The Russian Imperial Guard's First Army, undoubtedly a premier force under Tsar Nicholas II, was, however, relatively speaking, not as formidable when faced with the might of the German Eighth Corps. The Eighth Corps could single-handedly contend with two or three such divisions.
"The First Guard Army is indeed not easily deployable. Nevertheless, we must devise a means to compel the First Guard Army to mobilize. If Tsar Nicholas II cannot make that decision, we shall assist him in doing so," Qin Tian declared.
"Your Highness, do you have a plan?" General Hindenburg inquired.
"If we can eliminate the Russian Ninth Army and, in conjunction with the Austro-Hungarian Empire, also dismantle the Russian Southwestern Front, I cannot believe that Nicholas II would remain passive in such circumstances!" A glint of ruthlessness flashed in Qin Tian's eyes.
Both Hindenburg and General Ludendorff nodded in agreement, finding this strategy undoubtedly feasible.
"Your Highness, if we can truly collaborate with the Austro-Hungarians to neutralize the Southwestern Front, it is indeed likely that Nicholas II will be compelled to deploy the First Guard Army," Hindenburg remarked.
The Russian standing army comprised 1.4 million men. Aside from 400,000 Guards, over a million soldiers were stationed in various regions. Following the outbreak of war, Russia initiated a general mobilization while simultaneously deploying its standing forces to launch an offensive. It can be said that 80% of the standing army, excluding the Guards, was concentrated in the Northwestern and Southwestern Fronts. If the Eighth Corps could eliminate the Russian Northwestern Front and consume both the Second Guard Army and the Ninth Army, while also dealing a blow to the Southwestern Front, it would mean the near annihilation of Russia's standing forces—a catastrophic blow to the Russian military.
Such extensive losses would inevitably hinder the Russian ability to maintain control over its vast territories. Even with large numbers mobilized, these hastily assembled second-line troops could hardly match the might of the German and Austro-Hungarian armies. While the Austro-Hungarian army may have struggled against the Russian standing forces, it was unlikely to falter against the second-line troops. Coupled with the ferocity of the German army, the Russians would be at a severe disadvantage.
To stabilize the front, Nicholas II would undoubtedly need to deploy the First Guard Army. This, in turn, would provide an excellent opportunity for discontented factions within Russia, such as the Bolsheviks, to seize upon. Should they rise in rebellion, internal chaos in Russia would become inevitable, possibly culminating in the overthrow of the Tsarist government, akin to another timeline. If the Bolsheviks could emerge victorious amid the turmoil and seize power, Germany would swiftly secure victory on the Eastern Front and reap substantial rewards. Freed from the Eastern Front, the German forces could concentrate fully on the Western Front, where Qin Tian believed defeating the Anglo-French coalition would pose little challenge.
"Your Highness, the Russian Ninth Army has begun its retreat. The Twentieth Army is currently in pursuit, but their forces are still insufficient," General Ludendorff reported.
"Order the Eleventh Army, the Seventeenth Army, and the Eighth Armored Division to commence pursuit! Regardless, our foremost priority remains the annihilation of the Russian Ninth Army. As for dealing with the Russian Southwestern Front, we must collaborate with the Austro-Hungarian Empire. I shall request the Army and General Staff to coordinate with them," Qin Tian asserted.
"Understood, Your Highness," Ludendorff nodded in affirmation.
"Deploy the Eighth Air Force to bomb the Russian Ninth Army, aiming to impede their retreat as much as possible," Qin Tian continued. Once the Russian Ninth Army began its withdrawal, thwarting that retreat would become the most critical objective for the Eighth Corps. Qin Tian had long considered this tactic: while ground forces pursued, the already operational air units would engage the Russians. This approach would undoubtedly yield significant results.
Though aerial bombardment alone could not decimate the Russian Ninth Army, any delay in their retreat would provide the Eighth Corps with crucial time to catch up—an achievement in itself.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Thus far, the Eighth Air Force had nearly three hundred operational aircraft, evenly split between fighters and bombers. Besides a large airfield in Königsberg, there were also military airbases in the eastern and southern parts of East Prussia.
Thanks to Qin Tian's influence, Germany had maintained a leading edge in aviation. Both the F2 fighter and H1 bomber were superior to aircraft from other nations, a fact evidenced by the devastation wrought upon the Anglo-French air forces on the Western Front.
Yet, while other air units celebrated their victories, the Eighth Air Force pilots felt somewhat discontented. They were among the earliest established aviation units within the German army, possessing the highest flight proficiency and combat capability. Initially, they had hoped to achieve great deeds in this war, showcasing their strength to the world. Regrettably, the absence of substantial Russian aerial forces had rendered their skills unutilized, relegating them to reconnaissance missions with little opportunity for engagement.
Of course, this was unavoidable; with so few aircraft, the Russians could not afford to waste precious aviation fuel merely to take to the skies against nonexistent threats.
"General, a message from His Highness the Crown Prince," an officer entered the office of Brigadier General Kory in the command of the Eighth Air Force in Königsberg.
However, Brigadier General Kory was in no mood to chastise the aide for barging in unannounced. Grabbing the telegram from the officer's hand, he began to read.
"Ha! Excellent! We finally have an opportunity to engage in battle! Order all pilots and aircraft to prepare for action. We take off in half an hour!" Brigadier General Kory commanded.
"Yes, General."
The pilots of the Eighth Air Force were already prepared. Upon receiving the order, they would be ready to take flight in no time.