In Europe, no country doubted that Soviet Russia would become the final victor of the civil war. Throughout 1919, the Bolshevik Red Army continuously defeated the White Army, securing victory through a series of great triumphs.

The two main forces of the White Army, Denikin and Kolchak, were never able to join forces and were defeated separately. Denikin had to retreat into Crimea, while Kolchak had to depart from Lake Baikal and begin a miserable march on foot to Vladivostok.

When He Rui issued the appeal to 'prevent a humanitarian crisis', European countries, which had been greatly impacted socially by the nascent Bolshevik regime, expressed their support without exception and began to fiercely criticize the Bolshevik government's inhumanity in newspapers.

The European left-wing groups supporting the Bolshevik government began to curse He Rui loudly in newspapers, as if He Rui were a relative of the Tsar.

European right-wingers had no interest in He Rui, but at this time, they started a war of words with the left wing in He Rui's name. For a time, praises for He Rui's views filled the pages, as if He Rui were a saint of humanitarianism.

Comrade Joffe, Chairman of the Russian Soviet Foreign Affairs Committee, was very unhappy with such public opinion, but he couldn't be bothered to read those meaningless wars of words. Joffe discussed this matter with Comrade Lenin several times and found that Comrade Lenin's view of He Rui was increasingly positive, which he found somewhat hard to accept in his heart.

Comrade Lenin had always been in the minority within the Bolshevik Central Committee, and it was still so now. Watching Comrade Stalin leave the office with a resolute expression, Commissar Joffe, who had 'accidentally' relayed Comrade Lenin's view of He Rui, felt much more relaxed.

The incredible success Comrade Lenin led the revolution to achieve brought prestige that made Commissar Joffe completely obedient. But there were still people in the Bolshevik Central Committee who dared to frankly express opinions to Comrade Lenin. For example, Comrade Stalin and Comrade Trotsky.

Compared to Comrade Lenin, Comrade Stalin and Comrade Trotsky both had 'outrageously' thick hair. It was just that Comrade Trotsky's hair was as flowing as a lion's mane, while Comrade Stalin's hair was always meticulous, maintaining a very good hairstyle.

But no one in the Bolshevik Party paid attention to these things. Just facing Comrade Stalin, one could feel his iron-like willpower. Some people's willpower far exceeded the strength their physical bodies possessed, and Comrade Stalin was undoubtedly a representative of such people.

There were not many people who were unaffected facing Comrade Stalin, and Comrade Lenin was undoubtedly one. When Comrade Lenin's focused and sharp gaze met Comrade Stalin's, even Comrade Stalin lowered his gaze. "Comrade Lenin, are you going to make concessions to the Chinese warlord?"

Lenin immediately understood who Stalin was referring to. "Comrade Stalin, my judgment is that He Rui is worried about a large number of White Guards fleeing into the Northeast, so he is dragging all countries into the water as much as possible. What is your judgment?"

Comrade Stalin raised his gaze, looking back at Comrade Lenin's sharp eyes. "Comrade Lenin, He Rui wants to use those White Guards; this is He Rui's conspiracy."

Lenin looked back at Comrade Stalin's resolute gaze and asked frankly, "Since you think this is He Rui's conspiracy, then what is He Rui's purpose?"

Stalin answered decisively, "He Rui hopes to obtain territory in the Far East."

Lenin calmly continued to press, "Then Comrade Stalin, who do you think is suitable to go to the Far East, and how many troops are needed?"

Stalin fell silent temporarily. The civil war was about to end, and Commissar Stalin had time to fully consider the direction future Russia should take. National defense security was undoubtedly the most important issue for Russia at present. If China remained weak, it would be most beneficial to Russia. However, all current intelligence indicated that fierce changes were taking place in Northeast China.

While the European war was proceeding tragically, the Northeast warlord He Rui was rapidly advancing industrialization. He implemented land reform and built his own military industry. According to exact figures obtained from White Army prisoners, Northeast China provided 600,000 rifles and tens of millions of rounds of ammunition to the White Army in the past year or so.

After the Red Army solved the remnants of the White Guards in the Far East, it would face a Chinese Northeast Army with a million rifles. Although Comrade Stalin believed this army lacked combat effectiveness, this quantity was enough to put huge pressure on the Bolshevik government. If He Rui's troops possessed the combat effectiveness of the Japanese army, the Bolshevik government might very well lose the entire Far East.

