"Commissioner James, so, what you're saying now is that you still haven't caught those bastards, is that right?"
"Th-that..."
The voice that was colder than the wintry air outside made the New York Police Commissioner involuntarily shrink his body.
All he wanted in his heart was to turn around immediately, rush towards the door behind him, and flee from this place.
But now, not only did he not have a choice, he didn't even have the right to run away.
"Really disappointing."
This place was No. 23 Wall Street.
It also had another name — the J.P. Morgan & Co. Building, the city of the devil in the American financial world.
And the man with a big nose and a big belly that the commissioner was facing at this moment was precisely the master of this city of the devil.
He was the person in charge of J.P. Morgan Bank, who was on a par with Andrew Carnegie, the King of Steel, and John D. Rockefeller, the King of Oil, and was known as the King of Finance in the United States.
"Really very disappointing."
This was the notorious John Pierpont Morgan.
Even the imposing New York Police Commissioner was nothing more than a frightened citizen, shivering in fear in front of him.
Because even in the 20th century, and even in the 21st century a hundred years later, the United States was still a country ruled by money.
"Sorry, Mr. Morgan! Please give me a little more time. I will mobilize all the New York police officers and definitely arrest those crazy Dixie guys!"
"You'd better do that. For your own sake."
J.P. Morgan interrupted the commissioner impatiently, waved his hand, indicating that he could leave.
He also added a cold warning:
"...Can the New York Police Department really catch those 'Ku Klux Klan'?"
The police commissioner, on the verge of being removed from his position, bowed his head repeatedly. After hastily leaving J.P. Morgan's office, the secretary of Morgan murmured with a meaningful look on his face.
"Impossible, right?"
J.P. Morgan let out a soft laugh upon hearing this.
The look in his eyes that had almost killed the police commissioner just now had long since disappeared.
"To be honest, I'm not even sure if they're really the Ku Klux Klan."
Those unidentified terrorists who had blown up the Wardenclyffe Tower, which was presided over by Tesla, claimed to be the "Ku Klux Klan", or KKK for short.
But in J.P. Morgan's opinion, there were too many doubts.
"I've never heard of the Ku Klux Klan appearing in public in such a strange costume. It's more like the outlandish clothes in Catholic activities in Southern Europe."
This was a small mistake on Hans' part.
As is well known, the image of the Ku Klux Klan wearing white pointed hoods actually only emerged during the second resurgence in 1915.
Before that, although the Ku Klux Klan also wore hoods, the style was relatively ordinary.
"And judging by the style of those idiots in the South, this operation ended too cleanly, didn't it?"
Not to mention the police, even the "Pinkerton Detective Agency" hired by J.P. Morgan couldn't find any clues about this group claiming to be the Ku Klux Klan.
Morgan was familiar with those Southern racists who suffered from a sense of grandiosity. They were definitely not such meticulous people.
"Could it be the work of Communists or Anarchists?"
"No, it couldn't be. If it were those reds, they would be more likely to throw a bomb right here."
They simply had no reason to blow up the Wardenclyffe Tower.
After all, only Tesla regarded that strange iron tower as important. J.P. Morgan had long lost interest in the unproductive Wardenclyffe Tower.
"I was planning to stop investing in Tesla anyway."
Although he had just lost his temper with the police commissioner, in fact, J.P. Morgan didn't feel much about the destruction of the Wardenclyffe Tower.
That little bit of money was hardly a loss for Morgan.
"What is Tesla doing now?"
"I heard that he was hit hard and went to Germany to recuperate."
"Germany, Germany...?"
Why Germany?
J.P. Morgan was puzzled by this.
Although Tesla was from a German-speaking region, it was only the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which had nothing to do with the German Empire.
And the timing was too coincidental.
"Could it be that the German Empire is behind this?"
Even J.P. Morgan himself thought this speculation was too outrageous.
Although Tesla was a genius of the century, he hadn't created many substantial profitable achievements.
The German Empire had no reason to go to great lengths to plan and take such a person away.
"Send a few people to keep an eye on him in Germany."
But even so, J.P. Morgan still gave this order to his secretary.
Because his keen intuition seemed to be shouting silently.
"Keep a close eye on Tesla for now."
