I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 119

Became a Hidden Power in the British Empire 119

A Masterstroke

After a year of scandals and chaos, 1841 drew to a close, and the new year of 1842 began.

Having delivered my instructions to Governor Bagot and James in Canada, I returned to London feeling somewhat relieved.

I never imagined I would spend nearly the entire year abroad, but fortunately, I completed my tasks in the New World, so I wasn’t worried.

The question was, what was being said about me in London? Strangely, the political parties showed little reaction.

The Tories, of course, were waiting for Wellesley to speak with me before making a move, but why was the Whig Party so quiet?

I thought they might suggest sending Killian as a special envoy to Asia if he really was of Asian royalty. What were they plotting?

“Killian! You’ve finally arrived! Why did you take so long to come after receiving my letter?”

“I had matters to attend to. But I returned as quickly as I could.”

“Yes, yes. Nothing much happened anyway. Sit down, and let’s sort out the situation. You’ve probably heard most of it.”

“Yes. Unless there have been recent updates, I’m aware of the details.”

“Well, no new news. Ah, there is one thing. The diplomat stationed in Qing China [historical name for China during the rule of the Manchu-led Qing dynasty] sent a message. They’ve heard about you too. The Qing imperial court is watching you more closely.”

I suppose it’s understandable from Qing China’s perspective.

The British sent a young upstart as a minister to negotiate, and it turns out he’s a Joseon [Korean kingdom from 1392 to 1897] royal and a distant relative of the Japanese Shogun [military dictator of Japan during the Shogunate period]?

If I were them, I’d investigate to find out what he really was.

“If Qing China is watching, it’s confirmed. But Joseon will never admit I have Tokugawa blood. Won’t that be a problem?”

“Even if they don’t admit it, if both sides’ stories don’t contradict, we have to listen to both. And strictly speaking, isn’t it good for you? It might be a bit… complicated, though.”

“Complicated is an understatement. You don’t know the relationships and emotions between Northeast Asian countries, so you don’t understand, but Joseon will be shocked when they hear this.”

Joseon would probably add my name to their family tree to refute Japan’s claims.

They never expected Britain to conclude that both were true.

When this becomes known, they’ll be furious and try to correct the facts, but it’s easier to fabricate than to uncover the truth.

Especially since I’m a low-born slave with no roots, I can’t gather evidence to refute their claims.

“Either way, we can’t take back what’s been said, so we must consider this a given and decide our policy. Our party thinks this will solidify your position in Asia, and we should use it more actively.”

“Of course. But why is the Whig Party so quiet? Have they said anything?”

“They’re strangely quiet. Maybe they’re waiting to see what we do.”

Perhaps I pressured Lord Melbourne and Russell too much when dissolving the Robert Peel cabinet, so they’re being cautious.

If so, it makes sense they’re watching us closely while lying low.

But even if they’re pretending to be docile, they’re sharpening their knives, so we can’t let our guard down.

“The Whig Party’s most obvious move is to keep me tied to Asia. They’ll argue that I’m familiar with Asian affairs and have a clear identity, making it easier to make treaties with Asian countries.”

“Other members are concerned about that too.”

“It’s fine if they do that. I have plenty of counterarguments. First, you, as Prime Minister, should make it clear that there will be no transfer of the Foreign Secretary to Asia for the time being.”

“But the opposition will argue that we should send you for the sake of national interest.”

“Then say they don’t understand the psychology of Asian countries. We just fought a war with Qing China. And we’re appointing me, the one responsible, as the chief of Asian affairs? Isn’t that too obviously an attempt to exploit them?”

Then they’ll say we should prove we’re here for peace and friendship, but the weaker Asian countries won’t accept that.

No matter how much the Whig Party talks, we can just say, ‘Do you know more about Asian affairs than I do?’ and they’ll shut up.

If they try to argue, tell them to go and do it themselves.

And this isn’t just an excuse; it’s partly true.

We need to intervene in Asia, but now isn’t the time.

“They’re not adding me to their family tree because they want to give us something, but because they want to gain something. So we should take a break and think about how to make the most of this opportunity.”

“Don’t jump at the chance just because it seems like an opportunity.”

“Yes. The right situation to control Asia will come. For now, we should hide our claws and reassure them. Acting shortsightedly will only cause us to miss the big fish.”

If we use the fact that I’m a distant relative of the Shogun well, we can gain a legitimate reason to intervene in Japan’s civil war when the Shogun clashes with the Daimyos [powerful Japanese feudal lords] in the future.

Who would dare object to the idea that we can’t stand by and watch our good relative suffer at the hands of vicious rebels?

Moreover, the Shogun, who will inevitably be pressured by the Daimyos over time, will have to accept our help.

I don’t have a clear plan for Joseon yet, but I can say for sure that now isn’t the time.

First, we need to build a foundation in North America, and then swallow Asia when we’re done digesting it.

Rushing things will only lead to indigestion.

Prioritize clearly.

Minimize uncertainties.

I gave a subtle hint about an issue that needed to be addressed.

“Prime Minister, I’m telling you this in advance, just in case… This is just a possibility, but…”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“It’s not certain, so please keep it to yourself for now.”

