Chapter 93

As the seasons changed and the years passed, more than half a year flew by, seeming to advance yet also to cycle. During this time, Germany presented a scene of prosperity and vitality. With 60 million hardworking, punctual, and resilient citizens, the German economy had completely overcome the shadow of the crisis from 1890 to 1894 and began a new phase of rapid growth. Numerous factories sprang up like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, and job postings filled the streets. Fertile fields, under the cultivation of mechanical farming, sprouted green shoots, regaining their vitality. Steel flowed, wheat waves surged, and the entire empire functioned like a precise machine, roaring and thundering on its path forward.

The sky was clear and blue, with white clouds floating by. In the vast expanse of Berlin, a magnificent imperial palace rose from the ground, stretching and undulating, majestic and grand. The grass was lush, the flowers bloomed, and the gardens were encircled by clear streams, marking the most beautiful period of spring and summer.

Under a towering tree that reached the clouds, Emperor Wilhelm leaned back in a recliner, enjoying a rare midday tea break. Compared to 10 months ago, his appearance had hardly changed; his disheveled gray hair and the mustache on his upper lip remained the same. Beside him stood a handsome and tall young man, his features as exquisite as flawless porcelain. After years of refinement, this gem had begun to emit a dazzling and ethereal radiance.

"According to the reports from Krupp, due to the continuous development of metallurgical technology, the development of the new 42-caliber 283mm naval gun is proceeding very smoothly. It is expected that the gun will be test-fired and delivered to the navy by the beginning of the year after next. This means that the new battleships and battlecruisers we started building last year will not be delayed by the development of the main guns and can be built at the fastest possible speed. This new gun is 10% lighter than the old guns currently on our battleships, yet its power has increased by a quarter. If it weren't for the fact that the 'Kaiser Friedrich III' has already been completed, I would have wanted to replace its main guns with this new model," Wilhelm said with a joyful tone, but a hint of regret crept in at the end.

"Father, regarding the gun replacement, I suggest you don't even think about it. The two battleships we started building in 1894 and 1895 were designed to be equipped with the old guns. If we were to replace them, we would need to recast the gun mounts, rebuild the turrets, replace the ammunition hoists, and enlarge the turret rings, which would have an immeasurable impact on the ship's overall performance," the handsome young man shook his head slightly, his magnetic voice clear and bright. "Therefore, even for the 'Kaiser Barbarossa' which is currently being fitted out, replacing the main guns would be a loss."

Wilhelm's lips moved, but he did not immediately speak. He knew everything the young man had said, but there was still a hint of reluctance in his heart. He exerted himself and slowly sat up from the recliner, saying, "The implementation of the Naval Law has been very smooth, and you have successfully secured the orders for the two small cruisers. I called you here today not to discuss naval matters. In ten days, it will be the 60th anniversary of the accession of your great-grandmother, Queen Victoria of Britain. Colonial Secretary Chamberlain has decided to hold a grand celebration, and he sent an invitation to Germany six months ago. What do you think, should I go or not?"

Although Wilhelm was asking Qing Ying in a questioning tone, Qing Ying noticed the confident smile on his face, indicating that he had already made up his mind. Qing Ying rolled his eyes and said, "Father has already made up his mind, why ask me? Queen Victoria is your maternal grandmother, and she invited you at the beginning of the year. Both emotionally and logically, you should attend this grand event. If even Uncle Nicholas, the Tsar of Russia, goes to London, and you don't, how will Britain and the world view you and the German Empire?"

"Besides the familial ties, Father's invitation to Britain is also a great opportunity for the German Empire," Qing Ying added after a pause.

Wilhelm raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes, and asked, "Why is that?"

"A week ago, General Alfred sent a report from the Far East about the situation in the Philippines. He mentioned that although the Japanese merchant ship carrying weapons was sunk by a storm, the 100,000 rifles and 150 cannons purchased by the Filipino natives were lost, they still managed to defeat the Spanish army with their numerical advantage. The reinforcements sent from Spain only slowed down the natives' offensive but could not change the situation of being gradually eroded by the locals, let alone suppress the rebellion. The northern part of Luzon Island, where the capital Manila is located, is seeing particularly intense resistance. This is the perfect opportunity for Germany to make a move in the Philippines. If Father can support Britain's actions in South Africa during the 60th anniversary celebration and express Germany's territorial claims in the Philippines, the British, with their arrogant and greedy nature, have no reason to oppose this mutually beneficial arrangement. As long as the British do not interfere in our affairs in the Philippines, this 260,000 square kilometers of land and 9 million people will eventually become part of the German Empire!"

Qing Ying's lips curled into a seductive smile, "Father's 15-minute laughter in the study a week ago was probably due to this, right?"

