German Red Prince

Page 133

250. Aroused public outrage

Adabert arrived at the station, looked at the train parked there, and then at the officials accompanying him, and suddenly felt a strong sense of frustration.

Before his arrival, the station had already deployed a number of guards. Of course, these guards were not there to maintain order, as Adabert was not that popular in Belgium. The guards were there to prevent radical crowds from surrounding the station.

As king, he would take a special train on a routine visit to Germany. Countries under German control would send people to Berlin to report on their duties every now and then, and Adabert was no exception.

As the son of the German Emperor, Adabert could not send special envoys like other countries; he had to go to Berlin in person to report on his duties. Therefore, he was under great pressure, as he could not afford to embarrass his father.

During his trip to Berlin for a work report, Adabert also planned a trip to Frankfurt. He couldn't continue to be unpopular in Belgium; his ambition was to become a capable ruler, and he needed to make a difference in Belgium.

That's why he planned to go to the Kingdom of the Rhine first, to Frankfurt, to discuss the issue of the ownership of the Luxembourg region. He had already sent the diplomatic documents before the trip started, and the Rhine probably received them by now.

Adabert never expected these problems to be resolved smoothly during this visit. After all, what's done is done, and besides, as a king from Germany, did he really think of himself as a Belgian?

He wanted to speak up for them and fight for their rights. Wasn't the reason he was made King of Belgium in the first place so that Germany could better control Belgium? Now he wants to take the land back. How could Germany possibly agree to that?

Adabert didn't expect to reach an agreement on this matter. Not to mention the Kingdom of the Rhine, even the German government would not agree to this. Taking back the land allocated to Germany and then having it welcomed back by the Belgian people—what would the German government gain from that?

Besides, is he trying to win over the Belgians to his side? What good would that do for Germany?

What is he planning by doing this? This is something the German government is most wary of. A puppet government has its own ideas, especially since he is the son of the Kaiser. If Wilhelm II wasn't worried about the negative impact, he could have replaced Adabert directly because of this.

The discussion about the Luxembourg region was merely a pretext for negotiations between the two sides. No one could actually discuss this matter, and Adabert certainly wouldn't stay until he got the land. It was just a pretext for endless wrangling and compromises.

He wanted to gain some benefits for Belgium in these negotiations so that his rule would be acceptable, or at least silence his opponents.

As the train slowly pulled away from the platform, Adabert felt a pang of loss looking at the empty space. Every time he went to Germany to report on his work, protests would break out in Belgium. Belgium had fought for a century, defeating countless enemies to win independence, and now it was all ruined by him, the puppet king.

Without flowers or applause, he walked away from the Belgian border, hoping that when he returned, he would be greeted not with angry rebukes and protests, but with the cheers and support of the Belgian people.

On the Rhine Kingdom's side, they also received news that Adabert was coming to Frankfurt, and they also received documents from him, saying that he wanted to discuss the ownership of the Luxembourg region with the Rhine Kingdom.

For Adalbert to raise this question, he's a German, and if he wasn't coerced, then the higher-ups in the Kingdom of the Rhine can only say that he's somewhat involved. After being king there for a few years, he really thinks he's Belgian.

During the war, how many people from the Kingdom of the Rhine died in Belgium? They deserved their hard work, even if they didn't achieve anything. When the Luxembourg region was handed over to the Kingdom of the Rhine after the war, no one in Germany dared to object. It was what they deserved. Now they're coming here and demanding that they be sent back. Isn't that a joke?

The Kingdom of the Rhine has given so much to Belgium, and now it wants to take everything away with just a few words? Is it treating the kingdom like a child? How could we possibly agree to that?

Some of the more radical ones have already made harsh statements, resolutely refusing to let Adabert come. If he wants to go to Berlin for his work report, let him go to Berlin and not cause them any trouble. If this document is made public, the people of the Kingdom of the Rhine will probably all go to the station to block him. The Kingdom's attitude is very clear: it will resolutely not agree to any negotiation requests made by Adabert.

Thorne, of course, would not agree. Belgium's position in Europe is too special. It is surrounded by several powerful countries and is a strategic location in Europe. Belgium's independence was also done by Britain to annoy France.

It is well known that the British Empire was the best at stirring up trouble in the world. Its sophistication was such that even modern Germany could not compare. In order to maintain its international standing, it made things difficult for countries on the European continent across the English Channel.

Belgium's advantageous geographical location made it an important tool for Britain to maintain the balance of power on the continent. Now that it had finally been brought under German control, Britain naturally wanted to hold onto it tightly.

