"It seems Prince William regards me as a threat to his throne succession," Qin Tian observed the deep hostility from Crown Prince William.
Despite the animosity, Qin Tian remained unfazed. His actions aimed at bolstering Germany's war strength for future victories. While becoming the Crown Prince would be desirable, it wasn't his primary concern. With William II's long life expected, even if Qin Tian were to be Crown Prince, it would be a few decades away. Additionally, William II was not an ineffectual monarch, ensuring Crown Prince William's ambitions wouldn't go unchecked.
Crown Prince William's repeated attacks, however, irked Qin Tian. Tolerating them would only empower Crown Prince William further.
"Your Highness, the proceeds from the German Welfare Lottery Company benefit the royal family and social welfare. I've also donated a battleship. Your baseless accusations are unfair," Qin Tian asserted confidently.
Crown Prince William, unable to refute, was left fuming.
"Enough, Prince Oscar. Cease this argument. Your contributions to the empire surpass what you're accused of. Let's move on," William II intervened sternly.
Both Qin Tian and Crown Prince William reluctantly complied, though the latter's discontent was evident.
"Could it be that Oscar provided more support to the Navy? His financial resources are astonishing; there's no comparison between us!" Crown Prince William seethed in frustration.
"Father, my energy company will aim to store two million tons of oil in Germany within the next five years. However, in wartime, the adequacy of this reserve depends on circumstances," Qin Tian proposed.
Acknowledging the substantial oil needs of the growing navy, William II nodded in approval. Marshal Earl Tirpitz suggested reserving one million tons of oil for the navy's wartime requirements.
"Very well. The government will establish a two-million-ton oil reserve. In case of war, five million tons should sustain us until victory," William II declared.
While Prime Minister Bernhard von Bülow expressed financial concerns, William II's decision stood. Crown Prince William, frustrated by the continued approval of Oscar's proposals, sought a way to curb his influence.
"Damn it, Oscar's influence in state affairs is growing. This can't continue," Crown Prince William swore, his anger palpable.
However, Crown Prince William found himself powerless against Qin Tian's influence. Compared to Qin Tian, he was lacking in every aspect. His royal status was his only advantage.
Qin Tian, immersed in strategic calculations, contemplated whether five million tons of oil would be sufficient. Recognizing the potential need for increased oil due to the development of motor vehicles, he planned to extract oil from Libya after the Italians took control, foreseeing its role in alleviating domestic oil shortages.
Understanding the importance of winning the war, Qin Tian had orchestrated various initiatives with this goal in mind. In May 1906, he established Deutsche Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Company, intending to expedite motor vehicle production in Germany and Europe through acquisitions rather than starting from scratch. The company's establishment marked the potential for manufacturing military vehicles, including tanks and armored vehicles.