Before the outbreak of war, Qin Tian's German Arms Company had produced a series of advanced weapons and specifically advised the German army to procure these armaments to enhance the troops' firepower. Unfortunately, Moltke, due to personal reasons, obstructed this procurement plan. Although some weapons were acquired under pressure, it was only a meager fraction. These arms were distributed evenly among the various units on the Western Front. While they did contribute somewhat to bolstering the troops' firepower, their limited numbers rendered the effect quite insignificant.
"If only the Western Front forces had been equipped as the Eighth Army was, perhaps we would have already defeated the Anglo-French forces," Wilhelm II fumed inwardly. His trust in Moltke had completely evaporated. In his view, had it not been for Moltke, the German army might have already secured victory on the Western Front, and they would not be in the increasingly disadvantageous position they found themselves in now.
"Perhaps it is time to replace Moltke. His presence offers no benefit to the German Empire's prospects of winning future wars," Wilhelm II mused silently. Although Moltke had once been his friend, he understood that in the face of the Empire's grand ambitions, friendship could be sacrificed.
"Father, if we could coordinate with the Austro-Hungarian Empire to decisively defeat the Russian Southwestern Front, it would inflict unprecedented damage upon their forces, especially their elite regular army, which would almost be entirely decimated. Even if they manage to mobilize more troops, those would mostly be inadequately trained and would struggle to pose a genuine threat to the Empire. The Austro-Hungarian troops could be freed up as a result, whether to be deployed to the Southern Front or to remain in the East as a precaution against the Germans, which would be advantageous," Qin Tian continued.
The Austro-Hungarian Empire had indeed performed poorly in this war, suffering defeats on the Eastern Front and failing to secure victory against Serbia on the Southern Front. Despite fielding armies that were two to three times larger than Serbia's and possessing far superior weaponry, their results had been dismal. Qin Tian couldn't help but acknowledge that none of Germany's allies seemed capable of effective military action; they were essentially all liabilities.
This left Germany to confront the world as a solitary hero, relying solely on its strength. In such a situation, any victory for Germany would truly seem miraculous.
Wilhelm II nodded, expressing his support for Qin Tian's strategy on the Eastern Front.
"Father, we have also prepared some covert measures in the East. As you know, I have been secretly supporting the Bolsheviks in Russia for years. The domestic situation there is dire. The tyrannical rule of the Tsar's government has incited widespread dissatisfaction among the Russian populace. Now, with the Russian army suffering successive defeats on the battlefield, the domestic tensions are escalating. Perhaps, with just the right impetus, Russia may descend into chaos. This would be of tremendous benefit to the German Empire," Qin Tian elaborated.
Wilhelm II was initially taken aback, but his face quickly brightened with exhilaration. He was aware of Qin Tian's support for the Bolsheviks, and although he harbored no fondness for them—having warned Qin Tian against allowing their influence to spread into Germany—he recognized that if the Bolsheviks could indeed destabilize Russia, it would be fantastic news for the German Empire. A Russian internal conflict would likely halt the war altogether, alleviating the threat on the Eastern Front and allowing Germany to concentrate more resources on the Western Front in pursuit of victory.
"Excellent, very good. Oscar, we must continue to strengthen our support for the Bolsheviks, with the greatest chance of helping them incite an uprising in Russia. This will be crucial for the German Empire," Wilhelm II commanded.
"Yes, Father!" Qin Tian nodded in agreement.
"Your Majesty, once Russia descends into chaos, we can decisively resolve the Eastern Front. At that point, we can concentrate our full might on the Western Front, with a genuine chance of utterly defeating the Anglo-French forces and securing victory in the war," Falkenhayn added.
Wilhelm II nodded, sharing this optimistic perspective.
"Father, if we can unite with the Austro-Hungarian Empire to eliminate the Russian Southwestern Front, Tsar Nicholas II will likely be compelled to reassign the First Guard Army from St. Petersburg to stabilize the frontline. The loss of the First Guard Army's threat would greatly enhance the likelihood of the Bolsheviks and other political factions in Russia launching an uprising," Qin Tian proposed.
Both Wilhelm II and Falkenhayn were filled with excitement; this was undoubtedly excellent news. If successful, it would significantly bolster Germany's advantages on the battlefield.
"Oscar, what are your thoughts on the situation on the Western Front?" Wilhelm II inquired.
"Father, I must say that the Western Front has been poorly managed. At the onset of the war, we possessed a considerable advantage, yet we failed to swiftly crush France, which has proven to be a grave mistake. Although we still maintain an advantage, it is rapidly dissipating. Even if we exhaust all our efforts to defeat the Anglo-French forces, it would surely be a pyrrhic victory, with substantial costs," Qin Tian remarked.
"Sigh!" Wilhelm II sighed heavily, clearly unprepared for the situation to have deteriorated to this extent on the Western Front. Prior to the outbreak of war, he had been filled with confidence regarding the campaign.
"Father, the dismal state of the Western Front can be directly attributed to Moltke's undeniable failures as Chief of Staff. I propose we remove Moltke from his position," Qin Tian suddenly declared.
Wilhelm II's expression turned serious. Although he harbored dissatisfaction towards Moltke, he hesitated at the prospect of immediately deciding to replace him. "Oscar, I understand your position. I will give it careful consideration."