Wilhelm grunted, not denying Qing Ying's last statement, and took a deep breath before continuing, "Even so, it will not be easy for Germany to completely conquer this territory in a short time. The Philippines is half a world away from Germany, and it takes nearly three months for supply ships to make a round trip. Our long-distance deployment capabilities are limited, so we cannot send too many troops to the Philippines. To quickly occupy this region, we need to work with the British, who have bases throughout the Far East. You will accompany me to the 60th anniversary celebration of Queen Victoria's accession. The British public generally judge people by their appearance, and your presence will help my diplomatic efforts. Perhaps the British will even allow us to use one of their bases in the Far East to store ammunition and equipment."

Qing Ying was slightly taken aback, about to speak, but Wilhelm continued, "Moreover, you are the heir to the empire, and it will be beneficial for the world's political leaders to get to know you. Yes, very well, this matter is decided."

Qing Ying was not pleased, knowing that with his status, he could not miss this trip to London. He pursed his lips and finally said, "Yes, Eitel will follow your orders."

---

The sky was clear, with white clouds floating in the blue expanse, dancing in the wind. The magnificent Catherine Palace stood in a lush, flower-filled forest, its splendor resembling a celestial palace.

A young man in embroidered golden robes stood on the dome of a palace, gazing into the distance, overlooking the magnificent and sprawling palace complex below. A gentle breeze lifted the corners of his dark blue robe and stirred the brown mustache on his upper lip. Hearing the faint footsteps behind him, his tall figure moved slightly, and he said in a deep and clear voice, "Is it you, Cousin Sonya?"

A gust of fragrant wind blew, and a tall girl emerged from behind. Her eyebrows were as clear as the moon, her eyes like bright stars, her nose delicate, and her lips moist and inviting. Hearing the young man's voice, the girl pouted, "Cousin Nicholas, why did you run to such a place? I almost searched every room in the palace to find you!"

The young man smiled and turned his head, his face handsome and resolute, revealing himself to be Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. Seeing the girl's pouting face, he smiled and said, "Alright, alright, it's my fault, don't be angry."

When the girl's expression softened, Nicholas's mind stirred and he asked curiously, "Is there something important you need to find me for? Couldn't you ask the old steward, Trutchenko? He's in the main hall."

Sonya's fair cheeks flushed a light pink, and her voice was as clear and melodious as a lark in a valley, "Cousin, I heard you're going to attend the 60th anniversary celebration of the British Queen?"

Nicholas nodded and said, "The British invited me to this ceremony to show off their naval strength and to pressure our eastern expansion strategy. I don't really want to see the British flaunt their navy, but the Queen is my blood relative, and she sent me an invitation six months ago, which I can't refuse. Since the new Wilhelm Canal in Germany has started a new expansion, the journey from St. Petersburg to London still takes more than five days. I will return to the Winter Palace in a couple of days to prepare for the voyage."

"Cousin, I want to go to London too," the girl's sky-blue eyes were filled with longing, and a light blush appeared on her fair face. She opened her cherry lips and said, "I've been staying in St. Petersburg all the time, and I'm almost bored to death. Now that there's a chance to travel abroad, take me with you!"

"Do you want to go to London for a trip?" Nicholas's face showed surprise, not expecting the girl to make this request. His eyes moved, and he suddenly noticed the flush on her face, realizing, "You want to see Eitel, the one who is going with Cousin Wilhelm, right?"

Caught off guard by Nicholas's insight, the girl felt a bit embarrassed, but she showed no hesitation. She nodded with her delicate nose and her star-like eyes revealed a hint of anger, "That idiot, he didn't even attend your coronation ceremony. I waited almost a year and didn't see him at all. Does he really not want to see me? If I don't see him in London, I'll follow the German Emperor to Berlin, and even if he runs to the other end of the earth, I'll drag him out! Ugh..."

Seeing the girl's eyes turn red, her words filled with frustration and sadness, Nicholas quickly said, "Alright, alright, don't worry. He has become Cousin Wilhelm's successor and will definitely go to the London celebration with him. Our Sonya is so beautiful, and the noble gentlemen who pursue her could form an army. How could he not like you? He has been corresponding with you for the past two years because he can't forget you."

Although she knew Nicholas was trying to comfort her, the girl's anger and frustration diminished significantly after hearing his words. Seeing Sonya's face reveal a hint of youthful longing, Nicholas was momentarily lost in thought. Although Cousin Wilhelm failed in love, his descendants have made up for this shortcoming! He would probably be somewhat comforted to know this.

Well... tomorrow is the weekend. The author needs more favorites to have the motivation to update twice.

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