There was an even worse situation: if He Rui supported Kolchak's army, the nascent Soviet regime would face huge danger. According to the practice of European powers, He Rui would support a White Russian Republic in the Far East to confront the Soviet regime.

Before Comrade Stalin could speak, Comrade Lenin said, "My personal judgment is that He Rui will demand redemarcation of the border but will not support Kolchak. This is the conclusion I drew from He Rui's recent diplomatic activities."

Stalin heard Comrade Lenin's judgment of He Rui from Joffe and couldn't help asking, "Because He Rui criticized us for not doing well enough? Comrade Lenin, this Chinese warlord has never fought a war; I think his understanding of war is one-sided."

Lenin laughed. His inspiring, rhythmic laughter relieved Comrade Stalin's mood a lot. After all, in the most critical period of the revolution, Comrade Lenin carried such laughter... Of course, there were also his reprimands in a rhythmic voice, leading the Bolshevik Central Committee onto the path of victory.

Putting away his laughter, Comrade Lenin explained, "Comrade Stalin, He Rui regarded the Kolchak government as refugees in his article, not the Russian Provisional Government. Including his view on the Tsar's family, he only considered them a group of captured sinners. I think the attitude He Rui wants to express is very serious. You can take this as a probe. I think this is a well-intentioned probe."

Comrade Stalin was not so optimistic about the judgment of He Rui, but he did not continue the discussion. This conversation had confirmed that his difference with Comrade Lenin was only on He Rui's basic stance. This was enough. So Commissar Stalin returned to his view. "Comrade Lenin, we no longer have enough trains to run in winter. I have suggestions regarding personnel regulations for departments responsible for industrial production..."

The upper echelon of the country naturally had upper-echelon work, and personnel responsible for frontline work also had their own responsibilities. Commander Tukhachevsky was Kolchak's old opponent; it was he who defeated the elite troops under Kolchak approaching Moscow in the spring campaign of 1919.

At this time in Omsk, Tukhachevsky frowned tightly, discussing the possibility of pursuit with Red Army cadres.

Even though every senior Red Army officer was full of determination to completely annihilate the White Guards, it had already started snowing in Omsk, and no trains could be found east of Omsk. Only the empty Trans-Siberian Railway tracks led to the east where Kolchak fled.

It wouldn't be long before the tracks were temporarily covered by thick snow. At that time, even if trains came, they would be very difficult to pass. As for crossing such a winter on foot or by horse, any Russian knew it was impossible.

Tukhachevsky slammed his pencil on the spread-out map and said unwillingly, "Cannot pursue!"

None of the Red Army commanders attending the meeting expressed objections, or even spoke. Everyone either sat down in disappointment or fished out crumpled cigarette packs, took out cigarettes, and lit them. For a time, the mood in the command post was very low. Tukhachevsky couldn't bear such an atmosphere, pushed open the door, and walked out.

No one followed. Everyone knew that if they got too close to Tukhachevsky, perhaps this commander with a bad temper would start cursing.

Finally, a commander said hatefully, "I hope these White bandits all freeze to death in the ice and snow!"

Almost all Red Army commanders in the room had the same thought.

Since so many people wanted Kolchak dead, there would also be many people hoping Kolchak safe and sound. Based on He Rui's understanding of Europe and America, Kolchak was a dead dog. And abandoning a worthless dead dog was the consistent style of Europe and America. So when British Minister to China Jordan rushed from Beijing to Shenyang travel-stained and asked, "If Your Excellency Chairman transports supplies to Kolchak, what kind of help do you need?" He Rui felt very surprised. The urgency expressed by the British really didn't seem like something the British could do.

He Rui didn't believe in British sincerity, so he answered frankly, "Transporting supplies requires military protection."

Jordan relayed London's opinion. "Britain can very much understand Your Excellency's action of dispatching troops in the direction of Kolchak."

He Rui didn't answer immediately. Jordan's so-called 'understanding' meant that if He Rui occupied Russian territory, Britain would absolutely not have any substantive opposition now.

This is the diplomacy of imperialist countries; they will never give up the opportunity to demonstrate their justice and morality. If He Rui seized Russian land, Britain would express condemnation and express Britain's expectation and efforts for peace. However, Britain would not send troops, and would even incite He Rui to send troops as they were doing now.

