I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 152

Became a Hidden Power in the British Empire 152

The World of Upheaval

Why am I, the Prince Consort of the British Empire, still involved in politics instead of just being a figurehead?

The answer is simple: the land grab within Europe is, for the time being, over.

With appetizing targets like Africa, Asia, and South America scattered everywhere, there’s no reason for us to waste our strength fighting each other.

The fact that the Napoleonic Wars ended not long ago also plays a part.

So, does this mean that Europe has agreed to create a beautiful world of relaxation, coexistence, and shared prosperity?

Of course not.

Right now, the major European powers can afford to concede, saying, ‘This is mine, that is yours,’ but what will happen when the global market becomes saturated?

There’s no guarantee that someone, like a certain figure who would later unify a nation [Otto von Bismarck, the first Chancellor of Germany], won’t emerge and turn Europe into a sea of fire, saying, ‘Why are only you, Britain and France, taking everything? I need to take some too.’

Of course, even before that time comes, there’s still the possibility of a large-scale war breaking out.

The Crimean War, which was large enough to be called a world war of the 19th century, already shows signs of potentially being brought forward.

I don’t want to get involved in such a mess and waste national power, but if Russia and France don’t listen, there will eventually come a time when I have to intervene.

I’ve allowed them to meddle in the Primorsky Krai [a region in the Russian Far East] and Vietnam, hoping they would be satisfied and stay quiet, but human greed is endless, and they won’t know it hurts until they get hit.

In my view, a large-scale war like the Crimean War is inevitable.

Whether it follows a similar course to history or takes a completely unexpected turn, I have no choice but to prepare for it, considering it a tragedy that must be experienced at least once.

My thoughts ended as I finished a speech in Parliament and walked out.

“Your Royal Highness, that was an inspiring speech today.”

“It’s reassuring to see that you look well, Member of Parliament Gladstone.”

It’s not easy for a newcomer to displace an established figure, but Gladstone had significantly increased his influence within the party in the short time I hadn’t seen him.

Perhaps in just a few more years, he will become the undisputed representative of the Whig Party.

It seems that capable people will always stand out, no matter how history unfolds, as long as they are given the opportunity.

“I’ve noticed a lot of cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties to pass bills recently, which is a very encouraging sight.”

“Recently, the international situation has looked increasingly unstable. To some extent, the ruling and opposition parties need to present a united front to give the public a sense of stability.”

“You are indeed wise.”

“By the way, I’m sorry to have to ask for your help with the Joseon [ancient Korean kingdom] issue again. It seems that public opinion is overwhelmingly in favor of entrusting the Northeast Asia region to you, of all people…”

Of course. My career in Asia is already impressive, and everyone knows my lineage, so how many people would accept me being stuck in Canada?

The reason Gladstone is being particularly cautious is that the Whig Party had already forcibly sent me to Canada once before.

In fact, I had set it up that way, but to the public, it looked like Parliament had forced the Prince Consort, who was enjoying his honeymoon, to go to Canada.

That led to the unprecedented event of the Queen following him to the colonies, and even the major variable of an heir being born there.

Still, I expanded the territory of the British Empire by several times and provided a show of proof, so no citizens criticized it.

On the contrary, the public sentiment was, ‘That’s our Prince Consort. That’s why Parliament sent him to Canada, even ruining his honeymoon.’

Now that the heir has been born safely, everyone was encouraging me to rest in Canada and then return.

But suddenly, they’re asking me to come back alone to solve the Asian problem. How would that look?

This was a situation where I could openly criticize Parliament, and they wouldn’t dare to say a word, but would have to bow their heads.

Of course, that’s just the situation, and as far as I’m concerned, the best possible outcome has been achieved, so I have no complaints.

“So, can I assume that the Whig Party also agrees with my policy?”

“Of course. We have already agreed to respect your opinion as much as possible on matters related to Asia.”

“That’s very reassuring. To be honest, as the husband of Her Majesty the Queen, I’m not very comfortable continuing to get involved in these political issues. I feel like I’m constantly being watched by Parliament, you know?”

“Since you’re not directly involved in domestic affairs, no one will criticize you. On the contrary, you’re doing hard work for the benefit of the British Empire, even though you have no obligation to do so. Which reminds me…”

Gladstone, who had been watching me carefully, scratched his head.

“The French Minister Guizot, who came recently, said he wanted to meet you and discuss the future of Asian affairs.”

“I’m no longer a government official, am I?”

“We told him that. But he said he wasn’t negotiating national policy, but wanted to hear your expert opinion on Asia, so we said we would ask you.”

“If it’s just a chance to talk, there’s no need to refuse. If we do well, we might be able to figure out what France is thinking.”

“Thank you for seeing it that way. To be honest, when the Prime Minister asked our party for our opinion, we were wondering what to do, but I feel relieved that you readily agreed.”

