Chapter 4: True Feelings in Adversity

As dawn broke, the biting rain and snow continued to fall intermittently, filling the air with a damp, eerie scent.

"Within 24 hours, it will all be over! Failure is inevitable, and many of us will be arrested! While it may seem pessimistic now, I still suggest you consider your options: prison, fleeing, or assuming a new identity!"

In a moment, Edwin accepted Zhang Hainuo's somewhat sharp perspective. The real Hans Lomest was an orphan, previously serving as a sailor on a long-haul cargo ship, where he died suddenly from illness during the voyage. However, the death report never made it to the relevant government departments; instead, it was used by some professional fabricators to create false identities to sell to fugitives or others in need of secret identity changes. Therefore, even if Edwin were arrested by the police or the army, as long as the trial took place in Munich, the likelihood of this false identity being exposed was very small.

As for Zhang Hainuo, he had already transitioned from a "missing person" in the navy to a retired navy personnel - a result of Rederl's work at the Berlin Naval Archives two years ago. With his help, Zhang Hainuo obtained a medical certificate stating "possible temporary amnesia due to head injury" from a naval hospital, and a couple from Spain claimed to have rescued this German officer adrift at sea in late October 1918, hosting him until the end of 1919. Subsequently, a temporary naval investigation committee conducted an investigation into the matter and held a public hearing within the navy, ultimately "clarifying" his disappearance and whereabouts afterward. Because the sinking of U-148 and Zhang Hainuo's injury were considered normal outcomes of combat, he not only bore no responsibility but also became a hero of the navy.

However, due to redundancy in naval personnel and Zhang Hainuo's own wishes, the committee ultimately recommended to the naval headquarters that Hainuo von Finkenstein be retired and receive special combat injury benefits, a request quickly approved by the naval headquarters. Thus, Zhang Hainuo had officially retired from the navy in Germany. In other words, he was now a free man in Germany, albeit with the collapse of the German Empire and the fall of the monarchy, the hereditary baron title of the Finkenstein family was reduced to a meaningless title.

"If the Führer is arrested and sentenced to lifelong imprisonment or..."

Edwin omitted the latter speculation that both parties were clear about, implying quite clearly: if Hitler could not lead this party, should he establish himself independently, compete with others for power, or defect to other parties.

"As long as he does not come to harm in battle, you should forget about other thoughts and continue to wholeheartedly regard him as the only leader of this party. As long as he does not die, this person will achieve great things in a few years!" With that, Zhang Hainuo gave a somewhat mocking smile, "I heard that several famous astrologers have made such predictions!"

Edwin was not interested in the so-called astrologers and prophecies, but Zhang Hainuo's initial advice to him and the rapid rise of the National Socialist Party in recent years made him trust his friend's speculations very much. However, this time it was of great importance, even deciding his own future. He looked pensive at the calm streets and the navy commandos and stormtroopers still stationed at the street corner, saying:

"But our actions yesterday are likely to be deemed as rioting. According to custom, even if organizers are not hanged, they will be sentenced to lifelong imprisonment or exile. Can our leader continue to lead and control this party in prison or abroad?"

Such questions were worrying many people before the trial of Adolf Hitler in the spring of 1924, and even after the trial, many influential newspapers still judged that "Hitler and his ridiculous party were finished" and "the political career of the beer hall rioters would end here." During Hitler's imprisonment, the National Socialist Party did indeed face division, but for him, it was more like a baptism. He not only made himself famous nationwide but also gained valuable experience from it and completed the first part of "Mein Kampf" with the help of people like Hess.

Zhang Hainuo took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. Although it was just an accessory on him, the cold morning made him feel the need for one. After exhaling smoke rings, he said, "Just like the course of this uprising, the final result will prove to people that history is sometimes full of dramatic turns!"

The cheap cigarettes, priced at 5 cents a pack, had a pungent taste, but Edwin seemed to be accustomed to this inferior tobacco - during his service in the navy, he only consumed one or two packs a month, but now it had increased to one and a half packs a day. The complex internal affairs of the party might have made this once simple young man feel troubled, but it was evident that he had largely adapted to it all.

As it approached 8 o'clock, a stormtrooper arrived on a motorcycle to deliver the latest orders from the leader: all units defending the streets and bridges were to assemble immediately at the Beer Hall Putsch.

