I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 233

Guangdong Province, far removed from the Central Plains [historical term for the heartland of China], had long fostered its own unique culture.

In particular, the influx of Western ideas and culture from across the sea spurred a distinct anti-establishment sentiment.

Its coastal location and favorable climate were advantageous for trade, leading to economic prosperity.

Moreover, as Guangdong was the region most actively engaged with France, discontent with the imperial family steadily grew, both openly and secretly.

“I heard a lot of troops are coming from France soon?”

“To Hong Kong? Isn’t that their territory now?”

“No. A French merchant said they’re building a large military base near Guangzhou.”

“Damn it. That’s just great. Is the governor-general just a figurehead? Are they all just pushovers?”

It was part of the treaty concluded as the price to end the Opium War, but what would ordinary people know about such things?

All they could see was the incompetent Manchu imperial family and the governor-general, kowtowing to foreign powers.

“But frankly, wouldn’t it be better if France just took over? Even Hong Kong is governed much more rationally than here, I hear.”

“That’s true. Wasn’t it the Luo family who gathered all their money and fled to Hong Kong? They say you can live much more comfortably there.”

“Aiya~ If that’s really the case, should I pack up my money and leave too?”

“Let’s wait and see. The merchants say a new governor-general will be appointed soon, so it’s not too late to decide then, right?”

Guangdong people had never been particularly attached to the Central Plains.

Here, the calculation of gains and losses was precise, and what benefited them the most was paramount.

Whether they were blue-eyed foreigners or three-headed, six-armed monsters, if they were helpful, they were good guys and from a good country.

“By the way, did you see that official notice? The governor-general’s proclamation urging people to report those who are increasingly rebellious these days.”

“Ah~ that ridiculous proclamation? It said to report anyone involved with something called the National Liberation Front as soon as you see them, but I’m just going to ignore it.”

“Really? Then I should just turn a deaf ear to it too. If they’re so upset, they should catch them themselves. Why are they telling us to report them?”

“Hehehe. The Manchu bastards must be feeling the heat.”

Although they had no intention of participating in the National Liberation Front or whatever it was, most people didn’t particularly want to stop them.

Their goal was to liberate the numerous ethnic groups suffering under the oppression of the Manchus, which didn’t seem like a bad thing.

“Honestly, well… it doesn’t seem like it’ll work out, but I hope they put up a good fight.”

“I agree.”

Originally, for such anti-establishment movements to succeed, they needed central figures to lead them.

However, the reality was that the uprisings happening haphazardly now didn’t really have such leaders.

Ultimately, to ignite a real movement, a major incident to serve as a catalyst was essential.

Asia was still waiting for the emergence of a hero to be chosen by the times.

※※※

At the same time.

The newly established Nguyễn Dynasty of Vietnam.

“What is this! The Qing bastards dare to speak out of both sides of their mouths!”

“I’m so sorry, Your Majesty!”

“If you’re sorry, you should do your job properly! You said there was almost no possibility that the Qing Dynasty would act unreasonably!”

The founding monarch of the Nguyễn Dynasty, Emperor Gia Long, felt like his insides were churning.

It had been 30 years since he embarked on the task of rebuilding the regime at the young age of 15.

He had overcome all sorts of hardships that words could not express and finally unified Vietnam and ascended to the throne.

He was uneasy about the help he had received from France, but fortunately, they had not yet made any unreasonable demands.

In any case, like other Eastern countries a few years prior, he sent envoys to the Central Plains to request recognition in order to guarantee legitimacy.

There was no element more helpful in stabilizing power than the status of being a legitimate monarch recognized by the Son of Heaven [the Emperor of China] of the Central Plains.

At first, the Qing readily acknowledged him.

The only condition the Qing demanded was to change the country name from Nam Viet to Vietnam.

The reason they gave was to avoid confusion with Nam Viet, which had occupied southern China in the past.

He thought that wasn’t a problem and accepted the offer.

The problem was that not long after that, the Qing suffered a crushing defeat in the war with the West.

He had received the Qing’s recognition to establish his authority, but now that they had lost so pathetically, it looked ridiculous.

It wouldn’t matter if neighboring countries were slow to get information, but thanks to the active dissemination of information by the Netherlands, the Qing’s position was weakening day by day.

If his authority faltered here, it might cause problems in occupying the Champa, Cambodia, and Laos regions later on.

Therefore, Emperor Gia Long wanted to quickly send envoys to France to gain their recognition.

How reassuring would it be if the strongest powers that had beaten up the Qing Dynasty supported him?

But unexpectedly, this seemed to have offended the Qing.

Did they think that the country they considered their underling was harboring intentions to break free from their control?

The Son of Heaven’s decree, ordering him not to conclude a treaty with France without their consent and to wait, was crumpled in Emperor Gia Long’s hand.

