Chapter 128
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 128
Chapter Title: A Turbulent World
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A Turbulent World
While Joseon was in an uproar over the news from Shanghai, Japan was in a similar state of tension after receiving the same report.
“France and Russia… I’ve heard nothing good about either of them.”
“Just as you said, Shogun, the British have also warned us to be wary of them. I was concerned that the British might be speaking ill of them simply because they are on bad terms, so I inquired about their reputations with the Dutch merchants as well.”
“Oh, did you?”
Japan’s situation differed from Joseon’s in that they had long been receiving reliable information from Dutch traders, with whom they had limited but established contact.
The recent war had already cross-verified just how accurate Dutch intelligence was.
“First, the Dutch merchants advised against engaging with either France or Russia. They said France has a history of starting a great war that embroiled all of Europe just a few decades ago. As for Russia, they are said to be constantly expanding their territory in search of an ice-free port, causing conflict with other nations.”
“That matches the information from Shanghai exactly.”
“Yes. It is likely that if Russia moves south, it will inevitably clash with the Qing. Currently, the Qing lack the power to defend their coastal frontiers. I believe Russia may soon share a border with Joseon.”
“Can Joseon serve as a bulwark against Russia?”
In response to Tokugawa Ieyoshi’s anxious question, Toyama asked back with a bitter smile.
“Do you believe Joseon has the capacity for that, Shogun?”
“Absolutely not. And isn't it highly likely that France is also sniffing around, looking for something to snatch up? If Joseon were to fall and become a forward base for Russia, we would be directly threatened. This is a grave concern.”
“It is said that Russia is not on good terms with Britain. If they tried to swallow Joseon whole, wouldn’t the British intervene?”
“Normally, yes, but we cannot be certain if Russia offers them something of equal value in return. From their perspective, they might be willing to give up Joseon and use us to build a defensive line.”
Whatever the case, now that the great powers of Europe had begun to bare their claws in Asia, the fire had already reached their feet.
How could they defend themselves?
And could they even be defended?
Countless scenarios were considered, but the conclusion was always the same: it would be difficult with their own strength alone.
“If I were to bow to pressure from France or Russia and open our ports, the daimyo would surely denounce me as incompetent and rise up, wouldn’t they? No matter what, I cannot yield to their demands. For that to happen, Joseon must hold Russia back at all costs…”
“What will you do about France?”
“France is said to be Britain’s sworn enemy. We can simply bring the British into it.”
While it was a crisis, overcoming it would instantly elevate the Shogun’s status to that of a great hero who had protected the nation from foreign invasion.
It was indeed a good decision to have pushed the absurd claim of Killian being of their bloodline.
Thanks to that, this high-level intelligence had fallen into their hands, allowing them to prepare in advance.
“For now, send a request to Joseon for envoys. They are likely in a more urgent situation than we are, so they will surely agree if we propose to devise a plan together on how to deal with the Russian threat.”
“Understood. I will see to it at once!”
If those Joseon fools had any sense, they would have come up with some countermeasures of their own.
In the past, their geography as an island nation had made it easy to repel foreign invasions, but that advantage was rapidly becoming meaningless.
The sea was no longer a barrier protecting them from invaders but a channel through which enemies could bring their ships at any time.
So, whether Joseon had to perform a desperate dance or squeeze out its very soul, he hoped they would at least hold the line in the north.
From the increasingly disobedient daimyo to the Western powers drooling like hungry beasts, the Shogun’s anxiety grew daily, a feeling that they would be devoured if they did not adapt to the changes.
* * *
While Asia was a powder keg on the verge of exploding, there was another region where the seeds of strife had not only sprouted but had already burst.
That place was, of course, the United States of America.
In a nation filled with rebels who chose opposition over obedience and freedom over loyalty, it was only natural that the slightest incident would lead to conflict.
How could tensions not explode when the most contentious issue of all—slavery—had become a source of open confrontation?
The current President of the United States, John Tyler, was working to resolve the issue, holding daily meetings at the White House to hear the opinions of pro-slavery congressmen.
“Do you have anything to brief me on today?”
“Mr. President, the sentiment in South Carolina is extremely dire.”
John C. Calhoun, former Vice President of the United States and now a powerful senator from South Carolina, spoke with a frown.
“There are countless plantation owners complaining about escaped slaves. I may be here as a representative today, but this is happening not just in South Carolina, but across the entire South—Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia.”
“This is a serious matter.”
“This is an issue that must be addressed with the highest priority, regardless of party lines. Yet, there are still too many in Congress who are lukewarm in their response. It’s not that they don’t understand the gravity of the situation. They simply wish to pretend they don’t.”
Since most northern states had abolished slavery, it was not uncommon for slaves from the South to flee north.
However, even in the North, the Fugitive Slave Act made it difficult for escaped slaves to live as free men.
If discovered to be a runaway slave from the South, they could be immediately arrested and returned.
The North, not wanting to provoke the South unnecessarily, often extradited slaves without much fuss in clear-cut cases.
But this time, Calhoun explained, they were facing a mass escape on an entirely different scale.
“The report I received yesterday alone stated that 143 black slaves disappeared from South Carolina. Not in a week, but in a single day. Doesn’t that number suggest an organized effort by someone?”
