The Rise of German empire

"Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is still too young after all! Regardless of the actual situation, he implemented military system reform in the 8th Army, which not only forcibly changed the traditional military system of the German Imperial Army, but also made many generals and officers resentful. The entire 8th Army has been greatly affected by this. If this continues, it will be very difficult for the 8th Army's combat effectiveness to remain the same, not to mention improving. At that time, once the war breaks out, the Russians will attack East Prussia. How can the 8th Army possibly resist it?" Moltke accused Oscar harshly, as if the very survival of Germany depended on removing him from command.

King William II furrowed his brow, his mind momentarily shaken by Moltke's impassioned speech. The Emperor was not blind to the mounting pressure surrounding his son, and now even his trusted advisors were questioning Oscar's decisions. Could it be true? Was the reform of the 8th Army a mistake, or was it simply a matter of those with vested interests resisting change?

"Your Majesty, I believe that His Highness the Crown Prince must be transferred from the 8th Army. Otherwise, the 8th Army will be in utter disarray," Prittwitz added, his voice laced with disdain.

William II was well aware of the enmity between Prittwitz and his son, especially after the latter's forced removal from the 8th Army. However, the reform of the military system was no small matter, and if there were genuine concerns about its impact, he had to listen. He had been hopeful that Oscar's leadership would bring about positive change, but the reports and now these accusations were difficult to ignore.

"Alright, I understand. I will send for Oscar and have him return to Berlin immediately to explain himself," William II finally declared, a heavy weight settling in his chest.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Moltke and Prittwitz replied in unison, their faces alight with a mix of triumph and impatience. Though William II had not yet removed Oscar from his post, the very fact that the Crown Prince was being summoned to answer for his actions was a victory in their eyes.

Once the order reached the 8th Army, Oscar was already prepared. He had known that Moltke, ever the schemer, would take advantage of any opportunity to undermine him. He had expected this and had anticipated the consequences. The pressure from his father's advisors was nothing new to him. But it didn't make it any less challenging.

"Your Highness, the news I received is that Moltke and Prittwitz have impeached you to His Majesty," Hindenburg said, his voice filled with frustration. "Those two really don't understand. Don't they realize that this reform will ultimately improve the combat effectiveness of the army? It's good for the entire German Empire, not just for your leadership."

"They know," Ludendorff replied with a knowing smirk, "They simply don't want to see your success, Oscar. They know that if you succeed in implementing these reforms, they'll be left behind. They're only concerned with their own power and position. They can't stand the idea of you consolidating your influence."

Oscar smiled confidently. "They won't succeed. In the end, His Majesty will see the truth. I've always believed that facts speak louder than words. No matter how loud they shout, the results will speak for themselves."

Hindenburg and Ludendorff nodded in agreement, both of them disillusioned with the likes of Moltke and Prittwitz, who had climbed the ranks through political maneuvering rather than merit. They believed in Oscar's vision, and they knew that, if given time, the reforms would yield results.

The following morning, Oscar boarded a special train and made his way back to Berlin. The trip was long, but he was resolved. When he arrived, he immediately made his way to William II's office. Inside, the atmosphere was tense. In addition to William II, Moltke and Prittwitz were present, as well as Generals von Falkenhain and Waldsee, who had long been loyal to the emperor.

"Oscar," William II began, his voice measured but stern, "How is the situation in the 8th Army?"

"Father, the 8th Army is developing well," Oscar answered confidently. "The reforms are progressing as planned, and I believe the 8th Army will soon become a truly elite force, able to defend the empire against any threat."

Moltke immediately cut in, his tone dripping with disdain. "Isn't that a bit exaggerated, Your Highness? You've been in command of the 8th Army for how long, and you claim it's going so well? You're deceiving His Majesty, aren't you?"

The accusation caught Oscar off guard for only a moment. He had expected resistance, but the vehemence of Moltke's words was striking.

"What's the real issue here?" Oscar asked, his voice calm but unwavering. "Are you really claiming that a military system reform that will improve the army's combat readiness is a problem? Do you truly believe the 8th Army will collapse because of it?"

Prittwitz, ever eager to discredit Oscar, seized the opportunity. "His Highness is completely ignoring the discontent of the officers and generals. If this continues, the 8th Army will be in chaos! What are you talking about—elite forces? The army will crumble under this 'reform.'"

Oscar let out a small, almost imperceptible smile, then turned his gaze to Prittwitz. It was clear to him that Prittwitz didn't understand the full scope of what was happening—or perhaps, he simply didn't want to. In either case, it was almost laughable. He had anticipated this moment, and he knew what needed to be done.

The room erupted into chaos, with voices clamoring to be heard. William II, however, was not pleased with the disorder.

"Enough!" William II thundered, his voice commanding silence. "I am the one who asks the questions here. No one speaks without my permission!"

The room fell quiet as all eyes turned to the emperor. Prittwitz, a man whose career had been built on political connections rather than actual skill, wisely held his tongue. He knew better than to risk further angering the emperor, who had the power to make or break careers with a single word.

Oscar stood his ground, his posture proud and unyielding. He had faced worse challenges and had always come out on top. This would be no different. He was confident that, in the end, his reforms would be proven right. All that mattered now was time. The truth would reveal itself, and when it did, he would be standing at the helm of an unstoppable army.