Chapter 2 The Sound of Guns in Heligoland Bight (I)

  "Westlem, I heard you're going to retire again?" The 74-year-old Ernst von Reiche stepped forward with his cane, shaking and trembling, towards the terrified Wang Haitian, who was furious and about to hit him: "Stenzel, how many times is this now?"

  In January 1914, after receiving the Turkish order, Wang Haitian did not return to the Navy Department for reporting, but instead went back home in Kiel and resubmitted his retirement application.

  That was a unique resignation letter, Wang Haiting did not complain about anything in the letter, but wrote the concept of "asymmetric warfare" into it. Unlike the romantic and rational thesis of Kiel University in October 1897, after twenty years, Wang Haiting had reached his thirties, and the recklessness of his youth had dissipated by half. The re-launched concept of "asymmetric warfare" had undergone a transformation in both its breadth and structure.

  Wang Haitie poured her heart and soul into the retirement application, trying to use it as a test balloon, but unfortunately, the letter was met with complete silence after being sent out. The Navy Department's indifference left Wang feeling cold, just as she was considering writing the Nth retirement application, Old Principal Lai Xi and Instructor Stenzel came knocking on her door.

  In 1900, Principal Reiche retired as a lieutenant general and had been idle at home for some years. Principal Reiche was old, his eyesight had deteriorated severely, so that without the help of thick glasses, he was blind with his eyes open. However, although Principal Reiche was old, his concern for his students remained the same. It is unknown which bastard leaked the news of the "strike" of the otaku, and the old Reiche, who was already old, took action upon hearing the wind, and stormed in with the momentum of Stentzel, who had just retired.

  "In 1894, you joined the Kiel Military Academy and threatened to drop out at the slightest setback, but fortunately, your competitive spirit with Bernhard von Oden kept you from carrying it out. In 1898, Tirpitz put you on ice, and then you were transferred to the East Asian Fleet, where you encountered the war in 1900, and again you clamored for early retirement to go home and get married. Unfortunately, your fiancée's change of heart stopped you. In 1907, you were sent from the Imperial homeland to German East Africa as commander of the naval landing team, but you found the overseas colonies too harsh and wrote a dozen or so letters applying for retirement in one breath. However, the expensive medical bills for your relatives delayed you. Now that the Navy has decided to reuse you, your future superior, General Hipper, has always appreciated you, and as for your arch-nemesis, Grand Admiral Tirpitz, he lost favor with the Emperor and was sidelined by the new Commander-in-Chief, Ingenohl. Child, now that fortune is smiling upon you, what are you going to do?"

  The old principal's words left the otaku speechless. Wang Haiting understood the German national character, they took pride in dedicating themselves to their country, and the otaku couldn't very well tell Principal Lai that although the Great Fleet was mighty, it had already lost its usefulness.

  "Stenzel, do you still remember the time when you strongly advised me to expel Xilem?" The old principal didn't give the NEET a chance to explain, his face full of wrinkles and age spots shook slightly as he turned to ask Stenzel.

  As the sun set, Instructor Stenzel, who had grown a beard, had a rare flush on his dark face, looking somewhat disheveled. Wang Haitian's performance in military basic training at the military academy was indeed too poor, so that even the experienced Stenzel couldn't see the potential and strategic vision of the "otaku" who had been accumulating strength quietly, and he was determined to expel the "navy fool", "military idiot" Wang Haitian from the military school.

  Fortunately, there was the principal and Admiral Tirpitz's discerning eye... Stenzel was ashamed, if it wasn't for Admiral Tirpitz's advice to "be a little more patient with that kid" and "believe me, that kid is a genius", Stenzel wouldn't have discovered the terrifying spark in the otaku during subsequent training.

  "Stenzel, do you know why Tirpitz is so convinced that Seydlitz is a genius? Actually, Seydlitz is just like I was back then!"

