I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 775: Watching the Tigers Fight from Atop the Mountain

The conversation between William II and Hindenburg ended in a seemingly harmonious atmosphere.

This was the first time Hindenburg had spoken with William II since being promoted to Chief of the General Staff. It was considered an official appointment and could also be said to have reached a unified agreement on the strategic direction of the Western Front.

"I know you insist on the 'East First, Then West' strategy, Marshal," William II said frankly, "but I believe that was your consideration as the Eastern Front Commander. Now, as Chief of the General Staff, we should consider the overall situation."

"Yes, I agree," Hindenburg nodded lightly.

"Really, that's great," William II said excitedly as he pointed to the map and analyzed:

"As you know, Shire's First Armored Army is adept at spearheading operations."

"If we focus on the Eastern Front and neglect the defense of the Western Front, Shire's army will penetrate deep into Germany."

Hindenburg nodded again, "That is indeed the case."

William II continued:

"By then, it won't just be about holding the line. Shire will threaten the security of our homeland."

"Especially the Ruhr Industrial District, once occupied by Shire, we're finished."

"The defensive lines in other directions would collapse like dominoes!"

(The above image shows the location of Germany's Ruhr Industrial District, which is the most important industrial area in Germany, known as "the heart of German industry.")

"You are absolutely right, Your Majesty," Hindenburg nodded again, then fell silent.

William II suddenly realized something; Hindenburg was just putting on a show. He wasn't really interested in listening to him, nor was he likely to agree with his views.

But William II still had to play along:

"I'm pleased we could reach a consensus, Marshal."

"Knowing you also think this way puts my mind at ease."

"I believe you are competent in your role as Chief of the General Staff and am confident that you will lead Germany to victory, just as you have done before."

Hindenburg elegantly stood up and bowed slightly to William II, "I will not disappoint your expectations, Your Majesty!"

With that, he left with the guards.

As soon as Hindenburg stepped out of the room, William II collapsed onto the sofa.

He felt as if he was finished. Not long ago, he was in control, but now he found himself unable to grasp anything.

No, perhaps there's still hope.

The General Staff can only control the army; Hindenburg cannot control the navy, nor does he understand it.

Thinking of this, William II ordered his butler, "Send a telegram to Admiral Scheer and have him come at once!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" the butler responded.

...

That afternoon, Admiral Scheer sat on the sofa in William II's living room.

William II treated Admiral Scheer with unprecedented enthusiasm, after exchanging pleasantries, he asked, "General, how is the current situation with the navy?"

"Everything is going smoothly, Your Majesty," Admiral Scheer replied, "We have equipped 36 new 'UWD' seaplanes, loaded with torpedoes."

"Excellent," William II commended, "Then prepare to break the British blockade!"

"Soon?" Admiral Scheer was somewhat surprised; he had initially hoped to acquire more seaplanes before proceeding with an operation.

Otherwise, if the 36 bombers suffered any losses and could not be replaced, it would impact subsequent plans.

"Your Majesty," Admiral Scheer said, "Once war begins, we need a constant flow of resources; any interruption could lead to another blockade."

Naval warfare is different from land warfare.

In land warfare, after winning, you can station a troop on a hill or construct a defensive line.

Naval warfare has nowhere to guard; continuous patrolling with warships and planes is necessary to prevent enemy ships from approaching, ensuring the security of supply lines.

"I understand," William II replied:

"But you know the current situation."

"The front line is short on supplies; we must quickly restore trade with the neutral Nordic countries."

"Therefore, breaking the blockade is imperative; otherwise, you know what will happen."

Admiral Scheer nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty, as you wish!"

In truth, William II did not reveal his real intentions.

If the navy continued to remain blockaded in port, it could not stand on equal footing with the army.

But if the blockade could be broken, it would not only enhance the navy's prestige but also control material trade with neutral Nordic countries.

(Note: During World War I, Nordic countries like Sweden and Norway remained neutral and did not participate in the war. However, due to the Royal Navy's blockade, materials could not be shipped to Germany.)

If the navy could control these materials, William II thought, it could indirectly control the army, much like Shire.

Goodness, William II exclaimed in his heart, I just need to follow Shire's approach, and one day power will return to me!

...

Berlin Wilhelm Street, General Staff Headquarters.

Hindenburg sat at his desk staring blankly at the map of the Western Front.

Deputy Ludendorff approached and glanced at the map, cautiously asking, "Is it His Majesty's order?"

William II surely hopes to strengthen the Western Front defenses, Ludendorff thought.

"No," Hindenburg, with his eyes on the map, answered, "I am thinking about Fajin Han's words."

"Fajin Han?" Ludendorff's eyes revealed a hint of surprise, "He was dismissed for switching support to 'East First, Then West,' proving our ideas were correct."

Hindenburg shook his head again, "Not that."

After a pause, Hindenburg provided the answer, "Fajin Han said that Shire did not wish to defeat us too early as he needs to maintain an external threat to better deal with the capitalists at home against him."

Ludendorff laughed, "Arrogant fellow, this is war. Both sides are doing everything they can to crush each other, yet he thinks Shire is selectively dealing with us! He really thinks of Shire as Mars..."

Hindenburg calmly interrupted Ludendorff's words, "I believe he's right."

"What?" Ludendorff looked at Hindenburg incredulously.

Hindenburg handed Ludendorff a telegram, "The British Expeditionary Force is moving toward Metz."

Ludendorff took it and nodded, "Yes, I have seen this telegram."

"Don't you find it strange?" Hindenburg asked, looking up, "Shire has already occupied Metz. By moving east, he could easily take the entire Lorraine Region and Alsace. Why didn't he do so? Instead, at this crucial concluding moment, he handed the defense zone over to the British Expeditionary Force."

Ludendorff initially found nothing strange; he thought the British troops moving to Metz were reinforcements rather than replacements.

But now, as Hindenburg pointed it out, he felt it was odd.

He asked, half-doubtfully, "Could it be that Shire wants us to attack the British?"

Hindenburg nodded slightly, "Yes, I believe he wants to use the Meuse River as a boundary, placing the British Expeditionary Force under the brunt of our attack."

He then added after a pause, "Or, one could also say, 'let the tiger fight the mountain'!"