Imperial Gardens, The Forbidden City, Beijing, 12th April 1940:
As the two officers struggled with their unexpected teaching challenges in the military quarters, Foreign Minister von Hausen was facing diplomatic complexities of his own in the serene setting of the Imperial Garden.
The Imperial Garden provided a striking contrast to the formal grandeur of the throne room. Here, beneath the shade of ancient cypress trees and alongside carefully cultivated lotus ponds, the atmosphere invited more intimate conversation. A simple wooden table had been positioned on a covered walkway that overlooked a small artificial lake, its surface reflecting the afternoon sunlight in patterns that shifted with the gentle breeze.
Emperor Xianhe had exchanged his formal court robes for simpler garments more appropriate to the garden setting, though the imperial yellow remained prominent in his dress. As servants arranged tea service with practiced efficiency, he gestured for Foreign Minister von Hausen to take the seat of honor facing the water.
"The formalities of the throne room serve their purpose," the Emperor observed as he settled into his own chair, "but meaningful conversation requires a more comfortable environment. We hope you find this setting agreeable."
"Your Majesty's consideration is most appreciated," von Hausen replied, accepting a cup of tea from a palace lady who moved with the silent grace characteristic of the imperial household. "The beauty of these gardens is remarkable—a testament to centuries of refinement."
The Emperor smiled with genuine pleasure at the compliment. "These gardens have provided refuge for our predecessors during many difficult periods. We find that problems which seem insurmountable within palace walls often appear more manageable when contemplated beside still water."
As the servants withdrew to a respectful distance, the Emperor turned his attention to the elaborate wooden chest that had been carefully positioned beside their table. The Hanseatic imperial seal was prominently displayed on its surface, carved in relief with meticulous attention to detail.
"We confess considerable curiosity about the contents of this gift," Emperor Xianhe admitted as he began examining the chest's intricate fastenings. "The craftsmanship of the container itself suggests contents of exceptional significance."
Von Hausen watched with satisfaction as the Chinese ruler opened the chest and revealed its contents. The ceremonial dagger nestled within had been crafted by the finest artisans in Theodosia specifically for this diplomatic exchange. The blade itself was fashioned from Hanseatic steel renowned throughout the world for its quality, while the handle represented a masterwork of cultural synthesis.
What made the gift truly extraordinary was the handle's decoration. Rather than traditional Hanseatic motifs, the metalwork featured intricate reliefs depicting Chinese dragons and phoenixes, their forms intertwined with geometric patterns that honored both artistic traditions. The message was unmistakable: the Hanseatic Empire valued its relationship with China sufficiently to incorporate Chinese artistic elements into an object of ceremonial importance.
Emperor Xianhe lifted the dagger with obvious reverence, his eyes reflecting genuine appreciation for both the craftsmanship and the diplomatic symbolism. "This is magnificent beyond Our expectations. The incorporation of Our ancestral symbols speaks to a level of cultural respect that few Western powers have demonstrated."
"His Imperial Majesty Konrad specifically requested that the gift reflect the friendship between our peoples," von Hausen explained. "The artisans who created it spent months studying Chinese artistic traditions to ensure appropriate representation."
"Such attention to detail honors both our realms," the Emperor replied, carefully returning the dagger to its silk-lined case. "We shall treasure this token of friendship, and it shall occupy a place of prominence in our personal chambers."
The exchange of pleasantries continued for several minutes as both men sipped their tea and admired the garden's tranquil beauty. Yet beneath the surface courtesy, both understood that more substantial matters required discussion. The Emperor, despite his gracious manner, carried the weight of an empire under siege, while von Hausen represented a power whose decisions might determine China's survival.
As the afternoon shadows lengthened, Emperor Xianhe's expression grew more serious. "We must speak frankly about the circumstances that have brought your delegation to Beijing. The Middle Kingdom faces challenges that threaten its very existence."
Von Hausen set down his teacup and assumed the attentive posture appropriate to receiving confidential communications. "His Imperial Majesty Konrad has instructed me to listen carefully to Your Majesty's concerns and to respond with complete honesty regarding the Hanseatic Empire's capabilities and limitations."
"The situation is this," the Emperor began, his voice carrying the weariness of a ruler confronting seemingly impossible choices. "The Empire of Japan grows more aggressive with each passing month. Their demands become more extensive, their military preparations more obvious, and their intentions more threatening. We fear that diplomatic solutions may soon prove inadequate."
The Foreign Minister nodded gravely. "The Hanseatic government has observed Japanese expansion with considerable concern. Their actions in Manchuria suggest ambitions that extend far beyond their traditional sphere of influence."
