I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 280

< 16 Nations >

“Independize the minority ethnic groups? With my own hands? I must have misheard.”

The Emperor glared at me as if thinking, ‘Did this guy eat something wrong?’

“No. You heard correctly.”

“What nonsense is this that isn’t even worth answering? Of course, I refuse.”

“As I said, Your Majesty will not be able to refuse.”

“Ha! Threaten me all you want! Do you think I’ll even blink an eye?”

The Jiaqing Emperor confidently raised his chin as if he truly had nothing to lose.

It wasn’t just that he had nothing left to lose, so he was acting recklessly.

The other side wasn’t stupid, so his actions must be based on thorough calculations.

I could roughly guess.

It was probably because he knew that even if we threatened him, it would only amount to a threat.

No matter how much the Emperor refused to cooperate, France could never directly harm him.

If they did, it would give the crumbling Qing Dynasty an opportunity to unite.

Even if he was an emperor who had lost the people’s hearts, authority, and power, there would inevitably be chaos if he died at the hands of foreign powers.

Moreover, acting like this would inevitably weaken public opinion in Europe.

Even in France, some would say that harming another country’s emperor was crossing the line.

“I have no intention of complying with your demands until the day I die! Kill me or let me live, do as you please!”

“You seem to be mistaken. We have no intention of harming Your Majesty. Rather, we are doing this to protect Your Majesty’s well-being.”

“Now I’m hearing the most absurd nonsense. For my well-being?”

“Yes. I think you’ll understand when you see this.”

I spread out the large map and treaty on the table so that the Jiaqing Emperor could see them.

“You may recall that the Crown Prince acted as regent while Your Majesty was neglecting state affairs. In fact, a rough draft for independence was already created at that time, and discussions with other tribes were completed.”

“What! Who decided that! I am the emperor of this country! No one can conclude such a treaty without my approval! This is invalid! Invalid!”

“Yes. That’s why Your Majesty’s final approval is needed. However, other tribes, the Manchurian forces following the Crown Prince, and even the Han Chinese have all agreed to this draft.”

The map showed territories that reflected the wishes of each tribe as much as possible.

It wasn’t finalized yet, so additional adjustments were needed, but the story was over that it would be roughly in this form.

Even the Han Chinese, despite being the same ethnicity, were not all grouped into one country.

This was because maximizing regionalism worked quite effectively. The pro-French Guangdong region wanted to establish its own independent state.

Due to Guangdong’s sensitivity to profit and loss, they believed that forming a pro-French independent government solely with themselves was the most beneficial path.

However, the Manchus were guaranteed all three northeastern provinces of Jilin, Liaoning, and Heilongjiang, making their territory quite large.

Adding Inner Mongolia, which was virtually a fraternal state, their territory would be the largest among the divided countries.

Of course, even then, in terms of total production, it would be difficult to catch up to a wealthy region like Guangdong in the future.

“What is this terrible map…? Are you going to tear my Central Plains to shreds like this?”

“Excluding Your Majesty’s country, there will be 15, or about 16 new countries in total.”

“Outrageous!”

“It’s not outrageous, but rather the reality that is coming. Do you know what is happening in each region right now? Have you heard what the attitude of the Central Plains people is towards the Manchus?”

“Hmm…”

The Emperor closed his mouth and continued to stare at the map.

The Qing people were blaming the Qing imperial family for all the recent events.

Rumors spread that the failure of the Boxer Rebellion, which advocated supporting the Qing and destroying foreigners, was due to the incompetent command of the Qing generals.

Of course, this was malicious propaganda spread by the surviving Boxers, but in this era where fact-checking was impossible, what many people believed was the truth.

In particular, many ethnic groups who had lived as third-class citizens under Qing rule were openly expressing their hatred for the Manchus.

In addition, the Han Chinese, who had stirred up so much trouble during the Boxer Rebellion, subtly shifted the blame, claiming that it was all the Qing imperial family’s orders.

As a result, the perception of the Manchus in the south was the worst of the worst, to the point where it was said that it was okay to beat them to death if you met them on the street.

“The Qing imperial family can no longer function properly. It doesn’t matter whether France or England wins this war. Do you think England will maintain the Qing imperial family if they win the war? If you find out how they rule India, you will easily understand.”

“…That can’t be. They clearly promised…”

“You may not know, but no country in our continent trusts England’s verbal promises anymore. Well, let’s put that aside since you won’t believe me anyway. Considering that the Crown Prince, who is acting as regent, has done so much, you know that it is not a situation that can be stopped even if you refuse, right?”

“……”

I waited for him to refute me as much as he wanted, but the Jiaqing Emperor only moved his lips and did not utter a word.

“For your information, the Crown Prince is more aware of the seriousness of the situation than anyone else. So, he has made many safeguards while accepting their demands. Read what is summarized here. You will understand.”

“…Absolute safety guarantee for the Manchurian people scattered in each region, a non-aggression treaty for the countries to be established later, and a ban on all kinds of hostile acts and economic retaliation. Considering the Manchurian region with many barren lands, measures to cooperate in revitalizing the economy, etc…”

The Jiaqing Emperor’s expression changed complexly as he realized that it was not a one-sided giveaway but a means to seek a way out.

“Are you saying that I should accept this plan willingly if I truly care about my people? But you know one thing and not the other. I have nothing more to lose! If I can’t keep this world, I’d rather choose a path where we all perish together!”

“I think you misunderstood the meaning of my words. Consider the situation your people are in now and think about it. Right now, the Crown Prince and many other officials feel threatened for their survival. And they have done their best to survive in the future. But you refuse this and push everyone into the abyss of destruction?”