“You are right, Senator. Have you identified any culprits?”
It wasn’t as if there hadn’t been groups in the past that had committed mad acts trying to help black slaves escape.
Of course, they were all criminals who broke the law and received severe punishment.
He had thought that a display of the law’s severity would naturally quell the situation this time as well, but that was not the case.
Calhoun clutched his forehead and let out a heavy sigh as if he were going mad.
“That’s the problem—we don’t know. But I suspect it is certainly connected to one of the northern states. Haven't you heard about some crazy organization called the NBA or something, marching around the North shouting slogans like ‘Black lives are lives, too’? For now, they are my prime suspects.”
“I have heard of them several times and had them investigated. They are said to be a moderate organization that operates within the bounds of the law as much as possible. I doubt they are involved. Could it be a group organized by the blacks themselves?”
“Mr. President.”
Though it seemed a plausible deduction, Calhoun chuckled and shook his head.
“Do you truly believe those people have the ability or intelligence to form some sort of secret society?”
“Ah, of course. I forgot.”
“Looking at the methods and routes of their escape, it is clear that superior white people are assisting them. It’s only natural, as blacks couldn't possibly possess such intelligence. If we investigate in that direction, we might be able to find a trail…”
“As the President of this nation, I share your deep concern over this conflict. I will spare no support in resolving this issue, so please do not worry. As you said, Senator, is this not a matter that all of us from the South must unite to address, regardless of party?”
The notion that inferior blacks were organizing themselves to lead an escape was a hypothesis that Southern leaders could never accept.
How could such inferior and savage beings, no different from furniture or machinery, be capable of such ‘human’ actions?
There had to be white people helping them escape.
And nine times out of ten, they were surely acting on the orders of the North.
“On behalf of the South, I thank you for your decisive action, Mr. President. If you move proactively, we promise to support you, regardless of party.”
“Excellent. Excellent. Slavery is the foundation and tradition of our United States. I will not allow anyone to take a knife to this institution. You can trust me.”
Words that would have made northern congressmen clutch their chests and collapse were spoken casually, but neither man paid it any mind.
The dispute over slavery was nothing new, and in fact, it was clear that the South had been too soft until now, causing the North to increasingly cross the line.
They had to take a strong stance here to stop them from attempting such foolishness again.
From the President of the United States to the seasoned senators in the political arena, no one realized that this entire flow of events was being artificially created by someone.
* * *
“Killian, are you all ready?”
“Yes. Where shall we go this time?”
“We visited Birmingham recently, so shall we plan a visit to Manchester next?”
Let the world be in turmoil; I was going to enjoy my blissful newlywed life.
People often say that the happiest time in one’s life is the newlywed phase, and it turned out there was a good reason for that saying.
We spent the first week of our marriage at the quiet Windsor Castle, enjoying a holiday just for the two of us.
We were together from the moment we woke until we went to sleep, and if we wanted fresh air, we would walk in the gardens or the forest behind the castle.
After that week, we embarked on a honeymoon disguised as a survey trip to Birmingham.
Of course, we didn’t neglect the purpose of seeing the vibrant lives of the citizens and listening to their stories.
We toured newly constructed factories, schools, and hospitals, meeting with both citizens and capitalists and lending an ear to their words.
As Birmingham was currently the second-largest industrial center after London, there was much to see and discuss, making for a very fruitful trip.
Victoria, too, seemed to have been deeply impressed, as she continued to share her thoughts after returning to London, and we were constantly exchanging opinions on the future direction of the British Empire.
“Manchester is the center of the cotton industry right now. I think we’ll learn a lot by seeing it in person. What do you think, Killian?”
“It’s so closely tied to Liverpool that it’s practically an economic community. If we go, we’d have to tour both, which doesn’t sound bad. But I’m not sure if we’ll have enough time…”
“Time? We don’t have much going on right now, do we? We’ve gotten to know the royal family, and all the high-ranking government officials have paid their visits.”
“That’s true. We don’t have much to do at the moment.”
I must have seemed too relaxed, as Wellesley had come to see me the other day, looking frustrated, and asked if I was planning to retire from politics.
To anyone watching, I must look like a doting, lovesick husband completely captivated by his happy new life with the Queen.
“Are you feeling empty now that you’re distanced from politics? If so, don’t feel burdened to say it. As I said before, I can find a way to create a position for you.”
“It’s alright. The Queen of the British Empire doesn’t need to concern herself with such trivial matters.”
“Trivial? This is about the most important person in my life. Of course I should be concerned.”
“Victoria, if you act directly, no matter how plausible the justification, it will be seen as political interference. It might be different later on, but for now, it’s best to just watch.”
“You mean the situation will change if we just keep watching?”
Not exactly.
This wasn't a matter of prayer; a knight in shining armor wouldn't just appear because I wished for it.
But at the same time, it wasn't an entirely incorrect assessment of the situation either.
“If we wait patiently, we’ll get a bite. In fishing, having the patience to wait is also a skill.”
I had already cast more than enough bait.
The situation had changed long ago; it was now just a matter of when they would realize that reality.
When the seeds I had sown everywhere broke through the ground and began to bear fruit, they would have no choice but to know.
They would realize that there was only one person who could step up and clean up this mess.