I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 102

The Hidden Tycoon of the British Empire 102

Traffic Control (2)

Apsley House, the residence of the Duke of Wellington, the hero of Waterloo, symbolized the British Empire’s undisputed dominance in Europe and remained a hub of high society, though perhaps not as prominent as in its heyday.

Almost weekly, significant events took place there, with influential figures from both the House of Lords and the House of Commons seeking the Duke’s counsel.

As long as those who remembered Waterloo and its participants held positions of power, the Duke’s influence would endure.

Despite stepping down from leading the Conservative Party and embracing the role of an esteemed elder statesman, the Duke of Wellington possessed an unparalleled understanding of the British Empire’s current state.

The ongoing conflict within Parliament was no exception.

A rare clash between the old guard and the new within the Conservative Party.

Charles Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington’s second son and arguably the eye of this political storm, crossed the threshold of his father’s mansion for the first time in quite a while, summoned by the Duke himself.

Why is it that this place, which once seemed so majestic, now just feels like a nice house?

Perhaps it’s because I’m now in a position to lead my own faction.

“It’s been a while, Father. I’m glad to see you looking well.”

“Yes, I’m glad to see you looking well too. I heard you’ve been busy lately. Is everything going well?”

“Everything is fine.”

“Everything is fine?”

Seeing the surprise on my father’s face, I can roughly guess why he called me here.

In a situation like this, a personal meeting suggests only one possible topic.

“Yes. Did the old guard in Parliament complain to you about my lack of proper guidance? No, they wouldn’t dare say that to your face, so they must have just hinted around and spoken ill of me behind my back.”

“Now, now, ‘old guard’? These are individuals who have won elections five or six times and maintained their positions within our party.”

“I’m also a fairly senior member of Parliament now…”

“But you still lack experience and years. Even next year, you’ll only be thirty-three.”

“When you were my age, Father, you were appointed as the commander of the Hanover Expedition. The plan was scrapped midway, but I don’t think that’s considered old.”

Napoleon, the British Empire’s arch-nemesis, became First Consul for life around the age of thirty.

Of course, I’m not aspiring to be another Napoleon, but labeling a man in his thirties as ‘young’ is a convenient narrative employed by older men unwilling to relinquish their positions.

“Yes, you have many members of Parliament who follow you, so you must have your own standing. But don’t you think it’s premature to expand your power by creating conflict with people who have contributed to the party for so many years? You’re still young. If you simply win two more elections, you’ll naturally be in their positions. But if you’re impatient and antagonize the party’s elders, you’ll only be shooting yourself in the foot.”

“Father, two elections mean ten years. Of course, patience is a virtue for a politician, and haste makes waste. But that doesn’t mean we should passively wait and waste time. Instead, we should boldly seize opportunities when they arise to become great politicians, shouldn’t we?”

“So, you believe now is the opportune moment? I don’t share that view at all.”

“I’m sorry, but that’s because you’ve only heard their side of the story. What did they say? They’re worried that I’m moving too quickly with youthful exuberance, concerned that it will cause unnecessary conflict within the party. They must have warned that such haste could lead to a fall.”

Typically, those who are anxious tend to be the most verbose.

If they were truly in a clearly superior position, they wouldn’t be complaining to my father; they would be attempting to bring me to my knees directly.

“Charles, I don’t know what you’re planning, but you must realize that neither you nor the Prime Minister can deliver a fatal blow to each other right now. If you simply engage in infighting and bickering, it will only increase public weariness. Ultimately, it will harm the entire party and benefit the Whig Party [a rival political party in British history].”

“That’s what most people would think. I’m relieved that you think so too, Father. I believe I can proceed with my work without worry.”

“…Don’t tell me you’re seriously considering a showdown with the Prime Minister right now?”

“If that weren’t the case, I would have yielded. In the first place, the Canadian Immigration Act must be passed in its original form. They seem to have tried to thwart it to tame me, but unfortunately, they miscalculated their strategy.”

“Is the Immigration Act that important? Is Killian involved?”

It’s not just involved; Killian stands to gain the most from this bill.

But the Prime Minister dismissed it without understanding its significance, leading to this predicament.

Of course, my father, unaware of Killian’s true nature, probably doesn’t think much of him.

In my father’s eyes, Killian is still just a bright and well-mannered young man who received a recommendation letter to Eton [a prestigious boarding school in England].

“I’m the one implementing this, but Killian is the mastermind behind the plans.”

“Don’t tell me you’re being manipulated by that kid…”

“It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement, so there’s no exploitation involved. I’ll be Killian’s shield, protecting him from external threats, and Killian will ensure that I, the shield, shine brighter than anyone else. It’s the same this time. Killian aims to leverage Ireland and Canada to solidify his position.”

“Then what do you gain in the process?”

“Parliament.”

As soon as I uttered the word, the Duke of Wellington’s eyes widened.

Seeing his flustered expression, Charles Wellesley reassured him, dispelling the Duke of Wellington’s concerns by outlining his promised future.