It is also very necessary for Germany for the Kingdom of the Rhine to control the Luxembourg region. Holding a bargaining chip in hand can prevent any situation from happening in Belgium and ensure that Germany can react and mobilize troops for defense in the first instance.

If this territory were taken back, Germany would lose all its strategic advantage. Although Wilhelm II was wary of the Kingdom of the Rhine, he wouldn't be foolish enough to give it back.

“Your Majesty, I suggest that we immediately send Adabert out of the country. He is a German, yet he wants us to return the Luxembourg region. Doesn’t he know the strategic importance of this area to Germany? Or has he been brainwashed by the Belgians?”

The officials below protested to King Otto, and as they saw the documents being sent to them, they became increasingly agitated, clamoring to "punish" Adabert.

"Your Majesty, I suggest that this matter be reported to Berlin immediately, so that His Majesty Wilhelm can see what his son is doing! If the Imperial Government dares to agree to this, then more and more countries will line up to demand payment from Germany. What kind of situation is this? We are the victorious nation!"

It is clear that Adabert's actions have aroused public outrage in the Kingdom of the Rhine, and if not properly resolved, they could ignite another conflict in Europe.

251. The Luxembourg Regional Question

If Adabert's visit this time was intended to help Belgium reclaim the Luxembourg region, then it can only be described as wishful thinking.

Even though Wilhelm II was wary of the Kingdom of the Rhine, he would never agree to give that territory back.

No matter what, even if the Kingdom of the Rhine occupies it, it's still in the hands of their own people. If it's returned, how can the Belgians be at ease?

Therefore, there is no need to discuss this matter at all, and Adabert's purpose for this trip was certainly not these.

He simply wanted to make a gesture here, and then create a stir when he returned to Belgium. Although he is German, his feelings for Belgium are genuine.

Adabert's visit was merely an attempt to gain some advantage, so that he could explain himself to the Belgian people when he returned, letting them know that everything he was doing was for "his country."

This left Thorne speechless. If you want to take advantage, go to Berlin and find Wilhelm II. What do you want to say to him? Aren't you his son? Why do you have to come here and take advantage of the Kingdom of the Rhine?

However, if we look at it from another perspective, Adabert's visit can also be considered an opportunity.

Flanders-Wallon is right next to the Kingdom of the Rhine, and if they can reach some agreements, the Kingdom of the Rhine might be able to extend its influence to this strategically important country.

If Thorne wants to successfully launch a revolution in the future, he must prepare for potential enemies in advance.

The French Commune would be fine then; if they successfully launched a revolution, the French Commune might even offer some assistance.

However, for him, the Rhine Kingdom launching a revolution in Flanders-Wallon introduces many variables.

Adalbert was the new king approved by Wilhelm II and the Reichstag. Unlike other puppet kingdoms supported by Germany, which simply selected a nobleman for this position, Adalbert sent his own son to the throne.

Aside from being a means to strengthen the northwestern border of the German Empire, Flanders-Wallon seemed more like a place where Wilhelm II sent his son to keep an eye on the Kingdom of the Rhine.

This way, the Kingdom of the Rhine can be protected from three sides. The heavy pressure of national defense will continue to suppress the Rhine Kingdom's economy. If the kingdom wants to develop, it will have to reach a compromise with Prussia, which is a good plan.

Taking back the entire Luxembourg region is definitely impossible, but some smaller areas are still negotiable.

After the victory in the war, the imperial government ceded the Nancy region of France and the Luxembourg region of Belgium to the Kingdom of the Rhine.

This may seem like a reward from the Imperial Government to the Kingdom of the Rhine, but these two places are actually quite useless to the Kingdom of the Rhine.

During the Franco-Prussian War, Germany ceded the Alsace-Lorraine region, which cemented the deep-seated animosity between Germany and France.

The long-standing enmity between Germany and France began from this point. After the war, Germany ceded another piece of land from France, and the ensuing situation was predictable.

Just as Germany spent over a century failing to assimilate Poland, the assimilation of the French-speaking regions of Alsace-Lorraine and Nancy was even more difficult.

Although these two regions possess extremely rich resources, the Kingdom of Rhine has been unable to develop them effectively.

The resistance in the French-speaking region was very strong, especially after the establishment of the French Commune. The resistance organizations in the Alsace-Lorraine region became more active, making it impossible for the Kingdom of the Rhine to further control and manage the area.

Despite occupying the area for so long, Nancy and Alsace-Lorraine are still under military control, requiring a large number of troops to maintain order. If the French Commune relaxes its control even slightly, it could trigger a massive uprising in the region.

