"Your Highness, the Crown Prince, greetings!" The day after receiving their new appointments, General Paul von Hindenburg and Brigadier General Erich von Ludendorff came to report to QinTian.
The expressions on their faces revealed their buoyant spirits. Although the 8th Army Corps ranked lower among the many corps of the German Army and faced formidable challenges in the upcoming war, their promotions were a cause for celebration.
Particularly for Paul von Hindenburg, who, after offending Kaiser Wilhelm II, had feared he would never advance again. Yet now, he not only held the position of deputy commander of the 8th Army Corps but also served as the Crown Prince's right-hand man. If he could cultivate a good relationship with QinTian, his future prospects would be exceptionally bright.
Similarly, Erich von Ludendorff, in his early thirties, had received an exceptional promotion to brigadier general, a rarity in the German Army, indicating a promising future ahead.
"Please, take a seat, gentlemen," QinTian said, displaying no airs of royalty in the presence of these esteemed generals. They were to be his crucial allies in the 8th Army Corps and in future military endeavors. If QinTian wished to strengthen his grasp on military power and solidify his position, he needed to cultivate loyal supporters within the army. Names such as Manstein, Rommel, and Guderian flashed through his mind—Hindenburg and Ludendorff would be his first steps in directly wielding military authority.
"Your Highness, you are as approachable as the tales have depicted," both Hindenburg and Ludendorff thought to themselves upon encountering QinTian's genial demeanor.
After the attendant served coffee, the conversation turned to the crux of the matter.
"Generals Hindenburg and Ludendorff, your appointments as deputy commander and acting chief of staff of the 8th Army Corps were secured through my negotiations with the Kaiser. While I have been appointed as the corps commander, you are well aware that I lack a military background. Though I may propose some suggestions regarding military construction and tactics, I cannot compare to your expertise. Therefore, I hope you will assist me diligently in the coming days, striving to fortify the 8th Army Corps so that we may achieve greater victories in future conflicts!" QinTian earnestly addressed Hindenburg and Ludendorff.
Both generals were moved by QinTian's sincerity. At merely twenty years of age, he occupied a high position and exhibited remarkable talent, yet showed no arrogance. Such humility was increasingly rare.
Moreover, Hindenburg and Ludendorff were traditional aristocratic military men of the German Empire, steadfast in their loyalty to the crown and nation, principles they held dear.
"Rest assured, Your Highness, we will support you wholeheartedly," General Hindenburg assured him.
Brigadier General Ludendorff nodded emphatically in agreement.
"Excellent; that gives me great comfort. You should both be aware of the Schlieffen Plan. Should war break out, the 8th Army Corps will face immense pressure. We will be tasked with holding off the Russian advance, which may exceed a million troops, using only ten divisions. Therefore, to secure victory in the impending conflict, we must spare no effort in equipping the 8th Army Corps with the most advanced weaponry and firepower!" QinTian declared confidently.
"Will the weapons developed by the German Arms Company be supplied to the 8th Army Corps, Your Highness?" Hindenburg inquired.
The German Arms Company had indeed created a series of advanced weapons; however, due to Moltke's interference, they had not been widely deployed. As a senior commander in the German Army, Hindenburg was acutely aware of this.
QinTian nodded. "Once we have full control over the 8th Army Corps, a substantial supply of advanced weaponry will be delivered."
As the corps he had personally crafted, QinTian needed to ensure it remained under his command.
Hindenburg and Ludendorff both nodded in understanding.
"Your Highness, however, relying solely on the 8th Army Corps' budget may not suffice for your plans," Hindenburg cautioned, furrowing his brow. The military funds were limited, and substantial rearmament would likely exceed their means.
"Do not concern yourselves with the budget; I will find a solution," QinTian assured them grandiosely. He had already resolved that if funding fell short, he would personally finance it. After all, he was determined to equip the 8th Army Corps to the fullest, gaining overwhelming advantages in the forthcoming war.
Hindenburg and Ludendorff ceased to worry about the issue, well aware that QinTian was a wealthy businessman with substantial annual income—more than enough to arm the 8th Army Corps to the teeth.
"What are your thoughts on the 8th Army Corps?" QinTian asked.
Although he had gathered some information about the corps, he understood that the insights of professionals like Hindenburg and Ludendorff would be far more comprehensive than mere statistics.
"Your Highness, the 8th Army Corps consists of ten infantry divisions, organized into three armies and one infantry division, along with a reserve army. When fully manned, it boasts over 160,000 soldiers, and in the event of war, its strength could exceed 200,000 after mobilization. However, in terms of combat effectiveness, there is a noticeable gap compared to frontline corps," Hindenburg explained to QinTian.
Through Hindenburg's briefing, QinTian gained a clearer understanding of the 8th Army Corps, recognizing that he would lead these troops to overcome formidable adversaries and strive for glory in the battles ahead.
"Gentlemen, please take care of your personal affairs in the next few days. We will depart for Königsberg in three days," QinTian announced.
"Of course, Your Highness," both Hindenburg and Ludendorff promptly replied. They understood that their appointments as deputy commander and acting chief of staff of the 8th Army Corps marked a significant opportunity—indeed, a new beginning in their military careers.
In the days that followed, QinTian prepared for his journey to the 8th Army Corps while also urging the German Arms Company to ramp up production. Once he had secured control over the corps, he planned to initiate a large-scale rearmament, ensuring that his forces would be armed to the teeth.