The Rise of German empire

Qin Tian walked out of the Naval Technical Committee building with a mix of frustration and determination. His head was spinning from the heated exchange that had taken place inside. The rejection had been swift and ruthless, yet he couldn't bring himself to regret his actions.

"I've offended them badly this time... but what does it matter?" Qin Tian thought bitterly as he made his way down the steps. "Now that I have money, I can be willful!"

His confrontation with the Naval Technical Committee had gone far beyond what he had expected, but there was a certain satisfaction in speaking his mind. He had aimed to challenge the rigid, outdated thinking of those men who held power over the future of Germany's navy. Yet, despite his fiery words, he knew the old guard of the Navy would not be swayed easily. Their conservatism ran deep.

As he strode along the street, lost in his thoughts, a sleek Mercedes-Benz pulled up beside him. The tinted window rolled down, revealing the familiar face of Prince Heinrich.

"Oscar, hop in!" the prince called out from inside the car.

Qin Tian paused for a moment, then smiled. "Thank you, Your Royal Highness," he replied, climbing into the back seat.

Heinrich greeted him with a warm nod. "Oscar, I have to admit, you've surprised me. Among all the royal princes, you weren't considered particularly outstanding at first. But now, you're making a name for yourself."

Qin Tian had been quiet and reserved for much of his life, his potential overlooked by the royal family. At one point, he had been almost invisible among the sea of royal expectations. But now, he had single-handedly built the Deutsche Welfare Lottery Company into an empire, and his innovative ideas were beginning to attract attention, even from people like Heinrich.

The prince continued, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "The profits from your lottery company are staggering, and I truly believe that your battleship design, even though the Naval Technical Committee rejected it, will eventually change the course of history."

Qin Tian's smile faded slightly, his frustration from the day returning. "Thank you, Your Royal Highness. But the design still wasn't accepted. I had hoped that this would be the breakthrough for the German Navy, that it would pave the way for a new era of naval power. Instead, they dismissed it."

Heinrich chuckled softly. "Oscar, you know how stubborn those old men are. They can't see beyond their own antiquated notions. But you—you're thinking of the future. And I'm not just saying this to flatter you, but I truly believe you're onto something revolutionary. So, don't let their rejection hold you back. You have the money. Why not just build the battleship yourself?"

Qin Tian felt a surge of hope. "You mean, actually go ahead and construct it? Even without the Navy's support?"

"Exactly," Heinrich nodded. "You have the resources, and I have no doubt that if you build it, once it's completed, the world will take notice. Those same bureaucrats who rejected it will be forced to acknowledge its superiority."

Qin Tian's mind raced. He had the capital from his lottery business, but the next hurdle was even more difficult. "But Your Highness, after angering the Naval Technical Committee, I'm afraid no shipyard will agree to build it. The shipyards are all closely tied to the Navy, and after this incident, they'll likely refuse to even entertain my offer."

Prince Heinrich's expression turned thoughtful, but then he clapped Qin Tian on the back, his eyes twinkling with confidence. "Yes, that is a problem, I won't deny it. But you're resourceful, Oscar. You'll find a way. And if anyone can turn a challenge like this into an opportunity, it's you."

Qin Tian was encouraged by Heinrich's words, though he still felt the weight of the challenge. But one thing was certain: he could not afford to give up now. At just sixteen, he had already proven that he had the resolve and vision to push the boundaries of what was possible. He wasn't going to let a setback—no matter how significant—hold him back.

Later that evening, Prince Heinrich dropped him back at the palace. As they parted ways, Heinrich gave him a pat on the shoulder. "You'll figure it out, Oscar. I'm confident of that."

Inside the palace, the atmosphere was more festive. It was Christmas, a time for family and celebration, and Qin Tian joined his family for a lavish dinner. His father, Emperor William II, did not bring up the events at the Naval Technical Committee. However, Qin Tian noticed the subtle glint of gloating in the eyes of Crown Prince William, who must have taken the opportunity to slander him in front of his father.

Qin Tian was used to the power dynamics of the royal family. He knew that Crown Prince William had the upper hand in the eyes of the emperor. His own position was far more precarious, and he would need to tread carefully. Yet, despite the tension, he kept his focus on the long-term goals that lay ahead.

After dinner, as usual, William II retreated to his study to handle state matters. The Queen took the opportunity to spend time with the royal children, trying to ease the ever-present tensions among the princes. But as always, the rivalry between them was palpable.

Qin Tian's heart raced when his father spoke to him, calling him into the study. He knew this moment was coming. There was no avoiding it now.

"Oscar, come with me to the study," William II said, his tone calm but firm.

"Yes, Royal Father," Qin Tian replied, doing his best to hide the unease in his voice. He had already admitted his mistake earlier, but he wasn't sure how his father would react.

Crown Prince William, who had been enjoying the dinner, looked on with a mixture of satisfaction and smugness. "Now he'll learn his lesson," he muttered under his breath.

The Queen, observing the exchange, let out a small sigh, but said nothing. The royal family had their own ways of resolving conflicts, but it was never easy.

Once in the study, William II turned to Qin Tian with a stern expression. "Oscar, you were reckless this afternoon. I understand your frustration, but insulting those who rejected your design was not the right approach. It could harm your reputation, and the reputation of our family as well."

Qin Tian lowered his gaze, acknowledging his mistake. "Yes, Royal Father. I was impulsive."

His father studied him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he sighed. "It's understandable. You're young, and passion sometimes overrides reason. But this incident has consequences. You must learn to control your emotions and think more strategically."

Qin Tian nodded, willing to accept the reprimand. "I understand, Royal Father."

After a pause, William II's stern expression softened. "I won't hold it against you, Oscar. Who hasn't been young and impulsive?" He gave a small wave of his hand. "We'll let it go this time. But remember, you must be careful in the future."

Qin Tian felt a surge of relief. He knew that his father's support was still crucial for his future success, and this would not be the last time he would need to rely on it.

"Father, I know my design is the future of our Navy. I believe that once the battleship is built, it will surpass anything the British are working on, and our Navy will be the strongest in the world," Qin Tian said, his voice filled with conviction.

William II frowned, deep in thought. After a long pause, he spoke. "Oscar, I support you. As your father and as the emperor, I will back you. If you want to build this battleship, go ahead. I will ensure you have the resources you need."

Qin Tian's heart swelled with determination. He had his father's blessing. Now, all that remained was to make it happen.

"Thank you, Father," he said, his voice firm. "I will not disappoint you."