It was as if it was saying that if he missed this, he would surely regret it for the rest of his life.
...
Before he knew it, Christmas Eve had arrived.
At the same time, the eventful year of 1901 was coming to an end.
And the entire New Palace of Potsdam was filled with the atmosphere of Christmas. Outside the palace, everything was covered in white, and inside the palace, there were magnificent Christmas decorations everywhere. A huge Christmas tree, which had been transported from somewhere, stood in the palace hall.
In the early 20th century in Europe, the appearance of a Christmas tree might seem a bit strange, but the Christmas tree was actually one of the ancient German Christmas traditions.
And this tradition was spread to the United Kingdom by Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, and then spread all over the world.
In short, Hans finally managed to take a break from his busy days and spent his first Christmas in Germany with Joachim and Louise.
"Looking back, I've been through a lot of things."
One day, Hans suddenly traveled back to Germany in the 20th century and accidentally saved the life of Wilhelm II. That's where it all began.
After that, he was accepted by the German Emperor and came to the New Palace of Potsdam. He put forward the suggestion of the dreadnought to the Emperor at a banquet, and also made France suffer a setback by reopening the Dreyfus Affair.
After that, he also helped the Dowager Empress Victoria and Wilhelm II to untie the knot in their hearts. As a result, he inherited the empress dowager's estate, including the Friedrichshof Castle. Moreover, he was conferred a noble title and became Baron Hans von Joe.
He even developed the submachine gun together with the Schmeisser father and son, and had a confrontation with Field Marshal Waldersee at a demonstration meeting. Finally, he got to know Tesla.
"By the way, is Mr. Tesla having a smooth time with his work now?"
That's right. Thanks to a little help from Hans, Tesla successfully solved the problem of the Wardenclyffe Tower. He temporarily returned to the United States to end his cooperation with J.P. Morgan and has only recently completely moved to Germany.
Under the pretext of being shocked by the explosion of the Wardenclyffe Tower and using recuperation as an excuse, he settled down in Germany.
"I heard that J.P. Morgan didn't say much. Could it be that we've been exposed?"
It shouldn't be the case.
There is no evidence indicating that Hans was involved. Moreover, it is said that the United States is currently busy suppressing the Ku Klux Klan and has no time to care about other things.
This was also a small butterfly effect he had brought about.
Previously, Americans only regarded the Ku Klux Klan as an ordinary white supremacist group in the South. But after the Wardenclyffe Tower incident, they were regarded as a crazy terrorist organization.
Naturally, the US federal government couldn't just sit back and watch crazy terrorists run amok.
This was not a bad thing.
It would be good for the world if a trash organization like the Ku Klux Klan disappeared as soon as possible.
In short, Nikola Tesla, who had returned to Germany, was currently living in the annex of the Friedrichshof Castle and was focusing on radio research.
It seemed that he was quite satisfied with the Friedrichshof Castle.
He said that it was quiet and had a beautiful scenery here, which was conducive to the progress of his research.
However, Hans had to make a lot of effort to persuade Princess Margaret for this.
I hope Tesla won't cause any big troubles.
"By the way, are father and my brothers still at the dance?"
"I'm so envious. I also want to go to the dance."
In front of the fireplace, Joachim and Louise were murmuring while looking at picture books.
The Emperor and Empress, the Crown Prince, and other princes were attending a Christmas dance at Sanssouci Palace next to the New Palace.
Judging from the sounds coming over, the dance seemed to still be in full swing.
So why didn't these people go?
Because they were too young.
In this era, a dance was not just an occasion for dancing, but also an important social event for the upper class to build connections.
And these children had not yet stepped into the social circle, so naturally they couldn't attend.
"By the way, Hans, what Christmas present do you want?"
"Me? I don't really want anything in particular."
Hans answered Joachim's question like this.
This was not just polite talk, but he really didn't have anything he wanted.
Whether it was the Friedrichshof Castle or the noble title, he had already gained too many things this year.
"If I were to be greedy for more, I wouldn't have anything to say even if Krampus (a demon in European legends who punishes and abducts naughty children during Christmas) were to carry me away, right?"
