Iron and Blood: A Triumph of the Will

So tell me your thoughts.

"I'm mentally prepared."

Albert frowned slightly, his fingers tapping incessantly on the table, waiting for Hugenberg to finish his statement.

"Therefore, I believe this is a very good way to consolidate our regime."

Hugenberg stared intently at him, his eyes involuntarily drifting towards the decree Albert had placed on the table.

The Weimar Constitution, which was drafted in later generations, was almost complete, and its content was basically consistent with the original history.

Both prioritize national interests and deny the unity of society, the state, and society.

Of course, the above is pure nonsense for Hugenberg, a right-wing figure. The only point he paid attention to was that when external pressure or internal crisis escalates, the president and government can use "national interest" to continuously expand their extraordinary powers, which is what later became known as the delegating power law.

"Go on," Albert said, no longer looking at him but closing his eyes and waiting for the other's next question.

"I believe it is essential for the government to support His Highness Joachim's actions in Posen."

"Hasn't he almost driven all the Poles out of Posen?"

The German president reopened his eyes and slowly stared at Hugenberg.

In fact, this Social Democratic president knew everything; he was fully aware of what Joachim had done in Poz.

But what can he do?

Even if they were dissatisfied, they could only tolerate Joachim continuing to do things there.

Because his current regime is largely supported by the right-wing army, and Grena, who controls the army, is a right-wing figure.

Lüttwitz, who was in charge of suppressing the left wing in Berlin, was also from the right wing.

The German army was extremely conservative.

The reason he was able to take over the government was simply because the Hohenzollern family couldn't find anyone capable of taking charge.

Now that Joachim has stepped forward thanks to Posen's efforts, he will undoubtedly become the backbone of the entire right wing.

It's only a matter of time before we regain power.

"But there are still a large number of Poles there, and for that reason, we hope that Your Excellency the President will give your full support to his actions in Posen."

"Posen isn't important; Upper Silesia is."

Upon hearing this, Albert instinctively used his arm to block the decree appointing Joachim as Chancellor of Germany: "If you right-wingers really think nationalism is important, then preserve Upper Silesia for Germany..."

"But that still requires government support, doesn't it?"

"So what is your real purpose?"

"His Highness Joachim might be a good choice."

Hugenberg made a very vague request.

This made Albert give him a deep look, secretly thinking to himself, "He really showed his true colors."

He came here aiming for the premiership.

This is just Albert's own internal speculation; if he were to say it aloud, Hugenberg would definitely cry foul.

Yes, he did want to take this opportunity to push Joachim to the forefront, but definitely not to this extent.

The position of prime minister is only one step away from the presidency, and Joachim does not have any other outstanding talents.

Who can say for sure whether the Germans will resent him if he is pushed forward?

The current situation is something that not only Albert is afraid of, but even Hugenberg is afraid of.

Therefore, Hugenberg's internal price wasn't too unreasonable.

Because at that moment he was not representing Joachim's views, but rather the views of the Greater German Fatherland Party.

In fact, the right wing doesn't really know how confident they are in the restoration of the monarchy.

Because they also don't understand what the German people are thinking right now.

The war has only just ended. Although Hohenzollern has regained some of his prestige because of Joachim's deeds, no one can be sure whether the Germans will support Joachim in a high position. Therefore, letting time heal the wounds of war is the best option. Their goal today is to put Joachim in charge of the Poz province, or to make him the true governor of Upper and Lower Silesia, and to do everything in his power to crush the Polish nationalist separatists there.

So the current situation is that neither side can figure out the other's price.

However, Albert no longer had any intention of testing the waters. He had already given up and handed the appointment letter directly to Hugenberg: "If this is what you really want, then take it. I will inform Sheldman to make sure the handover is done."

"It seems His Excellency the President anticipated our thoughts all along."

Hugenberg was genuinely surprised that Albert would be so quick to sign the appointment letter.

This is absolutely cause for celebration, but on second thought, something seems a little off.

What does it mean for Prime Minister Shedeman to do a good job in the handover?

When he looked closely, he was surprised to find that it said Joachim was appointed Chancellor of Germany.

No, the prime minister has been appointed already?

That's a bit too absurd.

.......

At Elizabeth's home.

When the news from Berlin reached Joachim, he was completely stunned.

What does this mean? Is this a trap or just child's play?

So they've appointed the German Chancellor?

"Do you think it's real?"

Joachim had already smoked quite a few cigarettes, as had Manstein, who was sitting opposite him.

It's clear that neither of them has accepted this news yet!

This news was truly absurd to them!

It should be noted that Joachim did not hold any official position in Germany after the fall of the Reich.

Don't be fooled by his current image of bossing people around in Potsworth, ordering government officials to serve him tea and water; he's actually the head of a local organization.

They don't really have any official status.

Now, he's been promoted to Chancellor of Germany in one fell swoop, which is really making him dizzy.

So even though the news from within the party was repeatedly confirmed to be true, and even Tirpitz called him to confirm the accuracy of the information.

But he still felt it was somewhat absurd.

"I don't think so at all."

As Manstein spoke, he picked up the document and examined it repeatedly, trying to find any loopholes.

But no matter how hard he looked, he couldn't find it: "In the history of our country, there has never been a case of appointing a young person as prime minister or chancellor. You have now risen to the top in one step."

"So, why did you choose me?" Joachim asked, puzzled, as another cigarette was lit.

"I don't know either, Your Highness."

Manstein remained silent, racking his brains to figure out Albert's purpose in issuing the appointment.

After a moment of silence, a sudden thought struck him. He stared blankly at Joachim and hesitated before saying, "Is it possible that this is Berlin's countermeasure? Do they want to see you make a fool of yourself?"