Tirpitz shook his head. "This time, it is not necessarily Prince William who has instructed von Moltke to act in this manner; he lacks the capability. However, it is well-known that von Moltke is closely associated with Prince William. You have now posed a significant threat to Prince William's status. Whether you acknowledge it or not, this is the reality. At the very least, Prince William believes so. Therefore, you can be certain that he will continue to cause you trouble."
Qin Tian nodded. He was not surprised by Prince William's targeting; he had anticipated this outcome. However, he was somewhat taken aback by von Moltke's blatant attitude.
"Your Highness, I have a piece of news to share with you. His Majesty has repeatedly expressed his dissatisfaction with the Crown Prince's excessively stubborn nature, narrow-mindedness, and limited abilities, fearing he may not be capable of effectively ruling this empire," Tirpitz stated.
"Is the situation that grave?" Qin Tian asked, momentarily taken aback. He was aware of Wilhelm II's growing displeasure with the Crown Prince's actions, but he did not expect Wilhelm II to voice such complaints. This undoubtedly indicated that Wilhelm II's patience with the Crown Prince was nearly exhausted. Otherwise, given Wilhelm II's affection for his eldest son, such remarks would not arise.
"Your Highness, you have played a significant role in this development!" Tirpitz remarked with a hint of admiration.
"Marshal, what do you mean by that?" Qin Tian feigned ignorance. Despite his yearning for the throne, he would never admit it until circumstances were more settled. Otherwise, not only would his hopes for the throne vanish, but he might also invite dire consequences upon himself.
"It is because you, Your Highness, have exhibited such outstanding brilliance. This starkly contrasts with the Crown Prince, who relies solely on his position and status to meddle in state affairs, yet achieves nothing of substance. It is hard to imagine what direction this empire would take under such a ruler," Marshal Tirpitz sighed, shaking his head.
Qin Tian found himself in agreement with Tirpitz's perspective on the Crown Prince, although he could not openly acknowledge it.
"Marshal, the Crown Prince's impatience has indeed hindered his success on many fronts," Qin Tian replied.
Tirpitz nodded. "Your Highness, if His Majesty were willing to name you as his successor, what would you do?"
"Marshal, the laws of the empire do not permit such a scenario," Qin Tian replied, shaking his head. This perhaps epitomized the greatest difference between the East and West: in Eastern empires, the successor is determined solely by the emperor, whereas in Western nations, it is dictated by law. Succession laws are not mere formalities.
"Indeed, such an occurrence is exceedingly rare. Yet ultimately, it hinges on the emperor's will. Should His Majesty be determined to replace the Crown Prince, anything is possible. If that day were to come, the navy would fully support you, for I firmly believe you alone can lead the navy and the German Empire to resounding victory," Tirpitz stated earnestly.
Qin Tian's expression grew serious; he understood that Tirpitz was revealing his stance. Unless the Crown Prince faltered, should Wilhelm II decide to replace him, he would gain the navy's support.
"Marshal, it would be impossible for me to deny my aspirations for the throne. However, I recognize the formidable challenges ahead. Therefore, the most pressing matter is to focus on our own responsibilities. The rest, we shall leave to fate! If I ever have that opportunity, I shall not hesitate to seize it," Qin Tian declared.
Tirpitz nodded, choosing to say no more.
As Qin Tian and Tirpitz returned to Berlin, Chief of Staff von Moltke went directly to Potsdam. At a farm on the outskirts of Potsdam, von Moltke met with the Crown Prince. This estate belonged to Duke Mecklenburg-Schwerin. After the Crown Prince's marriage to Cecilia, the estate was transferred to her name.
"Chief of Staff, you have arrived. Please, sit down and sample this estate's own vintage. Though it may not compare to the ancient vineyards of Bordeaux, it possesses its own unique charm," the Crown Prince greeted with a broad smile.
Seeing the Crown Prince's demeanor, von Moltke couldn't help but shake his head, questioning whether his choice to support him was wise. This Crown Prince, indulging in pleasures, harbored ambitions yet lacked the requisite capability. Besides the advantage of being the royal heir, he was utterly incomparable to Prince Oscar. In this light, Prince Oscar undoubtedly emerged as the more suitable candidate for succession.
However, von Moltke understood that he could not abandon ship. Having already alienated Qin Tian, any attempt to switch allegiances would likely leave him sidelined. For someone like von Moltke, losing power was a fate worse than death. Thus, to preserve his status and influence, he had no option but to support the Crown Prince.
"Your Highness, do you still have the inclination to drink? The situation has deteriorated significantly. Prince Oscar has decided to donate motorcycles worth fifty million marks to the army, greatly pleasing its generals, who have shifted their attitude towards him. Should Prince Oscar increase his investments in the army, those individuals may swiftly turn to his side. Coupled with the navy's complete alignment with him, your prospects are grim," von Moltke said gravely.
"What? How could this happen? Damn it, what is Oscar trying to do? He has already courted the navy and is now attempting to win over the army," the Crown Prince exploded in rage, his smile vanishing, replaced by a grimace.
"Your Highness, the situation is dire. If you continue down this path, you may well hand the throne over to Prince Oscar on a silver platter!" After uttering this, von Moltke turned to leave.
"Scoundrel!" The Crown Prince roared, shattering the wine bottle in his hand upon the floor, staining it with the crimson liquid.
"Oscar, you have brought this upon yourself; you have forced my hand—do not blame me!" The Crown Prince downed his drink, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes.