I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 218

The Shogun of the Edo Shogunate, the ruler of Japan.

Tokugawa Ienari carefully set aside the reports arriving from Dejima [a Dutch trading post in Nagasaki] and sighed deeply.

‘Damn it, what should I do?’

The way things are turning out feels ominous.

No, it’s not just ominous, but the fire may already be under our feet, and we’re the only ones who don’t realize it.

The Edo Shogunate basically adopted a policy of national isolation, but unlike Joseon [ancient Korean kingdom], it was well-versed in overseas trends.

This was because reports from Dutch merchants in Dejima, which was established for limited trade, arrived periodically.

Usually, when a major incident occurred in Europe, the news reached the shogunate without fail within a year or two.

In fact, the Edo Shogunate knew about the existence of the New World and the independence of the United States, the drastic changes in France’s political system, and the fact that the Turks were crushed by the Anglo-French allied forces.

Even though they adhered to isolationism, they were more informed and better at grasping the situation than many other countries.

“Is the Dutch merchant who brought this report still in Dejima?”

“He is waiting outside in case the Shogun wishes to hear more details.”

“Oh, really? Bring him here with an interpreter. I need to speak with him directly about this matter.”

Ienari’s reign started well, but the reforms during the Kansei era [late 18th century] ended in failure, and now he was just trying to maintain the status quo.

But what if Qing [the last imperial dynasty of China] is crushed like the Turks, and the aftermath washes up here?

There was no guarantee that the authority of the Edo Shogunate, which was as solid as Mount Fuji, would not be shaken.

While Ienari was anxiously thinking, his confidant returned with the Dutch merchant.

Western countries recognized the Shogun of the Edo Shogunate as a king, so the merchant bowed politely.

“I greet Your Excellency, the highest authority of the Edo Shogunate.”

“Yes. The reports you have recently submitted are full of truly interesting content.”

“The matter is of great importance, so we have put our heart and soul into recording accurate information. General Hermann was determined that we should do our best to keep our word since you have given us the opportunity to meet the Shogun every year.”

“Truly, it is a grateful and commendable sentiment. Tell him that I will remember the General’s sincerity. By the way, as you mentioned, the situation seems very urgent now…”

Ienari pointed to General Hermann’s handwritten letter from the commander of the Dutch expeditionary force on the desk with his chin.

-This is not for the sake of trade between the two countries, but because a major disaster may soon befall your country, so I am writing this letter. I hope you will not ignore this advice and prevent the disaster in advance.

The phrase was still lingering in Ienari’s mind.

“The General’s advice is sound. Disasters are called disasters because they strike at unexpected times. The reason I called you is to accurately understand the situation in Europa (Europe). Is Western science and technology so advanced now?”

“Yes. Without any exaggeration, technological development is constantly accelerating. All fields of study have entered a completely different era than before, and all kinds of goods can be made without using human hands.”

“Huh… I can’t believe it unless I see it with my own eyes.”

“Among them, the countries with the best technology and military power are England and France. In our judgment, these two countries alone have the national power to challenge the Qing Dynasty.”

I had heard it in a letter, but it still sounded absurd.

I heard that the population of those two countries is only about one-tenth of that of Qing, but how can they do this?

It was only a few decades ago that Qing was undoubtedly the strongest country in the world.

But in such a short period of time, it’s reversed?

“According to the letter, you seem to be convinced that if Qing collapses, this chain reaction will affect us… Can you tell me more about the basis for this?”

“The reason why we were able to attach much more detailed records than usual is proof of that. This is because the French Prime Minister asked us to convey the results of this war to all of Qing’s neighboring countries.”

“…All of Qing’s neighboring countries? So, these detailed records were not only delivered to us?”

“Yes. Our letter will have gone to Korea, which is right above us.”

“To Joseon too? They also don’t trade with countries other than Qing and us…”

The relationship between the Shogunate and Joseon was not particularly hostile.

There was a major war in the past, but that was only before the establishment of the Edo Shogunate.

Now, Joseon was constantly sending envoys to pass on various advanced cultural knowledge.

This strengthened the authority of the Shogun, so there was no more profitable arrangement for the Shogunate.

But what if Qing is defeated in this war, as predicted by the Dutch?

Everything about the Qing Dynasty, which had been believed to be an advanced culture, may lose its value.

I don’t know how Joseon will react to this, but the Shogunate was likely to have to make a major decision surprisingly quickly.

“How did Joseon react to your letter?”

“We don’t know yet.”

“Really? Then I hope you will let us know as soon as you have news.”

Hermann predicted that the next targets after Qing would very likely be Joseon and themselves.

And he advised abolishing the law of rejecting foreigners in order not to give them a reason to attack.

Of course, Ienari did not fully believe this.

It was obvious that they wanted to use this as an excuse to start full-scale trade with them first.

Still, if it’s really an irresistible trend, shouldn’t we get on the wave before we get swept away?

What if Joseon abandons its isolationist policy and makes tremendous progress and growth, but we are the only ones who lag behind?

What if we stick to isolationism until the end, and our port is devastated by Western fleets and we have no choice but to make a humiliating surrender?

Keeping up with the changes is not a choice but a destiny.

Not for the future of this country, but for his own safety.

※※※

French 2nd Army Commander Davout stayed in Hong Kong, constantly analyzing the war situation and estimating the appropriate time to advance.

“Marshal, it seems we should call a meeting right away.”

“Did something happen again?”

“The Russian army, which was advancing south, was attacked by the Qing’s Eight Banners [Qing Dynasty military units] and suffered setbacks in its advance.”

