Qin Tian resided in Königsberg for a full six months, departing only after the reorganization of the Eighth Army Corps was complete. Although the Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken had yet to produce all the necessary armaments for the Eighth Corps, it would be fully equipped by the year's end at the latest. By that time, the firepower of the Eighth Corps would surpass that of the entire German Army and even the world.
In light of this, Qin Tian felt little purpose in remaining in Königsberg. He entrusted the training of the troops to Generals Hindenburg and Ludendorff. Before leaving, he had leveraged his connections to secure Ludendorff's promotion to Major General, officially appointing him as the Chief of Staff for the Eighth Corps.
Another significant reason for Qin Tian's return to Berlin was the imminent eighteenth birthday of Princess Gundelinde, marking the approach of their wedding date.
Despite Qin Tian's busy schedule, Princess Gundelinde never complained and consistently supported his endeavors, which deeply moved him.
On August 12, 1909, the grand celebration for Princess Gundelinde's eighteenth birthday took place in Munich, and Qin Tian made his way there personally. Their wedding date had been confirmed for one month later.
The marriage between the Imperial Crown Prince and the Bavarian princess was a momentous event for the German Empire. Although many noble ladies harbored grievances over Qin Tian's choice of Gundelinde, it was a decision that could not be altered.
On September 18, in the newly constructed Berlin Cathedral, the upper echelons of German nobility, social elites, government officials, and military leaders gathered. Delegates from other nations also sent representatives to partake in this celebration, including members of the Entente, despite the increasingly strained relations.
The Bishop of Berlin officiated the ceremony for Qin Tian and Princess Gundelinde. Although he could have invited the Pope from Rome, Qin Tian opted not to complicate matters.
Dressed in military regalia, Qin Tian awaited his bride. When King Ludwig III appeared, escorting Princess Gundelinde down the aisle and placing her hand in Qin Tian's, he felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility. From that moment on, he was no longer alone; he had a wife to cherish and, in the future, many children to nurture. Thus, he resolved to live not just for himself or to alter the destiny of the German Empire, but for his family.
"Oscar, Gundelinde is my most cherished daughter. I entrust her to you now. I hope you will love her for a lifetime!" King Ludwig III spoke with the affection of a devoted father rather than a king.
"Father-in-law, I swear to God that I love Gundelinde more than my own life!" Qin Tian replied earnestly.
Only then did King Ludwig III nod in assurance, confidently entrusting his daughter to Qin Tian.
The wedding proceeded step by step as planned.
In the presence of God, Qin Tian and Princess Gundelinde exchanged rings, officially becoming husband and wife. As they embraced in a kiss, the hall erupted in joyous applause.
"My dear, Oscar is getting married too; I am so happy for him. Watching the children establish their own families makes me feel rather old," Queen Victoria remarked, her eyes glistening with emotion.
"No, my dear, you are not old at all. Oscar is our most outstanding son, and we should rejoice in his happiness," Emperor Wilhelm II replied, embracing his queen.
Regarding Qin Tian, the Imperial Crown Prince—or rather, the Vice Crown Prince—Wilhelm II felt increasingly pleased. Although the tension between Qin Tian and Moltke revealed some weaknesses in his interpersonal skills, Qin Tian's accomplishments astonished Wilhelm II. Though he was reluctant to admit it, he recognized that even he, at that age, could not have outperformed Qin Tian. Not to mention Crown Prince Wilhelm, who, apart from boasting, was utterly lacking in substance.
Wilhelm II also contemplated the possibility of removing the title of "Vice" from Qin Tian at an opportune moment, allowing him to become the true Crown Prince of the Empire.
Following the conclusion of the wedding ceremony, a lavish banquet ensued. The newlyweds, Qin Tian and Princess Gundelinde, became the center of attention, their faces radiant with smiles as they toasted their well-wishers. After a night of toasts, Qin Tian felt as though his face might become permanently fixed in a grin.
"Congratulations, Your Highness," Marshal Count Tirpitz raised his glass to Qin Tian.
"Thank you very much, Your Excellency," Qin Tian replied as he clinked glasses with the marshal.
"Your Highness, you seem to have neglected the navy for quite some time. Let us discuss it in detail after your honeymoon," Tirpitz suggested.
Qin Tian nodded; his focus had primarily been on the Eighth Corps, leaving little attention for naval affairs. However, this did not imply he overlooked the navy.
"Rest assured, Your Excellency, I have always kept a keen eye on the Imperial Navy. Once this busy period concludes, let us meet directly at the Deutsche Schiffbau yard. Just the other day, Brut told me that a secret weapon I requested has been completed," Qin Tian said with a smile.
"A secret weapon?" Count Tirpitz's interest was piqued. Anything referred to as a secret weapon by Qin Tian had to be significant. Had it not been a wedding occasion, he would have undoubtedly insisted on rushing Qin Tian to the shipyard immediately.
Qin Tian said little more, linking arms with Princess Gundelinde as they moved toward other guests.
The grand banquet continued late into the night, but Qin Tian and Princess Gundelinde departed at nine o'clock. For them, this night promised to be extraordinary; the saying "A moment of spring night is worth a thousand gold" rang particularly true, and they were determined not to squander it in the company of others.
Although Qin Tian and Princess Gundelinde had already ventured into intimacy prior, he still harbored a traditional anticipation for their wedding night.
That evening, Qin Tian and Princess Gundelinde experienced a night of unparalleled bliss.