"Donate a battleship?" Dean Ludwig Berkenhagen was taken aback.
That was a battleship! The cost of constructing a single battleship reached tens of millions of marks. Even as a prince of the royal family, while he might receive a fixed dividend from the family's wealth, supporting the construction of a battleship was utterly inconceivable.
"Your Highness, are you jesting?" Dean Berkenhagen's demeanor turned grave; his austere nature led him to believe that Qin Tian's proposition was nothing more than a flight of fancy, an empty promise made to fulfill his own ambitions. Such matters were perceived as exceedingly serious by the Germans, especially given Qin Tian's royal status.
"Your Excellency, I assure you, I am not joking. I am fully aware that with my current financial standing, constructing a battleship is entirely impossible. However, I vow to spend the next four years acquiring sufficient funds. I swear upon God, I am entirely serious and sober-minded; I am not speaking boastfully," Qin Tian stated earnestly.
Dean Berkenhagen fell silent, perplexed by the confidence emanating from Qin Tian. From his decades of experience, he recognized the immense difficulty in achieving such a feat. Yet, the prince's unwavering self-assurance suggested the possibility of a miracle.
"Your Excellency, whether or not I study at the naval academy pales in comparison to the significance of a battleship. If I can fulfill my promise and contribute an additional battleship to the German Navy, it would undoubtedly be a tremendous boon. Even if I fail to meet my commitment, the naval academy would incur no loss," Qin Tian perceived the dean's wavering resolve and continued.
Dean Berkenhagen nodded in acknowledgment; though he deemed the likelihood of Qin Tian fulfilling his promise exceedingly slim, the potential miracle would greatly benefit the German Navy. He too hoped for such an occurrence. Even if Qin Tian were merely boasting, the consequence would reflect solely on him without impacting the naval academy.
"Very well, Your Highness, I accept your terms. However, you must demonstrate the possibility of fulfilling your promise within two years. Otherwise, you shall return to the naval academy and complete the remaining two years of your studies," Dean Berkenhagen declared. This way, even if Qin Tian was merely indulging in empty rhetoric, there remained room for redemption.
"Understood, Your Excellency," Qin Tian replied, nodding. It was an extraordinary feat to have Dean Berkenhagen agree to such terms; elation surged within him at the prospect of having ample time to implement his plan.
Subsequently, Qin Tian and Karl bid farewell to Dean Berkenhagen and departed the naval academy.
As he stood by the window of his office watching the two leave, Dean Berkenhagen mused, "This prince is indeed a peculiar individual. Is he a genius or a fool? If he truly manages to donate a battleship to the German Navy within four years, I shall certainly be grateful for today's decision."
However, he promptly informed Wilhelm II of the events via telegram, outlining his course of action and seeking the Emperor's forgiveness for his impulsive decision.
Deep down, he hoped Qin Tian would fulfill his promise, as it would be of immense benefit to the German Navy and the entire nation.
"Your Highness, do you truly intend to donate a battleship to the navy within four years?" Once outside the naval academy, Karl immediately inquired. As someone close to Qin Tian, he was well aware of the extent of his finances. While Qin Tian's personal fortune was indeed substantial, it fell woefully short of what was needed to construct a battleship. He doubted that risking all his wealth for four years of freedom was a prudent choice.
"Rest assured, Karl; I am fully aware of what I am doing. Although my current finances are far from sufficient to build a battleship, I believe they will soon be adequate. From this point forward, we must endeavor to earn money. I do not wish to break my word," Qin Tian responded, exhibiting little pressure.
Yet, if Qin Tian ultimately failed to fulfill his promise, he would certainly incur Dean Berkenhagen's ire, potentially offending the entire navy. After all, was he not mocking the naval institution?
As for Wilhelm II, he would likely be utterly disappointed. In a fit of anger, he might even expel him from the Hohenzollern family.
While Qin Tian and Karl were still aboard the train en route back to Potsdam, Wilhelm II had already received Dean Berkenhagen's telegram.
Upon reading the telegram, Wilhelm II's brow furrowed intensely. He had a profound disdain for those who merely spoke grandly yet did not work diligently. Without a doubt, he had categorized Qin Tian as belonging to this very group.
"Hmph! Oscar is truly becoming increasingly outrageous. Does he believe himself a commercial genius while considering others fools? If earning money were so easy, wouldn't the entire populace be in business?" Wilhelm II exclaimed in anger.
"Your Majesty, perhaps His Highness merely wishes to give it a try. Dean Berkenhagen's approach is quite commendable; even if the prince fails to fulfill his promise, he will be required to return to the naval academy in two years. If he succeeds, it would be a tremendous advantage for both the navy and the Empire," Essen von Jonalett, Wilhelm II's steward, suggested from the side.
Although Wilhelm II did not harbor prejudice against merchants, he still preferred his sons to pursue military careers, as if only soldiers could be deemed true talents.
"Very well, I shall observe what that young man manages to concoct in the coming years. Should the time arrive and he fails to fulfill his promise, he shall forfeit his title of prince and be expelled from the Hohenzollern family, losing all privileges," Wilhelm II stated coldly.
It was evident that Wilhelm II felt profound disappointment in Qin Tian, believing that the prince was merely going to great lengths to avoid studying at the naval academy, preoccupied solely with frivolity. Such a person was utterly unworthy of being a prince of the German Empire.