At Potsdam Palace, German Emperor Wilhelm II rubbed his aching eyes. Though it was already eleven at night, he had yet to finish dealing with his state affairs.
The Imperial Council had only just ended, and the ministers had only just left. Britain and France had signed an agreement: France promised not to interfere with Britain's actions in Egypt, while Britain recognized Morocco as France's sphere of influence. Yet this undoubtedly infringed upon Germany's colonial interests in Morocco.
Wilhelm II and his ministers had just been discussing how to resolve the matter. As Britain and France drew ever closer, coupled with France and Russia already standing together, the encirclement of Germany had taken shape. This was undoubtedly extremely dangerous for Germany.
"Father Emperor, this time, on the issue of Morocco, we absolutely cannot compromise and retreat again. Otherwise, it will severely damage the interests of the German Empire." Crown Prince Wilhelm's face was filled with fury.
"Mm, I understand. I need to think this matter over carefully." Wilhelm II said.
Naturally, he was furious at Britain and France for harming Germany's interests. But at the same time, he knew that although Germany was powerful, if it went to war with Britain, France, and Russia at this time, Germany's chances of victory were slim. It was not even fully prepared. Therefore, Germany had to continue enduring.
But Wilhelm II feared that this would deal a heavy blow to the people's patriotic fervor.
Crown Prince Wilhelm still wanted to say something more. But seeing that Wilhelm II did not wish to continue the topic, he could only say no more.
At that moment, the Imperial Family's steward, Essen von Jonait, walked in.
"Essen, what is it?"
"Your Majesty, Prince Oskar asked me to deliver this to you." Essen von Jonait handed a check to Wilhelm II.
Wilhelm II took it and looked. It was a check with a face value of two million Marks. Of course, to Wilhelm II, who controlled the entire Empire, this was nothing at all.
"What is this?" Wilhelm II could not help frowning. Oscar had actually sent someone to bring him a check. What was going on?
"Your Majesty, Prince Oskar and my son Karl have jointly founded a lottery sales company. His Highness has decided to contribute twenty percent of the proceeds to the Imperial Family without compensation. In addition, they will use twenty percent of the profits for social welfare." Essen von Jonait wore an approving expression. After all, Karl held shares in the German Welfare Lottery Sales Company and could receive ten percent of the profits. Now, it seemed that this investment had been incredibly worthwhile.
"Twenty percent of the profits?" Wilhelm II had not paid any attention to Oscar during this period. In his heart, he had been completely disappointed in Oscar, and had even considered giving up on this son. Although Double Color Ball had already swept across all of Germany, to Wilhelm II, it was still something that could not be brought into polite society, so he had not bothered to pay attention to it.
"Yes, Your Majesty. His Highness's company is doing very well. These two million Marks are merely the proceeds from less than half a month. In the future, there should be four to five million Marks in profit distributions every month." Essen von Jonait continued.
"What? That much?" Wilhelm II and Crown Prince Wilhelm were both stunned.
If it were only two million Marks, they naturally would not have taken it to heart. But if there could be four or five million Marks in proceeds every month from now on, then it would be an enormous sum not to be underestimated. Over a year, that would amount to forty or fifty million Marks. The cost of a Battleship was no more than that.
"Mr. Jonait, are you sure you have not made a mistake? Can Oscar's lottery really make such enormous profits?" Crown Prince Wilhelm's face was full of disbelief. At the same time, his heart suddenly filled with jealousy toward Oscar. Even though he was the Crown Prince, he did not possess many assets, and the wealth under his control was quite limited. Yet Oscar had suddenly acquired such a vast enterprise in such a short time. Naturally, this left him deeply unbalanced.
In capitalist society, money undoubtedly played an even greater role. With money, many problems could be solved. If this wealth were in his hands, then his position as Crown Prince could undoubtedly be further consolidated.
"Even if it is only four million Marks a month, that would be nearly fifty million Marks a year. And this is merely twenty percent. Then wouldn't Oscar's own profits amount to over one hundred million, nearly two hundred million Marks? That is an enormous fortune!" Wilhelm II exclaimed.
Although more than one hundred million Marks was nothing much to Wilhelm II, it was undoubtedly a huge sum for Germany's finances. Germany's annual fiscal revenue was currently only a little over nine hundred million Marks.
"No wonder that fellow dared to propose donating a Battleship to Director Birkenhagen in exchange for four years' time. If he has such vast proceeds, then one Battleship is nothing at all." Wilhelm II suddenly understood.
He had previously thought Oscar was indulging in wild fantasies, using such terms to evade going to university. But now it seemed that Oscar simply had confidence in himself! With such immense proceeds, gifting a Battleship to the German Navy was entirely possible. Moreover, it would bring enormous benefits to the German Navy and to all of Germany.
"Your Majesty, I must admit that I was completely mistaken before. I never expected Prince Oskar to be a business genius! He is only sixteen years old, yet he can already earn so much money. If he is given more time to develop, perhaps he may become the most successful businessman in Germany, or even in the entire world." Essen von Jonait's face was full of admiration.
Wilhelm II nodded. Though he did not entirely approve of Oscar engaging in business as a Prince, if Oscar could truly earn enormous wealth, then there was nothing more to say. After all, this was a capitalist society where money reigned supreme. Wealth represented social status and power.
"Father Emperor, why does Oscar contribute only twenty percent of the profits to the Imperial Family, while swallowing sixty percent all for himself? If he still considers himself a member of the Imperial Family, then he should contribute the greater portion of the profits to the Imperial Family and keep only a small part for himself. After all, our financial pressure is very great right now. If we are to withstand the pressure from Britain, France, Russia, and the other countries, expand the military, and prepare for war, then we will undoubtedly need even more funds." Crown Prince Wilhelm stepped forward and spoke with righteous indignation, as though Oscar had committed some unforgivable crime.
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