"Gentlemen, if there are no objections, I shall convene the army commanders and division leaders for a final discussion. Once we reach a consensus, we will immediately commence the reorganization," QinTian stated.
"Your Highness, I have no objections," Hindenburg promptly declared.
"This military reform proposed by Your Highness will greatly enhance our troops' combat effectiveness; I support it wholeheartedly!" Ludendorff added.
"Excellent, let it be done!"
"However, Your Highness, the large-scale rearmament of the entire 8th Army Corps requires a substantial amount of weaponry. Can the German Arms Company supply such an extensive arsenal?" Ludendorff inquired.
"We will proceed with the reorganization for now, and the weapons will be supplied incrementally. I have already instructed the German Arms Company to begin production at full capacity. Within a year, we can produce the necessary weaponry for the 8th Army Corps. Once all the equipment is in place, we can commence training with new tactics. I hope that in these final years, we can transform the 8th Army Corps into a truly elite force, equipped with advanced weaponry to significantly enhance our combat capabilities. Our adversary, the Russians, already possess inferior fighting strength. I aspire for our troops to achieve a one-to-ten ratio in combat effectiveness! Defeating the Russians relying solely on our strength would undoubtedly be a monumental achievement," QinTian said with a smile.
If the 8th Army Corps were to excel in combat, he would gain immense prestige, further solidifying his standing within the military and reinforcing his position as heir apparent.
Both Hindenburg and Ludendorff were equally eager about the prospect of future warfare. Should the 8th Army Corps deal a significant blow to the Russians, their promotions would be all but assured. In such a scenario, General Hindenburg might attain the marshal's baton, while Ludendorff could rise to the rank of major general or even general. Although Ludendorff had just been promoted from colonel to brigadier general, by the end of the year, QinTian would likely facilitate another advancement to major general.
The following day, QinTian summoned the commanders and division leaders of the 8th Army Corps to discuss the military reforms. The order for the re-assignment of Division Commander Pritwitz had already been issued. Pritwitz sent his adjutant to handle the formalities while remaining in Berlin, and the trusted commander of the 17th Army, General Zecht, had yet to arrive.
Regarding QinTian's military reforms, opinions among the commanders and division leaders varied—some supported, some opposed, while others remained undecided.
However, after QinTian and his associates assured the proper arrangement of brigade-level officers and commanders, those division leaders and commanders expressed their support for QinTian's reforms. Ultimately, given QinTian's position and authority, few dared to oppose his strong initiative unless it was Emperor Wilhelm II himself. Yet, would Wilhelm II truly oppose him? The recent reassignment of Pritwitz had already revealed Wilhelm II's stance, and in light of this, no one dared to confront QinTian directly.
Moreover, implementing military reforms and a large-scale rearmament would undoubtedly enhance the troops' combat effectiveness, which was inherently beneficial for the military. Thus, opposition was limited, as many hoped to see the army's capabilities improved, ultimately leading to victory over the Russians and military honors to secure their promotions.
On January 15, 1909, QinTian issued an order requiring the divisions under the 8th Army Corps to begin reorganization. The ten infantry divisions of the 8th Army Corps commenced their restructuring according to the new military system promulgated by QinTian. Despite numerous protests during this process, they could not alter QinTian's resolve or halt the reorganization's progress.
Of course, such actions sparked considerable discontent among certain factions, particularly with his adversary Moltke and the recently ousted General Pritwitz.
"Chief of Staff, this is splendid! That scoundrel Oscar dares to unilaterally reform the military structure; he is simply courting disaster! My sources report that he has enraged everyone within the 8th Army Corps. We should seize this opportunity to expel him from the corps," General Pritwitz exclaimed with fervor. Although he had been reassigned after leaving the 8th Army Corps, Pritwitz viewed his ousting as a grievous insult and was determined to seek revenge. Despite QinTian being the imperial heir, blinded by vengeance, Pritwitz disregarded the implications.
"Are the personnel in the 8th Army Corps truly dissatisfied with Oscar?" Moltke perked up. He seldom triumphed in his confrontations with QinTian, which fueled his ire.
"Yes, Chief of Staff," Pritwitz assured, thumping his chest.
"Ha! Excellent, splendid! This time I will witness how he is cast out from the 8th Army Corps," a glint of malice flashed in Moltke's eyes.
"If His Majesty could be enraged enough to revoke his position as heir, that would be ideal," Pritwitz suggested.
QinTian's status as heir put immense pressure on him. Though he was a favorite of Wilhelm II, the emperor was not young. The future of the empire lay with QinTian. Offending him could have dire consequences once QinTian ascended the throne.
Moltke shook his head. "To unseat him from the heir position would undoubtedly be quite challenging. However, it is not entirely impossible. We must proceed step by step. If he continues to err, we will certainly find our opportunity."
Moltke had always maintained a friendly relationship with Wilhelm II, but unfortunately, the prince's condition had rendered him a mere shell, allowing QinTian to seize the advantage. Had Wilhelm II not fallen into such a state, even QinTian's capabilities would not have afforded him the opportunity to become heir. Moltke now hoped fervently for Wilhelm II's swift recovery, as that might provide a chance to oust QinTian.
On January 22, Moltke and Pritwitz petitioned Wilhelm II, formally impeaching QinTian for his arbitrary military reforms within the 8th Army Corps and demanding the removal of QinTian from his position as commander.