Fast forward to November 1916, and Germany received good news once again. The German 8th Army, with the assistance of the Pacific Fleet, took the Lion City. And, sweeping across the Straits Settlements.

It was expected that soon the entire Straits Settlements would fall into German hands.

At about the same time, the German 4th Army also successfully landed in western Australia under the escort of the Indian Ocean Fleet. Began to attack along the coastline of Australia, to the east. Although, the British organized quite a few troops in Australia. The combat effectiveness of the Australian army is also stronger than that of the Anglo-Indian army. However, it was obviously impossible to withstand the German attack.

By the time the German 8th Army had entered the battle in Australia, the British and Australian armies would have been defeated very quickly. The problem that plagued the Germans, however, was that Australia was too large, almost twice the size of India. If you want to occupy the whole of Australia, it will take a lot of time. Fortunately, Australia does not have much of a population right now. Even if the British organize an army here, they won't be able to organize much.

It is expected that in the first half of next year, the German army will occupy all of Australia without any problems. At that time, the military operations of the German army will come to an end temporarily.

However, Qin Tian's attention now is not on the rich colony of Australia, but on Germany's close neighbors and Austria-Hungary. As an ally of the German Empire, Austria-Hungary did not play much of a role in the last world war. However, at least part of the enemy was dragged for Germany. Otherwise, it would have been even more difficult for Germany to win a world war, especially on land.

Although, in the war, Germany and Austria-Hungary were extremely strong allies. However, after the end of the war, the alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary gradually came to an end for the sake of their respective national interests. Germany began to suppress Austria-Hungary in every possible way, making the two countries gradually turn from allies to rivals, and even enemies.

During the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I, the alliance between Austria-Hungary and Germany was bumpy, but it was able to be maintained. Once Franz Joseph I died, Crown Prince Karl, who hated Germany, succeeded to the throne. There is no need to think about it to know that the alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary will come to an end completely.

Emperor Franz Joseph I is now eighty-six years old. And Qin Tian knew that the life of this old emperor was about to come to an end. On another plane, he passed away this month. Therefore, Qin Tian specifically asked the intelligence department to strengthen the intelligence collection of Austria-Hungary. Qin Tian also did not know whether Emperor Franz Joseph I would die on November 18 in this time and space.

On November 15, Qin Tian convened a royal meeting. There is only one focus of this imperial council, that is, what kind of impact the death of Emperor Franz Joseph I will have on the relations between Germany and Austria-Hungary. Even, if Germany launched a military campaign against Austria-Hungary, how long would it take to defeat Austria-Hungary, and so on.

Although Austria-Hungary was still an ally of Germany, a strong neighbor would pose a considerable threat to Germany. Especially when the new emperor of Austria-Hungary was still a German emperor, this further increased the danger factor. It can be said that once Crown Prince Karl decides to turn to the United States and confront the German Empire, it will make the situation of the German Empire even more dangerous. And Qin Tian would never allow that to happen. Therefore, he preferred to launch a preemptive strike against Austria-Hungary, to deal with Austria-Hungary first, and to eliminate this threat.

In Qin Tian's plan, once the Austro-Hungarian Empire was defeated, Germany would directly annex Austria. After all, the Austrians were Germanic and of the same language as the Germans. Before the Austro-Prussian War, the Austrian Empire was one of the many German states, and it was one of the most powerful. In the case of Germany's annexation of Austria, it would have been very difficult. In this way, Germany's strength can be further enhanced. In addition, other Germans will occupy the main areas, and Germany will also be annexed, further strengthening Germany's power. Other countries allow them to be independent. Of course, all of these countries were under the protection of the German Reich. In the event of a war, they would all have to side with the German Empire. In this way, Germany's interests can be ensured.

"Your Majesty, Excellencies. According to the latest information we have received, His Majesty Emperor Franz Joseph I may not last long. Although, the Austro-Hungarian Empire has completely blocked news about the health of His Majesty the Austrian Emperor. However, we were able to learn some clues through other sources. According to our predictions, His Majesty will definitely not be able to survive the 20th of this month! The head of the Imperial Intelligence Bureau, Admiral Bai Laiming, reported.

The military and political ministers of the empire frowned one after another. Everyone knows what the death of Franz Joseph I meant for Germany and Austria-Hungary. There could even be a war between the two sides.

"Your Majesty, since His Majesty the Emperor has passed away soon. Well, I'm afraid we have to prepare early. Prime Minister Billo said.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Crown Prince Karl has always been hostile to the Empire. In addition, in the negotiations after the end of the last world war, his demands could not be met. And the Americans have been vigorously wooing Austria-Hungary. Even Austro-Hungarian loans were given. It is foreseeable that once His Majesty the Austrian Emperor dies, Austria-Hungary will definitely end its alliance with the empire. Foreign Minister Vahit also said.

Qin Tian nodded, everyone knew very well that the death of Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I would be a turning point in the relations between the two countries. The German Empire and Austria-Hungary, will turn from allies into enemies.

"Ladies and gentlemen, once Austria-Hungary withdrew from the Central Powers and became an enemy of the Empire. So, what should the empire do? Qin Tian asked.

Neither Prime Minister Bilo nor Foreign Minister Vahit spoke.

Field Marshal von Falkenhein, Minister of War and Chief of the General Staff, Field Marshal Reinhardscher, Minister of the Navy, Admiral Zeckert, Commander of the Air Force, looked at each other.

Field Marshal von Falkenhain spoke: "Your Majesty, once Austria-Hungary withdraws from the Central Powers, it will turn to the United States. Then, the Empire must destroy them by thunder and remove the threat of Austria-Hungary to us! ”