Under the watchful eyes of William II, Qin Tian and Marshal Count Tirpitz inked their signatures on the transfer document. This ceremonial act officially elevated the status of the four 'Nassau-class' battleships, currently under construction in Qin Tian's German shipyard, to become the next-level capital ships of the navy. Once these vessels were completed and had successfully undergone sea trials, they would be formally handed over to the Navy.
"Your Royal Highness, we are grateful for your significant contributions to the navy. Your dedication will be remembered by all," said Earl Tirpitz with solemn gratitude. To the onlookers, Qin Tian appeared to be taking a considerable financial risk with the 'Nassau-class' battleships. Acquiring and expanding shipyards and constructing four battleships involved immense expenditures. If, in the end, the Navy declined these battleships, Qin Tian's losses could exceed 300 million marks or more – a staggering amount considering Germany's annual fiscal revenue of only one billion marks. Marshal Earl Tirpitz, recognizing Qin Tian's commitment, was genuinely moved.
"Your Excellency, Marshal, this is my duty as the prince of the German Empire. It's my responsibility to bolster the strength of our nation. While my ideal may not involve wearing a military uniform on the front lines, I can contribute to the German Empire's strength in my own way," Qin Tian affirmed with a smile.
The official acceptance of the "Nassau-class" battleships by the Navy brought a sense of relief. This significant development, from acquiring the shipyard to the construction costs of the four battleships, amounted to a total of 350 million marks. The Navy, by now taking ownership of these battleships, would fulfill various payments according to the agreement between Qin Tian and William II. These funds would offset the debts incurred during the acquisition of the Royal Shipyard and the shipyard expansion. Qin Tian, in turn, would only need to finance the construction of these battleships, making it an economically viable endeavor.
Both William II and Marshal Count Tirpitz couldn't help but laugh. They had initially viewed the agreement between Qin Tian and the head of the Kiel Naval Academy, Ludwig Birkenhagen, as more of a jest. However, witnessing Qin Tian successfully fulfill this commitment showcased his capability to deliver on his promises. In particular, the money involved was substantial, making it no small feat.
"Your Highness, the Navy has received all four 'Nassau-class' battleships. When do you plan to fulfill your promise with Dean Birkenhagen?" asked Marshal Count Tirpitz, sporting a smile.
"Your Excellency Marshal, anytime is suitable. In fact, I've already made preparations. The first ship of the next-level capital ship will be entirely funded by me. Once completed, it will be donated directly to the navy, marking the fulfillment of my promise with Dean Birkenhagen," Qin Tian elaborated.
With any previous concerns about funding now alleviated, Qin Tian had shifted his focus to designing weapons and equipment. Additionally, he had formulated a clear idea for the next-level capital ship of the German Navy.
"For the navy's next-level capital ship, my proposal is this: the design concept of the 'Nassau-class' battleship surpasses that of the British Navy's 'Dreadnought' battleship. However, considering the latter's groundbreaking entry into service, we can regard it as an epoch-making battleship. Subsequently, we can categorize earlier battleships with secondary main guns as 'pre-Dreadnought,' and those following the 'Dreadnought' – including the British battleships and our 'Nassau-class' – as 'Dreadnought.' Moving forward, I suggest we refer to the next-level capital ship as the 'ultra-dreadnought ship,'" Qin Tian proposed.
This term, 'Super Dreadnought,' surprised both William II and Marshal Count Tirpitz.
"Indeed, it's the 'Super Dreadnought Ship.' This battleship, as the name implies, will surpass the capabilities of the preceding 'Dreadnought Ship.' Its main characteristics will include enhanced firepower, superior defense, and, if feasible, increased speed. This will ensure our next-level capital ships possess a decisive advantage over the British Navy when the time comes. As I understand, the British Navy's next-level battleships, like the 'Belle Luofeng' and 'Saint Vincent,' merely feature modifications to the 'Dreadnought' layout, maintaining 5 double-mounted 305mm main guns until the adoption of the 343mm main gun in the subsequent 'Orion-class' battleship. By incorporating 343mm main guns into our next-level battleships, the German Navy will gain an overwhelming advantage in main gun power," Qin Tian explained confidently.
