Chapter 77: military support
On December 26, just after Christmas, a royal meeting concerning the future of Germany was held in William II's office. The senior military and political officials of the German Communist Party present at the meeting all had serious faces.
"Everyone, everyone must have known about the misfortune that happened to Crown Prince William just now. The Royal Hospital has already diagnosed it. It may be difficult for Crown Prince William to wake up again." A trace of sadness flashed in William II's eyes.
"God! Poor His Royal Highness the Crown Prince." Prime Minister Bernhard von Bülow couldn't help saying.
The other ministers also nodded repeatedly. Indeed, there is probably no crown prince in the world who is more pitiful than Crown Prince William? The heir of such a powerful empire has become a vegetable, and the rest of his life can only be spent in a bed or a wheelchair. Thinking about it makes people feel pitiful.
"Okay, everyone, I believe that everything is God's will. God will bless Prince, the poor child." William II said.
The ministers all looked at William II, waiting for his next words. Everyone knows that determining the next crown prince candidate is the most important topic of today's meeting.
"Everyone, when Crown Prince William is unable to continue to fulfill the responsibilities of Crown Prince, the Empire needs a new Crown Prince. According to the law of succession to the throne, Prince Ethel Friedrich, the second in line heir, should become the new Crown Prince. Everyone agrees Any comments?" William II asked.
"Your Majesty, we are very saddened by such a tragedy that happened to Crown Prince William. However, I don't think Prince Friedrich is a suitable candidate. The Crown Prince of the Empire needs outstanding personal ability and excellent character Okay. I think Prince Oscar is the most suitable candidate." Marshal Earl Tirpitz was the first to stand up and express his opinion.
The ministers all nodded subconsciously. If they had to choose between Prince Ethel Friedrich and Qin Tian, Qin Tian 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 heir for the empire. rather than an incompetent person.
Of course, among the ministers, there are not no objections. For example, Xiao Maoqi, chief of the general staff, did not think that Qin Tian was a suitable candidate. After all, from his own standpoint, a strong heir to the empire will greatly restrict the power in his hands. What's more, he had already offended Qin Tian, so he didn't want Qin Tian to come to power.
If Prince Ethel Friedrich becomes the crown prince of the empire and will become the emperor of the empire in the future, it will undoubtedly be better controlled. After all, if Prince Ethel Friedrich, who doesn't have much ability, wants to secure his position, he must get his support.
"Your Excellency Tirpitz, forgive me for not agreeing with your statement. Prince Oscar's ability is very outstanding, very outstanding, and I have no objection to this. However, we have to admit that according to the law of succession to the throne, Prince Oscar is ranked first The fifth place, in addition to Prince Ethel Friedrich, there are Prince Adalbert and Prince August William. If Prince Oscar becomes the crown prince, it does not mean trampling on the succession of the throne In the future, what kind of criteria should be used to determine the successor of the empire, everything will be messed up. Therefore, I firmly oppose the succession of the crown prince by Prince Oscar, and Ethel Friedrich should follow the law of succession to the throne. The prince will succeed you as the crown prince." The chief of the general staff, Xiao Maoqi, jumped out and clearly expressed his opposition to Qin Tian's succession as the crown prince.
However, I have to admit that what Xiao Moqi said is also very reasonable. The character of the Germans is inherently very rigorous and rigid. They have always strictly followed the law. It is undoubtedly very difficult to get them to trample on the law.
Even William II couldn't help nodding. He also had some doubts about his desire to establish Qin Tian as the crown prince in his heart. Is this a good thing for Germany?
"Damn it, little Maoqi, this old guy, is clearly doing it for his own self-interest and disregarding the interests of the empire!" Marshal Earl Tirpitz couldn't help cursing inwardly.
Marshal Earl Tirpitz is very clear about what kind of person Little Moltke is. He also knew that Qin Tian didn't like Xiao Maoqi. Under such circumstances, in order to ensure his own power, Xiao Maoqi will naturally do his best to prevent Qin Tian from taking the throne.
"The law of succession to the throne cannot be trampled on in pieces. However, the empire is about to face a huge war, which concerns the future of Germany. We must choose an outstanding heir for the empire. Only in this way can the future ensure that the empire can survive the war Win." Marshal Count Tirpitz insisted.
"Your Excellency Tirpitz, Prince Oscar has indeed provided a lot of support for the navy. But you can't trample on the laws of the empire because of this. I don't deny that Prince Oscar is a very outstanding prince. However, he is only 18 now. No one can tell what will happen in the future. What's more, even if Prince Oscar fails to become the Crown Prince, with his ability, he can still support the empire's military build-up and development." Mo Qi retorted.
Although, Xiao Maoqi knew that his statement would soon reach Qin Tian's ears. And doing so would undoubtedly offend Qin Tian to death. However, now he is already unable to get off the tiger. For his own status and power, he had to do so.
William II frowned. He didn't expect that Tirpitz and Moltke would have such a big reaction when Qin Tian succeeded as crown prince. Originally, he thought that with Qin Tian's ability, these ministers would easily pass. But now it seems that things are a bit beyond his expectation! You know, these two people are his very trusted courtiers. The completely different attitudes of the two also made him have some doubts in his heart.
"Little Maoqi, don't think I don't know what you think. You have offended Prince Oscar yourself, and you are worried that after he becomes the crown prince, your position as chief of the general staff will be lost." Marshal Count Tirpitz said.
"Tirpitz, you are talking nonsense. When did I offend Prince Oscar? Even if I did, it was for the benefit of the empire. I think Prince Oscar wouldn't be so disregarding the interests of the empire." Little Maoqi Some became angry from embarrassment.
"Okay, both of you restrain yourself. Today's meeting is for everyone to express their opinions on the crown prince, not to mention other things." William II said with some dissatisfaction.