"Your Highness, the Russian Southwestern Army boasts formidable strength, and our allies appear rather unreliable. This battle will undoubtedly be a challenging one!" Manstein expressed his concerns regarding the unfolding situation.
Qin Tian nodded, acknowledging the precariousness of the upcoming conflict. However, to realize their strategic objectives and achieve victory on the Eastern Front, this battle was imperative.
"Indeed, we face numerous difficulties. Yet, despite these challenges, we must engage in this fight and secure a win. I believe the Austro-Hungarian forces, too, would prefer not to suffer defeat. Once hostilities commence, they will undoubtedly coordinate with us," Qin Tian stated.
Manstein nodded thoughtfully. "Your Highness, are we to relinquish command of this campaign to the Austrians? If we allow them to direct our troops, we may not only face defeat but also incur severe losses."
"How could that be? There has never been a precedent for Austrian command over our forces. I will discuss the issue of command authority with them this afternoon. Ideally, if they are willing to cede command, that would be most advantageous. Should they refuse, we must rely on mutual cooperation. As for the extent of that cooperation, it will depend on them. However, I wouldn't hold overly optimistic expectations," Qin Tian replied.
"Yes, Your Highness." Manstein increasingly felt the daunting nature of the upcoming battle. Nevertheless, he understood that this confrontation was unavoidable, and victory was essential for the German Empire to secure success on the Eastern Front and alter their unfavorable position.
After resting for an hour, the joint operations meeting between the German and Austro-Hungarian forces commenced at two-thirty in the afternoon.
In the conference room of the Austro-Hungarian command, both sides took their seats at a long table. The Austrians were represented by several individuals, while the Germans had only Qin Tian and the young Manstein.
"The Germans have sent merely two representatives to this joint operations meeting, which is a clear sign of their contempt for us!" Crown Prince Karl fumed inwardly upon seeing only Qin Tian and Manstein across the table. In his eyes, this was a blatant disregard for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Furthermore, the Germans had only deployed the Eighth Army Corps to the long Eastern Front, while the Austro-Hungarians were compelled to muster over a million troops. It was evident that the Germans were utilizing them to engage the Russians while reaping the benefits themselves. This perception deepened Karl's resentment towards Germany. Were it within his power, he would have led the Austro-Hungarian Empire out of the war, leaving Germany to fight alone.
"Your Highness, the Austro-Hungarian Empire is grateful for Germany's timely reinforcement. His Majesty believes that your forces will undoubtedly prevail against the Russians. Furthermore, His Majesty hopes that you might visit Vienna at an appropriate time. He looks forward to your meeting," Prince Friedrich declared with a beaming smile.
"Your Excellency is too kind. Please convey to His Majesty that I shall certainly visit Vienna once this war concludes," Qin Tian responded with a smile. He was acutely aware that Emperor Franz Joseph I did not have long to live. Once Crown Prince Karl ascended as Charles I, the relationship between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the German Empire would likely deteriorate significantly. Hence, Qin Tian hoped the war could conclude before the Emperor's passing. That way, even if the Austro-Hungarian stance towards Germany shifted, the Germans would be able to navigate the situation adeptly.
"Your Highness, does the German Empire have any plans regarding operations against the Russian Southwestern Army?" asked Baron von Hindenburg, Chief of the Austro-Hungarian General Staff.
"General von Hindenburg, the German Eighth Army Corps is already making its way to the front lines. We anticipate reaching the designated positions within three days. On October 7, the Eighth Army Corps will launch an assault from the north against the Russian Southwestern Army. Our primary target will be the Fourth Army Corps of the Russian forces. After defeating the Fourth Army Corps, we will advance eastward to threaten the flank of the main body of the Russian Southwestern Army. We hope the Austro-Hungarian forces will initiate an attack on the front lines to coordinate with us and decisively defeat the Russian Southwestern Army," Qin Tian outlined.
"Good heavens! If I heard correctly, Your Highness intends for the Eighth Army Corps to first defeat the Fourth Army Corps and then cut off the retreat of the remaining three main Russian Army Corps, effectively annihilating them?" Baron von Hindenburg exclaimed in astonishment.
Other Austro-Hungarian officers shared his shock, finding the German ambitions exceedingly grandiose.
Crown Prince Karl's expression turned to one of disdain. In his view, Qin Tian was clearly boasting. Were the Russians truly so easily defeated? If they could be vanquished with such ease, the Austro-Hungarian Empire would not be in its current dire predicament.
"Your Highness, the Russian Southwestern Army comprises four principal Army Corps, with a total strength exceeding one million. How can they possibly be vanquished so easily?" Crown Prince Karl questioned.
"Certainly, the Russian forces are formidable, but we are not without our strengths. I believe that even the might of the Russian Southwestern Army pales in comparison to that of the Russian Northwestern Army, against which we have previously secured a decisive victory," Qin Tian replied, maintaining a courteous smile.
However, Crown Prince Karl perceived this as a blatant display of German superiority, almost mocking the Austro-Hungarians. The German corps had triumphed over the Russian Northwestern Army while the Austro-Hungarians had been left in disarray.
Instantly, Karl's expression soured. Yet, he found himself unable to refute Qin Tian, given the Germans' remarkable performance on the Eastern Front contrasted starkly with the Austro-Hungarians' failures, leaving him feeling quite diminished.
"Your Highness, how confident is your army regarding this operation?" Prince Friedrich inquired.
"At least fifty percent. If the Austro-Hungarian forces fully cooperate with us, our chances of success will significantly increase. Therefore, I hope the Austro-Hungarian forces will follow my command in this battle!" Qin Tian declared.