“Killian doesn’t want to be constrained by Parliament. So, isn’t it logical for someone who won’t hinder him to take control of Parliament?”

* * *

Around the time Wellesley was conversing with the hero of Waterloo,

I was sitting face to face with Robert Peel, who was fidgeting in the Prime Minister’s office.

“A lot has transpired in the country while I was away in Ireland and Scotland.”

“Indeed… hahaha.”

“As soon as I returned, Mr. Wellesley approached me and informed me that the Prime Minister is attempting to restrain him.”

“No, that’s…”

“The Canadian Immigration Act is crucial for the effective implementation of policies for Irish immigrants. Can’t you simply concede generously for the sake of national interest at this juncture?”

Robert Peel paused, then sighed deeply and shook his head.

“It’s not something I can do solely based on my desires. As you know, the atmosphere within the party has been tense lately… In truth, you’re aware that the Canadian Immigration Act is merely a pretext.”

“I know. That’s what makes it even more absurd. If you’re going to engage in conflict, can’t you choose a different bill? This affects the livelihoods of at least hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people.”

“Still, there’s no need to extend as far as the Western Frontier. The current Canadian territory is already quite extensive… Moreover, Lower Canada and Upper Canada will soon be unified into one, making it even larger.”

“There are numerous compelling reasons to expand westward, so it must be passed in its original form for the benefit of the British Empire. I believe I’ve explained this several times.”

It’s not solely about territorial expansion; western Canada possesses significant deposits of coal, metals, and minerals.

We don’t utilize oil currently, so discussing oil reserves is irrelevant, but even without that, Canada is a treasure trove that must be secured.

I’m being hindered from developing and expanding the land more rapidly due to a ridiculous power struggle within the party, which is infuriating.

“Um… the United States, which has been acting aggressively lately, will undoubtedly raise objections…”

“There’s a solution to that. In fact, allowing the United States to expand its territory indefinitely would be detrimental to us in the long run, so shouldn’t you support my original plan even more?”

“But still, there are concerns within the party…”

“Prime Minister, the leader of the Conservative Party is the Prime Minister. You need to effectively manage the traffic, or the carriages will become entangled and collide.”

It’s both an advantage and a disadvantage of the parliamentary cabinet system, but the Prime Minister is ultimately sensitive to approval ratings within the party.

A Prime Minister lacking party support can quickly become a lame duck or even face a vote of no confidence.

“So, I’m attempting to manage the traffic. If you and Wellesley could step back and make concessions this time, everything would be resolved amicably, but I don’t understand why you’re both being so stubborn.”

“Are you suggesting that we’re the ones being stubborn? Are you serious?”

“…Even so, aren’t they senior members who have been in politics for much longer? If Gove wins the election next year, he will be a seven-term member of Parliament. The same goes for Starmer. Including his father’s generation, Corbin has won elections almost 10 times and has dedicated himself to our party for decades, so doesn’t he have a reputation to uphold?”

“So, I’m suggesting that they build that reputation with other bills. If you step down now, I’ll do my best to appease Mr. Wellesley and make it seem as if nothing happened. In other words, now is your last chance to turn back.”

Since we still share a bond, this is the final opportunity I’m offering.

If you seize it, I’ll ensure a graceful exit for you over time, but if you persist in the illusion of your superiority, I’ll have no choice but to forcefully demonstrate reality.

The Prime Minister, after a moment of silence and a click of his tongue, offered a twisted smile.

“Seeing you like this reminds me of when I first met you. It was at a party held when the late King was still alive, and the Duke of Wellington introduced you to me at that time. He said you were a very bright student.”

“Yes. I remember too.”

“That young student is now standing before me, speaking of last chances and pressuring me. Time truly flies.”

“It’s not pressure; it’s advice.”

“I’m sorry, but I also have a position and members of Parliament who support me, so I can’t accept your advice. And don’t forget, you’re also a minister in my cabinet. If I falter, it won’t be good for you in the end, will it? You need to retain the title of Minister of Foreign Affairs to complete your current endeavors, don’t you?”

So, now that persuasion has failed, it’s a threat?

If you’re being this explicit, it’s practically a conclusion, so I should cease wasting time here.

“I understand your position. Still, can you attempt to persuade the others? I’ll try to persuade Mr. Wellesley as much as possible.”

“I’ll try, but you and Wellesley will have to make concessions this time. I’ve granted you considerable leeway thus far, so I’d appreciate it if you could heed the words of your superiors this time.”

Leeway, my ass.

Giving me impossible missions and then attempting to confine me to Asia when I succeeded – is that what you call leeway?

If you possessed any conscience, you would have conceded this time, even if only for my sake.

Had you done so, I might have felt slightly better, but since you’re acting this way, I have no choice but to reveal the carefully planned spicy taste, right?

Of course, Robert Peel’s assertion that I need to maintain the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs to remain involved in the issues of Ireland and Canada is accurate.

But why would you assume that I couldn’t continue as Minister if you stepped down?

I can simply request a new business card from the incoming Prime Minister.