Qin Tian had long held a dismissive view of the Italians' combat effectiveness, causing him little concern over their potential betrayal of the Allies in favor of the Entente. Moreover, in an alternate timeline, the Italians had acted in a similar manner. Consequently, he was not at all surprised by their decision. The only distinction was that in this timeline, their betrayal occurred a few months earlier.
Nevertheless, Qin Tian's indifference did not imply that others shared his lack of concern. Italy, after all, was an industrial power with a population of twenty to thirty million. Once mobilized, it could field at least two million troops, a substantial military force in today's world. While the Italians had not performed well in Ethiopia or North Africa, it remained highly debatable whether they were as easily vanquished as Qin Tian suggested.
"The Italians have betrayed us, and it is foreseeable that they will undoubtedly launch an offensive against the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Thus, the Austro-Hungarian Empire must withdraw troops from the front lines to reinforce the southern front and ensure they can withstand the Italian advance. Given the forces the Italians can mobilize, the Austro-Hungarian Empire will likely need to pull back an entire army group for adequate defense," von Falkenhayn stated.
"One army group from the Austro-Hungarian Empire should suffice to repel the Italians' assault. However, if there are concerns about this, we could send three infantry divisions to support them. Utilizing the Alpine terrain, repelling the Italians would certainly not pose a problem. Nevertheless, our current adversaries remain the British, French, and Russians; the Italians can be momentarily set aside. Once we have triumphed over the British, French, and Russians, the Italians will present no significant threat," Qin Tian replied.
"Very well, let us proceed accordingly. The Austro-Hungarian Empire shall withdraw troops to guard against Italy, and we will send three infantry divisions to reinforce them!" declared Wilhelm II. At this juncture, further discussion was pointless. The immediate task was to withstand the Italian onslaught and minimize losses.
"Your Majesty, we will contact the Austro-Hungarian Empire at once. However, they are already struggling to fend off the Russian attacks on the Eastern Front. If we withdraw more troops, they will be exceedingly vulnerable to a Russian defeat. To prevent this situation, the Eighth Army Corps and the Austro-Hungarian Army must swiftly commence joint operations against the Russian Southwestern Front," von Falkenhayn emphasized.
Germany could not afford to abandon the Austro-Hungarian Empire as an unreliable ally. Forsaking them would leave Germany to face the entire world alone.
"Oscar, has the Eighth Army Corps completed its rest?" Wilhelm II inquired, feeling confident in the corps that had repeatedly achieved remarkable feats on the Eastern Front.
"Father, the rest period for the Eighth Army Corps is nearly over. However, after their southward advance, which force will be assigned to defend East Prussia and Poland?" Qin Tian asked.
Although the Russian Northwestern Army had been thoroughly defeated, this did not eliminate the threat posed by Russia to East Prussia and the Kingdom of Poland. Should Russian reinforcements arrive from the rear, they could resume their offensive. Therefore, a defensive force must be stationed in their homeland after the Eighth Army Corps moves south.
Wilhelm II furrowed his brow, recognizing this as a legitimate concern.
"Do you have any suggestions?" Wilhelm II inquired.
"Your Majesty, the general staff hopes to establish a Ninth Army Corps. The Ninth Army Corps would be formed by reallocating troops from the reserve army, along with the newly established Ninth Armored Division. The Ninth Army Corps could be formed while simultaneously taking responsibility for the defense of East Prussia and the Kingdom of Poland. This way, even if Russian reinforcements arrive from the rear, they could adequately repel their advances," von Falkenhayn proposed.
This was the outcome of the discussions between Qin Tian and von Falkenhayn; the Eighth Army Corps was already fully under Qin Tian's control. Moving forward, he needed to find ways to extend his influence over other army corps. Naturally, expanding his influence over existing corps would prove more challenging than commanding a newly formed one. To this end, Qin Tian planned a dual approach: actively expanding his influence in other corps while also establishing new ones. This strategy would gradually enhance his authority within the army.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Wilhelm II nodded in agreement.
Following the inability to achieve swift victories on the Western Front, Wilhelm II had sensed a significant shortfall in the strength of the German army. This was primarily due to the fact that, at the outbreak of war, Germany had only mobilized fifty percent of its forces, whereas its longstanding adversary, France, had mobilized eighty percent. In comparison, Germany's mobilization appeared quite inadequate.
"The Ninth Army Corps can be established. What recommendations do you have for the commander and chief of staff?" Wilhelm II continued.
"Father, I suggest General Hindenburg as the commander of the Ninth Army Corps. As for the chief of staff, it could be General Hoffman, the deputy chief of staff of the Eighth Army Corps," Qin Tian expressed directly. Both Hindenburg and Hoffman were his allies. Appointing them to lead the newly formed Ninth Army Corps would ensure his influence over it.
"Your Majesty, the combat prowess of the Eighth Army Corps is widely acknowledged. Thus, the Ninth Army Corps will be structured entirely according to the Eighth Army Corps' organization. Appointing General Hindenburg and General Hoffman as the commander and chief of staff of the Ninth Army Corps is a logical consideration," von Falkenhayn added.
"Very well, let it be as you suggest!" Wilhelm II nodded. Although he was acutely aware that this was Qin Tian seizing an opportunity to expand his influence within the military, Wilhelm II, having already designated Qin Tian as his sole heir, was no longer particularly concerned about it. He often turned a blind eye to Qin Tian's minor maneuvers.
"Understood, Your Majesty," von Falkenhayn acknowledged with a nod. With Wilhelm II's approval, the path ahead would become considerably easier.
On October 1, 1914, the German Empire declared war on the Kingdom of Italy, citing its betrayal of the alliance treaty as justification.
Merely two hours later, the Austro-Hungarian Empire also declared war on the Kingdom of Italy.
That same evening, the Kingdom of Italy declared war on both the German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Once allies, they became enemies on this fateful day.