"Indeed, you're a bit of a risk, Hans. When it comes to whether you're a good child or a bad one, you'd probably lean more towards being a bad child."
Louise, who still believed in Santa Claus and Krampus, said this.
Hans didn't refute it and just forced a smile.
"Even I think I'm far from the standard of a good child. I've done quite a few bad things."
For example, what he did to France.
Just as Hans was lost in his memories, a song came from a distance.
It was a song he was familiar with.
In Eastern countries, this song was called "Silent Night" and it was a famous Christmas carol.
It seemed that the church near the palace was having a chorus.
"How kind and how innocent, to enjoy the peace bestowed by heaven..."
The group sipped on their hot cocoa while listening to the Christmas carol, feeling cozy and at peace.
It was a tranquil night, a peaceful night.
I hope this peace can last into next year, and even the year after.
However, the world was still bustling and turning vigorously.
...
In London, the British Empire, snowflakes were falling one after another.
The Japanese Legation in the UK.
"London is really lively today, Mr. Hayashi."
Inside the Japanese Legation in the UK, the warm fire was flickering. Komura Jutarō, the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, stood by the window, looking at the snowy street outside, and conversing with Hayashi Tadasu, the Japanese Minister to the UK.
"Because today is Christmas Eve. In the West, this is one of the most important festivals."
In response to Komura Jutarō's words, Hayashi Tadasu, the Japanese Minister to the UK, replied with a smile. His gaze also turned towards the window outside, as if he was seeing the snow falling in his hometown.
"Come to think of it, I heard an interesting piece of news when I returned to our country a few days ago. It's said that the half-brother of the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty performed the ritual of three kneelings and nine prostrations to the German Emperor?"
Komura Jutarō turned around and looked at Hayashi Tadasu.
"Ah, that matter. It has also become a hot topic in London." A faint smile appeared on Hayashi Tadasu's face. This piece of news had indeed caused quite a stir at that time.
"However, our country seems to be more concerned about that favored Eastern noble of the Emperor."
"You mean Baron Hans von Joe, right?"
There was an obvious hint of curiosity in Komura Jutarō's eyes, while Minister Hayashi had a deep understanding of this baron.
No, it should be said that as long as one was in Europe, it was impossible not to know about him.
Because whenever his name was mentioned, it was always accompanied by eye-catching major events.
"I heard that not long ago, he even made a Marshal of the German Imperial Army suffer a great loss."
Although he didn't hear the specific details, as a member of the yellow race, Hayashi Tadasu still felt quite pleased in his heart.
It was just a pity that he was not Japanese but a Qing national.
"I heard that he has just turned ten years old, yet he is an extraordinary young man."
"I couldn't agree more. But let's put this aside for now. We have more important matters to deal with at present."
The expression on Minister Hayashi's face became serious. The upcoming conversation was related to the fate of the Great Japanese Empire and was of utmost importance.
"I heard that Itō finally gave up on the negotiations with Russia?"
"Is this true?"
"Yes, that remarkable Itō Hirobumi has now become an outdated figure."
Komura Jutarō, the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, shook his head.
That lecherous old man Itō Hirobumi was too afraid of Russia.
Even though there was no real benefit for the Japanese Empire, he still tried his best to facilitate the negotiations with Russia. Perhaps that was why.
"As I expected, the negotiations with Russia ended in failure after all."
However, Komura Jutarō was different from Itō Hirobumi.
"As you can see, the Russian Empire is simply not a suitable partner for proper negotiations. The Russians will never withdraw from Liaodong, Manchuria, and Korea."
"So, the solution to the problem is still 'force', isn't it?"
"That's right, and for this purpose, the Anglo-Japanese Alliance is essential."
Minister of Foreign Affairs Komura turned to Minister Hayashi.
"What was the reaction of the British Foreign Secretary?"
"The Marquess of Lansdowne expressed strong support for our giving up the negotiations with Russia."
"Very good, excellent. The future of the Great Japanese Empire depends on this alliance. We must do everything we can to bring it about."
"I understand."
Minister of Foreign Affairs Komura Jutarō nodded in satisfaction.
With the arrival of the New Year, a new era was also unfolding.
And in this new era, the Great Japanese Empire would surely stand tall in the world as a victor.