On July 4, 1908, Qin Tian departed from Berlin aboard a private train bound for Munich. Accompanied only by his guards, he made this journey without anyone else. Given the recent assassination attempts, both he and Wilhelm II were determined to enhance security measures.
Additionally, aboard the train were gifts that Qin Tian had prepared for Princess Gundelinde and the members of the Bavarian royal family. Due to the numerous offspring of the Bavarian royal family, he had brought a substantial array of presents. King Ludwig III had thirteen children, although three had tragically passed away in infancy, and the third daughter had died at the age of twenty-two. Nonetheless, among the surviving children were three sons and six daughters, a remarkable number within European royal families, which typically adhered to monogamous traditions.
Even though emperors and kings might secretly maintain numerous mistresses and father illegitimate children, such offspring were seldom acknowledged or granted titles. Thus, King Ludwig III was certainly known for having a significant number of legitimate children.
Qin Tian's gifts to the Bavarian royal family consisted of Daimler B-class sedans. Even before the launch of the A-class model, the B-class had already established itself as the most luxurious car on the market. In contrast, the C-class was aimed at the general public, making it accessible to many working-class individuals, and had become a principal offering of Daimler.
On the morning of July 6, Qin Tian arrived in Munich. The Bavarian royal family, having received the news, sent Crown Prince Rupprecht to greet him at the Munich train station.
"Your Highness, welcome to Munich; it is a great honor for the entire Bavarian kingdom," Crown Prince Rupprecht exclaimed, his face illuminated with a broad smile. Their return to Munich had been just the day prior, and Qin Tian's swift arrival suggested a profound affection for his sister.
Crown Prince Rupprecht genuinely hoped for a marriage between Qin Tian and Princess Gundelinde. Should the Hohenzollern family successfully ally with the Bavarian royal family, it would elevate the status of the latter, making it one of the most esteemed houses in the German Empire, second only to the Hohenzollerns themselves. While it might not restore Bavaria's former independence, it would undoubtedly improve their current situation significantly.
"Your Highness, you are exceedingly gracious. I am here at the invitation of Princess Gundelinde. I have long admired the city of Munich as well," Qin Tian replied, displaying neither arrogance nor the airs of a crown prince in front of his future brother-in-law.
This demeanor greatly pleased Crown Prince Rupprecht. Although he was both the Crown Prince of Bavaria and a General in the German Empire, his status, while significant, did not quite match Qin Tian's.
Subsequently, Qin Tian and Crown Prince Rupprecht traveled to the Munich Residenz in a Daimler B-class car. Despite the car's soaring popularity, making it difficult for many to obtain one, the Bavarian royal family naturally had access to it ahead of the general public.
During the journey, Crown Prince Rupprecht extolled the virtues of the Daimler B-class, aware that the company now fell under Qin Tian's German Industrial Group, which served to flatter him indirectly.
Meanwhile, at the Munich Residenz, King Ludwig III conversed with his children about the day's events.
"Father, my brother has welcomed His Highness, and they will soon arrive at the palace," Prince Karl exclaimed with enthusiasm.
"Ah, Gundelinde, my dear little one, it seems your charm is indeed formidable! The most distinguished crown prince of the German Empire traveled all the way from Berlin to Munich just for you," King Ludwig III chuckled heartily.
"Father!" Princess Gundelinde's cheeks flushed crimson, yet her heart swelled with sweetness. It was indeed a rare feat for someone of Qin Tian's stature to express such devotion to a young lady.
The other unmarried daughters of King Ludwig III looked at Princess Gundelinde with a mix of envy and admiration. After all, a man like Qin Tian, possessing nobility, talent, and immense wealth, was undoubtedly the object of desire for countless women.
Before long, Qin Tian arrived at the palace, where he paid his respects to King Ludwig III and presented his gifts to the members of the Bavarian royal family—each received a Daimler B-class car. While the cars might not have been particularly expensive for the affluent royals, the fact that they were coveted and difficult to acquire made the gifts all the more delightful.
That evening, King Ludwig III hosted a welcoming banquet for Qin Tian at the Munich Residenz. The prominent figures of the Bavarian court attended, though Qin Tian could keenly sense the hostility emanating from several young nobles. He regarded this with indifference; given Princess Gundelinde's beauty, it was no surprise that many sought her favor. However, he perceived no threat from these rivals, knowing they could only watch as he won the heart of their cherished princess.
In the days that followed, Princess Gundelinde acted as a guide, showing Qin Tian the sights of Munich and its surroundings. They explored renowned locations such as Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, Theresienwiese, and the Deutsches Museum, leaving behind traces of their presence. As they enjoyed these outings, their bond continued to flourish.
One sunset evening, lying on the grass hand in hand, they whispered sweet nothings to one another.
Suddenly, Qin Tian turned to gaze intently at Princess Gundelinde's radiant face and declared, "Gundelinde, I adore you. I wish for you to become my wife and grow old with me. I swear before God that I will love you for all eternity."
Princess Gundelinde was momentarily taken aback, clearly unprepared for such a heartfelt confession. Over the past few days, she had come to realize that while Qin Tian appeared charming, there was an underlying pride within him.
Yet, she felt a surge of joy at his declaration; was this not precisely what she had hoped for?
"Oscar, I too harbor feelings for you. I would be honored to be your wife and share a lifetime together," Princess Gundelinde replied.
Unable to contain himself any longer, Qin Tian embraced Princess Gundelinde, capturing her lips in a tender kiss, as their hearts drew ever closer.