“Russia lost?”

“It wasn’t a complete defeat, but it seems they were ambushed and forced to retreat. There were dozens of casualties.”

“…I see.”

I had expected that this was quite possible.

Even though Russia has been growing rapidly recently, the French military believed that Russia’s military power was quite inflated.

Even though they beat up the Turks, the current Turks were so weak that it was almost comical.

Everyone knew how brutally the Anglo-French allied forces had crushed the Turkish army in the last war.

Winning against a country of that level is nothing to be proud of.

Even Russia has not yet properly industrialized, and of course, the infrastructure of railroads and roads was not properly developed.

The musket guns they use are at least 1.5 generations behind those of the French army.

When you think about it, it’s not much different from the current Qing Dynasty.

There was no way that such a country would come to Qing on a long-distance expedition and continue to win without any problems.

“So, what does Russia say they’re going to do?”

“They said they would reorganize their troops while waiting for supplies from their country.”

“What about the Qing’s Eight Banners that chased away the Russian army?”

“They are heading south.”

Are they planning to take advantage of the momentum of defeating the Russian army to drive out other allied forces?

From a grand strategic point of view, it’s not a wrong decision.

“What is Nelson saying?”

“Even at sea, the Qing’s resistance is stronger than expected. The British Navy was once pushed back by the Qing’s offensive to recapture Tianjin some time ago. There were no deaths, but dozens of injuries and one warship was half-destroyed.”

“Hoo~ The British must be a little angry?”

“Yes. Admiral Nelson is preparing a major retaliatory operation.”

“So that’s why he wanted to carry out a joint operation with us.”

It’s no wonder that their pride was hurt by the unexpected blow.

The Royal Navy always boasted that they were invincible, so how embarrassing would it be to retreat even once?

Of course, it’s not like they lost the battle altogether like Russia, so they’ll think it’s enough to make up for it.

“I wanted to move after the British suffered a little more damage, but if you think about it differently, now might be a better opportunity.”

“Yes? Why is that?”

Davout chuckled at the puzzled reaction of his staff, as if they didn’t understand.

“Think about it. Until now, we had been smoothly pressuring Qing, but Russia was defeated in battle, and Britain was momentarily faltering and entering a lull. But what if our army wins a great victory against Qing here? Also, if we crush those who defeated Russia and are thankfully coming down? Oh, by the way, I forgot to ask which Eight Banners they belong to.”

“They are the Mongol Eight Banners. They will not go down to the southernmost part where we are, but will probably join Tianjin and fight the British army.”

“Mongol… Is the best prey coming down on its own in a symbolic sense? If we lose this, Napoleon or His Majesty will definitely say something.”

Christian’s orders were twofold.

Participate in the battle as late as possible, but if you engage in battle, win an overwhelming victory,

And maximize the consumption of Russia and England.

The latter was a bit difficult, but the situation was ripe enough to damage the pride of both countries.

“If we win a great victory here, Britain and Russia will never be able to stand still.”

“Ah, I understand. Especially Britain, since they started the war, they might become complete extras, so they will try to build up more achievements with their eyes on fire.”

“Yes. If they stumble badly on their own, it will be better for us, and even if they don’t, Britain will sincerely pressure Qing, so there’s nothing bad about it.”

There was one more mission left to be carried out after this war, so we must make the most of this opportunity.

After finishing his calculations, Davout shook off all his thoughts and returned to being a soldier.

“Call a meeting immediately and have preparations completed so that the army can move as soon as it is over.”

I didn’t tell my subordinates, but honestly, as a commander of an army, I couldn’t help but look forward to fighting the world’s strongest country, Qing.

※※※

“The French army has joined the English.”

“The English navy has resumed its attack on the Tianjin recapture force, and the French army is showing signs of landing on the mainland and heading north.”

“If we continue to advance like this, we will encounter the French army within a few days.”

Have they finally played their hidden card?

Borjigit Sodnamdorji, the Gunwang [Mongol prince] leading the Eight Banners Mongol army, was thrilled at the thought that the opportunity to seize victory in this war had finally come.

“The Westerners must be in a hurry. As soon as the results of the recent battle didn’t go as they wanted, they immediately made a major move.”

“It’s all thanks to the Gunwang that you defeated the Russian army once.”

“Yes. We defeated the Russian army. Then, shouldn’t we be able to overcome the French army as well? What do you think?”

“Are you even asking? The initial setback was just an accident that happened because we were not familiar with them.”

“That’s right! If we defeat the French here, the Emperor will never underestimate the Gunwang’s achievements.”

As all the generals in the hall agreed, Borjigit, a young Gunwang in his 20s, was immediately emboldened.

The fact that he had defeated the Russian army, although they had not fought a proper battle, had raised the morale of the Eight Banners Mongol army to an unprecedented level.

What if we defeat the French army here?

Borjigit will be praised as the hero who saved Qing and will enjoy glory that no one else has ever enjoyed for generations to come.

“Was there anything special from Beijing?”

“After the terms of the previous negotiation were announced, the Emperor’s anger was so great that it shook the heavens. The Emperor is the one who wants to annihilate the invading army of the Westerners more than anyone else.”

“Then that’s good! I, Borjigit Sodnamdorji, will cut off the head of the French commander and present it to the Emperor myself.”

They have to keep winning, but we only need to win a great victory this time to connect it directly to victory.

There is no doubt.

Borjigit decided to move forward towards the bright future that awaited him without hesitation.