Chapter 3: Father and son

"Father, this is a new test report from the Navy. According to this report, our newly tested armor has an overwhelming advantage in performance over all current armors, whether it is steel-faced iron armor or newly developed by the French. Our nickel-steel armors have been thrown far away by us. If only from a technical point of view, we can completely monopolize the armors of all naval warships in the world. The huge economic benefits it brings can completely solve the various difficulties currently facing the kingdom. ." Ruprecht sent a report to his father, Crown Prince Ludwig III.

　　 The middle-aged crown prince turned a few pages gently and did not answer, but instead looked at the court chief, Earl Schelling, who was standing next to him. The latter is responsible for the main daily work of the Bavarian royal family, not only internally, but also externally.

"The navy is very satisfied with the new armor and expressed its willingness to order. From the current point of view, the old Marquis also supports overseas expansion, and the construction of the navy has been on the agenda. At present, only we can produce in the empire. With this kind of armor, we have no chance of losing money." A few words of Earl Schelling succinctly explained the current situation.

　　 Although Bavaria generally has no influence on the empire’s major policies, it still knows every move within the empire. As the 1890s is approaching, when the domestic industry in Germany has become increasingly saturated and needs more markets and raw material production areas, the outward expansion has become a historical inevitability. Don’t just think that it will be the child Wilhelm II. He is a German leader who wants to "compete for the map under the sun." The prime minister Bismarck is also such a person, and he has gained more and received few counterattacks. This is a matter of means and technology. From this perspective, it is not bad to say that William II is a bear kid, but the benefits are not. How much, the enemy has made a basket! You know, almost all German colonies in Africa were acquired during the Bismarck era. William II was bluffing for a long time. What benefit did he get?

　　 And now that there are colonies, and there are disputes with certain countries (such as the dispute with the United States in Samoa), and the original warships are unusable, then building new ships is inevitable! Unlike some shipbuilders, the current situation is profitable for Ruprecht anyway. After all, the Admiralty may be blind to Tarzan, but no matter what ship you build, you need Armored steel! Without the semicolon, tell me, how can you choose?

"Very good, your subordinates can talk to Earl Schelling about specific matters. When it comes to funding, you can contact the Royal Treasury Chief Hohenstein. I will find someone to say hello to the Navy." The human rhetoric dispels the last worry of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. This is the matter. You agree in principle. As for how to do it, you can do it yourself.

"You are doing this very well, but I hope you can still view this country from the perspective of a ruler rather than a capitalist. We need to look at how to change this country from an overall perspective. I have already made another plan for you. I have seen it, but I am not professional, and I need professional people to discuss with you. Another issue I want to talk to you today is the status of Bavaria in the future empire and even Central Europe. I want to hear your opinion "The crown prince asked, closing the document at hand.

　　 "The bridge between Central Europe, the link between the German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire." Ruprecht's answer is very simple and very realistic! This is currently the decision most in line with the conditions of Bavaria. First, do well in the economy and transportation, and talk about the rest later. Politics and diplomacy cannot express their opinions casually, or in other words, in the face of Prussia, whose strength is too much stronger than itself, Bavaria can live to this day. At this point, Ruprecht also had to give his ancestors a compliment!

You must know that before the reunification of Germany, the kingdoms and principalities were not only the present ones. After the Prussian-Austro-Prussian War broke out, Prussia not only squeezed out Austria-Hungary, but also squeezed out all the small princes such as the Kingdom of Hanover and the Principality of Hesse. Eaten, and why is Bavaria spared? Because they did not fulfill their obligations with Austria, they did not provide much help. So after the war, William and Prime Minister Qiuhou did not settle accounts, and because Bavaria did have some strength, it maintained a relatively independent position, plus a considerable amount of government funding in exchange for Bavarian support.

　　 And now, the Austria-Hungary Empire needs to rely on German power to compete with Russia for the Balkans. It can almost be called Germany's younger brother. Isn't it boring for Bavaria to jump at this time? And judging from the current situation, the treatment is pretty good, nothing is making trouble.

"Although Bavaria is very barren in terms of mineral resources, it is located in the center of Germany! At the same time, there are a large number of rivers passing through it. If inland navigation is developed, it will greatly help Bavaria's economy and status. It has a good relationship with Prussia. At the same time as the relationship, we should also appropriately strengthen our ties with the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After all, the two sides are very close in terms of historical heritage and blood relationship, and we need to maintain it.” Ruprecht said.

　　 There is a basis for saying this. In history, when the Habsburgs were strong, Bavaria was the younger brother of Austria. The relationship between the two parties is very good. As for blood relationship, the relationship is even closer. Know about Princess Sissi, she is an offshoot of the Wittelsbach family of the Bavarian royal family, and his dad once served in the Bavarian court. In terms of seniority, she is still Ruprecht's aunt! Considering the Bavarian blood of her husband, Austrian Emperor Fritz, the blood relationship between the two parties is even closer!

　　 In any case, the two sides also have traditional friendship and blood relationship! In addition, Bohemia, the most important industrial area in Austria, is based on Bavaria. This place is later called the Czech Republic, and there is also a world-renowned arms manufacturer-Skoda! Ruprecht wants to do something in the future, he can get technical support from his aunt's house. Therefore, a good relationship with Austria-Hungary has both historical significance and practical benefits!

"At the same time, we also need to develop agriculture and improve arable land. The German Empire is not self-sufficient in food, and domestic food production can only meet about 70% of demand, while the land in Bavaria is relatively poor, and we need to import more food than other regions. And if we can achieve food self-sufficiency as much as possible, then our government’s finances will be much more generous. Grain self-sufficiency is also the cornerstone of the kingdom’s stability!" As the saying goes, there is food in hand and there is no panic. The reason for Germany's end in the first war No food.

Although under Bavarian conditions, self-sufficiency is unlikely now, it is still good to save some money on imported grain, and if Ruprecht remembers correctly, Germany’s grain tariffs may rise every year. Bavaria has to take out more money from the wallet again.

　　 "Well, very good, very realistic." In short, the crown prince is very satisfied with Wang Changsun's plan to improve logistics and transportation, develop agriculture, and vigorously support high-end manufacturing. He even said two more sentences: "Your uncle will come over tomorrow afternoon. He is a strict man, a real soldier. You have to pay more attention to your words!"

　　 "Well. I'll be my father." Ruprecht nodded seriously. Compared to his father, this afternoon is much harder to deal with the Lord!

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