Counterinsurgency is unlike ordinary warfare; it lasts a very long time and costs a lot, with annual security management expenses being like a bottomless pit.

Although the Kingdom of the Rhine's rule in the Luxembourg region went relatively smoothly, and the Belgian resistance was not as strong as that of the French, maintaining order there still required considerable expenditure.

This trip to the Kingdom of the Rhine provides a good opportunity to deal with the issues in the Luxembourg region.

It's a burden for the Rhine Kingdom to keep holding onto it all the time, but it's not possible to just give it away for nothing. So, a compromise needs to be found.

Adabert came here this time just to save face, to make things look better when he goes back. The Kingdom of Rhine can certainly grant him this request, but he'll have to pay a price.

The train slowly pulled into the station and arrived in Frankfurt. Adabert got off the train, where many people were already waiting. They all came forward to greet him when they saw him arrive.

"Welcome King Adabert on his visit to the Kingdom of the Rhine. Please come with us."

The people who greeted him warmly surprised Adabert, who had thought that the people of the Rhine Kingdom would give him a hard time because of the documents he had submitted earlier.

"His Majesty Otto is already waiting at the palace. Please come with me."

"That's very disturbing."

Adabert replied politely, surprised that the Kingdom of Rhine had let him through so soon after he arrived. He had handed over the documents himself, and had thought that the Kingdom of Rhine would have to wait and see, leaving him waiting outside for a while.

While it was somewhat unexpected that the Kingdom of Rhine would so readily allow Adabert to go, I was more worried.

Since they're being so straightforward, they're definitely not here to give land to Belgium. The Kingdom must have its own conditions, and they're already waiting for us to come and negotiate.

The kingdom did indeed have its own conditions and ideas. The Luxembourg region could not be given away, but they could reach a cooperation agreement with Adabert.

"Hello, Your Majesty Otto."

At the palace, King Otto warmly received Adabert.

"Hello, King Adabert, welcome to the Kingdom of the Rhine."

King Otto didn't interrupt him and went straight to the point, discussing the Luxembourg region with Adabert.

“We have also reviewed King Adabert’s documents. It is indeed necessary to discuss the issue of the ownership of the Luxembourg region.”

"Ten years ago, the Luxembourg region was placed under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of the Rhine. Ten years have passed, and it's time to consider how to handle the issues here," King Otto said.

“Your Majesty Otto, the people of Belgium have been making a lot of noise because of the Luxembourg region issue. This is a troublesome matter for the order in Belgium, and if it continues, it will not have a good impact on the Kingdom of the Rhine. This matter does indeed need to be discussed.”

Adabert echoed this sentiment, saying that resolving these issues in Belgium would also be a good thing for the Kingdom of the Rhine, otherwise the constant commotion from its neighboring countries would always be a problem.

252. Establish special economic zones

"The problems within Belgium are Your Majesty's internal problems, and I believe Your Majesty is capable of handling them. Our main topic of discussion today is the Luxembourg region."

King Otto changed the subject, interrupting Adabert who was about to continue, and made it clear to Adabert what the topic of the conversation was.

The demarcation of the Luxembourg region has an impact on the stability of Belgium, but what impact does that have on the Kingdom of the Rhine? Isn't this because your rule is problematic? Handle your own domestic affairs; are you trying to use this to morally blackmail us? The Kingdom of the Rhine won't buy into this kind of saintly behavior.

"Your Majesty, as a German yourself, you are well aware of the strategic value of the Luxembourg region to Germany. You should also know that Germany cannot lose it."

Otto's words were also a warning to Adabert. Although he was the current King of Belgium, more importantly, he was a German. Everything he did should take Germany's interests into account first, and he shouldn't side with Germany.

This statement also reveals the attitude of the Kingdom of the Rhine: the Kingdom would never hand over the Luxembourg region directly. They had finally acquired it, and now they were giving it away for nothing. What did the Kingdom take them for?

However, since Adabert mentioned the situation in Belgium, that's perfect. So, if there's trouble in Belgium, why not have the Kingdom of the Rhine come and help you out?

"We in the Rhineland have also heard about what's happening on the Belgian border. If it's not controlled, it will be very disadvantageous for Germany."

If the trend of border soldiers deserting to the commune spreads from Belgium outwards, it will be a huge problem. If it spreads to the Rhineland, it will be a real disaster.

“If Belgium cannot guarantee the stability of the border, then the situation in the Luxembourg region will also be difficult to resolve. Belgium’s politics are already so unstable. If problems arise after we reach an agreement, the impact on the region will be significant.”

"So, Your Majesty, what are your thoughts?"

