He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 437

(437) England is Busy with Power Struggles

Here, there is a man who has long dreamed of becoming the Prime Minister of the Republic.

“England, too, must become like France. To be precise, like France during the revolution!”

Charles James Fox, 58 years old, has been active in British politics for over 30 years.

He is as stout as Danton, but unlike the grim Danton, he has a very affable impression.

However, the words coming out of his mouth are certainly more radical than Danton’s in recent times.

Even in 1807, when France no longer talks about revolution, he is still talking about the spirit of revolution.

A man who talks about the republic in England, which is clearly a kingdom. The Duke, who was drinking imported Qing Dynasty tea [tea from the last dynasty of China] in front of Fox, nodded.

“That’s right, Mr. Fox.”

“Oh, Your Grace, the Duke of Portland. It’s unusual for you to agree with me?”

“I’m sick of a country ruled by a king. Especially a mad king!”

Suddenly, William Cavendish, the 3rd Duke of Portland and former Prime Minister, slammed the desk.

“How long do we have to watch Prime Ministers appointed by a mad king? Do you know? Pitt took responsibility for Austerlitz and stepped down, but the next Prime Minister was Grenville. Again, after Addington!”

“He became Pitt’s friend.”

“That’s right! Not Tories, not Whigs [two major political factions in England], but an era ruled by Pitt’s friends!”

The Duke of Portland trembled.

“This is neither a monarchy nor parliamentary politics. It’s just Pitt’s dictatorship!”

Austerlitz, the battle that determined the hegemony of continental Europe.

Pitt eventually stepped down after the battle.

However, even after his resignation, the next Prime Minister was appointed according to Pitt’s wishes.

The problem started here.

In fact, the Duke of Portland was once one of Pitt’s [Friends].

This is because the Duke of Portland served as Home Secretary during Pitt’s first cabinet.

However, he was pushed out in the second cabinet, and this time, even though he aimed for the Prime Minister, Pitt ignored him.

That’s why he is complaining to Fox, who has long been an opponent of Pitt.

“The problem is that Pitt has gathered all the old Tory figures together with the Whig [Independent] faction, Mr. Fox.”

“The majority. The majority in Parliament, and the majority in elections!”

“How many times have we lost in the war? We haven’t won anything, but we still win in the elections. It’s all because of bipartisan collusion!”

The Duke of Portland raised his voice.

Contrary to the misunderstanding of later original history, this era is actually dominated by the [Whig Party].

The so-called Tory Party was originally a faction that supported James II, but it was virtually dissolved after the Glorious Revolution.

However, a split occurred in the Whig Party, and the Independent faction led by Pitt was born.

Pitt combined the Whig faction and the old Tory faction to create a new force.

The force that will be called the [Conservative Party] originated here [New Tory Party].

The name Tory Party itself became common after Pitt’s death in the original history, but it was a name quite often mentioned in political circles even in this era.

Fox, who is still the leader of the Whig Party but is in the opposition party due to the faction, smiled slyly.

“But, the Prime Minister is not actually determined by the House of Commons.”

The Duke of Portland tilted his head.

“Huh? What do you mean? Are you talking about the House of Lords? It has no real power since Cromwell.”

“No, I mean, isn’t the Prime Minister appointed by the King?”

“Oh, that’s true, but basically, isn’t it common to appoint the leader of the majority party from the previous generation? That’s why Pitt became Prime Minister, and that’s why he’s setting up puppets afterwards.”

Fox’s thick eyes flashed.

“Then, if the King is really crazy and a regent is appointed, who will appoint him?”

It is no lie that King George III is often not in his right mind.

This is due to a hormonal disease that could not be determined in the 19th century, and it is only getting worse day by day.

But even if the Prime Minister actually runs the country, England is clearly a monarchy.

If the King goes mad, his successor must become the regent.

“Prince George?”

“That’s right.”

“But how on earth do you join hands with the Prince? The Prince is not interested in politics and is addicted to gambling, women, and alcohol.”

When the Duke of Portland showed a skeptical reaction, Fox shook his head.

“No, the Prince only hates himself for not having power. Besides, have you forgotten? My wife, Elizabeth, was once the Prince’s lover.”

It is proof that Fox is no ordinary person to proudly say that his wife was the Prince’s lover.

Of course, the Prince’s lover is not just one or two.

The Duke of Portland, who didn’t know what to say for a moment, put down his teacup.

“Okay. Now is a better opportunity than when Pitt was Prime Minister!”

Thus, the former Prime Minister and Home Secretary of Pitt’s cabinet, the Duke of Portland, joined hands with Fox.

Conversely, Fox is a man who can join hands with his old rivals.

***

Prince George stared at the husband of his old lover with bleary eyes.

“Hmm, Mrs. Armistead, no, Mrs. Fox, wrote me a pleading letter. Mr. Fox.”

Elizabeth Armistead, currently called Mrs. Fox, was once a high-class prostitute who swept through British high society.

Prince George also spent time deeply in love with Elizabeth.

However, it was the fat man in front of him who finally succeeded in taking Elizabeth.

Fox greeted him with a smooth attitude.

