Qin Tian was taken aback for a moment but soon grasped the situation. Marshal Count Tirpitz was referring to his promise to donate a battleship to the navy.
"Your Excellency, it is only right that I do this. If it weren't for the Dean's agreement to my request, I would probably still be idling at the naval academy, achieving nothing."
"Indeed, Your Highness, I initially thought you were merely avoiding school by misleading us. However, it seems you are truly capable of fulfilling your promise," Dean Ludwig Berkenhagen remarked.
Despite his earlier belief that Qin Tian was not devoid of knowledge, he nonetheless thought it would be exceedingly difficult for Qin Tian to donate a battleship to the German navy. After all, the cost of a battleship is exorbitant! Even for Germany's finances, it would be a significant burden. Yet, he never expected Qin Tian to amass such wealth in a short period. Although no one knew the exact amount Qin Tian had earned, it was clear that constructing a battleship would be well within his means.
"Dean, since I have made a promise, I shall certainly keep it. By next year at the latest, the battleship I pledged to donate to the navy will commence construction."
Count Tirpitz's gaze towards Qin Tian held a glimmer of expectation.
"It seems that Prince Oscar's lottery company has indeed generated substantial wealth. Otherwise, he would not so nonchalantly agree to uphold his promise. The navy's funding gap is widening, and competing with the British in terms of capital ships is extremely challenging. If Prince Oscar could donate more battleships to the navy, it would be most advantageous," Count Tirpitz mused privately. Clearly, he regarded Qin Tian as a prime opportunity for support, though he also understood that such requests would be difficult. A battleship is not something one can buy by the kilogram; it costs several million marks!
Nevertheless, Count Tirpitz resolved to maintain a good relationship with Qin Tian, as this might encourage Qin Tian to assist him in the future.
"Your Highness, Dean Berkenhagen mentioned that you possess unique insights into the navy's development," Count Tirpitz said.
"Your Excellency, I cannot claim it to be insight; rather, it is more a concern for the German navy," Qin Tian replied, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes.
"Could you elaborate, Your Highness? We should have ample time this evening, though it may delay your dance with those noble ladies," Count Tirpitz smiled.
"Your Excellency, I have no interest in dancing. It is an honor to discuss matters with you," Qin Tian shook his head.
The three of them then found a corner and began their conversation.
Qin Tian shared as much as he knew with Count Tirpitz and Dean Berkenhagen, hoping to contribute to the German navy's potential success. If this could lead to a victory in the forthcoming naval confrontations, it would be the best outcome.
"Your Excellency, Dean, although we have completed or are in the process of constructing the Brandenburg, Kaiser Friedrich III, Wörth, Brunswick, and Deutschland classes of battleships, totaling 24 vessels, regrettably, we cannot achieve overwhelming superiority over the British navy in either quantity or performance. While the quality of the officers and sailors in the Imperial German Navy is commendable, they still cannot compare with the British navy, which has dominated the world's oceans for centuries. Thus, should war break out, the German navy may struggle to secure victory against the British."
Count Tirpitz and Dean Berkenhagen both bore somber expressions. They were keenly aware that Qin Tian was not merely speaking idly.
"The British navy is indeed formidable, and challenging them is exceedingly difficult. However, we are already at a critical juncture; we cannot hesitate. The British have allied with France and are growing closer to Russia. If war begins, they will undoubtedly become our foremost adversaries," Count Tirpitz stated.
Qin Tian nodded in agreement. If Kaiser Wilhelm II still harbored illusions about the British, then his perspective, having traversed time, clearly indicated that the British were determined to oppose Germany. Of course, Wilhelm II's ambition to strengthen the German navy was not born from a desire for outright war with Britain but rather from a hope to compel the British into submission through naval strength, achieving victory without bloodshed. Ultimately, however, it became evident that Wilhelm II was overly naive. When national interests are at stake, how could the British ever abandon their resistance? Should Germany win the war and gain control of the European continent, even isolated on their island, the British could not expect to remain unscathed.
"Your Highness, do you have any good ideas regarding this matter?" Dean Berkenhagen inquired.
"The future of warfare is of paramount importance. If Germany suffers defeat, the consequences will be dire. A powerful German Empire would cease to exist. Thus, we must exhaust all efforts to win this war. In my view, the key to victory lies in the navy. Only by defeating the British navy and breaking their maritime blockade against Germany can we secure the essential resources needed for war through overseas trade. Only then can we persevere," Qin Tian articulated. The tragedy of Germany being dragged to ruin in World War I was indeed disheartening.
"Your Highness, we might address this by stockpiling sufficient wartime resources before the conflict," Count Tirpitz furrowed his brow.
Qin Tian smiled; the German leadership of this era undoubtedly believed that once war erupted, it would last only a few hours, much like the Franco-Prussian War when victory came swiftly. They had not fully comprehended the brutality of the conflict or how protracted it would become, which directly led to their realization, once war broke out, that their preparations were woefully inadequate.
"Your Excellency, Dean, I believe that once war breaks out, it will be more brutal than any previous conflict and will last a considerable time. Relying solely on pre-war reserves, we will not be able to stockpile sufficient wartime materials. Therefore, it is crucial for the navy to defeat the British and dismantle their maritime blockade," Qin Tian asserted with conviction.