Chapter 214
Chapter 214
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 214
Chapter Title: The Empire Heating Up (2)
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The empire boiling with enough rage to burn itself to ashes wasn't just China.
In October 1764 by the Gregorian calendar, the fleet anchored in Manila looked extraordinary at first glance.
There were over ten ships of the line alone, and more than half were state-of-the-art vessels less than five years old. They were the 74-gun third-rate ships of the line that European powers had recently begun mass-producing.
Two years prior, Admiral Tidman's Manila expedition had consisted mostly of outdated ships.
Of course, war isn't won by equipment alone, but it was true that they had failed to subdue China as a result. Moreover, the core of that force had been British troops stationed in India along with sepoys.
But this "main force" now arriving was on a different level entirely—in numbers, equipment, and experience.
It meant Britain valued the China front as much as India, nearly on par with Europe itself.
For the British, it was a stirring sight.
For ordinary humanity, it was utterly repulsive.
The captain of the French 64-gun ship of the line Le Dragon, François Julien du Dresnay—known as the "Knight of the Rock Faces" [chevalier des Roches—stood in the harbor, eyeing the ships with clear distaste.
And the Englishman's French, addressing him from nearby, doubled his displeasure.
Because it pinpointed the exact source of his irritation.
"No need to worry so much, Captain. Just think of yourself as an observer. Those old tubs of yours can hardly keep up with modern maneuvers and combat anyway."
This was Jervis Henry Porter, commanding the flagship HMS Hercules as overall fleet commander.
Like some wizard who springs to mind, he had no father to speak of—but Henry Porter didn't rely on uncertain, flimsy wands. The Hercules was armed with seventy-four splendid instant-death spells.
However, those instant-death spells weren't his own. Du Dresnay sneered coldly.
"Quite right. Being a design stolen from French ships, it's naturally perfect."
Admiral Porter didn't flinch. Just as a golden sun wouldn't panic upon being caught in an NTR scene.
"Exactly. I myself wondered at first what advantages a ship captured so easily could have in its design. But seeing this majestic sight, it does seem that an army's strength lies in its men, not its weapons."
As du Dresnay fell silent, Henry Porter burst into loud laughter.
"That's all in the past now. Let's do our best from here on. It's time for our two nations to work together."
The feeling du Dresnay had was like what Koreans feel toward Japanese claiming they must look rationally at the future, not cling emotionally to old history. He wanted to smash Porter's nose and ask why he was dredging up the past from just three seconds ago.
But that was impossible. Du Dresnay well understood why his homeland had bothered sending a single warship that offered little real aid—as mere observers.
They called France the victor of the Seven Years' War, but that status had fallen into their lap because the Germans had bungled the war so spectacularly.
France hadn't fared well even in Europe, and non-European fronts were a disaster. Their navy in particular had been nearly wiped out.
Every ship of the line had sunk, run aground, or—worst of all—been captured and "retrained" by the British Royal Navy (the last being most common). That was why du Dresnay, representing the French navy, had come as a spectator with just one ship.
France had gained the Southern Netherlands but lost nearly all overseas colonies except parts of Canada and Louisiana. Even America felt precarious.
From Britain's view, the Seven Years' War gains barely covered immediate losses.
So Britain formed a "leading group" for China stocks instead of going solo, recruiting clients.
France couldn't ignore it. Like 21st-century commoners burdened by student and living expense loans with predictable lifetime earnings, they couldn't pass up the coin. Like Russia, France couldn't sit idly by while Britain dominated the world.
But leading groups aren't free. Britain demanded massive war funding in exchange for their troops forming the opium crusaders' core.
And no financial institution would lend to France.
Naturally. Modern France's safe international trade depended entirely on British naval mercy.
Ever since burning the Knights Templar Grand Master alive four hundred years ago to dodge debt repayment, the French kingdom had no credit. Joan of Arc exemplified France's tradition of repaying favors with pyres.
Merchants versed in history fled France citing "unavoidable circumstances." Madame de Pompadour and the king tried slapping treason charges on a few rich-looking ones to squeeze loans, but that didn't fly in the 18th century.
In the end, France had to pledge assets in the new Belgian territory. Being a victory on paper at least, they could suppress domestic discontent with the momentum.
France and Britain's international maneuvering was rational and meticulous in its way.
But criticism that it was mere symptomatic treatment was inevitable. They addressed none of the root causes of this mess.
If one had to name an exception, it was a single man.
Former Nagasaki Dutch factor David Bullen—who now commanded the ship of the line Nassau Weilburg—stammered on with lingering nervous tics.
"W-What we must watch is Joseon more than China. Those bastards... those bastards are surely behind all this. Even now, while Japan and China suffer massive losses, Joseon alone—Joseon alone remains unscathed, doesn't it? As I've said—said many times, we must invade Joseon first to secure a foothold. And, uh, retrieve the detained Europeans too."
