Glaring at the insincere visage of Crown Prince Wilhelm, Qin Tian felt an overwhelming urge to slap him. Although he had long recognized Wilhelm as a jealous and suspicious individual, he never anticipated such disdain directed even at his own brother.
Of course, it would be disingenuous to claim that Qin Tian harbored no ambitions regarding the throne. However, he understood that ousting Wilhelm from his position as the heir apparent would be exceedingly difficult. Unlike the Eastern world, where the succession of princes is commonplace, the Western heir apparent is generally challenging to replace. Thus, Qin Tian had no illusions of usurping Wilhelm's status. His motivations were simply rooted in a refusal to accept Germany's potential defeat in the looming wars. After all, as a prince of the German Empire, the fall of the Empire would undoubtedly be a profound blow to his own fortunes. Conversely, should Germany emerge victorious, he stood to gain immensely.
It was evident that his actions had sparked a sense of crisis within Wilhelm. In a desperate bid to preserve his position, he relentlessly sought to suppress Qin Tian, even though Qin Tian's designs would greatly benefit the German Empire.
Taking a deep breath, Qin Tian acknowledged that he had anticipated this outcome, yet he realized he had underestimated the rigidity of the antiquated members of the Naval Technical Committee. No wonder the German navy ultimately faced defeat; this rigidity was a significant contributing factor.
"I respect the decision of the Naval Technical Committee. However, I firmly believe that you will soon come to realize that your steadfastness is fundamentally misguided. When that time arrives, you will bear the consequences of your choices, leading the German Navy to fall further behind the British. If Germany were to lose in future conflicts, each of you would be complicit. I would like to see how you would then face the world!" Qin Tian exclaimed, his face ablaze with anger.
His outburst served to chastise the experts of the Naval Technical Committee, and their expressions turned sour in response. Despite their strong disagreement with Qin Tian's accusations, they could not dismiss his fiery words.
Count von Warren, the chairman of the Naval Technical Committee, wore a particularly grim expression. Under his leadership, the committee had significantly contributed to the development of the German navy. To be publicly reprimanded by a mere child was a blow to their dignity.
"Hmph! While Your Highness is of noble birth, you have no right to insult us in such a manner! We are subjects of the German Empire, accountable only to His Majesty the Emperor and the people. How we proceed is not for you to dictate. Our experience in shipbuilding far surpasses yours. Though your design incorporates many novel ideas, it amounts to nothing more than a superficial spectacle. Naval vessels require a harmonious integration of various factors, not merely an accumulation of new technologies. You are still too young; it would be prudent for you to study diligently at the naval academy for several years. Only after obtaining your degree should you engage in discussions with us!" Sir Dietrich, the shipbuilding director, scoffed.
Indeed, they were esteemed experts in the field of shipbuilding, and being ridiculed by Qin Tian was utterly intolerable.
"Enough, everyone. Let us refrain from further provocations. It is natural to have theoretical disagreements. Time will ultimately reveal who is right and who is wrong," Count von Warren said, maintaining a stern demeanor.
Though he disapproved of Qin Tian's earlier remarks, he understood the need to consider the prince's status and wished to avoid escalating tensions.
"Oscar, you must apologize to everyone. As a prince of the German Empire, such reckless behavior is unacceptable. Even if your design has been rejected, it does not warrant such a display of temper. These experts are indeed the pillars of the Empire," Crown Prince Wilhelm stated sternly.
While astonished by Qin Tian's behavior, he could not suppress a sense of satisfaction. Undermining Qin Tian's reputation was precisely what he desired; if Qin Tian's reputation suffered, he would pose no further threat.
"Hmph! I reserve the right to refuse. Furthermore, I firmly believe my design is the correct one. You will soon realize just how egregiously mistaken you are," Qin Tian declared defiantly.
"Oscar, your insolence is intolerable! I will report your behavior to Father!" Crown Prince Wilhelm seethed, trembling with rage. That Qin Tian dared to defy him in front of so many was a clear affront, signaling that he regarded Wilhelm with utter disdain. Wilhelm resolved that once he ascended the throne and became the head of the Hohenzollern family, he would ensure Qin Tian was expelled from the family.
Grand Admiral Tirpitz and Prince Heinrich exchanged glances, each reflecting mutual exasperation. They had never anticipated that what should have been a constructive presentation would devolve into such chaos.
Of course, the Naval Technical Committee had already reached a conclusion; even their esteemed positions made it difficult to easily overturn their findings.
Qin Tian cast a contemptuous glance at Crown Prince Wilhelm, who was historically regarded as ambitious yet lacking in capability and generosity—a characterization that was entirely accurate.
"Suit yourself!" Qin Tian replied indifferently.
He then turned his attention to the lofty experts of the Naval Technical Committee, stating, "Do not presume that by rejecting my design, my battleship will remain unrealized. Remember, this is not merely the next flagship of the German Navy but a battleship I intend to gift to the navy. Therefore, your decision bears no significance for me. I will construct this battleship, and you shall witness its immense power, which will undoubtedly reveal your errors. After all, I am hardly lacking in the several million marks required for this endeavor! Such is the privilege of wealth!"
Qin Tian delivered this proclamation with an insufferably arrogant expression.
Instantly, all present were left speechless. Although they had dismissed Qin Tian's design, what did it truly matter? He was not merely bidding for the next flagship of the German Navy; he was gifting the navy a battleship, granting him full autonomy over the endeavor. Their objections were utterly futile.
The expressions on the faces of these experts became a sight to behold. Throughout the entire affair, they resembled mere jesters, absurdly attempting to educate Qin Tian while claiming expertise.
"Having money brings indulgence? This fellow!" Prince Heinrich remarked with a laugh.Qin Tian really delivered a harsh slap to the Naval Technical Committee!