Chapter 68
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 68
Chapter Title: Messenger of Peace (2)
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By the time the appointment process was complete, I was busy meeting with people before my departure.
In an era without airplanes, even ships weren't that fast, so the journey from London to Asia alone took nearly three months or more.
This was only possible thanks to the commercialization of steamships; in the old days, it could have taken up to half a year depending on the weather.
But even with the shorter travel time, a round trip would take at least six months, and realistically, it was a grand journey of about seven months.
Considering the time I’d spend working in Guangzhou, it could easily consume over a year. I needed to manage my connections carefully before leaving to avoid any trouble later.
Still, the position of Minister was certainly a good one.
Before, I had to come up with all sorts of excuses just to have a meal with Victoria, but now, simply mentioning a discussion on state affairs was an all-access pass.
Thanks to this, I was able to visit the palace so often that I had tried nearly every signature dish from Victoria's banquet chef.
So this is what they mean when they say you have to make it big.
“Are you all ready to leave?”
“Yes. I’m scheduled to depart in three days.”
“It’s rare for a high-ranking official like a Minister to go to the field. Isn’t this less like being a Minister and more like acting as a field agent?”
“It can’t be helped. I’m young.”
A Minister, one of the core members of the British Empire's cabinet, going abroad and leaving his post for a year?
Just as Victoria said, it was an unprecedented event.
Superiors have their roles, and subordinates have theirs.
In that sense, it was indeed shockingly unconventional for me, a Minister, to go all the way to Guangzhou.
“No matter how young you are, if you’ve been given the title of Minister, you should be treated accordingly.”
“It’s alright. In fact, this is more comfortable for me. Besides, a Minister going to the field in person serves as proof of how seriously the British Empire is taking this matter. Since I’ve already received approval from Parliament on all necessary issues, my words will carry more weight.”
No matter how one becomes a Minister, no one looks kindly on a young man who acts high and mighty because of his title.
Humility as a virtue was a truth that transcended time and place, East and West.
A young Minister who humbled himself, went to the field, and produced results.
Doesn't that alone give the impression of someone who is not only competent but also has a good character?
“True. It’s already been decided, and since you’re traveling so far, I hope you’ll bring back definite results to make the hardship worthwhile.”
“Hm? Shouldn’t you be saying something like, ‘Don’t be too obsessed with results, your health comes first, you must return safely’?”
“Neither I nor the Minister are old enough to fall ill from a little overwork. So, work hard and bring back the best possible results. Wouldn’t that allow you to be treated as a real Minister, not just a temporary one? Ah, but do be careful of endemic diseases.”
I never thought I’d be pressured about performance in a place like this.
As I forced a bitter smile, Victoria glanced at me with a subtle look in her eyes.
“Surely you’re not about to tell me you hadn’t even considered that?”
“Not at all. I must do my best to raise my value. Hahaha!”
“And what else do you have to say?”
“Pardon?”
“You could be gone for over a year. Surely you’re not planning to just say ‘I’ll be back soon’ and leave?”
Of course not.
I knew full well the consequences of such a venture, and I wasn't about to take that risk.
Clearing my throat, I took a small box from my coat and placed it on the table.
“It seems it will be difficult for me to celebrate Your Majesty’s birthday in person this year, so I have prepared a bracelet with a design that complements the locket I gave you before. There is also a letter inside, so if you have time, please read it…”
“A letter? Did you write it yourself?”
“Yes, of course I wrote it myself.”
“I look forward to it. I wonder what it says.”
“If possible, I would be grateful if you would read it after I have left London.”
Since a letter didn't require worrying about public opinion, it contained many expressions that might be a little embarrassing.
As if she had read my mind, Victoria stared at my face for a moment before nodding with a bright smile.
“Alright. As a monarch, I can certainly grant a request of that nature. Though I was originally planning to open it right here and read it aloud.”
“If you were to do that, my delicate sensibilities might be so wounded that I may never be able to write a letter again.”
“Oh my. Then I must be careful if it means you’ll continue to write me letters. As you wished, I’ll read it carefully later, so you should take care of yourself on your journey.”
“I will do my best not to disappoint your expectations.”
It seemed our Queen’s patience was gradually wearing thin, which gave me one more reason to strive for the best possible results.
As I get older year by year, the pressure to read the room will only get worse, so I have no choice.
I must return with results that no one can find fault with.
***
After my dinner with Victoria, I headed straight for Westminster.
For the year I would be in Guangzhou, I would have no influence over Parliament.
Therefore, it was necessary to pay careful attention to a first-class hazardous material like the Parliament of the British Empire to ensure it didn't go astray.
Otherwise, it could explode at will and drag me down with it.
“Lord Wellesley, I’ll be counting on you, then.”
“Hahaha, don’t you worry. I’ve already arranged for a daily summary of parliamentary affairs to be sent to you. There will be a three-month delay, but you’ll still be able to keep up with what’s happening in London.”
“While the diplomatic issue with the Qing Dynasty is a major concern, what’s ultimately most important are the people’s livelihoods and the economy. If we neglect this, we can’t guarantee a victory in the next election, so you must keep a close watch on it.”