"The final moment is upon us!" Zhang Hainuo said with deep emotion. If Hitler were to die in the final melee, then his investment in this party would be in vain, and he did not know what path Germany would take next, but Germany's people were full of resentment, the German army was unwilling to accept defeat, and Germany was still suffering from oppression economically and politically by the victors. If all this did not change, war was only a matter of time - from the moment the Treaty of Versailles was signed, peace in Europe could only last twenty years.

It took only five minutes for Zhang Hainuo's 39 naval commandos and the 30 regular stormtroopers brought by Edwin to fill their stomachs with cheese and bread bought from nearby restaurants. They walked to the Beer Hall Putsch, where stormtroopers and soldiers of the League of Combatants were also marching toward the same destination.

As historians commented, this was a strange uprising, or rather a riot. For the past 12 hours, there had been no bloodshed or intense fighting. Röhm had indeed occupied the army headquarters without firing a shot, but surprisingly had not taken control of the central switchboard; the Combat League sent to occupy the police headquarters and their affiliated forces had confronted the police for several hours, both sides avoiding conflict as much as possible, and ultimately ending without incident; in the morning, Hitler sent his most loyal SA to rescue several party members arrested last night, but their bluffing attack was thwarted by the police, and once again, no one attempted to shoot.

By now, Zhang Hainuo finally understood one thing: the characteristic of this uprising was the confusion and hesitation on both sides. In some parts of the city, the city police were tearing down slogans and arresting rebels; in other parts near the city center, the rebels were arresting city police and tearing down government condemnations of the uprising and proclamations of the dissolution of the Nazi Party.

Inside the Beer Hall, smoke filled the air, damp and musty. Without washing up, soldiers were having breakfast—coffee, cheese, and bread. The excitement and jubilation from last night had evaporated; someone announced that the three political giants had publicly condemned the revolution, and the army was not participating in the uprising. Another person took to the platform, in the very place where the memorable dramatic events had unfolded, and loudly denounced all traitors—bourgeoisie and generals alike.

"To march on Berlin!" he shouted.

There were scattered applause in the hall, but the current situation had made some believe this suggestion was entirely impractical.

In a corner of the beer hall, the leaders of this uprising were vigorously debating the next course of action. Colonel Hermann Kriebel, who had served under Ludendorff, advocated for withdrawing the troops to Rosenheim on the German-Austrian border, where they could potentially win over local right-wing radicals. Goering agreed with this plan, as it was his hometown; he assured that the people there strongly supported Hitler, and they could replenish their forces and regroup.

"The movement cannot end in some dark country alley," Ludendorff sarcastically countered.

Hitler hesitated for a moment; the prospect of a prolonged guerrilla war did not interest him. He wanted either total success or failure in one stroke. Thus, he vetoed Kriebel's plan.

When news of the impending attack on the Rom headquarters by the encircling army and police reached the Beer Hall, the debate ended. It was apparent that if the rebel forces didn't act immediately, they would have to surrender shamefully.

"We march on foot!"

It was a typical Hitlerian decision—propagandistic, showcasing power, rallying civilian support for the uprising.

At this moment, Ludendorff still believed that the army soldiers would not hinder the procession; they wouldn't fire at war heroes like themselves—during the procession, he would lead from the front.

An hour later, a massive procession had gathered. The musicians who had reported to the beer hall that morning had neither eaten breakfast nor received their pay; after perfunctorily playing the military march "Badenweiler," they had all left. So, there was no band leading the procession.

At the front were selected spearheads and eight other soldiers, carrying swastika flags and black-white-red tricolor flags. Following the standard-bearers were the leaders of the uprising: Hitler in the middle, accompanied by Schneidhuber Richter on the right and Ludendorff on the left. Alongside them was the commander of the Munich Stormtroopers, Colonel Kriebel, with his guards Graff and Captain Hermann Goering—his helmet adorned with a large white swastika, wearing a handsome black leather coat, open-chested to display his blue Max's Order, he appeared both imposing and romantic.

Behind the leaders were three columns of troops, marching side by side. On the left were Hitler's hundred guards, wearing helmets, carrying rifles, and grenades hanging from their belts; on the right was the "Obeland League"; in the middle was the battle-tested Munich Stormtrooper corps.

Next came a motley crew—some wore uniforms or tattered old military uniforms from the World War I era; some wore work clothes or business suits. Student cadets, spirited and eager, mingled among students, shop assistants, middle-aged merchants, and stern-faced thugs. The only common emblem of the procession was the swastika armband on the left arm. Most were armed with rifles, and many had bayonets attached.

