"Father, the shipyard needs expansion to increase the size of the docks, recruit sufficient skilled workers and engineers, and it also requires a substantial amount of funding. Conservatively estimated, we will need around 120 million marks. This sum is, indeed, astronomical. If you could lend me this money, I would consider taking over the Royal Shipbuilding and Repair Yard," Qin Tian stated.
Since taking over the Royal Shipbuilding and Repair Yard had become a certainty, Qin Tian naturally hoped to secure as many benefits as possible.
"120 million marks? Is that really necessary?" Kaiser Wilhelm II furrowed his brow.
"Absolutely. If I take over the Royal Shipbuilding and Repair Yard, I plan to build eight docks capable of constructing warships exceeding 30,000 tons, as well as additional medium and small-sized docks. All of this requires significant investment," Qin Tian explained.
"Eight docks for battleships over 30,000 tons? Even several other large shipyards don't have that many large docks! Besides, is it really necessary to have docks for vessels over 30,000 tons?" Kaiser Wilhelm II expressed disbelief.
After all, the current battleships generally displace less than 20,000 tons. Even the new battleship designed by Qin Tian displaces only 20,000 tons. From Wilhelm's perspective, constructing docks for vessels over 30,000 tons would be a waste.
"Father, with continuous advancements in technology, the power of large-caliber artillery will only grow. To accommodate larger guns and install thicker armor, the displacement of battleships will naturally increase. Although battleships exceeding 30,000 tons may seem colossal, I believe that within ten years, all major powers will construct such vessels. Therefore, we must prepare early to avoid a frantic rush to upgrade the docks later, which would waste a considerable amount of time," Qin Tian asserted.
His efforts were, of course, for the German Navy and to ensure victory for Germany in future wars. Strengthening the German Navy would greatly enhance its chances in forthcoming naval battles.
Kaiser Wilhelm II hesitated but eventually nodded. "Very well, I will allocate 120 million marks from the royal treasury to you. Adding the 50 million marks for the transfer of the Royal Shipbuilding and Repair Yard, the total amounts to 170 million marks. You must repay this within three years, with interest, totaling 200 million marks. You have no objections to this, I trust?"
While 200 million marks was no small sum, to Qin Tian, it was merely the annual profit of the German Lottery Company. Furthermore, his future enterprises would extend beyond just the German Lottery Company. Once he completed the shipyard matters, he intended to invest in other fields. He saw immense opportunities in the early 20th century, a time still marked by backwardness but teeming with prospects for profit.
"Alright then, Oscar, we have a deal. I will have my lawyer draft the agreement promptly and assist you with the necessary procedures," Wilhelm II replied with a smile, pleased to be rid of the Royal Shipbuilding and Repair Yard.
However, Qin Tian soon conceived another idea.
"Father, what do you think of the battleship I have designed this time? If the constructed vessel's performance closely matches my design specifications, could it serve as the next main battleship for the German Navy?" Qin Tian inquired.
Wilhelm II nodded. "Certainly, although the Navy Technical Committee has dismissed your design, I believe there are many merits to it. If the battleship constructed can indeed meet the projected specifications, it would surpass the current fleet of the German Navy. As the next flagship of the navy, it would be entirely feasible."
Qin Tian nodded and smiled with joy.
"Father, how about this? Since I owe you 170 million marks, which translates to 200 million marks with interest, let my shipyard construct four battleships for you! This way, I can repay my debt in full," Qin Tian proposed, beaming.
"Ah!" Wilhelm II was taken aback, not expecting Qin Tian to pursue this idea.
However, he soon frowned. The next flagship battleship was of great importance; it could not be easily entrusted to Qin Tian's shipyard. Even if Qin Tian were to invest heavily, the Royal Shipbuilding and Repair Yard remained a medium-sized facility, lacking the experience to build battleships. Moreover, constructing the navy's principal vessels involved significant interests across various shipyards and internal conflicts. If Wilhelm II proceeded with this plan, it would surely provoke strong opposition from vested interests, leading to major complications.
"Father, the Royal Shipbuilding and Repair Yard has been operating at a loss. Without sufficient orders, even if I invest significantly to expand, it would ultimately face closure due to severe losses. As for the opinions of the Navy Technical Committee and other shipyards, once they see how outstanding our constructed battleships are, what could they possibly say? More importantly, this will save us considerable time in catching up to the British."
"Furthermore, Father, the Navy Technical Committee has become stagnant. While I acknowledge their substantial role during the rapid development of the German Navy, their expertise is now outdated, trapped in the past century. This poses a considerable disadvantage to the future development of the German Imperial Navy. If the navy adopts the battleships constructed by my shipyard as the next main vessels, it would serve as a lesson for them," Qin Tian urged earnestly. He was striving desperately to secure enough orders for his shipyard.
After contemplating for a while, Wilhelm II finally nodded. He too had been somewhat dissatisfied with the recent performance of the Navy Technical Committee.
"Alright, Oscar, we shall proceed as you suggest! However, the prerequisite is that the battleships constructed by your shipyard must meet the performance specifications you promised, and the discrepancies cannot be substantial. Otherwise, I will not accept those battleships!" Wilhelm II stated solemnly.
If the battleships constructed by Qin Tian turned out to be inferior, they would not be allowed to serve in the German Navy and become a liability for the fleet.
"Rest assured, Father, there will be absolutely no problem," Qin Tian assured, thumping his chest.
Subsequently, Qin Tian asked Kaiser Wilhelm II to name the new class of battleships. After a moment of thought, Wilhelm II named them the "Nassau-class" battleships.