German 8th Army Corps, among Battle of Tannenberg, annihilated a Russian army group in one fell swoop, wiping out more than 150,000 enemies. News of the great victory was immediately reported to German General Staff, War Ministry and German Emperor Wilhelm II.
When the news report came up, Wilhelm II was listening to the progress of the war at General Staff Headquarters, and Minister of War von? Falkenhayn was also here. Therefore, the three of them knew the news almost at the same time.
The current war situation is generally favorable to Germany. German military has made a breakthrough on the Western Front. Belgians Although he is still resisting, the channel has been opened. The main force of German military can attack France from northern France through Belgium. Although, it took a lot of time and lost a lot of troops. But German military still firmly holds the initiative in this war.
Therefore, Wilhelm II is in a relatively good mood. Moltke the Younger, the chief of general staff, had his power further expanded during the war. This also made him very satisfied. If he can command German military to win this battle, then he will definitely be promoted to marshal. Even if he retires from active service, he still has a high status. Even if Oscar succeeds and becomes Emperor of the Empire, nothing can be done to him.
"What? 8th Army Corps won the battle on the Eastern Front, wiping out more than 150,000 enemies? God! How is this possible?" Wilhelm II himself couldn't believe it. You know, in this war, what he was most worried about was that 8th Army Corps would not be able to withstand the Russian attack. In that case, it will inevitably have a great adverse impact on Germany's overall strategy. But now it seems that 8th Army Corps undoubtedly gave him a great surprise. Not only did he withstand the Russian attack, but he also won the battle, which really surprised him. It also made all the doubts in his mind disappear at once.
Moltke the Younger's expression changed several times. Originally, he thought that 8th Army Corps might fall into a hard battle on the Eastern Front. Even if he could barely resist the Russian attack, he would suffer heavy losses. At that time, he can let the prepared troops enter Eastern Front and appear as a savior, thereby taking over Eastern Front and exempting Oscar from controlling the army.
It can be said that Moltke the Younger imagined everything very well. However, the current result gave him a slap in the face.
"Congratulations to Your Majesty! Crown Prince won on the Eastern Front. This undoubtedly means that Russians's threat to us is already minimal. We can rest assured that Audacious will attack France with its main force." Feng Falkenhayn said. He had been worried about Eastern Front. Although, Oscar is very confident about war. But these old people, who have experienced countless wars, are not so optimistic. Now, Oscar's 8th Army Corps has won on the Eastern Front, and his heart that has been hanging around has finally returned to his stomach.
"Hmph! Minister of War, it's too early to say this now. I highly doubt that 8th Army Corps of Crown Prince won so easily? You know, Russians used The Northwestern Front Army attacking East Prussia has more than half a million people. Even if Russians's combat power is too poor, it is impossible to win easily." Moltke the Younger shook his head.
Wilhelm II and Feng Falkenhayn's expressions became unsightly. Moltke the Younger is simply openly questioning Oscar's lie about military information. Under the strict military law Germany, this is almost a very serious crime. If Oscar really does this, Wilhelm II can even use this to depose Oscar from his position as Crown Prince.
However, Wilhelm II still believes in Oscar. He believed that Oscar would not cheat on this issue. Once found out, the consequences will be very serious.
"Your Excellency, Chief of Staff, you are slandering Crown Prince. How could Crown Prince do such a thing?" Feng Falkenhayn accused.
"Minister of War, I didn't slander Crown Prince, I just raised suspicions. Could it be that Crown Prince can't doubt it?" Moltke the Younger said forcefully.
Wilhelm II took a deep look at Moltke the Younger. He now believed that the contradiction between Moltke the Younger and Oscar had become more and more acute, and had even had an impact on the ongoing war of Germany.
"It seems it's time to solve this problem!" Wilhelm II secretly made up his mind.
"Come here, go check out the real situation of Battle of Tannenberg immediately." Wilhelm II gave the order with a dark face.
Moltke the Younger couldn't help but feel regretful when he saw Wilhelm II's face. However, what happened has already happened, and no matter how much he tried to make up for it, he couldn't make it up. Therefore, he could only bite the bullet and go all the way.
Wilhelm II used Imperial Intelligence Service, and it only took half an hour to find out the detailed story of Battle of Tannenberg.
Wilhelm II After reading the detailed report, the anger on his face finally dissipated, and there was even a hint of smile.
"You all take a look!" Wilhelm II handed the report to Moltke the Younger and Feng Falkenhayn.
Moltke the Younger After reading the report, his face was as dark as the bottom of a pot. He also regrets now that he would have jumped out to question Oscar if he had known it earlier. Now that it's okay, how can I take it back if I say it out loud? Moreover, this time Wilhelm II was offended, which was obviously not worth the loss!
Feng Falkenhayn laughed heartily.
"Your Excellency, Chief of Staff, what else do you have to say now?" Feng Falkenhayn looked at Moltke the Younger provocatively.
"Minister of War, it seems that I wrongly blamed Crown Prince. However, 8th Army Corps only defeated Russian 2nd Army Corps, and there are more troops. 1st Army Corps is strong. In addition, the Russian army will definitely send additional troops to the front. Therefore, the pressure on 8th Army Corps is still very strong. "Moltke the Younger is still stubborn.
Feng Falkenhayn smiled and said nothing more.
Wilhelm II shook his head. "Eastern Front, ignore it for now. I believe that Oskar will definitely win on the Eastern Front. All the troops originally reserved should be used on the Western Front. The Western Front is the focus."
Wilhelm II didn't want to waste any more time on this issue and made a decision directly.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Although Moltke the Younger was a little reluctant, he still nodded and no longer objected.
Moltke the Younger himself knows that because of today's incident, Wilhelm II's dissatisfaction with him has worsened. But he did not find the reason in himself, but attributed everything to Oscar, and became even more resentful towards Oscar.