  The elderly always like to reminisce about the past and cherish history, Principal Lai Xi, who has become more refined with age, narrowed his eyes, sat on the sofa with a hint of a smile, and said:

  "In my early years, I was a sailor on a sailing ship and later joined the Royal Navy. I spent many years drifting in the Far East. At that time, the Empire had not yet unified, and the Far East was dominated by Britain, France, Holland, America, and Russia. The Prussians were unable to stand firm in Chinese waters. With mediocre naval skills, a sense of frustration at being unable to achieve anything, and years of drifting abroad with a sense of humiliation, I also faced the subtle exclusion of the powerful navies. Those were the darkest days of my life, and I often wondered why I had to struggle so hard in the navy. As a noble, if I had joined the army, I would probably have been a high-ranking officer by now. I wandered in the Far East for many years, writing at least eighty retirement applications in private, but in the end, I did not choose to escape because some things just had to be done!"

  "Since the opening of new sea routes, land is no longer the only part of a powerful nation, and the importance of maritime territory has increased day by day. The Kingdom of Prussia was a military power on land, and the newly born German Empire was no exception. Germany already had tens of millions of soldiers who were steeped in Frederick the Great's iron and blood, with centuries of experience as a continental power. I think the army doesn't need me, but the navy is different! Germany has always existed as a continental power, and Germans are strangers to the ocean, but it will not be just a continental power forever. One day, Germans will set sail, taking firm steps into the vast and rich sea, although still young and inexperienced. This day may come sooner or later, but it is indeed the destiny of the German people, and I, Ernst von Reischach, am willing to become the foundation stone for the maritime soul of a great nation!"

  Lao Lai sighed, reminiscing about the past, and then, with a 21st-century person's lacking sense of social responsibility, he forced the heartless Wang Haiting into a desperate situation. He said in a deep voice, "Go to the Navy Department tomorrow, don't keep General Hipper waiting!"

  The old rascal, Lai Heshi and Stenzel, walked away with great satisfaction. Wang Haiting, who had been wandering around the crossroads, sat on the sofa for a long time before finally uttering a complete sentence:

  "What's going on here? Are you pimping?"

  ****

  June 23rd, 1914, Kiel, Germany.

  In June, the Baltic Sea does not have the turbulent waves of the Gulf of Mexico, and under the gentle southwest monsoon, there is a feeling of calmness. The salty sea breeze pours into the harbor without any restraint, dispersing the sea fog that shrouds Kiel.

  On a slightly distant highland in the harbor area, there are shore defense batteries and lighthouses standing still. In the industrial zone, factories are spewing out black smoke filled with nitric acid and sulfuric acid; in the main urban area, grayish-white Gothic-style foreign houses are densely packed, electric wires on the roof are radiating like spider webs, and the manhole covers of the well-developed sewer system are constantly emitting steam unique to industrial cities. White churches coexist with solemn and sacred universities, trams, cars, and four-wheeled horse-drawn carriages run side by side without conflict.

  Kieler Woche is a world-famous sailing event. In June, Kiel is crowded with people, and the whole city is in a state of excitement. The giant cranes at the dock have stopped working, and the small trains are quietly parked on the dense network of tracks, while the cargo that couldn't be loaded in time is piled up randomly in the empty spaces of the warehouse district. The famous Nassau, Helgoland, King-class battleships, Seydlitz heavy cruiser, Magdeburg-class and K?nigsberg-class cruisers gathered in the depths of Kiel Harbour are no longer the focus of attention for the people of Kiel. Instead, the sailing ships from various countries docked at the port and the British fleet that is about to visit have become the new darlings of the Kieler Woche.

  Soldiers of the naval coast guard, armed and on high alert, looked stern; officers in uniform were gathered at the military dock, their badges shining. The breakwater and working area near the military dock were crowded with people, as the citizens of Kiel waited eagerly for the friendly visit from the British fleet to Emperor Wilhelm.

  "The smell of gunpowder in the Balkans can be sniffed out even by a small vineyard owner from rural Bavaria, while we, the ones holding the scythes of death, are putting on a big show of peace here in this military port..."

