbroken.
But in the early 19th century, the people’s resistance can only be gentle, like a light breeze. They cannot yet stir up a huge storm; at most, they form an atmosphere.
Leader One really needs the help of the Junker group, capitalists, and nobles. They have a lot of power.
At first glance, Junkers, capitalists, and nobles seem to support the king. But in reality, they are easily swayed. If Leader One meets their demands, they will support him.
The liberal lord lawmakers are natural allies. They are always against the king.
Leader One explained his new plan, and the four people had different reactions.
Catherine didn’t react. She will always steadfastly follow Leader One, no matter what.
Ron and Moltke are feudal conservatives. They seemed unhappy when they heard that Leader One wanted to rely on capitalists and liberals.
“Your Highness, if you rely on them to rise to power, you will be a puppet king under the control of the liberals and capitalists. Prussia will only decline in their hands.”
Hans agrees with most of the new plan, but he thinks it’s not necessary to win over the nobles, as their power is already significant.
“Anyway, prepare yourselves. The new plan will officially start next year. By then, you will see my performance. I know you may not be fully convinced now, but you can make your choice later.”
Leader One announced the end of the meeting, setting the tone.
The three of them left to do their own things, leaving only Catherine by his side.
Translator: Book 2 has been translated and published on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3VthSoC).
Book 3 will be translated and published one month later.