In the original history, countless Manchus were massacred and expelled when the Qing Dynasty collapsed.

Judging from the current atmosphere, there is a high possibility that an even worse genocide will occur.

“Then what will the Crown Prince or the officials think? Oh, it’s the decision of the Emperor, so there’s nothing we can do. Should we just give up quietly? Even if you promise to give it and don’t give it, you know what kind of reaction will happen, right?”

There is nothing more infuriating than taking away something you have given, unless you said you wouldn’t give it from the beginning.

If the Emperor refuses here, a nationwide coup is certain.

And the Manchus will no longer be able to live on the Central Plains.

“Let me say it again. We will do our best to protect Your Majesty’s safety, no matter what decision you make. If you reject the treaty, there will probably be more disloyal people, so we will further strengthen security.”

“Was that what you meant…?”

Was his comprehension a little impaired because he drank too much alcohol?

I was getting tired of speaking indirectly, but I’m glad he finally understood.

The Jiaqing Emperor, who had realized what situation he was in, opened his mouth stammeringly with a pale face, his confident appearance at the beginning gone.

“…Ho, perhaps… is the Crown Prince trying to kill me?”

“Surely not. Who would dare to assassinate Your Majesty, the Emperor of the Great Qing Empire? We are just conveying our concern that there may be more disloyal people.”

“Isn’t that the same thing! You… no, don’t you know? No, now that I think about it, considering that you have already won over Inner Mongolia, it must be that others are also thinking of the Crown Prince as the next Emperor. Does that mean the story is already over?”

He’s letting his imagination run wild without me having to say anything.

Until now, he probably thought that he could be a little tough because France couldn’t kill him anyway, but the reality is the opposite.

To be precise, the expression that I don’t need to lift a finger is accurate.

After the Boxer Rebellion was crushed, the real power of the court was virtually transferred to the Crown Prince.

But what would happen if the Emperor couldn’t read the atmosphere here and suddenly acted out of line?

From the perspective of the Crown Prince and the officials, they could just replace the current Emperor, who is already a has-been, and have the Crown Prince ascend to the throne as the new Emperor.

Even if France harms the Emperor, it is not our responsibility if the Emperor is replaced due to internal strife within the family.

“Well, then, I would appreciate it if you could make a decision soon. I promised the Crown Prince that I would give him an answer when you arrive.”

“…Okay. But there’s a condition. If you grant me this, I will hand over the imperial seal.”

“Whatever you say.”

“Guarantee my personal safety. If you make this clear, I will follow your words.”

He said he wouldn’t change even if a knife was held to his throat, but as soon as I really threatened him, he immediately changed his attitude?

I thought about more than three threatening methods just in case, but it’s a shame that it was useless.

“Is that what you mean? No one in the world will dare to threaten Your Majesty’s safety while you enjoy your natural lifespan. I promise in the name of the great King of France.”

“……”

The Jiaqing Emperor, realizing that he really had no choice, finally took out the imperial seal from his arms and placed it on the desk.

So, wouldn’t it have been easier and better for each other if you had listened when I first said it since you were going to do it anyway?

※※※

Wellesley, who commanded the British Empire’s army in Asia, was advancing westward towards Beijing as planned.

“Gentlemen, we need to put more effort into supplies now.”

Although there were more variables than the initial operation, the main principle of isolating the French army from the mainland was still well maintained.

However, it was undeniable that the British and Russian forces were also experiencing supply problems.

This was because it was difficult to receive supplies by sea due to the nature of the route crossing the middle of the inland.

The distance from the Russian mainland was also far away, so there were limitations even by land.

Of course, it wasn’t that Wellesley, the genius, hadn’t considered this when planning the operation.

The most important food and drinking water could be sufficiently resolved by local supply from the Qing Dynasty.

There were complaints that the amount to be paid to the Eight Banners and the Green Standard Army was insufficient, but so what.

Wouldn’t it be much more useful for us to eat it than to give it to those useless rice buckets who only waste food?

The Russian army fully agreed with Wellesley’s idea.

Since he had almost forcibly obtained the Emperor’s consent, Wellesley swept away the supplies of the Eight Banners army [Qing Dynasty military units] scattered in each region without hesitation.

As a result, the British and Russian forces entered the outskirts of Shaanxi Province without much difficulty.

And almost at the same time, the Emperor returned to Beijing, and the ridiculous declaration that he had tolerated the independence of ethnic minorities was heard.

Moreover, since the Emperor’s safety was handed over to the French army, the Qing Dynasty was virtually out of this war.

In other words, the justification for the British and Russian forces, who were freely depleting local resources, was bound to be cracked.

“Your Excellency! The Shaanxi Green Standard Army [Qing Dynasty local militia] has sent a message that they will no longer provide support here for the safety of the Emperor.”

“They’re talking nonsense with a straight face.”

“What should we do?”

Unlike the anxious expressions of the officers, Wellesley calmly scoffed and replied.

“Are you even asking that? If they don’t give it up willingly, just take it.”

“Yes? But then it’s just looting…”

“In this war, the Emperor agreed that we could use the resources of his country as we pleased. We are keeping the agreed-upon content, and they are the ones who changed their words, so there is nothing to worry about. If they still don’t listen…”

Wellesley slightly pointed to the position where the artillerymen were waiting with his chin.

“Go and negotiate with them with those guys.”

There is no better means of negotiation in this world than bullets and cannonballs, so they will give us a satisfactory answer.

If they thought they could tie our hands with these childish pranks, they were greatly mistaken.

As long as we win, we can rationalize even slightly unethical actions as much as possible.

The winner takes everything.

His theory was that nothing but the result needed to be considered in this war.

< 16 Nations > End