Strasser returned home from the prison where Rom was held. As soon as he entered, he saw his maid Bettina cleaning the living room with her side turned toward him.
It must be said that Germany in the 1930s was not as conservative as one might imagine, at least not in terms of maid uniforms. Perhaps it was due to Bettina's appearance; her bangs framed her face, accentuating her bright, star-like eyes that shone like the moon. Her rosy lips revealed two small canine teeth, adding a touch of charm to her beauty.
Her smile carried a mix of innocence, cuteness, mischief, and a hint of allure.
The black and white maid outfit fit her perfectly, accentuating her slender waist. Strasser couldn't help but swallow hard; he had never noticed how beautiful his family's maid was in his past life. It seemed he lacked an eye for beauty. "Mr. Gregor?"
Just as Strasser was lost in thought, Bettina's voice pulled him back to reality. "Someone visited while you were away. He asked me to tell you to go to Lancaster Prison as soon as you return. Mr. Adolf Hitler wants to see you."
"Ah? Oh! Alright, alright!"
Strasser was somewhat skeptical about life, wondering how he had turned into a pig after his rebirth. Had his will been crushed by desire?
However, it was clearly not the time to dwell on that. Why did Hitler want to see him? Strasser felt puzzled.
Historically, Hitler had not summoned Strasser after his imprisonment. It wasn't until after his release that Hitler realized if his movement was to truly become a national movement, it needed to establish a foothold in the north, particularly in Prussia, starting with the enemy's stronghold, Berlin.
In the 1924 election, Strasser was active in the North, forming an alliance with the extreme Nationalism groups led by Count Albrecht von Grafen and Count Ernst zu Leiningen. As a result, he had personal connections and a certain influence there, being the only leader in the Nazi Party with such ties and influence. Two weeks after the conference on February 27, 1925, Hitler suppressed his displeasure and sent someone to invite Strasser back into the fold to organize the Nazi Party in the North.
Strasser accepted the suggestion. It was a great opportunity for him to showcase his talents without the envious and arrogant leader watching him closely.
However, now that Hitler was seeking him out even before his release from prison, Strasser felt a sense of unease. Had history already begun to change unpredictably because of his actions, like a butterfly flapping its wings? He had to question how much influence his foresight could have in the future.
Despite his doubts, Strasser decided to meet with Hitler. He knew he must not let Hitler realize the threat he posed, at least not until he had established himself.
Strasser explained his purpose to the guard in charge of registration, who without a word led him to a door and then left.
Strasser opened the door and saw several members of the Nazi Party wearing the swastika armband. They clearly recognized Strasser, the political minister, and immediately stopped their work to salute him. Strasser returned the gesture.
"Sieg Heil!" After saying this, Strasser intended to pass through the corridor to meet the Führer, but he was thwarted by a guard stationed at the entrance of the passage.
"What's wrong? Don't you know who I am?" Strasser said displeased.
The latter immediately lowered his head and said, "I apologize, Minister, but it is the Führer's order that anyone visiting him must undergo a check. Please understand and cooperate with our work."
Strasser couldn't help but marvel at Hitler's unparalleled charisma in uniting people. In just a few months in prison, he had established a state within a state, even winning over the prison warden. No wonder that in his previous life, despite becoming the second-in-command of the Nazi Party, he could never replace Hitler's position within the party; most people preferred to follow this Führer rather than align with him as the legitimate representative of National Socialism.
"Of course, the Führer's orders must be obeyed, and I will do the same."
After going through a series of tedious and complicated checks, Strasser was finally allowed to pass the last barrier. He stood silently in front of the prison and office where Hitler was held, resembling a statue.
At this moment, Strasser did not feel much tension; after all, both the former Strasser and his current self considered Hitler to be a jerk, and jerks are rarely intimidating.
Strasser took a deep breath, pushed the door open, and walked straight in. What met his eyes was a thin man who was speaking incessantly. He had sharp eyes like a falcon, exuding a frightening aura.
"First, we must create the Third Reich, 'to acquire land with Germany's sword for Germany's plow, to secure daily bread for the German people.' To achieve this goal, we must do the following: destroy France, annex Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Poland, conquer Russia, and ultimately unify Europe.
