"Your Majesty, in this campaign against the island nation, we could set our objective as the reclamation of the Southeast Asian colonies. By doing so, we can avoid launching an assault on their homeland, thereby minimizing our troop casualties. At present, the Empire cannot sustain a large-scale expedition requiring over two million troops," proposed Marshal Falkenhayn, Minister of War and Chief of the General Staff.
"Indeed. For this war, reclaiming Southeast Asia will suffice. Next time, once we have subdued the other great powers one by one, we will turn our attention to the island nation itself. On that occasion, we will annihilate them entirely, eliminating the threat once and for all," QinTian declared firmly.
"Yes, Your Majesty," came the unified response. They could discern the deep-seated animosity QinTian harbored toward the island nation, which puzzled them. Why did the Emperor harbor such intense hatred? Unable to fathom the reason, they could only attribute it to the inherently detestable nature of the islanders.
"Your Majesty, the Empire's main army is currently committed to the upcoming invasion of Britain and the suppression of guerrilla forces in the eastern territories. Even if we were to deploy forces to Southeast Asia, we lack sufficient manpower. Therefore, I recommend dispatching the navy to the Far East to engage the island nation's forces. If we can destroy their navy, we might compel them to relinquish Southeast Asia. This would allow us to reclaim the region at minimal cost. Furthermore, a naval expedition would demand far fewer resources than a massive ground force deployment," suggested Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz.
QinTian considered the proposal before nodding. The Empire's army consisted of only 12 corps: four were tied up in the eastern guerrilla operations, four were preparing for the British invasion, and the remaining four were stationed in newly occupied territories such as France and Belgium, with some left to defend the homeland. Deploying troops to Southeast Asia would indeed stretch resources thin.
"Let the navy form an expeditionary fleet to annihilate the island nation's navy. If victorious, we can pressure them to return Southeast Asia, which would be the ideal outcome. Should they refuse, we will then send the army to launch an offensive. By that time, our campaign against Britain may have achieved a breakthrough, and the situation in the east will likely have turned in our favor. Only then can we spare forces for an expedition to Southeast Asia," QinTian stated.
Despite the German military boasting over three million soldiers, QinTian believed further mobilization was unnecessary. The general populace, already optimistic about imminent victory, would react with alarm to additional conscription, potentially sparking social unrest. Moreover, the government was already drafting policies to dismantle wartime systems and restore the economy. Mobilization would jeopardize these plans. Concluding the war with existing forces was, therefore, the optimal approach.
"Understood, Your Majesty," affirmed both Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz and Marshal Falkenhayn.
"Grand Admiral Tirpitz, present me with the expeditionary fleet's composition tomorrow," QinTian instructed.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Count Tirpitz replied with a nod.
After the meeting, QinTian's gaze lingered on the map adorning the wall. To the east lay a cluster of islands resembling a blotch of dirt—the homeland of the island nation.
"In another life, I could only vent my frustrations, a mere armchair critic at best. In this timeline, I swear to obliterate you!" QinTian vowed silently. Such an opportunity would be seized without hesitation by any patriot.
The next day, Grand Admiral Tirpitz presented the fleet's composition and the candidate for expeditionary commander.
"Your Majesty, given that the island nation's four most powerful ships are battlecruisers, I propose we forgo battleships and assemble the fleet entirely with battlecruisers. To ensure success, the fleet should include three *Mackensen*-class, three *Derfflinger*-class, and three *Moltke*-class battlecruisers. For cruisers, I recommend four *Königsberg*-class light cruisers, two *Wiesbaden*-class, two *Pillau*-class, and two *Graudenz*-class light cruisers, totaling ten. For destroyers, we would deploy 14 new V-class destroyers, seven G-class, and six S-class destroyers, totaling 27.
"Given the long journey, the fleet will include eight supply ships and two hospital ships to ensure adequate logistics," Tirpitz reported.
QinTian nodded, pleased with the meticulous preparation. The selection of the Empire's finest battlecruisers, light cruisers, and destroyers underscored the importance attached to this mission. Despite the island nation's home advantage, Germany's navy held a substantial edge. Barring unforeseen events, victory was all but assured.
"Who will command the fleet?" QinTian inquired.
"I recommend Admiral Spee. His prior role as commander of the Far East Fleet has given him extensive knowledge of the region, making him the ideal candidate," Tirpitz suggested.
"Very well, Admiral Spee shall lead the expeditionary fleet," QinTian affirmed.
"One more thing—remind Admiral Spee that if the enemy navy avoids engagement or refuses to surrender even after defeat, the fleet must target their coastal cities to force compliance. While this may result in civilian casualties, it may be unavoidable. If Admiral Spee finds this task disagreeable, he is free to decline, and we will reconsider the appointment," QinTian added.
"Understood, Your Majesty," Tirpitz replied solemnly.