I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 213

< The Missionary of Freedom >

Almost all French people harbored negative feelings toward the Qing Dynasty.

The missionary murder case from years ago still lingered in their minds.

In truth, it wasn’t uncommon for religious missionaries abroad to encounter unforeseen accidents.

From the outset, those who embraced the missionary title inherently accepted such risks.

However, the Qing Dynasty’s response following the accident became the central issue.

The nationalistic pride of the French people was reaching a fever pitch, nearing its breaking point.

Of course, the Qing Dynasty was equally unwavering in its nationalistic pride.

When these juggernauts of Eastern and Western pride collided, one side’s ego would inevitably be shattered to resolve the conflict.

“Oooooooo!”

“Let’s join forces with England and push the Qing Dynasty out this time!”

“Are you suggesting we form an alliance with England again? Have you lost your mind?”

“The Qing Dynasty and those Islamic [referring to the Ottoman Empire and other Muslim states] bastards all believe they’re superior. What’s the difference? Am I wrong?!”

The rumor of an impending war had already spread like wildfire throughout Paris.

Everyone was well aware of the fact that the British Prime Minister himself was arriving to discuss the matter.

Since France was in a position where it could choose to engage in war or remain neutral, the discussions primarily revolved around mocking the nations heading into conflict rather than engaging in serious debate.

“Can’t we just let them both fail?”

“England can’t possibly defeat the Qing Dynasty, right? Hahaha.”

“But if the Qing Dynasty trounces England, I think I’ll feel bad about that too.”

Regardless of how unfortunate England might be, it was still a major power recognized throughout Europe.

It seems to be human nature that one can’t feel entirely relieved when the neighborhood bully gets beaten up by a bully from another neighborhood.

Originally, the animosity towards England was even stronger, but European countries now possessed a peculiar confidence and pride, believing their era had arrived.

It felt as though there would be nothing more satisfying than witnessing the developed Western civilization decisively crush the former great power of the East.

If Spain or the Holy Roman Empire, rather than England, had engaged in conflict with the Qing, public opinion in favor of participation would have been overwhelmingly higher.

While everyone was contemplating how to navigate this contradictory situation, inside the conference room of the Tuileries Palace…

I smiled warmly and extended my hand to Pitt, who was seated across the expansive table.

“You must have gone through considerable trouble traveling all the way across the sea?”

“It’s only a short time on the ship, so there’s nothing difficult about it. It’s quite alright.”

“Well, how many times have you visited Paris, Prime Minister? I think it’s about time you started to feel as comfortable here as you do at home.”

“…Even so, it’s not quite to that extent.”

Pitt offered a wry smile and handed the thick documents he had brought to his staff.

“As you’ve already reviewed in advance, this contains the data we’ve analyzed regarding this war.”

As he mentioned, I had already seen the contents, so I glanced over the documents and set them aside.

“The Qing Dynasty is nothing more than a paper tiger, devoid of the national strength it once possessed. If you decisively crush the opponent in the early stages, you can easily achieve a result that is written as a peace negotiation but read as a victory… Isn’t this prediction a bit too optimistic?”

“Prime Minister Christian, how much do you truly know about the Qing Dynasty?”

I know at least ten times better than you…

What am I supposed to say to people who don’t even properly understand the relationship of investiture-tribute [a hierarchical system of diplomatic relations in East Asia] when they inquire about their understanding of the Middle Kingdom [a historical term referring to China]?

“Well, I believe I know as much as anyone else.”

“The Qing Dynasty is not the formidable power we once knew. Certainly, its territory is vast, and its population is large. However, that’s precisely the problem. As the state’s control weakens, rebellions are 끊이지않습니다 끊이지않습니다 끊이지않습니다 끊이지않습니다 끊이지않습니다 끊이지않습니다 끊이지않습니다 끊이지않습니다 끊이지않습니다 끊이지않습니다 끊이질 않습니다 [never-ending]. Moreover, the incompetence and corruption of officials are rampant, and the regular army has long since deteriorated.”

“That’s what they say. So, is that why England is confident in securing a victory?”

“At the very least, I don’t believe we’ll suffer a defeat. No, victory itself is practically assured.”

Hey, hey. Don’t use such strong words. It makes you appear weak.

“Then that’s good news. I wish you good luck and success. We’ll be here cheering for your country’s victory and diligently working in our factories.”

“No, you shouldn’t do that. Don’t you truly understand? This is a golden opportunity. If you bring the Qing Dynasty to its knees, can’t you bring the enormous wealth sleeping there to Europe?”

“Ah~ I see. After this war, England will undoubtedly soar to new heights. I’m so envious.”

“The door of opportunity is open to France as well. The Qing Dynasty is a country that has accumulated even more wealth than India. Even if you take a small share, it won’t even be noticeable.”

You want me to help you, but you can’t achieve it through practical benefits or appealing to my pride, so you’re attempting to coax me with sweet talk?

I understand the strengths of both the Qing and England better than anyone else, so would I fall for such flattery?

“Prime Minister, you must be quite impatient to present such a clumsy proposal to me of all people.”

“Do you believe I’m being dishonest?”

“It’s true that the Qing Dynasty has weakened considerably compared to its past. However, in war, the side that launches an expedition is overwhelmingly disadvantaged compared to the country that defends. Moreover, venturing all the way to the Qing Dynasty, which is so far away, rather than targeting a country right in front of you, speaks volumes.”

Regardless of how much England occupies India, it’s no easy feat to dispatch troops to the coast of Qing from such a distance.

If things go awry, the army could suffer immense damage even before engaging in actual combat.

