The Rise of German empire

"Father, isn't it inappropriate to transfer the Royal Shipyard to Oscar at such a low price? This has had a considerable impact on the interests of the royal family," Crown Prince William's voice cracked with frustration. "Not to mention, you promised to lend him twenty million marks. In the end, he is allowed to pay with the battleships he builds. In the history of the German Empire, there has never been such a precedent!"

King William II glanced coldly at his son, who stood before him, agitated. He had transferred the Royal Shipyard to Qin Tian at a fraction of its value, and although the deal was not made public, the crown prince had learned of it through his own channels. For Crown Prince William, this secret move was a betrayal of royal interests—a sacrifice for Qin Tian's benefit that he found unacceptable.

To William II, however, the decision was strategic. Qin Tian had proven himself as a formidable businessman, and he knew the potential rewards of backing such a man. The transfer of the Royal Shipyard and the loan were calculated risks—a bet on Qin Tian's future success in shipbuilding, which could strengthen the German Navy and, in turn, the empire itself. But to Crown Prince William, these moves seemed like an affront to his own power and a challenge to his position as heir to the throne.

The crown prince paced, his face red with suppressed rage. "You are giving too much to Oscar! What if he becomes more powerful than any of us ever imagined? His growing influence in the navy, his growing prestige in the shipbuilding industry—it could overshadow me! I'm the rightful heir!"

William II remained calm, his voice stern. "Prince, as the crown prince of the empire, as Oscar's elder brother, are you so incapable of understanding the bigger picture?" He shook his head in disappointment, his words sharp as a blade. "If you cannot see beyond your own narrow vision, how will you ever lead the empire?"

The words stung, and Crown Prince William was momentarily taken aback. His father's reproach was not something he often experienced, especially not with such force. Despite his position as the heir, Crown Prince William had always been a man who believed in his entitlement, often oblivious to the bigger dynamics at play. His pride was wounded, and it was evident in the tightness of his jaw as he struggled to mask his resentment.

"Ah, Father, I'm not jealous of Oscar," he quickly replied, hoping to recover. "I'm just concerned about the royal family's interests."

William II's gaze darkened, and the silence in the room stretched on. His disappointment was palpable. "You've been told many times, as the future ruler of this empire, you must have a broad mind. Oscar's success is a reflection of the empire's prosperity. Your narrow-mindedness will do nothing but alienate the very people who could help you build your reign."

Crown Prince William could feel the weight of his father's words, but his pride prevented him from truly reflecting on them. His relationship with William II had always been strained, but now it felt like a deep chasm had opened between them. The crown prince had never been one to take criticism well, and as he stood there, listening to his father lecture him, a deep sense of injustice swelled inside him.

"I understand, Father," he muttered, his voice tight with suppressed anger. But beneath his words, the resentment festered. In his mind, Qin Tian's rise to power was a direct challenge to everything he believed he was entitled to as the future emperor.

William II, sensing the crown prince's internal conflict, sighed. He wasn't blind to his son's limitations, but he still held hope that one day Crown Prince William would overcome them. "I do this for the future of the empire," he said, more calmly now. "You must understand that Qin Tian's battleships could strengthen the navy, and the navy is vital for the defense of the empire. Our enemies are growing stronger every day. We cannot afford to be complacent."

Crown Prince William, unable to quell his anger, nodded curtly. He had been lectured for more than an hour, and he could no longer bear it. "Yes, Father," he said, his words laced with a bitterness he could not hide.

The crown prince left the room, his mind swirling with a toxic mix of frustration and jealousy. As soon as he stepped into the hallway, his face contorted into a mask of fury. He slammed his fist into the nearest wall, the sound echoing in the empty corridor.

"Damn it!" he hissed through clenched teeth. "Father is too partial to Oscar! He's supporting that guy so much that it's starting to affect everything. I can't let him continue to develop like this. If Qin Tian is allowed to grow in power, there will be nothing left for me. The world will only know Oscar as the royal family's true success, and they will forget about me—the true crown prince of the German Empire!"

The thought of Qin Tian's growing influence filled Crown Prince William with dread. Qin Tian had already proven his worth in commerce and shipbuilding, and if his battleships succeeded in revolutionizing the German Navy, it would elevate his status even further. As for the crown prince, his status was now more fragile than ever. The future seemed uncertain, and every moment of Qin Tian's success felt like a blow to his own aspirations.

"That's it," Crown Prince William muttered to himself, his fists clenched. "I can't let this continue. If Oscar grows any stronger, I'll lose everything. I'll be nothing."

He paced the length of his room, the thoughts racing through his mind. The idea of getting rid of Qin Tian, or at the very least, undermining him, began to take root in his mind. The crown prince could no longer tolerate being overshadowed by a man who was nothing more than a newcomer, a mere commoner turned industrial tycoon.

His father's words had only stoked the flames of resentment that burned inside him. "If Oscar continues this path, he'll be more powerful than any prince. I'll be nothing more than a figurehead, an empty title."

For the first time, Crown Prince William began to entertain darker thoughts—thoughts of how he could diminish Qin Tian's growing power. The path ahead seemed treacherous, but in his mind, it was the only way to secure his place at the throne.

As the crown prince stewed in his anger, William II sat in his chambers, unaware of the brewing storm in his son's heart. The emperor knew he had to support Qin Tian for the good of the empire, but he also knew that his support might come at a cost—a cost that might tear apart the royal family's fragile unity. He could only hope that his son would grow beyond his envy and learn to be a true leader.

But in the silence of the royal palace, Crown Prince William's mind was already set on a different course—one that would lead him down a dark path where nothing, not even blood ties, would stop him from claiming what he believed was rightfully his.