I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 226

Was my understanding of Asia in the early 19th century somewhat lacking?

I had been thinking that I needed to approach the East Asian countries of this era with more caution, as most of them were pursuing isolationist policies.

From a 21st-century perspective, one might think they were frustrating and foolish, but that’s only because we’re looking at history from an omniscient point of view.

Frankly, from the perspective of those Asian countries, they would have to overhaul their entire system of beliefs, so how could they readily accept it?

So, even if they promised trade, I expected them to be quite passive until the formal treaty was signed.

In fact, in the original history, Japan didn’t open its doors immediately but succeeded in modernization after experiencing various trials and errors.

Not to mention Joseon [ancient Korean kingdom], which astonished England, and Vietnam, which, when you think about it, boasted a Confucian conservatism no less than Joseon.

Even if they were swept up in the atmosphere of Champa [ancient kingdom in Vietnam] and decided to trade while here, they could easily change their minds.

No, that’s usually what happens.

But perhaps that perspective was also a misunderstanding that arose from understanding history from a third-party perspective.

“Prime Minister, when you think about it, aren’t we the closest to France? Surely, you’ll send people to us first, right?”

“Prime Minister, our Shogun [military dictator of Japan] is ready to welcome the French diplomatic mission with open arms. If possible, please consider having the diplomatic mission return home with us…”

Whether it’s Confucianism or isolationism, the people of this era know what’s good and what’s bad.

And if you investigate, you can find out which European countries are trustworthy and which are not.

It seemed they were fiercely trying to figure out how to acquire our superior technology.

“First, if we open our markets to each other, then we’ll naturally install things like railroads and telegraphs for you. Of course, we’ll charge a reasonable price, so you don’t have to worry too much.”

“Yes. We’ve learned that France is highly regarded in Europe for its diplomacy that best represents the interests of its allies. So, we’d appreciate your help.”

“Of course. In Eastern terms, our policy is coexistence and co-prosperity.”

It’s a system where if they gain 1, I gain 10, but it’s not a lie, is it?

“But weren’t there any voices of concern from your home country?”

“Of course, there were. But if I diligently explain France’s reputation and the necessity of trade, I can persuade them all.”

“If you tell them that if they don’t do it with us, they’ll end up doing it with England, it’ll be even more effective.”

“Ah… I see. I’ll be sure to emphasize that as well.”

The more France’s industry develops, the more it needs a wider market to sell its goods.

Considering Nouvelle France [New France, a French colony in North America], which will achieve explosive growth like the United States in the original history before long, it may not be a very relaxed situation.

Industrialization and modernization aren’t just about increasing production capacity.

In the long term, the population of France and Nouvelle France will increase several times, but it takes decades for people to be born and raised.

The growth of the domestic market doesn’t increase in direct proportion to the development of production capacity.

Even if you put that aside, it’s more important than anything to seize the vast market of Asia first.

To put it a bit exaggeratedly, Asia right now is like a fishing spot with half water and half fish.

It’s no exaggeration to say that you’ll get a bite as soon as you cast your line.

Even Joseon, which I thought was hopeless, wasn’t crossing the decisive line.

Such speculation was confirmed in a conversation with Seo Yong-bo after the meetings with the Vietnamese and Japanese delegations.

“I’m very pleased that Joseon has also decided to formally accept our diplomatic mission.”

“We decided because we got the impression that France, unlike other Western countries, values the virtues of a gentleman.”

“We’re just glad that the Joseon court thinks of us that way. I hope we can establish a constructive relationship that benefits each other.”

“Still, we have to set some conditions. Like the spread of Western learning… I mean, Catholicism.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. The previous incident was a tragedy that occurred because Catholicism didn’t understand your country’s culture. I promise in my name that we’ll be especially careful to ensure that such a thing never happens again. In the first place, it doesn’t make sense that the admirable spirit of honoring ancestors is compared to superstitious worship.”

Seo Yong-bo’s complexion immediately brightened at the appropriate flattery.

After all, if that man promised to trade with barbarians who didn’t know humanity, he would immediately lose his position as Right State Councilor.

When I return to Joseon, I have to somehow package me as a Western gentleman and promote me.

It wouldn’t be bad to throw in a few sources that could be used for that.

“I promise that the decision made by the Right State Councilor here will be evaluated as having brightly illuminated Joseon’s future.”

“I hope so too. Of course, His Majesty must acknowledge the promise made here today…”

“I’ve heard that the current King of Joseon has inherited the blood of the late Great King, who was incomparably wise. I believe that his brilliance will lead in a direction that is most beneficial to the national interest in any way.”

“Oh… Your Excellency’s knowledge is truly amazing. I will be sure to convey it to His Majesty.”

I recently learned that Asian countries are very sensitive to the gaze of others, both now and in the past.

This is subtly different from the nationalistic pride that exists in France and England.

To put it bluntly, you could call it voyeurism.

You could clearly see that they were thirsty for the attention and recognition of other countries.

Even though they call themselves Little China, there’s no country that actually recognizes them, so I can understand their feelings.

As proof, his face immediately broke into a smile when I mentioned and praised Jeongjo [King of Joseon Dynasty].

Really… they’re easy to understand.

※※※

William Pitt was reading the reports regularly submitted by Viscount Castlereagh.

He was already well aware that France was actively expanding its Asian market.

But it was proceeding much more smoothly and quickly than expected.

When they had knocked on the door a few times before, things hadn’t gone so smoothly.

