Chapter 0147: Welcome or Protest

"Your Excellency, the Foreign Minister, I have but one objective: regardless of whether I am the heir to the Empire or merely a common prince, I aspire to do everything within my power to ensure that the Empire prevails against its enemies in the wars to come. The outcome of future conflicts is of utmost importance, as it determines the fate of the German Empire and the Germanic people. Should we fail, the Empire will cease to exist, and the Germanic people will face a bleak future," QinTian replied resolutely.

QinTian's response moved von Kidron-Washit deeply. In many respects, his demeanor surpassed that of Crown Prince Wilhelm. Von Kidron-Washit believed that QinTian was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate for the heir of the German Empire, a sentiment echoed by Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow.

This shift in sentiment signaled a gradual change in the attitudes of the German bureaucratic faction, moving from neutrality to explicit support for QinTian. Naturally, their motivations were self-serving; once QinTian ascended to the throne, it was likely he would take measures against them. They preferred to invest early, recognizing that while there were risks, the potential rewards could be significant.

"Your Highness, the Chancellor, along with myself and the other cabinet ministers, all hold a favorable view of you. From this moment onward, we shall lend our full support to your endeavors," von Kidron-Washit stated earnestly.

Upon hearing these words, QinTian felt a surge of joy. With the backing of the bureaucratic faction, his final vulnerability was effectively resolved, solidifying his position as heir apparent.

"Is this also the Chancellor's stance?" QinTian inquired.

"Indeed, Your Highness. The Chancellor shares this perspective," von Kidron-Washit affirmed with a nod.

In truth, his overtures toward QinTian were entirely in alignment with Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow's intentions.

QinTian acknowledged this with a nod, "I am grateful for your trust and support. I assure you that in the coming years, I will fulfill my obligations as heir and will do everything possible to secure victory for the Empire in future wars!"

Subsequently, QinTian and von Kidron-Washit exchanged views on the international situation. As someone from the future, QinTian was acutely aware of the historical trajectory. His many innovative ideas resonated with von Kidron-Washit, who felt fortunate for his choice that day. After all, supporting a truly capable individual was far preferable to backing one who was ambitious yet lacking in merit.

By the afternoon of the following day, the battleship Nassau arrived at the mouth of the Thames River, now just a stone's throw from London. According to prior communications from the British government, all foreign warships were to dock at Gravesend. During Prince George's coronation, a grand naval review was scheduled to take place at the mouth of the Thames, featuring the participation of ships from various nations.

"We are soon to reach London. The next time our warships arrive here, I suspect it will be after we have defeated the British!" QinTian remarked, contemplating the significance of their proximity to the British capital, a historically sensitive area for the British.

As the Nassau entered the Thames, it encountered several British naval vessels, primarily destroyers and cruisers.

"Your Highness, we will undoubtedly have another opportunity to return here!" a young officer beside QinTian declared. He was Rear Admiral Reinhard Scheer, Chief of Staff of the High Seas Fleet.

QinTian nodded, confident in this sentiment. The current strength of the German navy was markedly superior to that in an alternate timeline. In the Jutland battle of that other reality, the German navy achieved tactical victories. Hence, in this timeline, their chances of success were even greater. If they could secure a triumph in naval engagements against the British, victory in the war would be assured.

Rear Admiral Scheer was an officer of great importance to QinTian. In the other timeline, he commanded the High Seas Fleet and demonstrated remarkable personal capabilities.

The Nassau continued its westward journey, but after half an hour, it spotted two British battleships ahead.

"Your Highness, the British have dispatched battleships to welcome us!" Rear Admiral Scheer reported.

"To welcome us? I think not. The fact that the British have sent two battleships suggests they are more inclined to demonstrate their strength," QinTian replied with a smile, unfazed by the British maneuvering.

"The British battleships appear somewhat smaller than our Nassau," von Kidron-Washit remarked.

"Your Excellency, that's merely an illusion due to the distance. In reality, those two British battleships are only slightly less than our Nassau in displacement, a mere five hundred tons difference. However, in terms of combat effectiveness, our Nassau can certainly defeat the British ships. Even pitted against two of theirs, our chances of victory remain substantial," Rear Admiral Scheer asserted confidently.

Though the Nassau-class battleships and the Saint Vincent-class had similar displacements, the former maintained superiority in firepower and defense. The Nassau's defenses were more robust than the Saint Vincent's, which prioritized speed. Additionally, the Nassau's 50-caliber 305mm main guns possessed far superior penetration capabilities compared to those of the British vessels.

As QinTian and his companions deliberated over the British battleships, aboard HMS Saint Vincent, a young British naval officer was surveying the Nassau through a telescope. He was Rear Admiral David Beatty, captain of the Saint Vincent.

"Bah! The battleships the Germans construct are utterly unsightly. Their short, stout hulls resemble nothing more than bloated pigs, lacking the elegance of the vessels of the British Empire, which are akin to fine works of art," Rear Admiral Beatty scoffed, lowering his telescope with disdain. As a noble officer of the Royal Navy, he harbored his own sense of pride.