Chapter 0071: The Aviation Pioneer
The assassination attempt on Qin Tian seemed to have reached a temporary conclusion with the soft confinement of Crown Prince Wilhelm, and the incident was no longer discussed, as if everyone had chosen to forget it. Of course, Qin Tian remained in the hospital; gunshot wounds do not heal easily and require months of treatment. If an infection were to set in, the consequences could be dire.
During his stay in the hospital, Qin Tian did not neglect the acceleration of his business development, nor his research into emerging technologies.
"Your Highness, I have arranged a meeting for you. Tomorrow afternoon, Mr. Gustav Lilienthal will come to see you. Additionally, our representatives in America have made contact with the Wright brothers. They are quite interested in our funding, though they hesitate to leave the United States," Karl von Jonalait informed Qin Tian.
Now, Karl von Jonalait had stepped down as the General Manager of the German Lottery Company to become Qin Tian's secretary. His investment in the lottery company still yielded substantial profits, which were regularly deposited into his bank account. Having amassed wealth beyond what a common man could earn in ten lifetimes, he had lost interest in leading the lottery company. Instead, he aspired to be the royal steward, much like his father, making this his new goal.
Though the current heir was still Prince Wilhelm, Karl firmly believed that Qin Tian would ultimately inherit the empire. This view was shared by his father, Essen von Jonalait, and many senior military and government officials, who perceived no future for Crown Prince Wilhelm. Among the princes, Qin Tian ranked lower in succession but possessed the strongest capabilities, making him the best choice for the throne of the German Empire.
While the outcome remained uncertain, it did not deter them from making early bets.
Qin Tian nodded. "Continue discussions with the Wright brothers. If necessary, enhance our generous terms to persuade them to come to Germany next year and pursue their research."
"Certainly, Your Highness. But are their inventions truly so vital?" Karl von Jonalait asked, surprised by Qin Tian's intense focus on an unproven invention.
"Their invention is of paramount importance! If successful, it could change the world. We must secure this innovation as a critical opportunity for the German Empire to surpass other nations," Qin Tian replied with a serious expression.
The airplane developed by the Wright brothers was poised to revolutionize the world, especially warfare, making it more dynamic. In future conflicts, control of the skies would dictate victory. Though the immediate impact might not be evident, as time passed and technology advanced, the significance of aircraft in warfare would only increase.
"Indeed, Your Highness," Karl nodded solemnly, recognizing the importance reflected in Qin Tian's demeanor.
After a moment's hesitation, Qin Tian stated, "If they remain unwilling to come to Germany, I authorize you to take decisive action, even if it means eliminating them."
Karl felt a shiver run down his spine. He sensed a change in Qin Tian since the assassination attempt. Previously mild-mannered, he now appeared to harbor a hidden ferocity, prepared to use any means necessary to safeguard his interests.
"Ensure everything is arranged with Mr. Gustav Lilienthal. We must support his research wholeheartedly. Should the Wright brothers agree to come to Germany, let them collaborate on projects under Mr. Lilienthal's guidance," Qin Tian continued.
Compared to the Wright brothers, Qin Tian naturally preferred to trust the German Gustav Lilienthal.
Many might not be familiar with Gustav Lilienthal, but his brother, Otto Lilienthal, was well-known. Otto was a German engineer and glider pilot, recognized as one of the world's aviation pioneers. He designed and built the first practical glider, earning the title "Father of Gliding." Between 1893 and 1896, he conducted over two thousand gliding flights, improving designs thrice, and documented valuable data that assisted aeronautical engineers in the United States, Britain, and France. In 1894, he flew a distance of 350 meters from a 50-meter hill, achieving a maximum distance of 1000 meters. His name became famous worldwide, and he was affectionately nicknamed "The Flying Man."
On August 9, 1896, Otto launched his glider from a hillside near Stöllen, Germany, and soared high with the wind. Ecstatic, he was unaware that the excessive angle of ascent had brought him close to stalling. As he attempted a new control method, the "double-winged bat" suddenly nosedived, crashing to the ground. Otto sustained fatal injuries—his spine fractured. He was rushed to the hospital, and in his final moments, he told his loyal collaborator and brother Gustav, "Someone must be sacrificed…" The legendary "Flying Man" passed away at the age of 48.
After Otto's death, Gustav Lilienthal inherited his brother's legacy, continuing the pursuit of flight research. Qin Tian intended to fully support their endeavors, believing that with the Wright brothers in the mix, Germany could ascend to a leading position in this field.
In the future, further exploration of aviation's military applications could ensure that Germany maintained a preeminent status, significantly impacting future conflicts.