Unless the Qing commits foolish blunders like in the original history and collapses on its own, the burden on the British side will increase exponentially if the conflict drags on even slightly.

“Let’s assume that England can easily defeat the Qing Dynasty. Then why did Prime Minister Pitt come here in such a hurry?”

“That’s…”

“Because you’re worried that France might miss the express train to the golden land of El Dorado [a legendary city of gold]? Since when have your country and our country been such close friends?”

“…”

“Shall I make a prediction? If the war erupts as it is, England and Qing will join hands and plummet vertically below the Thames River. I’m going to watch leisurely and pick up the by-products that fall from there.”

What if Pitt abandons the war here?

Then it’s even better.

England will be ostracized for selling drugs in other countries and will become a nation that has failed to respond to the overwhelming public sentiment in favor of war.

Even if you merely pretend to go to war and return, nothing will change significantly.

The sole reason Pitt risked provoking the Qing was to secure additional momentum to catch up with this side’s growth.

“This is… You’re touching a sore spot.”

“I don’t believe you came to persuade me with such a low-level proposal.”

If this side doesn’t acknowledge that it is the absolute master, the negotiation will end immediately.

Of course, since the Prime Minister came here in person, he must have a hidden card that he’s tightly guarded.

It would be best to reserve judgment until I hear it.

As I anticipated, Pitt, after letting out a low sigh, began to reveal his honest feelings.

“I won’t deny Prime Minister Christian’s words. However, I’m confident that the war will eventually end in our victory. The damage will be quite substantial, though.”

“May I hear the basis for that?”

“The other side is also in the same predicament, lacking the capacity to sustain the war. The Qing cannot structurally pour all its energy into us. However, if we assume a war of attrition like this, the damage to our country will be too great.”

The fight that began to gain growth momentum may lead to the collapse of the country’s finances.

It’s like the belly button is bigger than the belly [a situation where the cost of something outweighs its benefits].

“So, you need this side’s participation to minimize the damage.”

“Yes. France possesses the strongest army in Europe, but above all, it currently has the most steamships that can freely navigate the canal [Suez Canal]. It would be sufficient to dispatch a small elite unit. If that’s not possible, I won’t ask for more if you simply continue to supply through the canal.”

“Now you’re revealing your true intentions. But what benefits can we derive from doing that?”

“You can insert a straw into the world’s wealthiest country the fastest. What could be a greater benefit than this?”

Of course, it’s a tempting prey that makes my mouth water.

But no matter how I examine it, this war itself is so hopeless that I’m reluctant to get involved.

If there were even a sliver of justification, I would boldly embrace it, but no matter how I contemplate it, this isn’t it, right?

“Prime Minister, I just want to ask you one thing. Do you truly believe this war is justifiable?”

“Is it because there’s a lack of justification?”

“It’s not just lacking; it’s completely nonexistent. This war will undoubtedly be labeled the Opium War in history. The reason? England was caught selling opium to the Qing Dynasty and was cracked down on, so they invaded the other country as retaliation. It will be recorded in this manner.”

“Yes. So?”

Pitt tilted his head as if he sincerely didn’t understand the problem.

No… is this truly right?

To be honest, I haven’t been engaging in politics so cleanly that I can advocate for values such as humanity or morality.

But regardless, isn’t it too pathetic to initiate a war because you were caught selling drugs?

“The citizens may desire war now. But will public opinion remain the same over time? Criticism of the government will pour out, accusing it of waging the most unjustifiable and cowardly war in history.”

“You can say that, but ultimately, what matters most to the citizens is their country’s economy and their own lives. Leaving a name in history is also important. But what I need to prioritize is the future of the country I inhabit. If the citizens hurl insults at me while standing on the golden stepping stone I laid down, that’s what I desire.”

Instead of responding, I quietly nodded my head.

As expected, he wasn’t simply causing trouble without considering other people’s perspectives.

He was a human being with his own clear convictions and beliefs.

Of course, that’s precisely why he was more dangerous.

“I understand what Prime Minister Pitt is thinking, but I’m not thick-faced enough to do that.”

“…I don’t believe there was any justification for the war with the Turks either.”

“That was a matter of Greek independence, so I can at least make the excuse that I volunteered to be the villain. This war is different.”

“…Volunteered to be the villain?”

Pitt’s face, which had turned cold due to this side’s negative attitude, brightened up as if he had recalled something from the word ‘villain.’

“This war is the same. It’s not that different.”

“…Of course, going in because the food isn’t tasty and going in because you were caught selling drugs and got annoyed are both equally hopeless acts…”

“It’s not that, but the key to the last war was that we deliberately picked a fight that wouldn’t even work for the independence of Greece. This war is the same.”

Could it be that this human is attempting to use that method again this time?

I had considered it too, but regardless, the fact that it’s covering your eyes and making a sound [ignoring the obvious] doesn’t change.

“I don’t think Westerners shouting that they are giving freedom to Easterners will be very welcome from the perspective of Easterners.”

“What matters is not their position. It’s the justification to legitimize our attack.”

Pitt, who had checked and reviewed countless data on the Qing Dynasty, seemed to have already finalized a clear plan in his head.

Perhaps the rebellions of ethnic minorities that are happening in real time may have given him some inspiration.

“The Qing Dynasty is still perpetuating old-fashioned oppression by suppressing countless ethnic minorities and surrounding countries. Our European Allied Forces will be missionaries of freedom who will break down these injustices and bring lasting peace to the East.”

Following the missionary of happiness who sells opium, now the missionary of freedom who starts wars.

At this point, I am truly impressed rather than scornful.

As expected, this guy is interesting.

There was no room for boredom in the conversation at all.

< The Missionary of Freedom > End