Chapter 0559: A Dilemma

"Creeeeak, creeeak!"

The tank treads rolled over the last barricade of the rebel forces. With the capture of this stronghold by the 9th Armored Division, it marked the loss of every last rebel position within Berlin, save for the palace. Over ten thousand rebels had participated in the insurrection, suffering grievous losses, with many surrendering outright. The remaining few, no more than two thousand, had retreated to the palace, their final stronghold.

Once the situation outside had been assessed as secure, QinTian and his staff relocated their command center to a location near the palace, facilitating direct control of the battle. The capture of the palace would seal the fate of the rebellion, bringing it to its inevitable end.

"Your Highness, there are few rebels remaining at the palace. If we attack now, we should be able to seize it within two hours. This way, we will avoid a prolonged struggle until daybreak," General Hindenburg reported.

The night's fierce battles had left the residents of Berlin on edge. Many feared the consequences of being caught in the crossfire, their windows and doors tightly shut. Yet, there were still those who cautiously opened their windows, their expressions grim as they watched the tanks and soldiers pass by on the streets.

This sight left no doubt in the minds of the Empire's citizens, however naïve they might have been, that something monumental had transpired in Berlin. Otherwise, how could there be open warfare in the capital?

Though it was an affair of the upper echelons, distant from the concerns of the common people, they all longed for their nation to remain strong, especially now, in the midst of war. If this turmoil led to the Empire's defeat, the consequences would be unbearable for them. Of course, they still had no clear understanding of what had truly transpired.

QinTian did not immediately give the order to attack. After all, Kaiser Wilhelm II was still inside the palace. A hasty assault might provoke the Crown Prince into a desperate, irrational act, one that could be disastrous. If Wilhelm II were harmed in the process, the repercussions would be far-reaching. Yet, there was a part of him that acknowledged that, in such an eventuality, it would actually serve his interests. However, as a son, he could not allow himself to act with such recklessness. What would others think of him? Such actions could tarnish his image among the Empire's high officials and common folk, which would have a detrimental effect on his future prospects of ascending to the throne and leading the Empire.

"Your Highness, may we not launch the attack yet? We cannot delay any longer," asked the young General Rommel.

QinTian gazed towards the distant palace, seemingly unable to make up his mind.

"Your Highness, perhaps we should first attempt to persuade them to surrender. If the rebels in the palace capitulate, it would be the best course of action," suggested Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow.

QinTian nodded, preparing to accept the suggestion. But just then, a military officer arrived with the report that the rebels had sent an envoy to meet with QinTian.

"I believe we should meet with them. I am curious to hear what they have to say," QinTian remarked.

"Make sure to search them thoroughly and confiscate any weapons," General Hindenburg reminded. At this juncture, their focus on QinTian's safety was paramount. No one could guarantee that, in this moment of desperation, the rebels would not take the opportunity to launch an assassination attempt. If QinTian were killed, the situation would become far more difficult and unpredictable.

A few minutes later, the grim-faced Moltke entered QinTian's command center.

Indeed, the envoy sent by the rebels was none other than Moltke. As the architect of the rebellion, no one in the rebel ranks was more suited to the role of envoy than he.

Were it not for the dire circumstances, Moltke would have refused this humiliating task. After all, this was an unprecedented disgrace. Yet, driven by the desire to preserve his life, he had no other choice. If he had delegated the task to someone else, a failed negotiation would have sealed the rebellion's fate. The loyal forces under QinTian would inevitably launch a ferocious assault on the palace, and the few remaining rebels inside would stand no chance against the elite army and Marine forces. The fate of the rebels could easily be predicted.

Before entering the command center, Moltke was subjected to a thorough search by the German soldiers, a humiliation that stung deeply. Despite his former high rank as the Chief of Staff and his close ties to Kaiser Wilhelm II, the treatment he received from QinTian's men felt like an affront to his very honor. Were it not for the larger picture, he might have walked away in indignation, but for the sake of the rebellion, he endured the insult. Hence, his face bore the unmistakable signs of displeasure.

"Count Moltke, your former close relationship with the Kaiser was well known. It is beyond my understanding that you would choose to involve yourself in this rebellion," QinTian said calmly, fixing Moltke with a steady gaze.

A fleeting flicker of shame crossed Moltke's eyes. Of course, this was primarily because Kaiser Wilhelm II had lost his life in the course of the rebellion. Although Moltke had never intended for the Kaiser's death, his involvement in the plot left him with an undeniable sense of guilt towards his old friend.

"Your Highness, what use is there in speaking of the past now? We are all merely serving our respective masters," Moltke replied coldly.

"Count Moltke, what you have done is nothing less than betrayal of the Empire. Our forces are locked in a desperate struggle against the Entente, yet you choose to incite rebellion in the capital. Have you even considered what impact this will have on the Empire? Should we lose this war, all of you will be branded as traitors to the Reich!" Chancellor von Bülow chastised.

"Chancellor, we never considered the consequences so deeply. We know only that the title of Crown Prince belongs to His Royal Highness, Prince Wilhelm. Oscar's ascension was nothing more than an opportunistic move. Now that Prince Wilhelm has regained consciousness, he rightfully claims his place. Given the vast disparity in power, we had no choice but to act," Moltke explained.

"That is a flimsy excuse! Even if Prince Wilhelm wished to reclaim the throne, there was no need for a rebellion. You could have worked through diplomatic channels with His Majesty and the Imperial court, seeking a peaceful resolution. Resorting to such extremes was unnecessary!" General von Kidderlin-Washington retorted.

A thin, mocking smile tugged at the corner of Moltke's mouth.

"Do you really believe a peaceful resolution was possible?" Moltke countered.

Von Kidderlin-Washington fell silent, knowing full well that, with the power QinTian now wielded, no one, not even Kaiser Wilhelm II, could have removed him from his position as Crown Prince.