He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 165

165. Opening of Theo School

◈ 8 months later. February 1785, Deputy Director’s Office of Theo Trading Company.

The day marked one year since the Sanderson Treaty was enacted.

In the Deputy Director’s office of the trading company, Theo, Simon Hughes (Deputy Director of the Trading Company), Scipio Marshall (Director of the Commercial Education Research Institute), Sir Colin Peterson, and other key members who had been involved in negotiating the Sanderson Treaty were gathered.

Deputy Director Simon Hughes briefly reported on the trade results following the treaty’s implementation and added an overall assessment.

“…As you can see, the trade imbalance is widening far more than we anticipated.”

The data he presented detailed the trade volume, items, and profit and loss differences between England and France over the past year.

Even without a close examination, it was evident at a glance that the situation was unilaterally favoring England.

Director Scipio Marshall said with a dark expression.

“Given the different added values of agricultural and industrial products, we expected the initial results to be in our favor, but the gap is widening too quickly. It’s concerning.”

As the direct leaders of the trade agreement, they should have been pleased with the news, but in reality, they were not.

This was because the French economy was collapsing at a much faster rate than Theo and Director Scipio had anticipated.

If this continued, the original purpose of the treaty, which was to secure profits through a moderate trade balance, would be completely undermined.

Above all, they were concerned about the aftermath of France’s economic collapse.

‘I thought France would have ample national finances because its participation in the American Revolutionary War was blocked in advance, but at this rate, the French economy will head for the worst within 3-4 years.

That means the French Revolution is likely to occur after all, and it might even break out sooner than I knew…’

Theo, who knew better than anyone the repercussions of the French Revolution, couldn’t help but worry.

Seeing the changed history, he once thought that the French Revolution might not happen, but in the current situation, the revolution seemed to be an inevitable course.

‘Some events have changed from the history I knew. But even though the timing and process are slightly different, the major events of history are unfolding as if they were predetermined.

Huh- It will be a long time before the school is completed, and it will be a real headache to wrap up all the projects before the French Revolution. I need to speed things up, I can’t help it.’

For now, he could only pray that the establishment of the school and other started projects would be settled before the French Revolution.

“Are there any other problems with the school construction progress?”

Theo asked Scipio, handing over the data summarizing the progress of the construction.

He was constantly checking the overall progress, but Director Scipio Marshall, who would become the headmaster of Theo School, was entirely responsible for checking the detailed construction progress related to the school.

“There was a bit of noise regarding the sewage facilities in the cafeteria building last time.

However, after meeting with government officials several times, we conveyed your intentions and are leading it in a positive direction.”

In those days, completing a large building like a school involved not only the cost and procurement of materials but also communication with the bureaucratic administrative officials, which was a major headache.

In modern times, administrative progress information is disclosed, and there are various means to raise objections, but in the 18th century, such administrative services were nonexistent.

Fortunately, thanks to Theo’s social status and reputation, the work could proceed without much difficulty.

◈ 3 years later, London Theo School.

June 1788.

Finally, Theo School was completed near Covent Garden in London.

The renovation work and the construction of new educational buildings, which had been carried out for four years, proceeded without a hitch, creating an excellent learning space that harmonized medieval and modern styles.

Many people from all walks of life attended the opening ceremony of Theo School.

In particular, the Prince of Wales, the first in line to the throne, attended on behalf of George III; in future history, he would become George IV, succeeding George III.

In history, around this time, George III’s mental problems began to become apparent, and thanks to this, the Prince of Wales, as the heir to the throne, was gaining political power.

However, in the changed history, George III was too healthy, and the Prince of Wales, who was often criticized for his extravagant lifestyle and gambling, could only watch his father’s every move without exerting much power.

“Congratulations on the opening, Lord Sanderson,” the Prince of Wales said. “To operate such excellent educational facilities… and for free for the common people. His Majesty the King was greatly moved and praised your contribution to the British people. Haha-”

Students who could enter Theo School were limited to children from poor commoners and the poor.

It was a bold investment in the unfortunate children who had been completely excluded from education due to the hard labor of the Industrial Revolution.

Theo School did not simply provide an opportunity to learn.

