Qin Tian listened to the Crown Prince Wilhelm and finally understood the source of his rage. It became clear that Wilhelm's jealousy had erupted fully, as he perceived Qin Tian as a threat to his claim to the throne, leading to such an outburst.
Following the launch of the "Dreadnought," Qin Tian had swiftly risen to prominence as a genius designer within the German royal family, adding yet another accolade to his reputation. Coupled with his remarkable achievements in business, he had become a dazzling figure. Indeed, if not for Wilhelm's royal status, he would surely have appeared diminished in comparison to Qin Tian.
Were Wilhelm a magnanimous individual, he might not have thought so. Unfortunately, he had always been rather petty. Since becoming the Crown Prince, he had viewed the imperial throne as his birthright, employing various means to suppress any perceived threats from his brothers to solidify his claim.
Yet now, Wilhelm realized he could not obscure Qin Tian's brilliance. This realization only fueled his anger further.
"Hmph! Oscar, don't think I'm unaware of your little schemes. Even if you've amassed considerable wealth through dubious means, and possess a talent for shipbuilding, what of it? I am the Crown Prince of the Empire, the primary heir to the throne, while you shall forever remain merely a common prince. No matter how talented or distinguished you may be, it changes nothing. The future Emperor of the German Empire will be me!" Wilhelm glared at Qin Tian, his words dripping with arrogance. His demeanor was far from that of a dignified heir; rather, he resembled a petulant youth, convinced his beloved possession had been snatched away.
Both Qin Tian and Count Tirpitz shook their heads in dismay. Wilhelm's conduct was utterly disgraceful. This was the royal palace, and every action was scrutinized by Kaiser Wilhelm II himself. Such behavior would undoubtedly reach the Kaiser's ears.
Count Tirpitz felt equally discontented by Wilhelm's remarks. Qin Tian had invested his wealth in military development, alleviating concerns for the German Empire. Wilhelm's inability to earn money himself, coupled with his envy towards capable individuals, was decidedly inappropriate. Had he not been a royal, Tirpitz would have spoken out vehemently.
Qin Tian reflected on the situation with a mix of emotions. Although Wilhelm's behavior was unseemly, had this been the Eastern world, he might have lost his claim to the throne long ago. However, in the West, deposing a Crown Prince was no simple task.
Claiming to have no desire to usurp Wilhelm's position would be disingenuous. Qin Tian understood that it would be exceedingly difficult. He also realized he must avoid appearing overly proactive, as that could yield counterproductive results. His sole recourse was to excel in his endeavors, striving to shine even brighter. Should Wilhelm resolutely decide to depose him, the most likely successor would be Qin Tian. Despite his lower claim to the throne, extraordinary circumstances could prevail.
At the very least, Qin Tian was certain that if a shift in succession were to occur, the navy would undoubtedly support him, given his substantial investments in their growth. This would not only strengthen the navy's capabilities for future engagements but also subtly align their interests with his own.
Furthermore, Qin Tian intended to cultivate relations with the army. Numerous weapons suitable for their needs ranged from semi-automatic rifles, light machine guns, and mortars to tanks, armored vehicles, and rocket artillery. While technological limitations might hinder their development, equipping even a portion of these weapons would significantly enhance the army's combat effectiveness. Consequently, many within the military would likely regard him favorably. If need be, the affluent Qin Tian could even extend loans to the army or donate a batch of weaponry to foster goodwill. Should Wilhelm II contemplate deposing his heir, the army's neutrality would be of utmost assistance to Qin Tian.
Of course, all of this remained Qin Tian's closely guarded secret, one he must never reveal.
"Your Highness, you've misunderstood. You are my esteemed elder brother, and the throne is yours; I harbor no covetous thoughts whatsoever. If my recent actions have led you to believe otherwise, I sincerely apologize!" Qin Tian feigned innocence.
"Hmph! Oscar, such words are welcome. However, should I discover you nurturing aspirations beyond your station, I will ensure you pay dearly," Wilhelm threatened as he grasped Qin Tian's collar, his voice laced with menace, before storming away.
"Prince, are you all right?" Count Tirpitz inquired with genuine concern.
"I'm fine, Count. I apologize for the trouble," Qin Tian replied with a strained smile.
This reinforced Count Tirpitz's belief that Qin Tian was far more suited to inherit the throne of the German Empire than Wilhelm. If an opportunity arose, he would wholeheartedly express his support for Qin Tian.
Word of the incident in the palace garden quickly reached Wilhelm II. Essen von Jonalett reported every detail to the Kaiser.
Upon hearing the entire account, Wilhelm II's expression darkened, as though clouds had gathered overhead.
"Prince Wilhelm is too narrow-minded, too envious of talent. I have warned him before, yet he shows no signs of improvement. Is he truly fit to lead the German Empire?" Wilhelm II silently questioned himself.
In contrast, while Qin Tian was a few years younger than Wilhelm, he exhibited greater maturity. Not only did he demonstrate exceptional talent in business, but he also refrained from squandering wealth, directing his resources toward the military's development—exactly the behavior one would expect from an imperial prince!
"Perhaps Oscar is better suited to be the heir to the Empire than Wilhelm," Wilhelm II mused privately. Unknown to anyone, the performances of both Qin Tian and Wilhelm had begun to shift the Kaiser's thoughts regarding succession.