I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 807: This Is Power

William Street, General Staff Headquarters.

Ludendorff seemed as if disaster had struck, holding the telegram and handing it over to Hindenburg's desk: "The Americans have entered the war."

Hindenburg took the telegram, glanced at it, and silently put it aside.

A hint of surprise flashed in Ludendorff's eyes: "Aren't you going to say something, Chief of General Staff?"

"What is there to say?" Hindenburg countered.

"Our Kaiser." Ludendorff looked around, lowered his voice, but his tone was filled with anger: "At a time when we were trying every way not to anger the United States, he sought an alliance with Mexico, which directly led to U.S. involvement in the war and pushed the Empire to the brink of danger!"

Hindenburg remained calm: "It's our fault, Erich."

"What?" Ludendorff became more agitated: "No, it's the Kaiser's fault, his stupidity and ignorance led to this outcome..."

"Do you really think so?" Hindenburg interrupted Ludendorff.

"What else?" Ludendorff didn't understand Hindenburg's point.

"We were too impatient." Hindenburg sighed lightly: "We shouldn't have challenged the Kaiser's authority and tried to sideline him before the external situation stabilized, even knowing he still controlled the navy, yet thought he couldn't do anything, but the reality is quite the opposite."

Ludendorff was stunned, then realized: "You mean the Kaiser did it deliberately?"

With a heavy heart, Hindenburg slowly nodded: "The army is in our hands, and the Kaiser can only exert the most pressure on us by doing this, while his navy breaks through the Royal Navy's blockade."

Ludendorff seemed to understand that this could elevate the navy's status and prestige.

"But it's his country." Ludendorff still couldn't believe it: "Doing so isn't beneficial for him..."

"Erich." Hindenburg replied: "If the power is in our hands, do you think he still has any reason to care?"

Ludendorff thought for a moment and agreed, the so-called "his country" was just superficial.

Hindenburg got up, walked to the coat rack, took down his military hat, and put it on: "I should head to Sanssouci Palace, it's time to talk to him!"

...

In the reception room of Sanssouci Palace, William II was raising his glass to celebrate with Admiral Scheer.

William II was very satisfied with the current war situation, outwardly trying to maintain calm, but his voice trembled with excitement.

"This is an unprecedented victory, Admiral." William II said:

"We have defeated the Royal Navy."

"Everyone thought it was invincible, the strongest fleet in the world."

"Yet we defeated them, we broke this myth, we created a miracle!"

However, Admiral Scheer remained calm:

"We did achieve some victories, Your Majesty."

"But we have yet to achieve a real strategic breakthrough, the British fleet remains strong."

"Also, Bergen port is still under British control, it might be too early to call it a victory..."

William II responded excitedly: "There won't be any surprises, Admiral, no matter how strong the British fleet is, it won't matter. We are using planes, seaplanes, the Brits can't find a way to counter us."

He chuckled, standing up to pour more wine for Admiral Scheer:

"Shire is simply a genius."

"The decades of developments by the British fleet are nothing in comparison to him, he just simply hung torpedoes on planes and solved all the troubles."

Mentioning Shire, Admiral Scheer's heart skipped a beat:

"I've heard that Shire's warships are equipped with new anti-aircraft firepower, likely developed to target torpedo bombers."

"And they have been refitted successfully, ready to proceed to Lerwick for British reinforcements."

William II's smile froze on his face, he slowly sat back on the sofa, eyes filled with fright:

"Is the intelligence accurate?"

"If it's true, do you think Shire's equipment can really counter torpedo bombers?"

Admiral Scheer nodded lightly:

"Although I don't want to believe it, it's very likely true."

"And I believe Shire's equipment can counter torpedo bombers."

"The reason is simple, he invented torpedo bombers, he knows them, knows they must maintain a straight path and low altitude at low speed when releasing torpedoes."

"If Shire has developed anti-aircraft firepower targeting this, torpedo bombers may suffer unbearable losses." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

William II frowned.

He may not worry about the Royal Fleet, but he cannot help but worry about Shire.

But soon after, his smile resurfaced:

"Shire's fleet supporting the British?"

"That means Shire hasn't sold this anti-aircraft equipment to the Brits."

"So, what we need to do is avoid the French warships!"

Admiral Scheer nodded: "I think the same way, Your Majesty."

They exchanged a smile, their glasses clinking lightly together.

At this moment, Hindenburg strode in, stood tall before William II, and saluted: "Your Majesty."

William II feigned surprise: "You're just in time, Marshal, allow me to introduce, this is Admiral Scheer, commander of the Empire Fleet."

Hindenburg stepped forward to shake hands with Admiral Scheer: "I've long admired your name, I heard about the battle in the Jutland Sea, a splendid fight!"

"Thank you very much, Marshal!" Admiral Scheer replied politely.

Hindenburg took a seat, directly turning his gaze toward Admiral Scheer: "You being here is perfect, Admiral, I think we should talk about cooperation."

Admiral Scheer was somewhat puzzled, glancing at William II sitting opposite him. Shouldn't Hindenburg be talking to William II?

William II smiled subtly: "Of course, Marshal, the navy and the army are both imperial forces, they should naturally unite against external threats."

Hindenburg grunted: "With Your Majesty's words, I am reassured."

Then he asked what both knew: "I wonder if Your Majesty is aware that the United States has joined the Allies and plans to send troops to France?"

"Yes." William II nodded with an unchanged expression, as if this matter had nothing to do with him: "I know a little."

"If possible." Hindenburg said:

"I hope the navy can block the sea routes from the United States to France. By any means, submarines or seaplanes."

"If we allow American supplies and troops to flow continuously to France, we are almost impossible to win this war."

"Sinking American mail ships at sea is clearly easier than eliminating American soldiers on land."

William II nodded in agreement, then turned a questioning gaze toward Admiral Scheer.

Admiral Scheer contemplated for a moment, and responded with difficulty: "I'll do my best, Your Majesty, but it's not certain I can achieve it."

William II nodded in satisfaction.

Regardless of whether Admiral Scheer can accomplish it, his purpose has already been achieved.

Hindenburg had no choice but to "collaborate" with him, this is power!