Chapter 0568: Uprooted

When the Kingdom of Württemberg declared its independence, the 9th Legion of the German army had not yet managed to enter the kingdom. The news reached Berlin, leaving QinTian and the Empire's senior officials deeply concerned.

"Your Majesty, the sudden declaration of independence by the Kingdom of Württemberg is nothing short of disastrous for the Empire. We must act swiftly to suppress them," Prime Minister Bilo stated with a stern expression.

Although the German Empire was composed of numerous states, it was not a dual-monarchy system like the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Emperor of the German Empire and the central government held absolute power and control. However, if the Kingdom of Württemberg were to remain unchallenged in its independence, and this act of rebellion led to further unrest, it could spell serious trouble. A failure to suppress them swiftly could result in widespread turmoil throughout the Empire, jeopardizing the ongoing world war.

For the German Empire, especially after the recent coup and the death of Wilhelm II, the most crucial matter remained the ongoing world war. This conflict was of paramount importance to Germany. Should the Empire fail to secure victory in this war, all of their previous efforts would have been in vain. The war was now at its most decisive point—Germany was on the verge of victory. To fail at this stage would be an irreparable loss. Such an opportunity might never arise again.

QinTian nodded. "Prime Minister, I understand your concern. But rest assured, the independence of the Kingdom of Württemberg is nothing more than a farce. It will not pose any real threat to the Empire."

"Oh?" Prime Minister Bilo and the others were taken aback, not expecting QinTian to be so confident.

"According to the intelligence we've gathered, the two sons of the Duke of Württemberg gathered the kingdom's ministers to discuss independence, only to be met with strong opposition. In a fit of rage, they had the dissenting ministers arrested and then declared independence. Their so-called 'independence' is utterly devoid of popular support. The only force they command are the palace guards, and I doubt even the people of Württemberg will rally behind them. With this in mind, what is there to worry about?" QinTian smiled.

When QinTian had decided to execute the Duke of Württemberg, he had already intensified intelligence gathering on the kingdom to avoid a situation similar to the coup in Berlin. Although the Berlin coup had been suppressed, it had still left a lingering sense of unease in QinTian's mind. Had it not been for Wilhelm II's butler, Jonalett, reporting the true state of affairs in time, and had QinTian returned to Berlin unprepared, the consequences could have been disastrous. He might have lost his life, and the future of the German Empire would have been in jeopardy. This was a lesson he would never forget. He could not afford to let such an event happen again.

"Moreover, the 9th Legion's vanguard, the 9th Armored Division, is only one day's march from Stuttgart. They will reach the city tomorrow. We have already gained full control over the Kingdom of Württemberg's 4th Army. Without the military, and relying only on their small guard force, what kind of rebellion could they possibly stage?" QinTian continued.

"Your Majesty, if that is the case, the rebellion in Württemberg is of no consequence," Prime Minister Bilo agreed.

"Indeed, Your Majesty. The German Empire, with the strength we possess, is invincible. No other nation or faction can overthrow us. I propose that we seize this opportunity to completely uproot the Württemberg royal family! Your Majesty, you have long desired to centralize the power of the Kingdom of Württemberg under the Empire's control. This is the perfect chance to do so," Foreign Minister Wahit suggested.

QinTian had indeed been considering such a move. When the Duke of Württemberg became involved in the rebellion, it had already crossed his mind. However, at the time, the situation had not been favorable. Now that the Kingdom of Württemberg had declared independence, it was an open act of rebellion—an opportunity the Empire could not afford to miss.

"Let the cabinet formulate a plan. Once we have quelled the rebellion in Württemberg, all power will be returned to the central government. The Kingdom of Württemberg will become a state of the Empire," QinTian commanded.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Prime Minister Bilo replied.

Though he thought QinTian's approach was somewhat radical, he understood that the rebellion provided a rare opportunity. Should they fail to act now, such an opportunity might not present itself again.

"Your Majesty, we must accelerate the movements of the 9th Legion. If the Württemberg royal family resorts to desperate measures and destroys important factories, it would deal a severe blow to the Empire's war potential," Marshal von Falkenhein, the Minister of the Army and Chief of Staff, advised.

QinTian nodded. "Speed up the 9th Legion. Send part of the forces ahead to protect the factories!"

It was well-known that Daimler-Benz, a crucial company under the Empire, was located near Stuttgart. The Jeeps and trucks produced by Daimler had become indispensable to the German military's logistical efforts. If Daimler were to be destroyed, it would severely impact the military's combat capabilities.

Having issued the order, QinTian's government swiftly released an important statement regarding the rebellion in Württemberg.

Prime Minister Bilo declared that the Kingdom of Württemberg had always been an integral part of the German Empire. The King of Württemberg had long been the Emperor of the German Empire. The other members of the Württemberg royal family had no legitimate right to declare the kingdom's independence. Prime Minister Bilo called on the palace guards involved in the rebellion to lay down their weapons and surrender to the approaching Imperial Army. Those who surrendered would face no repercussions. Any continued resistance would result in severe punishment.

At the same time, the citizens of Württemberg were urged not to follow the royal family's incitement, and not to partake in the rebellion that would harm the interests of the Empire.

QinTian's orders to the 9th Legion were clear: they were to take control of the entire Kingdom of Württemberg, ensure social stability, and, most importantly, completely uproot the Württemberg royal family. Only then would the central government be able to reclaim full authority over the kingdom's local autonomy.