Königsberg, the capital of East Prussia, serves as a crucial bastion for Germany's defense against Russia on the Eastern Front. In the vicinity of Königsberg, the German army has constructed numerous fortifications and strongholds to fend off potential Russian assaults.
According to the Schlieffen Plan, due to the logistical challenges and mobilization speed of Russia, the majority of the German army will be concentrated on the Western Front, aiming to decisively defeat France before Russia completes its mobilization. Consequently, only ten infantry divisions are allocated to guard against Russia. In comparison to Russia's standing army of over a million, this number is decidedly insufficient. Once hostilities commence, Russia is likely to unleash hundreds of thousands, if not more, troops against East Prussia. Therefore, the General Staff of the German army believes that they can only rely on a defensive strategy to delay the Russian advance and buy enough time.
Qin Tian is traveling by special train from Berlin to Königsberg, accompanied by General Paul von Hindenburg, the Deputy Commander of the 8th Army Corps, and Colonel Erich von Ludendorff, the acting Chief of Staff.
The commanders of the 8th Army Corps, along with their division leaders, have gathered at the train station, awaiting Qin Tian's arrival. As both the commander of the 8th Army Corps and the heir apparent of the Empire, his status is exceedingly distinguished.
The 8th Army Corps comprises the 11th Army, the 17th Army, and the 20th Army, along with a reserve force, the 1st Reserve Army. Including garrison and cavalry units, the total strength of the 8th Army Corps can exceed 200,000 troops upon full mobilization.
On the platform, several German officers are conversing as they await Qin Tian's arrival.
"His Majesty has indeed prioritized the establishment of our 8th Army Corps! However, none anticipated that the Crown Prince would take command," remarked a middle-aged officer, General Maximilian von Mackensen, Commander of the 20th Army.
"Though His Highness may not come from a military background, his talent is undeniable. Moreover, with the collaboration of General Hindenburg and General Ludendorff from the General Staff, I have full confidence that the 8th Army Corps will emerge even stronger under their leadership," replied another officer, General François.
In the regular structure of the German army, corps are not permanently established; they are typically formed by consolidating divisions and brigades only in times of war. Therefore, there are no designated corps commanders during peacetime. However, the advance formation of the 8th Army Corps is intended to provide Qin Tian ample time to familiarize himself, assert control, and equip the corps, ensuring it plays a significant role in future conflicts.
"Yet, I suspect someone will be quite disappointed," General Mackensen chuckled.
General François mirrored his amusement.
The individual they referred to is General Pritwitz, commander of the 17th Army, who has long enjoyed the favor of Wilhelm II. He has often flaunted his close ties with the Kaiser, asserting his position as the only suitable candidate for command of the 8th Army Corps. With Qin Tian's unexpected appointment, Pritwitz's ambitions have been thoroughly dashed, leaving him humiliated among the ranks of the 8th Army Corps.
This has incensed General Pritwitz to the extent that he has feigned illness to avoid welcoming Qin Tian on this momentous day.
"Let us hope the Crown Prince is accommodating! Otherwise, Pritwitz may find himself in dire straits. Making a poor impression on His Highness could jeopardize his position within the 8th Army Corps," General François remarked.
"Humph! It would be best if that fellow were reassigned from the 8th Army Corps. His presence does nothing but hinder the entire unit," General Mackensen retorted.
It is evident that General Mackensen harbors a strong disdain for General Pritwitz and wishes for his removal.
A distant whistle interrupts their conversation, prompting the officers on the platform to fall silent.
Soon, Qin Tian's special train arrives at the station and comes to a halt before them.
As the doors open, Qin Tian, clad in military uniform and accompanied by Generals Hindenburg and Ludendorff, descends from the train.
"Welcome to Königsberg, Your Highness," General François and General Mackensen promptly greet him.
General Hindenburg quietly introduces the officers to Qin Tian.
"Thank you for coming to receive me, Generals François and Mackensen," Qin Tian replies with a smile. Based on his previous research, he recognizes both as exceptional talents within the 8th Army Corps, particularly General François, a genius known for his adventurous spirit, while General Mackensen is also a distinguished leader, albeit slightly older.
As Qin Tian scans the platform for other officers, he notices the conspicuous absence of General Pritwitz, which causes him to furrow his brow. Aware of Wilhelm II's favored aide, he cannot help but speculate whether Pritwitz is attempting to assert dominance by not showing up.
"Where is General Pritwitz?" Qin Tian inquires directly.
"Your Highness, General Pritwitz is unwell and has taken leave to return to Berlin," General Mackensen replies.
"Returned to Berlin without informing me? How can this be?" Qin Tian's expression darkens. As the commander of the 8th Army Corps, he should have been informed of Pritwitz's absence. This disregard is an affront to his authority.
"General Pritwitz likely requested leave through the General Staff," General François interjects.
"Hmph!" Qin Tian scoffs, choosing not to elaborate further. However, he has already mentally condemned General Pritwitz. Aware of Pritwitz's rapport with Moltke, another favored of Wilhelm II, Qin Tian recognizes that this insolence cannot go unpunished. As he has just assumed command of the 8th Army Corps, this is the opportune moment for him to establish his authority. With Pritwitz delivering himself to his doorstep, Qin Tian intends to make an example of him.
The expressions of Generals Hindenburg and Ludendorff reflect a similar discontent.