Although the Sultanate of Zanzibar only publicly abolished the slave trade, being able to terminate it on a legal level also counts as progress.
In the morning, at the mid-mountain of the Hohenzollern Castle in Heixinggen, a large clearing had been temporarily prepared, surrounded by green trees.
"Bang... bang... bang"
The entire faculty and students of the Heixinggen Military Academy, along with Leopold, held a memorial ceremony for the students who were sacrificed on the Prussian-French battlefield. Principal Ernst personally laid monuments for the students who participated and sacrificed in the war.
"Today is a sad day for us, because our outstanding students, your close comrades, have had their lives taken by war. They sacrificed on the path to German unification. The academy will not forget your contributions, nor will the Hohenzollern family. Your honor as soldiers is well-deserved, your courage..." Ernst delivered a eulogy, offering the highest praise to the fallen students.
"Alright, everyone, go down the mountain now! You have more important tasks at hand, and many days ahead of you!" After the memorial ceremony, Ernst said.
"By the way, Heinrich, stay behind."
Ernst, Leopold, and Heinrich sat in the living room.
"Heinrich, where is your family from?" Ernst asked.
"Naturally, from Heixinggen."
"I mean before coming to Europe."
"That should be Laiyang County."
"Hmm, it’s a county under Yantai, right! It’s good to remember where you came from. However, in the future, you must remember that you are a German, and your ancestors came from the Far East."
"Yes, Principal, I will remember clearly." Heinrich answered firmly.
Instead, Leopold asked curiously: "Where is Laiyang? Do you know, Ernst."
"Hmm, I’ve heard of it. You know Heixinggen has business dealings in the Far East, so I understand some of the cities there."
Leopold shifted the conversation: "Alright, enough about that. Let’s summarize the results on the battlefield! Your students performed very well in this war, especially Heinrich, who commanded skillfully. Compared to the Prussian army, the Heixinggen brigade, which received professional education, did exceptionally well."
"Yes, that’s certain. Those who receive military education generally perform better than ordinary people. It’s just that their military education time is a bit short; otherwise, they would perform even better." Ernst agreed.
"So what are your plans for them next?" Leopold curiously asked.
"I applied to Emperor Franz, intending to select some students from this batch to further their studies at Austria’s Theresa Military Command Academy."
"Theresa! That is Austria’s most important military command school, admitting only about two hundred people a year. How many slots did Emperor Franz give you?" Leopold curiously asked.
"Thirty, not many, but it’s easier to get into than the Berlin Military Academy." Ernst said.
Back then, Constantine had to pull some strings to get two students from the Heixinggen Military Academy into the Berlin Military Academy. This time, Ernst himself had Franz agree to give the Heixinggen Military Academy thirty slots.
The Theresa Military Command Academy was established on December 15, 1751, and is one of the oldest military academies in the world, admitting one hundred noble students and one hundred ordinary students each year. So Franz offering Ernst over thirty slots was indeed generous.
Schools like the Berlin Military Academy and the Theresa Military Command Academy are top military academies of the two countries, involving the highest military secrets of Prussia and Austria, representing the direction of military command in both countries. Therefore, arranging for students to get in is indeed not easy.
"Thirty is still considered small! Even Austrians themselves don’t have this privilege." Leopold scornfully dismissed Ernst.
"What’s the big deal? These thirty people might well be pivotal in shaping the future military direction of East Africa and also signify Austria’s future influence in East Africa, simply serving mutual needs."
Leopold disclosed: "Haha, if only it were that easy, but indeed, your status as a son-in-law of the Habsburg family does work well."
Ernst ignored Leopold’s teasing and instead turned to Heinrich: "Among these thirty people, I’m preparing to give you one slot. Once you go, you need to learn more and summarize the pros and cons of Prussian and Austrian military doctrines. In the future, I plan to establish a military academy in East Africa, and the current candidate for principal is you."
"Me, Principal, better to choose Erich! His grades are better than mine!"
Ernst stated: "No need to belittle yourself, Erich has already caught General Mochi’s attention. He is likely to stay in Prussia or the German Empire in the future. Developing in Prussia is also pretty good, but what about you; will going to East Africa make you feel wronged?"
Heinrich shook his head and said: "Of course not. From the day I arrived at Heixinggen, I pledged eternal loyalty to the Hohenzollern family. Principal, whatever you want me to do, I will do it without complaint."
The nearby Leopold, upon hearing this, praised: "Very well, Heinrich, just for what you said, if you encounter any trouble in Europe in the future, you can come to me for help."
"Thank you, Prince Leopold!"
"We’ve been through thick and thin together, so no need to be so formal about it," Leopold responded.
At this point, Ernst spoke: "Leopold, I need to thank you for this time, for leading these kids through a round on the battlefield."
Leopold laughed heartily: "Hahaha, I initially intended to participate in this war, and before I couldn’t find the opportunity, you fulfilled my dream, and the Heixinggen brigade performed very well; it was enjoyable to command on the battlefield. This war allowed me to command a commendable battle, and after the David Wright battle, I am also considered a well-known general."
Ernst said: "You can’t say it like that; since you helped me, I need to show appreciation. A favor on the battlefield is significant. I wonder if you’re interested in colonies? In this regard, I can help your Sigmaringen get a piece."
Leopold was slightly stupefied: "Colonies! In Africa?"
"Yes!" Ernst got up and took a map from the drawer behind him.
He spread the map on the table, pointing to the central-west part of Africa: "This location, we can help you complete the occupation in advance, if you are interested." Follow current novels on N(o)vᴇl(F)ire.nᴇt
Leopold shook his head and said: "Never mind! Our Sigmaringen currently lacks financial strength; most of the family’s funds are invested in Romania. Even if you give me a colony for free, we are unable to develop it."
Ernst stated: "That’s really a pity! But this promise remains valid. If you have this thought in the future, you can contact me directly."