The irregular formation set off from the beer hall at noon, and fifteen minutes later, the two-thousand-strong procession arrived at the Ludwig Bridge, where they encountered a small group of policemen. As the vanguard of the rebel forces approached slowly, the police commander stepped forward and ordered them to halt or be shot. He turned around, ordering his men to load their guns. As he spoke, the sound of a bugle came from the other side. The selected spearheads, brandishing their bayonets, closed in on the police from all sides, shouting, "Don't shoot at your comrades!"

The police hesitated for a moment. Thus, without a shot being fired, Zhao's forces passed through. After crossing the bridge, they continued forward. Zweibrücken Street was crowded with people; many cheered and waved swastika flags. Spectators began to join the procession. The crowd's enthusiasm encouraged the procession; they couldn't help but sing songs. Although there was no accompanying band, they spontaneously sang their favorite, "Storm Song."

The cold people, exhaling white breaths, continued on, no longer hindered. Fifteen minutes later, they surged into Marienplatz. Because a mass rally had just ended, swastika flags still fluttered in the square. The Nazi flag still flew over the city hall; a large crowd sang patriotic songs. At this moment, chaos erupted within the procession. Some felt they should return to the beer hall, while others believed they should continue into the city to save Rom.

"We need two or three trucks, can you arrange that?"

Seeing the front of the procession starting to move again, Zhang Hainuo lowered his voice and said to Edwin.

The logistics commissioner of the NSDAP looked around and easily found what he wanted beside the street on one side of the square—several Mercedes or Daimler trucks, each of which could carry 20 to 30 stormtroopers with simple equipment, many of the stormtroopers and battle league soldiers from outside the city had come in these trucks.

"Now?" Edwin asked.

Zhang Hainuo thought for a moment. "Just make sure they're still there and ready to go when we need them!"

Edwin nodded and selected six from his accompanying stormtroopers, instructing, "Take over those trucks over there on behalf of the logistics committee. No one is allowed to drive them away without an order from the Fuhrer or me!"

The stormtroopers saluted their superiors and, armed with their pistols, went through the crowd to take control of the trucks.

"No matter what happens!" Zhang Hainuo also called out to his stormtroopers, "Don't panic, stay close to me!"

The stormtroopers, who didn't understand the meaning, shouted "Yes, sir" one after another. They probably thought their captain was worried about the procession getting dispersed, but soon every one of them would realize how important this order was to them.

After the procession left Marienplatz, it didn't take long to reach one of the most heavily guarded places in Munich—the Parliament Building. Here, they were stopped by a group of policemen, but Ludendorff showed no intention of stopping, and Hitler and the others continued to follow this former deputy chief of staff of the German Army during World War I. Someone started it, and the rebel forces began singing "Oh, Germany, High Honor."

Walking near the front of the procession, surrounded by the songs, Zhang Hainuo didn't have to worry about bullets flying directly at him, but he couldn't see clearly what was happening at the front. However, those standing behind windows along the street could see clearly. On this street, which could only accommodate eight people walking side by side, Ludendorff walked alone with his head held high, while Hitler, the leader of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP), walked arm in arm with Scheubner-Richter. Ahead, at the Odeonsplatz, small groups of soldiers dressed in green uniforms were hurrying to their positions, trying to block the procession.

The distance between the two groups gradually narrowed. The police aimed their guns at the approaching procession, while the brown-shirted stormtroopers raised their bayonets and pistols. Some of the police with rifles started to advance, attempting to force the procession to retreat. Their opponents hoped to intimidate them in the name of Ludendorff. But what power did Ludendorff hold here? These were police officers, not soldiers.

Bang...

The sharp sound of gunfire pierced through the cacophony of songs and shouts. Even Zhang Hainuo, who was several dozen meters away from the scene, could feel the impact it had on the entire procession. Then, the gunfire intensified, and people at the front began to fall. The procession and onlookers scattered, and chaos ensued.

Having prepared himself psychologically, Zhang Hainuo didn't hesitate to shout loudly, "Follow me, Naval Assault Troops!" He then grabbed Edwin's arm and pulled him to the left side of the street, against the wall. After some initial hesitation, the assault troops quickly gathered around. Some of Edwin's stormtroopers were pushed away by the panicked crowd, but a considerable number remained. Thus, amidst the chaos, these dozens of people formed a "island" against the wall, allowing the chaotic crowd to pass by.

