50 Chapter 50

"Your Highness, a few Jewish elders have come to visit. Would you like to meet with them?" In the afternoon, Wilhelm was "painting" in the garden when Annie came to report.

Wilhelm didn't stop the brush in his hand. "Bring them in." After all, they had captured quite a few Jewish people this time, and considering their solidarity, they would surely come to find out what was happening.

Shortly after, Annie led in several elderly men dressed in Jewish robes and wearing brimless hats. The youngest among them seemed to be around fifty. As they approached, the elder standing at the front bowed to Wilhelm. "Greetings to you, esteemed Prince Wilhelm. I am Elder Bloom from the Jewish Association. We are deeply grateful that you took the time to meet with us despite your busy schedule."

Wilhelm waved the brush in his hand and smiled. "Elder Bloom, are you mocking me? Do I look busy right now?"

Bloom quickly shook his head. "Of course not, Your Highness. I was merely admiring your painting. The horse you're painting embodies the form of Western art and the spirit of Eastern traditional painting. It combines the strengths of both Eastern and Western art, displaying a mastery of brushwork and capturing the essence of the subject. It is truly remarkable." He wasn't merely flattery; he was genuinely interested in art.

Listening to someone flattering you really feels great. No wonder ancient emperors were easily swayed by flatterers while ignoring the honest advice of loyal officials.

Imagine in real life, someone sees you and compliments you like, "Hey, why do you look even more handsome? Your new hairstyle looks great, and your outfit and shoes are so stylish!" Then another person comes up and says, "Damn, you've gotten fat! What a mess! And your hairstyle looks like a pile of crap! Your clothes and shoes are just ugly and cringeworthy!" If you don't punch that person, that's already considered light.

But Wilhelm hadn't reached the point of being blinded by a few compliments. "You don't have to flatter me, Elder Bloom. I know the purpose of your visit. But I'm curious, are you part of the reformist or conservative faction within the Jewish community?"

The reformist faction of Judaism, also known as the "Enlightenment movement" or "progressive movement," emerged in the 1820s in Germany and later developed in the United States. They advocated abandoning all practices that isolated the Jewish community, believing that there is no unchanging truth, and that all truths must be subjected to rational examination. They advocated reforming Jewish rituals, such as mixed seating for men and women during worship, men not having to wear small caps to cover their heads, and praying silently or in a low voice.

The reformist movement faced opposition from the majority of Jewish congregations in Germany and was even less welcomed among Eastern European Jews. However, it experienced faster development in the United States. In 1885, they adopted a statement of principles, with Chapter 5 declaring the abandonment of various dietary restrictions and outdated clothing and customs inherited from Moses and the rabbis. They did not support Jewish nationalism and advocated that Jews in different countries should only be considered fellow believers without any other connection.

On the other hand, conservative Jews are a moderate faction between the Orthodox and reformist movements. They emerged in Germany in the mid-19th century. They advocate "harmonizing Judaism with modern science" and establishing justice on earth. They do not adhere to the Five Books of Moses as eternal truths but believe that the meaning of religion lies in understanding and practicing its spirit.

However, conservative Jews attach importance to the symbolic significance of religious rituals. They insist on male circumcision, adhere to dietary restrictions, observe various festivals, pray before meals, give thanks after meals, and wear head coverings during worship. They particularly emphasize the integration of Jewish religion, culture, and nationality, supporting Jewish nationalism from a cultural perspective. After World War II, they experienced rapid growth in North America.

As for the orthodox faction, they believe that the Jewish faith's 613 commandments must not be changed in any way, as adding or subtracting even one is considered heresy according to the Talmud. These damn extremists are the living embodiment of radicalism and have the potential to become terrorists.

Elder Bloom pondered for a moment and replied seriously, "Um, I consider myself a reformist."

Wilhelm put down the brush in his hand and turned to Elder Bloom, speaking with a serious expression. "Since you're a reformist, let me be straightforward. I remember a few years ago when the Jewish population in Germany was only about six to seven hundred thousand. At that time, some people proposed to my grandfather that you all should be expelled from the country."

"But our neighboring countries didn't particularly like Jewish people. Where could they be sent? Coincidentally, I was in the Soviet Union for business talks, and some people suggested taking this opportunity to send all of you to the Soviet Union.

Perhaps we Germans should hate Jewish people more than other countries. Elder Bloom, I'm sure you've heard of the 'stab in the back legend' that was popular a few years ago, right?"

Even after the Great War, many people still believed that Germany did not truly lose the war. They believed that Germany was actually the victor since German soldiers had broken through the French defenses and reached Paris.

"During the war, some Jewish entrepreneurs produced a batch of substandard firearms for profit, causing many of our soldiers to lose their lives in vain. You also organized strikes from time to time. When we ran out of guns and ammunition on the front lines, we had to retreat even though we were winning the war (it was quite pathetic). Then, the international community didn't want to fight anymore and wanted to end the war (probably because Jewish people exerted a significant influence). They promised Germany compensation and no further difficulties if we voluntarily surrendered. As a result, His Majesty the Emperor endured immense shame and signed the surrender document. Afterwards, we faced all kinds of abuse, and the German people were left bewildered. Why did we win the war but become the defeated nation? Such humiliation. Analyzing the reasons, the conclusion was that we were betrayed by Jewish people and deceived by the international community."

"This is more than just betrayal. When the whole world was treating Jewish people poorly, Germany granted you citizenship and all the rights that come with it. Yet, you repay us like this, stabbing us in the back at a critical moment. Doesn't this resemble the story of Judas?"

Clap! Wilhelm broke the brush in his hand, and the several Jewish elders behind Bloom felt a jolt of fear. They sensed the murderous intent emanating from Wilhelm's eyes, thinking that they might be dragged away and shot at any moment.

"Your Highness..." Elder Bloom took out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his face.

Wilhelm waved his hand to interrupt him. "No wonder many people say that you Jewish people are greedy parasites, lacking compassion, honor, and morality. There is a saying that goes: 'Good will be rewarded, evil will be punished; retribution is inevitable, just a matter of time.' The fate of those people last night perfectly exemplified that saying. Elder Bloom, I assume you are well aware of the actions of the individuals I captured, right?"