If I returned after successfully resolving foreign affairs only to find that domestic policy had failed, it would be like working hard for nothing.
Of course, for better or worse, Britain's economy was in a state of stagnation, so the chances of that happening were low.
But isn't it just when you have such complacent thoughts that things actually happen?
“And by the end of this year or sometime next year, public opinion will almost certainly favor war. When that happens, act as I’ve instructed.”
“That won’t be difficult. But Killian, if everything goes according to your plan, our influence will inevitably grow, won’t it?”
“Of course.”
“Then, even if we manage to get through the next election, won’t we have to start making our position clear by the one after that? The greedy old men in our party are already starting to bother me, and it’s becoming a headache.”
From the perspective of the senior members who had held a tight grip on the party, the rapidly rising young faction was bound to be a cause for concern.
Instead of latching onto the old guard to be passed the baton, they would see us as forming our own independent power base centered around Wellesley.
“Still, for now, His Grace the Duke is in good health, so no one is being too overt about it, are they?”
“That’s true for now. But my father is getting on in years, and he won’t be able to exert the same influence as he did in his prime. And even if my brother becomes the Duke of Wellington, it will be difficult for him to back me up like our father did in the beginning.”
“It’s fine. If my plan succeeds, the old guard of the Tory Party won’t even dare to think of checking us, perhaps not in the next election, but certainly in the one after that.”
It wasn’t just the issue with the Qing Dynasty; there were plenty of other disasters waiting to strike this country.
If we could ride those waves instead of being crushed by them, the grumbling of old men on the verge of retirement would be easy to dismiss.
“By the way, Minister, the senior members of the Tory Party are a problem, but what are you going to do about Gladstone?”
“Gladstone? Why, are you having disagreements with him lately?”
“Not just lately, he’s had differing opinions from Lord Wellesley and me for a while now. I believe that as his presence grows, it will become a problem for party unity.”
As Disraeli spoke with a grimace, Wellesley, who was next to him, gave a slight nod.
In the original history, Gladstone left the Tory Party and moved to the Whig Party after the Opium War broke out. I suppose the time has come.
Unlike Wellesley or Disraeli, Gladstone wasn’t deeply connected with me anyway.
We maintained a personal friendship as senior and junior from Eton and cooperated when necessary, but that was the extent of our relationship.
Disraeli and Gladstone, in particular, were heading in completely opposite directions, as their paths in the original history proved, so putting them together was bound to cause conflict.
The reason I had kept him close was that Gladstone's abilities were just that outstanding.
And, of course, there was a part of me that didn't want to lose such a capable person to the Whig Party.
“You’re saying the conflict of opinion is severe?”
“Yes. I can guarantee you that Gladstone will oppose our next plan as well.”
“That has its own meaning, so let’s just watch for now. I will take action regarding Gladstone after I return.”
Disraeli seemed a bit dissatisfied, but for now, he agreed to the policy of observing the situation.
Whether to keep Gladstone in the fold or utilize him in a different way was something I had been contemplating since I first met him.
It seemed the time to make a decision was drawing near, but for now, there were more urgent matters to attend to.
After giving Wellesley and Disraeli a few more words of caution, I called for James.
“How are the preparations I asked you to make last time?”
“They’ve been handled perfectly. We’ve purchased companies from five merchants who suffered massive losses and had to close their businesses due to the Qing Dynasty’s ban on the opium trade. We’ve placed people from the British Detective Agency there, disguised as employees.”
“Good. Depending on the situation, we might have to pretend to be exporting actual opium, so let’s try to recruit a few real merchants if possible.”
“Yes, sir. But are you sure it’s alright for me not to go myself?”
“Of course. Even though you’re now independent from the House of Aaron, most people still see us as a single entity. The people involved in this matter must have absolutely no connection to me. So, on the surface, use only personnel from the British Detective Agency and don’t let the James Detective Agency lift a single finger. I’ve given you another job instead, right? Make that your top priority.”
Contrary to the operation in Guangzhou, for this task, it was beneficial to make it obvious that I was involved.
That was why I was sending James in person, but he, not yet knowing the full story, reacted with confusion.
“I’m not doubting your words, Young Master, but is this really something that requires me to go all the way to the New World? Especially at a time like this…”
“Of course. In terms of importance, this could be ten times more crucial than the operation in Guangzhou.”
“Is it really that significant?”
“It is. So, search every inch from central Mexico to the adjacent territories of the United States, secure samples, and get an opinion from a renowned scholar.”
It was currently 1838, so James would likely begin his full-scale investigation around 1839 or 1840 after assembling his team.
By then, they would surely be able to find traces of this plague in central Mexico or the United States, where it was presumed to have originated.
The plague began to spread in earnest on the East Coast of the United States between 1842 and 1843, but it would be too late to start preparing then.
“Understood. I will have all preparations completed before you return from the Qing Dynasty, Young Master.”
Yes. Please, I’m begging you, find it before I return to Britain.
