I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 220

Became a Genius of the French Royal Family 220 All Envoys to Paris (220/355)

The Opium War.

The news of this war, which Britain, through gritted teeth, called the Liberation War, reached France faster than any other news.

Of course, in that era, submarine telegraph cables between continents were still nonexistent.

However, telegraph lines connected nearly all regions and allies within France’s reach, ensuring the swiftest possible information dissemination.

Consequently, they received news of Russia’s struggles, Britain’s hard-won victory, and France’s record-breaking triumph faster than any other country.

“Woo-hoo! France is invincible!”

“Long live France!”

From the outset, both the French and British considered themselves Europe’s dominant powers.

Therefore, having secured a resounding victory against Qing [the last imperial dynasty of China], the strongest power in Asia, didn’t that effectively make them the strongest power globally?

Predictably, articles relentlessly fueling this surge of French national pride flooded the press, as if pre-planned.

“The Qing casualties are just under 20,000. Our side suffered only 7 deaths and 52 injuries… I suppose I should prepare medals to award Davout [Marshal of France] upon his return, shouldn’t I?”

“I believe it’s a monumental achievement that has showcased the might of the French army to the world.”

Napoleon, beaming with pride as he examined the report in my hand, added, “Actually, I had intended to command directly, but it appears there was no need.”

“You can’t dispatch a Marshal of the French army to command a mere 10,000 soldiers.”

“That’s true. It’s just a pity that Qing isn’t geographically closer to France.”

Napoleon, seemingly eager to lead the army himself, remained engrossed in the report detailing Davout’s accomplishments.

How much more would a man as flamboyant as Napoleon have relished the opportunity to display his capabilities?

Even in this day and age, the hypothetical clash between the French army under Napoleon and the Qing army remained a hotly debated topic.

While any French person would undoubtedly bet on Napoleon’s victory, European experts held somewhat differing opinions.

Napoleon undoubtedly yearned to prove himself, but he must have felt a twinge of disappointment that his subordinate had stolen his thunder.

“Still, hasn’t it been proven conclusively? A portion of the 2nd Corps, led by Davout, overwhelmed Qing troops numbering more than three times their strength. Had you gone, Beijing would already be ablaze, and the Emperor’s surrender document would be before you.”

“I reviewed the detailed battle records, and luck played a significant role. They charged head-on into our army, which specializes in countering cavalry, with their own cavalry.”

“It couldn’t be helped. That must have been the most effective tactic they could devise. Regardless, there will likely be talk of initiating peace negotiations soon…”

Historically, Qing raised the white flag after suffering substantial defeats in both the First and Second Opium Wars.

Fundamentally, when a nation in decline suffers such a major setback, continuing the fight becomes untenable.

Unless they are utterly foolish, they understand that the country faces imminent destruction.

Talleyrand [French diplomat], who was monitoring the situation in real-time, stepped forward, as if on cue, and presented a freshly compiled document.

“The British are already signaling their desire to conclude a peace treaty with Qing. However, the situation within Qing appears quite chaotic.”

“Chaotic? Why?”

“The Qing commander in charge of the Eight Banners army [Qing military organization] was assassinated. The timing and location suggest it was a riot by citizens unable to accept the defeat…”

“Is there someone who refuses to end the war, confident they can win if entrusted with the army? If so, that’s the culprit.”

“That’s… apparently not just one or two people.”

My head is spinning.

I suppose they believe they still possess considerable power since they haven’t completely collapsed yet?

“If they genuinely continue the war, the country will be utterly fractured. Should I view this positively or negatively…”

“Still, the Emperor seems disinclined to continue fighting, so a peace treaty will eventually be concluded. However, there’s little chance that peace will endure with such subversive elements lurking within.”

That’s highly probable.

Above all, even if Qing desires peace, Britain won’t allow it.

They’ve already been exposed as pushovers and are quite incensed, so they won’t simply end it here.

They are remarkably tenacious when it comes to holding grudges, and they must also honor the contract they made with us.

“Do you have a rough idea of the conditions the British are proposing?”

“Detailed documents are being compiled, but the main points have been roughly ascertained. First, as agreed with us in advance, ceding Hong Kong Island to us and granting us exclusive trading rights in Guangzhou. Also, opening seven ports to the Allied forces, abolishing the Cohong [guild of Chinese merchants] that monopolized trade with Europe, paying reparations, and accepting the tariffs proposed by the Allied forces. That seems to be the general summary.”

In addition to these, there were several subsidiary treaties, but most mirrored the contents of the Treaty of Nanjing from the First Opium War.

The only difference was that Hong Kong and the Guangzhou area fell under French influence?

“So, has there been any indication of Britain’s intentions after concluding this treaty?”

“Wouldn’t they attempt to open up the surrounding countries by capitalizing on this momentum since they defeated Qing?”

“That’s right. I suspect so too. In that regard, it’s fortunate that Britain still doesn’t fully grasp the East Asian tributary system [network of trade and diplomatic relations].”

I wrote a letter to Davout on a blank sheet of paper and handed it to Talleyrand.

“Tell them to add two more requirements: to officially acknowledge this war in writing and to cooperate in facilitating envoys from all countries paying tribute to Qing to visit us. Of course, emphasize that they don’t need to worry about paying tribute to us.”

The easiest way to engage with East Asian countries is through Qing.

As for Qing, they would be grateful and accept it now simply by acknowledging their suzerainty [supreme authority].

It’s not a lie.

France has no intention of interfering with how East Asian countries live and conduct their affairs.

However, if those countries no longer wish to adhere to the existing order, that desire should be respected as much as possible.

※※※

The shocking news of Qing’s defeat spread rapidly to all neighboring countries.

Qing attempted to suppress the information, but the Netherlands deliberately disseminated it, rendering their efforts futile.