"How is the Führer? Did anyone see the Führer?" After calming down, Edwin urgently grabbed a stormtrooper who had fallen back from the front.

The man's face turned pale, stammering, "No... I didn't see him. The people at the front may have all been shot!"

Ignoring the man's words, Zhang Hainuo stood on tiptoe and looked ahead. The gunfire had somewhat subsided, but each shot was still clear due to the short distance. The streets were littered with banners of the stormtroopers and the Combat League, trampled by the retreating crowd, devoid of their former grandeur. In some places further ahead, people lay on the ground, while stormtroopers continued to fire across the street. The green-uniformed police temporarily withdrew to their barricades.

Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared in Zhang Hainuo's sight – the black hair, the gray military coat, unmistakably Hitler. He was clutching his left arm, walking somewhat unsteadily, being escorted by a burly man.

As history records, with the sound of gunfire, this man, who had just minutes ago seemed resigned to death, abandoned his dying and wounded comrades and fled the battlefield. No one knew what he was thinking at that moment. Years later, when he rose to the pinnacle of power, no one would dare to criticize him for it.

"Naval Assault Troops, cover!" Zhang Hainuo shouted, then, bending over, he pulled Edwin, who hadn't reacted yet, towards the two men and ran past them – it was definitely a perfect opportunity to establish an image in front of the Führer, a favor that would not be left to others.

At this moment, the assault troops did not hesitate anymore. They followed with their weapons, some providing cover, some clearing the way, while the rest surrounded Little Mustache and Zhang Hainuo in the middle.

As they approached, Zhang Hainuo saw blood flowing from Hitler's left hand. He was shocked – in the historical Beer Hall Putsch, Hitler had only dislocated his arm when Gräf threw himself to shield him from bullets, but he had not been shot. The brave Gräf had died instantly from a gunshot wound.

"Respected Führer, are you injured?"

Hitler still painfully held his left arm, giving Zhang Hainuo and Edwin a weak glance. Seeing that he was now under the protection of these assault troops, he nodded reluctantly. "Quick, leave this place!"

With Hitler on his back, Zhang Hainuo gently nudged Edwin with his elbow, and Edwin, understanding the situation, shouted to one of his subordinates, "Stormtroopers, protect the Führer's retreat!"

"Naval Assault Troops, cover the rear!"

With the orders given, the order of this group of people changed slightly, but still centered around Little Mustache and a few others. Edwin supported the injured Führer on the right, while Zhang Hainuo accompanied on the left. However, before they could take a few steps, Gräf, who had been walking closely beside Hitler just moments ago, fell to the ground. A large amount of blood was flowing from his tightly clasped abdomen.

"Helmut!" Zhang Hainuo called out his deputy's name and ordered, "Take people to carry Gräf away!"

Just as the stormtroopers were about to lift Gräf, this strong bodyguard waved his left hand holding a pistol, "Protect the Führer and go!"

Hitler stopped and looked back at Gräf lying on the ground, a complex expression flashed in his eyes, but he said nothing. When Edwin continued to lead him forward, his steps did not hesitate.

Zhang Hainuo stood still for two seconds, looking at Gräf's resolute expression. Perhaps this man had already decided to sacrifice his life for the leader, or perhaps he had simply acted on instinct to shield him from bullets. His black overcoat was already wet at the abdomen, tightly clasping the wound. There might only be one bullet hole, but it was likely fatal.

With the help of two assault troops, Helmut dragged this heavy guy to a meter away from the wall. The thick and dark red blood on the ground was shocking, indicating the severity of his injury.

There was no time to hesitate. Zhang Hainuo told himself this in his mind. He took a last glance at the street where the gunfight was nearing its end. The police seemed to have reorganized their ranks and were preparing to clear out the remaining insurgents.

"Let's go!"

Zhang Hainuo gave the command in a low voice, then led his assault troops, who had already moved some distance away, to run towards Edwin and the others.

A few hundred meters ahead was Marienplatz, where the trucks were parked, but Little Mustache pointed to another street, seemingly wanting to go that way. Zhang Hainuo was puzzled and only learned after asking that Hitler had parked his car there – it contained medical equipment and drugs.

