Chapter 59 Key Figures

Just turning 23 years old and being promoted to German Navy Lieutenant Commander, adorned with a Third Class Iron Cross medal on his chest, and ranking 25th on the list of German submarine ace commanders with a total tonnage of 82,000, was a dream come true for many. But when all of this was laid before Zhang Hainuo, he couldn't feel happy at all.

The promotion and decoration ceremony, presided over by two German generals, was even briefer than an audience with the Kaiser, with monotonous opening remarks, cold congratulations, and feeble handshakes, all making Zhang Hainuo sense pessimism from the top ranks of the navy.

Due to the futile battles against the British convoy fleets and a severe shortage of naval fuel stocks, the German Navy ordered a reduction in the number of submarine sorties. With the main fleet trapped in port, this was tantamount to surrendering to the British!

What made Zhang Hainuo angry and desperate was the order to keep U148, a brand-new submarine, in Wilhelmshaven awaiting further instructions. It was like putting a shark in a large pool separated by wire mesh, where the other side was full of delicious fish, but the shark could only smell and see them without being able to move an inch!

It seemed like the end of the war was near.

Looking at the most advanced German ocean-going submarine from the dock, Zhang Hainuo felt uneasy. If he didn't do something, once the war ended, there would be only two outcomes for it—either sinking in Wilhelmshaven or being handed over to the Allied powers as war reparations.

Zhang Hainuo decided to do something, something he had long planned.

First, he mobilized some of the crew to live aboard the submarine with him and took out the weapons from the armory on the submarine to strengthen security, in case an incident like what happened with U7 occurred.

Next, as he didn't know when Hessen and his submarine would return to port, Zhang Hainuo sent telegrams to Pola, Austria-Hungary, every day, asking Hessen to reply immediately upon receipt. He was fortunate enough that on the 17th telegram, Hessen replied: "I just arrived in Pola. What's urgent?"

Immediately, Zhang Hainuo sent him the following telegram: "Please make time to visit Fink Manor in the outskirts of Ostricshleben. Important matters to discuss. Urgent! Take leave and come as soon as possible!"

The next day, Hessen replied: "I'm setting off today!"

After receiving this telegram, Zhang Hainuo entrusted the security affairs on the submarine to Edwin and Simon, then applied for a five-day leave from the submarine command, without bothering to pack his things, and hurried to his Fink Manor.

Ostricshleben was located in the central-eastern part of Germany, about a day's journey from Wilhelmshaven and Pola, so Zhang Hainuo saw Hessen again the next day after a year apart. Without much pleasantries, he took Hessen to his study.

Zhang Hainuo told him straightforwardly, "Reliable information" indicated that Germany would hold out until at most November, and being in an absolute disadvantage at the time of the ceasefire meant defeat. The main weapons of the German Army and Navy would be forced to be surrendered. The main warships and submarines of the German Navy, which posed the greatest threat to the Allied powers, would inevitably be included.

Although equally disappointed with the current war situation, hearing such conclusions directly from Zhang Hainuo left Hessen speechless for a long time. If it had been someone less trustworthy, he might have stormed out immediately, because it was still July 1918, and although the German Army and Navy were in a disadvantageous position, they still seemed capable of continuing the fight.

Saying such things four months before the end of the war could be considered "treason" and "subversion of morale".

But Hessen didn't think so. As a German junior officer who excelled in military technology and disregarded politics, his confusion lay with what Zhang Hainuo said, not Zhang Hainuo himself. Although they had only spent a short four months together, they had become inseparable friends due to their shared character and pursuits, and communication between two friends who valued military honor above all else was based on mutual trust.

After a long while, Hessen sighed deeply, like a devout believer suddenly discovering that the so-called doctrine was facing collapse due to a crisis of faith, lost and helpless.

"Is there really no room for recovery?" This was not a question, but a heavy sigh.

"Almost certain!" Zhang Hainuo replied with a sincere gaze into those bewildered eyes, earnestly and responsibly.

Hessen's gaze lingered on the map for several minutes before finally nodding unexpectedly quickly.

"Hainuo, I have to admit, this is truly a crazy plan that makes me feel insane! But the Sea Madman has never feared challenges, so count me in on your plan!"

Zhang Hainuo's biggest worry instantly vanished, and the two young hands clasped together firmly.