East Prussia is a territory located in the southern part of the Baltic Sea. It is the birthplace of the Hohenzollern family and serves as a bastion for the German Empire against Russia, holding significant importance within the empire.
According to the Schlieffen Plan, once war breaks out, the German army will be divided into eight corps, numbered from the 1st to the 8th, with the first seven corps deployed on the Western Front to swiftly defeat France. The task of the 8th Corps is to collaborate with Austria-Hungary and hold off the Russians.
Schlieffen anticipated that Russia would require six to eight weeks to mobilize, thus granting Germany a month to conquer France. Prior to this, the 8th Corps only needed to defend East Prussia.
However, after his succession, Moltke began revising the Schlieffen Plan. He not only reduced the troops on the Western Front but also weakened the right flank, ultimately resulting in insufficient offensive strength for the German forces, halting just kilometers from Paris. QinTian hoped to rectify this by volunteering to command the 8th Corps. If Moltke sought to reinforce East Prussia, QinTian could firmly refuse, thereby minimizing Moltke's potential undermining of the Schlieffen Plan.
"Oscar, have you truly decided to assume command of the 8th Corps? If you wish to reconsider, I can issue a new order, appointing you to lead another corps," Wilhelm II said.
The Kaiser was acutely aware of the Schlieffen Plan. He understood the immense pressure the 8th Corps would face once hostilities commenced. Although Russian mobilization might take six to eight weeks, their standing army of 1.4 million would likely launch an immediate attack on East Prussia. Despite the poor transportation infrastructure in Russia, their forces would surely strike before the German army could defeat France. It would be exceedingly difficult for the 8th Corps, comprising only ten infantry divisions and over 160,000 troops at full strength, to withstand the assault of hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers.
"I have decided, Father, to take command of the 8th Corps," QinTian asserted.
"Do you believe you can withstand the Russians' advance once war begins? Don't count on substantial support from the Austrians. The combat effectiveness of their forces is dismal; if they can hold their ground unaided, it would indeed be a blessing from God," Wilhelm II expressed his doubts regarding the Austrian military.
"I understand. Father, I am confident that I can repel the Russian attack once war erupts," QinTian replied with conviction.
He had resolved that upon assuming command of the 8th Corps, he would immediately implement his plans to thoroughly arm the corps, regardless of the expense. This way, the ill-equipped Russians would find it futile to capitalize on the onset of war by invading East Prussia and might even suffer a significant setback.
"Very well, Oscar, since you are resolute in your decision, I shall say no more. I trust your wisdom will guide you away from folly, and I am confident you will succeed," Wilhelm II declared.
"Yes, Father," QinTian nodded.
"After the New Year, proceed to Königsberg. Once you have organized the 8th Corps, return here," Wilhelm II instructed.
"Yes, Father." After a moment's hesitation, QinTian added, "Father, I hope you can send two individuals with me!"
"Oh? Which two?" Wilhelm II inquired.
"General Paul von Hindenburg and Colonel Erich von Ludendorff," QinTian named the two.
In another timeline, these two were renowned figures—the commander and chief of staff of the German 8th Corps, whose cooperation had led to devastating losses for the Russian army on the Eastern Front. Now, with QinTian appointed as the 8th Corps commander, he hoped for their leadership to achieve further glory. As the heir apparent, he could not remain with the 8th Corps indefinitely, and daily training would have to be managed by Hindenburg and Ludendorff.
Wilhelm II's expression darkened upon hearing their names. He was aware of both men. Hindenburg was especially famous, while Ludendorff, though merely a colonel, had gained significant renown within the General Staff.
However, Hindenburg had recently made a substantial error during military exercises, where he commanded troops to defeat those led by Wilhelm II himself, leaving the Kaiser humiliated. Wilhelm II, known for his obstinacy, found it hard to accept this and thus harbored a disdain for Hindenburg.
"Ludendorff may be assigned to you, but Hindenburg is quite competitive; are you certain he is suitable to assist you?" Wilhelm II questioned.
"Father, though General Hindenburg may have a challenging temperament, his talents are undeniable. I believe he deeply regrets his recent actions. Given another chance, he will not disappoint us," QinTian asserted confidently.
Wilhelm II pondered but ultimately chose not to deny QinTian's request. Although he disdained Hindenburg, he had to concede the man's capability.
"Very well, Oscar. I shall make an exception for you this time," Wilhelm II agreed.
"Thank you, Father!" QinTian exclaimed joyfully.
Following QinTian's request, Wilhelm II subsequently appointed Paul von Hindenburg as deputy commander of the 8th Corps, while Erich von Ludendorff was promoted from colonel to brigadier general, serving as acting chief of staff. Generally, a corps chief of staff was required to hold at least a major general's rank; hence, despite his promotion, Ludendorff would initially serve in an acting capacity until he could attain a proper promotion.