Upon hearing this, Adabert knew there was hope. The Kingdom of the Rhine could indeed loosen its stance on the Luxembourg region, provided there was a reasonable exchange of benefits.

"If the Belgian border issue cannot be resolved, the Kingdom can provide you with the necessary assistance to help alleviate your burden and pressure."

King Otto stated his conditions, which Thorne had previously suggested: if they wanted to negotiate, they had to loosen their grip on border defenses, and at the very least, the Rhine Kingdom's army had to maintain absolute dominance within Belgian territory.

The future revolution in Belgium remains a variable, and one must exert influence to penetrate its influence.

This time, Adabert came because he needed something from me, and it was relatively easy for him to offer terms. If I had gone to him myself, it certainly wouldn't have been so smooth.

Doesn't he want the Luxembourg region? Then the Rhine Kingdom's troops would have to be stationed on the Belgian border. After all, they can't even maintain order on the border, so how could he feel comfortable discussing the Luxembourg region with Adabert?

"Relations between Germany and France are becoming increasingly tense, and Belgium occupies a very important strategic position. Germany must ensure Belgium's security. If we want to reach an agreement on the Luxembourg region issue, then the Kingdom of the Rhine must ensure the security of Belgium's borders."

"The Kingdom of the Rhine needs to deploy defensive forces on the border between Belgium and the French Commune, and the Belgian border guards must also include soldiers from the Kingdom of the Rhine."

Although the original Treaty of Versailles stipulated that the Kingdom of Belgium must allow German troops unlimited access to their military installations, most of the German troops here were Prussian troops, and the German military bases in Belgium were staffed with soldiers from the Kingdom of Prussia.

The Kingdom of the Rhine has not deployed much in Belgium, which is why they made this request; they also want to expand the Kingdom's influence in Belgium.

"this......"

Belgium already dislikes the Germans enough; if they continue like this, they might have to step down immediately.

"Of course, if Your Majesty agrees, the Kingdom of the Rhine can also make concessions on the Luxembourg region issue."

King Otto had a map brought out and placed in front of Adabert.

"If Your Majesty agrees, and we determine that the Franco-Belgian border is secure enough, then the Kingdom of the Rhine will end its military control over the Luxembourg region."

Prolonged military control is time-consuming and laborious, so Thorne's idea was to do Adabert a favor, so that they could control Belgium's borders in the future, and this region would not be so important to them.

And so, they might even have to thank them. Being able to negotiate terms with Germany is a huge diplomatic victory for Belgium.

"The Luxembourg Region of the Kingdom of the Rhine will be renamed the Special Region of Luxembourg of the Kingdom, and military control will be ended, allowing the Special Region of Luxembourg to exercise a certain degree of autonomy."

"The governor of this special district will be a citizen of a nation that exercises autonomy, meaning it could be a Belgian, but it will still be subject to the leadership of the Kingdom of the Rhine."

"Without violating the Kingdom's constitution, the Kingdom will not interfere excessively in the politics of the Special Administrative Region, and the Luxembourg Special Administrative Region can enjoy a high degree of autonomy."

"Furthermore, if we reach an agreement, the borders of the Luxembourg Special Economic Zone can also be opened to Belgians without complicated procedures. Belgians can enter and exit the Luxembourg Special Economic Zone at any time. Of course, we can also conduct a lot of economic interactions within this zone."

The Kingdom of Rhine has now given its explanation and is just waiting for Adabert's response. This is already the biggest concession they have made; it all depends on Adabert's attitude.

Adabert felt he had no reason to refuse; the only cost was border garrison duty. Belgium's politics were already controlled by Germany, and border garrison duty was within acceptable limits.

Of course, King Otto also emphasized that only soldiers from the Kingdom of Rhine were allowed to garrison the border, and the troops from the other two kingdoms were not allowed to be stationed there, otherwise Thorne's plan would have been in vain.

If I were to negotiate this request in Belgium, it would probably take a lot of time. Now that they've come to me for help, it's much simpler.

After more than two hours of discussion, Adabert agreed to King Otto's conditions, allowing the Kingdom of the Rhine to send soldiers to "assist in managing" Belgium's border defenses. Of course, this was a secret agreement and would not be made public.

After a brief stay, Adabert also left Frankfurt. This experience was a huge one for him, and Adabert could already imagine the grand occasion that awaited him when he returned.

For the Kingdom of the Rhine, this also solved a troublesome matter. The Luxembourg region had always been a losing proposition for them, so they might as well go with the flow and do a favor. Anyway, they wouldn't lose money. Belgium gained face, and the Kingdom of the Rhine also gained benefits. It was a win-win situation.