Qin Tian looked at Wilhelm II, this majestic middle-aged man who carried both a trace of kindness and overwhelming ambition. He was resolute, proud, and somewhat headstrong. Still, Qin Tian had to admit that Wilhelm II was an exceptionally capable monarch.
Wilhelm II's failure in his pursuit of hegemony was not entirely due to his own shortcomings, but because his opponents were simply too strong. Germany was an emerging power, yet it stood against established empires such as Britain and France. At the same time, the rising power of the United States struck Germany at a critical moment, making victory impossible.
Qin Tian knew very well that Wilhelm II was a man of firm resolve. Once he made a decision, it was extremely difficult for anyone to change it.
However, Qin Tian did not want to go to the Kiel Naval Academy and waste four precious years. Four years were enough for him to accomplish many things—most importantly, to accumulate substantial wealth. Even if Germany ultimately could not avoid defeat, with sufficient wealth he could at least live safely as a rich man.
Therefore, Qin Tian had no choice but to oppose Wilhelm II's decision. He understood the consequences clearly—if he handled this poorly, it could provoke the emperor's thunderous rage.
But at this moment, he could not afford to care anymore.
"Father, I do not want to go to the Kiel Naval Academy," Qin Tian said calmly as he looked at Wilhelm II.
"Hm?" Wilhelm II frowned instinctively.
Among Europe's monarchs, the German emperor possessed tremendous authority. Though not comparable to the absolute power of the Chinese emperors, his will was still supreme—especially within the royal family, where no one dared oppose him.
Wilhelm II clearly had not expected Qin Tian to say such words. For a moment, he was stunned.
Crown Prince Wilhelm, who had been smiling faintly at the side, was also momentarily frozen.
Then, a smile slowly crept onto the corner of his mouth.
As the crown prince of the German Empire and the first in line to the throne, he naturally hoped that all his younger brothers would remain mediocre and incompetent. In that case, his position would be completely secure, and there would be no need to worry about anyone threatening his succession. Of course, the likelihood of that happening was already extremely small—unless he died young or Germany itself collapsed, his ascension was practically guaranteed.
"This idiot dares to openly defy Father. He really doesn't know the meaning of life and death," Crown Prince Wilhelm thought with delight.
Although he looked down on this withdrawn younger brother and never believed Prince Oscar could threaten his throne, seeing him completely crushed and unable to rise again was something he was more than happy to witness.
"Oscar, what are you thinking?" Crown Prince Wilhelm immediately jumped in, his tone righteous and severe."This is Father's arrangement for your future. How can you refuse it? Saying such things is a complete betrayal of Father's goodwill!"
A flicker of displeasure passed through Wilhelm II's eyes, but he concealed it well. He raised his hand, stopping Crown Prince Wilhelm from continuing.
"Oscar," Wilhelm II said in a restrained voice, "do you have another plan? If you truly don't wish to attend the Kiel Naval Academy, you could consider another institution. How about the Army Academy?"
To demonstrate loyalty to the empire and earn the respect of the people, princes of the German royal family almost always pursued military careers. Whether in the army or the navy, service was mandatory. Only then could the people believe that the royal family stood at the forefront of defending the empire and its interests.
Under Wilhelm II's gaze, Qin Tian felt immense pressure bearing down on him.
"Father," Qin Tian said, gathering his courage, "I don't want to attend any academy. I want to do something on my own."
The moment these words left his mouth, the expressions on both Wilhelm II and Crown Prince Wilhelm became extremely vivid.
Wilhelm II's face darkened with uncontrollable anger. Qin Tian could clearly see disappointment burning in his eyes. In the emperor's view, Qin Tian had already become a coward—someone who lacked ambition and sought to evade his duties.
After a brief moment of shock, Crown Prince Wilhelm felt a surge of glee. He had not expected Qin Tian to be even more willful and self-destructive than he imagined. At this point, he was almost certain that Prince Oscar would never pose any threat to him for the rest of his life.
"This fool is completely hopeless," Crown Prince Wilhelm thought smugly."But that's good. For the sake of brotherhood, I might generously help you someday when you're down and out."
"Oscar!" Wilhelm II finally roared."What are you thinking? You are a prince of the German Empire, a direct descendant of the House of Hohenzollern! Do you intend to disgrace our family and the German royal house with your actions?"
"You truly disappoint me! Your brothers have all entered military service or are about to do so. As members of the German royal family, it is our destiny to shed blood—even to die—for the empire! And yet you behave in such a cowardly manner. You have completely shamed the German royal family!"
Wilhelm II's anger erupted fully. His entire body trembled as he spoke. He simply could not tolerate having such a son.
Qin Tian opened his mouth to explain, but in the end, he said nothing.
How could he tell Wilhelm II that, at Germany's current pace, no matter how thoroughly it prepared, it would still be crushed by Britain, France, and the United States, eventually dragged to death?
If he said such things, Wilhelm II would undoubtedly consider him insane.
Moreover, his knowledge of future history was Qin Tian's greatest secret. He could never reveal it. If anyone discovered that Prince Oscar's body housed another soul, there was no telling what Wilhelm II might do—perhaps he would have him executed on the spot.
"Oscar, get out!" Wilhelm II shouted furiously."I don't care what you think. In one week, you will report to the Kiel Naval Academy. Even if you are a fool, you will stay there for four full years! Without my permission, you are absolutely forbidden from returning to the palace!"