"Essen, investigate this matter. We must determine if any malicious individuals are involved in the Crown Prince's fall. Should it emerge that there was foul play, I will spare no one!" Wilhelm II declared, his face a mask of fury.
"Understood, Your Majesty!" Essen von Jonalett nodded, acutely aware that Wilhelm II was truly enraged. The occurrence of two princely accidents, one involving his own son, had ignited his ire.
Nevertheless, Essen also suspected that this incident was likely an accident. Given the Crown Prince's character, it was entirely plausible he had ridden while intoxicated.
"Additionally, notify the royal hospital to exert every effort in saving the Prince. If there is even the slightest chance, we must do everything in our power. May God bless the Prince with the strength to overcome this crisis!" Wilhelm II sighed.
A sense of guilt lingered within him; had he not rejected Queen Victoria's pleas, the Crown Prince might never have resorted to drunken riding, and this tragedy could have been averted. Regardless of the Crown Prince's shortcomings, he remained his son—his most cherished firstborn.
"Very well, Your Majesty. The royal hospital will certainly spare no effort," Essen assured him.
Wilhelm II nodded, realizing he had done all he could. With events having unfolded, lamenting his fate would serve no purpose. His only recourse was to pray for the Crown Prince's safety.
Though dissatisfied with the Crown Prince's recent conduct, the adage "A tiger does not eat its young" resonated with him. After all, Wilhelm II had high hopes for his son. His frustration stemmed more from disappointment than from any desire to replace him. Others aspiring to supplant the Crown Prince in Wilhelm II's esteem faced daunting challenges.
Once Essen departed, Wilhelm II fell into deep contemplation. As Emperor, he bore the weight of the Empire's fate on his shoulders. While he desperately wished for the Crown Prince's recovery, he had to prepare for the worst. If the Crown Prince could no longer fulfill his duties, he would need to consider a replacement. The Empire's ambitions were paramount, and all else must be set aside.
Despite his frustrations over the Crown Prince's ineffectiveness, Wilhelm II had hesitated to make a definitive decision regarding a successor. This hesitation suggested a lingering hope that the Crown Prince might reform and become the capable heir he envisioned.
Little did he expect such a crisis would arise at this moment.
"If I must choose a new heir, who would be suitable? Eitel, Adalbert, August, or Oscar?" Names flashed through Wilhelm II's mind. Yet the first three sons appeared too inept when compared to Qin Tian, who overshadowed them entirely. In such circumstances, the choice seemed glaringly obvious.
However, Wilhelm II had his reservations. He recognized Qin Tian's exceptional abilities—his accomplishments seemed almost otherworldly. He had amassed vast wealth in a remarkably short time and possessed a visionary grasp of naval design that surpassed even professional designers. Moreover, he demonstrated profound insight into international affairs and maintained close ties with the military.
Wilhelm II had to concede that, in many respects, Qin Tian was even more impressive than he himself was. As a father, he should take pride in this, but as an emperor, he felt the need for caution. The allure of supreme power often breeds reluctance to share it, even with one's own offspring.
Additionally, Wilhelm II worried that Qin Tian might play a nefarious role in the Crown Prince's accident. After all, the Crown Prince had previously sent assassins after Qin Tian, nearly costing him his life. Should Qin Tian seek vengeance, it would be a grave concern for the Emperor. He could not accept the notion of his sons resorting to bloodshed over the throne.
"I hope this incident truly has no connection to Oscar. Otherwise, he would deeply disappoint me," Wilhelm II sighed. If Qin Tian were indeed responsible for the Crown Prince's fall, then no matter how impressive his abilities, Wilhelm II could never entrust the Empire to him.
In the royal hospital, Qin Tian's room was once again graced by the presence of Marshal Tirpitz.
"Your Excellency, your appearance here at such a time could attract unwanted attention from those with ulterior motives," Qin Tian remarked with a smile.
"Your Highness, you know I care not for such concerns. The bond between the Navy and you is well-known throughout the Empire. To feign distance in this situation would only arouse suspicion," Marshal Tirpitz replied nonchalantly.
Indeed, as the architect of the Imperial Navy and one of Wilhelm II's most trusted advisers, Tirpitz had little to fear from idle gossip.
"Nonetheless, Your Excellency, it would be prudent to exercise caution," Qin Tian advised, shaking his head.
"Your Highness, I have just received word that the Crown Prince's rescue efforts are ongoing, but the prognosis is grim. Even if he survives, he may never fulfill the duties of an heir again. You must prepare for this possibility; it presents an extraordinary opportunity!" Marshal Tirpitz urged.
"Your Excellency, I appreciate your intentions, yet I have already done all that I can. The decision now rests with His Majesty," Qin Tian sighed.
Indeed, he had already taken every possible action. His earlier displays of excellence would be meaningless if Wilhelm II refused to name him as heir. If he now appeared overly eager for the title, it could easily backfire.
Tirpitz nodded. "I believe the Emperor is a wise ruler; he will make the right choice."