“Those arrogant bastards must think of me as some kind of local lord…”

“Your Majesty! This is an unfair order that differs from the agreement. If we do not deny that the Qing is our suzerain state, there was an understanding that they would not interfere with any treaty we make.”

“They must be anxious. When you think about it, we are the closest to France.”

The Nguyễn Dynasty had received support from France since its founding, and geographically, it was not far from French Hong Kong.

From the Qing’s perspective, it was understandable that they felt anxious that they might cut ties with the Qing and side with France.

Even so, such an arrogant order was unacceptable.

If they really didn’t want to lose them, they should show corresponding sincerity, not just threaten them and expect them to cower.

“A toothless tiger’s roar is just laughable. What are they going to do if we don’t listen to them? Cross Yunnan Province and start a war?”

“Your Majesty! Even so, antagonizing the Qing would be too much of a loss for us.”

“Of course, I know that too. But if we break the agreement with France like this, what will become of our position?”

The Nguyễn Dynasty had already finalized a rough agreement with France in Paris.

Soon, their envoys would be arriving, and if they were to say, ‘Ah, sorry, but the Qing Dynasty told us not to make a treaty,’ would they really understand?

If they felt deceived and insulted, they could immediately bring in warships, and they would have nothing to say.

And if such a situation really occurred, the damage to their newly established dynasty would be too great.

“Your Majesty! Now is the time for calm and rational coordination. First, in a way that both the Qing and France can accept…”

“Don’t worry. I have a plan. Hahaha.”

Emperor Gia Long let out such a confident laugh, but the ministers’ anxious expressions did not easily fade.

“As you all know, the new governor-general is about to take office in French Hong Kong. Along with that, the commander-in-chief of the French expeditionary force is also coming.”

“Yes. A general named Napoleon, a former marshal of the French army. He is recognized by everyone as the best commander in Europe, a genius of war…”

“Isn’t the arrival of such a person an opportunity for us? First, send a message that we will send a congratulatory delegation. And honestly explain our situation.”

Vietnam wants to make a treaty with France, but the Qing Dynasty is trying to interfere.

But they want to maintain friendly relations with France, so they will make a treaty.

Instead, if the Qing Dynasty causes trouble, please take care of the aftermath.

“If we ask like this, how will France react? If they back out here, saying they don’t know anything about it, wouldn’t it look ridiculous?”

“It’s a clever idea, but the risk to us is too great.”

“Until I came to this position, my life has always been a series of precarious tightrope walks. This is not even a gamble.”

Now that the situation has come this far, he must step on the Qing to strengthen his authority.

“Keep in mind. Holding onto a rotten rope will only cause you to plummet to the ground with it.”

One concern was that the tendencies of the expeditionary commander coming from France had not yet been fully grasped.

But he could probably win them over with some flattery and bribery.

Originally, most soldiers were either simple-minded or susceptible to bribes—only those two types.

※※※

Three days later.

On the deck of a state-of-the-art French steamship heading to Hong Kong.

“You were here, Commander.”

“Oh, Governor-General. Has your seasickness subsided a bit?”

“I’m feeling a bit better now. It’s still a long way to Asia, even with the canal [Suez Canal, opened in 1869].”

“Indeed. It’s my first time in Asia too, so it’s a bit boring. I don’t know how Davout [Marshal Davout, a famous French general] put up with it.”

Napoleon joked and patted Robespierre’s stiff back.

Even though he said he was fine, Robespierre’s eyes were hollow and lifeless, as if his seasickness hadn’t completely gone away.

“But honestly, I didn’t expect you to come all the way to Asia, Commander. Depending on your point of view, one might think that someone who was at the pinnacle of the French center has been pushed to the periphery.”

“Some people have said that. I don’t care. Rather, I think this will open up new opportunities. Isn’t that why you accepted the position, Governor-General?”

“I thought it would be an opportunity for a comeback…”

“If that’s the case, then you should carry out your administration even more actively. I learned from watching the Prime Minister that above all else, confidence is important to superiors.”

“The Prime Minister gave me strict orders never to implement extreme policies. If I show any signs of going on a rampage, I might be immediately repatriated.”

Napoleon was slightly surprised by Robespierre’s worried words.

He didn’t know him well, but he had heard that he was originally a very ambitious talent. Was he deliberately putting on an act?

If so, it also meant that he was wary of him and putting up a wall.

He might have to be a little careful.

“First of all, even though I am the Commander-in-Chief for Asia, organic cooperation with the Governor-General is essential. The Prime Minister told me to help the Governor-General as much as possible.”

“I don’t have the authority for military operations…”

“That’s why my assistance is even more essential. Even if Hong Kong is fine, you never know what might happen in Guangdong Province, do you?”

Robespierre, recalling the large-scale military base under construction near Guangzhou, frowned slightly.

“But isn’t that too big of a scale?”

“It may seem that way now, but considering a few years from now, it’s not big at all. The side that prepares the most for war always wins. A few battles can be overturned by momentary wit, but war is a different story.”