Second, there is a hierarchy among the various races in the world; the ancestors of the Germanic people, the Aryan people, are the most excellent and noble race in a position of dominance... To maintain the virtues and strengths of the Germanic people, we must avoid intermingling with inferior ethnic groups, especially to prevent the lowest of all, the Jewish people, from tainting the pure bloodline of the Germanic race."
Hitler seemed oblivious to Strasser as he delivered his lengthy discourse, while his assistant Rudolf Hess sat beside him, diligently recording Hitler's views.
Strasser did not interrupt Hitler; he simply listened quietly as Hitler delivered a lengthy discourse. It must be said that Hitler's ideas on nationalism had some merits, but unfortunately, they were too extreme, leading to radical racism that would only provoke resistance from all oppressed peoples around the world. The new order he envisioned would be difficult to maintain in the long run; a better approach would be to divide and conquer.
More importantly, Hitler believed that "Das Kapital" was a conspiracy of the Jewish people, thus overlooking class struggle. Strasser had read many books on socialism in his past life; although not all of their content was correct, he strongly agreed with the concept of class struggle as a fundamental aspect of the world.
"Those Juncker nobility and great enterprise owners should not be spared; they do not deserve to be called Germans. Only the proletariat of Germany can be considered the people. We need to resolve ethnic group conflicts externally and class conflicts internally. This is probably the biggest difference between me and Hitler," Strasser thought.
"In the end, we will implement totalitarianism. Democratic politics is decadent; the form of democracy in the West is a byproduct of human degeneration. We demand the abolition of parliamentary democracy; subordinates must unconditionally obey their superiors. The future of Germany should be one country, one party, one leader."
Hitler finally concluded his lengthy discourse, took a drink from the water on the desk, and then noticed Strasser standing at the door.
"Heil! My Führer."
Strasser performed a standard salute.
"Oh, Strasser, you're here," Hitler casually waved his hand. "No need to be so formal in front of outsiders. Come, have a seat."
Hitler appeared quite relaxed, as if he were just chatting with Strasser. However, the calmer Hitler became, the more alert Strasser felt; a tiger suddenly becoming calm was either resting or preparing for a hunt.
"My Führer."
Strasser intended to say something, but was interrupted by Hitler.
"I have always had high hopes for you, young man," Hitler said earnestly. "I noticed you from the very first day you joined the Nazi Party. I believe you are quite talented and a rare new force within the party."
Hitler picked up a bottle of vodka to clear his throat. "After the failure of the Beer Hall Putsch, almost all the important leaders in the party have been imprisoned, and all political activities have effectively ceased. The Nazi Party is unable to operate normally."
"Outside the party, the KPD and SPD are watching closely, ready to compete with the party for votes and support. The party is now in its most critical moment, and it needs someone to step up to save it."
Strasser was taken aback:
"Leader, I do not believe I can save the party. In my heart, there is only one person who can save it, and that is you."
"But I won't be able to get out of prison anytime soon."
Hitler shrugged.
"I originally planned to organize work after my release, especially in the northern regions where the party's foundation is weak. Now, I can only rely on you, Strasser. I have high hopes for you, so please don't let me down."
Sitting on the sofa, Strasser trembled uncontrollably. To Hitler, this was a sign of a young man overwhelmed by the sudden heavy responsibility, and he nodded in satisfaction. He casually remarked, "Due to insufficient funds, the party group cannot provide you with adequate financial support. You will need to raise funds yourself in Berlin. You can bring your own personnel; I grant you full authority to act in the North."
"No, no, I can't. I must hold it together; I absolutely cannot laugh."
Strasser tried his best to control his expression, avoiding laughter at the PUA-style brainwashing he had often heard from leaders decades later. Finally, he lifted his head and said, "My Führer, Strasser will always follow you."
"Do not follow me; you should follow the German people. I will always represent the interests of the German people." Although Hitler was satisfied with Strasser's performance, he still corrected him. "Heil! Hitler!" Strasser stood up and saluted.
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