"What? Follow your command! Impossible, this is absolutely impossible." Crown Prince Karl jumped up, with an angry look on his face, as if he had heard something insulting to him.
The other generals of the Austrian army also felt a little shocked. However, their reaction was not as intense as Crown Prince Karl.
Oscar couldn't help but frown after seeing Crown Prince Karl's reaction. He had a vague feeling that Crown Prince Karl seemed to be very disgusted with him, and even had a hostile mood. This makes Oscar a little baffled. He couldn't remember where he had offended Crown Prince Karl.
"Karl Your Highness, now our two countries are fighting together, and the Austrian army is fully cooperating with us. This is nothing to be surprised about, right?" Manstein asked.
"Damn it, you arrogant Germany people, can even a small brigadier general question me?" Crown Prince Karl was even more angry. However, he obviously cannot tell his true thoughts. In that case, it will not only seriously affect the relationship between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and German Empire, but also make him questioned by the generals. Even Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I will have a bad impression of him. After all, this is still a period of close cooperation between Germany and Austria.
Taking a deep breath, Crown Prince Karl suppressed the anger in his heart and began to justify himself. "First, I have some doubts about the battle plan you proposed. Is such a plan too risky? Russians's combat effectiveness, and Not weak. Second, German military only sent one legion with less than 200,000 people to participate in the battle. And we have three armies with nearly one million people. Even if it is a joint operation, German military should be under our command."
"Karl Your Highness, this combat plan is not risky. The fact that we dare to propose this combat plan means that we are confident in it. The Russian army's combat effectiveness is indeed not weak, but we, 8th Army Corps, are even stronger. We can easily defeat any Russian army group." Brigadier General Manstein looked confident and proud. This kind of confidence and pride is definitely not found among the generals of the Austrian army. Of course, the main reason is that they simply have no confidence in defeating Russians on the battlefield. Before, they were beaten to pieces by Russians, and they had already suffered a lot of losses.
"As for the Austrian army having more troops than us, but they have to obey our command, this is no big deal! Now is a war period, and any strategy that is beneficial to us in winning this war can be tried. What's more, in the next battle, we will assume the most important combat tasks, and it is absolutely necessary for the Austrian army to cooperate with us!" Brigadier General Manstein continued.
Crown Prince Karl was ashamed and angry, being questioned by German military, a little brigadier general, which made him not know where to turn his face.
Although the generals of the Austrian army were somewhat reluctant. But they had to admit that what Brigadier General Manstein said made sense. Moreover, in previous battles, it had been proved that the Austrian army was no match for the Russian army. If you want to defeat Russians, you can only rely on German military. Since the Germany people are so confident about the coming battle, it does not seem to be unacceptable for the Austrian army to obey German military's command and fully cooperate with them.
They also couldn't figure out why Crown Prince Karl had such a big reaction. Therefore, this makes them don't know how to answer.
Archduke Friedrich couldn't help but sigh, "Is the gap between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and German Empire already so big? Not only are the Crown Prince abilities of the two sides completely different, but even Germany's little brigadier general has such abilities. It seems that it is not unreasonable for the German Empire to surpass us!"
I think back then, before Austro-Prussian War, Austria was the most powerful among the many German states. But Kingdom of Prussia suddenly emerged and defeated Austria among Austro-Prussian War, which made Austria no longer able to stay in German Confederation. Now German Empire's comprehensive national strength far exceeds that of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, making them unable to compete and willing to act as German Empire's younger brother.
"Your Highness Oskar, we have no doubt about the combat effectiveness of German 8th Army Corps. We also believe that Your Highness can lead German 8th Army Corps to defeat Russians. However, the next battle is really important. If it cannot be won If Austro-Hungarian Empire wins, it will cause Eastern Front to suffer a huge defeat, and the consequences will be very serious. Therefore, we hope that Your Highness will be more cautious and not launch an attack rashly." Archduke Friedrich said.
"Your Excellency Grand Duke, launching the next battle was discussed and demonstrated after German General Staff charge. We believe that now is the best chance to defeat the Russian army. Until the war broke out, the mobilization of Russia has not been completed. Although, there are already many Russian reserve forces on the battlefield, but they are only a small number of troops That's it. Once the Russian army completes its mobilization, the consequences will probably be more serious. In that case, the situation will become more unfavorable to us. Therefore, if we delay it any longer, it will become more and more unfavorable to us!" Oscar said.
Archduke Friedrich nodded, and the other Austrian generals also looked deeply convinced. Only Crown Prince Karl felt a little anxious. Why are these Austrian generals biased towards the Germany people? In that case, wouldn't it mean that we have to hand over the command to others?
"Your Highness, for the next battle, is German military really sure of winning?" Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf also looked solemn.
"Of course! I believe that we can definitely defeat Russians. On that day, the prerequisite is that we work closely together." Oscar said with a smile. He already felt that these Austrian generals were about to be convinced by him. Although, having millions of Austrian troops obey the command of less than 200,000 German military made them feel a little uncomfortable. However, they are even more eager to win. If Russians can be defeated, then it is no big deal even if he follows the command of German military.
"Your Excellency Grand Duke, I think we should think about the overall situation." Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf said.
"Your Excellency, Chief of Staff..." Crown Prince Karl was a little anxious.
However, Archduke Friedrich nodded. "In this case, Your Highness Oskar, in the next battle, the Austrian army will fully cooperate with German military. We hope to win this battle!"