Chapter 0002: Living a Life of Indolence and Apathy
This young waiter, named Karl von Jonalait, comes from a family that serves the royal family. His father, Essen von Jonalait, is the steward of Kaiser Wilhelm II and holds a high position within the palace. His elder brother is even the chief of the royal guard for Crown Prince Wilhelm. Due to their similar ages, Karl von Jonalait has a good relationship with Qin Tian
When he entered the office, he found not only Kaiser Wilhelm II present, but also Crown Prince Wilhelm. Kaiser Wilhelm II had a rosy complexion, seemingly in a good mood
According to the trajectory of historical development, he would be sent to the Kiel Naval Academy, study for a few years, and then serve in the navy as a civilian or a junior officer, with little prospect for the future. When the war broke out and Germany was defeated, the entire royal family had to leave Germany and seek refuge in the Netherlands. These prominent princes would be stripped of their glamorous exterior, struggling to survive until their eventual humiliating demise
Therefore, the powerful naval dream of Wilhelm II is likely to have fallen solely upon Prince Oscar and his younger son, Prince Joachim
If Germany could achieve a stalemate in this war - defeating the British and the French, then perhaps everything could change. However, it is truly difficult for Germany to win this war!
Qin Tian nodded slightly, as he had a general understanding of the situation.
Do you know why Your Majesty is looking for me?" Qin Tian inquired
When Qin Tian entered Kaiser Wilhelm II's office, he overheard them discussing the situation in Lüshun. The Japanese army had already completed their raid on Lüshun, although the Russian forces were still resisting. However, even the Russian Pacific Fleet had been trapped in the harbor. Once Lüshun was captured, the Russians would undoubtedly suffer heavy losses
I do not know, but General Ludwig Berkenhagen has just left His Majesty's office
The alliance between Russia and France undoubtedly poses a significant threat to Germany. Kaiser Wilhelm II naturally hoped that the Russians would suffer a severe setback in the Far East. Such an outcome would help weaken Russia's strength, allowing Germany to gain a greater advantage in the forthcoming confrontations
"Hmm, Oscar, you have arrived," said Wilhelm II, nodding. This son, although not to his liking, was nonetheless his son. He still hoped that this son could become a useful talent, rather than a prince who only knew how to live off others and waste his life.
In ten years, if carefully prepared, will Germany have a chance to turn the tide? Qin Tian asked himself this in his heart
Father Emperor, His Highness the Crown Prince!" Qin Tian entered the office and saluted the two.
Prince Albert, the third son, is about to graduate from the Army Academy and will serve in the Guards. Prince August Wilhelm, the fourth son, has just entered the Army Academy
"One cannot waste time at the Kiel Naval Academy. Four years is already enough time to accomplish many things. For instance, to earn a great deal of money," Qin Tian thought to himself
"Your Highness, His Majesty requests your immediate presence!" a young palace attendant said to Qin Tian
As a military enthusiast, Qin Tian has conducted in-depth research on the warships of various countries during World War I. He is well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the main warships of each nation. In this regard, having access to books is undoubtedly a significant advantage for the German Navy. Of course, the prerequisite is that Qin Tian must possess a certain level of power. Only then can he apply his knowledge, which is over a hundred years ahead of its time, to strengthen Germany's military capabilities
Major General Ludwig von Berkenhagen, the director of the Kiel Naval Academy, has trained many talents for the German Navy and has also gained the favor of Wilhelm II
Regardless of whether it is for Germany or for Qin Tian, they both require time. Time to prepare for the impending war. Especially for Qin Tian, given his current status, it is not an easy task to gain the attention of the German Emperor and to contribute his strength to Germany
No matter what, one cannot waste four years at the Naval Academy Qin Tian secretly made up his mind and then walked towards the office of Wilhelm II
I cannot live like this, I cannot just eat and wait for death. Otherwise, wouldn't I regret it for the rest of my life? Moreover, since Heaven has allowed me to be reborn in this period of Germany, it surely does not want me to live my life in such a mediocre manner.
The development of armaments, including the manufacturing of tanks and warships, requires substantial funding. A battleship costs tens of millions of marks. Even the first-class dreadnought of the German Navy, the "Nassau-class" battleship, has a construction cost of up to forty million marks. Given the limited military budget of the German Navy, it is evidently very challenging to compete with the British Navy in terms of the number of battleships. If Qin Tian could earn enough money in the next ten years to support the development of the German Navy, perhaps everything would be different. Given the limited military budget of the German Navy, it is evidently very challenging to compete with the British Navy in terms of the number of battleships. If Qin Tian could earn enough money in the next ten years to support the development of the German Navy, perhaps everything would be different
Qin Tian knew that during this period, Kaiser Wilhelm II had been in a good mood. Japan and Russia were engaged in a fierce war over dominance in the Far East. Moreover, the Russians were at a disadvantage on the battlefield. This naturally put Kaiser Wilhelm II in high spirits.
The second son, Prince Ethel Friedrich, is now twenty-one years old and is currently serving in the army
"Alright, Karl, I will go right away," said Qin Tian as he stood up
When Wilhelm II placed great importance on naval construction, he undoubtedly hoped that his children would be able to attend naval academies, allowing the royal offspring to contribute to the strength of the German Navy
However, whenever Qin Tian thinks about this aspect, he feels a deep sense of helplessness. He wishes to contribute his strength to help Germany defeat its formidable enemies in future wars
Among the many sons of Wilhelm II, the eldest son, Crown Prince Wilhelm, is already 22 years old. As the Crown Prince, he has begun to participate in the management of national affairs.
However, he was merely the fifth son of Wilhelm II. He had four older brothers, the eldest of whom was the heir apparent to the empire. Below him were a younger brother and a sister, both of whom were favored more by Wilhelm II than he was. It can be said that among Wilhelm II's children, Prince Oscar was almost a superfluous figure. This meant that even if he wished to participate in Germany's imperial ambitions, he had no means to do so. It can be said that among Wilhelm II's children, Prince Oscar was almost a superfluous figure. This meant that even if he wished to participate in Germany's imperial ambitions, he had no means to do so
Oscar, I have already spoken with Dean Ludwig Berkenhagen, and in half a month, you will report to the Kiel Naval Academy. I hope that during your time at the Naval Academy, you will study diligently and become an outstanding naval talent, " said Wilhelm II with great expectation
However, for someone like him, who has never been favored by Wilhelm II, obtaining power is undoubtedly more difficult than ascending to the heavens. Moreover, he is only 16 years old at present