At the funeral of Emperor Wilhelm II, representatives from all sectors of the empire, as well as foreign diplomats stationed in the German Empire, expressed their condolences for his passing. Naturally, some nations took a more cynical stance, secretly hoping for further turmoil within the German Empire, believing that such unrest might offer them a chance to exploit the situation.
Among them were Britain and France, both of whom had been subdued by Germany and were now reeling from their repeated defeats on the French battlefield. After the rebellion, they were elated, eager to launch a counterattack, hoping to turn the tide of war in their favor. Yet, when they tentatively initiated an assault, they were swiftly repelled by the well-prepared German forces, which forced them to retreat. Nevertheless, these two nations did not cease in their efforts to tarnish the reputation of both the German Empire and Qin Tian on the international stage. Though their actions did little to alter the course of the war, it at least allowed them to vent their frustrations.
At present, the war effort made it exceedingly difficult for Britain and France to defeat the German forces on the battlefield. As a result, their only recourse was to lash out in other ways.
Of course, these maneuvers had no significant impact on Qin Tian or the German Empire. The rest of the world, not blind to their machinations, could easily discern their ill intentions.
Once Wilhelm II's funeral was hastily concluded, the Special Tribunal convened. The trial's primary focus was the rebellion instigated by Crown Prince Wilhelm and his collaborators. They would all stand before the court to face 'just' judicial proceedings.
The Chief Justice of the Special Tribunal, a senior judge from the Supreme Court of the Empire, presided, accompanied by a handpicked panel of legal experts. Their sole purpose was to ensure that Qin Tian's will would be faithfully carried out during this trial.
With Wilhelm II's death, Qin Tian, as the legitimate heir, was undisputedly the rightful successor to the throne. Although he had not yet been crowned, he had undeniably become the most powerful figure in the Empire.
"Crown Prince Wilhelm, you are charged with instigating a military coup on the evening of April 26th, attacking the imperial palace, the General Staff, the Navy Ministry, and various government institutions. During the coup, you shot and killed His Imperial Majesty. Do you plead guilty?" the Chief Justice asked.
"I am innocent! I initiated the coup only to reclaim what was rightfully mine—the imperial throne. I am the true heir to the Empire. Oscar is a despicable thief who stole my birthright. I had no choice but to take back what was mine!" Crown Prince Wilhelm raged.
"His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Wilhelm II, officially bestowed the title of heir upon Prince Oscar. This is beyond dispute. Yet, you, driven by bitterness, took His Majesty's life," the Chief Justice continued.
"No, I did not kill my father. It was an accident! He struck me, and in my fury, I drew my gun. I only meant to frighten him; I never intended to kill him. It was an unfortunate accident!" Crown Prince Wilhelm insisted.
Despite his repeated denials, the evidence was irrefutable. His defense proved futile. After deliberating with the other judges, the Chief Justice pronounced the verdict.
"The Special Tribunal hereby rules that Crown Prince Wilhelm's actions, which led to the occupation of Berlin and inflicted grave harm upon the Empire, constitute treason. Furthermore, he is guilty of murder in the death of His Imperial Majesty. For these crimes, Crown Prince Wilhelm is sentenced to death by hanging, to be carried out immediately."
"Hanging? You intend to hang me? Damn it, Oscar, that bastard, I am his elder brother, and yet he wants to have me executed! I refuse! You judges are not impartial! Oscar has pressured you, hasn't he? You cannot hang me!" Crown Prince Wilhelm screamed in madness.
But no one heeded his pleas. The court guards, fierce and unyielding, seized him and dragged him from the courtroom.
Outside the court, a line of gallows had already been erected. At the sight of the nooses, Crown Prince Wilhelm's legs gave way. He likely never imagined his life would end in such a manner.
"Scoundrels, I am the heir to the Empire, its future emperor! You cannot kill me like this!" he shouted in defiance.
Yet the guards paid him no heed. They dragged him, as one would a lifeless dog, to the gallows, fitted the noose around his neck, and pushed him forward.
"Ugh..."
Crown Prince Wilhelm struggled, his limbs flailing, as if he sought to escape. But all was in vain. Soon, he grew still, his lifeless body hanging from the gallows. His eyes were wide open, his tongue grotesquely protruding, a terrifying sight.
Many in the crowd averted their eyes, unable to bear the grisly spectacle, but more were cheering, certain that Crown Prince Wilhelm was the architect of the rebellion and the cause of the death of countless soldiers in the Imperial Guard. Their hatred for him was palpable.
After Crown Prince Wilhelm's trial and execution, Prince Eitel Friedrich was the next to stand before the court. Unlike Wilhelm, Eitel Friedrich was utterly broken. He wept profusely, acknowledging his crimes, yet he denied being an accomplice in the murder of Emperor Wilhelm II. Instead, he attempted to shift the blame entirely onto Crown Prince Wilhelm, hoping that this would spare his life.
But this was to no avail. The Chief Justice, unmoved by his pleas, sentenced him to death by hanging for treason and murder.
Upon hearing his fate, Prince Eitel Friedrich was utterly terrified, his screams echoing through the courtroom, drawing disapproving looks from the audience.
When he was dragged outside and saw the lifeless body of Crown Prince Wilhelm, his terror reached new heights.
Even so, the guards wasted no time and hanged him alongside Wilhelm, ensuring that he would join his former co-conspirator in death.
Besides the Crown Prince and Prince Eitel Friedrich, five other gallows stood empty, a grim testament to the seven leaders of the rebellion who would soon meet the same fate. This was, of course, at the direct behest of Qin Tian, whose will had been fully realized by the Special Tribunal.