Initially, some dismissed it as Western manipulation, but when a document bearing the Qing imperial seal was released, everyone fell silent.

The problem didn’t end there.

A French diplomat visited each country with an introduction from the Emperor, proposing trade.

In many countries, a heated debate erupted over how to respond.

Among them, the most intense conflict occurred in Joseon [historical Korean kingdom].

“Of course, we must go. We have no justification to refuse.”

The faction advocating for immediately dispatching an envoy primarily consisted of relatively young civil officials.

However, their influence was limited, so it was merely superficial noise, and the true power holders cautiously observed the situation.

“Your Majesty! It is undeniable that the Westerners’ momentum is extraordinary. Now that even the great power Qing has temporarily yielded, there will be no accusations of immorality if we follow suit.”

Right State Councilor Seo Yong-bo bravely took the lead.

Then, as if on cue, a chorus of opposing voices echoed throughout the royal court.

“No! Is Right State Councilor suggesting we surrender to the Westerners?”

“Since Qing has knelt, we must stand firm.”

“When Ming [Chinese dynasty] faced hardships in the past, didn’t Joseon maintain its pride as Little China!”

“Ahem, hear me out.”

Seo Yong-bo calmly continued, unfazed by the barrage of criticism.

“First, we have no choice but to send an envoy. They cleverly presented an introduction stamped with the Emperor’s seal. If we ignore it, we risk being perceived as the Joseon royal family disrespecting the Qing imperial family. Are those who blindly oppose this considering how to handle the situation if that occurs?”

“…That is…”

“Therefore, we must first send an envoy to feign interest in trade. The rest is up to the envoy in the field to handle appropriately.”

“After careful consideration, the Right State Councilor’s opinion is the most reasonable.”

Lee Gong nodded, rubbing his temples as if trying to alleviate a throbbing headache.

What sin had he committed that such significant incidents kept occurring as soon as he began governing?

Even when he sought the opinions of his subjects, no consensus could be reached, leaving the ultimate decision to the king.

However, even while making a decision, he remained uncertain whether he was doing the right thing.

Because it was unprecedented.

“How should the envoy be composed? We must ensure a respectable appearance, even to save Qing’s face.”

“Shouldn’t someone well-versed in Neo-Confucianism [moral, ethical, and metaphysical Chinese philosophy] be included to avoid being swayed by the Westerners’ sweet words?”

“Of course, that’s true… but if we oppose too vehemently, there’s no guarantee that the sparks won’t fly our way, right? We need to consider the need to appease and coax them appropriately…”

“Then, it would be best to appoint someone particularly proficient in Neo-Confucianism as the chief and place someone with deep knowledge of Western learning under him.”

When no further objections arose to the Minister of Personnel’s suggestion, Lee Gong’s heart naturally leaned in that direction.

“Then, I will accept the opinions of the Right State Councilor and the Minister of Personnel. Everyone, please offer suggestions on who would be suitable to send as someone proficient in Western learning.”

“……”

“……”

The general direction was set, but apart from that, only a cold silence lingered in the throne room.

That’s because it hadn’t been long since the heads of Catholic figures were severed during the Shinyu Persecution [Korean persecution of Catholics], and those who studied Western learning were exiled.

It was natural that no one present could confidently step forward and claim proficiency in Western learning.

“Is there no one?”

“…Your Majesty. In my opinion, it would be best to summon and send a suitable person from among those in exile. If you promise to reinstate them if they achieve good results, wouldn’t they do their best?”

“That’s also a good idea. Then, speak freely. Who would be a good envoy to France?”

“I think Dasan [Korean scholar], who has a history of building Hwaseong Fortress with a crane, is suitable. He has considerable knowledge of Catholicism and Western learning, so I think he would be a suitable person.”

“…Dasan, is it.”

Certainly, it was a name that lingered vaguely in his memory.

Was he one of the subjects that his late father particularly cherished when he was on the throne?

He remembers that he is probably living in exile around Gangjin now.

“It seems to me that it is a good choice of personnel. Does anyone have any objections?”

Everyone shut their mouths like dead mice because if they opposed here, they might have to go to France themselves.

Only one person, Right State Councilor Seo Yong-bo, who harbored animosity towards Dasan, expressed his strong opposition.

“Your Majesty! Dasan is someone who served Catholicism and was immersed in Western learning, although he renounced his faith. He is not simply knowledgeable about Western learning, but there is a concern that he may sincerely follow the Westerners.”

“Then who would you recommend instead? Tell me an alternative.”

It was opposition for the sake of opposition, so there was no way there would be an alternative.

Seo Yong-bo, who had been in deep thought for a while, shouted again with a determined voice.

“If so, please send me as the person in charge of monitoring Dasan! I will not be swayed by the sweet words of the Westerners, and I will straighten out the order of Neo-Confucianism and return.”

The saying that he would be reinstated if he achieved results meant that if there were no results, he would go straight to the exile site as he returned home.

Seo Yong-bo could not bear the thought of Dasan, who he had almost dismissed, being reinstated.

If that guy tries to flatter the French barbarians, he can just cut him off.

Lee Gong smiled brightly from his heart for the first time in a long time at his passionate speech, which thoroughly concealed his true intentions.

“The Right State Councilor’s loyalty is truly trustworthy. I will trust only you, so please do a good job in a direction that does not harm this country.”

“Just leave it to me!”

Koo-roo-roo!

Unfortunately, thunder rumbled loudly at this time.

The subjects who knew the deep-rooted bad relationship between Seo Yong-bo and Dasan, Jeong Yak-yong [Dasan’s real name], and the young reformist civil officials could only look at the back of the Right State Councilor with uneasy eyes.

What if those old fogeys mess things up?

All the young reformist officials could do was stomp their feet, unable to express such concerns.

End