It provided everything for free, including breakfast and lunch, as well as books, school supplies, and uniforms, so that students could concentrate solely on their studies, and those who maintained a certain grade point average could even receive a weekly allowance in the form of a scholarship.

The benefits were so great that parents who heard the admission explanation for the first time wondered if it was a scam.

However, after learning that this was all part of Lord Sanderson’s grand plan, the parents were overjoyed and praised Theo.

-Well. If you study hard at this school, they will get you a job at Lord Sanderson’s company, hotel, or factory.

-Lord Sanderson’s company pays a lot and treats its employees well, so everyone is eager to work there, right?

-They hired more than 50 employees in the trading company alone this time. The new hotel also needs a lot of manpower. If the kids study properly at school, they can work in such good places.

However, the nobles were unhappy with this free education project.

In particular, many nobles openly criticized it, arguing for the uselessness of education for commoners and the poor, calling it a waste of money that only instilled vain hopes.

However, as the Age of Enlightenment dawned and more nobles and intellectuals began to think differently, many praised Theo, saying that education was essential for the future of the country.

In particular, King George’s public support was the most reliable support.

“Even though you are busy, it is a great honor for me that the Prince of Wales himself came to deliver His Majesty’s congratulations.”

“After coming here and looking around the wonderful school, I am newly respectful of your efforts, Lord. It’s a really good facility and environment. Very good, haha.”

Even the Prince of Wales, the most powerful man in power, had to bow politely before Theo.

Behind the Prince of Wales, nobles lined up waiting for their turn to make eye contact with Theo.

Theo conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who approached him without discrimination.

Among them were farmers from the farms around the school with tanned faces.

These were tenant farmers from the farms that Theo had bought 4-5 years ago.

“Lord. Congratulations on the opening of the school.”

“Congratulations, Lord.”

“Our children have also enrolled this time. Please take good care of them.”

While operating restaurants, wedding halls, ballrooms, and hotels on Theo Street, the amount of agricultural products used increased rapidly.

Theo purchased farmland and recruited tenant farmers to improve business efficiency.

At this time, most tenant farmers were struggling every day under the burden of various taxes.

The ‘land tax,’ which had been introduced since the end of the 17th century, was originally levied on landowners to cover the country’s military expenditures, but landowners passed on the tax burden to tenant farmers by reflecting it all in the rent.

In addition, the burden of rising tariffs on agricultural imports was also entirely passed on to tenant farmers.

Theo, who was well aware of these problems, made the Theo Company, the landowner, fully responsible for the tax burden, so that tenant farmers would not have to pay any land tax.

The Theo Company also purchased agricultural supplies on its own and lent them free of charge, greatly reducing the burden on tenant farmers.

Thanks to the greatly increased income, the excited tenant farmers decided to donate a significant amount of the agricultural products needed for Theo School’s meals for free.

Theo initially strongly refused their voluntary donation.

However, after feeling the tenant farmers’ sincerity, he accepted it with joy.

On the other hand, Theo’s actions placed a great burden on most nobles who exploited tenant farmers.

Some enraged nobles even visited King George as a group and strongly demanded that Theo’s actions be stopped immediately.

-Your Majesty! Lord Sanderson’s actions are a very dangerous idea that shakes the foundation of the aristocratic system.

Lord Sanderson, who earns a lot of money from various vulgar businesses with the power of England behind him, may not be greatly affected by tenancy, but many nobles who have to maintain their families solely from the tenancy from their estates are in a very difficult situation.

If tenant farmers rebel due to Lord Sanderson’s actions and the tenancy system is not properly maintained, it will be very difficult to maintain noble families, and in the end, the foundation of the British Empire will be uprooted. Please, Your Majesty, seriously consider this matter and punish Lord Sanderson!

-Hey- Be quiet! What did Lord Sanderson do wrong to be punished? Is it a crime to keep the land tax as stipulated in the national law? How does that shake the foundation of the aristocratic system?

And do you know that most of the enormous profits that Lord Sanderson earns are being used for schools and tenant farmers before you say such things?

With the huge profits you earn from colonies and various estates, you live in luxury with various luxury goods and jewels, and carriages more splendid and expensive than the royal carriages, don’t you?

