Chapter 0549: The Naval Minister’s Choice

William Harbor, the Homeport of the German High Seas Fleet

After defeating the British Navy in a decisive naval battle at minimal cost, the German Navy had rightfully claimed its position as the undisputed naval power of the world. The warships that sustained damage during the engagement were undergoing repairs, and others, though slightly damaged, were gradually entering dry docks. Yet, even with these repairs, the strength of the German Navy remained largely intact.

For the German Navy, the mission ahead was clear and twofold. The first task was to continue the blockade of Britain, preventing any merchant ships from reaching its shores and delivering vital supplies. Even British fishing vessels were to be destroyed on sight. To cripple Britain, Germany clearly intended to isolate the island nation completely, turning it into a forsaken stronghold. The second mission involved preparing for the impending army landing on British soil. The German forces in France had already secured a decisive victory. The Anglo-French coalition's main forces had been eradicated, and defeating the remnants was merely a matter of time. Once France fell, Britain would be the next target.

The German Navy's role in this operation was pivotal, with Admiral Count Tirpitz overseeing the preparations. Not only would the Navy provide cover for the army's landings, but the logistical support for transporting the hundreds of thousands of soldiers would also fall to the Navy. This responsibility made the Navy's role in the coming campaign a monumental one. The main battle fleets would offer fire support and protection for the army, while the auxiliary logistics fleets would transport ammunition and supplies. Coordination between these forces was paramount.

At the time when these plans were set into motion, Admiral Count Tirpitz was resting. His age had caught up with him, and his stamina was no longer what it had once been. 

When the rebellion began and the Imperial Guard launched an attack on the Navy Department, the officers stationed at the Navy Department immediately sent a telegram to William Harbor, alerting them to the assault.

The duty officer, not daring to delay, quickly informed Admiral Count Tirpitz of the incident.

"What in the world is going on? Has the Imperial Guard lost its senses? Why would they attack the Navy Department?" Admiral Tirpitz exploded with fury.

"Admiral, could this be some kind of misunderstanding?" asked Admiral von Pohl, the Navy's chief of staff.

"It seems unlikely. I have ordered the General Staff to send another telegram to contact the Navy Department, but we have received no further response," Admiral Tirpitz replied grimly.

The atmosphere in the office grew heavy as the naval officers' faces darkened. They had all come to the same conclusion: something serious had happened in Berlin. There was no other explanation for the Imperial Guard attacking the Navy Department.

After the German Navy's victory over the British, it had become the strongest naval force in the world. The Navy had played a crucial role in Germany's success in the war. Emperor Wilhelm II would never strike at the Navy at such a critical moment. Moreover, despite the Navy's close ties with QinTian, it still remained loyal to Wilhelm II. The war was far from over, and even if there were thoughts of "discarding the mule after it had finished the work," such a decision would be premature. Therefore, the senior naval officers found the situation difficult to comprehend.

"Do we have any other means of contacting Berlin?" Admiral Tirpitz asked. "We need to know what has happened there."

"Your Excellency, we are doing everything we can, but so far, we have received no news," one of the officers reported.

"Could it be a military coup? The Imperial Guard itself may have turned against us. Otherwise, this situation would never have occurred," suggested Admiral Reinhard Scheer, commander of the High Seas Fleet.

As the commander who had led the High Seas Fleet to victory over the Royal Navy, Scheer had every reason to believe that once the war concluded, he would be promoted to the rank of fleet admiral. He did not want any disturbances to occur before his promotion, for such disruptions would complicate matters.

"A coup? The Imperial Guard is the Emperor's most loyal force. How could they ever betray us?" Admiral von Pohl shook his head in disbelief.

"Nothing is impossible. Since the Navy Department has been attacked and we have lost contact with Berlin, this can only mean one thing. We must act swiftly," Tirpitz declared with firm resolve.

"Your Excellency, what are your orders?" Admiral von Pohl asked.

"Order the 1st Marine Division to assemble immediately. In two hours, they will board trains bound for Berlin!" Admiral Tirpitz commanded.

With QinTian's assistance, the German Navy had established a Marine Corps, albeit small, consisting of just five divisions. However, these divisions were elite units, trained rigorously for amphibious assaults. Aside from landing operations, their training mirrored that of the army's infantry divisions. Originally, Tirpitz had intended to use the Marine Corps to spearhead the British landings. But with the situation in Berlin now in turmoil, it seemed necessary to deploy them ahead of schedule.

"Admiral, without formal orders, deploying troops to Berlin is a grave offense!" Several officers immediately turned pale, especially Admiral von Pohl, who attempted to dissuade him.

"I understand, but we cannot afford to sit idly by. Berlin is unreachable, and the Navy Department has been attacked. The Emperor's safety may be at risk. As the Emperor's loyal subjects, we must act immediately. I have made my decision, and if any responsibility falls upon us, I will bear it," Tirpitz said resolutely.

Seeing that Admiral Tirpitz had made up his mind, the other officers fell silent, knowing they could no longer argue.

"Admiral, I suggest we also contact the Crown Prince. If a coup has taken place in Berlin, I am certain the Crown Prince will be just as anxious," Vice Admiral Hippler suggested.

Admiral Tirpitz nodded in agreement. "If there has indeed been a coup, it is likely aimed at the Crown Prince. The Navy's current strength is due, in no small part, to his support. If anyone attempts to harm him or usurp his position as heir, the Navy will not stand by idly. I will send a telegram to the Crown Prince immediately. However, the 1st Marine Division must be ready without delay. We cannot afford any more time."

The naval officers nodded in unison. They all understood that their loyalty lay with the Crown Prince, and any threat to him was a threat to the Navy itself.