  The flags of Germany and England fluttered everywhere, the entire naval port seemed to be filled with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Commander Sylam, Chief of Staff of the First Reconnaissance Fleet of the German Navy, was not impressed by this deliberately created harmonious atmosphere, and he constantly complained to his superior, Admiral Hipper.

  In 1914, the situation in Europe was increasingly turbulent, and the long-term arms race and numerous diplomatic disputes had exhausted the diplomats of the great powers. The countries on the European continent were deeply mired in the vortex of interests, and even a small spark could stimulate the sensitive nerves of various countries, triggering a domino effect that would set off a bloody storm from Europe to the distant colonial territories.

  The world diplomacy at the end of 19th century and beginning of 20th century was unfolding with the confrontation between Germany and Britain. Britain did not want to start a war, and Germany was not ready for it either. Therefore, diplomats from both countries dominated this "warship friendly visit" political show, ignoring the fact that the world's top two navies were secretly hostile towards each other.

  "I wish our Bethmann-Hollweg could do something." Admiral Hipper, known for his calm and intelligent demeanor within the Navy, glanced at Wilhelm II, Tirpitz, and Ingenohl standing in front of the officers and muttered with a meaningful tone.

  Just as Admiral Hipper and Kapit?nleutnant Witth?ft were whispering to each other, the pilot boat flying the Imperial German ensign and the Reichsmarine jack led the way into the harbour, followed by a Royal Navy squadron consisting of four King George V-class battleships, several cruisers including HMS Southampton and HMS Birmingham.

  "King George V, Ajax, Centurion, Audacious..." As the chief staff officer of the High Seas Fleet, Wang Haitian was naturally familiar with the British Grand Fleet's possessions. Wang Haitian gazed at those giant warships adorned with colorful flags and wrapped in gun jackets, imagining the proud John Bulls singing "England's Song" as they rampaged across the seas, muttering to himself: "After all, it's the Royal Navy that has been dominating the seven seas for hundreds of years. At this point in time, they still dare to send out their most elite First Fleet... these British guys aren't afraid of us stewing them..."

  "Sulking, complaining and envy are not in the nature of us Germans." Hipper took off his military cap, gently wiped the naval emblem on the visor with a white glove, then put the cap back on his head, saying to the disgruntled young man.

  The "King George V" battleship was the first to approach the dock. Despite flying the flag of a friendly visit, it was after all a lie fabricated by diplomats and politicians, in fact, the silent confrontation had already begun. The Atlantic Ocean, which gave birth to sturgeon, Newfoundland whale riders, Nordic pirates, and Western culture, is not as politicians claimed, it is destined that only one nation can ascend to the throne!

  The British sailors on the bow of "King George V" threw down a rope with a hint of provocation, which was skillfully caught and secured by the German sailors on shore.

  As the German youngsters gave a brilliant performance, Admiral von Tirpitz's face broke into a wide smile. At this moment, the gangway was lowered and down came Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Fleet, Vice-Admiral Sir George Warrender, commanding the Second Battle Squadron, Rear-Admiral Franz von Hipper, commanding the First Scouting Group, and a number of other senior British naval officers.

  "I didn't expect the Marshal's old rival Fisher to come, it seems the British want to assess our war potential on the spot." Hipper followed Fisher, the former First Lord of the Admiralty, with his eyes and muttered.

  John Fisher served as First Sea Lord from 1904 to 1910. As the 20th century dawned, the Royal Navy was still stuck in its old ways, with only a telegraph antenna on the Admiralty building showing any sign of modernity. The new First Sea Lord, reformer John Fisher, was determined to change this, and during his tenure, the functions and strengths of the various British fleets were reorganized, and the first dreadnoughts and battlecruisers appeared. Fisher's reforms saved the Royal Navy from collapse, leaving Tirpitz empty-handed, and even Winston Churchill, who had a grudge against Fisher, was forced to acknowledge his achievements in his memoirs.

