Chapter 152
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 152
Chapter Title: A World in Upheaval
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Why is it that I, the Prince Consort of the British Empire, keep getting my hands dirty in the political arena instead of just being a figurehead?
The answer is simple. For the time being, the land grab within Europe has run its course.
With delicious prey like Africa, Asia, and South America scattered everywhere, what reason is there for us to waste our strength fighting amongst ourselves?
The fact that the Napoleonic Wars ended not long ago also plays a part.
So, has Europe agreed to create a beautiful world of relaxation and mutual prosperity from now on?
As if something like that could exist.
Right now, the great powers of Europe can afford to concede, saying, “This is mine, that is yours,” but what will happen when the global market becomes saturated?
There’s no guarantee that a nation won't emerge, much like a certain someone who would later unify their country, declaring, “Why do you, Britain and France, get to devour everything? I need to have a bite too,” and setting Europe ablaze.
Of course, even before that time comes, there are still major wars left to be fought.
Signs are already appearing here and there that the Crimean War, a conflict so large it was called the World War of the 19th century, might be brought forward.
I have no desire to step into that cesspool and squander our national strength, but if Russia and France refuse to listen, a time will come when I must act.
I allowed them to meddle in the Maritime Province and Vietnam, hoping they’d take the scraps and stay quiet, but human greed knows no bounds, and people never learn how much something hurts until they’ve been hit.
The way I see it, a large-scale conflict like the Crimean War is bound to happen eventually.
Whether it will follow a similar course to history or take a completely unexpected turn, I have no choice but to prepare for it as a tragedy that must be endured.
My thoughts came to an end as I left Parliament after delivering a speech.
“Your Highness, another deeply impressive speech today.”
“It’s a relief to see you looking so well, Mr. Gladstone.”
It isn’t easy for a rolling stone to displace a settled one, but in the short time I hadn't seen him, Gladstone had further solidified his influence within the party.
In a few more years, he would likely become the undisputed leading figure of the Whig Party.
It seems that capable people, given the right opportunity, will always distinguish themselves, no matter how history unfolds.
“Lately, I’ve seen many instances of the ruling and opposition parties cooperating to pass bills. It is truly a heartening sight.”
“That’s because the international situation has been showing many signs of instability. The public will feel more secure if the parties can present a united front to some extent.”
“You are truly wise, Your Highness.”
“By the way, I apologize that we must once again borrow your hand for the Joseon issue. Public opinion is just so strong that matters concerning Northeast Asia, of all places, must be entrusted to you…”
Of course, it is. With my extensive track record in Asia and my lineage known to all, how many people would accept me being parked in Canada?
The reason Gladstone was being particularly cautious was that the Whig Party already had a history of half-forcing me to Canada.
In truth, I had set things up that way, but in the public eye, Parliament had forcibly sent the Prince Consort, who was happily enjoying his newlywed life, away to Canada.
This led to the unprecedented event of the Queen following him to a colony, and then the massive variable of the heir being born there.
Still, since I had shown and proven my worth by expanding our territory to several times the size of the British mainland, no citizen criticized the decision.
On the contrary, a new public sentiment formed: “That’s our Prince Consort for you. No wonder Parliament ruined his honeymoon to send him to Canada.”
Now that the heir was born and everything was stable, a flood of encouragement was pouring in for me to rest well in Canada before returning.
Amid all this, what would it look like if they suddenly asked me to come back, even alone, to resolve an issue in Asia?
This was a situation where, even if I openly rebuked Parliament, they would have to bow their heads without a single word of protest.
Of course, that was just the political reality of it. For me, it was the best possible outcome I could have imagined, so I had no complaints.
“Then, may I assume that the Whig Party agrees with the policy I am proposing?”
“Of course. We have already reached a consensus to respect Your Highness’s opinion as much as possible on matters related to Asia.”
“That is very reassuring. To be honest, as the Queen’s husband, it’s not entirely comfortable for me to keep getting involved in these political matters. I feel as though I must constantly be mindful of Parliament’s view, if you will.”
“In any case, you are not directly intervening in the affairs of the home country, so no one will criticize you, Your Highness. On the contrary, you are undertaking difficult tasks for the benefit of the British Empire, despite having no obligation to do so. On that note…”
Gladstone glanced at me for a moment, then scratched his head.
“Monsieur Guizot, the French minister who arrived recently, expressed a desire to meet with you to discuss the future of the Asian political landscape.”
“But I am no longer a government official.”
“We told him as much. However, he said he was not seeking to negotiate national policy but wished to hear the esteemed opinion of Your Highness, an expert on Asia. So we said we would convey his request to you.”
“If it’s merely a discussion, I see no reason to refuse. In fact, if things go well, I might be able to get a read on what France is thinking.”
“Thank you for seeing it that way. To be honest, when the Prime Minister asked for our party’s opinion, we were also debating what to do. Your ready acceptance is a weight off my mind.”
This man had intended to ask me from the start.
I could roughly guess why the Whigs were being so affable.
Until now, I had consistently associated with the Conservative Party, so many among the public perceived me as having conservative leanings.
Thus, no matter how many times I proclaimed that my achievements were unrelated to any specific party, people couldn't help but give more credit to the Conservatives, who were also the current ruling party.
That’s how frightening people’s ingrained perceptions are.
So, the Whigs were likely trying to create a warm atmosphere with me, someone certain to achieve results in Asia, in hopes of getting a piece of the pie.
Just yesterday, I saw a few pro-Whig newspapers that were already spinning the story, highlighting the connection Gladstone and I shared from our school days.
Even if their intentions were transparent, I had to use what I could.
