On December 26, just after Christmas, a Imperial Council event related to Germany's future was held in Wilhelm II's office. The Germany* senior military and political officials present at the meeting all had serious faces.
"Everyone, everyone must be aware of the misfortune that just happened to Crown Prince Wilhelm. Royal Hospital has already been diagnosed. I'm afraid it will be difficult for Crown Prince Wilhelm to wake up again." A trace of sadness flashed in Wilhelm II's eyes.
"God! Poor Crown Prince." Prime Minister Bernhardt von Bülow couldn't help but say.
The other ministers also nodded. Indeed, there is probably no Crown Prince in the world who is more pitiful than Crown Prince Wilhelm, right? The heir to such a powerful empire became a vegetative state and could only spend the rest of his life in bed or in a wheelchair. It makes people feel pitiful just thinking about it.
"Okay, everyone, I believe everything is God's will. God will bless this poor child Prince." Wilhelm II said.
The ministers all looked at Wilhelm II, waiting for his next words. As we all know, determining the next Crown Prince candidate is the most important topic of today's meeting.
"Everyone, when Crown Prince Wilhelm can no longer fulfill the responsibilities of Crown Prince, the empire needs a new Crown Prince. According to Imperial Succession Law, the second successor Eitel? Friedrich Prince should become the new Crown Prince. Do you have any opinions on this?" Wilhelm II asked.
"Such a tragedy happened to Your Majesty and Crown Prince Wilhelm, which makes us very sad. However, I do not think Friedrich Prince is a suitable candidate. The empire's Crown Prince needs to have outstanding personal abilities and excellent character. I think Prince Oskar is the most suitable candidate." Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz was the first to stand up and express his opinion.
The ministers all nodded subconsciously. If they were asked to choose between Eitel? Friedrich Prince and Oscar, then Oscar would undoubtedly be the best choice. After all, as important ministers of the empire, they all hope that the future of the empire will be better. And this requires choosing an excellent successor for the empire. rather than an incompetent person.
Of course, there are not without objections among the ministers. For example, Chief of General Staff Moltke the Younger does not think Oscar is a suitable candidate. After all, from his own standpoint, a strong successor to the empire will greatly restrict the power in his hands. What's more, he has already offended Oscar, and he doesn't want Oscar to come to power even more.
If Eitel? Friedrich Prince becomes Imperial Crown Prince and becomes Emperor of the Empire in the future, it will undoubtedly be easier to control. After all, if Eitel? Friedrich Prince, who doesn't have much ability, wants to secure his position, he must get his support.
"Sir Tirpitz, I cannot agree with your statement. Prince Oskar's ability is outstanding and excellent. I have no objection to this. However, we have to admit that according to Imperial Succession Law, Prince Oskar is ranked fifth, except for Eitel? Friedrich In addition to Prince, there is also Prince Adalbert, August? Prince Wilhelm. If Prince Oskar becomes Crown Prince, doesn't that mean that Imperial Succession Law will be trampled on in the future? What criteria should be used to determine the successor of the empire? Everything will be messed up. Therefore, I firmly oppose Prince Oskar to succeed Crown Prince. Imperial Succession Law should be followed, Eitel? Friedrich. "Prince will succeed Crown Prince." Chief of General Staff Moltke the Younger jumped out and clearly expressed his opposition to Oscar succeeding as Crown Prince.
However, I have to admit that what Moltke the Younger said is also very reasonable. Germany people are inherently very strict and rigid in character. They have always strictly abided by the law. It is undoubtedly very difficult to get them to trample on the law.
Even Wilhelm II couldn't help but nod. He also has some doubts about his inner desire to establish Oscar as Crown Prince. Is this a good thing for Germany?
"Damn it, this old guy Moltke the Younger is clearly doing it for his own selfish interests, regardless of the interests of the empire!" Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz couldn't help but curse in his heart.
Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz knows very well what kind of person Moltke the Younger is. He also knew that Oscar was not happy with Moltke the Younger. Under such circumstances, in order to ensure his power, Moltke the Younger will naturally try his best to prevent Oscar from taking over.
"Imperial Succession Law indeed cannot be trampled to pieces. However, now the empire is about to face a huge war, which is related to the future of Germany. We must choose an outstanding successor for the empire. In this way, we can ensure that the empire can win the war in the future." Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz insisted.
"Your Excellency Tirpitz, Prince Oskar has indeed provided a lot of support to the navy. But you cannot trample on the laws of the empire because of this. I do not deny that Prince Oskar is a very outstanding Prince. However, he He is only 18 years old. No one can tell what the future will bring. What's more, even if Prince Oskar cannot become Crown Prince, he can still support the empire's military construction and development," Moltke the Younger retorted.
Although, Moltke the Younger knew that his statement would soon reach the ears of Oscar. And doing so will undoubtedly offend Oscar to death. However, now he is in a difficult situation. He had to do this for his own status and power.
Wilhelm II frowned. He did not expect that Tirpitz and Moltke the Younger would have such a big reaction when Oscar succeeded Crown Prince. Originally, he thought that with Oscar's ability, these ministers would easily pass. But now it seems that things are somewhat beyond his expectation! You know, these two people are his very trusted ministers. The completely different attitudes of the two people also made him have some more questions.
"Moltke the Younger, don't think that I don't know what you think. You have offended Prince Oskar, and you are worried that after he becomes Crown Prince, your position as chief of general staff will not be guaranteed." Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz said.
"Tirpitz, you are talking nonsense. When did I offend Prince Oskar? Even if I did, it was for the benefit of the empire. I think Prince Oskar should not ignore the interests of the empire like this." Moltke the Younger became a little angry.
"Okay, both of you, please restrain yourself. Today's meeting is for everyone to express their opinions on Crown Prince, needless to say anything else." Wilhelm II said with some dissatisfaction.