Berlin, the Imperial Palace, Wilhelm II's Office.
The Emperor of the German Empire, Wilhelm II, was joined by Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow, Foreign Minister von Kiderlen-Waechter, Admiral Count Tirpitz, Minister of War and Chief of the General Staff Marshal von Falkenhayn, and the Crown Prince QinTian, all gathered in this chamber.
It had been exactly one month since the outbreak of revolution in Russia. The territories under the control of the Bolsheviks were expanding rapidly, while the loyalist forces, bolstered by the support of Britain, France, the United States, and Japan, launched assaults on the Bolshevik strongholds. The Russian Civil War had erupted on a grand scale.
The faces of Wilhelm II and his associates were illuminated by smiles. For them, the Russian revolution, along with the conflict between the Bolsheviks and the loyalist forces, presented an extraordinary opportunity for the German Empire. Previously, the advantage that Germany had in this war was gradually eroding, but with the crucial Allied member, Russia, withdrawing from the conflict, the German Empire found itself poised to reclaim the upper hand. Everyone believed that the victory of the German Empire in this war was now inevitable.
"Oscar, you have done remarkably well. I never anticipated those people could actually succeed. Although the Russian Empire is not as powerful as the German Empire, it remains a formidable nation!" Wilhelm II exclaimed.
Initially, when QinTian supported the Bolsheviks, Wilhelm II had been opposed, as the German Empire was also among the empires the Bolsheviks sought to overthrow. QinTian believed that supporting the Bolsheviks could destabilize Russia, and Wilhelm II had remained noncommittal, allowing QinTian to proceed. Unexpectedly, QinTian's efforts had proven successful.
"Your Majesty, while Russia is indeed a strong nation, their internal strife is too acute. Nicholas II's incompetence renders him incapable of managing such a vast territory and populous state. This, in turn, led to their disintegration during the Bolshevik revolution. Had it been any other country, the Bolsheviks would not have succeeded so easily," QinTian stated.
"Your Highness, even so, the influence and destructive potential of the Bolsheviks must not be underestimated. I suggest we adopt a comprehensive strategy to guard against their activities in Germany. Previously, we supported them solely to undermine Russia. Now that Russia has collapsed, we must consider the future security of the Empire," Chancellor von Bülow advised.
QinTian nodded, "I concur, Chancellor. After we have extracted sufficient benefits from the Bolsheviks, we must shift to suppressing them. Although the Bolsheviks currently appear weak before the Empire, they are destined to evolve into a primary adversary in Europe. From this point onward, the Empire should strategize for future confrontations with them."
"The Bolsheviks threatening the Empire? How is that conceivable?" Wilhelm II raised an eyebrow, skeptical. Given the current strength of the German Empire, which was on the brink of becoming the world's leading power, a victory in this war would solidify their dominance. Even if the Bolsheviks were to gain control of Russia, they would be utterly incapable of challenging the German Empire.
"Father, we must not underestimate the Bolsheviks' potential. Should we disregard them, we will surely suffer grave consequences," QinTian said gravely. He vividly recalled how the Bolsheviks had rapidly ascended from the ruins of their nation to become a superpower rivaling the United States. Without proper vigilance, the Bolsheviks would inevitably become a significant threat in the future.
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has a valid point. We must indeed remain cautious regarding the Bolsheviks," Foreign Minister von Kiderlen-Waechter added.
"Very well, Oscar. You shall be responsible for all matters concerning the Bolsheviks. Our singular goal is to ensure the Empire's enduring prosperity!" Wilhelm II declared.
"Yes, Father," QinTian affirmed solemnly.
"Gentlemen, our paramount task remains securing victory in the ongoing war. Following the upheaval in Russia, I believe there is no doubt that the Empire will emerge triumphant," Wilhelm II asserted.
"Indeed, Father. We only need to maintain a minimal force on the Eastern Front, while the bulk of our troops can be redeployed to the Western Front. With each corps reinforcing their armaments and establishing armored divisions, once our preparations are complete, we shall decisively defeat the Anglo-French forces and secure a definitive victory on the Western Front!" QinTian stated.
"Now, what of the Navy? Tirpitz, when can the High Seas Fleet engage the British?" Wilhelm II inquired.
The Imperial Navy had firmly established an advantageous position over the British Royal Navy in naval warfare. However, the British were not without their capabilities. Thus, Wilhelm II eagerly awaited the moment when the Imperial Navy could decisively vanquish the British, usurping their maritime supremacy.
"Your Majesty, the naval forces plan to engage the British in a decisive battle in the first half of next year. Should the British prove hesitant to engage, the Imperial Navy will strike at their coastal cities, compelling them to confront us," Admiral Count Tirpitz replied. In the first half of next year, the German Navy would commission five 'Bavaria-class' battleships and three 'Mackensen-class' battlecruisers, bringing their naval strength to its zenith. No nation would be able to stand against the might of the German Navy. Even the British Royal Navy would find itself incapable of contending with the peak capabilities of the German fleet.
Moreover, this was merely the surface fleet. The German Navy also boasted formidable underwater forces and carrier groups. Although there were only two aircraft carriers, they would undoubtedly set a precedent. When the carrier-based aircraft launched attacks on British warships, the British would realize that the disparity between them and the German Navy was not merely one of surface ship numbers, but a comprehensive gap in both hardware and combat philosophy.
Before the might of the German Navy, the erstwhile supreme Royal Navy was reduced to mere rubble.
Wilhelm II nodded in satisfaction, "Excellent. In the first half of next year, with the Imperial Army achieving decisive victories on the Western Front and the Imperial Navy thoroughly defeating the British Royal Navy, the Empire's victory will be assured!"