Could the background of defeating Qing [the last imperial dynasty of China] have played such a big role?

-It is necessary to improve the negative perception of the home country held by Vietnam and Japan.

-Joseon is not worth mentioning.

In fact, Viscount Castlereagh’s reports were all as expected.

Some would say that they shouldn’t have sold opium, but that was the best way at the time.

In any case, the gains that Britain had made from the Opium War… no, the Liberation War, were not small.

The problem was that France was sweeping up even more than that.

He asked the two generals sitting in front of him.

“How is your homeland after returning after a long time? Everyone has been eagerly awaiting the heroes of the war.”

“We were just fulfilling our duties as soldiers, but we are grateful for such a grand welcome.”

“I think it was a very profitable fight. I was able to see the gap between Europe and Asia with my own eyes, and I also clearly observed the level of the French army.”

Horatio Nelson and Arthur Wellesley.

The two marshals, representing the army and navy of the British Empire, had returned more reliable than before.

It was a bit painful that France had decorated the end of the war, but it was satisfying that they had achieved much better results than Russia.

Above all, it was quite encouraging that the British Empire’s naval power had been proven to overwhelm even the strongest power in Asia.

“All the citizens want to see you two, so the medal ceremony will be held in a public place. If you’re uncomfortable, tell me now. I’ll cancel it.”

“No. We’re honored.”

“I also think it’s an unparalleled honor as a soldier of the British Empire.”

“I’m glad to hear that. By the way, I’d like to hear your thoughts on what you experienced in this war. I can’t accurately understand the on-site perspective with just the reports.”

Frankly, Pitt was very burdened by France’s growing power.

The French navy, with its established steamship production system, had a distinctly different sense of intimidation than before.

The power of steamships freely moving in and out through the Suez Canal far exceeded British expectations.

If France also had forward bases in countries like Hong Kong and Vietnam… the thought alone was terrifying.

“Prime Minister, as I said before, the French army is undoubtedly the strongest in the world. Moreover, the gap is widening rather than narrowing with other countries.”

“…I saw the report that the Qing cavalry were so badly mauled that even the enemy felt sorry for them.”

“If we want to catch up with France, the home country will have to further accelerate its military buildup.”

No matter what flowery rhetoric you use, defense ultimately comes from money.

Money doesn’t necessarily produce a strong army, but without money, a strong army cannot emerge.

Especially in this era where firepower is becoming increasingly important, this was an unavoidable truth.

The problem is that money is not a commodity that is created just because it is needed.

Still, it’s not all hopeless.

In any case, they had opened a route to kneel Qing and sell a lot of their goods, hadn’t they?

“So, the answer is that we have no choice but to seize the Asian market as well… To do that, we need to start the Qing division work in earnest.”

“The Qing Dynasty that we saw on the ground seemed closer to an unintegrated rabble. It may not be difficult to cause division.”

“That’s right. And unexpectedly, France seems to be quite serious about this. To the point of sending us a mountain of very useful information.”

Pitt tapped the enormous stack of books he had been reading carefully until the two men came with his finger.

“It contains a rough distribution of the Qing’s ethnic groups and their characteristics and history. Seeing this, I can roughly draw a picture in my head.”

Divide and rule was originally a specialty that Britain could confidently say it did best in the world.

They had used this method very usefully when ruling India.

“So, are you going to start working on it right away?”

“I have to. However, we must move secretly so that there is no sign that we intervened. Have you two find reliable and capable officers.”

“Understood.”

First, let’s start by exploding the Han Chinese’s accumulated dissatisfaction.

Then, naturally, under the pretext of supporting the Qing imperial family, they will have an excuse to intervene in the Qing’s internal affairs.

“Good. Now that the general policy has been decided, let’s discuss what kind of help the military needs later. Today is a joyous occasion, so let’s move on.”

Pitt rose from his seat with the sunlight pouring in through the window behind him.

Then, he took a carriage with Nelson and Wellesley, who followed him, and headed to the venue.

Nelson’s voice, who was slowly admiring the scenery outside the carriage, was naturally filled with emotion.

“Looking at it this way, London is changing beyond recognition.”

“That’s true. The development is so fast that even I’m sometimes surprised.”

Pitt nodded happily and narrowed his eyes when he noticed a considerable number of people gathered on the side of the road.

“Those guys are here again.”

“Who are those guys?”

“These days, there are so many factories that these strange people are starting to gather. Just ignore them and pass by.”

As the distance narrowed, the voices of the citizens occupying the roadside became increasingly audible.

“Awaken, you ugly capitalists!”

“Workers, unite!”

“What’s with the 120-hour work week!”

“Awaken, capitalists and the state that suck the blood of workers!”

“Awaken! Awaken! Awaken!”

Nelson and Wellesley’s faces were filled with embarrassment as they faced slogans they had never heard before.

Pitt slammed the carriage window shut as if he didn’t want to hear it.

“Ignore them. We’re creating jobs for them to make a living, and now they’re asking for more money. Looking at it this way, people’s greed is truly endless.”

Anyway, even if you cut off the people who say such things, there are plenty of people who will work.

If you don’t want to work, you don’t have to work.

Did anyone threaten you with a knife to work?

According to the theory of Adam Smith, a great economist born in England, the government has done its job if it only prevents market monopolies.

Then the balance will be adjusted in the market.

Pitt turned a deaf ear to the red something or other coming from afar and closed his eyes tightly.

End