“It’s been a while, Your Highness.”

“Was it 20 years ago when we last met?”

“It was 19 years ago. In 1788, when Lord North and Mr. Edmund Burke were still alive, Your Highness met me just before becoming Regent.”

Of course, these two men did not only love one woman.

Originally, Fox had seized power when England was in great chaos after the American Revolutionary War.

The Prime Minister at the time was Lord Frederick North, but Fox was the real power because he allowed American independence.

Also, the Prince had been interacting with Fox since then, dreaming of succeeding to the throne.

However, Pitt later took power, and the North-Fox coalition cabinet collapsed.

“It was after your cabinet failed in 1783, I guess. It’s been a long time. I’m just surprised that you’re still in the House of Commons.”

When the Prince sneered, Fox replied without a care.

“If Your Highness had accepted my advice, His Majesty the King would not still be on the throne.”

“Such outrageous words. Of course, I could be Regent.”

“Now, it’s time to rise to the regency again.”

The Prince narrowed his brow.

Of course, he is hearing news through the royal attendants that his father, George III, often has manic episodes.

However, it is thoroughly hidden from the outside, and there is no evidence that it has become more severe than before.

But to ascend to the regency, the consent of Parliament is required.

The current Parliament is naturally dominated by the Pitt faction.

“Why? Pitt has stepped down, but his friends are in control of the House of Commons, aren’t they?”

“You have your eyes and ears open.”

“Of course. I also know that you’ve taken over all my old lovers. Mr. Fox!”

Suddenly, George glared with sparkling eyes.

“Tell me. How to bring that damn young Pitt down from the throne!”

In fact, Elizabeth is not the only lover that Fox and George share.

Numerous women, including Mary Robinson, an actress who swept through this era, passed through Fox and George’s bedrooms.

Of course, they may have passed through other people’s bedrooms as well.

Fox twisted his lips while staring at Prince George, who shares his lover.

“It’s impossible with elections, Your Highness.”

“Already verified every six years. The gentry absolutely support Pitt. Ha! Even though he’s the one who imposed the income tax! Do you know? All criticism of the tax increase is focused on His Majesty the King and the royal family!”

“And to Your Highness as well. Heh heh.”

Fox, who smiled strangely for a moment, said in a low voice.

“Bring in Addington, Your Highness.”

The Prince frowned at the unexpected name.

“Henry Addington? Viscount Sidmouth? Isn’t he a friend of Pitt’s?”

“He used to be. Not anymore. Addington was not included in the last Second Cabinet.”

“Well, he’s a former Prime Minister, so isn’t that natural? So Pitt petitioned His Majesty the King to give him the title of nobility.”

Addington is the former Prime Minister and a friend of Pitt.

How on earth can he be brought in?

However, Fox asserted.

“That’s not true. If Pitt really wanted to treat him with respect, he should have given him the position of Second Foreign Secretary. Besides, Grenville is the Prime Minister now, not Addington.”

The Prince savored Fox’s words and narrowed his eyes.

“Addington has been alienated?”

“I am also gathering enough information before speaking.”

“Okay. First of all, it’s not the order for me to be appointed as Regent. What’s the plan?”

Even though he is a Prince who spends his time with lewd hobbies, he knows the political order well.

To obtain the regency, it is essential to seize Parliament.

Fox approached the Prince and said.

“Oust Grenville and break the Tory alliance. Then, expose the King’s mental illness with a resolution of the entire Parliament, and appoint His Highness the Prince as Regent.”

The Prince nodded as he listened to Fox’s plan.

“If that happens, you will be the Prime Minister of Regent George. Fox.”

Fox bowed his head again in the Prince’s patronage with a satisfied face.

“It’s an honor, Your Highness.”

A man who can plot with his wife’s old lover if he can regain power.

That’s Fox.

***

Now, the British Westminster Parliament was swept up in turmoil.

“Then, with the resolution of the majority of Parliament, we resolve to dismiss Prime Minister Grenville!”

As the Speaker of the House, Addington, shouted loudly, Prime Minister Grenville jumped up.

“This is betrayal! Addington!”

Not only Grenville, but all Pitt faction members and cabinet ministers were glaring at Addington.

Even though he did not give him the position of Foreign Secretary, they were Pitt’s friends who believed without a doubt that Addington was in the same faction.

However, Addington betrayed his old comrades in front of power.

Before he knew it, Whig members were surrounding Addington.

The leader of the Whig Party, Fox, approached and extended his hand.

“Congratulations on becoming the new Prime Minister. Viscount Sidmouth.”

“Thank you, Mr. Fox. Is there any position you want?”

“Hmm, I think the position of Foreign Secretary would be good. I have experience in the past.”

Fox said to Addington with shining eyes.

“I am going to create peaceful diplomacy with France. Viscount.”

Addington had a troubled face.

However, without Fox’s support, he cannot maintain the position of Prime Minister even for a moment under the current House of Commons structure.

Eventually, Addington raised both hands and replied.

“Do as you wish. I’m going to focus on domestic affairs for the time being. Especially the problem of former Prime Minister Pitt.”