"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is still far too young! Ignoring the practical situation, he is implementing military reforms in the Eighth Army Corps, not only forcibly altering the traditional military structure of the German Empire but also inciting resentment among many officers and generals. Consequently, the entire Eighth Army Corps has been greatly affected. If this continues, it will be exceedingly difficult for the Eighth Army Corps to maintain its current combat effectiveness, let alone improve it. Should war break out and the Russians advance into East Prussia, how could the Eighth Army withstand such an assault?" Moltke admonished, his voice intense, as if declaring that if the Crown Prince was not dealt with, the Eighth Army Corps would collapse and Germany would lose the impending conflict.
Wilhelm II furrowed his brow, pondering whether the situation was truly as dire as Moltke suggested. However, Moltke's earnestness began to sway Wilhelm's confidence. Could it be that QinTian was indeed unfit to command the Eighth Army Corps?
"Your Majesty, I believe it is imperative to reassign the Crown Prince from the Eighth Army Corps. Otherwise, it will be left in disarray," Pritwitz interjected, eager to express his support for Moltke.
Wilhelm II was aware that QinTian's previous reassignment of Pritwitz had left him embittered. Now, with QinTian's military reforms in the Eighth Army Corps potentially encountering issues, Pritwitz seized the opportunity to voice his discontent.
Wilhelm knew of the reforms being implemented by QinTian but did not foresee any adverse effects. In fact, he hoped that QinTian would achieve significant results within the Eighth Army, enabling him to promote these changes across other units.
"Very well, I have noted your concerns. I will summon Oscar back to Berlin immediately to explain this matter," Wilhelm declared.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Moltke and Pritwitz responded. Although they were somewhat disappointed that Wilhelm did not outright dismiss QinTian from command of the Eighth Army Corps, his immediate summoning to Berlin for questioning was still a considerable victory.
When Wilhelm's order reached the Eighth Army Corps, QinTian understood that it was Moltke's doing. He had anticipated that Moltke would seek to create trouble for him.
"Your Highness, I have received word that Moltke and Pritwitz have lodged an impeachment against you with the Emperor. Those two are utterly shameless! Do they not realize that military reform and the large-scale modernization of weaponry will enhance the combat effectiveness of our forces? This is beneficial for the entire German Empire!" Hindenburg exclaimed, seething with anger.
"They are not unaware; they simply do not wish for the Crown Prince to succeed in his reforms. They know that if you achieve success, their chances of undermining you will vanish. Furthermore, they realize that once you ascend the throne, individuals like them will have no hope of holding high office," Ludendorff added.
"Humph! They shall not prevail. I am eager to see what tricks they will employ this time. In the face of facts, the Emperor will not heed their baseless accusations," QinTian replied confidently.
"Indeed, Your Highness," Hindenburg and Ludendorff nodded in agreement. They held little respect for those like Moltke and Pritwitz, who relied on their close ties to Wilhelm II to secure their positions. If they could be ousted from power, even banished from the military, it would be a great triumph.
That night, QinTian took a special train back to Berlin, arriving at Wilhelm's office the following morning. Present in the office were Moltke, Pritwitz, and Generals von Falkenhayn and Wallders.
"Oscar, what is the situation with the Eighth Army Corps?" Wilhelm inquired.
"Father, everything is progressing well with the Eighth Army Corps. It is developing continuously, and I am confident it will soon become an elite unit," QinTian responded with conviction.
"Is the Crown Prince perhaps exaggerating? Hasn't he stirred up considerable resentment within the Eighth Army? Is it wise to deliberately mislead the Emperor?" Moltke said with a sinister glint in his eye.
"Resentment? What is that about?" QinTian replied, taken aback. While he understood his reforms had ruffled some feathers, the situation hardly warranted such a severe claim.
"Is Your Highness still in denial? Your unilateral decisions regarding military reform have left the officers and generals extremely dissatisfied. If this continues, the Eighth Army Corps could very well collapse—how can you talk of it becoming an elite unit?" Pritwitz charged forward, accusing QinTian.
QinTian smiled slightly, casting a glance at Pritwitz as though observing a mere buffoon. He had anticipated Pritwitz's resentment over his removal from the Eighth Army and knew he had allies within the corps. However, he was surprised that Pritwitz would leap to accusations without even understanding the actual circumstances. He questioned how such a person could rise to the rank of major general in the Empire and command a division.
Pritwitz's irritation was palpable, nearly prompting an outburst, but he refrained, knowing the Crown Prince's stature kept him in check. Instead, he muttered a few curses under his breath for relief.
"General Pritwitz, jumping to conclusions so prematurely seems rather hasty. It would be prudent to wait for a thorough investigation before reaching a verdict!" von Falkenhayn interjected in support of QinTian.
"Humph! Isn't everything already apparent? What more is there to discuss?" Pritwitz retorted loudly.
The office erupted into chaos, displeasing Wilhelm II.
"Enough! Silence! I am the one questioning Oscar regarding the situation. No one else is permitted to speak without my consent!" Wilhelm thundered.
At Wilhelm's outburst, Pritwitz fell silent. Although he lacked military prowess, he was adept at reading the room. Otherwise, he wouldn't have become a favored courtier and risen to the rank of major general. He understood that his power came solely from Wilhelm. If he angered the Emperor and lost that power, he would be left with nothing.