"Your Excellency, Prime Minister, what is your perspective on the selection of the new heir?" Wilhelm II inquired, turning his gaze toward Prime Minister Bernhard von Bülow. The military's stance was notably assertive, prompting Wilhelm II to seek the opinions of the civilian faction.
"Your Majesty, while Prince Oscar possesses exceptional abilities and commendable character, he regrettably ranks too low in the line of succession. Appointing him as the new heir would likely provoke significant opposition. Ultimately, however, the decision rests with Your Majesty. Should you choose Prince Oscar to assume this role, even dissenting voices would likely hold little sway," von Bülow articulated.
The essence of von Bülow's words was effectively the same as silence; his implication was clear: Wilhelm II's position was of paramount importance in this matter. Once the Emperor made his decision, the opinions of others would be inconsequential.
"Your Excellency, the Foreign Minister, what is your stance?" Wilhelm II asked.
"Your Majesty, our current international environment is exceedingly dire. The alliance among England, France, and Russia grows ever closer, essentially forming a military coalition. Under such circumstances, any disputes regarding our succession would inevitably invite their interference, potentially serving as a pretext for further tarnishing our reputation internationally," von Kidren-Washington expressed with concern.
"Humph! The question of succession within the Empire is of no concern to foreign nations. What we must do as an Empire is not for them to dictate," Wilhelm II retorted, disdain evident in his voice. Succession is an internal affair, unrelated to external entities. As a formidable monarch, Wilhelm II had no desire for outside interference in the Empire's domestic matters.
Nodding in acknowledgment, von Kidren-Washington chose not to elaborate further. He had conveyed his opinion; the decision of how to proceed was beyond his authority.
Wilhelm II's brow furrowed tightly, as the crux of the issue became whether confirming Qin Tian as heir would violate the laws of succession and provoke widespread discontent. However, he harbored doubts about other princes; their limited capabilities led him to question whether they could effectively serve as heirs. Germany's current predicament was precarious. Thus, the Empire's heir must be a person of exceptional competence, a notion with which Wilhelm II strongly concurred.
The selection process left Wilhelm II in a quandary.
Observing this, Marshal Tirpitz felt a surge of frustration. He had initially believed that appointing Qin Tian as heir was a certainty. Provided the Empire's high-ranking officials were not completely foolish, they would not oppose such a decision. Yet, unforeseen disruptions from von Moltke had successfully shifted the focus of contention to the laws of succession. He had previously assured Qin Tian that there would be no issue with his ascension to heir. Failing in this regard would undeniably damage his credibility.
"Damn that von Moltke! This old fool, for his own selfish interests, has utterly disregarded the welfare of the nation—it's utterly shameless!" Marshal Tirpitz seethed with anger.
"Your Majesty, I still maintain that Prince Oscar is the most suitable candidate. The Empire's foremost task at present is to secure victory in the forthcoming war. We need an heir of exceptional caliber. The future of the Empire hangs in the balance, and we cannot afford even a moment's lapse; we must exert ourselves to the fullest in every aspect," Tirpitz continued earnestly.
"Humph! It seems that Tirpitz is resolutely determined to elevate that Oscar brat to the position of heir. However, I shall not allow it," von Moltke smirked inwardly.
Just as von Moltke prepared to speak, another voice interjected.
"Your Majesty, I too believe that Prince Oscar is the best candidate for heir. Although he ranks lower, we find ourselves in extraordinary times and must prioritize the Empire's interests. Should war erupt, the Empire will face a multitude of challenges, and Your Majesty will require a capable heir to assist. Among all the princes, none is more suitable than Prince Oscar. Even if this choice violates the laws of succession, if the Empire can triumph in the future wars, it would be a worthwhile compromise. Moreover, given Prince Oscar's standing within the Empire, those opposing his ascension would likely be few," declared the voice of Army Minister von Falkenhayn.
Within the Army hierarchy, von Moltke was the undisputed leader. However, von Falkenhayn was his closest rival. Unlike the unequivocal authority Tirpitz held in the Navy, von Moltke and von Falkenhayn frequently clashed over matters of power. Relying on Wilhelm II's confidence, von Moltke had consistently overshadowed von Falkenhayn, who yearned to supplant him and attain the position of Chief of General Staff, thereby securing his own dominance within the Army.
Now, the succession dilemma presented von Falkenhayn with a golden opportunity. Given von Moltke's close ties to Crown Prince Wilhelm, who had now become a mere shell of his former self, should Qin Tian ascend as heir, von Moltke would inevitably find his position as Chief of General Staff precarious. This opened a prime opportunity for von Falkenhayn.
Seizing the moment, von Falkenhayn promptly expressed his support for Qin Tian.
Von Moltke shot a furious glance at von Falkenhayn, astonished to find himself betrayed at such a crucial juncture. Previously, he believed he represented the entire Army's consensus in his argument with Tirpitz, but now internal discord undermined his influence.
Tirpitz, observing the unfolding drama, could not suppress a smile. He recognized that the tide of victory was beginning to sway in his favor. Wilhelm II's stance would inevitably shift as a result.
Sure enough, von Falkenhayn's declaration acted as the proverbial last straw, prompting Wilhelm II to solidify his decision swiftly. For the Empire's interests, a significant change was indeed necessary.