"Your Highness, congratulations." Upon Qin Tian's return to his residence in Berlin, Admiral Tirpitz awaited him, evidently elated.
"Your Excellency, I am grateful for your assistance. Without your support, my success would have been impossible," Qin Tian replied humbly.
"Your Highness, aiding you is tantamount to aiding the Imperial Navy and the German Empire. I have always held this conviction. I believe you shall emerge as a distinguished ruler, leading the German Empire to victory in future wars," Admiral Tirpitz declared confidently.
"Your Excellency, I shall endeavor to lead the German Empire to triumph in the wars to come," Qin Tian stated earnestly. Now that he had ascended to the position of Vice Crown Prince, he had no reason to hold back. His fate was irrevocably tied to that of Germany. Should the nation falter in battle, he would be rendered worthless, perhaps even lose his life. Therefore, for his own sake and that of the German Empire, he would exert every effort in the forthcoming conflicts.
Admiral Tirpitz nodded, "Your Highness, does this mean that His Majesty intends to appoint you as the Crown Prince?"
With a resigned smile, Qin Tian replied, "His Majesty has decided to appoint me as Vice Crown Prince."
"Vice Crown Prince?" Admiral Tirpitz was taken aback, astonished that Wilhelm II would make such a decision. If he intended for Qin Tian to be Crown Prince, why would he prefix it with 'Vice'? Wouldn't that provoke discontent?
"Yes, Vice Crown Prince. I fear this position is merely provisional. Should Crown Prince Wilhelm awaken one day, and I have not yet ascended to the throne, this title shall revert to him," Qin Tian expressed helplessly.
"What? How can this be? How could His Majesty issue such a ridiculous order? The title of Crown Prince cannot simply be returned! Moreover, you are far more suited to lead this empire than Crown Prince Wilhelm. No, I must inquire with His Majesty why he has made this decision," Admiral Tirpitz insisted, visibly agitated.
"Your Excellency, I appreciate your support. However, given His Majesty's character, this decision is likely immutable. To contest it would only yield counterproductive results," Qin Tian interjected.
Admiral Tirpitz nodded, well aware of Wilhelm II's disposition. "Your Highness, this is profoundly unjust to you!"
"Justice? The world knows no such concept. My sole recourse is to achieve notable accomplishments as Vice Crown Prince, thereby earning the recognition of both the people and His Majesty," Qin Tian asserted.
"Your Highness, your perspective is commendable. Regardless, the Navy will stand by you and offer unwavering support," Admiral Tirpitz said reassuringly, concerned that Qin Tian might act rashly due to dissatisfaction.
"Thank you, Your Excellency! I vow that the Imperial Navy shall become the mightiest in the world. In the upcoming conflicts, we will undoubtedly defeat our adversaries," Qin Tian declared with conviction. As Vice Crown Prince, he would wield greater authority to implement modern naval technologies. Submarines and aircraft carriers would become pivotal in his agenda. Thus, when war erupted, the German Navy would possess not only a formidable fleet of surface vessels but also a premier submarine force and air units, significantly enhancing their chances of success.
"Your Highness, I am certain you can achieve this," Admiral Tirpitz nodded, confident that Qin Tian could deliver on his promises.
After Admiral Tirpitz departed, Qin Tian lingered, unable to retire for the night. Although he had merely been appointed Vice Crown Prince, the prefix 'Vice' imposed significant constraints. Nonetheless, he felt exhilarated; he had risen from an ordinary prince to one holding the right of succession. Should Wilhelm II pass away, he would immediately ascend to the throne as Emperor of Germany. The prospect of Crown Prince Wilhelm awakening from his vegetative state seemed improbable—after all, reviving a person in such a condition was a rare medical miracle.
Becoming Vice Crown Prince also signified a heavier burden for Qin Tian. His fate was now irrevocably intertwined with that of the German Empire. For both himself and the empire, he must strive relentlessly to secure victory in future wars; otherwise, not only would Germany face an uncertain future, but so too would he.
On December 27, the German Emperor Wilhelm II issued a decree stating that, in light of the Crown Prince's grave injuries rendering him unable to fulfill his duties, Qin Tian was appointed as the Vice Crown Prince of the German Empire.
While merely a Vice Crown Prince, this appointment created significant ripples within German high society. The lower echelons of the populace, however, were largely indifferent, concerned primarily with their own sustenance rather than who held the title of Crown Prince. Many in the lower class supported Qin Tian's ascension, having benefited from the social welfare initiatives of the German lottery company over the years.
Within the upper echelons, numerous individuals believed Qin Tian to be a fitting candidate for Crown Prince, given his remarkable talents. Yet, others opposed him vehemently, clinging to the law of succession, deeming Wilhelm II's decree unlawful. However, Wilhelm II's strong advocacy of this decision rendered their dissent largely ineffective.
Within the royal family, opposing voices persisted, with Qin Tian's three brothers expressing the most discontent. In particular, Prince Eitel Friedrich, the second prince, staunchly opposed Qin Tian's ascension, eagerly anticipating his own claim to the title after the Crown Prince's misfortune. The unexpected turn of events was intolerable for him.
Ultimately, after receiving a severe reprimand from Wilhelm II, the princes were compelled to acquiesce. Thus, Qin Tian officially became the Vice Crown Prince of the German Empire.