Chapter 0076: The Troubled Emperor
For the German Navy, Qin Tian's ascension as the Crown Prince would undoubtedly represent the most favorable outcome. His contributions and support for the Navy have been immense, and should he become the heir, it is foreseen that he would provide even greater assistance.
Marshal Tirpitz was particularly convinced that no one was more suited to be the Empire's Crown Prince than Qin Tian, as this would align perfectly with German interests.
However, it was well understood that surpassing the other princes to claim the title would be exceedingly challenging for Qin Tian. First and foremost, the laws of succession were not mere formalities; many obstinate individuals insisted on adherence to these regulations. Moreover, Wilhelm II's stance was crucial; should he firmly oppose Qin Tian's claim, the only recourse would be to instigate a coup—a nearly impossible endeavor, one that Qin Tian, if he were in his right mind, would never consider.
"Your Highness, regardless of the circumstances, the Navy remains your most steadfast supporter. We sincerely hope you can ascend as the Empire's Crown Prince and lead our nation toward an even more glorious future," Marshal Tirpitz declared earnestly.
"Your Excellency, I am grateful for your support. Should I be afforded the opportunity to lead this Empire, I shall dedicate myself fully to bringing the victories that everyone yearns for," Qin Tian assured Marshal Tirpitz. At this juncture, the military's backing was equally paramount for him; both emotionally and rationally, he could not afford to disappoint those in the armed forces.
Tirpitz nodded in satisfaction, a smile gracing his features. Qin Tian's response was precisely what he had hoped for.
As time passed, two days later, the details surrounding the Crown Prince's equestrian accident began to crystallize.
Essen von Jonalett reported to Wilhelm II the findings of the investigation and the royal hospital's diagnosis regarding the Crown Prince's condition.
"Your Majesty, our inquiry confirms that the Crown Prince's fall was entirely accidental. Riding while intoxicated is inherently perilous. Furthermore, the horse's front leg became ensnared in a snowbank, leading to a fracture that resulted in the Prince being thrown and striking his head against a rock. If this had been orchestrated, it could not have unfolded so perfectly," Essen stated.
Wilhelm II nodded gravely. "Poor Prince! It appears this was indeed a mere accident."
The Emperor expressed sympathy for the Crown Prince's plight while feeling a significant relief wash over him; at least, the worst-case scenario—that Qin Tian sought revenge—had been averted.
"What news from the royal hospital? Will the Prince recover?" Wilhelm II inquired.
"Your Majesty, thanks to the royal hospital's efforts, the Crown Prince is no longer in immediate danger. However, he remains in a coma due to the head injury," Essen replied.
"Then, when can we expect him to awaken?" Wilhelm II pressed.
"Regrettably, that is difficult to ascertain. The hospital's conclusion is that they cannot determine when the Crown Prince might regain consciousness, as there is a hematoma pressing against his nerves."
"Enough, Essen. Just tell me—does he have any chance of waking up?" Wilhelm II interrupted.
"Your Majesty, the hospital's final assessment indicates that the likelihood of the Crown Prince awakening is very slim; he may remain in this state, potentially becoming a vegetable. However, we cannot entirely rule out the possibility of a miraculous recovery," Essen explained.
"A vegetable? The Prince could become a vegetable?" Wilhelm II's expression darkened considerably. Such a fate was profoundly difficult for him to accept.
"Your Majesty…" Essen began, wishing to offer consolation, but was swiftly silenced by Wilhelm II.
"Enough, Essen. I understand. Rest assured, this blow will not fell me!" Wilhelm II asserted.
"Very well, Your Majesty," Essen replied, nodding in compliance.
"Essen, inform the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, the Chief of Staff, the Minister of the Navy, and the Minister of the Army to convene an audience tonight!" Wilhelm II commanded, his face stern.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Essen understood the gravity of Wilhelm II's decision. Given that the Crown Prince was unlikely to awaken, the necessity for selecting a new heir became imperative. The German Empire could not remain without an heir.
After Essen departed, a flicker of sorrow crossed Wilhelm II's eyes. As a father, witnessing his son reduced to a vegetative state pained him deeply. Yet, as an emperor, he had no time for such emotional indulgences; he needed to prioritize the larger picture.
"Is Oscar a suitable choice for the throne? Should he ascend as heir, he would undoubtedly face substantial opposition. Yet, I cannot deny that among the princes, he is indeed the best option," Wilhelm II pondered, furrowing his brow.
Oscar, his fifth son, remained behind three others in the line of succession, making it extraordinarily difficult for him to leapfrog the others to become the heir to the German Empire.
Of course, if Wilhelm II were resolute in supporting Qin Tian's claim as heir, despite the challenges, it could ultimately be realized.
"What if Oscar becomes the heir and the Crown Prince awakens? What then?" The mere thought of this possibility caused Wilhelm II further headaches. He felt a twinge of guilt regarding the Crown Prince's accident; if he stripped him of the title only for the Prince to regain consciousness later, explaining the situation would prove exceedingly difficult.
"Curse it, how could this happen? Why must we face such a perplexing dilemma?" Wilhelm II lamented, exasperated.
Yet, with matters as they stood, he saw no alternative. In light of the Crown Prince's coma, the position of heir could not be indefinitely preserved. The German Empire required a successor to ensure national stability and to reassure its citizens of a promising future.