  "Feldmarschall Foch was overthrown by Qiu Chubby, do you think the British are ruining their own future?" Unlike Hipper's tension, the otaku seemed carefree, glancing around and even had the mind to mock the British.

  Fisher enjoyed great popularity in Germany, but was not liked by the British. Winston Churchill, then First Lord of the Admiralty, complained that "the whole of our naval administration is concentrated in his hands, and he has almost complete control over the purse". In comparison to the relatively young German Navy, the Royal Navy had a history of several hundred years, and Fisher's reforms damaged the interests of many people, which was also the root cause of his downfall in 1910.

  In the distance, the Krupp cannons on the shore battery temporarily served as salute cannons, accompanied by choking gunpowder smoke, majestic military music, and solemn salute sounds. The gunners on the British battleship skillfully manipulated the secondary guns to return the salute according to diplomatic etiquette.

  Outside the British consulate, clerks, expatriates and sailors staying in Kiel harbor whistled and waved colorful flags. Emperor William and Admiral Tirpitz led a group of diplomats and high-ranking naval officers to welcome them, while ordinary German citizens who came spontaneously and sailors from the High Seas Fleet on leave greeted the guests with passionate English or German that they could understand. Reporters from various countries rushed to the scene, trying to capture this memorable moment with cameras, paper and pen.

  The Emperor Wilhelm wore a naval uniform without any military rank, with his sword at his waist and the white glove on his left hand, waiting elegantly for Churchill to approach. Fischer first gave the emperor a military salute, then removed his hat and bowed his chest in accordance with European aristocratic etiquette when meeting royalty.

  Wilhelm Emperor was the archenemy of the British Empire, the emperor of Germany, the creator of the High Seas Fleet, but also the nephew of the United Kingdom, the honorary admiral of the Royal Navy. The modern European countries' families have a complicated relationship with diplomacy.

  "General von Fischel, welcome back." Emperor William nodded slightly to indicate that General von Fischel was excused from making a bow.

  Until the ceremony between the Emperor and Fischer was over, Tirpitz Admiral came forward, exchanged a military salute with his lifelong arch-nemesis, and then used the modern civilized gesture of shaking hands to express the greetings from both nations. Reporters everywhere fiddled with their cameras, bulky machines flashing countless white lights, freezing in time two nations heading towards each other on the wheel of fate, about to collide head-on and stage a bloody battle, in faded black-and-white photographs.

  Note

  Kiel Week: A historic sailing regatta event, usually held in June, once a year.

  2. Bethmann-Hollweg: Chancellor of the German Empire (1909-1917).

  In 1890, Queen Victoria appointed Kaiser Wilhelm an honorary Admiral of the Royal Navy, a move widely seen as unwise.

  P.S: I admit that I was moved by my own writing, a bit sentimental, but also a true reflection of my emotions. The article has written to this point, the main theme is finally revealed a little. Indeed, there are great powers vying for hegemony, and love, betrayal, politics, and brotherhood are indispensable, but what I want to depict more is the sea soul of a great power, the sea soul of a powerful land-based nation!

  In World War I, the German Navy lost in a tragic way. In World War II, the German Navy still lost, from the North Sea to South America, the gunfire continued on the ocean, but ultimately could not escape the fate of defeat. But did the Germans really lose? Think about a certain country that is close at hand, with a thousand years of history, only taking a tentative step forward in the great trial, and after the end of the Yellow Sea and Weihaiwei, it seemed to have lost its sea soul, had its backbone broken, and never dared to take a second step. The Celestial Empire has modernity, 052B, 052C, 093, 094, Su-30, but can you say that the Celestial Empire is a strong naval power? Just look at the Celestial Empire in the South China Sea, its self-proclaimed victory over the Philippines and its endless solemn protests. I don't dare to hope that "The Soul of a Great Nation" can do something, at least it can write out the voice of a young man's heart!