A deep furrow formed on QinTian's brow. He had never anticipated that, at this moment, Queen Victoria would still plead on behalf of Crown Prince Wilhelm. After all, she had witnessed her own husband's death at the hands of Wilhelm.
Although QinTian had long been aware that both Emperor Wilhelm II and Queen Victoria had lavished great affection on the Crown Prince, nurturing him as the heir to the Empire, the gravity of the crime committed by Wilhelm—murdering his own father—was an unforgivable transgression.
"Oscar, Prince Wilhelm's involvement in this rebellion was a product of his madness," Queen Victoria continued, seemingly oblivious to QinTian's increasingly grim expression. "The death of His Majesty was never his intention. At the time, he was enraged after being struck by His Majesty and, in his fury, he acted rashly, not thinking of the consequences. Moreover, he had only recently emerged from a vegetative state, which is why he committed such a heinous crime."
Though Queen Victoria despised Wilhelm's actions, she had already lost her husband and could not bear the thought of losing another son whom she had cherished so deeply. The emotional toll, she feared, would be too much for her to endure.
QinTian exhaled deeply, as if to release the frustration swelling within him. He could not understand Queen Victoria's reasoning. How could her love for Wilhelm blind her to the enormity of his crimes? His transgressions could not be pardoned simply because of the affection she held for him. After all, each of his offenses was almost beyond redemption.
"Mother, not only did Wilhelm instigate a rebellion, but he also murdered Father. What possible plea for mercy could there be for such behavior? Have you forgotten that, after killing Father, he attempted to lure me into the palace? If I had been deceived, I might have met the same fate. I would have been killed just like him."
"Oscar, that is not true. Wilhelm only wanted to reclaim his throne. He would never have killed you. After all, this throne rightfully belongs to him. If he had not fallen into a coma, you would never have become the heir. Besides, Father had promised that, should Wilhelm awaken, you would return the position of Crown Prince to him. Now that he understands his mistake, he will no longer pursue the throne. Please, show him mercy."
QinTian was rendered speechless. He had witnessed firsthand what a mother's excessive love could do to a son. How could Queen Victoria favor Wilhelm to such an extent when both were her children?
Though Queen Victoria was his mother, QinTian knew that, for the sake of the Empire and his own survival, he could not afford to be swayed by sentiment. If she did not value him as her son, then there was no reason for him to adhere to these notions of family affection. The true Oscar had long been dead, and the man before her was QinTian. His identity was borrowed; he had no obligation to honor these ties of kinship.
"Mother, I am sorry, but I cannot fulfill your request. Wilhelm's actions are beyond forgiveness. I am certain that the court will administer a just sentence. Even as the heir to the Empire, I cannot interfere with the impartiality of the law."
Queen Victoria froze, her face drained of color, her expression one of sheer disbelief.
"Rest well, Mother. The rebellion is over, and I will take care of the aftermath," QinTian said, bowing before her before exiting the room.
"Oscar, you cannot do this!" Queen Victoria cried out in protest. She no longer resembled a queen, but rather a petulant peasant woman.
QinTian ignored her completely.
Descending the stairs, he returned directly to the headquarters, his expression dark.
"Your Highness, what is it?" Prime Minister Biro and Foreign Minister Wacht were discussing the details of Emperor Wilhelm II's funeral.
"Queen Victoria wants me to spare Prince Wilhelm," QinTian said.
"What? That's impossible!" Prime Minister Biro exclaimed in shock.
"He killed His Majesty, and then he incited a coup to seize power. Such actions are unforgivable!" Foreign Minister Wacht added firmly.
The magnitude of this event was beyond comprehension. Since the founding of the German Empire, nothing of this nature had ever occurred. If such treason went unpunished, how could future generations be warned?
"Your Highness, we will immediately set up a special tribunal to try all those involved," Prime Minister Biro said. "Do you have any specific instructions?"
Although Western nations advocated for judicial fairness, such ideals were mere illusions for ordinary people. For those in power, the justice system was nothing more than a tool to serve their rule.
QinTian pondered briefly before responding, "None of the key conspirators in this rebellion should be spared. I want them all hanged. As for the soldiers, based on their involvement, those who deserve punishment should be sentenced, and those who warrant execution should be shot."
QinTian knew that he had to harden his heart for the greater good.
"Yes, Your Highness. But what about Duke of Württemberg? If he is sentenced to hanging, the Kingdom of Württemberg may fall into chaos. The royal family still holds significant influence there," Prime Minister Biro expressed his concerns.
"No matter what, Duke of Württemberg cannot be spared," QinTian said coldly. "If possible, the entire royal family should be removed. I will order the 9th Legion and other forces to move to the Kingdom of Württemberg with haste. If the royal family dares to resist, I will uproot them completely. Let the Kingdom of Württemberg become nothing more than a province of the Empire!"
A flash of murderous intent flickered in his eyes.
Though Prime Minister Biro and Foreign Minister Wacht felt that QinTian's methods were excessively harsh, they understood that this presented an excellent opportunity to strengthen centralized power. The Kingdom of Württemberg could be the breakthrough needed to weaken regional forces. Once the situation there was settled, the rest would be far easier.
"Very well, Your Highness. We shall proceed as you command. I will ensure the judges pass the death sentences!" Prime Minister Biro affirmed.
QinTian nodded, offering no further comment. Despite the fact that some of the conspirators included his own brothers, he felt no hesitation in sending them to the gallows.