If you can’t, I’ll have no choice but to deliver a prophecy, claiming that the Asian shaman’s blood flowing in my veins is whispering to me, and I really don’t want to do that.
Still, someone has to say it, so it’s necessary to warn them of the danger somehow.
That a plague capable of completely wiping out the potato, Ireland’s staple food, would soon cross the Atlantic.
***
Having finished everything I could do in the country, I finally boarded a ship bound for Asia and left London.
When I came here eight years ago, I was just a little kid with literally nothing to my name. I suppose I’ve lived diligently since then.
The delusion I had when I first arrived, that I was the son of a British nobleman, was no longer a misunderstanding but a reality.
There were still many high and rugged mountains to climb, but honestly, wouldn't it be fair to say I'm doing quite well?
If I can pull off about two more operations of the same scale as what I've done so far... Ugh, looking at it that way, I still have a long way to go.
And, unlike when I came to Britain, filled with joy at escaping my miserable life in Joseon, I now realized the sea route to Asia at that time was no joke.
Leaving London, we sailed all the way down to the southernmost tip of Africa, rounded the Cape of Good Hope, crossed the Indian Ocean, and stopped at a port near Ceylon for supplies and a short rest.
Then, we passed through the Strait of Malacca, entered the South China Sea, and finally arrived at the port of Guangzhou, then known as Canton, concluding the long journey.
I wondered how my younger self had managed to endure such a tedious voyage.
I felt a renewed sense of gratitude for James, who had made this arduous round trip just to bring back a complete stranger's son, even if it was at my father's request.
“Minister, welcome to Guangzhou! I am Charles Elliot, serving as the Chief Superintendent of Trade with China, succeeding Lord Napier!”
“Killian Gore. I heard much of your name, Superintendent, while I was in London.”
After enduring the long voyage, I disembarked at the port, and a crowd of yellow-skinned people filling my vision bowed their heads toward me.
From Foreign Office employees and dispatched naval officers to the merchant representatives who were growing more desperate by the day.
They seemed to have been briefed beforehand, as they showed no particular reaction to my absurdly young appearance.
In fact, Elliot, who had been the chief person in charge here, was extremely cautious and watched my every move even after we exchanged greetings.
“Um… Minister, does your presence here in person mean that I am now dismissed…?”
“That is not the case. The home government is well aware that you have been doing your best, Superintendent. It was merely judged that someone with stronger authority and representation was needed. You will continue to work by assisting me.”
Strictly speaking, it wasn't a dismissal, but his position had been lowered from chief officer to advisor. Yet, he breathed a sigh of relief.
“I understand. To be honest, I’ve been worried lately that things might take a turn for the worse, so I’m quite relieved that my duties will be adjusted to assisting you, Minister.”
“Is the situation that dire?”
“I don’t know how the home government perceives it, but the Qing Dynasty’s stance is so firm that they say there will be absolutely no compromise.”
Of course, it would be. What kind of sane country would declare a war on drugs only to back down, saying, ‘On second thought, we might have been too harsh, you can go back to selling it’?
“The Qing Dynasty aside, what is the reaction of the merchants here?”
“You will be able to see for yourself right now. The representatives happen to be here.”
As soon as Elliot finished speaking, two men who had been staring at me from behind with uncomfortably sparkling eyes scurried over.
Elliot’s expression stiffened instantly, and I got the picture.
He must have been incredibly pestered by them until now, right?
For him, the Superintendent with full authority, to show such displeasure, they must be big shots representing the local merchants or perhaps the local heads of the East India Company.
Of course, Charles Elliot was in a superior position, but given the scale of the money involved, they would have had to conduct business with a certain degree of mutual respect.
It was easy to imagine the stress that came from such a process.
Just as I came to my own conclusions, one of the two men, a middle-aged man who gave off a strong merchant vibe, bowed his head with an affable smile.
“Good day, Minister! I am William Jardine, here to greet you on behalf of the local merchants.”
“A pleasure to meet you. The government fully understands the difficulties you are all facing here. I too will do my best to find an amicable solution, so I ask for your full cooperation.”
“Of course! The fact that a Minister has come all this way for us… we will naturally do everything in our power to help! We will follow your lead completely, Minister, so please give us any order!”
“Hahaha, thank you. With everyone being so cooperative, I have a good feeling that the negotiations with the Qing Dynasty will go smoothly.”
Were they trying to recoup their losses, or were they just susceptible to power?
Seeing their unexpectedly compliant attitude, a friendly smile naturally formed on my lips.
Perhaps he just had a poor personal relationship with Charles Elliot, and I had jumped to conclusions?
If I played my cards right, this might be resolved more smoothly than I thought…
“In truth, the harm of opium is less than that of alcohol, is it not? To allow people to drink as much as they please while banning opium is simply absurd. It is reassuring to know that the government and Parliament share our sentiment!”
Nope. Not at all.
To be frank, it takes two to tango. The opium trade would never have flourished if the East India Company had been the only one churning it out.
The ones who make it, and the ones who sell it.
They’re both out of their minds, just as I thought.