"Oscar, my child, how do you feel now?" Queen Victoria asked with genuine concern. Initially, as the mother of Qintian, she had little fondness for him, favoring her eldest son, Crown Prince Wilhelm, much like Kaiser Wilhelm II. However, as Qintian's accomplishments grew and he frequently presented her with thoughtful gifts, her perception of him transformed significantly.
"Mother, I feel much better, though the wound still aches, and I lack energy," Qintian replied, his pallor a testament to the blood loss he had suffered after being shot.
"Oscar, you are a man, and you have done well. Scars are the medals of manhood. How can a true man be without a few scars?" Wilhelm II remarked.
This was the second day since Qintian had awakened, and it was only now that Wilhelm II and Queen Victoria had come to see him. Their status precluded them from remaining by his side like ordinary parents would.
Qintian smiled bitterly and shook his head. "Father, I would much prefer this scar to have been earned on the battlefield, rather than through this despicable and cowardly assassination!"
The attempt on his life filled Qintian with righteous anger, a sentiment anyone would likely share in such circumstances. Since regaining consciousness, he had pondered who might have sent the assassin, and his suspicions increasingly pointed towards Crown Prince Wilhelm. Yet, without concrete evidence, he could not voice his doubts, lest he face rumors and scorn.
This incident served as a stark reminder to Qintian that he must exercise caution moving forward. With a fortune now in the billions, he was no longer an ordinary individual. His enemies multiplied, and he could only wonder how many wished for his demise. If he did not take heed, he would be inviting tragedy upon himself.
"Oscar, have you offended someone? Otherwise, why would they treat you in such a manner? If I discover who is responsible, I shall not let them escape!" Queen Victoria's face was a mask of fury.
A flicker of anger also passed through Wilhelm II's eyes, indicating that he understood the situation. However, he had no intention of revealing the truth to Qintian. While this might seem unjust to Qintian, the stability of the empire and the tranquility of the royal family took precedence. Even as an emperor, Wilhelm II was merely human, with his own preferences and biases.
Wilhelm II felt profound disappointment in Crown Prince Wilhelm. However, he could not bring himself to strip his son of the succession rights. After all, he had invested so much in raising him, hoping he would one day inherit the empire. To relinquish that hope now would mean acknowledging that his years of nurturing had been misguided—a realization he found unbearable.
"Oscar, focus on your recovery. Leave the matters of work to others for now. Your sole responsibility is to rest in the hospital. Once your condition stabilizes, we will bring you back to the palace," Wilhelm II instructed.
"Very well, Father. However, I find the conditions here quite agreeable; I would prefer to remain," Qintian declined.
"Then it shall be as you wish!" Wilhelm II did not press further.
Once Wilhelm II and Queen Victoria departed the room, the smile vanished from Qintian's face. From Wilhelm II's earlier responses, he had gleaned the truth. It was evident that Wilhelm II knew who was responsible but seemed intent on concealing that knowledge. This only confirmed Qintian's suspicions and filled him with disappointment.
"Evidently, in this situation, Crown Prince Wilhelm remains the priority in his eyes," Qintian muttered to himself.
Upon returning to the palace, Wilhelm II summoned Essen von Jonahlet immediately.
"Essen, do we have definitive evidence that this was orchestrated by the Crown Prince?" Wilhelm II inquired.
"Yes, Your Majesty. The assassin has confessed that he was sent by Duke Friedrich Franz III of Mecklenburg-Schwerin to kill Prince Oscar," Essen von Jonahlet reported.
Wilhelm II's expression darkened ominously. Though Essen had not stated it outright, he understood the implications all too well. Friedrich Franz III was the father-in-law of Crown Prince Wilhelm. His decision to dispatch an assassin was clearly motivated by Qintian's rise, which threatened the Crown Prince's position.
Though Wilhelm II had contemplated replacing the Crown Prince due to Qintian's merits, he had hesitated. He never anticipated that Crown Prince Wilhelm would resort to such treachery, a realization that left him deeply unsettled.
"They are supposed to be brothers! How could the Prince act in such a manner?" Wilhelm II lamented.
"Your Majesty, perhaps this was not the Crown Prince's directive but rather the decision of General Friedrich Franz III. After all, Prince Oscar's performance has been exceptional. Friedrich Franz III may fear that Oscar could usurp the Crown Prince's position, prompting such drastic measures," Essen von Jonahlet suggested, though his explanation felt strained. Wilhelm II recognized that Essen was merely attempting to console him; the reality was already evident.
"Essen, gather incriminating evidence against Friedrich Franz III. This time, I shall ensure that the Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin is replaced," Wilhelm II declared, his tone filled with determination.
As emperor, his authority was not to be challenged. Anyone daring to assassinate his son must be prepared for retribution.
"Understood, Your Majesty," Essen von Jonahlet nodded.
"And summon the Crown Prince to me at once," Wilhelm II commanded.
"Very well, Your Majesty." Essen von Jonahlet knew that Wilhelm II was likely preparing to grant Crown Prince Wilhelm yet another opportunity. He couldn't help but feel a pang of regret; if only Wilhelm II could decisively remove the Crown Prince's rights and appoint Qintian as the successor, it would be ideal. Alas, Wilhelm II remained unable to make that choice.