Chapter 45: Next tier battleship

Qin Tian observed the expressions of William II and Marshal Earl Tirpitz, sensing their misunderstanding.

"Father, Your Excellency Marshal, the 100 million marks I'm talking about is not a total of 100 million marks but 100 million marks per year. Although the income of the welfare lottery company is quite a lot, I still have other investment projects. There are also many places to spend money. Therefore, we can only withdraw 100 million marks every year," Qin Tian clarified.

He realized that extracting too much profit from his industries annually would impact his future industrial layout and could attract unwanted attention from other countries.

"100 million marks per year? Very good, very good. Oscar, you have done a very good job. I am proud to have a son like you!" expressed a satisfied William II.

"His Royal Highness, 100 million marks per year until the war begins?" Marshal Earl Tirpitz inquired with excitement. If so, it meant that the German Navy would receive substantial extra support. This financial boost would alleviate the German Navy's economic strain, enabling them to invest significantly in developing armaments and constructing warships.

"100 million marks per year, until the end of the war!" declared Qin Tian solemnly.

Qin Tian, aware that the war might extend longer than expected, wanted Germany to be prepared for a protracted conflict. He understood that even with enhanced military strength, bringing the war to a swift conclusion might prove challenging. Hence, he hoped Germany would be ready for a prolonged engagement.

Marshal Earl Tirpitz nodded in approval, expressing gratitude, "Your Highness, thank you very much. Your support for the navy will definitely be rewarded. We will defeat the British in future wars."

With the assurance of Qin Tian's annual loan of 100 million marks, the German Navy anticipated a significant increase in their capabilities. This financial injection would allow them to construct battleships and invest in other surface ships, potentially propelling the German Navy to surpass the British. Marshal Earl Tirpitz exuded confidence, believing that with Qin Tian's support, they could soon surpass the British Navy.

"Oscar, when speaking to the outside world, I will announce that the royal family provided the loan to the navy. In this way, the British and French should not suspect you," proposed William II.

Qin Tian shook his head, "Father, there is no impenetrable wall in the world. The British and French will know sooner or later. However, if they dare to use administrative orders to expel the German Welfare Lottery Company from the markets of the two countries, then they are deliberately sabotaging the market. Even if we have nothing to do with them for the time being, we can still liquidate them after the war is over and let them compensate us for the losses! Now, I just hope that it can be delayed as long as possible. In this way, it can also give us enough time to earn more wealth from Britain and France."

William II and Marshal Count Tirpitz nodded in agreement. Qin Tian highlighted the cruel reality of the world—where the weak prey on the strong and the strong prey on the weak.

"Your Highness, do you have any specific plans for the next level of battleship?" Marshal Earl Tirpitz asked.

"Your Excellency, Marshal, here are the design drawings," Qin Tian presented a blueprint, spreading it out on the desk.

The new battleship, designed by Qin Tian, featured a length of 158 meters, a width of 26.5 meters, a draft of 8.7 meters, a standard displacement of 23,500 tons, and a full load displacement of 25,500 tons. Armed with three triple-mounted 343mm 50-caliber main guns, 14 150mm 45-caliber secondary guns, and 16 88mm 45-caliber anti-torpedo boat guns, the battleship was powered by 16 Sulzer oil-fired boilers and four Curtis steam turbines. With a maximum power of 32,000 horsepower, four-axis propulsion, and a maximum speed of 23 knots, the ship boasted robust armor and defensive capabilities. The main armor belt had a defense of 330 mm, and the front armor of the turret and conning tower were also 330 mm. The deck armor measured 55mm.

Differentiating from the "Nassau-class" battleship, the new design featured larger caliber main guns—343mm—and thicker armor for improved defense and survivability. Qin Tian aimed to enhance the battleship's overall performance, at the expense of increased construction costs.