Iron and Blood: A Triumph of the Will

"The Prime Minister hasn't arrived yet. Shall we discuss the situation at the border first?"

Labor Secretary Gustave Bauer coughed and looked around at everyone present.

He raised his hand high and proposed, "Once we reach a conclusion, we can hand it over directly to the Prime Minister for handling."

"I think it's possible. If possible, I would even like to have Deputy Prime Minister Shedeman sign the order directly."

Defense Minister Gustav Nosk stubbed out his cigarette and nodded in agreement: "Anyway, the situation in Berlin has stabilized somewhat now, and we don't need the right wing to step into the limelight anymore..."

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.

Indeed, the initial purpose of having Joachim form a cabinet was to ensure that the armed forces would serve him wholeheartedly.

The situation in Berlin has now stabilized, and the left-wing elements have been largely eliminated.

They really didn't need to have a German prince on the stage anymore.

Perhaps kicking Joachim out of the picture would be a very good option.

Moreover, bringing down Joachim now could appease the French public.

Incidentally, take full responsibility for all those who sabotage the peace talks.

They dumped everything on Joachim, thereby further weakening the German right wing.

This is very helpful for them to consolidate the republic's power.

"I also agree with this suggestion; it is indeed not in line with what Americans want to see a right-winger in the spotlight."

Economy Minister Rudolf Seville also spoke out.

The three of them are from the same political party, so naturally they should stand on the same side.

"We must show the world through our actions that the monarchy cannot be restored in Germany."

"We are a republic. It's going too far to let a remnant of the previous dynasty be our head of state."

"We want to show the world our good side, not our bad side."

"Furthermore, kicking off the right wing will make it easier for us to start peace talks with the French."

"This will also allow us to quickly revive our economy, resume food imports, and end the British blockade..."

"I don't think it's necessary to do that."

The coordinated efforts of these individuals became too much for Interior Minister Hugo Prouis to bear.

He slightly raised his hand: "The Prime Minister has done a very good job in office, and there is absolutely no need for us to talk about him behind his back."

"Furthermore, I believe that some people should be accountable to the Prime Minister when they are in his cabinet, instead of sabotaging him behind his back."

"Moreover, this is a time of national crisis."

"We Germans must unite as one..."

"Who isn't united?"

Food Minister Robert Schmidt spoke up: "We're just being realistic, and besides, we're not talking behind people's backs."

"We're just discussing it with other people in the cabinet."

"Besides, Prime Minister Shedemann was personally nominated by the Prime Minister."

"According to the Constitution, what he signs is equivalent to what the Prime Minister signs."

"So the Prime Minister's opinion is not important now, as long as everyone here agrees on the same point."

"Can't Shedemann represent the Prime Minister too?"

"Then why don't you just say you represent the entire cabinet?"

Hugo Prois's lips trembled with anger at this twisted logic.

He glanced around, then smoked his cigarette and remained silent.

Brodokdorf-Rancho had his eyes closed, and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

This person is an independent.

The two ministers from the Central Party remained silent.

The remaining Finance Minister, Eugen Schiffer, looked at him with a puzzled expression, seemingly unable to understand why his colleague was speaking up for Joachim.

He hadn't been in contact with Joachim for long, so he naturally didn't understand why Hugo Prois didn't support Joachim's downfall.

"I think there's something wrong with your stance, Your Excellency Minister of the Interior." Robert Schmidt, taken aback by this rebuttal, hardened his tone: "This is no longer the age of empires, it's the age of republics. You shouldn't be a lackey of the royal family."

"Lackey? Then whose accomplice are you?" Eugen Schiffer stared at him and retorted directly, "Don't use such harsh language."

"What did he mean by saying that just now?"

"What...what do you mean?"

Hugo Prouss tapped his cigarette-holding fingers heavily on the oak table: "In this time of national crisis, we must not fight amongst ourselves. The left, center, and right in Germany should unite. Defending Germany is our shared responsibility."

"It's not that dangerous yet."

"How come the French are already making demands at Versailles before the danger has even arrived!" Hugo Prouss was completely enraged by these people: "Do you even know what demands they're making at Versailles?"

"They intend to sever the entire area west of the Rhine from German territory, and they plan to establish a buffer state there, a buffer state between Germany and France."

"That is, the so-called Republic of Westphalia."

"Now that the nation is in peril, you've come to think of the continuation of the republic's regime."

"Don't you think it's a bit late?"

"Why did you appoint Joachim as Prime Minister in the first place?"

"How did Prime Minister Joachim come to power? You Social Democrats should know better than I do!"

"Don't forget, who appointed you to your positions?"

"You're still thinking about internal strife? Are you even Germans?"

Indeed, the Social Democrats appointed Joachim at the time in order to use his status as a prince to suppress the far left in Germany.

Now the far-leftists have been suppressed, and the French have invaded.

If we don't seize this opportunity to kick him off the stage,

He came to power himself.

So what are they waiting for?

Will Joachim restore the empire once he has gained enough prestige?

"you!"

Robert Schmidt was speechless and couldn't say a word for a moment.

Finally, they had no choice but to turn their attention to Deputy Prime Minister Shedeman.

Sheldon noticed his gaze, but he didn't say anything and instead smoked one cigarette after another.

And so, silence fell over the room.

Finally, Robert Schmidt had no choice but to turn his attention to his colleagues.

Then Gustav Bauer spoke.

He slammed his hand on the table, breaking the silence first.

"Snapped!"

"No matter what, Joachim must fall today! He started all this trouble!"

"He must be held accountable for this."

"Okay, let's vote!"

Defense Minister Gustav Nosk seized the opportunity, declaring, "I propose that Prime Minister Joachim be dismissed from his post immediately!"

"And after the vote, it will be handed over to President Abbott for approval."

After saying that, he was the first to raise his hand.

Other Social Democrats also joined in.

There are now 12 people in the cabinet.

There were six Social Democrats, two Democratic Party members, two Centre Party members, and one independent.

In other words, the bill will pass as long as all Social Democrats vote.

Soon, one arm after another was raised.

Robert Schmidt stood up proudly and loudly read out the vote count: "One, two, three, four, five... six."

Wait... what about six?