"Oscar, are you planning to use larger main guns on the next-level battleship?" Marshal Earl Tirpitz inquired with a frown.
"Yes, caliber matters. In naval battles, large-caliber main guns are always more powerful, with greater range, armor-piercing capability, and force. If technically feasible, we must use larger-caliber main guns whenever possible," Qin Tian replied without hesitation.
"However, this will make the battleship even bigger, and at the same time, the construction cost will continue to rise," William II also expressed concerns.
"The battleships will inevitably grow in size. Especially for the German Navy, emphasizing defense and survivability means thicker armor and larger displacement, leading to increased construction costs. Yet, in my opinion, it's entirely worthwhile. Our battleships, once a war begins, can overpower the British Navy's vessels, increasing our chances of victory. After all, defeating our opponents in war justifies the substantial military expenditure," Qin Tian explained earnestly.
William II and Marshal Count Tirpitz nodded in agreement, recognizing the strategic value of Qin Tian's argument.
"It's true to say so, but now the budget has been in deficit for years. If the government wants to increase investment in the navy again, the pressure will be very high. The opposition within the parliament will also be very loud!" expressed William II, wearing a face of embarrassment.
"Father, Your Excellency Marshal. According to the promise, I will bear the construction cost of one of the capital ships of the next level," Qin Tian declared.
"The other ships are also a huge burden for the government," sighed William II, shaking his head.
"Well, Father, I can provide a loan to the government or the navy. If the interest rate is based on the bank rate, it will be used to support the navy's shipbuilding needs. Of course, this matter must be kept secret. Welfare lottery companies have been preparing to develop markets in countries such as Britain and France since this year. Once they find out that we use the profits of the welfare lottery company to support the construction of the navy, the consequences may be very serious," cautioned Qin Tian.
In the realm of international relations, it would be unrealistic for any country to allow profits earned from its own markets to fund the development of weapons and equipment for a potential adversary. Such a revelation would indeed jeopardize the ambitions of welfare lottery companies to enter the markets of Britain and France.
"Oscar, this is undoubtedly the best thing to do," William II approved, expressing his agreement.
"Your Highness, we will definitely keep this a secret. It is undoubtedly the best thing that the Welfare Lottery Company can make money from the British and French. At that time, we will use their money to build warships. They pulled down from the throne of sea supremacy," Marshal Count Tirpitz declared joyfully.
In the eyes of William II and Marshal Count Tirpitz, Qin Tian's wealth was nothing short of astonishing within the entire German Empire. The continuous wealth generated by the welfare lottery company had stirred envy among many. In capitalist society, the role of money was beyond doubt. If Qin Tian chose to utilize his wealth for other purposes, it might have raised suspicions, but his decision to provide loans to the navy demonstrated his unwavering support. This, in turn, showcased Qin Tian's patriotic heart to William II.
"After the war is over, once the empire wins, the government needs to use the benefits it gained from the defeated country to pay back. Is there any problem with this?" Qin Tian inquired pragmatically.
He acknowledged that he was not a saint and, therefore, would not willingly hand over his hard-earned money. However, he also hinted at the possibility of a different scenario if he were to ascend to the position of crown prince or emperor.
"Of course, there is no problem at all. Wait until the empire wins the war. Then, naturally, your loan will be repaid first," assured William II promptly. Securing Qin Tian's agreement to allocate a significant sum for navy armaments was a substantial relief for their urgent financial needs. If they anticipated him to contribute the money without conditions, that would have been overly optimistic.
"Your Highness, how much money can you lend to the Navy?" inquired Earl Tirpitz with anticipation.
Qin Tian contemplated for a moment and then asserted, "100 million marks!"
"100 million marks?" William II and Marshal Count Tirpitz were taken aback. While 100 million marks was undoubtedly a substantial amount, given the high costs involved, especially with the "Nassau-class" battleship exceeding 40 million marks, and the potential next-level capital ship reaching 50 million marks or more, this amount seemed relatively modest. It was apparent that, considering Qin Tian's wealth, this sum appeared a bit too conservative for the grand scope of naval projects.