Chapter 0019: Persuasion
Qin Tian appeared in Kaiser Wilhelm II's office, his eyes still heavy with sleep. For him, attending the banquet felt far less appealing than returning to bed, especially since he was not particularly well-liked; the event seemed dreadfully dull.
"Essen, prepare a cup of coffee for Oscar," Wilhelm II remarked, noticing Oscar's fatigued expression and regretting having summoned him at such a late hour. Despite being the emperor, he held deep affection for his son.
"Your Highness, it is a grave loss for you to leave just as the banquet reaches its pinnacle! At your age, you should relish such occasions; do not carry on as though you are an old man," smiled Marshal Count Tirpitz.
"Um, Your Excellency, I find such gatherings uncomfortable; I'd rather return to sleep," Qin Tian replied, shaking his head.
"Oscar, that is unacceptable. Social connections are paramount, and banquets serve as the best venues for establishing and expanding these relationships. Your future life is long; you must build your network," Wilhelm II advised.
"Yes, Father!" Qin Tian nodded, understanding the emperor's intentions.
"Here is your coffee, Your Highness," Essen von Jonalett presented a steaming cup.
"Thank you!" Qin Tian accepted the coffee, feeling rejuvenated after its rich warmth.
"Now, Oscar, let us discuss serious matters. I am quite pleased with the Christmas gift you sent. However, both the Marshal and I have significant questions that we hope you can clarify," Wilhelm II stated.
"Father, your approval is the best reward. The battleship represents my speculation on the future development of naval capital ships," Qin Tian humbly explained.
"Your Highness, the battleship you designed is outstanding, yet it diverges considerably from contemporary designs. Why do you believe the arrangement of all heavy artillery will become the trend?" Marshal Count Tirpitz inquired.
"Your Excellency, as artillery range increases, so does its potency. This signifies that long-range combat will become the norm in naval warfare. Once engagement distances reach ten kilometers or more, only large-caliber main guns can threaten the enemy; smaller caliber guns would be ineffective. This is an inevitable evolution in the development of capital ships."
Though Qin Tian's assertions were unverified, both Wilhelm II and Count Tirpitz nodded in agreement, aware that his insights held truth.
"Your Majesty, we have received the latest intelligence: the British are developing a new class of battleship, heralded as a groundbreaking advancement," Marshal Count Tirpitz reported.
Wilhelm II's expression turned grave.
"The British already possess considerable maritime superiority. If their next battleship class once again outpaces us, it will become increasingly difficult to contain them," he lamented, despite his otherwise arrogant demeanor.
"Father, Your Excellency, the British design for their next battleship is likely to incorporate all heavy artillery. We cannot afford to be left behind; otherwise, the gap between us will only widen," Qin Tian cautioned.
"Is this true, Oscar? Where did you acquire this information?" Wilhelm II pressed.
"Father, it is merely my conjecture, but I believe it highly plausible." Qin Tian hesitated to reveal he had traveled from the future, knowing it would not be well received.
Wilhelm II nodded, recognizing that for a sixteen-year-old to make such deductions was commendable.
"Your Excellency, please investigate the status of the British battleship design thoroughly; the Empire must not fall behind," Wilhelm II commanded.
"Certainly, Your Majesty," Count Tirpitz acknowledged.
"Your Highness, why do you advocate for the use of oil-fired boilers and steam turbines in the new battleships? Germany is severely lacking in oil resources, yet we are not short on coal. Coal-fired boilers would better suit our national conditions. Additionally, we have not made significant progress in turbine development; using steam turbines on large vessels might present numerous challenges. Utilizing triple-expansion reciprocating steam engines would circumvent these issues, given our mature technology in that area," Tirpitz argued.
Qin Tian shook his head. "Your Excellency, oil-fired boilers outperform coal-fired ones. Furthermore, fuel storage is more manageable. Using oil boilers would grant our ships greater power and longer range. Steam turbines, despite our developmental setbacks, can provide higher power, ensuring faster speeds, which are increasingly vital in naval battles. In unfavorable conditions, speed allows for quick withdrawals, preserving strength, and in advantageous scenarios, it enables pursuit. The British Navy places immense value on battleship speed. We have time; constructing a battleship takes approximately two years, and focusing on this breakthrough should be feasible."
"As for the main guns, I propose 305 mm caliber; a larger caliber means longer range and greater power. Employing larger caliber guns in naval warfare offers a significant advantage," Qin Tian continued.
"Your Excellency, what is your opinion on Oscar's suggestions?" Wilhelm II inquired.
"Your Majesty, the Prince's recommendations are commendable, yet we must achieve breakthroughs in several areas," Count Tirpitz replied, furrowing his brow.