Chapter 0146: The Civil Officials Faction Makes Overtures
On May 15th, Qin Tian departed from Berlin alongside Foreign Minister von Kidderlen-Waechter, embarking on a train journey to Wilhelmshaven. There, they would board the Imperial Navy's battleship "Nassau" to travel to England.
Despite his reluctance to leave his wife, especially given that Princess Gundelinde was pregnant, Qin Tian understood that as Crown Prince, he must fulfill his obligations even while enjoying the privileges of power. Fortunately, the trip to England would not take long, totaling about half a month, including travel time.
On the morning of May 16th, Qin Tian and the Foreign Minister boarded the "Nassau," the first dreadnought of the German Navy. Even with the later deployment of the more powerful "Wittelsbach-class" battleships, "Nassau" remained the undisputed flagship of the fleet. Compared to British battleships, "Nassau" stood unrivaled, save for the yet-to-be-completed "Orion-class" vessels.
Though the "Orion-class" battleships were equipped with 343 mm main guns of a 45-caliber length, their performance was not necessarily superior to the "Nassau's" 305 mm main guns of a 50-caliber length. Moreover, "Nassau's" armor was significantly thicker, enhancing its defensive capabilities. In the event of conflict, "Nassau" could potentially withstand the "Orion-class" ships.
As the "Nassau" began to vibrate, its propellers swiftly rotated under the power of steam turbines, transitioning from stillness to motion. Once the warship exited the naval base and entered the North Sea, it began to accelerate.
Despite "Nassau's" maximum speed of 21 knots, such velocity would only be reached during tests or future naval engagements; typically, it cruised at a speed of ten knots. The journey from Wilhelmshaven to London would take a full two days.
However, with King Edward VII's funeral occurring a week later, they had ample time to reach London.
Standing on the deck of the "Nassau," feeling the bracing sea breeze and relishing the sensation of the immense warship slicing through the waves, Qin Tian was filled with emotion. In his previous life, he had been merely a reclusive individual, yet he now found himself the heir to one of the world's most powerful empires. It all felt like a dream.
Moreover, this empire was a far cry from the one he had known in another timeline. Through his relentless efforts, it was becoming increasingly formidable. Qin Tian believed that if war broke out, victory would surely be theirs.
"Your Highness!" a voice called from behind him.
Turning, he saw Foreign Minister von Kidderlen-Waechter, whose official title in Germany was Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
"Good day, Your Excellency!" Qin Tian nodded in acknowledgment.
He hoped to cultivate relationships with the influential figures within the empire's civilian faction. However, neither Prime Minister Bernhard von Bülow nor the current Foreign Minister had openly declared their support for him. They seemed to adopt a neutral stance, ready to support whichever individual Wilhelm II designated as the Empire's heir.
This was somewhat disadvantageous for Qin Tian. Although he had garnered significant military backing—having secured the support of the Navy and at least half of the Army—Moltke had openly opposed him. If he could gain the support of the civilian faction, his position would be truly unassailable. Otherwise, a single word from Wilhelm II could jeopardize his status as Crown Prince. Nevertheless, Wilhelm II was unlikely to easily change the heir apparent. Yet, the fact that Qin Tian's title bore the word "acting" left his position somewhat precarious.
"Your Highness, it is hard to imagine that this magnificent vessel beneath us belongs to the Empire. The German Navy has rapidly caught up with Britain and even surpassed it in a remarkably short time—a true miracle," von Kidderlen-Waechter marveled.
As a high-ranking official, he was well aware of the true state of the German Navy. To prevent external parties from discerning its capabilities, Germany had engaged in extensive deception. The main guns remained covered except during training, leaving outsiders unaware of the caliber of the Navy's primary artillery.
Shipyards had bolstered security to ensure that foreign spies could not uncover the Navy's true status. Should war break out, the reality of Germany's naval strength would undoubtedly astonish other nations.
"This is the result of the collective efforts of everyone in the Imperial Navy, along with the support of the Cabinet, as these vessels are exceedingly costly," Qin Tian replied with a smile.
The Navy, inherently a costly branch of the military, required immense financial backing; a single battleship could cost tens of millions of marks. Even Germany had struggled to maintain such expenditures.
"Your Highness, I am aware of the Navy's true situation. Without your influence, the Imperial Navy would not be where it is today," von Kidderlen-Waechter stated, shaking his head.
Qin Tian smiled but said nothing further. It was indeed his vigorous advocacy that had spurred the German Navy's exponential growth; otherwise, it would have remained suppressed by the British.
"Based solely on your accomplishments, I personally believe it is only fitting that you become the heir to the Empire. There is no one more suitable for this role in the entire Empire than you. Even the previous Crown Prince Wilhelm pales in comparison," von Kidderlen-Waechter continued.
Qin Tian began to ponder the implications of von Kidderlen-Waechter's words. Could it be that the civilian faction's stance was about to shift? If so, this would undoubtedly be a tremendous boon for him, solidifying his position.
Though he thought this, he maintained a composed demeanor until certainty was achieved.
"Your Excellency, you flatter me. Whether I can become the Crown Prince is a decision for my father to make. I fully support any decision he arrives at!" Qin Tian replied.