Chapter 0118: Limited-Scale Reequipment
Von Moltke's trusted generals, along with those who had benefited from the Mauser Company and Rheinmetall, rose in opposition to the weaponry developed by the Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken. They clung to its shortcomings, exaggerating them to the point where it seemed that equipping the German army with these arms would not enhance its combat effectiveness, but rather further undermine it.
The countenance of these individuals incensed Qin Tian, reinforcing his resolve that, should he gain power in the future, a thorough purge of such elements would be imperative. They had become parasites within the German army, and their continued presence would only lead to its decline. Qin Tian would never permit such a scenario. He aspired to lead the German army to a succession of victories, establishing its dominance on this planet.
Gustav Krupp glanced at Qin Tian, anxiety etched upon his face; he had never anticipated such a reaction. Even Wilhelm II found himself taken aback, clearly not expecting such a multitude of dissenters within the army against the adoption of advanced weaponry.
"Gentlemen, can you truly overlook the exceptional performance of these weapons? I am genuinely curious as to what you are thinking," Qin Tian remarked, his expression darkening.
The assembled generals fell silent, acutely aware of Qin Tian's displeasure. While they had received numerous incentives, it did not mean they wished to oppose him. Particularly as Qin Tian's position as heir became increasingly secure, offending him now would portend dire consequences should he ascend to the throne of the German Empire. Thus, many of the generals chose to remain reticent.
"Your Highness, we are merely discussing the matter at hand; there is no need to pressure us with your status," retorted von Moltke, his face grim.
"Isn't this simply addressing the issue? When did I resort to using status to exert pressure?" Qin Tian countered sharply.
The previously thawed relationship between Qin Tian and von Moltke had now soured once more, their conflict intensifying anew.
"Enough! Both of you, cease this quarrel. As vital leaders of the German Empire, how can you squabble over such trivialities?" Wilhelm II interjected sternly.
Both Qin Tian and von Moltke fell silent, though their glares at one another were laden with unspoken animosity.
Qin Tian was resolute that, once in power, he would oust von Moltke. Conversely, von Moltke was equally determined to impede Qin Tian's ascent. Although he could not dislodge Qin Tian from his position as heir, he could certainly create obstacles to curtail his authority.
"General Waldersee, what is your opinion on the new weaponry developed by the Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken? Is there a necessity for a large-scale rearmament of the army?" Wilhelm II inquired.
"Your Majesty, I must concede that the weapons developed by the Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken are indeed advanced. A complete rearmament of the army would significantly enhance our combat capabilities. However, this endeavor would require substantial funding, and the logistical strain on our troops would undoubtedly be considerable. Therefore, I do not advocate for a full-scale rearmament," General Waldersee responded.
Both Qin Tian and Gustav Krupp wore grim expressions. Qin Tian was concerned that his plans were being jeopardized, while Krupp feared for the potential losses of the Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken. After all, both he and Qin Tian had invested heavily in this arms company and had expended great effort; losses would be unacceptable.
Wilhelm II nodded, fully aware that while he wished to support Qin Tian in this matter, the army's perspective could not be disregarded. The Emperor's power, while significant, was not absolute, and numerous considerations had to be weighed.
"Your Majesty, even if our finances do not permit a large-scale rearmament of the army, we can commence with a limited-scale replacement. Gradually replacing portions of the equipment each year would still greatly bolster our troops' combat effectiveness," Minister of War von Falkenhayn proposed.
"Indeed, that is a commendable approach. Let us proceed accordingly!" Wilhelm II decreed, finalizing the decision.
Though von Moltke and his supporters wished to continue their opposition, the Emperor's determination left them little room for dissent. To do so would risk incurring Wilhelm II's ire, a perilous gambit considering their already tenuous relationship with Qin Tian.
Afterward, Wilhelm II took his leave. His presence at the new weapon demonstration was a gesture of goodwill toward Qin Tian, yet he had myriad affairs to attend to and could not linger.
As for the army's procurement of weaponry, it was left to Gustav Krupp to negotiate with General Waldersee. With the Emperor's directive in place, the discussions proceeded swiftly.
"Your Highness, the army has agreed to procure two thousand MG09 general-purpose machine guns, five thousand MG10 light machine guns, five thousand M2 sniper rifles, and twenty thousand M1 semi-automatic rifles. Additionally, we will acquire two thousand mortars and three thousand grenade launchers," Gustav Krupp reported to Qin Tian after reaching an agreement with Waldersee.
Qin Tian nodded. "While this procurement volume falls short of our expectations, it at least ensures the factory's smooth operation. We shall continue to seek further avenues."
Gustav Krupp acknowledged this; given the current circumstances, profiting from the Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken project would be challenging. He understood that the opposition stemmed from the Mauser Company and Rheinmetall's fervent resistance. Nonetheless, securing any orders was preferable to outright rejection by the army. Furthermore, with Qin Tian as the heir to the German Empire, as his influence expanded, further orders from the military could undoubtedly follow.