He Rui didn't want to be incited by Britain at all, so after thinking for a while, He Rui said decisively, "Such aid might require several million or even ten million pounds."

Jordan was not scared by the price He Rui offered. Even if he couldn't see the problem from He Rui's standpoint, Jordan believed that saving a White Russian life for 5-8 pounds was not expensive. Especially after so many people rested and reorganized in Vladivostok for half a year, they might very well become an army capable of fighting.

Instead, He Rui's attitude made Jordan notice some subtext. "Your Excellency does not want to send troops into Russia?"

"Has Your Excellency Jordan seen the record of the press conference I held?" He Rui asked in return.

Jordan was quite surprised. The Beiyang high-level officials in Beijing dared not do anything to Tsarist Russia because these Beiyang leaders were very weak. He Rui was not such a person. If He Rui didn't march into Russia, the reason must be that He Rui decided not to do so after planning. It must be said, this was a very cautious choice, and also a good choice.

Moreover, He Rui explicitly expressed concern at the press conference that Japan might destroy peace. Such concern was a very serious political judgment.

Thinking of this, Jordan asked, "Your Excellency, when is the soonest support can be carried out?"

"Once funds are in place, action begins!" He Rui answered briskly. When discussing actions both sides are willing to execute with the British, it's best to speak without ambiguity. Money has its own logic for the British.

Jordan ended the meeting with He Rui. As soon as he returned to the legation, consulate personnel came to report, "Mr. Morrison is here."

Jordan quickly welcomed Morrison. When the two met, seeing Morrison's serious expression, Jordan felt something might have happened. Morrison said frankly, "The Northeast Government is preparing to purchase a batch of British equipment and technology. I have been appointed as the head of the negotiation delegation. I came specifically to inform Your Excellency Jordan."

Jordan was stunned, then somewhat happy. He Rui always did things so fitting to the taste of the civilized world. If millions or even tens of millions of pounds were sent to the Northeast Bank, it would trigger relatively clear opposition within Britain.

After the European war, Britain's domestic economy suffered greatly and indeed needed a large number of orders to stimulate the economy. However, He Rui going to Britain to purchase a batch of equipment and technology, and ultimately British enterprises and merchants asking for payment from British banks, solved too many troubles. It could even become a political achievement of the British Cabinet.

So Jordan quickly ordered the consulate to prepare food and invited Morrison to stay for dinner. Morrison didn't refuse. While waiting for the meal, Morrison chatted with Jordan but didn't say much. Learning that Morrison was going to lead a delegation to Britain, Jordan couldn't help feeling nostalgic. "Mr. Morrison, after you arrive in London, there will definitely be a large number of enterprises inviting you to eat at the best restaurants in London. There's a restaurant on Downing Street; I haven't been there for many years, don't know if it's still there."

Hearing this, Morrison couldn't hold back. "Your Excellency, Your Excellency He Rui appointed me as the head of the delegation not because I am British. It is because Your Excellency He Rui believes in my ability and trusts me personally. So I will repay this trust."

Jordan hadn't expected Morrison to see it this way and was somewhat astonished for a moment. But after a while, Jordan smiled and said, "Mr. Morrison, many Chinese believe that every one of us British is an imperialist, a slaughterer, an opium dealer. Indeed, we have done what they said, but Britain's strength is precisely supported by honest and trustworthy British people like you. I also have some friends in British political circles. I will write introduction letters for you later; please take these letters to find them. I believe it will be helpful to you."

Facing such kindness, Morrison quickly replied, "Thank you, Your Excellency. If you have any letters or other matters that need my help, please be sure to tell me."

Jordan thought for a moment. "I am also about to retire from this position. During my tenure, I accumulated some materials. I want to donate these materials to the University of Edinburgh to establish an archive. I remember Mr. Morrison graduated from the University of Edinburgh, right? Please help me with this matter, Your Excellency Morrison."

Mentioning his alma mater, the serious look on Morrison's face dissipated, and he replied happily, "Please allow me to serve Your Excellency in this matter."

Morrison was making preparations before the trip here. The Northeast Investment Promotion Bureau was also making preparations because Director Morrison was going to lead the team personally to Britain to introduce technical equipment. Young Wang Donglu was truly surprised and delighted to learn that he was also arranged in the delegation list.

"Comrade Wang Donglu, is your foreign language American English?" the Chief of the Personnel Section of the Investment Promotion Bureau asked during the conversation.

