Chapter 0961: Encircling Vienna
On the morning of January 20, 1917, Baron Berchtold, the Austro-Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, made his way to the imperial palace for an audience with Emperor Wilhelm III of Germany.
Though he had only just risen and was still in the midst of breakfast, Qin Tian swiftly finished his bread and milk, then offered an apologetic smile to the Empress and his children before heading to his study.
"Good morning, Baron," Qin Tian greeted with a genial smile. Though Berchtold was the foreign minister of an enemy state, Qin Tian bore him no hostility. After all, war was merely an extension of politics, and for statesmen like them, there was no absolute enmity—only national interests.
"My apologies for disturbing Your Majesty at such an early hour," Baron Berchtold replied impassively, his gaze toward Qin Tian tinged with resentment. After all, his nation teetered on the brink of annihilation at Germany's hands. With the Austro-Hungarian Empire in shambles, only divine intervention could prevent Austria's downfall.
Qin Tian merely waved a hand dismissively, unbothered by the baron's demeanor.
"Baron, I presume your government has reached a decision?" he asked.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. The Austro-Hungarian Empire has collapsed, and Austria alone lacks the strength to withstand Germany's advance. Nevertheless, we will not yield. If Germany seeks to conquer Austria-Hungary, let her do so by force. Our soldiers will fight to the last. Germany shall pay dearly for this war!" Berchtold declared resolutely.
Qin Tian nodded. This response was expected—no nation would be wholly devoid of those willing to resist, especially among its ruling class. In moments of crisis, there would always be men willing to fight to the bitter end.
"I understand your position, Baron, and in some ways, I even admire your resolve. However, for the sake of the German Empire, I shall show no mercy. May fortune favor you," Qin Tian said.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Farewell." Berchtold gave a deep bow before turning on his heel and departing the palace.
At that moment, all efforts for a peaceful resolution had been decisively shattered. In the end, war would determine the outcome. Yet, given the present circumstances, Austria-Hungary—or rather, Austria—held no advantage. Even should they fight to the death, their resistance would not last long. Moreover, not all Austrians were prepared to wage a desperate struggle; among the ranks, many sought only to save their own skins. Under such conditions, Austria's defense would be all the more precarious.
Meanwhile, the German advance pressed on. Despite the bitter cold, frozen roads, and heavy snowfall hindering movement, these obstacles were not enough to halt the German war machine.
As the logistics corps worked tirelessly to dispatch more trucks to the front lines, the German advance gained momentum. A key factor behind this rapid progress was the near-total lack of resistance from Austro-Hungarian forces. The invasion felt less like a military campaign and more like an unimpeded march. At this rate, Vienna's fall was only a matter of time.
"Report! German forces have taken Amstetten!" a staff officer announced.
Archduke Friedrich, Duke Kaspar, and Field Marshal Baron von Hötzendorf all darkened visibly. Amstetten lay less than a hundred kilometers from Vienna.
"The Germans are advancing at an alarming pace! This is only the third day of the war, and they're already on Vienna's doorstep. At this rate, they'll be here in three days at most!" Hötzendorf exclaimed.
"What about the garrison? I recall at least five infantry divisions stationed there," Archduke Friedrich asked.
They had counted on Amstetten's defenders to hold out long enough for reinforcements to be mustered. Mobilizing additional forces across the country took time—time they did not have.
"Your Highness, the moment the German vanguard reached Amstetten and unleashed an artillery barrage, the garrison retreated," the staff officer reported.
"What?!" Duke Kaspar roared. "Five infantry divisions—nearly a hundred thousand men—fleeing at the first sign of bombardment? Cowardice! Utter disgrace!"
If all Austrian forces crumbled so easily, this war was already lost. Against such an enemy, they stood no chance—not even the faintest hope of resistance.
"Arrest the commanding officer of the Amstetten garrison and have him hanged. The entire army must be made to understand that cowardice will not be tolerated!" Archduke Friedrich ordered.
Executing a senior officer at this juncture was risky—it could spread fear and paranoia among the ranks. Yet, if decisive action was not taken, morale would disintegrate entirely.
"Very well, I concur," Duke Kaspar said grimly.
Hötzendorf gave a solemn nod.
"Additionally, I propose recalling all front-line units to Vienna. Any further attempts to hold the line are futile. Continuing to deploy troops elsewhere would only waste precious resources," Hötzendorf suggested.
Both Friedrich and Kaspar nodded in agreement.
The Austrian forces began a desperate consolidation, gathering all available troops and mobilizing fresh reinforcements.
With no way to halt the German advance, their only hope lay in the defense of Vienna. They could only pray that this battle would rekindle their soldiers' courage and inflict heavy losses upon the Germans—perhaps enough to buy Austria a slim chance at survival.
Though the odds were abysmally low, they had no choice but to grasp at whatever hope remained.
Unhindered by resistance, the German army surged forward.
By January 25, the 3rd and 5th German Armies had reached Vienna from the west, while the 6th and 7th approached from the north.