I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 269

< Just Do As I Say >

Edo, the heart of the shogunate, had enjoyed prosperity for hundreds of years.

As the policy of national isolation began to shift, various opinions were exchanged within the government.

Reform couldn’t simply begin with the declaration, ‘I will do it!’

The current Shogun, Tokugawa Ienari, envisioned rapidly implementing reforms to establish the strongest nation in Asia, but not everyone shared his vision.

In particular, some of the daimyo [feudal lords] in the provinces openly questioned the Shogun’s policies.

Specifically, Zushō Hirosato of the Satsuma domain worried that these reforms would negatively impact their already strained financial situation.

Mōri, of the Choshu domain, which, along with the Satsuma domain, boasted the highest level of economic power in the provinces, also viewed the Shogun-led reforms with skepticism.

Their reluctance wasn’t solely due to their status as Tozama daimyo [outer lords], which historically limited their influence in central politics.

With their domains experiencing rapid growth, they were uncertain about the potential disruptions the newly arriving French forces might introduce.

“Is it truly necessary to involve Western powers?” one daimyo questioned.

“I’ve heard that Westerners show no respect for superiors or inferiors. Aren’t they simply undermining the dignity of His Majesty the Emperor?” another added.

Of course, not everyone opposed the reforms.

“It’s a crime to even debate international affairs with such naive sentiments after witnessing Qing China’s destruction!” one argued.

“This chaotic situation presents an opportunity for us to leap forward as Asia’s leader! Let’s embrace advanced civilization and achieve enlightenment!” another exclaimed.

The daimyo’s opinions were so openly divided that the shogunate found it difficult to assert its will.

Naturally, no matter how powerful the local warlords became, they still couldn’t match the shogunate’s overall strength.

However, the excuse they wielded—’Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians’ [a nationalist slogan]—posed a significant problem.

Suppressing expressions of loyalty to the Emperor was a delicate matter, even for the Shogun.

Meanwhile, a major war erupted in Qing China.

The Qing Emperor demanded neutrality, not even hoping for assistance.

It was a thinly veiled threat: France would be defeated regardless, so avoid unnecessary trouble and simply observe the situation.

In exchange for maintaining neutrality, they promised free trade without requiring the customary royal visits, a concession the shogunate deeply desired.

With this agreement in place, there would be no need to maintain the Ryukyu Kingdom, allowing for its immediate annexation.

Shogun Tokugawa Ienari saw this war as an opportunity to unify domestic opinion and summoned the daimyo from across the country to Edo.

“Do we truly need to involve ourselves in this war, as Qing suggests? Can’t we simply remain neutral and then quietly align with the victor?” one daimyo proposed.

“What significant profit can we gain by joining so late? Let’s side with France instead! If they win, wouldn’t we receive a substantial share of the spoils?” another countered.

“Exactly! Frankly, France is preferable to Qing. How much have those Qing bastards looked down on us, calling us dwarfs?” a third exclaimed.

As the meeting dragged on, some of the larger warlords raised their voices, forgetting their place before the most honorable person.

The most noble existence in the country, dressed in pure white robes.

Emperor Kōkaku, revered as a living god, slowly raised his hand and pointed towards the Shogun.

“Everyone’s thoughts are so divergent that it seems it will take days to reach a conclusion. I will ask the Shogun.”

“Yes! Please do!” the daimyo responded.

“You previously stated that the power of the country called France across the sea is truly extraordinary, incomparable even to the declining Qing. Do you still hold the same view?” the Emperor inquired.

“Indeed. I continue to receive regular reports from my vassals in France. Even now, science is constantly advancing in France, widening the gap with Qing,” Ienari affirmed.

“Is it truly beneficial for such a powerful nation to trade with us? Is there no risk of a relationship based on unilateral exploitation?” the Emperor pressed.

Unexpectedly, the daimyo who had been advocating for Western theories smiled with satisfaction and nodded vigorously at the Emperor’s pointed question.

However, Shogun Ienari confidently continued his response, as if anticipating the challenge.

“Of course, there is a possibility of short-term losses. However, the true purpose of trade is to accelerate our adoption of their superior technology. If we maintain national isolation, what guarantee do we have that we won’t suffer the same fate as Qing, with our capital occupied and our emperor forced to flee!”

“Might the Westerners’ swords be turned against us?” the Emperor questioned.

“Yes. The reason they haven’t focused their attention on us yet is because they have a more appealing target in Qing. Whether France or England wins this war, Qing will fall into the victor’s hands. Then, wouldn’t they naturally turn their gaze further east?” Ienari explained.

“Listening to your explanation, Shogun, your words are convincing. Indeed, the envoys who visited the capitals of Qing and France this time also reported a significant widening of the gap between the two countries. From that perspective, your idea of rapidly absorbing technology seems correct,” the Emperor conceded.

The Shogun bowed his head to the floor as the Emperor acknowledged his point.

In reality, everyone present was aware that this was a carefully orchestrated performance, but directly contradicting it would brand them as traitors who dared to defy the Emperor’s authority.

Ienari decided to solidify his position, silencing any further opposition.

“Your Majesty! For that reason, I dare to suggest that we side with France in the ongoing war in Qing!”

“Are you suggesting that we spill the blood of our precious people in a foreign war?” the Emperor challenged.

“The victor of that war will inevitably expand its influence throughout Asia, and sooner or later, we will be involved. Making a bold decision now is a patriotic act that will protect even more lives in the long run,” Ienari argued.

“If that is your intention, cooperate with each other and strive to achieve the best possible outcome,” the Emperor declared.

What could they do when the Shogun and the Emperor’s intentions were so aligned?

