On December 26th, shortly after Christmas, a critical audience convened in Wilhelm II's office, discussing matters pivotal to Germany's future. The military and political dignitaries present wore grave expressions.
"Gentlemen, I trust you are all aware of the unfortunate incident involving Crown Prince Wilhelm. The royal hospital has diagnosed that he may find it exceedingly difficult to awaken," Wilhelm II said, a flicker of sorrow in his eyes.
"Oh, God! Poor Crown Prince," Prime Minister Bernhard von Bülow exclaimed.
The other ministers nodded in agreement; indeed, it was hard to imagine a more pitiable heir than Crown Prince Wilhelm, the unfortunate heir to such a powerful empire, now reduced to a state of vegetative existence, destined to spend the remainder of his life confined to a bed or wheelchair. The very thought was heart-wrenching.
"Now, gentlemen, I believe everything is within God's will. He will watch over this unfortunate child," Wilhelm II reassured them.
The ministers turned to Wilhelm II, awaiting his next words. It was well understood that determining the next heir was the paramount topic of today's meeting.
"Gentlemen, with Crown Prince Wilhelm unable to fulfill his duties, the Empire requires a new heir. According to the laws of succession, the second in line, Prince Eitel Friedrich, should assume this role. Do any of you have objections?" Wilhelm II inquired.
"Your Majesty, the tragedy that has befallen Crown Prince Wilhelm fills us with deep sorrow. However, I do not believe Prince Friedrich is a suitable candidate. The Empire's heir must possess exceptional personal capabilities and exemplary character. I contend that Prince Oscar is the most appropriate choice," Marshal Tirpitz was the first to voice his opinion.
The ministers instinctively nodded; if they had to choose between Prince Eitel Friedrich and Qin Tian, it was undoubtedly the latter who would be the superior choice. As key figures in the Empire, they all wished for a brighter future and recognized that this required selecting a worthy heir, rather than one lacking competence.
Of course, dissenting voices existed among the ministers. For instance, Chief of General Staff von Moltke did not view Qin Tian as a fitting candidate. From his own standpoint, a strong heir would significantly constrain his power. Furthermore, having previously offended Qin Tian, he was even less inclined to see him ascend.
If Prince Eitel Friedrich were to become the Empire's heir and subsequently the Emperor, he would be far easier to control. After all, an ineffectual Prince Eitel Friedrich would need to rely on his support to secure his position.
"Your Excellency Tirpitz, I cannot concur with your assertion. While Prince Oscar's capabilities are indeed commendable, we must acknowledge that according to the laws of succession, he ranks fifth. Ahead of him lie not only Prince Eitel Friedrich but also Princes Adalbert and August Wilhelm. Elevating Oscar to the position of heir would effectively undermine the succession laws. What principles would govern the determination of the Empire's heirs in the future? It would lead to chaos. Therefore, I resolutely oppose Oscar's succession and advocate for Prince Eitel Friedrich to ascend as heir," Chief of General Staff von Moltke asserted firmly, clearly opposing Qin Tian's potential elevation.
Yet, one could not deny the validity of von Moltke's argument. The German character is notably meticulous and stringent, with a steadfast adherence to the law. To compel them to disregard legal statutes would indeed prove exceedingly challenging.
Even Wilhelm II found himself nodding; he began to question whether establishing Qin Tian as heir was truly in Germany's best interest.
"Damn it, that old fool von Moltke is clearly prioritizing his own interests over the Empire's!" Marshal Tirpitz silently seethed.
Tirpitz knew exactly what kind of man von Moltke was, fully aware of Qin Tian's disdain for him. In this situation, von Moltke would naturally strive to thwart Qin Tian's rise to power in order to safeguard his own authority.
"While it is true that the laws of succession cannot be trampled upon, the Empire stands on the brink of a monumental war that will shape Germany's future. We must select an outstanding heir to ensure the Empire's victory in the coming conflicts," Tirpitz insisted.
"Indeed, Your Excellency Tirpitz, while Prince Oscar has indeed supported the Navy, one cannot use this as justification to flout the Empire's laws. I do not deny that Prince Oscar is an exceptional young man, but he is merely eighteen years of age. Who can predict the future? Furthermore, even if Prince Oscar does not ascend as heir, he can still contribute significantly to the Empire's military development," von Moltke countered.
Although von Moltke knew that his words would soon reach Qin Tian, potentially provoking his ire, he felt he had no choice; his position and power necessitated such a stance.
Wilhelm II furrowed his brow, taken aback by the intensity of the reactions from Tirpitz and von Moltke regarding Qin Tian's potential succession. He had initially thought that, given Qin Tian's capabilities, the ministers would readily approve his ascension. However, the unfolding events were proving to be rather unexpected. It was worth noting that both men were among his most trusted advisors, and their contrasting positions added a layer of doubt to his thoughts.
"Von Moltke, do not think I am unaware of your motivations. You fear for your position as Chief of General Staff, having offended Prince Oscar," Marshal Tirpitz remarked.
"Your Excellency Tirpitz, you are speaking nonsense. When have I ever offended Prince Oscar? If I did, it would have been for the good of the Empire. Surely, Prince Oscar would not disregard the Empire's interests," von Moltke retorted, his anger rising.
"Enough, both of you! Let us maintain decorum. Today's meeting is solely for discussing opinions regarding the heir; no other matters need to be addressed," Wilhelm II said, his displeasure evident.