"I also know some British accents," Wang Donglu replied quickly, afraid of being rejected because of this small problem.

The Personnel Section Chief laughed. "Then let's hear it."

"May I help you, sir." Wang Donglu tried his best to show his ability in British-flavored English.

However, Wang Donglu knew there was indeed a gap between his American-flavored English and the so-called British accent. The Personnel Section Chief couldn't help smiling; the Investment Promotion Bureau had received so many British people, they could still distinguish between British and American accents.

But the Personnel Section Chief didn't nitpick because of this matter. After all, British accent and American accent were both English; what mattered was understanding English. Ending this question, the Personnel Section Chief asked, "Comrade Wang Donglu, which university did you apply for when you planned to study in the United States?"

Wang Donglu suppressed his joy and answered as steadily as possible, "Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology."

"Which group do you want to join for this trip to Britain?"

"Preferably the machinery group; I want to build machinery for China."

The Personnel Section Chief hesitated for a moment. "The organization wants you to join the group inspecting British aircraft manufacturing enterprises. Do you have any problem with that?"

Ending the meeting, Wang Donglu only felt his heart beating faster, as if he were about to fly. Wang Donglu knew about airplanes and was extremely interested in this kind of machine that could fly in the sky. However, the United States didn't have a dedicated aircraft manufacturing major yet, so Wang Donglu thought he would participate in scientific fields related to this as much as possible after arriving in the United States. Of course, he had never told anyone about this except his mother. He didn't expect to be so lucky to be assigned to a group that might introduce airplanes.

Walking in the corridor of the Investment Promotion Bureau building, Wang Donglu felt his legs were a bit weak, knowing this was because he was overly excited. Wang Donglu stopped and patted his face, telling himself in his heart, 'Don't get excited, don't get excited!'

Barely recovering some composure, Wang Donglu thought for a while before remembering he was called out from the mailroom and still had unfinished work. He hurriedly quickened his steps back to the mailroom, picked up documents and a cart, carried the backpack with the sign-off board, and began delivering documents on various floors.

At this time, the Military Commission was also holding a meeting. Xu Chengfeng and other senior officers gathered together. After discussing with Xu Chengfeng and others, Cheng Ruofan had completely overturned the plan to secretly build permanent fortifications. At this time, he felt he finally had the opportunity to discuss this matter with He Rui face to face. When he saw He Rui enter the door, followed by Zheng Silang wearing a military uniform and a military representative armband, he felt very happy for a moment.

Cheng Ruofan and Zheng Silang hit it off, feeling that Zheng Silang was finally coming back.

Everyone sat down, and He Rui said, "There are two things in this meeting. One is sending troops to Russia to deliver humanitarian supplies to Kolchak. I want to emphasize to comrades that when I was your age, I was also full of nationalist sentiments. Recovering lost territory was just a secondary thought. At that time, my main thought was methods to conquer the world, including but not limited to killing all citizens of various great powers. Regarding this dispatch of troops to Russia, I want to emphasize that we should not consider problems with nationalist lines of thought and emotions. However, this does not mean I criticize everyone for having nationalist sentiments. Next, everyone can start discussing."

He Rui's opening remarks surprised the comrades into speechlessness. Xu Chengfeng was still relatively calm, but even so, he hadn't expected to march into Russia so soon. For a moment, terms like the Treaty of Aigun surged into his mind.

Barely suppressing his impulse, Xu Chengfeng tried his best to sort out He Rui's words just now and roughly understood two key points. The first was naturally marching into Russia, and the second was not to have thoughts of occupying Russian territory because of it.

Just as he understood this, he heard Cheng Ruofan ask, "Chairman, why can't we recover lost territories at this time?"

Cheng Ruofan's words represented the thought that first popped up in Xu Chengfeng's mind. Even knowing that being so agitated was not serious, Xu Chengfeng could only barely suppress this impulse. He heard He Rui reply, "Ruofan, politics is a very serious matter. If we want to recover lost territories, we must formulate a policy for recovering lost territories, go through serious deduction, and then execute it. This attitude of 'beating the rabbit while raking the grass' (doing something incidental while doing the main task) is extremely unserious in politics. This is my reason."

Hearing the characterization of 'unserious', everyone fell silent. This was a term with a very serious nature; violating it meant huge trouble. Zheng Silang had once been criticized as 'not serious about combat arrangements'.