**"Tirpitz, I have no objections to the Navy forming a Marine Corps. However, the Army will undoubtedly express considerable dissent. Given the current state of international relations, which are exceedingly tense, there exists the potential for a major conflict at any moment. I sincerely hope for a spirit of collaboration between the Army and Navy, rather than discord," remarked Wilhelm II.**
**The Emperor's greatest concern lay in this very issue; any deterioration in the relationship between the Army and Navy that might compromise Germany's military strength was unacceptable to him.**
**"Your Majesty, I believe such a situation is unlikely to arise. The establishment of a Marine Corps is intended to bolster the Empire's military capabilities in future conflicts, not to engage in power struggles with the Army. If the Army were to be overly pedantic in this regard, it would reflect a lack of broader vision," Count Tirpitz responded gravely.**
**"Indeed! Father, everything we do is aimed at ensuring the German Empire emerges victorious in future wars. That is our paramount objective; all else pales in comparison. I have faith that the Army will not be so shortsighted," Qin Tian added.**
**Wilhelm II felt a pang of frustration; based on his understanding of Moltke, the General was indeed the type to lack perspective. He also recognized that Qin Tian and Count Tirpitz had presented him with a challenging dilemma.**
**"Your Majesty, the Marine Corps we intend to establish will not be large, comprising no more than five divisions. In comparison to the Army's numerous divisions, this should not be a matter of significant concern for them," Count Tirpitz continued.**
**"Five divisions?" Wilhelm II furrowed his brow. He did not consider this quantity to be trivial. Given the current organization of the German Army, five divisions would amount to over eighty thousand troops. While minor in the grand scheme of the Army's capabilities, this still posed a notable force. In the event of war, the German Army could swiftly mobilize an army of over a hundred infantry divisions, with plans to further expand this force to over two hundred divisions.**
**"Tirpitz, Oscar, I will ponder this matter. I shall provide you with an answer tomorrow afternoon." Wilhelm II responded, opting not to rush into a decision until he had consulted the Army's perspective.**
**"Yes, Your Majesty," both Count Tirpitz and Qin Tian understood that a swift reply from Wilhelm II was unlikely.**
**After their departure, Wilhelm II instructed Essen von Jonalett to discreetly inform the Army of the proposal, gauging their reaction before making a final decision.**
**General Moltke, the Army's Chief of Staff, had long regarded curtailing Qin Tian's influence within the military as a priority. Now, learning that Qin Tian was advocating for the Navy to establish a Marine Corps, he was incensed.**
**"What the hell are they planning? Are they intent on upending established norms? It's one thing for that young fool Oscar to be ignorant, but why is Tirpitz joining him in this folly? Hasn't he gained enough power over the Navy? Does he now seek to establish a ground force to rival the Army?" Moltke seethed with indignation.**
**Despite Count Tirpitz's esteemed position as Navy Minister, Moltke considered himself to hold a superior status. Therefore, he viewed the Navy's attempt to form a Marine Corps as a direct challenge to his authority, something he could not tolerate. For someone like Moltke, status, power, and reputation were of utmost importance.**
**"No, they must not succeed in their plan. If they do, it will be impossible to contain that young man," Moltke resolved fiercely.**
**Although Qin Tian was the heir apparent with an exalted position, Moltke had no intention of capitulating. The Empire remained firmly under Wilhelm II's control. Given the longstanding relationship between Moltke and Wilhelm II, even Qin Tian's status as heir would not sway matters. Moreover, Wilhelm II was still in robust health, likely to live another ten or twenty years without issue. Consequently, Moltke felt confident in his own future and did not believe Qin Tian would assume the throne any time soon, emboldening him in his opposition.**
**"Send for His Excellency von Falkenhayn and General Waldsee," Moltke commanded.**
**"Yes, Chief of Staff," the aide promptly complied.**
**Within half an hour, Army Minister von Falkenhayn and Deputy Chief of Staff General Waldsee arrived at Moltke's office.**
**"Gentlemen, I have just received alarming news that directly concerns the interests of our Army. I urge you to set aside any personal grievances and unite for the benefit of the Army," Moltke said solemnly.**
**"Chief of Staff, what has transpired?" von Falkenhayn inquired. His animosity with Moltke had become nearly public, yet he no longer feared Moltke's authority, having aligned himself with Qin Tian.**
**General Waldsee, too, was curious about what had warranted Moltke's seriousness.**
**"The Navy plans to establish a Marine Corps, a ground force. While they may claim it is for landing operations, we all know the true intent is to encroach upon our interests. Therefore, we must stand our ground. The Navy should focus on naval combat, leaving land operations to us!" Moltke asserted.**
**"A Marine Corps?" Both von Falkenhayn and Waldsee were taken aback, as this was their first exposure to such news. They recognized the potential threat to Army interests.**
**"What are your thoughts?" Moltke looked expectantly at von Falkenhayn, awaiting his response. It was essential to consider that von Falkenhayn had allied with Qin Tian.**
**"The Army is the Empire's sole ground force, a fact that is indisputable. The Navy has no need to form a Marine Corps," von Falkenhayn stated. As Army Minister, he understood the necessity of aligning with Army interests to maintain the confidence of his subordinates.**
**Moltkefelt a sense of satisfaction as von Falkenhayn's response aligned with his own sentiments; his insight was welcome.**
**"Deputy Chief of Staff, I, too, believe we must thwart the establishment of a Marine Corps," General Waldsee concurred.**
**In this matter, the high command of the German Army had reached a consensus.**