"Precisely," Emperor Xianhe confirmed. "Moreover, their requests for territorial concessions and commercial privileges indicate a systematic effort to reduce China to a puppet state. The marriage alliance they have demanded with our eldest daughter represents merely the first step in a comprehensive program of subjugation."
Von Hausen leaned forward slightly, sensing that they were approaching the heart of the Chinese Emperor's concerns. "Your Majesty mentioned that diplomatic solutions might prove inadequate. What alternative approaches are being considered?"
The Emperor paused to sip his tea, clearly weighing his words carefully. "We believe that only strength will deter further Japanese aggression. They respect power and despise weakness—virtues they learned from their German advisors and Western teachers. If China appears sufficiently strong to make conquest costly, they may choose to pursue easier targets elsewhere."
"A sound strategic assessment," von Hausen agreed. "Strength does indeed speak to all potential adversaries."
"Unfortunately," the Emperor continued with obvious frustration, "China's military capabilities have deteriorated significantly over recent decades. Our equipment is obsolete, our training methods are outdated, and our industrial capacity is insufficient to support modern warfare. We require foreign assistance on a scale that few powers could provide."
The conversation had now reached the crucial point where diplomatic courtesy would give way to hard negotiations. Von Hausen recognized that the Chinese Emperor was preparing to make specific requests that would require careful consideration.
"The Middle Kingdom has much to offer in exchange for such assistance," Emperor Xianhe declared, his tone becoming more businesslike. "The ports of Guangzhou, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Qingdao could provide exclusive access for Hanseatic shipping and commerce. Trade concessions and territorial privileges could be arranged on terms more favorable than any Western power currently enjoys."
von Hausen raised an eyebrow at the scope of these proposed concessions. "Your Majesty's generosity is remarkable. Such extensive privileges would represent commercial opportunities of extraordinary value."
"We understand the magnitude of what We offer," the Emperor acknowledged. "Such generosity reflects the magnitude of what we require in return."
The Foreign Minister set down his teacup and fixed the Chinese ruler with a direct gaze. "If Your Majesty is prepared to offer such significant concessions, I must assume that your requirements are equally substantial."
Emperor Xianhe nodded slowly, his expression reflecting the gravity of what he was about to request. "We require a guarantee—a formal commitment from the Hanseatic Empire to intervene militarily should Japan launch a full-scale invasion of China. Such a guarantee would effectively end Japanese aggression before it begins."
The request hung in the air between them like a physical presence. Von Hausen remained silent for several moments, understanding that this was precisely the commitment that his government would find most difficult to provide.
"Your Majesty," he finally replied, "such a guarantee extends far beyond my authority to provide. A military commitment of that magnitude could only be authorized at the highest levels of the Hanseatic government, and would require extensive consultation with our own military and political leadership."
The Emperor's expression showed disappointment but not surprise. "We understand the complexity of such decisions. However, surely the Hanseatic Empire could provide the weapons and expertise that China desperately needs? Our military forces are particularly lacking in modern ammunition and trained instructors."
"Military supplies would certainly be possible," von Hausen confirmed. "The Hanseatic Empire maintains extensive arms manufacturing capabilities and could provide modern weaponry on favorable terms. However, I cannot guarantee immediate delivery schedules."
"What would cause delays?" the Emperor inquired.
Von Hausen chose his words carefully, aware that revealing too much about Hanseatic strategic concerns might compromise his government's negotiating position. "Your Majesty, the Hanseatic Empire finds itself in an increasingly precarious situation regarding our European territories, particularly the Province of Ravara. We fear that another major war may be approaching in Europe, which would directly affect our ability to support distant allies."
Emperor Xianhe leaned back in his chair, processing this information. "You believe war in Europe is imminent?"
"All diplomatic signs point in that direction," von Hausen confirmed. "German ambitions appear to be expanding beyond what the Western democracies can tolerate, while the Soviet Union represents an additional destabilizing factor. The Hanseatic Empire may find itself forced to choose sides in a conflict that could determine the future of European civilization."
The Chinese Emperor's expression grew more troubled. "Then both our empires face existential challenges simultaneously. Perhaps this creates opportunities for mutual support that might benefit both parties."
Before von Hausen could respond, the Emperor pressed for a more definitive commitment. "We require a clearer answer than diplomatic circumlocution, Foreign Minister. Will the Hanseatic Empire provide meaningful assistance to China, or will you leave us to face Japanese aggression alone?"
