"Your Highness, let us wait until we have observed the other motorcycle demonstrations before making a decision!" suggested General Waldse, the Deputy Chief of Staff, deftly attempting to smooth over the tension.
The other generals echoed his sentiments. They were not naive; they could clearly perceive General von Moltke's frosty demeanor towards Qin Tian. In truth, von Moltke appeared to be disinclined to allow the army to procure the motorcycles produced by Qin Tian's factory. Despite the impressive performance of these military motorcycles, which would undoubtedly enhance the army's combat capabilities, von Moltke's self-serving nature clouded his judgment.
This demonstrated that von Moltke was an exceedingly selfish individual, guided solely by his own preferences without consideration for the nation's needs. His obstinate arrogance led him to believe he was the most brilliant military strategist in existence, relentlessly striving to outshine his uncle, Old von Moltke, who had previously led the Prussian army to numerous victories, aiding Kaiser Wilhelm I in unifying Germany—a legacy that continued to inspire von Moltke.
Regrettably, despite his lofty ambitions, von Moltke lacked the requisite capabilities to realize them. His hubris led him to alter General Schlieffen's battle plan before the onset of World War I, preventing the German forces from securing a breakthrough on the Western Front, resulting in a stalemate that ultimately culminated in Germany's defeat. While in another timeline, the blame for Germany's loss could not be placed solely on him, it remains undeniable that he bore a significant share of the responsibility.
General Schlieffen had recognized Germany's precarious position and aimed to defeat France swiftly at the war's onset to avoid the depletion of resources in a two-front conflict. However, after von Moltke's assumption of command, his misguided modifications to the Schlieffen Plan rendered Schlieffen's strategy unviable.
Qin Tian harbored no fondness for von Moltke. Had it not been for von Moltke's close ties to Wilhelm II and the influence of his predecessors, he would never have risen to the rank of Chief of Staff. Nonetheless, Qin Tian had no choice but to accept the situation. Even as a prince, he possessed no authority to dictate the fate of such a military figure. Not even Wilhelm II could unilaterally remove the Chief of Staff without consulting various stakeholders; otherwise, the backlash could be catastrophic.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the next demonstration will feature the three-wheeled motorcycles!" Qin Tian seized this opportunity to divert attention from the ongoing dispute with von Moltke, choosing not to engage further. Even though he was aware that von Moltke was deliberately targeting him, he felt powerless to counteract it.
Von Moltke shot a glance at Qin Tian before returning his gaze to the demonstration, choosing not to comment further. Though he held a personal disdain for Qin Tian, he could not deny that Qin Tian's capabilities far surpassed those of Wilhelm.
Soon, a line of three-wheeled motorcycles appeared, and the generals' eyes widened in astonishment as they noticed a formidable MG08 machine gun mounted on the sidecar.
As the motorcycles advanced, they commenced firing.
"Rat-tat-tat!" The MG08 unleashed a barrage of bullets, streaking through the air.
"My goodness! These three-wheeled motorcycles can even be armed with a heavy machine gun? They can fire while in motion!" exclaimed von Falkenhayn, astonished.
Even von Moltke's eyes narrowed in surprise.
"Ladies and gentlemen, by combining the machine gun with the three-wheeled motorcycle, we create a rapidly deployable firepower point. This could prove immensely beneficial on the battlefield. However, if the terrain is particularly poor and lacks proper roads, their effectiveness will be significantly hampered. Yet, when pursuing the enemy along a road, they can deliver exceptional results," Qin Tian elaborated.
"If we were to deploy a unit of these motorcycles during an enemy pursuit, it would undoubtedly spell disaster for our foes!" General Waldse remarked in admiration.
"Indeed, General. Mounting the machine gun on the three-wheeler is an impressive feat. It could serve not only on the front lines but also within our controlled zones. After our main forces advance, there will always be adversaries lurking like rats underground, attacking our supply lines and even our hospitals. These three-wheelers could swiftly transport our troops to critical locations, allowing us to strike back against the enemy," another German officer added.
The generals of the German army viewed the three-wheeled motorcycle favorably, believing it would significantly enhance their combat effectiveness.
"Gentlemen, I trust this motorcycle meets your approval. However, I must candidly disclose that the MG08 is quite heavy; with its cooling water, it totals 68 kilograms. This weight places substantial strain on the sidecar and affects the motorcycle's performance. If we could reduce the machine gun's weight further, it would be even better," Qin Tian conveyed to the assembly.
This transparent admission, devoid of ulterior motives, earned Qin Tian the respect of the generals. Had he concealed this detail, they would have found it difficult to discern. His willingness to be forthright was commendable.
"Your Highness, your integrity is truly commendable, and we are touched by your candor. I believe the army needs this motorcycle," von Falkenhayn stated.
However, mere nodding from von Falkenhayn would not suffice; General von Moltke's approval was essential.
As such, all eyes turned to von Moltke, who, as the Chief of Staff, was expected to embrace the procurement of the motorcycle. Given its impressive capabilities and suitability, there appeared to be no valid reason for him to decline. If he did, it would reflect poorly on his competence as Chief of Staff.