"With the backing of our own funds, combined with the ingenuity of Gustav Lilienthal and others, Germany should be poised to emerge as a leader in military aviation!" Qin Tian mused inwardly.
In another timeline, Germany's "Fokker" fighter aircraft was dubbed the "Widowmaker," dominating air combat and rendering the British and French air forces helpless as countless planes fell to the German aerial might. Qin Tian hoped that in this timeline, bolstered by his support, Germany would prioritize its air force, developing and equipping advanced aircraft to secure greater advantages in future aerial battles.
"I wonder if the Wright brothers will accept our invitation. If they continue to refuse, then there may be no other choice but to make them disappear!" A glint of ruthlessness flickered in Qin Tian's eyes.
Having survived an assassination attempt, Qin Tian's demeanor had grown more ferocious. To achieve his objectives, he would not hesitate to employ any means necessary. In a world rife with chaos, securing his life and interests was paramount.
As pioneers in aviation, the Wright brothers held immense sway over the development of aviation not only in America but worldwide. If they were to serve Qin Tian, it would undoubtedly accelerate the advancement of Germany's aviation industry and significantly weaken other nations, further widening the gap between them.
Qin Tian was unwavering in his commitment to strengthening Germany's military capabilities. If Germany were to falter in future conflicts, it would be an unbearable injustice.
During his monotonous days in the hospital, Qin Tian often contemplated his future. As an ordinary prince, he had devoted tremendous effort to the fate of Germany. Were he the heir apparent, his actions would be wholly justified. Alas, Crown Prince Wilhelm remained under house arrest, his position still secure. It appeared that Wilhelm II had no intention of replacing him.
"Should I take action against Crown Prince Wilhelm? If he could send assassins after me, why shouldn't I repay the favor?" Qin Tian pondered. Although the gunshot wound he sustained was not life-threatening, he felt deeply humiliated. The principle of not retaliating when wronged seemed unreasonable when the offense was so direct.
However, he quickly dismissed this notion. Wilhelm II would never permit such an act. If Qin Tian were to attempt an assassination, Wilhelm II would undoubtedly retaliate, stripping him of his princely title and confiscating his wealth. Though both were sons of Wilhelm II, the crown prince clearly held a higher status. Moreover, Wilhelm II would be envious of the vast fortune Qin Tian had amassed in just two years. Targeting the crown prince would only present Wilhelm II with an opportunity to act against him, as wealth held by his son would pale in comparison to that held by himself.
"Alas, it seems I can only watch and wait. There are no other options," Qin Tian sighed.
Meanwhile, at a farm outside Potsdam, Crown Prince Wilhelm was in a furious rage.
"Damn it! Why wasn't Oscar killed on the spot? What good is he if he can so easily betray us?" Wilhelm bellowed, his eyes blazing with anger.
Having been confined to the farm for quite some time, he initially dismissed it as a mere show by Wilhelm II to placate Qin Tian, expecting to be released soon. However, he now realized Wilhelm II was serious, leaving him in a state of panic.
He had contemplated breaking out, but the guards were loyal to Wilhelm II and disregarded orders from anyone else. The crown prince found escape impossible.
With no way out, his temper grew increasingly volatile, and he resorted to drinking and hurling insults at others. His behavior only deepened Wilhelm II's disappointment. He had hoped the crown prince would reflect on his mistakes during this confinement, but instead, he chose self-destruction. How could such a person be fit to inherit the German Empire?
Thus, the crown prince remained isolated on the farm, leading a secluded life. Fortunately, the sprawling estate provided ample food and entertainment—he could live there comfortably for a lifetime if need be.
On December 24th, Christmas Eve, Queen Victoria sought to summon the crown prince back to the palace for a gathering. However, Wilhelm II, dissatisfied with his son's conduct at the farm, denied her request. The news only fueled the crown prince's dissatisfaction and fury.
"My father, how could he be so heartless? Does he truly intend to strip me of my title?" Wilhelm shouted in outrage. He had always been the center of attention, yet now the prospect of losing his position was an unbearable shock.
In a drunken stupor, he mounted a horse and galloped wildly around the farm, indifferent to the risk of trampling crops. The farm's inhabitants remained silent, acutely aware of the crown prince's volatile state; provoking him could lead to disaster.
The farm was blanketed in snow, creating a treacherous environment for riding. Yet, in his inebriated state, he paid no heed.
Suddenly, the horse stumbled into a snow-filled ditch, losing its balance and throwing Wilhelm off. Unfortunately, his head struck a protruding rock beneath the snow.