Chapter 76: Sooner or Later, It Must Be Repaid

  "This is a stagnant and hopeless dead water, the clear wind cannot stir up even half a ripple. Why not throw in some broken copper and rotten iron, and splash your leftover dishes...". China's famous modern poet Wen Yiduo used such humorous language to describe the true landscape of Chinese politics at that time, satirizing the warlord government while also eulogizing the significance of the new democratic movement.

  However, the times have changed, and this poem may lose its original meaning, because in this world nothing happened in 1919, but that doesn't mean some things won't happen again. What's meant to come will come, what's meant to go will leave.

  On the afternoon of November 28, 1920, at the Paris Peace Conference, the Chinese delegation and the American delegation jointly decided to leave the meeting early in protest against the conference. The reason for this drastic action was that the mainstream voice of the conference was supporting injustice, with Britain and France wildly cheering on Japan, and many other countries' representatives following suit. China's just demands were to be ruthlessly eliminated by the conference, and a grand conference aimed at discussing permanent peace for humanity had openly supported unjust forces. The Chinese delegation could only express its strong protest in an extreme manner.

  What happened at the Paris Peace Conference had already caused a massive wave of discussion in China by early December. The "central" side with ties to Japan tried to strictly block the news, but after all, paper can't keep fire from spreading, and soon people on the streets were discussing the unfair treatment of China at the Paris Peace Conference. China's reasonable requests were met with various rejections, China's call for justice was ruthlessly suppressed, and the Western powers that claimed to be democratic and free actually assisted in the bullying. Once the discussions at the conference became a reality in black and white, the Chinese mainland would inevitably set off a massive wave of opposition to imperialism.

  December 7th, the Beiyang government suddenly declared martial law in Beijing, deploying troops and police to patrol the streets and prevent large-scale demonstrations against foreign powers. Many local hooligans who had long been a menace to residents were arrested, easing tensions between the government and the people. On the other hand, special representatives were sent to notify the embassies of various countries in Beijing to pay attention to safety when going out. In many coastal cities, large numbers of troops and police were also deployed to prevent mass gatherings from erupting at any time.

  Under the unprecedented high-pressure warning from the government, there was no outbreak of anti-power activities in China. After all, Wilson, the most powerful of the three giants, had already stood with one foot on China's side. In making a resolution to support China's recovery of Shandong rights, the US delegation won the goodwill of the Chinese people. As a result, many Chinese pinned their hopes on the United States to uphold justice. The ones who made a big fuss at the conference were just minor characters; as long as the US disagreed, the real outcome of the conference was still uncertain.

  On December 13, the Paris Peace Conference signed a formal legal document after completing its final negotiations on German issues. The major capitalist countries then gathered together in secret to discuss how to respond to the Russian coup, as the Bolshevik Party had seized power in Russia too quickly and was now ready to establish a new country, already named the Soviet Republic. This posed a serious threat to the capitalist world, so the contentious Chinese issue was put off for later discussion, with dealing with the Soviets being the priority.

  On the 15th, an important figure stood on the main stage of the Paris Peace Conference. He was Nicholas II, the orthodox emperor of the Romanov dynasty that had been overthrown by the Russian Bolsheviks. With his extremely noble and proud identity, how could he appear in Paris at this time and even stand on the podium to prepare for a speech? Was it not true that the Bolsheviks had slaughtered and persecuted the traditional aristocratic forces of Russia as widely reported earlier? Before these questions could be correctly explained, Nicholas II was already ready to make his speech.

  "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to express my gratitude to all of you who have come today, as well as those who care about the issues in our country... I know that there are still many problems to be solved at this conference. I offer my deepest apologies for the series of problems caused by the rebellion in our country, and I hope that you can understand our difficulties and situation."

  "I am delighted to learn that the meeting is making untiring efforts for my Empire's internal strife. At the same time, I must tell you about what has happened to me. This nightmare came with a damned blizzard that raged across our country for many days. The snow disrupted the Nicholas Railway, and without it, no grain was delivered, and supplies in Petrograd were cut off. Under the influence of vile rebels, our good workers believed rumors and chose to go on strike, holding protests in the cold streets, including 30,000 workers from Putilov Factory, the largest enterprise in the Empire, who also joined the rallies, expressing their discontent."

