Iron and Blood: A Triumph of the Will

"What do you mean by that? Have you received some information?"

Pisulski's unibrow furrowed as he stared intently at his rival.

"It's been two or three days, and I haven't received any news from Pots. I've also received no response when I send them telegrams."

"All indications suggest that our underground organization there has been eradicated."

Demowski said coldly, "Moreover, the Germans are recruiting soldiers over there. According to the information sent back by our spies, many village chiefs have also disappeared. They have been captured by the Germans. The Germans are not willing to give up Poz. They are eliminating Polish forces there, and they are doing so without any attempt to hide it..."

Upon hearing this, all the Polish officials from Piłsudski's faction present gaped in astonishment, and even Piłsudski himself was momentarily stunned.

"How is this possible? We have an agreement with Bessel, how could they do this!"

Finally, War Minister Riz-Shimigwi lost his temper and spoke first: "You must be talking nonsense. How could the Germans possibly violate the agreement?"

"Even if they wanted to keep Pots, the French and British wouldn't allow it. This is the land promised to us, the core of our nation's restoration!"

The Bessel he mentioned was the governor of the German-occupied territory in Poland, and the highest military and political official in Warsaw.

When Piłsudski returned to Warsaw, as the top liaison for the German forces, his primary objective was to ensure the peaceful withdrawal of German troops from Warsaw and the transfer of administrative power and some weapons.

However, as of now, General Bessel has returned home, and his authority has been transferred to Prince Leopold of Bavaria, the commander-in-chief of the German forces on the Eastern Front. His Highness is quite old, and the person actually in contact with the Poles is Lieutenant General Musk Hoffmann.

"Then how do you explain that all our underground organizations in Potsdam were completely eradicated by the Germans?"

Demovsky's expression grew even colder; to be honest, he quite enjoyed the Germans causing trouble.

As long as they are unwilling to cede Poz, he can use this as an excuse to further demand territory from Germany.

"That just proves you're talking nonsense. Everyone here knows your claims."

Riz-Shimigvi was furious; he simply couldn't understand what Demovsky was thinking.

Poland currently has conflicts with almost all of its neighbors, so there is really no need to offend both of the two powerful nations. Moreover, Germany is not a small country in Europe; it possesses terrifying war potential.

"My stance is indeed to cede more German territory, but I am not that despicable."

"And I'm telling the truth, the Germans' actions in Poz completely disrupted my plans."

Demovsky angrily pulled a stack of documents from his drawer and slammed them onto his desk. He then practically spat out the words through clenched teeth: "Open your eyes and take a good look at these names. These are loyal patriots, and they've all vanished!"

Demovsky was originally planning a major uprising that would sweep through Potseh.

Personnel, weapons, atmosphere, and even the fuse were all ready, just waiting for Paderewski to arrive in Poznan.

Polish national sentiment in Poznan erupted like a volcanic eruption.

But what about now?

His underground organization in Poland was almost completely eradicated by the Germans, and even the fuse was refused entry into Germany by German customs.

The reason given was that his safety could not be guaranteed.

They said Germany is in chaos right now, and no one can guarantee the safety of this world-renowned pianist...

play?

"It seems this is true."

Pisulsky's eyes stung as he stared at the densely lined names.

These were living, breathing Polish people who vanished in the blink of an eye, which made him feel uneasy.

But even though he was very uncomfortable, he had to endure it: "However, there is no violation of the so-called agreement. The agreement we reached with the Germans did not involve the handover of Pots. We only had an agreement on evacuation."

When he mentioned the word "evacuation," Pilsudski emphasized it, indicating that now was not the time to break ties with the Germans.

Because Germany still has a large number of troops on the Eastern Front, and large numbers of German troops are constantly retreating back home through Poland.

Besides these German soldiers, some Germans were even unwilling to accept their post-war lives and joined local Free Corps, wielding considerable influence in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

Moreover, Poland now needs German weapons.

A complete break with the Germans would not benefit Poland much; it would only create opportunities for the Russians to advance further eastward, further shrinking Poland's living space.

Most importantly, at least 5.5 German troops were still in Poland west of the Vistula River, and those Germans were so close to Warsaw.

This is what Piłsudski feared most.

The Second Empire still truly had the feeling that even a dead camel is bigger than a horse.

"So what should you do, Your Excellency?"

Demovsky made no attempt to hide his contempt for Piłsudski, feeling that the latter was overly wary of the Germans.

In his view, those Germans who have oppressed Poland for hundreds of years should be dealt a heavy blow. Why think so much?

When it's time to beat a dog when it's down, you should beat a dog when it's down.

"I will call Prince Leopold, and I will also have someone take over all of Potts' affairs."

"As for you?"

"Since you can't control what happens to Potts."

Pisulski looked coldly at his rival: "I've got a good job for you."

"What kind of good job is it?"

Demovsky sounded somewhat agitated, his eyes fixed on Pisulsky: "You don't mean I have to go and talk to those Germans, do you?"

"I've heard that Paris is drafting a postwar agreement with the Germans. Since you're so keen on advocating for the interests of the Poles, then go to the Paris Peace Conference and raise our demands."

"Let me see how much support those French people have for you."

"Very well, I will definitely get a satisfactory answer, Your Excellency President Piłsudski."

After saying that, Demowski stopped looking at him and instead turned around to tidy up the documents on the table.

After finishing tidying up, Demovsky walked straight to the door.

He opened the door, then suddenly turned to look at Piłsudski: "However, when I return, I still hope that Your Excellency the President can give me a satisfactory answer in Pots."

After saying that, he turned around and slammed the door shut.

"Dmovsky is too arrogant!" Molacevsky was furious.

"Be arrogant, be arrogant. It's precisely at times like these that we need to unite."

A hint of anger finally appeared on Piłsudski's cold and serious face, but it quickly vanished without a trace.

He then turned to Interior Minister Tugut: "Interior Minister, I'm leaving the matter of Pots to you. Send someone to find out... what exactly are the Germans up to in Pots?"