Establishing a Successor

In September 1778, the Prussian army withdrew to the border between Austria and Saxony, while the Bohemian Army led by Prince Henry returned to Silesia.

After Frederick settled the army, he led the Royal Guards and rushed back to Potsdam quickly. When he returned to Potsdam, he did not alarm anyone, but stood alone at the place where the crown prince was assassinated for an hour.

"Your Majesty, please accept my condolences." After learning the news from His Majesty, Lockes immediately rushed to the scene and stood behind Frederick and said.

"Locks, do you think God is punishing me?" After hearing Locks' voice, Frederick turned around and looked at him. Locks looked up and saw that His Majesty had become older. His hair, which was originally half a century old, was now completely white. His face was full of tears and his eyes were very red.

"Your Majesty, no one would have thought that the Austrians would be so despicable. Please take care of yourself," Rocks replied with his head down.

"When my brother August died, I wondered if my behavior had angered God, causing August to die young. Now even my nephew has gone to see God before me. What should I do with my Prussia? Can you tell me, Rocks?" Frederick looked up at the ceiling and said tremblingly.

"Your Majesty, the most urgent task is to announce the death of the crown prince to the whole country, and at the same time to determine your successor." Looking at Frederick's trembling body, Lockes knew that Frederick was really old.

"I don't know, Rocks, I don't know who to make crown prince," Frederick said with tears flowing from his red eyes.

"Your Majesty, according to the law of succession, the first in line of succession should be Prince Brandenburg," Rocks said after thinking for a while.

"But little William is only eight years old. Is he ready to inherit the country?" Frederick turned to Rocks and asked.

"I believe that under your guidance, Prince Brandenburg will become a suitable heir."

"Okay, Rocks, you go and announce to them the news of the crown prince's death. By the way, tell the nobles that Prussia will hold a national funeral in three days to mourn the crown prince. Now let me be alone for a while," Frederick waved his hand and said.

"Yes, my Majesty, but what about the war between us and the Austrians?" Locke asked again.

"Send an envoy to propose peace to the Austrians, and tell them that I will not allow them to continue their actions against Bavaria. Bavaria's affairs should be decided by us," Frederick said loudly.

Lockes agreed, bowed to Frederick, and walked out. But Frederick stood there motionless.

The nobles imprisoned in Potsdam City Hall these days felt like they were living a miserable life, with armed guards outside watching them closely.

"Okay, my lords, please be quiet. We will let you go home later, but please note that you must gather at Wuyou Palace within one hour after returning home. We have an important announcement," a guard entered the city hall and said to the nobles inside. When the nobles in the hall heard the news, they all breathed a sigh of relief.

An hour later, Frederick held little William's hand and stood on the open-air balcony of the Sanssouci Palace, with Duke Rocks beside him. Little William was very confused. This morning, when he was learning etiquette with the head maid of the palace, Rocks rushed over, took little William's hand and walked over here. On the balcony, Frederick stood like a mountain.

When Frederick saw little William, little William also saw tears in Frederick's eyes. Locks let go of little William's hand, and Frederick held little William's hand and motioned little William to stand on his right, which was usually the position of little William's father, the Crown Prince. Little William's bad premonition became stronger and stronger. He wondered why His Majesty had suddenly returned. Did the front line lose the battle? He was a little afraid to think about it.

"Please be quiet, His Majesty the King has something to announce," Rocks said loudly when he saw that most of the nobles had arrived.

The nobles exclaimed in surprise when their Majesty the King, who was supposed to be at the front line at this time, appeared in the Worry-Free Palace. But when they heard Rocks announce silence, they quickly quieted down.

"People of Prussia, I am standing here today to announce an important matter. Your Crown Prince was assassinated by the Austrians not long ago. Upon hearing the news, everyone present began to cheer.

"But the lowly Austrians want to defeat us with such a vicious method, which is impossible. I announce to you and to all of Prussia: my great-nephew, Prince Frederick William III of Brandenburg will become the new Crown Prince of Prussia, and you will be loyal to him." Frederick said as he swept his majestic eyes over the people below. The nobles were swept by Frederick's eyes and bowed their heads in salute.

Little William was stunned at this moment, he didn't understand how things turned out like this, in the original history: after Frederick the Great died in 1986, Frederick William II ascended the throne to become the King of Prussia, and he ascended the throne after the death of Frederick William II in 1797. History has changed, William really didn't like his cheap father, so he just mourned for a while and then started to think about his future.

Before little William could finish his thought, he was taken away by Frederick.

Walking into a room, there were William's mother Louise, William's sisters, and of course Prince Henry and other important officials of the Kingdom of Prussia.

"Everyone, His Majesty has decided that Prince Brandenburg will take over as Crown Prince. Do you have anything to say?" Rocks asked, standing on Frederick's left.

There was silence in the room

"Well, let me tell you. With the death of the crown prince, Prussia's future cannot be without a wise king, and His Royal Highness the Prince of Brandenburg is undoubtedly the best choice for the kingdom. I think everyone will do their best to guide His Royal Highness William," Prince Henry said, breaking the silence.

"My little William, poor child, oooo..." Louise ran to William and hugged him and cried.

"Louise, don't be so sad. I understand how you feel. Okay, all of you can leave. Let me be alone for a while." Frederick looked at Louise beside him, waved his hand and said.

Everyone in the room went out one after another, and the door closed. William turned around and saw only Frederick's desolate back.

William was brought to his room by Louise. Louise sat down and said to William with a lonely face:

"You must study hard with His Majesty in the future. William, I and your sisters can only rely on you." After saying that, she hugged William and cried loudly. William looked at Charlotte, Christine, little Carl and Williamminnie who was held in the arms of the maid. He sighed deeply, ah...