Upon receiving the operational plan from the Southwestern Front, Grand Duke Nikolai pondered for a considerable time. He was taken aback by General Ivanov's decision to pursue such a daring strategy. Nevertheless, he had to concede that this was Russia's only opportunity to reverse the situation and achieve victory.
If the Southwestern Front's plan were to succeed, it would dramatically alter the dynamics of the battlefield. Russia would gain a decisive advantage on the Eastern Front, potentially threatening the heartland of Germany and steering the war in favor of the Allies.
However, should the plan fail, the Russian forces might suffer catastrophic losses, with over two million troops rendered ineffective. Even with a vast pool of manpower, such a defeat would deeply wound Russia. Granted, given some time to regroup, Russia could still muster millions of soldiers, but the loss of significant territory would likely be unavoidable. This predicament would present a grave challenge to Tsar Nicholas II.
Faced with this dilemma, Grand Duke Nikolai found himself in a quandary. After much deliberation, he ultimately approved General Ivanov's operational plan. After all, the allure of gaining decisive superiority on the Eastern Front was too great to resist. Following the disastrous defeat of the Northwestern Front, the situation in the East had become increasingly dire for Russia. If they did not act decisively to change the course of events, they risked losing the war.
Moreover, if the Southwestern Front emerged victorious, it would surely please Tsar Nicholas II, who had been incensed by previous failures.
Upon receiving approval for the operational plan, General Ivanov sprang into action. The 3rd, 4th, 8th, and 11th Armies of the Southwestern Front began to mobilize rapidly. The 4th Army established defensive positions along the line from Hium to Zamość, southeast of Lublin. Meanwhile, the 3rd, 8th, and 11th Armies advanced further into the Carpathian Mountains. Once they crossed this mountain range, they would enter the flat plains of Hungary, directly threatening the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and potentially shattering it.
The movements of the Russian forces caused considerable anxiety among the Austro-Hungarian troops stationed in the Carpathians. The mountains represented their last line of defense. If they could not halt the Russians here, the flames of war would inevitably engulf the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire—a crushing blow to its integrity.
"Your Highness, the Russians of the Southwestern Front are closing in on our defenses. An attack is anticipated shortly," reported Baron Herzendorff, his expression grave.
QinTian nodded. "The Russians are no fools; our 8th Army's advance southward has certainly alerted them. I had expected them to concentrate their forces in defense against us, but it seems their commander possesses considerable audacity, choosing to confront us head-on."
With the departure of Archduke Karl and Duke Friedrich back to Vienna, the tension eased for QinTian. Of course, one of the primary reasons for Archduke Karl's withdrawal from the front was Baron Herzendorff's warning that their location in Uzhhorod could become a primary target for Russian assaults if combat commenced. Concerned about the potential dangers, Herzendorff advised the archduke to return to Vienna for his safety.
When informed that Uzhhorod might become a frontline position, Archduke Karl's handsome face turned pale, and he left for Vienna the very next day without hesitation.
This decision bemused the Austro-Hungarian commanders. Had there been no comparison, they might have considered Archduke Karl a decent leader. However, in contrast to QinTian, he seemed decidedly lacking.
"Your Highness, will this affect our plans adversely?" Baron Herzendorff asked with concern. This time, they had staked their future on the outcome.
"Fear not, Marshal. I was initially worried that the Russians would adopt a defensive posture, complicating our efforts to defeat them. But now that they have chosen to launch an offensive, vanquishing them will be relatively simpler," QinTian asserted confidently.
"Marshal, can your three armies hold the Carpathian defensive line? The 8th Army will need at least half a month to defeat the Russian 4th Army and encircle their rear," QinTian inquired with gravity.
If the Austro-Hungarians could not maintain this defense, the battle might come to an abrupt end.
"Your Highness, if we focus solely on defense, we can hold for half a month without issue," Baron Herzendorff replied. After all, the Russian 4th Army's attack on the 8th Army would be met with only three of their own armies. Given their equal numbers, and with the advantage of superior weaponry, if the Austro-Hungarian forces failed to withstand the Russian onslaught, the commanders would be utterly ashamed.
QinTian nodded. "Very well. While the Austro-Hungarians fortify their defenses in the Carpathians, the 8th Army will launch a fierce assault against the Russians. We will sever their lines of retreat and disrupt their supply chains, making the battle considerably more manageable."
Baron Herzendorff nodded in agreement; with QinTian's confidence, there seemed little cause for concern.
"Tomorrow, the 8th Army will attack the Russian 4th Army. The outcome now hinges on the Austro-Hungarian forces. I hope we achieve a resounding victory!" QinTian declared.
"Rest assured, Your Highness. The Austro-Hungarian forces will hold firm until that day," Baron Herzendorff replied with a smile.
On October 7, 1914, the German Imperial Army's 8th Army formally launched an offensive against the Russian 4th Army. Simultaneously, the three Austro-Hungarian armies fortified their positions along the Carpathian defensive line, bracing for the impending Russian assault.