Berlin Railway Station is one of the few large platforms in Germany, and the railways connecting it to all parts of the country make it extremely busy.
However, today the station was temporarily closed, a large number of passengers were ordered not to leave the waiting room, and the platform was filled with officers and soldiers. Well-informed Berliners knew at a glance that a big shot must be visiting, either the Prime Minister or the King.
Will you see Count Carl von Weizsäcker, the Foreign Minister, waiting on the platform tomorrow? If the Foreign Minister can personally take action, he must be the prime minister or king of a big country. If you know a little bit about international news, then the result can be easily guessed.
, Italy’s young king and prime minister are coming to visit Germany, could today be the day for their arrival?
Their guess was correct, today was the day when the Italian delegation arrived in Berlin. Although there was an unexpected incident involving the death of a national hero, this still did not change the time of Italy's visit to Germany, but many things were expedited.
"Huchihuchi..."
A train arrived at the station amidst everyone's expectations, and the icons on the carriage all showed that it was the Italian delegation.
Without anyone directing, the orchestra that had been prepared immediately started playing music, and the prepared welcoming crowd immediately smiled and waved the national flags of the two countries, completely enhancing the atmosphere. There were also two well-dressed children, under the supervision of adults.
Under the command, I took the flowers and prepared to present them.
In the carriage, Carlo and the Prime Minister were ready.
"Your Majesty, don't be nervous, just treat it like a normal sightseeing."
"Prime Minister, don't worry about me, I'm not nervous at all."
The two leaders who encouraged each other looked at each other and walked off the platform with smiles on their faces, pretending to be relaxed.
Of course, as the King of Italy, Carlo walked in the front, while the Prime Minister was half a step behind. Then the other members of the delegation walked out of the carriage one by one according to the level and importance of their positions.
"Welcome King Carlo to Berlin. I believe that your Majesty's arrival will lay the foundation for friendly relations between the two countries."
Count Weizsäcker, the German Foreign Minister, immediately came up to greet Carlo and gave a welcome speech to Carlo.
"Thank you, Your Excellency, for the welcome. I wish your two countries can have a closer relationship."
Carlo is not bad either, and he can be neither humble nor overbearing when facing the foreign minister. After greeting Carlo, Count Weizsäcker immediately extended his hand to Prime Minister Depretis.
"Prime Minister Depretis, welcome to your visit to Berlin."
"Thank you for your welcome, Count."
After the two briefly shook hands, Count Weizsäcker greeted several of the accompanying ministers behind them.
At this time, the children who were ordered by the adults presented flowers to Carlo and Prime Minister Despretis. Watching the children who were not much younger than him, respectfully presenting flowers, Carlo always felt something strange that could not be explained.
.
There were other procedures to follow in the welcome ceremony, and Carlo, one of the protagonists, was like a puppet on a string, participating one by one according to the previous rehearsals. For example, he met with Italian compatriots in Germany, delivered a short speech, and accepted interviews with reporters.
Wait, after all this was done, Carlo and the delegation rode in a carriage and headed towards the residence prepared by the Germans.
Carlo and his party were arranged to live in Charlottenburg Palace, a summer palace built by Frederick I for his wife Sophie Charlotte. It is now an important residence of the Hohenzollern family in Berlin. From here, they can
It can be seen that the Germans still attach great importance to Carlo and his party.
"Everyone, in order to welcome friends from Italy, our country has prepared a welcome dinner, and I hope you will attend."
After bringing them here, Count Weizsäcker, as Foreign Minister, sent an invitation to a welcome dinner to Carlo and his party.
This is a European diplomatic practice. Generally, when a monarch or head of government visits, there will be a welcome dinner. Unless something urgent happens, as a guest, you will not refuse the host's kindness.
"Then on behalf of everyone, I would like to thank your country for the invitation. We will definitely attend on time."
After receiving the reply from the Italian delegation, Count Weizsäcker left with satisfaction.
But now everyone in the delegation has no time to rest. They need to take out their carefully prepared clothes from their luggage to prepare for the dinner. It would be embarrassing if they were not dressed appropriately. No one wants to make such a mistake.
At a quarter past six, the newly dressed delegation members got into the carriage prepared by Germany and rushed to the dinner venue.
The dinner will be held in the White Hall of the Royal Castle, which is the main venue for various grand events and monastic festivals, the opening of local self-government meetings and parliamentary work, and other various ceremonies. The German side will welcome the Italians to the dinner
It is self-evident to put it here.
"Hello, Emperor William."
"Hello, Chancellor Bismarck."
"Hello, Marshal Moltke."
As soon as Carlo entered the door, he saw three people who would be famous even in later generations. However, compared with others who could only see photos, he saw three people in real life.
"Hello, King Carlo. Welcome to Berlin."
As the emperor of Germany, the white-haired William I stretched out his hand covered with age spots and held Carlo's hand, saying words of welcome.
When Carlo faced William I, who was one step older than his grandfather, he could be said to be a grandchild, so he naturally started to offer all kinds of flattery.
Of course, Carlo didn't think that these three people were just here to greet him, and most likely they were here for the Prime Minister Despretis behind him. So after Carlo said a few words, he immediately handed over his position to the Prime Minister.
.
Sure enough, when facing Prime Minister Despretis, they obviously talked a lot more. Not only did William I speak, but Bismarck and Moltke also talked cordially with him.
However, the conversation was not long and did not make anyone feel impatient.
Then William I picked up a wine glass filled with red wine and tapped it with a small spoon.
"Everyone, let us welcome our friends from Italy."
"cheers!"
Carlo also stood aside, holding a glass of juice and shouting together.
Afterwards, the old emperor said a few words briefly and then went back to rest. Bismarck and Moltke were left to entertain the Italian group.
Carlo took the opportunity to sneak to a corner of the hall and silently watched the lively dinner.
"Why, I don't like this environment."
Suddenly a voice came from behind.
Carlo turned around and saw a young man in his early twenties standing behind him holding a wine glass.
This young man, not much older than him, was very well-dressed, but he had never seen his face before, but what was a little strange was that his hands were wearing gloves.
With gloves?
Carlo immediately guessed who it was.
"Yes, I don't really like such a lively scene. Could it be that His Excellency the Emperor Changsun likes such a scene?"
"I don't like the excitement as much as you do."
William II, whose name was mentioned, shook his head and answered casually.
"Rather than participating in such an activity, I might as well go to the military camp and stay for a while. At least I don't have to quarrel with these people."
In order to get closer to the eldest grandson of Emperor William, Carlo brought the topic to the army, although he had not been to the military camp a few times.
"It's pretty much what I thought."
Although I don’t know why Carlo said this, William, who was about to enter the army for training at that time, was indeed full of yearning for the army. As a German prince, joining the army was his inevitable obligation.
The education William received also made him yearn for an army full of honor.
So the two young men chatted alone at this cocktail party. They had a good conversation about the ocean, the army, political ideas and other aspects.
After a chat, William II thought that the Italian king, who was younger than himself, was very good, and they both had similar views.
Carlo believed that his only gain from this boring dinner was to get to know the future Kaiser Wilhelm II. This gain brought the goal of visiting Germany close to half.