Instead of praising Lord Sanderson, who is doing such great things for the people on behalf of the country, you want to kick him out… Well, you have to plant even a single blade of grass to know. Get out of here!

King George, greatly angered, scolded the nobles who came to argue.

He was so simple that he was called ‘Farmer King’ because he farmed directly with the princes, and he knew the hard work of tenant farmers better than anyone else, and he highly valued Theo’s attitude of understanding the hearts of such tenant farmers.

King George ordered that everything be executed according to principles and threatened to impose severe penalties if this was not followed.

Unlike history, King George’s dignity, which had become healthy and politically and economically powerful, became a solid background that prevented anyone from stopping Theo’s actions.

In the end, other landlords were forced to choose to reduce or exempt land taxes due to the complaints of tenant farmers.

“The vegetables that came in this time are really fresh. Thank you.”

“Oh, Lord. Just tell us anytime. It’s for the children to eat, so we’ll always serve the best, haha.”

At that time, Deputy Director Simon Hughes approached Theo with a firm expression.

And he delivered urgent news in his ear.

“Lord! It is said that the King of France summoned representatives from each social class across the country to discuss tax issues and convened the Estates-General [a general assembly representing the French estates of the realm: the clergy, the nobility, and the common people] for the first time in 170 years. Could this be a sign of the collapse of the French government that Director Marshall mentioned?”

Theo’s eyes widened as soon as he heard the words ‘convening the Estates-General.’

“Is that true? Did they definitely convene the Estates-General?”

Deputy Hughes nodded.

“It must be accurate information. I heard the same thing from several informants. I’m worried that this might be the starting point of the collapse that Director Marshall warned about.”

Theo had been watching closely how the French Revolution would unfold in the changed history.

‘The Estates-General… convening…’

And finally, the historical event that heralded the start of the French Revolution appeared.

Moreover, it was a year earlier than the actual historical revolution period.

Theo’s prediction that it might be delayed further due to the approval of American independence was pleasantly mistaken.

Tension also settled on Deputy Hughes’ face at Theo’s serious expression.

“Do you also think that some ‘big deal’ will happen like Director Marshall?”

“…Yes. I think so. We need to prepare something solid too.”

◈ 4 months later. October 1788, Theo Marriage Information Company.

After Theo School opened, a few more months passed in a daze.

Theo School gradually took its place as it recruited suitable students who met the requirements and recruited teachers and instructors who were suitable for them.

At first, people were skeptical about the idea that they could earn money while studying, but after hearing that the owner of Theo School was Lord Theo Sanderson, people showed faith.

However, because parents still strongly believed that they should work rather than study to help the family, the number of school recruits was not even a third of the total, even though it was almost five months since the school opened.

Still, as word spread, poor children full of desire for learning began to come from all over the country.

Also, the fact that there was a place where they could go to learn someday, even if they couldn’t go to school right now, gave a small hope to the common people.

In addition, as King George, who had listened to Theo’s advice, invested a large amount of the rapidly increasing national income in relief measures for the poor, the vitality of the poor class increased even more.

Poor commoners, who barely made a living with bread made from cheap grains such as barley or oats, or food waste left over from the market, could regularly receive fish and cheap meat,

The situation improved day by day to the point where five loaves of bread were returned to extremely poor families who could barely survive on one loaf of bread for five families.

However, unlike the common people of England, who were finding peace and vitality in this way, a completely different situation was unfolding in France.

As the issue of harsh taxation was not resolved at all at the Estates-General, which was convened for the first time in 170 years, the citizens of Paris, who were starving due to crop failures, eventually attacked the Bastille [a medieval fortress and prison in Paris].

After that, the ‘Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen’ was announced in France in just one month, and the atmosphere of the revolution was heating up.

These were revolutionary events that occurred in just three months from the convening of the Estates-General.

The people who rose up all over France mercilessly murdered lords and nobles, and tore and burned the land-related documents they had as they pleased.

As the popular uprising continued to grow, many French nobles felt their lives threatened and were busy fleeing abroad.

This soon led to great chaos and fear in the aristocratic societies of England and Europe.

Like holding a time bomb that could explode at any moment, the nobles of England and Europe were watching the French Revolution with bated breath.