Iron and Blood: A Triumph of the Will

"So, is it really possible for us to expand our army to 2 within 100 days in the future?"

Joachim never doubted Manstein's talent.

His only doubt was whether Lower Silesia alone could support such a large army.

It's important to understand that Lower Silesia is not as wealthy as Silesia; it's not a heavy industrial province...

"I am somewhat aware of Your Highness's concerns." Manstein saw Joachim's worries, so he reassured him directly: "For us German officers, numbers have never been an issue."

"So what is the main problem?"

Joachim closed his notebook. He looked up at Manstein, and he already had a vague answer in mind.

As the saying goes, it's not about quantity but quality in an army; recruiting many men is useless if they can't form a fighting force...

So even if there are many people, they are just a mob.

When those left-wing elements attack, his army will immediately turn to dust and collapse in an instant.

"The most important question is whether these troops can form a formal combat capability?"

"So you're eyeing the Sixth Army in Breslau?"

The Sixth Army, stationed in Silesia, was under the command of the Eighth Military District of the Prussian Army and was the standing army of the entire Silesia.

It comprises the 11th Infantry Division and the 12th Infantry Division, whose members are all from Silesia and therefore have a strong sense of belonging to this region.

It can be said that whoever gains control of the Sixth Army will control the entire Silesia.

But gaining control of this unit right now is not easy.

Although Joachim and his men controlled Breslau and liberated the garrison there.

However, these numbers were less than one-tenth of the Sixth Army, which controlled the entire Cilicia region. To use such numbers against the rebels was undoubtedly like throwing an egg against a rock.

Moreover, Joachim did not have control over this force; he only had influence over it, not control.

The supreme commander remains Commander Alfred...

"If Your Highness can control this army, then what we are doing now can take a giant leap forward instantly, and we won't have to stay stuck in Silesia anymore."

"There's no chance; as the saying goes, you can't see into someone's heart."

"When the empire is on the verge of collapse, no one can guarantee their loyalty to the empire."

Joachim sighed. In fact, he had imagined from the beginning that he could directly control the Sixth Army by issuing administrative orders, but at present his qualifications and prestige were too weak to be a figure who could command a large following like Napoleon. Moreover, World War I had just ended, and the Germans at present did not like the monarchy. Although he had publicly severed ties with Wilhelm II, some people still secretly labeled him as a member of the Kaiser faction.

For this reason, Joachim abandoned the idea of ​​controlling the Sixth Army and instead expanded his own forces.

Although he knew what kind of people these recruits were, it was the only option he could take.

"It is unrealistic to expect to improve the combat effectiveness of a so-called legion in a short period of time."

"That's precisely why Your Highness needs to produce even more results so that they can see for themselves."

"People admire strength. As long as Your Highness achieves something in Silesia, everyone will raise the emperor's banner."

"I guarantee you will ascend the throne."

"Ascend the throne?"

He does not mean that.

As soon as he finished speaking, Joachim fixed his gaze on Manstein, carefully considering the other man's true intentions.

He felt that these were words Manstein shouldn't have said, since Manstein had almost never commented on his ascension to the throne since that conversation.

Furthermore, Joachim observed Manstein's expression when Wolf made those remarks.

The latter made almost no comment, appearing completely acquiescing.

Just one day later, the other party suddenly expressed their support for him to ascend the throne.

It's hard not to be wary: "Erich, are you trying to persuade him to take the throne?"

"Our Emperor is not dead yet; he is still in Holland..."

"He has already abdicated; he is no longer the emperor."

Manstein closed his notebook and straightened his back in front of Joachim: "If Germany were to restore the monarchy in the future, I would be willing to support you as the emperor of all Germany, rather than Crown Prince Wilhelm who fled to the Netherlands."

"What's the reason?"

"A person who flees his country when his empire is in peril is not fit to be the monarch of a nation."

"Is that all?"

"It's not just that; I see hope in you."

Manstein's azure eyes fixed on Joachim, his gaze gleaming with sincerity: "When all the imperial nobles were fleeing the empire, only you dared to go against the tide. As the saying goes, great emperors throughout history have all sought survival from death and triumph from defeat. It is my honor to be able to follow a great emperor like you to lay the foundation for an immortal career."

"Is it really for these reasons?"

"Is the honor truly greater than you imagine?" Joachim remained unconvinced and pressed on, "What will you do if my cause fails to be completed in the future, and I cannot bestow those honors upon you?"

The latter remained silent for a moment, then suddenly raised his head: "Of course, it's until death do us part!"

"I don't believe someone like you can't achieve great things. You are absolutely capable of becoming someone like Wilhelm the Great."

"Comparing me to Wilhelm the Great, Manstein, you really know how to flatter me."

"This is not flattery, Your Highness."

"I truly believe you can do what he did." Manstein paused for a moment, then pledged his loyalty to Joachim: "What your ancestors could accomplish, you can certainly do as well."

"What if I can't do it?"

"Then I'll just lose again, like you said." Manstein smiled slightly. "Everyone has to be able to afford to lose. I'm willing to pay the price for my choices."

"What if I make your hands stained with blood in the future?" Having said that, Joachim was completely convinced of Manstein's resolve, so he tentatively asked, "You know that on the road to the Empire's revival, we will kill many people, whether they are so-called compatriots or foreign enemies. I will not allow you to show mercy..."

"Then I have no choice but to fight to the death, Your Highness."

"Well said, only through bloodshed." Joachim was deeply moved by these words, his eyes filled with emotion: "If I achieve great things in the future, you will definitely have a place within the Empire."

"I don't want a place, I only ask that Your Highness not forget the promise between us."

"Avenge our humiliation!"