“For now, I will meet with Minister Guizot and have a good talk. In return, I would like the Whig Party to submit a resolution appointing me as the chief representative for mediating relations between Joseon and Russia.”
“Wasn’t it already agreed that the Conservative Party would propose that?”
“I will ask the Conservatives to support the Whig Party’s proposal. As you know, my image is one of being very close to the Conservatives. If they propose it again this time, people might say it looks like we're in cahoots, wouldn't you agree? While we all know that's not the case, wouldn't focusing too much on the ruling party disrupt a healthy political balance?”
“Your Highness’s words are true. Then we shall raise the matter from our party at the next session.”
If the Whigs were the ones to back me on this matter, they would benefit, but I, too, could project an image of having bipartisan support, which couldn't be better.
If it was a win-win for both sides, there was no reason to refuse, was there?
By the way, that Guizot fellow. He was desperately scouting for a foothold last time he was here, and it seems he’s back at it again.
It wasn't quite time yet, but in the long run, there was much to be gained from France. It wouldn't be a bad idea to start laying the groundwork now.
For France, which was watching the British Empire’s every move, the Asian market probably seemed like the biggest prize right now, but they could never take the real gems of Asia.
Because I had already called dibs on all the geopolitically important locations.
Therefore, they would desperately try to push into Southeast Asia. The best approach here was to act magnanimously and offer to provide whatever support I could.
I couldn't let France grow strong enough to threaten the British Empire, but if France didn't get its act together, who would keep the current Russia or the future madman of Europe in check?
The moment our national power was drained by getting entangled with those fellows, we might have to hand back the dominance over North America we worked so hard to secure to the United States.
Therefore, France needed to possess a level of national power comparable to its original history, and I needed to do some mental reconditioning to ensure they didn't fold with that power.
Wouldn't it be perfect to assign them the role of maintaining their position as Europe’s number two, kicking down the ladder for anyone who tried to climb up?
“The British Empire and France have already resolved the old, deep-seated grudges of the past and are now partners in shaping the future, are we not? Vietnam? Of course, I understand how great France’s sorrow must be over the brutal murder of its missionary. In truth, Vietnam is neither our vassal state nor an ally. What reason would we have to put the brakes on France’s activities?”
Having finished my calculations, I showered François Guizot, who had come to observe our movements, with all sorts of sweet talk, doing my utmost to lower his guard.
I didn't just make empty promises; I made it clear that the British Empire had no intention of concerning itself with whatever France did in Asia.
“It is a relief to see the British Empire’s magnanimity growing by the day. I could not ask for more than for our current relationship to continue.”
I feel the same way.
So please, this time, try to fight well on your own without dragging us into it.
***
What inevitably follows the development of capitalism?
There are many factors, but the sophistication of finance cannot be overlooked.
Ever since humanity began using money, there have always been individuals and organizations that functioned similarly to banks, but by the mid-19th century, the business of banking had become far more complex and diverse.
Until now, the big players in finance had been predominantly those who specialized in trade.
Since national economies were not intricately intertwined, they preferred to be deeply involved in their own country's trade, and many had amassed their fortunes that way.
In the British Empire, the Baring family was a prime example.
Wielding great influence over the British Empire's trade and its trading partners, the Baring family had accumulated immense wealth and was, without a doubt, at the center of British finance.
The fortune they had built was so vast that the head of the Baring family was sometimes described as the ruler of a country made of gold.
Of course, the Baring family was not involved solely in the affairs of the British Empire.
They had intervened when the United States purchased Louisiana in the past and were deeply connected with the East India Company, reaping enormous profits from international trade.
Even with the rise of various new families, the wealthiest in the British Empire was still the Baring family.
A young man, who had inherited his father's business empire spanning all of Britain a few years ago, wanted to change that perception, whatever it took.
His family had banks all over Europe and, even at this very moment, was moving sums of money so vast it was mind-boggling. They were the real big players.
But in Britain, they were repeatedly held back by the limitations of their Jewish birth.
His family held the title of baron in the Austrian Empire, but in Britain, they were no better than commoners, as current law did not allow them to assert this status.
Moreover, even if they won an election and tried to enter politics, as Jews, they could not take their seats without abandoning their faith.
This was because the British Parliament required its members to take an oath as Christians.
He disliked that a nation poised to become a global empire still maintained such an antiquated system, but what could he do?
That was the law of the British Empire, and Jews were the scapegoats, ridiculed everywhere in Europe.
At least the new monarch, Queen Victoria, had said she would grant permission to use foreign noble titles, but she had departed for Canada before the order could be promulgated, so that too was postponed indefinitely.
Just as he was lamenting if there could be anyone else as unlucky as him, he received an unbelievable summons.
“I-I-It is an honor to meet you! Your Highness, the Prince Consort!”
“Don’t be so nervous. Come and have a seat. Was your journey here comfortable?”
“Y-Yes, it was!”
A man of Irish descent who had succeeded in marrying the noblest woman in the British Empire—a true success story.
The most popular politician, who endlessly expanded the Empire’s territory with astonishing diplomatic skill, earning the fervent support of the citizens.
No, perhaps it was wrong to call him a politician since he was the Queen's husband, but it didn't change the fact that he was one of the most influential people in the British Empire today.
He didn't know why he had suddenly been sought out, but at least he felt no hostility in the prince’s voice or gaze.
The man, who had dealt with countless clients, knew well that this was a reaction closer to favor or interest.
If so, could this be the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that God had given him?
The Prince Consort's close friendship with Disraeli was proof enough that he held no prejudice against Jews.
The man bowed as respectfully as he could and opened his mouth.
“Lionel Nathan de Rothschild. I came at once upon receiving the Prince Consort’s summons.”
Whatever it takes.
Today, I will win this man's favor.