The next morning, Moltke, von Falkenhayn, and Waldsee jointly made their way to the palace to express the army's stance regarding the establishment of a naval landing force.
"Your Majesty, the Navy's attempt to form a ground force must not be permitted, as it would break long-standing tradition. Historically, the ground forces of the German Empire have been organized and managed solely by the army. If the Navy interferes, it would inevitably lead to chaos in management. This would not only result in a waste of resources but also foster considerable discontent within the army. Therefore, I implore Your Majesty to reject the Navy's proposal," Moltke declared, outlining the drawbacks of forming a naval landing force and urging Wilhelm II to dismiss the Navy's suggestion outright.
Wilhelm II's expression grew serious. Although he had anticipated a strong stance from the Navy, he realized he had underestimated the army's determination in this matter.
"Is this the consensus of the entire army?" Wilhelm II inquired.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Moltke replied promptly.
Wilhelm II turned his gaze to von Falkenhayn and Waldsee.
"Your Majesty, I too see no necessity for the establishment of a naval landing force," von Falkenhayn stated.
"Your Majesty, the army is not unfamiliar with amphibious warfare. We can train specifically for that purpose, thus rendering the Navy's creation of a separate force unnecessary," General Waldsee added.
Wilhelm II nodded, gaining a clear understanding of the army's position. Since these prominent army leaders had unequivocally voiced their opposition, it clearly represented the army's collective viewpoint.
However, Wilhelm II also had his own considerations. The growing rift between Moltke and Qin Tian was becoming increasingly pronounced, which could prove detrimental to unifying German strength for future conflicts. Moreover, Wilhelm II was concerned that should he pass away, Qin Tian might ascend to the throne without the army's support. Wilhelm II empathized with Qin Tian's perspective, recognizing that this was why Qin Tian sought alternative avenues to broaden his influence within the military.
Seeing the situation unfold, a smile crept onto Moltke's face. He believed that with the army standing united, even Wilhelm II would not dare to oppose them. After all, the German Empire was founded on the strength of its army, which wielded the greatest influence. Even the Emperor had to consider the army's opinions.
"Gentlemen, I can understand your sentiments. However, I believe the Navy does not intend to challenge the army. Their goal is to establish a specialized landing force to minimize casualties during future operations on British soil, which would undoubtedly benefit the Empire," Wilhelm II stated.
At these words, Moltke, von Falkenhayn, and Waldsee's expressions changed dramatically. They had thought that with the army's united front, Wilhelm II would side with them, but it now appeared that his stance had shifted towards the Navy, introducing significant uncertainties into the situation.
"Your Majesty, if the Navy has funds to establish a landing force, it would be far more prudent to invest that money in the construction of warships. After all, defeating the Royal Navy is the first step to launching an invasion of Britain. It is rather presumptuous to talk about preparations for an invasion when the Navy has yet to achieve that objective," Moltke blurted out.
Wilhelm II's demeanor darkened at once. The German Navy had flourished under his leadership, a point he regarded as one of his greatest achievements. Moltke's mockery of the Navy's capability to defeat the Royal Navy was something Wilhelm II could not tolerate. Had Moltke not been one of his closest friends, Wilhelm II might have reacted far more harshly.
Realizing his blunder, Moltke understood that his words were now like spilled water—impossible to retrieve.
Von Falkenhayn and General Waldsee silently lamented the situation.
"Let us first hear the Navy's perspective before proceeding!" Wilhelm II said, his expression firm.
While Moltke and his companions made their way to the palace, Qin Tian and Marshal Tirpitz received word of the meeting and hurried there as well. They both understood that the fate of the naval landing force hinged on Wilhelm II's decision that day. Upon receiving the summons, they quickly arrived at the Emperor's office within minutes.
"Tirpitz, the army strongly opposes the establishment of a naval landing force. What is your opinion on this matter?" Wilhelm II asked, his face inscrutable.
"Your Majesty, the formation of a naval landing force is the Navy's prerogative, and there seems little need to solicit the army's opinion," Tirpitz replied with a firm demeanor.
"Tirpitz, how can you say that? You are undermining established protocols. If the army were to form a fleet, how would the Navy respond?" Moltke retorted angrily.
"Is the army going to build a fleet? The Navy would not object; we would wholeheartedly support it," Marshal Tirpitz responded directly.
Moltke was momentarily rendered speechless; the army had no intention of building a fleet, as warships were exorbitantly expensive. A single capital ship could cost tens of millions of marks, a sum that could instead fund an infantry division.
"Tirpitz, is the Navy attempting to provoke the army?" Moltke demanded, his ire unabated.
"Moltke, the Navy harbors no intention of provoking the army; our actions are solely in consideration of the Empire's interests," Tirpitz replied calmly.
"Enough, both of you. The establishment of a naval landing force will not entail a power struggle with the army. The naval landing force will not comprise numerous divisions, only a maximum of five, and its formation will be gradual over the coming years. I assure you, the naval landing force poses no threat to the army," Qin Tian interjected.
Moltke wished to continue his opposition, but at that moment, Wilhelm II had already made his position clear.
"In that case, I believe the army has no grounds for opposition," Wilhelm II declared.
Under these circumstances, apart from Moltke, both von Falkenhayn and Waldsee promptly expressed their lack of dissent.