Chapter 0017: The Emperor's Consolation
"Indeed, it seems the responsibilities of the navy are far greater than we had imagined," sighed Marshal Count Tirpitz.
"Indeed, Your Excellency. However, it is unfortunate that despite His Majesty's support, we still do not receive adequate funding," lamented Dean Berkenhagen.
"Your Highness, I am grateful for your assistance to the navy. I must say, adding another battleship will enhance our naval strength. Perhaps we may have a chance to defeat the British," Marshal Count Tirpitz remarked. Although this chance was exceedingly slim, as leaders of the Imperial German Navy, they had no choice but to confront challenges head-on in hopes of achieving victory in future conflicts.
"Your Excellency, defeating the British is not entirely impossible," Qin Tian interjected.
Both Marshal Count Tirpitz and Dean Berkenhagen's eyes brightened.
"Your Highness, do you have a strategy?" they asked, their anticipation evident.
"To compete with the British in battleship numbers is implausible; we must surpass them in performance. Each battleship we construct must outclass their vessels, allowing us to triumph despite being outnumbered," Qin Tian asserted.
The brows of Marshal Count Tirpitz and Dean Berkenhagen furrowed tightly. Competing with the financially robust British in terms of battleship quantity was unrealistic, and achieving complete superiority in performance seemed equally daunting.
"Your Excellency, the battleship I am donating to the navy will be revolutionary—once completed, the previously constructed vessels will be obsolete," Qin Tian declared confidently.
The British, with their Dreadnoughts, had rendered the vast numbers of older ships outdated overnight, solidifying their naval dominance. If the German navy could construct Dreadnoughts first and continually improve them, they could match the British fleet in strength, with any existing gaps minimized, especially considering the British battleships' inherent weaknesses. The prospect of a decisive victory for the German navy seemed plausible.
Tirpitz and Berkenhagen were astonished by Qin Tian's words. If it were anyone else, they would dismiss it as folly; yet Qin Tian, known for his miraculous feats, had achieved what others deemed impossible.
"Your Highness, are you serious?" Marshal Count Tirpitz's voice quivered slightly. If Qin Tian's claims were true, the German navy might genuinely have a chance to defeat the British, offering a glimmer of hope.
"Of course, Your Excellency, I do not jest," Qin Tian replied solemnly. He recognized the challenge of persuading the stubborn conservative elements within the navy to construct full heavy artillery battleships, but securing Marshal Count Tirpitz's support would certainly simplify matters.
"Your Highness, may I see the design schematics?" Marshal Count Tirpitz asked excitedly.
Dean Berkenhagen was equally thrilled.
"Your Excellency, Dean, this may not be the right time. Let us discuss it further after today," Qin Tian smiled.
Though eager, Tirpitz and Berkenhagen could only nod in understanding. As Qin Tian engaged in lively conversation with Tirpitz and Berkenhagen, a hostile gaze fixed upon them—the owner of that gaze was Crown Prince Wilhelm.
"What exactly does Oscar intend? Is he seeking to court the navy?" Crown Prince Wilhelm trembled with rage. As the rightful heir to the German Empire, he understood the importance of military power. Qin Tian's alliance with the navy undoubtedly encroached upon his boundaries.
Despite being the legitimate crown prince, if Qin Tian garnered military support, he could potentially stage a coup to unseat him—an outcome Wilhelm dreaded.
"Regardless, I cannot allow that boy to succeed. There can only be one heir to the German Empire, and that is I. No one shall usurp the throne from my grasp," a glint of malice flashed in Wilhelm's eyes.
Though they were brothers, the pursuit of the throne could easily turn fraternal bonds into lethal rivalries.
The banquet lasted until midnight, yet Wilhelm II departed shortly after arriving, having merely exchanged pleasantries and toasts with key figures.
As the emperor, he was exceedingly busy, and even on Christmas Eve, his duties remained unfulfilled.
Seated in his office, Wilhelm II noticed a long box on his desk.
"Essen, what is this?" he inquired.
"Your Majesty, it is a Christmas gift from Prince Oscar," answered Essen von Jonalett.
Wilhelm II shook his head: "That fellow really ought to refrain from such extravagance, even with newfound wealth."
Nevertheless, he opened the box.
To his surprise, it contained not exquisite gems or valuable antiques, but rather a single sheet of paper. Yet, what was drawn upon it left Wilhelm II astonished.
"What is this? Where did Oscar find it?" he asked, wide-eyed.
"Your Majesty, it is said by Karl that the prince drew this himself, having isolated himself in his office to sketch," Essen replied.
Wilhelm II paused, then beamed with delight: "I never expected that fellow to possess such talent beyond business acumen; his design skills are remarkable! Surely, royal offspring cannot be devoid of education!"
Clearly, Qin Tian's performance had significantly altered Wilhelm II's perception of him. As a father, he naturally wished for his sons to achieve greatness, and even as emperor, he shared that aspiration.