Chapter 0135: Allies as Inept as Pigs
"Your Highness, please elaborate on the military reforms you have implemented in the 8th Corps," Wilhelm II inquired.
"Yes, Father," Qin Tian nodded.
"The current military system in the 8th Corps serves a singular purpose: to streamline the command structure, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. We have temporarily eliminated the 'brigade level,' allowing divisions to directly oversee each regiment, thus simplifying the command hierarchy. If conditions permit in the future, we intend to pursue further simplification," Qin Tian articulated his vision candidly.
With advancements in technology, particularly in communication equipment, flattening the command structure is now feasible. The removal of brigade-level units is merely a preliminary step; Qin Tian envisions potentially abolishing the 'army' designation, allowing army group headquarters to directly command each division. Such changes would further simplify the command framework.
Listeners, including Wilhelm II, nodded in agreement, recognizing the merits of Qin Tian's reforms in bolstering the military's effectiveness.
"Who would have thought Oscar possessed such remarkable talents in army management? His expertise in both land and naval forces alleviates any concerns I might have regarding military leadership," Wilhelm II mused privately.
While the heir to the empire need not be a military strategist, a sound understanding of military affairs is essential. Given the martial legacy of the German Empire and its predecessor, the Kingdom of Prussia, the emperor must possess military acumen. Wilhelm II had previously worried that Qin Tian's knowledge was confined to naval matters, but now he found his concerns unwarranted, grudgingly acknowledging Qin Tian as a more suitable heir.
Generals von Falkenhayn and Waldsee also nodded in agreement, clearly recognizing the benefits of Qin Tian's reforms for the military. If feasible, they even contemplated extending these practices to other units.
However, the expressions of Moltke and Pritwitz darkened. Should Qin Tian's reforms prove advantageous, their objectives would inevitably be thwarted, further inciting Wilhelm II's displeasure towards them.
"Your Highness, this is merely your perspective. Your reforms in the 8th Corps have already ignited considerable discontent among many officers and generals. If you cannot quell their unrest, significant trouble awaits," Moltke asserted.
"Oh? Are many officers and generals truly dissatisfied? I was unaware. I'm curious how you came by this information," Qin Tian replied, half-smiling, as he regarded Moltke and Pritwitz.
"Hmph! Your Highness, there's no need to deflect. We have our channels," Pritwitz replied confidently.
"Father, let's do this: please send someone to the 8th Corps for an on-site investigation to verify whether officers and generals are indeed dissatisfied. If there are, and if they number many, I will willingly accept punishment," Qin Tian proposed.
He understood that while some individuals might be unhappy with the reforms, they had minimized dissent through various means. Even if there were discontent, it would be among a mere handful; the majority had accepted the military reforms.
Moltke and Pritwitz's faces brightened at the prospect of Qin Tian facing punishment from Wilhelm II and potentially being reassigned from the 8th Corps. Pritwitz even fantasized that if Qin Tian were to be reassigned, he might reclaim his position in the 8th Corps, perhaps even as a commanding general, thus washing away his previous humiliation.
Wilhelm II hesitated, wanting to interject, but upon seeing Qin Tian's unwavering confidence, he nodded in agreement. Wilhelm II trusted that Qin Tian would not engage in unprepared ventures; with his intellect, he would leave no incriminating evidence behind.
"Your Majesty, not only is the Crown Prince implementing military reforms in the 8th Corps, but he is also unilaterally altering the unit's firepower and equipment. I believe the Crown Prince is intentionally benefiting his own enterprises, which is highly inappropriate," Pritwitz once again seized the opportunity to attack. His demeanor suggested he was eager to see Qin Tian thoroughly discredited.
Wilhelm II regarded Pritwitz with growing disdain, perceiving him as overly ambitious.
Seeing this unfold, Moltke silently cursed his luck. In his eyes, Pritwitz had become an ally as useless as a pig.
"Oscar, please address the assembly," Wilhelm II commanded.
"Yes, Father!" Qin Tian responded, unperturbed by Pritwitz's accusations.
"The reason the 8th Corps has adopted weapons from the Deutsche Waffenfabrik in such abundance is that they are the only ones capable of supplying us with these arms. Of course, artillery is procured from the Krupp company," Qin Tian explained.
He then disclosed the firepower configuration of each unit within the 8th Corps.
Upon learning of the impressive arsenal allocated to each infantry division, the assembly was left speechless.
"Your Highness, is this truly an infantry division? Such firepower seems almost excessive!" General Waldsee exclaimed, incredulous.
"Indeed, Your Highness. An infantry division equipped with so many machine guns, excluding mortars and grenade launchers, boasts 54 pieces of 75mm field guns, 36 pieces of 105mm howitzers, and 18 pieces of 150mm heavy howitzers. This firepower is astounding," von Falkenhayn added, equally astonished.
With such formidable firepower, as long as the 8th Corps personnel are not fools, no other units stand a chance against them!
Moltke and Pritwitz were equally taken aback, visibly shaken by the 8th Corps' overwhelming firepower.
"Crown Prince, equipping the 8th Corps with such extensive firepower must necessitate considerable military expenditure. Currently, the empire's military budget is not abundant, and there are no surplus funds available," Moltke remarked.
"Acquiring such potent weaponry undoubtedly incurs substantial costs; if there are funds available, it would be wiser to mobilize additional troops. What the Crown Prince is doing is fundamentally misguided," Pritwitz boasted, clearly pleased with his critique.
"Rest assured, the military budget is not your concern. The 8th Corps' expenses will be covered as usual, and any additional costs will be my responsibility," Qin Tian replied coldly.