The Shogun’s uncharacteristic decisiveness proved that discussions had already taken place with France.

Perhaps even the timing of troop deployments and the corresponding compensation had been agreed upon.

The representatives of Satsuma and Choshu, who had arrived with numerous objections, had no choice but to suppress their resentment and bow their heads even lower.

※※※

“What? Who is participating in the war?”

Having successfully blockaded all supply routes to Guangzhou after occupying Hong Kong, Nelson chuckled in disbelief upon hearing the unexpected report.

“Are all the Asian countries defying Qing’s orders?”

“Yes. I expected countries like Vietnam to do so, but Joseon [Korea] also refused to send troops,” the messenger confirmed.

“Those morons were so confident that they had a firm grip on Joseon. Well, I didn’t expect anything from them to begin with, so it has no impact at all.”

From the outset, Nelson hadn’t anticipated Qing China fulfilling its obligations.

As they said, it would have been a great help if Joseon had simply created a diversion in the Shandong Peninsula, but would Joseon be foolish enough to participate in this war?

‘If I were the King of Joseon, I would tell them to eat dirt.’

Nelson, lacking a full understanding of East Asia’s tributary system, didn’t fully grasp the gravity of the situation.

However, since he had no expectations, he felt no disappointment.

To his surprise, he remained calm.

“I don’t care if those incompetent nations support each other or fight amongst themselves. The most important thing is France’s movements. What is the French army doing? What’s the situation on the mainland?”

“First of all, according to reports from Europe, France is amassing its navy. It seems they are truly preparing for a confrontation with our fleet.”

“Are they planning to land in our home country… or are they trying to break through our blockade and secure supply routes?”

The moment either of those scenarios occurs, our defeat is almost certain.

But conversely, if we prevent those two outcomes, we can at least avoid defeat.

“What is the French army’s strength in Europe?” Nelson asked.

“It’s quiet for now,” the messenger replied.

“I thought they might choose to attack the Russian capital… it seems they aren’t going that far,” Nelson mused.

Of course, that doesn’t mean we can relax.

It’s possible that the news hasn’t reached us yet, but in reality, they may have already begun their march into Russia.

Prussia or Turkey would be different, but if Russia withdraws, the balance of this war will shift to France in an instant.

I don’t know how easily Moscow would fall, but the French army is undeniably strong, so anything could happen.

“First of all, we have no choice but to hope that Europe takes care of things over there. What is the French army in Qing China doing?”

“Yes! It seems they are dividing their troops as we intended. The 2nd Corps will defend Hebei, and the 3rd Corps will move south to defend Guangzhou.”

“Really? Beijing and Guangzhou are not close enough to travel freely, so they’re actually deploying the corps separately…” Nelson questioned.

Of course, he didn’t expect them to abandon Guangzhou, where France had many collaborators.

However, he thought that Napoleon would be more daring and send his best elite troops, the 2nd Corps, to annihilate the enemy in one decisive blow.

“The 3rd Corps led by Marshal Jean Lannes… It doesn’t have the same reputation as the 2nd Corps, but Marshal Wellesley warned us never to underestimate it.”

Wellesley said that we should plan our operations assuming that each French corps has the power to destroy a country.

Nelson never underestimated the French army either.

If they were thinking of sending the 3rd Corps to lull us into carelessness, it was a foolish tactic.

“First of all, tell Qing China not to engage in all-out war under any circumstances. No, I can’t trust those guys, so I’ll have to manage them closely.”

Anyway, Guangzhou is like Hong Kong’s front yard.

Even if the Qing guys don’t understand, we can control them sufficiently if the distance isn’t too great.

However, as if mocking Nelson’s calculations, unexpected news arrived through the adjutant.

“Urgent news! Several Japanese warships have left port. It seems they are trying to enter Beijing through Tianjin.”

“Japan? That island nation in the south?” Nelson asked.

“Yes. Qing China asked them to remain neutral, but it seems they ignored our proposal and decided to side with France. According to Qing, they don’t have a very strong force. Their warships are crude, and their civilization level is low.”

“That’s just boasting. It means they couldn’t control those guys and were looked down upon… But if they’re heading to Beijing, are they trying to deliver supplies? We can’t allow that to happen.”

Considering the technological gap, it’s impossible for them to supply weapons, but even if they only bring food or gunpowder materials, it will be a fatal blow to us.

We absolutely can’t let them get away with it.

“Instead of being helpful, they can’t even control such minor variables,” Nelson muttered.

“What should we do? Should we tell Qing to take care of it?” the adjutant asked.

“No. If Qing China loses or fails to stop them, it will only complicate the plan further. We have to trust the people we can trust.”

Considering the superior speed of our warships, we can definitely prevent their ships from reaching Tianjin.

Nelson, having finished his calculations, calmly pointed to various locations on the map and issued instructions.

“Prepare to set sail immediately. Not a single ship should deliver supplies to the French side.”

“I understand!” the adjutant responded.

“Ah, and tell the Qing guys absolutely, no matter what happens, even if the sky falls, not to engage in all-out war with the French army. Tell them not to overestimate themselves and to obediently follow our orders,” Nelson added.

“I will convey it as it is,” the adjutant replied.

Nelson’s lips twisted into a bitter smile as he watched the adjutant rush out.

There are many soldiers, but not enough trustworthy ones, so I don’t feel very relaxed.

Still, if I’ve made myself clear, even the stupid Qing guys will understand.

Surely they wouldn’t refuse the soup even if I spoon-fed it to them.

I’ve done everything I can do now.

The only thing left is to sink all the ships of those monkeys who launched their vessels without knowing their place to the bottom of the sea.

< Just Do As I Say > End