"Evidently, Prince Wilhelm perceives me as a rival to his claim on the throne," Qin Tian discerned the palpable hostility emanating from the Crown Prince.
However, Qin Tian remained unfazed. Everything he pursued was aimed at enhancing Germany's military might, ensuring victory in future conflicts. If he were to ascend as the heir apparent, that would be an unparalleled honor; yet, even if he did not, he was indifferent. After all, he remembered that Wilhelm II was destined for longevity, and even as Crown Prince, Wilhelm would have to endure for decades. Furthermore, Wilhelm II was no feeble monarch; he would not permit the Crown Prince to act with impunity.
Of course, the Crown Prince's persistent animosity towards him irked Qin Tian greatly. A person, even a clay figure, possesses a degree of spirit—how much more so for someone like Qin Tian? Continual appeasement would only embolden Wilhelm further.
"Your Highness, the Deutsche Lottery Company allocates a portion of its earnings to the royal family and social welfare. Additionally, I have personally donated a battleship to the Navy. I believe these contributions sufficiently demonstrate my commitment to the Empire. Your unfounded accusations seem rather unjust," Qin Tian asserted with dignified composure.
"You…" Wilhelm's fury surged, but he found himself at a loss for a retort. Qin Tian had indeed amassed considerable wealth while generously giving back to society, much to the royal family's benefit. Thus, Wilhelm's criticism on that front was clearly unfounded.
"Enough, Princes Oscar and Wilhelm. Cease your bickering. Oscar has given back to the Empire more than you realize, Wilhelm. Therefore, let this matter rest and refrain from using it against him in the future," Wilhelm II declared, his expression stern.
"Yes, Father!" both Qin Tian and Wilhelm were compelled to end their dispute. Yet, the glint in Wilhelm's eyes revealed his profound discontent.
"Is it possible that Oscar has provided even more support to the Navy? Curse him; his financial resources are astonishing. In this regard, I am utterly incomparable!" Wilhelm seethed internally.
"Father, I have just established an energy company. Over the next five years, it will endeavor to stockpile two hundred thousand tons of oil within Germany. However, once war breaks out, whether this quantity will suffice remains uncertain," Qin Tian remarked.
A major warship typically requires thousands of tons of fuel for deployment. Considering the future scale of the German Navy, filling all vessels to capacity could demand several tens of thousands of tons. Thus, two hundred thousand tons of oil would scarcely last long.
Wilhelm II nodded approvingly at Qin Tian's willingness to create an energy company contributing to the nation's oil security plan, which pleased him greatly.
"Your Majesty, while the Navy's current budget is indeed tight, it would be prudent to reserve one hundred thousand tons of oil to ensure we are not hindered during wartime," suggested Admiral Tirpitz.
"Excellent. Therefore, the government will endeavor to establish a reserve of two hundred thousand tons of oil. In the event of war, five hundred thousand tons should suffice until we secure victory!" Wilhelm II declared.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Prime Minister Bernhardt von Bülow nodded in agreement. With Wilhelm II having made a decision, he felt compelled to remain silent. Although one hundred twenty million marks represented a significant expenditure, if distributed over several years, it would not impose excessive strain.
"Damn it, Oscar's proposal has been approved once more! If this continues, his influence in state affairs will only grow! No, this cannot go on," Wilhelm swore silently, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails nearly broke the skin, a testament to his simmering rage.
However, Wilhelm had limited options to counter Qin Tian. In virtually every aspect, he fell short in comparison. Were it not for the added prestige of his royal title, he would hold little significance.
Qin Tian, on the other hand, remained unfazed. He was calculating whether the stockpile of five hundred thousand tons of oil would be adequate.
"Five hundred thousand tons may appear substantial. If the war concludes within two years, it should suffice. But if it drags on, that becomes uncertain. The crux lies in whether the Navy can swiftly defeat the British. If we achieve victory, all will be well; if the duration extends, we face trouble," Qin Tian contemplated inwardly.
Moreover, he planned to advance the development of motor vehicles in Germany. This initiative would likely escalate fuel consumption dramatically. Should the motor vehicle market be developed, oil consumption could reach explosive levels. However, in the event of war, measures could be taken to regulate and restrict fuel purchases. Nevertheless, such actions might instill a sense of complacency among the populace regarding the war. Ideally, these measures should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
"Once the Italians secure Libya, I shall endeavor to exploit its oil resources and transport them en masse to Germany. This strategy may significantly augment our oil reserves and alleviate domestic shortages," Qin Tian resolved firmly.
Of course, he was acutely aware that preemptively extracting Libyan oil would likely provoke other nations to accelerate their exploration and extraction efforts in North Africa. Furthermore, once war erupted, Libyan oil fields would become primary targets for British and French assaults. Yet, Qin Tian was unperturbed. As long as Germany emerged victorious, any losses could ultimately be reclaimed post-war.
Thus, securing victory in the war remained paramount and essential, forming the very foundation of all endeavors. Qin Tian's myriad actions were ultimately directed towards this singular goal.
In May 1906, Qin Tian instructed Karl von Jonalett to establish a company in Berlin named the Deutsche Automobile Manufacturing Company. However, this enterprise was merely a shell. Qin Tian had no desire to start from scratch in constructing an automobile factory, for such an undertaking would be overly cumbersome. Instead, he intended to acquire an existing firm, thereby swiftly establishing the Deutsche Automobile Manufacturing Company's foothold within the automotive industry across Germany and Europe.
After all, only by establishing an automobile manufacturing company could he produce various military vehicles, including tanks and armored cars.