Chapter 0007: The Profit-Making Plan

When Qin Tian and Karl returned to Potsdam, night had already fallen. However, Qin Tian chose not to spend the night at the palace; instead, he promptly vacated the royal residence. He was aware that the agreement he had reached with Dean Ludwig Berkenhagen would soon come to Wilhelm II's attention—if it hadn't already. To avoid complications that could arise from lingering, it was best to leave swiftly.

Carrying only a few simple belongings, Qin Tian departed the palace, ensuring he did not forget the vital savings account book. Karl von Jonalett also decided to accompany Qin Tian. Although Qin Tian's plans seemed fanciful, Karl instinctively believed that he would succeed.

Qin Tian and Karl made their way directly to Berlin, knowing that to amass a considerable fortune, they needed to be in a major city.

The German royal family possessed its own lands and various enterprises, generating substantial income each year. Royal members received a fixed share of these profits. Although Qin Tian's claim to inheritance was relatively low as a prince of the German Empire, his annual earnings were considerable, and over the years, he had accumulated a substantial savings. The account book displayed a striking figure of five million marks. This sum would serve as Qin Tian's initial capital.

Upon arriving in Berlin, Qin Tian and Karl checked into a luxurious hotel. Though the expenses were significant, they were trivial in comparison to the potential success of Qin Tian's profit-making plan.

"Your Highness, what exactly do you intend to do? Earning at least forty million marks in four years is no small feat!" Karl expressed his concerns in their hotel room.

"Karl, have you truly resolved to join me in this endeavor? There is a strong possibility of failure, and if that occurs, I need not spell out the consequences; you must be aware," Qin Tian replied, calmly observing Karl as he awaited an answer.

"Of course, Your Highness. You are my dearest friend, and I believe in your success," Karl responded without hesitation.

Indeed, among the many princes at court, Qin Tian was the most approachable, making it easy for someone of Karl's age to enjoy his company. Despite Qin Tian's lack of distinction among the other princes, this very quality was why Karl chose to serve him.

"Very well, Karl. Since you have such faith in me, I shall not disappoint you. I believe that it will not be long before the entire German business community and high society will be astounded by us," Qin Tian declared, brimming with confidence.

Karl seemed to be invigorated by Qin Tian's enthusiasm.

"Karl, here is my plan; take a look," Qin Tian said, pulling several sheets of paper from his suitcase and handing them to Karl.

The plan primarily outlined the establishment of a company called the German Welfare Lottery, intended to generate profits through the sale of lottery tickets.

During this period, lotteries were not a novel concept. Numerous countries in Germany and across Europe sold lottery tickets. However, upon investigation, Qin Tian discovered that the prizes were relatively modest, and the gameplay was simplistic and rudimentary. Although many people bought tickets, the market had not truly flourished.

Qin Tian's intended lottery was modeled after the modern double-color ball system. With thirty-three red balls and sixteen blue balls, players who selected six red balls and one blue ball would win the grand prize of five million marks.

Qin Tian chose this lottery format because the grand prize was substantial while smaller prizes were plentiful; merely selecting a blue ball would yield a win. For players, such a lottery would undoubtedly be appealing and worthy of pursuit.

Given the immense popularity of the double-color ball lottery in his time, Qin Tian had no doubt that its introduction would spark a frenzy throughout Germany and even across all of Europe. The wealth accrued from this venture would surely reach astronomical figures. Initially, Qin Tian planned to sell within Germany, and once established, to expand to other countries, aiming to secure sufficient funds before the outbreak of war.

Though only a few sheets of paper, Karl took half an hour to read through them. As the son of the Emperor's steward, Karl had received a good education and was quite intelligent. While reviewing the plan, he also contemplated its likelihood of success.

"Your Highness, I must admit that this double-color ball lottery is far superior to the lotteries currently available on the market; it could easily overshadow them. Once sales commence, it is bound to become immensely popular," Karl exclaimed, his excitement palpable. Though only two years older than Qin Tian, he was not yet like the cunning old foxes adept at controlling their emotions.

"Karl, you believe we can succeed?" 

"Absolutely, Your Highness! We will surely be successful. Germany has over sixty million people, with millions purchasing lottery tickets. The launch of the double-color ball lottery could further expand this market. Although the lottery industry is heavily taxed, after deducting taxes and costs, we can certainly reap substantial profits," Karl affirmed confidently.

Qin Tian nodded in satisfaction. If the double-color ball lottery truly became a sensation in Germany, even earning just a million marks per draw would result in a fortune. With three draws a week, totaling one hundred fifty-six draws a year, they would make at least two hundred million marks. The construction of a battleship required only several tens of millions of marks, so their annual profits could fund multiple battleships.

"However, Your Highness, if sales do take off, it may attract the envy of others," Karl cautioned.

Despite being a prince of the German Empire, Qin Tian was merely an uncherished prince by Wilhelm II. Should the German Welfare Lottery Company thrive and generate vast profits, it would undoubtedly spark the covetousness of other capitalists, who would use various means to seize Qin Tian's wealth.

Qin Tian nodded; the predatory nature of capital accumulation and expansion was brutal. If substantial profits were at stake, those greedy individuals would surely become frenzied. Thus, Qin Tian needed to devise a strategy to safeguard his wealth. He viewed lottery sales as a crucial source of revenue for his forthcoming ventures—without it, all would be in vain.

There was no doubt that the double-color ball lottery would achieve success. The challenge before Qin Tian now was how to protect this lucrative goldmine.