  "I know that in the face of premeditated crimes, any strong government is powerless, but we deeply love my people and my country. But the rebels' plot was too evil, their malice and power really made me dare not think back, the government's consolation and persuasion were said to be suppression by those with ulterior motives, the government's mediation and relief were deceived into slaughter... Our national order was thoroughly disrupted by the damned Bolshevik Party, and then..."

  "In a moment of crisis, the Duma's representatives elected the 'Committee for the Restoration of Order in the Capital and for Liaison with Institutions and Persons of the State Duma', and due to the emergency situation I had to step down in favor of my son Alexei Nikolaevich, with Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich as regent. That evening, the State Duma took over government power and began to form a new government. At that moment, I firmly believed that the Empire would be restored to order, and people's lives would return to freedom and prosperity, but the Soviet established by the representatives of workers and soldiers was formed in the Tauride Palace. Thus, two centers of power appeared in the Empire, both operating in the Tauride Palace. The political order of the Empire fell into spatial chaos, and some ambitious individuals took advantage of this to stir up trouble throughout the Empire, plotting to seize state power."

  At this point, Nicholas II was tearfully addressing the delegates at the meeting, and his performance also deeply moved many representatives. Some people clenched their fists in anger, some had tears in their eyes, and some were stunned with amazement. There were also those who looked like they didn't care, but it cannot be denied that Nicholas II won the sympathy of many people.

  The Duma committee then sent people to persuade me to abdicate, but what I did not expect was that the committee had dispatched a large number of troops to isolate my empress, children and trusted ministers. After a long stalemate, I had no choice but to agree to abdicate. However, in my letter of abdication, I stated that due to Alexei's hereditary blood disease, I would renounce the throne on behalf of myself and my son, and directly pass it to Mikhail Alexandrovich. On the special train, I handed over the letter of abdication to two representatives of the Duma. I knew that in order to save the country and the army, I had to do so, and indeed I did, but the final result was a great disappointment to me.

  "After the abdication, I soon learned that a provisional government had been formed in the country. Its establishment meant the collapse of the great Romanov dynasty and also meant that two governments coexisted in Russia. At this time, I was no longer concerned about whether the political views of these traitors who betrayed the people could be unified, what I worried most about was how to deal with me and my family legally."

  "The first cabinet meeting of the provisional government decided to expel me and my family from Russia, sending us to Great Britain, a great ally of Russia, far away from our homeland and people, so that I would never be able to return to my native land again, and the Romanov dynasty would cease to exist in this world. This decision may have had some human touch, but the Petrograd Soviet Executive Committee was about to make a decision to 'arrest me and my family, putting us under surveillance of the revolutionary army'. Having learned about this news beforehand, I fully understood that it was a huge conspiracy, both internal and external, an unprecedented coup."

  "In a moment of crisis, I would even be arrested and killed by the Soviet commissars one day, along with all my family members. The shaky provisional government initially tried to protect me, but many of them were already bewildered by the rebellion, they had lost their minds, if I didn't go into exile abroad, I would inevitably become a martyr under the rebels' knife. For the Romanov dynasty, I had no choice but to flee with my family, escape from the lair controlled by the rebels, and rush to democratic and free countries to seek help, help me restore the dynasty..."

  Nicholas II's performance lasted for nearly two hours, during which the Chinese representatives were subjected to extreme mental torture. Nicholas II, who had been oppressing the Russian people, suddenly transformed into a benevolent emperor who loved his people, a thorough warmonger, and someone as arrogant as Kaiser Wilhelm II. It was infuriating that he could appear so pitiful, and the ugly face of imperialism was best showcased on him. Moreover, it was even more outrageous that such an unjust demand from him could receive almost unanimous sympathy and concern from the assembly. China's small request for justice would be ruthlessly rejected, while the Russian tyrant's boastful words won rounds of applause. The Chinese representatives were truly left speechless.

  On the morning of the 18th, as soon as the rotating meeting began, the French representative "announced" the unanimous decision of the conference, which was the result of the three giants' joint discussion over the past few days. The Allied powers unanimously decided to impose a thorough economic blockade and strict arms embargo on the current Russian government controlled by the Bolshevik Party, the illegal Soviet Republic, and to organize the Allied forces to enter Russia as soon as possible to help Nicholas II rebuild the Romanov dynasty...

  This resolution was one of the most warmly applauded since the opening of the conference, with many people even shouting and whistling loudly, creating a lively scene that seemed to celebrate another victory in the European war. However, the Chinese delegation present at the meeting were all stunned, as China's problems were not considered a problem by the conference. After finally getting the opportunity to discuss, they unexpectedly discussed such a ridiculous topic - the overthrow of the Russian Tsar was inhumane, and as a result, capitalist countries were eager to help restore the monarchy, allowing the Russian people to continue living in misery, which was actively advocated and highly praised by the conference...

