"Oscar, has the Deutsche Lottery Company suffered substantial losses this time?" Emperor Wilhelm II inquired with genuine concern.
In response to the seizure of the Deutsche Lottery Company's operations in Britain, France, and Russia, Wilhelm II convened a special court session for discussion. The naval minister, Count Tirpitz, was particularly anxious, as Qin Tian provided the navy with a low-interest loan of one hundred million marks annually. If the company's profits were diminished, would that not affect the navy's support? This was a critical matter for naval development.
"Father, the losses are indeed significant. The direct loss exceeds one hundred million marks. Furthermore, after losing the markets in these three nations, our profit will diminish by more than a third," Qin Tian replied, his expression troubled.
Until now, Qin Tian had enjoyed a smooth ascent, encountering few significant setbacks. However, the decisive actions taken by the governments of Britain, France, and Russia had dealt him a serious blow.
"Infuriating! The governments of Britain, France, and Russia are truly despicable. Their actions are undermining the market economy and stifling free competition!" Wilhelm II exclaimed in outrage.
Other high-ranking officials echoed his sentiments, their faces reflecting a shared indignation.
"Your Majesty, we must formally protest against the actions of Britain, France, and Russia; we cannot let this stand," urged Foreign Minister von Kidderlen-Waechter. The civil officials had shifted their allegiance to Qin Tian; his interests were now intertwined with their own.
"Protesting will likely prove futile. Since Britain, France, and Russia dared to act in this manner, they surely anticipated our reaction. They will undoubtedly conjure various excuses to deflect our complaints. Our relationship with them is already clear: we are on the brink of war. In such circumstances, they have no reason to fear confrontation," remarked Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow.
"Shall we simply accept this?" Count Tirpitz pressed, his voice tinged with urgency.
A profound silence filled the room. Indeed, Britain, France, and Russia had publicly humiliated Germany, provoking considerable anger. Yet aside from issuing a protest, they had no tangible recourse against them! Engaging in war was not an option at present, as Germany was ill-prepared, and the odds of victory were slim. Hence, taking such a risk was unwise.
"Rest assured, Marshal, the Deutsche Industrial Group's support for the navy will remain unaffected. Although we have suffered significant losses, the navy's demands will take precedence," Qin Tian assured.
Count Tirpitz finally felt reassured, as his greatest fear was the potential disruption of the navy's shipbuilding plans.
"However, since Britain, France, and Russia have audaciously acted in this manner, we cannot simply allow it to pass. Father, I request that in the future, when we triumph in war, the losses incurred by the Deutsche Lottery Company should be repaid to us manifold!" A fierce glint sparked in Qin Tian's eyes.
He had never been the kind of man to repay kindness with kindness. How could he remain indifferent when his interests had been harmed? However, for now, there was no means to reclaim justice; he could only swallow his anger. When the time was ripe, he would exact his revenge. After all, a gentleman's vengeance is never too late! Though Qin Tian was not a gentleman, he possessed the patience to wait for a few years.
"Indeed, Oscar, it is most prudent for you to think this way. We must remember the losses inflicted upon us by Britain, France, and Russia. When we defeat them in future warfare, we shall ensure they pay the price. Given that the Deutsche Lottery Company has already suffered losses exceeding one hundred million marks, we shall demand that Britain, France, and Russia compensate us with an additional billion marks after the war," Wilhelm II declared.
"Indeed, they must be severely punished!" other ministers chimed in.
Of course, this all hinged upon one critical condition: Germany must achieve victory in the impending conflict. Otherwise, it would all be for naught.
The following day, the German government formally protested the seizure of the Deutsche Lottery Company's operations in Britain, France, and Russia. As anticipated, these nations began to deflect responsibility. Not only had they shut down the company's operations, but they also established their own lottery companies to take over that market. This clearly indicated that the three governments had long been plotting this maneuver.
Losing the markets in Britain, France, and Russia would undeniably inflict severe damage on the Deutsche Lottery Company's profits. Yet the bad news did not end there. The American branch reported that the U.S. government seemed poised to target the company's market as well.
The American market was equally vital for the Deutsche Lottery Company. In fact, profits from the U.S. had already surpassed those from the homeland. Should they lose the American market after suffering losses in Britain, France, and Russia, it would deal a crippling blow to the company.
"Your Highness, our intelligence indicates that the British are stoking the flames. They are inciting those envious of our profits to drive us out of the American market," Karl von Jonalett reported, his face grim.
"The British truly play a vile game!" Qin Tian sighed.
"What should we do next, Your Highness?" Karl asked.
Qin Tian pondered for a moment. Americans were notoriously driven by profit. If there were gains to be made, they would do anything. Thus, he had to devise a strategy from this perspective.
"Karl, notify our partners in the U.S. to adjust the profit distribution starting next month. Previously, we held sixty percent of the profits. Now, we are willing to relinquish twenty percent. Furthermore, the twenty percent designated for welfare will also be arranged by them," Qin Tian instructed.
"Your Highness, are you truly willing to concede such a significant portion of profits? If we allow them to manage the funds for welfare, they will undoubtedly seize it all. Those individuals are exceedingly greedy and lack any sense of boundaries," Karl protested.
"We cannot afford to be too picky. Retaining forty percent of the profits would still be a significant victory for us. That is far better than losing everything and walking away with nothing!"
Though reluctant, Karl nodded in agreement, recognizing the wisdom behind Qin Tian's approach.