Chapter 47

Wilhelm wasn't worried about those who had left causing trouble. He had already devised a plan. If those guys behaved like ordinary people, it would be fine, but if they dared to have any rebellious thoughts, he would be more than willing to send them to concentration camps as laborers.

After discussing some other issues, Wilhelm announced the end of the meeting and entered another conference room.

The atmosphere here was even more solemn. When Annie and Ina opened the door to the meeting room, a thick cloud of smoke suddenly billowed out, causing Wilhelm to instinctively take a few steps back. "Damn, is there a fire?"

Inside the meeting room, everyone was puffing out smoke, and the whole room was enveloped in a haze, resembling a mystical realm.

"Put out those cigarettes!" Wilhelm shouted. "Who's sitting by the window? Open it!" Apparently, there was no ventilation system yet. Another opportunity for a patent.

Several windows in the meeting room were pushed open, and the smoke inside gradually dispersed. After waiting for a while, Wilhelm entered the meeting room. "Have you all gone crazy? Do you want to collectively get lung cancer?"

Mr. Baon, sitting in the front row, anxiously asked, "Your Highness, will this really be successful? Won't Germany descend into chaos?"

Wilhelm, however, casually smiled. "Why don't you think about the benefits you're about to receive? Maybe that will make things easier for you." He glanced out the window. "What's happening out there?"

Following Wilhelm's gaze, the people were astonished to see the sky in the distance gradually turning red. It was already past nine in the evening, so it couldn't be a sunset or a sunrise.

What could it be?

Annie hurriedly ran to the window, gazed for a moment, and replied, "Your Highness, it seems to be a fire?" Once she mentioned it, everyone noticed the billowing black smoke in the sky.

"Well, that fire must be quite big. Go and find out where it's happening."

"Yes!" Ina rushed out of the meeting room to the neighboring room to make a phone call. She soon returned with a report. "Your Highness, it's the Deutsche Hotel that's on fire!"

Wilhelm furrowed his brow slightly. "Huh? Has the fire been contained? Why did it catch fire?"

"The fire is still burning. The flames are too fierce, and it's unlikely to be controlled for a while. According to the hotel manager who escaped, it was caused by a natural gas leak."

The people present listened to their conversation and couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. They certainly knew what that hotel meant—it was where those high-ranking Junkers gathered for a monthly meeting, and today happened to be the meeting date. A fire caused by a natural gas leak? Who would believe that?

But no one would be foolish enough to mention it directly.

Many people were secretly calculating how much benefit they could gain from the promises Wilhelm had made earlier.

"Let's not worry about the fire. It will naturally be extinguished when the time comes. The meeting will continue. I gathered everyone here to announce something. After tonight, I will be issuing a bill to crack down on those parasites who don't do any real work, engage in speculation, usury, and hoarding. In fact, I've been preparing this bill for a long time. Do you know why it's only being released now? It's because I've been collecting evidence. The newly established department is a secret organization with limited personnel. It took some time, but they have finally completed their mission. I heard they've collected enough evidence to fill a truck. Mr. Laurentz, do you have any questions?"

Laurentz put down his trembling hand and said with a quivering voice, "Your Highness, I... I have also hoarded some food. I'm willing to donate it without compensation."

Almost half of the people raised their hands one after another. Wilhelm waved his hand to signal them to put their hands down. "You are all sitting here today because you support me. How could I let you down? As for those who hoard goods, sell them at market prices. As for those who lend money at high interest rates, as long as the interest doesn't exceed the bank's regulations, I'll consider it as if nothing happened. Like I just said, since you have chosen to support me, I also have an obligation to help everyone prosper, right? I hope you won't be swayed by the petty gains in front of you. If you believe in me, what I can bring you will be wealth multiplied tenfold or twentyfold."

"Mr. Seifert, it seems you have something to say?" Wilhelm pointed to the middle of the meeting room, where Seifert kept wiping sweat and hesitated several times.

Being called out by Wilhelm, Seifert's sweat flowed down even more, trembling for most of his body. He finally tremblingly spoke up, "Yes, Your Highness, I do have something to say, but I don't dare to say it."

Wilhelm showed a gentle smile and reassured him, "Speak up. I won't use words to punish anyone here today."

Seifert wiped his sweat several times before mournfully asking, "Your Highness, will you treat us the same way in the future?"

The entire meeting room instantly fell into dead silence, as if the sound of a needle dropping could be heard clearly, and the crackling sound of the flames burning at the German Hotel in the distance seemed audible. Annie and Ina's hands had already reached for their pistols, ready to shoot this brainless fool on the spot if His Highness gave the order.

Of course, Wilhelm would never give such an order, but he hadn't expected someone to raise this question on the spot. He didn't know if this guy was bold or just lacking a few brain cells. However, seeing the stiff expressions on the faces of the others below, it seemed they all had the same concern.

Tsk, his methods were too extreme after all. Anyone would be afraid. After some thought, he solemnly swore, "Alright, I promise you as the future German Emperor, as long as each and every one of you present doesn't betray the interests of the Empire or harm the Empire's people, you will receive the Empire's protection forever."

The faces of the crowd finally eased. After all, whether in the East or the West, "a monarch's word is his bond" has always been an important means to restrain a monarch's actions and demonstrate their authority.

However, Wilhelm was well aware of the true nature of these so-called capitalists. He had to keep a close eye on these guys. "Like I said earlier, hoarding and selling, engaging in usury, and other petty gains are nothing compared to legitimate business opportunities. If you follow me, even legitimate business can fill your pockets. For example, within ten years, there will be countless disabled individuals without limbs. Those of you who are interested can invest in the prosthetics industry and develop prosthetics that are convenient and durable, benefiting others while earning money. There will also be countless villages turned to ashes, and rebuilding these places will require a large number of construction machinery, materials, and equipment. Another example, the current recording devices are too bulky. You can invest in the development of portable recording devices. Since they are portable, they will require lightweight, durable, and long-lasting batteries. There are also other opportunities like color televisions, color film, and many more. If you dare to think, there are money-making opportunities everywhere."