Time passed slowly, and when the sun rose, the residents of Berlin finally emerged from their homes. The sounds of gunfire and explosions had long since faded, and the acrid scent of smoke had dissipated. Yet, a faint trace of blood lingered in the air.
The streets were still scarred by craters and the remnants of bombed buildings. Even the structures lining the roads bore the telltale signs of battle, riddled with countless bullet holes. People began to whisper about the events of the previous night.
Some speculated that foreign forces had infiltrated Berlin, and a fierce battle had ensued between the army and the enemy. Others believed it was a rebellion, for the opposing factions seemed to consist of the elite Imperial Guard and soldiers clad in unfamiliar uniforms.
The common folk were largely in the dark, which led them to concoct various theories and imaginings. If left unchecked, such rumors would surely spread and stir unrest, threatening the stability of society.
Fortunately, QinTian had anticipated this. Early in the morning, government and military-organized propaganda vehicles went through the city, informing the public of the events that had transpired. The rebellion, masterminded by Crown Prince Wilhelm, Prince Eitel Friedrich, Moltke, Duke of Württemberg, Marshal Götz, General Prittwitz, and Graf, was laid bare for all to know.
Whether or not to conceal the truth had been debated by QinTian, Prime Minister Bilo, and others. The government had originally planned to suppress the details, but QinTian insisted that the truth must come out. After all, it was Wilhelm II who had been killed by Crown Prince Wilhelm during the rebellion, and the public needed to know. Otherwise, speculation about the Emperor's death would spiral out of control, creating unnecessary trouble, and possibly even casting doubt on QinTian's own succession. He could not afford that.
However, QinTian's concerns proved to be unfounded. After the war broke out, the forces under his command secured significant victories on both the Eastern and Western fronts. These successes endeared him to the Empire's populace, who hailed him as a hero. Despite some discontent when Wilhelm II had altered the laws of succession, making QinTian the Crown Prince, any resentment had long since evaporated in the face of his achievements.
"Oh my God! Didn't Crown Prince Wilhelm fall into a vegetative state? How could he suddenly awaken?"
"No one knows; perhaps it's a medical miracle. But for him to wake up—that's a blessing from God. But why did he lead a rebellion and even kill His Majesty? It's truly despicable. The Emperor was his father, after all!"
"Hmph! Isn't it all because of the throne? After waking from his coma, he found that his claim to the throne had vanished. Moreover, Crown Prince Oscar had done so well. That must have stirred his jealousy. In such circumstances, he would do anything."
"Yes! To forsake family for the throne. Such a person does not deserve to live. God made a mistake by allowing him to wake up. He should have remained in that vegetative state, dying quietly in his sleep—that would have been best!"
"The most tragic are those soldiers of the Imperial Guard. They were innocent! They were only following orders from their commanders. Now, they've thrown away their lives for nothing."
"Aside from Crown Prince Wilhelm and Prince Eitel Friedrich, so many other big names were involved—Moltke, the former Chief of Staff, and even the Duke of Württemberg. Doesn't this spell chaos for the Empire?"
"Hmph! These scoundrels deserve death. We're in the middle of a war with England, France, and other countries. Our forces are gaining the upper hand, and Crown Prince Oscar's troops are defeating the enemy. But these traitors are undermining us from behind. What are they thinking? If we lose this war, it's all their fault, and they deserve to be hanged."
"Thank goodness the rebellion hasn't caused too much damage. Even so, they should not be spared. Hanging them is the least they deserve."
The people of the Empire, almost without exception, stood firmly with QinTian in the wake of the rebellion. After all, it was his faction that had emerged victorious. The common folk, naturally, wished to align with the side that had triumphed. Moreover, QinTian's performance had far outshone that of Crown Prince Wilhelm, whose reign had amounted to little. The citizens hoped for the Empire's continued growth, as it would bring prosperity and benefits to them all.
Although there were still a few dissenting voices against QinTian, the majority of the populace supported him, which greatly relieved him.
QinTian and the cabinet, along with military officials, discussed the date of Emperor Wilhelm II's funeral. Given that three days had already passed since his death, any further delay would result in the body deteriorating.
Thus, they set the funeral for April 30th.
Though time was short and the funeral had to be conducted with haste, it was understood that during a time of war, simplicity was acceptable.
On the morning of April 30th, leaders from the Imperial States, senior cabinet members, military commanders, nobles, and representatives of various social classes attended the Emperor's funeral. Although the ceremony was simple, it was solemn and dignified. Despite his faults and obstinacy, Emperor Wilhelm II had been a beloved figure in Germany, who had led the country to newfound strength. Tens of thousands of Berlin residents, along with people who had traveled from other cities, gathered to pay their respects to the late Emperor.
Wilhelm II was laid to rest in the Royal Cemetery. Though his imperial ambitions had not been fully realized, there were clear signs that the Empire was on the brink of ultimate victory. It was not far-fetched to predict that the Empire would triumph in the war.
Before the Emperor's tombstone, QinTian silently vowed, "The empire you never fully realized, I will make it a reality. The future of the German Empire will surely see it become the mightiest in the world."