"Should Germany prevail against the British and the French in this war, perhaps everything could change. However, achieving victory in this conflict will be exceedingly challenging!" Qin Tian remarked as he gazed at the serene waters of the Havel River.
Yet, the mere thought of this filled him with a profound sense of helplessness. He yearned to contribute to Germany's triumph over formidable foes in the wars to come.
Alas, he is merely the fifth son of Wilhelm II, with four elder brothers—his eldest sibling being the heir apparent to the empire. Below him are a younger brother and sister, both of whom receive more affection from Wilhelm II than he does. In truth, among the emperor's progeny, Prince Oscar occupies a position that is nearly superfluous. Thus, even if he wished to partake in Germany's imperial ambitions, he finds himself powerless to do so.
According to the trajectory of history, he would be dispatched to the Kiel Naval Academy for several years of study before serving in the navy, likely as a clerical officer or a junior officer, with little prospect for advancement. When war breaks out and Germany faces defeat, the entire royal family would have no choice but to flee to the Netherlands. These once-glorious princes would be stripped of their regal facades, reduced to mere survival until their ultimate, ignoble demise.
"No, I cannot live such a life, cannot merely subsist in idleness. Otherwise, I would regret it for eternity. Moreover, fate has granted me a second chance in this era; surely it is not intended for me to lead a mundane existence," Qin Tian vowed silently.
"There are still ten years. If I prepare diligently, might Germany have a chance for a turnaround?" he pondered inwardly.
Both Germany and Qin Tian require time—time to ready themselves for the impending war. Especially for Qin Tian, attaining the Kaiser's attention and contributing meaningfully to Germany's cause in his current capacity is no easy task.
"I cannot afford to waste time at the Kiel Naval Academy. Four years is ample time to accomplish much, such as amassing significant wealth," Qin Tian contemplated.
Developing military capabilities and manufacturing tanks and warships demands substantial funding. A battleship can cost tens of millions of marks. Even the first-class dreadnought of the German Navy, the *Nassau-class*, carries a price tag of forty million marks. Given the limited naval budget of Germany, competing with the British fleet for battleship numbers is clearly a daunting endeavor. If Qin Tian could secure sufficient funds within the next decade to support the growth of the German Navy, perhaps everything could change.
As a military enthusiast, Qin Tian possesses profound knowledge of the various warships of the World War I era, understanding their strengths and weaknesses. This expertise would undoubtedly provide a significant advantage to the German Navy. However, it hinges on his ability to gain a measure of power to apply his advanced knowledge for the enhancement of Germany's military strength.
Yet, with his history of being overlooked by Wilhelm II, obtaining power seems an insurmountable challenge, especially considering he is only sixteen years old.
"Your Highness, the Kaiser requests your immediate presence!" a young palace attendant announced to Qin Tian.
"Very well, Karl, I shall go at once," Qin Tian replied as he rose.
The young attendant, Karl von Jonath, serves the royal family. His father, Essen von Jonath, is the Kaiser's steward, holding a high position within the palace. His elder brother serves as the royal guard to the Crown Prince. Due to their similar ages, Karl von Jonath and Qin Tian share a good rapport.
"Do you know the reason for the Kaiser's summons?" Qin Tian inquired.
"I do not, but General Ludwig Berkenhagen has just left the Kaiser's office," Karl replied.
Qin Tian nodded, an inkling of understanding dawning upon him.
Major General Ludwig Berkenhagen is the head of the Kiel Naval Academy, having trained many talents for the German Navy and enjoying the Kaiser's favor.
Given Wilhelm II's emphasis on naval construction, it is natural to expect his children to attend the naval academy, enabling the royal offspring to contribute to the strengthening of the German Navy.
Among Wilhelm II's numerous sons, the eldest, Crown Prince Wilhelm, is already twenty-two and has begun managing state affairs.
The second son, Prince Eitel Friedrich, is twenty-one and currently serves in the army. The third son, Prince Albert, is on the verge of graduating from the army academy to serve in the bodyguard regiment. The fourth son, Prince August Wilhelm, has just entered the army academy.
Thus, the aspiration for a powerful navy under Wilhelm II's reign seems to rest solely upon Prince Oscar and his younger brother, Prince Joachim.
"Regardless, I cannot afford to squander four years at the naval academy!" Qin Tian resolved silently as he made his way to Wilhelm II's office.
Upon entering, he found both Wilhelm II and Crown Prince Wilhelm present. The Kaiser appeared lively, seemingly in good spirits.
Qin Tian noted that Wilhelm II had been in a favorable mood lately. The war between Japan and Russia over dominance in the Far East had intensified, with Russian forces at a disadvantage, undoubtedly lifting Wilhelm II's spirits.
The alliance between Russia and France posed a significant threat to Germany. Thus, Wilhelm II hoped for a resounding setback for the Russians in the Far East, which would help to weaken their power and afford Germany greater leverage in forthcoming confrontations.
As Qin Tian entered Wilhelm II's office, he overheard them discussing the situation in Port Arthur. The Japanese forces had successfully launched their attack, and although the Russian resistance persisted, even their Pacific Fleet was effectively trapped in harbor. Should Port Arthur fall, the Russians would undoubtedly suffer tremendous losses.
"Father, Crown Prince!" Qin Tian greeted the two men with a respectful bow.
"Ah, Oscar, you have arrived," Wilhelm II acknowledged, nodding. Though he did not particularly favor this son, he nonetheless hoped Oscar could evolve into a capable individual rather than a prince content merely to exist in idleness.
"Oscar, I have spoken with Director Ludwig Berkenhagen, and in half a month, you shall report to the Kiel Naval Academy. I hope you will apply yourself diligently there and emerge as an exemplary naval talent!" Wilhelm II expressed with great expectation.