“…?”

Wellesley’s mouth dropped open, and his eyes were filled with astonishment, as if he couldn’t have imagined such a possibility. He was more surprised than I expected. I’m glad I mentioned it in advance.

* * *

As soon as Killian Gore returned, the Conservative Party began to move actively, as if their silence had been a lie.

“Asia is a vast market that the British Empire cannot ignore if it wants to take another leap forward. Therefore, we need to establish a long-term plan, not just consider short-term factors.”

“According to Secretary Killian Gore, it’s best not to show unnecessary movements that could unsettle Asian countries in the current situation.”

“Some members are worried about what will happen if France or Russia moves first. But if that happens, we can contact Asian countries even more easily. We’ll have a reason to help our relative’s country.”

“And to establish such a long-term plan, the parliament and the government need to move in unison. Also, policy continuity must be guaranteed. Our Conservative Party will not make the mistake of focusing only on immediate gains and missing out on greater future benefits!”

Blocking the opponent’s attack and subtly highlighting the Conservative Party’s expertise.

As the Prime Minister and the Conservative Party moved quickly, pro-Conservative newspapers printed articles to support them.

Watching this process, Gladstone was now convinced.

It’s certain.

The Conservative Party’s true leader is Killian Gore, not the Prime Minister.

Otherwise, it wouldn’t make sense that the Conservative Party, which had been as dead as a corpse, suddenly regained its former agility as soon as Killian returned.

Of course, most of the Whig Party still didn’t believe Gladstone.

But there’s still a way.

“Everyone, don’t you see? The problem we need to focus on is separating Killian Gore from the Conservative Party as much as possible. The reason the Conservative Party is so strong is that Killian and Disraeli are firmly in place, centered around Prime Minister Wellesley.”

“Certainly, there’s no doubt that those three are currently the center of the Conservative Party.”

“That’s right. And because the three are united, the Conservative Party is balanced, and Wellesley’s faction is unshakable. But what if Killian is removed from there?”

Many in the Whig Party highly valued Wellesley, so if we modify the scenario to fit their perception, we can convince them of our argument.

As expected, Russell and Lord Palmerston didn’t raise any objections and were listening to the explanation.

“As you can imagine, the Conservative Party will become Wellesley’s personal temple. Disraeli alone won’t be able to balance the Prime Minister.”

“That’s true. If that really happens, the Conservative Party’s power is likely to be reduced, at least compared to now.”

Originally, power is something that can never be shared with others.

Even the most decent person, once addicted, can never quit the drug that is power.

At least everyone in this room knew that fact.

“Isn’t there a saying that the best way to ruin a politician is not to attack their weaknesses, but to praise them even more so they become arrogant? If either Killian or Disraeli is removed, the balance of power within the Conservative Party will quickly collapse.”

“That makes sense, but the important thing is whether there’s a way to exclude Killian Gore. Does he have any weaknesses that could lead to his downfall?”

“…He has no weaknesses.”

Gladstone had hesitated for a long time whether to use this strategy even after coming up with it.

In a way, Killian Gore was the benefactor who helped him make a new start in the Whig Party.

He wondered if it was right to attack such a person in this way, but no matter how much he thought about it, there was no better way for the Whig Party to beat the Conservative Party.

And strictly speaking, this isn’t an attack.

If you change your perspective, Killian himself will gain tremendous honor with this strategy.

Not only that.

If this is actually realized, it will undoubtedly make a significant contribution to the integration of the British Empire as a whole.

For the sake of national interest.

That’s right. When you think about it, this is all for the benefit of the British Empire.

Having made up his mind, Gladstone finally revealed his secret weapon to the members of his party.

“Killian’s only weakness *was* that he was an Eastern mixed-blood from Ireland. But now that weakness has become a strength. In other words, if we continue to leave him as he is, it will be even harder for us to catch up with the Conservative Party’s growth.”

“…Then what are we supposed to do?”

“Think about it. The fact that he has no weaknesses also means that there are no disqualifications. So if we just create a situation where Killian Gore can’t intervene in politics, all the problems will be solved.”

“That doesn’t make sense. If he has no weaknesses, it will be easier for him to intervene in politics, but since there are no disqualifications, we should prevent him from intervening in politics?”

“Why do you think it doesn’t make sense? Isn’t there a position that has a noble status but shouldn’t actively intervene in domestic politics?”

As everyone frowned and pondered Gladstone’s riddle-like words, Lord Palmerston stammered in an absurd voice.

“Surely… you’re not thinking of what I’m thinking?”

“That’s probably right. Let’s recommend Secretary Killian Gore as the Queen’s consort [husband of the ruling Queen]. Irish integration, establishing a foundation for embracing Asian countries, and becoming a true world empire – no matter what you attach to it, the justification is clear.”

“No, that’s ridiculous…”

Lord Palmerston, who was about to shout to stop talking nonsense, paused for a moment and scratched his chin.

When I think about it, it *doesn’t* not make sense?

No, rather, it makes sense. It’s even a huge justification that you can’t dare to refuse.

This move can only be accepted.

That way, they will lose the Prime Minister’s right-hand man and the best brain.”