"Your Highness..."von Falkenhayn exclaimed anxiously, wishing to dissuade Qin Tian from wagering his claim to the throne.
A glimmer of delight flashed in the eyes of Moltke and Pritwitz. Undermining Qin Tian's position as crown prince had always been their desire, and they had not anticipated such an opportunity would present itself. The fact that Qin Tian would voluntarily stake his claim made it an extraordinary chance. If the Eighth Army were unable to withstand the Russians in the upcoming conflict, Qin Tian would inevitably have to relinquish his title.
Without the title of crown prince, he would merely be an ordinary prince. Thus, Moltke and Pritwitz no longer felt the need to fear retaliation from Qin Tian; their anxieties dissipated.
Resolutely, they plotted to ensnare Qin Tian once the war commenced, determined to ensure the Eighth Army faced defeat at the hands of the Russians. For them, personal gain took precedence over national interest.
Wilhelm II observed the unfolding drama from his throne, casting a penetrating glance at Moltke and Pritwitz before addressing Qin Tian. "Oscar, have you truly thought this through? This is no matter for jest."
The emperor understood that Qin Tian was not one to embark on a venture without preparation. Such a decision indicated a firm confidence, yet the implications for the succession of the German Empire were too significant for anyone to dismiss lightly.
"Father, I am not jesting; I have considered it thoroughly," Qin Tian replied earnestly.
Wilhelm II nodded slowly. "Very well, we shall proceed according to the crown prince's wishes. Should the Eighth Army fail to withstand the Russian advance in the coming conflict, he will relinquish his claim to the throne."
Upon hearing this, smiles broke across the faces of Moltke and Pritwitz, who could hardly contain their glee.
"Father, now that I have made this guarantee, the reform of the Eighth Army can continue unabated, correct?" Qin Tian inquired. His monumental wager was made with the hope of furthering military reform. Though it appeared a risk, he believed that with the reform and new weaponry, the Eighth Army would undergo a profound transformation. Their combat effectiveness would significantly increase, enabling them not only to repel the Russian onslaught but perhaps even to defeat them outright. Should he achieve victory, no one would demand his abdication.
"Chief of Staff, what is your perspective?" Wilhelm II turned to Moltke.
"Your Majesty, if the crown prince has such confidence, let him proceed with the reforms in the Eighth Army. If successful, it could be a tremendous benefit, potentially serving as a model for the entire military," Moltke responded, all the while concealing his true skepticism regarding Qin Tian's chances.
While the Russian forces were indeed large, their combat effectiveness was lackluster. With over a million standing troops, mobilization could easily swell their ranks to five or six million. The Eighth Army's mere tens of thousands would struggle to hold against such numbers.
"Then it is settled," Wilhelm II concluded.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the assembled officers replied.
As everyone gradually exited Wilhelm II's office, Qin Tian remained behind.
"Oscar, you acted too impulsively. I do not understand how your relationship with Moltke has devolved to this point. You are the crown prince, my son. Moltke is the chief of the army's general staff, and a childhood companion. Your conflict places me in a difficult position," Wilhelm II expressed, his face etched with concern.
"Father, I have always sought to improve my relationship with the Chief of Staff. I even suggested naming the second-class battlecruiser after him, the 'Moltke Class,' in a bid to ease tensions. Yet he seems to harbor bias against me, continually creating obstacles. I had no choice but to confront him," Qin Tian replied, feigning innocence.
"Alas, I shall leave it to you. However, do you truly have the certainty to place your claim to the throne at stake? Should you fail, there will be no opportunity for recourse," Wilhelm II said, visibly worried.
"Rest assured, Father, this is a well-considered outcome. I am confident that the Eighth Army, after reforms and equipped with new weaponry, will see a tremendous boost in combat effectiveness. Even if we cannot defeat the Russians outright, holding them off for six to eight weeks should be feasible," Qin Tian asserted, exuding confidence.
Wilhelm II nodded. If Qin Tian could indeed deliver, it would be for the best. However, if he failed, even the emperor would find it difficult to offer favoritism in such a matter.
After learning the details of the military reforms and the weapons systems from Qin Tian, Wilhelm II's apprehensions eased slightly. Perhaps, he mused, Qin Tian might indeed achieve something remarkable.
Yet, this reassurance was insufficient; he had to guard against underhanded tactics from others. Wilhelm II resolved that if Moltke sought to create further trouble, he would not hesitate to intervene.
Not wishing to linger in the palace, Qin Tian planned to visit the German munitions company to expedite the production of the Eighth Army's required armaments. With such a significant wager made, retreat was not an option; he could only push forward with determination.
Internally, Qin Tian harbored a deep-seated animosity toward Moltke, who had persistently troubled him.
"Moltke, this time we are locked in a fight to the bitter end. Once the Eighth Army triumphs over the Russians, I shall relish seeing what you have to say then. I will ensure you not only lose your position as chief of staff but your very life as well!" Qin Tian vowed silently.
He was not a saint; he could not simply turn the other cheek when provoked. Given Moltke and Pritwitz's treatment of him, he was resolved to retaliate.