Having been fleeced in Joseon and chased from Nagasaki, with the homeland in decline, the VOC had few options—until this opportunity.
The Dutch government didn't want to cede all of East Asia to Britain either. Their interests aligned, allowing the escaped convict and ex-factor David Bullen to return as captain.
But Bullen's voice carried little weight now. Just as Spain ignored Britain's Manila occupation without a second thought.
Henry Porter even wore a pitying expression.
"That would make us hostages to the kidnappers. Don't you grasp the Qing emperor's intent? If we focus on Joseon, he'll strike our rear from the southern provinces (Jiangnan). So naturally, we handle China first. Then, isolated without backup, Joseon will hand over its ports and Europeans without a fight."
"W-What if the emperor orders Joseon to—if we don't halt the invasion, to kill all the Europeans? C-Can you take responsibility?"
"Of course, I can take responsibility."
That resolute declaration wasn't from Admiral Porter.
The three men turned. A young officer who looked far from forty doffed his hat in respect to his superiors and spoke.
"For every dead white man, kill a hundred Joseonites and bring their scalps. We're Virginians—used to handling savages. Please let this veteran of the Indian wars lead the vanguard."
Admiral Porter didn't rebuke the officer.
Thanks to him, they didn't need to reveal why Britain had brought this massive fleet—unnecessary for sea battles against the Qing.
China, Joseon, Japan were mere primary targets. With this level of investment, Britain's aims lay further afield.
The European fleet was for Europeans. Once done, they'd smack the ruined VOC's backend to seize Java, then isolate French Indochina from both China and Java—acknowledging French interests there.
Meanwhile, sail past where James Cook hadn't reached in the South Pacific, ultimately to America's Midwest (still French-held). France couldn't hold overseas colonies long-term.
No need to tell foreigners this grand maritime domination plan. So Admiral Porter simply nodded in satisfaction.
"I have high expectations for you, Colonel Washington."
George Washington, commander of the Continental Army—colonial regiment bolstered mainly by Virginia militia—stood with poised, disciplined bearing.
"Thank you, sir."
In the last war, the British navy had taken heavy losses from China's massed fire ships.
Thorough analysis showed the main cause was fighting despite unfavorable winds.
And now in October by the solar calendar, the next three or four months would bring mostly northwest winds.
The British opted to wait until spring rather than pile up altars and pray. To deny China preparation time, only Admiral Porter and Manila main force leaders crossed to Taiwan disguised as supply ships.
Colonel William Draper and Admiral Richard Tidman on Taiwan prepared to return to India.
Troop fatigue was severe, and sepoys' overseas expedition pay was a huge burden—the Company's decision. At least securing Taiwan looked good on paper.
Thus, left behind were diplomat Robert Clive with a small detachment and interpreter James Flint.
Clive—who needed to secretly trade "black powder" secrets with Kim Unhaeng—shook his head at invading Joseon.
"At least one of Joseon's politicians has international savvy. As Admiral Porter says, we can expect not just safe hostage returns, but perhaps even cooperation in the China expedition."
"Ho ho. That Joseon fellow who gave us tea saplings before?"
"Yes. That same man was appointed border lord of northern Joseon a year or two ago. Sending the man with Joseon's strongest military authority to the Qing border says much."
There were misconceptions about Joseon's bureaucracy, but the analysis wasn't far off. The British briefly discussed Joseon's top general, Unhaeng "Chunsik" Kim.
But George Washington was skeptical. He asked Clive.
"Does that man represent Joseon's tribes? Iroquois and Algonquin chiefs love pretending to negotiate while ambushing from behind. The rear worries me. Wouldn't it be better to call the main force, land before China can use fire ships? We could 'supply' along the southeast coast too."
After annihilating the enemy navy, land scattered along the long coast for Black Prince Edward-style plundering marches—then flee to ships when enemy armies rushed out.
It was the Royal Navy's traditional strategy as "successful pirates." Washington didn't know, but it was how Britain nearly crushed the Continental Army in the future independence war.
But Clive flashed a "colonial hick" look before replying.
"Your insight has two major flaws, Colonel. First, China isn't isolatable by naval blockade. If it were, our EIC would have tried it. China is a world unto itself. Without blocking inland canals, it won't starve."
Washington, from sea-blockade-vulnerable American colonies, was stunned. How could such a country exist?
Clive, the East expert, continued.
"And naturally, large ships of the line can't go upriver. So we need small galleys, ferries for land forces—and above all, local cooperation. Think we've idled in Formosa two years? Rebel factions from southern China (Heaven and Earth Society and Jiangnan merchants) have already stashed ships and key men here. And you want to attack their civilian base on the southeast coast?"
Washington had no reply. Admirals Porter and du Dresnay sighed in relief that he'd taken their embarrassment.
"And that ship's buyer is Joseon. Linked by land, they can't openly defy the Qing—but Kim Unhaeng's actions are consistently pro-North and South. Suspicion is healthy, but here it's irrational, no? That answers your questions, Colonel."
