The Rise of German empire

The early morning mist still clung to the streets as Qin Tian's car made its way through the industrial heart of Essen. The city, brimming with steel and smoke, stood as the embodiment of Germany's industrial might. As the wheels of the car turned over the cobbled streets, Qin Tian's mind was focused on the task at hand—today was an important day. His meeting with Miss Beta Krupp at the Krupp headquarters was not merely a courtesy call. No, this was the beginning of something far more significant—a strategic alliance that would shape the future of Germany's military-industrial complex.

Upon arrival, the imposing headquarters of Krupp loomed before him, its austere and unyielding façade a testament to the power of the company. The Krupp family, with its centuries of industrial dominance, had been the backbone of Germany's military strength. As he stepped out of the car, Qin Tian noticed a woman standing at the entrance, poised and dignified in her tailored dark dress, the embodiment of the Krupp legacy. It was none other than Miss Beta Krupp herself, the heiress to the Krupp empire.

"Miss Krupp, I apologize for making you wait," Qin Tian said, his voice polite, yet carrying the weight of his position. He approached her with a graceful bow, extending his hand in greeting.

Miss Krupp smiled warmly, though there was an unmistakable sharpness in her eyes that revealed a mind as calculated as the machines her company produced. "Your Highness, it is an honor for us that you've taken the time to visit. Krupp has long admired the success of Deutsche Welfare Lottery, and your reputation precedes you. We are eager to discuss potential opportunities for cooperation."

Qin Tian nodded, appreciating her words. "The honor is mine, Miss Krupp. It is not often that I have the chance to meet with someone of your stature. Your company's influence over Germany's military and industrial landscape is undeniable. I believe that a partnership between our endeavors could be mutually beneficial."

With the pleasantries exchanged, Miss Krupp led him inside. The interior of the Krupp headquarters was just as impressive as the exterior—spacious, austere, and meticulously organized. Every corner seemed to reflect the disciplined and no-nonsense attitude that had built Krupp into a global industrial giant. Miss Krupp gave Qin Tian a brief tour of the company's offices, explaining how Krupp had evolved from a small family-owned factory to one of the most powerful arms manufacturers in the world.

Despite the historical significance of the place, Qin Tian's attention was focused on the present—on how this meeting could benefit his plans for expanding Deutsche Werft and securing Germany's naval future. He could already see the enormous potential of Krupp's involvement in his ambitious projects.

After the tour, Miss Krupp and Qin Tian retired to a private office on the top floor of the headquarters, overlooking the sprawling industrial complex below. The room was decorated with minimalist elegance, the walls lined with portraits of past Krupp leaders and historical artifacts showcasing the company's rich legacy. The scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air as the two took their seats.

"Your Highness, I must admit, I am curious to know the exact nature of your visit today," Miss Krupp began, her tone both direct and professional. "Krupp has always been a cornerstone of Germany's military-industrial complex, but I understand that your interests now lie beyond just the lottery business. What is it that brings you to us?"

Qin Tian leaned forward, his voice steady yet filled with purpose. "Miss Krupp, I have recently acquired the Royal Shipyard, a medium-sized shipyard that has been renamed Deutsche Werft. With this purchase, I aim to expand its capabilities and transform it into a major player in the German shipbuilding industry. The shipyard will not only focus on civilian projects but will also be tasked with producing military ships, including warships for the German Navy."

Miss Krupp's eyes narrowed slightly as she processed the information. "The Royal Shipyard? It's a medium-scale operation at best, Your Highness. I must admit, I find it surprising that such a small shipyard would require the involvement of a company as large as Krupp."

Qin Tian smiled, a glint of confidence in his eyes. "You are right, Miss Krupp. The Royal Shipyard may have been a small operation, but Deutsche Werft is not. I have already invested heavily in its expansion—hundreds of millions of marks have been poured into upgrading the facilities, and we plan to build a series of large warships for the Navy. Specifically, I'm looking to construct battleships, and for that, we will need a significant amount of steel—80,000 tons, to be exact, with 20,000 tons of it being armor steel."

There was a long pause as Miss Krupp absorbed the scale of the project. She had been expecting a large order, but this was far beyond what she had anticipated. "Armor steel?" she echoed, clearly impressed. "That's an enormous quantity. And for battleships, no less. Are you sure about this? Even Krupp might struggle to meet such a demand."

Qin Tian's smile remained unchanged. "I am certain. The shipyard's expansion has already begun, and we are ready to start production by the second half of the year. The scale of the project is vast, but it is precisely why I need Krupp's expertise in both steel production and naval armament. We need the highest quality steel, especially armor steel, to withstand the powerful artillery that will be mounted on these ships."

Beta Krupp, despite her shock at the sheer scale of the project, could see the immense opportunity before her. If she agreed to this order, Krupp would not only secure a major contract but also solidify its position as the leading supplier of military-grade materials for Germany's growing naval power.

"Very well, Your Highness," Miss Krupp said, her voice steady with resolve. "I will ensure that Krupp provides you with the steel you need. As for the armor steel, I believe we can accommodate the order, though it will require some adjustments in our production schedule. I will personally oversee the process to ensure that the quality meets your expectations."

Qin Tian's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Thank you, Miss Krupp. Your company's reputation for quality precedes you, and I have no doubt that Krupp's steel will be a cornerstone of our future naval success."

There was a moment of silence before Qin Tian pulled out another set of blueprints from his briefcase. He carefully spread them out on the table, revealing detailed drawings of a triple-mounted 305mm 50-caliber naval gun—a key component for the new battleships he envisioned.

"In addition to the steel, I also require naval guns. These will be the primary armament for the battleships, and Krupp, with its unparalleled expertise in artillery, is the only company capable of producing such weapons to the required specifications."

Miss Krupp studied the blueprints with a keen eye. The design was sophisticated, demanding precision and innovation. "A triple-mounted 305mm gun with a 50-caliber barrel? Quite an ambitious design, Your Highness. But given Krupp's capabilities, I'm confident we can fulfill this order. However, the manufacturing process will take time, and we must ensure that the components are of the highest standard."

Qin Tian nodded. "I understand, Miss Krupp. I am prepared for the timeline. What matters is that we begin this process now. Germany's future depends on our ability to strengthen our military and industrial base, and Krupp is integral to this vision."

Miss Krupp sat back in her chair, her fingers lightly tapping the armrest as she considered the proposal. The potential profits from such an order were enormous, but so were the risks. Despite the risks, the potential long-term benefits were too significant to ignore.

"Your Highness," she said, finally breaking the silence. "Krupp has always supported the military strength of Germany, and we understand the importance of your vision. I am willing to proceed with this order. We will provide you with the steel, the naval guns, and the support needed to make Deutsche Werft a success. But in return, I expect a long-term partnership—one that ensures Krupp remains at the forefront of this new industrial revolution."

Qin Tian stood and extended his hand across the table. "I agree, Miss Krupp. This is only the beginning of a fruitful collaboration. Together, we will shape the future of Germany."

With that, the deal was made—an alliance between two powerful forces, both with their eyes on shaping the future of Germany's military and industrial might. The success of Deutsche Werft would now rest in Krupp's capable hands.