"Your Majesty, is it truly necessary to resort to military action against Austria-Hungary? While their strength is indeed inferior to that of our empire, they are still a formidable power. It has only been a year since the Great War ended. If another conflict were to erupt, it could hinder the empire's development. If this issue could be resolved peacefully, that would undoubtedly be the ideal outcome," Prime Minister Bilo suggested.
Austria-Hungary, despite its internal strife and lackluster military prowess, remained a significant power with a population of over forty million and a developed industrial base. If Germany were to invade, a fierce retaliation could not be ruled out. A prolonged war would bring unpredictable consequences, making the situation even more precarious.
"Peaceful resolution? That is unlikely, if not entirely impossible. As long as Crown Prince Karl maintains his hostility toward the German Empire, they will continue to pose a threat. Even a signed treaty would be meaningless under such circumstances," Qin Tian remarked with a resolute shake of his head. His decision was clear: if Austria-Hungary dared to withdraw from the alliance, Germany would seize the pretext to launch an offensive.
"Your Majesty, if a war with Austria-Hungary were to break out, might the United States and other nations seize the opportunity to declare war on us? If this escalates into another world war, it could prove detrimental to the empire," Foreign Minister Wahit voiced his concern.
"While the United States and others may entertain such intentions, they will lack the opportunity to act. Austria-Hungary, though powerful, cannot withstand a full-scale assault by our empire. Unless they can repel our offensive on the battlefield, they will lack the courage to intervene," Qin Tian asserted with unwavering confidence in the German military's strength and his belief in Austria-Hungary's incapacity to resist.
"If we can swiftly defeat Austria-Hungary, this plan is worth attempting," Prime Minister Bilo conceded. A decisive victory would eliminate the issue at its root, yielding significant benefits for Germany.
Turning to Field Marshal von Falkenhayn, Qin Tian sought a military perspective. "Marshal, how feasible is it to defeat Austria-Hungary quickly?"
"Your Majesty, should the empire decide on military action, our army could bring Austria-Hungary to its knees within a month," Falkenhayn responded confidently.
"And the navy?" Qin Tian asked.
"Your Majesty, upon the outbreak of hostilities, our Home Fleet and Indian Ocean Fleet will join forces with the Mediterranean Fleet to neutralize the Austro-Hungarian Navy," Admiral Reinhard Scheer replied.
Despite Austria-Hungary's acquisition of German-built battleships and their newly commissioned Austro-Hungarian Monarch-class battleships, their navy remained significantly weaker than Germany's. With 22 battleships across three fleets, Germany could decisively defeat the Austro-Hungarian Navy, especially with control over the Mediterranean's chokepoints and the potential deployment of carrier-based aircraft.
Satisfied with his commanders' confidence, Qin Tian was optimistic about the plan's success. "In truth, defeating Austria alone would suffice. The other constituent nations of Austria-Hungary lack the resolve to oppose the empire. The Foreign Ministry could discreetly approach these nations, offering the prospect of independence in exchange for neutrality. If they accept, Austria will find itself isolated and powerless."
The assembled ministers, both civilian and military, nodded in agreement. For the generals, any opportunity for war was welcomed, while the civilian officials supported conflict if it benefited the empire.
In Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria lay gravely ill, with palace physicians declaring that his end was near. The somber news cast a pall over Austria-Hungary's elite, for the emperor was the anchor of their empire. His demise would likely hasten the empire's disintegration.
Crown Prince Karl, meanwhile, was in an adjacent room, his expression a mix of emotions. Although the emperor's imminent death should have filled him with grief, his face betrayed a glimmer of joy.
Indeed, Karl felt little familial affection for Franz Joseph, whose distant blood relation and lack of confidence in Karl's abilities had bred resentment. With the emperor's passing, Karl would ascend the throne, finally becoming the supreme ruler of the vast empire—a prospect that thrilled him.
Karl believed himself a capable leader who, if given the opportunity, could surpass Franz Joseph and guide Austria-Hungary to newfound strength.
On November 18, within the walls of Schönbrunn Palace, Emperor Franz Joseph I passed away, leaving Austria-Hungary to face an uncertain and turbulent future.