  While many were celebrating another great victory of capitalism, singing the praises of the might of the Entente, a shocking event occurred.

  December 19th, the British fleet left Scapa Flow for sea training as required. In the days leading up to Christmas, everywhere was filled with a festive atmosphere, but behind this joy, something happened that made them no longer smile. At 10:00 in the morning, German warships were surrounded by British warships in the waters of the Orkney Islands, where not even a small boat could escape. All warships received a pre-arranged signal from the flagship "Emden" cruiser - Rainbow.

  Soon, the officers on each of the ships gave orders to raise the forbidden fleet flag, battle flags and Z signal flags, open the sea valves and watertight doors. The German Navy made an unimaginable "suicidal" action, they would rather sink all their warships than fall into enemy hands.

  The battleship Friedrich der Grosse sank first, followed by the other ships one after another, with the battlecruiser Hindenburg being the last to go down. The British fleet hastily returned from exercises and tried every means to salvage the situation but could not stop such a large-scale collective scuttling action.

  The most magnificent self-sinking action in human history lasted for nearly seven hours, all German warships imprisoned and waiting to be manipulated by the Allied Powers sank one after another. Under the torture of dignity and hope, the German Navy chose the most painful self-mutilation, bidding farewell to its own warships that had shared life and death with it, a painful decision like cutting off its own arm.

  After the incident, England and France immediately asked the conference to reconsider the treaty with Germany because part of the reparations that Germany had to pay included fixed assets in Germany, and the naval vessels were naturally part of the compensation. However, they had now sunk themselves, so how could the huge reparations that England and France had hoped for be reduced? Therefore, in their view, the treaty must be revised. This kind of brutal behavior was actually affirmed by the conference, and the Treaty of Versailles, which had already been signed and come into effect, was openly destroyed. The German delegation had to suffer again after suffering a painful blow.

  Such injustice to a nation, such treatment of a sovereign state, is the essence of the Paris Conference. The action of the Assembly has thoroughly disillusioned the Chinese delegation, and Wang Zhengting and Lu Zongxiang have both asked for instructions from home as to how to meet the unfavorable decisions which the Conference will inevitably take before long.

  The Guangzhou side and the autonomous region side quickly received the domestic resolution, but the central government represented by Lu Zhengxiang had a hard time making a decision. If they agreed with the conference's decision, it would undoubtedly stir up an anti-imperialist wave in China, while also hurting themselves. However, if they disagreed, how could they win the favor of their masters and maintain their own warlord rule? Under this tedious torture, the so-called central government never gave Lu Zhengxiang a formal reply.

  Meanwhile, the revised version of the Treaty of Versailles was officially released. Such a solemn signing and declaration of effectiveness, but soon breaching and re-establishing the treaty, thoroughly made the Germans resentful while allowing the US, UK and France to recover losses from the sinking incident on the surface of the treaty.

  It was under the leadership of such a group of people, no better than pigs and dogs, without any credit, that the conference held a meeting on the second-to-last day before Christmas, only to announce that the conference would be postponed for another ten days due to Christmas, and this meeting near the festival was used again to discuss the Chinese issue.

  This time, the only speaker was Gu Weijun, but he merely reiterated China's just request and then returned to his seat to await the decision of the conference, unlike last time when he debated with many dissenting people on the main podium. At this time, all Chinese representatives had made the worst preparations, but unexpectedly they would face the heaviest blow.

  At 11:23 on the 23rd, this is a day that will be remembered by all Chinese people. British Prime Minister George announced the deliberation results of the questions raised by the Chinese delegation, and the meeting decided to agree to transfer German interests in China to Japan, while refusing a series of proposals put forward by China, including the restoration of Chinese sovereignty...

  And all this was read out by George in front of Wilson, President Wilson only gave a helpless smile to the Chinese delegation's hopeful eyes, and then an icy expression. A sense of despair rose for the first time in the hearts of the Chinese delegation. Looking around the entire venue, only the German representative cast sympathetic glances, especially Germany's Foreign Minister Müller, who shook his head with dim eyes. He deeply understood the situation of the Chinese people at this time, and he had experienced that heart-wrenching pain not long ago, twice in a row, and the heart-wrenching pain was just like that.