The directness of the question demanded an equally direct response. "Your Majesty, I can commit to arms shipments and technical assistance within the limitations imposed by our European obligations. However, military guarantees and extensive troop deployments require decisions that only His Imperial Majesty Konrad can authorize."
Emperor Xianhe picked up his wine cup—the servants had quietly replaced tea service with more substantial refreshments as the afternoon progressed—and took a thoughtful sip before continuing. "We appreciate your honesty, Foreign Minister, though We had hoped for more definitive assurances. The situation facing the Middle Kingdom grows more desperate with each passing day."
"How desperate?" von Hausen asked quietly.
The Chinese ruler's composure cracked slightly, revealing the enormous pressure he faced. "We have already agreed to give our eldest daughter to the Japanese heir in hopes of satisfying their ambitions. Yet their demands grow heavier by the day—territorial concessions, commercial privileges, military bases, political advisors. The marriage alliance appears to have encouraged rather than satisfied their appetite for control."
Von Hausen nodded sympathetically. "Political marriages rarely achieve their intended diplomatic objectives when one party views them as signs of weakness rather than gestures of goodwill."
"Precisely," the Emperor agreed bitterly. "We fear that within five years, China will be reduced to a Japanese protectorate unless decisive action is taken to reverse current trends."
The conversation paused as both men contemplated the magnitude of the challenges facing their respective empires. The late afternoon sun was casting longer shadows across the garden, its golden light reflecting off the water's surface in patterns that would have been peaceful under other circumstances.
Emperor Xianhe set down his wine cup and fixed von Hausen with an intense gaze. "We have one additional request—something more personal than matters of state policy."
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"If there ever comes a time when China is under threat and being overrun by foreign armies, We want the Hanseatic Empire to promise that our children will be given asylum and refuge in your territories."
The request caught von Hausen completely off guard. In all his diplomatic experience, he had never been asked to provide sanctuary for foreign royalty fleeing their homeland. Yet the desperation in the Chinese Emperor's voice made the request's urgency unmistakable.
"Your Majesty," he replied without hesitation, "this is something the Hanseatic Empire can guarantee immediately and without reservation. Should such circumstances arise, your children will not only find refuge in our territories but will be treated with all the honors appropriate to their royal status."
The relief that crossed Emperor Xianhe's features was profound and immediate. "We are deeply grateful for this assurance. The knowledge that Our children would find protection provides considerable comfort during these difficult times."
"Furthermore," von Hausen continued, "I can assure Your Majesty that this commitment extends beyond my personal authority. The Hanseatic imperial tradition of providing sanctuary to displaced royalty is well-established and would be honored regardless of political circumstances."
"Your generosity honors both our families," the Emperor replied, raising his wine cup in a toast. "May we never need to invoke such arrangements, but their existence provides security that no amount of military assistance could match."
As they concluded their toast, Emperor Xianhe's expression brightened somewhat. "On a more pleasant note, We hope that your delegation will honor us by attending the wedding celebration of Princess Ankang and Prince Itsuhito. The ceremony is scheduled for next week and will be held in the main courtyard of the Forbidden City."
"We would be honored to participate in such a significant occasion," von Hausen replied.
"Excellent. Your delegation will be provided with seats of honor adjacent to the imperial family. The ceremony will showcase traditional Chinese wedding customs that few foreigners have witnessed, and We believe you will find it both beautiful and educational."
The sun was now setting in earnest, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold that reflected brilliantly off the garden's water features. The covered walkway where they sat was bathed in warm light that created an almost magical atmosphere, transforming their serious diplomatic discussions into something approaching poetry.
Their peaceful contemplation was interrupted by the approach of Minister Chen, who had guided the two officers to their training duties earlier in the day. He prostrated himself before the Emperor and spoke rapidly in Chinese, his tone suggesting considerable concern.
Emperor Xianhe's expression darkened as he listened to the report. With a visible sigh, he turned toward von Hausen with obvious reluctance.
"It appears that today's conduct by your officers has left rather unfavorable impressions on our soldiers," he said quietly.
Von Hausen's eyebrows rose in surprise and concern. "I apologize, Your Majesty, but I'm not certain what specific issues have arisen. Both officers are experienced professionals with excellent records."
The Emperor gestured for Minister Chen to provide details, though his expression suggested that he found the entire situation regrettable.
Von Hausen sat in stunned silence, his diplomatic composure momentarily shattered by the realization that his carefully planned mission might be unraveling before it had truly begun. The golden light of the setting sun suddenly seemed far less peaceful as he contemplated how to respond to this unexpected diplomatic crisis.