That "Selve" couldn't accommodate more than a few people. Zhang Hainuo knew very well that without trucks, these assault troops and stormtroopers would have to leave this dangerous area on foot. If they were lucky, they might slip away from the hands of the military and police, but if they were surrounded, they would either have to throw away their weapons and hide in civilian houses to try their luck or surrender – if they were just ordinary participants, they would probably only face short-term imprisonment or fines, but the leaders were bound to spend some time in prison.

Time didn't allow them to think too much. Zhang Hainuo volunteered to Edwin, "I'll take people to the trucks over there!"

"Norris, you go with Mr. von Finkenstein to get the trucks. We'll meet at the Beergarden!" Edwin immediately instructed one of his subordinates, then, accompanied by several stormtroopers, escorted Hitler into the street on the right.

"Naval Assault Troops, move forward at a run!"

Zhang Hainuo shouted to his assault troops, now not even bothering to count their numbers. However, this kind of marching was something he had never experienced before, neither on the Scharnhorst nor on the submarines. At this moment, he felt like he had become an army commander – the navy and the army each had their own characteristics.

About ten minutes later, the group arrived at Marienplatz. Zhang Hainuo immediately saw the trucks parked on the street opposite, but before he could breathe a sigh of relief, the increasingly intense gunfire made him realize that things were not good. It turned out that the army units rushing from the outskirts were attacking from the north of this square, while the stormtroopers previously pushed down from the Commandant's Street were using this as a temporary stronghold for "battle."

Bending low as much as possible, Zhang Hainuo, amidst the hail of bullets, crossed the square from the south, fortunately the soldiers did not intend to launch a massacre, their firepower was mostly warning shots. By the time they reached the trucks, the six stormtroopers Edwin had dispatched earlier to take control were still faithfully holding their positions. They controlled three trucks, while there were quite a few frustrated stormtroopers and combat league soldiers nearby. As Zhang Hainuo and his assault troops boarded the truck, they tried to climb up, but were driven back to their original positions by Edwin's shouting.

"To the Beergarden!" Norris, one of the stormtroopers, reported the destination to the drivers of several trucks, then jumped onto the running board of one of the trucks.

As they left Marienplatz, the gunfire there continued unabated. The three trucks moved along the route taken by the procession, but as several street intersections had been occupied by the police, they had to take detours. When they found that the road to the Ludwig Bridge across the river was also blocked by the police, they had no choice but to give up the attempt to go to the beer garden and turn south – only the roads there were still passable.

Goering's display of the "Medal of Honor" did not save him from harm. He was shot in the thigh and lay on the sidewalk. People carried him to a nearby courtyard, where they asked the owner of a house if they were willing to take in the wounded.

"Of course, we are willing to rescue and shelter the wounded, but please note that Jews live here."

So, Goering was carried upstairs. After being treated, Goering was allowed to stay until his friends came to move him to Austria. It was the pity of the Jews that allowed him to escape from behind bars.

At the time of the firefight on Commander's Street, Hess was escorting captured Munich city councilors to a villa in Tegernsee. However, when he called Munich to inquire about the situation, the young soldier guarding them was persuaded to use the car to take them home. Hess not only lost the hostages but also lost the means of transportation.

Hanfstaengl lost all opportunities for action. He was at home. His sister called to say that the rebel forces were advancing into the center of Munich. On the street, he ran into a familiar, exhausted Stormtrooper. The man said that Hitler, Ludendorff, and Goering had all sacrificed themselves, and the Nazi Party was finished. Just as Hanfstaengl turned to go home to prepare to escape, an open-top car whizzed to a stop beside him. Inside were Amann, Esser, Eckart, and Hoffmann. They all went to the photographer's house together, and after discussion, they all agreed that he should go to Austria alone.

At Marienplatz, the movement that began with a fighting stance ended with people fleeing wildly, as if some natural disaster had struck the area. A group of rebels hid in a young women's high school, some hiding under beds, others hiding in bathrooms. Another group broke into a kitchen, hiding weapons all around, whether under stoves, in flour sacks, or in coffee barrels. Police searched for insurgents everywhere; hundreds of people were disarmed on the streets. Those who stayed behind at the Beergarden were so scared by this disaster that they surrendered to the police without firing a shot, piled up their weapons, and went home to repent.

In the headquarters of the military district, Captain Rom realized that resistance was futile and surrendered.

Although the uprising ended, the police force, which had returned victorious from the beer hall, was jeered at by the citizens. They shouted, "Go! Protectors of Jews! Traitors! Hounds! Heil Hitler! Down with Carl!"