  At 11:31, when many representatives began to raise their hands in support of George's proposal, the six members of the Chinese delegation cleaned up all their belongings, tidied up their seats and quietly left the venue. Many people witnessed this action, but only Wilson, who was as cold as ice, and Müller, who had tears in his eyes, could truly understand the helplessness behind the Chinese delegation's silent departure. Of course, those who were overjoyed by the Chinese delegation's angry exit were Japan's Saionji Kinmochi and Makino Nobuaki. It can be imagined that they would soon be celebrating with Britain's George and Balfour, France's Clemenceau and Pichon, and others.

  January 5, 1921, the Paris Peace Conference representatives gathered in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles to sign the Treaty of Peace between the Allied and Associated Powers and Germany. The treaty, which had been entrusted with great hope by countries such as the United States, Great Britain, France, and Japan, was about to be signed amidst a joyful atmosphere when it was China's turn. Lu Zongyu, Wang Zhengting, Cao Rui, Gu Weijun and other six representatives of China unanimously expressed their refusal to sign any treaty in Chinese.

  The Chinese said something, although not many people knew what it was, but afterwards the host handed them a pen again and gestured for them to sign on the document. However, he was met with repeated headshakes from the Chinese representatives, at which point everyone realized that the Chinese were going to refuse to sign. Afterwards, German Foreign Minister Müller apologized to the Chinese delegation for all the misfortunes Germany had caused in China... and then reluctantly walked over to the signing table, signed his name, followed by many more people, representatives of many more countries...

  But all this was already invisible to the Chinese representatives, because after hastily ending the conversation with German Foreign Minister Müller, the Chinese representative formally left the Palace of Versailles. British Envoy Alfred Sze prepared to return to Britain, while Lu Tseng-tsiang made preparations to take refuge in Belgium, Kung Hsiang-hsi prepared to set off for the United States, and Wang Ching-ting returned directly home... At the same time that the Chinese delegation made a desperate and helpless decision, it also decided that the delegation could only disband.

  According to the plan, the fleet will set sail three days later. Currently organizing the second batch of personnel to board the ship, as it is a cargo ship temporarily converted into a passenger ship, so the conditions are relatively poor and boarding is not as convenient as a passenger ship...

  "This is nothing, the conditions are a bit harsh but I hope our crew will pay attention to their words and actions, be friendly to everyone, especially show full respect to German soldiers, especially those naval officers who still harbor deep resentment. In short, we absolutely cannot allow any unpleasant things to happen!" Cao Guichuan said to Xiao Naitian, who was reporting beside him, without stopping his work of packing up luggage.

  Suddenly, Cao Guichuan seemed to have thought of something and turned around with a serious expression to say to Xiao Naitian: "Right, you immediately let Ji Youlin mobilize all our forces in Germany, no matter what the cost, I must find a certain number of famous German chefs within three days, prepare cooking utensils and a certain amount of tableware, food materials... Our ship will be sailing at sea for too long, and when we arrive at the autonomous region, they will have to stay there for who knows how many days. The problem of Germans' diet must be solved... Is there anything else I haven't thought of yet? You think about it yourself, see what hasn't been considered thoroughly, you handle it as you see fit!"

  After the opening ceremony, Cao Guichuan let Xiao Naitian replace himself. Such a good national stage really made him very tempered and no longer like when he first came to Paris, laughing all day long. He knew that China's position in the international community was so unbearable, and among many contemptuous eyes and mocking words, Xiao Naitian grew up quickly, but the cost was undoubtedly huge. When the Chinese delegation refused to sign and officially disbanded, he didn't shed a single tear, but in his own bed, he cried all night long.

  To quote Wu Donglin, this young master probably had the most miserable cry of his life. Nothing can be more heartbreaking than the final decision of the Paris Peace Conference, which was like a slap in the face to everyone. Everyone knows that one should be brave after being ashamed, but at that moment, all tears were shed, although cruel reality does not believe in tears.

  But no matter what people have gained or lost, let them not be so ecstatic that they lose their heads; nor should those who have lost something become so desperate that they are beside themselves with grief. The conference has come to an end, and tomorrow the sun will rise as usual, the earth will continue its rotation without a stop, and human beings cannot be deterred from advancing by sudden surprises or unexpected misfortunes. A nation even more so cannot lose its rationality due to a little injustice and fall into an abyss from which it cannot return.

  After all, what goes around comes around.