Washington's startling insight that Kim Unhaeng might be a cunning traitor was crushed. Clive surveyed the group.
"For now, as Admiral Porter and the captains decide, we wisely stand by until winds favor us—regrouping the troops. Aren't the men worn from the long voyage anyway?"
Admiral Porter, arms crossed, replied glumly.
"True enough. It's unavoidable."
James Cook's capture in Joseon had prevented proper scurvy measures in the Royal Navy. His knowledge was now thriving in Joseon's liberation corps.
To avoid seeming dragged by Clive's opinion, Admiral Porter ended the meeting with an unnecessary line.
"No changes then. Continue feinting at China, and Colonel Clive—you must contact that Joseon Kim Unhaeng. We won't antagonize Joseon yet, but healthy suspicion isn't bad, as you say. Since we've bought time, use it well."
"Understood, Admiral."
The Hoon Kingdom's Hyoryeon Corps (挾輦軍)—true to its name, bearers of the king's palanquin—was the king's innermost guard.
The upper king couldn't rank below the king, so Yi Hwon nominally assigned Hyoryeon troops to Regent Yi Geum too.
The Training Command was overburdened, so they formed a namesake unit from Suwon—but Suwon's forces were elites who shone in the Yi In-jwa rebellion, so quality held.
Hyoryeon first officer Kim I-hwan warmly welcomed Jeong Hu-gyeom, who visited Namhansanseong "to convey Dragon Head Grand Army's greetings to the upper king."
Diving straight into politics felt off, so ice-breaking was needed. Pondering small talk, Jeong spotted a flowerpot in Kim's room.
"What is this? The flower is stunning."
It seemed familiar, but he couldn't name it. Kim I-hwan said casually.
"Didn't Yi Deok-mu—a lowborn—enter the Crown Prince's Institute recently? Father valued his scholarship and pushed his recommendation. This is the herb he taught. He's versed in natural encyclopedia too—says this flower, though unlike, is kin to tobacco and eggplant. Even Westerners know it."
Jeong's sharp mind flashed concepts.
Kim Unhaeng (technically Chun-dang, as he lacked authority) placed Joseon's first lowborn in a key civil post.
A reward and show of support to the loyalist faction. A signal to open doors for lowborns ahead.
And in Jeong's view, a check on Western missionaries favored by the crown prince, envied by other ministers.
Kim Unhaeng was subtly aiding them. Hedging against the prince's fall.
'Lowborns entering Chun-bang means other ministers dislike Western priests too. A chance to tarnish the prince's prestige.'
Kim had just mentioned "lowborn" and "Westerners" together, but Jeong was perfectly manipulated. A scenario formed instantly in his head.
While Kim Unhaeng indulged in luxuries, topple the prince—then sweep him away. Kim thought them mere Dragon Head faction, not dreaming of upper king restoration.
Understandably. Without troops massing north now, even Jeong and Princess Hwa-wan couldn't dream it.
So no need to linger with Kim's son. Jeong believed he minimized info leaks unlike that fool.
After pointless pleasantries with Kim I-hwan, Jeong soon left.
Kim I-hwan looked a bit regretful.
Too immersed in his grand scheme, Jeong hadn't learned the flower's name.
Kim I-hwan reached for the beautiful horticultural plant Westerners called "angel's trumpet."
But didn't touch it.
Author's Note
1. The 74-gun third-rate ships of the line, represented by the Temeraire-class and Slade-class, began mass production around this time. They balanced the unstable old multi-deck large ships of the line with the somewhat undergunned 50-60 gunners. The design originated in France, but the British, having captured them, found them usable and mass-produced. Some call it the "final form of wooden sailing warships."
2. The Knights Templar, often depicted as a conspiracy group, were heavily financial institutions. Late 13th-century French King Philip IV owed them massively and erased the debt by framing Grand Master Jacques de Molay with sodomy charges and burning him. Four hundred years before our story, but European monarchs—especially French and Spanish—continued funding similarly: suddenly picking fights with Jewish communities to confiscate and expel. The Dutch "republic," proclaiming "We repay debts fairly under republican authority, not absolutist oppression!" became a haven for fleeing merchants and prospered.
3. Jervis Henry Porter (stepfather; historically not yet admiral) and du Dresnay did command Hercules (Hercules/Heracles) and Le Dragon at this time, but David Bullen (corrected from "Vollen") wasn't navy and never commanded Nassau Weilburg.
4. The Continental Army, as you know, was the name of the American colonial forces George Washington led against Britain in the independence war.
5. "Angel's trumpet" is a type of white brugmansia. Brugmansia grows in East Asia too, used medicinally or as anesthetic. Origin unclear, but Linnaeus classified it in 1753 after it settled in America. Most Solanaceae (tobacco, eggplant kin) are toxic; this has potent hallucinogenic alkaloids. British troops in Jamestown once ate it by mistake and collectively lost their minds.