This guy was trying to ask me for that from the beginning.

I can roughly guess why the Whig Party is being so friendly.

Until now, I’ve been associating with the Conservative Party, so many people in the public recognize me as being close to the Conservative Party.

So, no matter how much I shout that my achievements have nothing to do with a specific party, people can’t help but give more credit to the Conservative Party, which is also the current ruling party.

Once a person’s perception is rooted, it’s that scary.

So, the Whig Party probably wants to create a warm atmosphere with me, who is sure to achieve results in Asia, and share some of the spoils.

I saw a few pro-Whig newspapers yesterday, and they were already spicing things up by highlighting the connection between Gladstone and me during our school days.

Even if their intentions are obvious, I have to take advantage of what I can.

“First, I’ll meet with Minister Guizot and talk to him, so the Whig Party should submit a resolution to appoint me as the chief responsible for mediating relations between Joseon and Russia.”

“Wasn’t it agreed that the Conservative Party would propose it?”

“I’ll ask the Conservative Party to support the Whig Party’s proposal. As you know, I have such a close image with the Conservative Party that if they do it again, people might say we’re colluding. Everyone knows that’s not the case, but wouldn’t focusing too much on the ruling party hinder a healthy political balance?”

“You are right, Your Royal Highness. Then we will raise our opinion at the next meeting.”

If the Whig Party supports me in this matter, they will benefit, but I can also create the image of receiving support from both parties, so it couldn’t be better.

If it’s a win-win situation for everyone, there’s no reason to refuse, right?

By the way, Guizot, that guy, came last time and was desperately searching for a place to set foot. Is he coming again this time without fail?

In fact, it’s not the right time yet, but in the long run, there’s a lot left to extract from France, so it might not be bad to gradually spread some bait from now on.

To France, which is conscious of the British Empire’s moves, the Asian market may seem like the biggest thing right now, but France can’t take the real gems of Asia anyway.

Because I’ve already claimed all the geopolitically important places.

So, they’ll desperately try to dig into Southeast Asia, and the best thing to do here is to pretend to be generous and support them as much as possible.

I can’t allow France to grow to the point where it threatens the British Empire, but if France doesn’t come to its senses, who will keep the current Russia or the future madman of Europe in check?

The moment they get involved with those guys and waste their national power, they might hand over the leadership of North America, which they worked so hard to gain, back to the United States.

So, France needs to maintain its national power to the same extent as in the original history, and I need to give them some mental conditioning so they don’t ‘élan’ [French word for enthusiasm or vigor] with that national power.

It would be perfect to have them maintain their position as the second-in-command in Europe and kick the ladder out from under anyone who tries to climb up.

“Haven’t our British Empire and France already settled their old grudges and are now working together for the future? Vietnam? I certainly understand how great France’s sorrow must be after the missionaries were brutally murdered. In fact, Vietnam is neither our vassal state nor our ally, so why would we interfere with France’s affairs?”

After calculating, I showered François Guizot, who had come to check on our movements, with all sorts of sweet talk, fully easing his wariness.

I didn’t just make empty promises; I made it clear that the British Empire had no intention of interfering with whatever France did in Asia.

“It’s fortunate that the British Empire’s generosity is growing day by day. I couldn’t ask for anything more if the same relationship continues in the future.”

I agree with that.

So, please don’t drag us into this time and fight well on your own.

* * *

What is something that inevitably follows the development of capitalism?

There are many factors, but the advancement of finance cannot be left out.

Since humans began using money, there have always been individuals and organizations that performed functions similar to banks, but by the mid-19th century, the operations of banks had become much more complex and diverse.

Until now, the big players in finance were mostly those specialized in trade.

Since national economies were not intricately intertwined, they preferred to be deeply involved in their own country’s trade, and many of them made their fortunes that way.

In the British Empire, the Baring family is a prime example.

The Baring family, which wielded great influence over the British Empire’s trade and trading partners, was undoubtedly the center of British finance.

The wealth they had accumulated was so great that the head of the Baring family was even compared to the leader of a country made of gold.

Of course, the Baring family was not only involved in the British Empire’s affairs.

In the past, they intervened when the United States purchased Louisiana [Louisiana Purchase], and they were also closely involved with the East India Company, generating enormous revenue from international trade.

Even with several emerging families rising, the Baring family is still the wealthiest in the British Empire.

A young man who inherited his father’s business base throughout England a few years ago wanted to change that perception at all costs.

His family had banks all over Europe and was moving staggering amounts of money at this very moment.

However, in England, they were repeatedly held back by the limitations of their Jewish heritage.

Although their family had received the title of Baron from the Austrian Empire, they could not assert this status in England under current law and were no different from commoners.

Moreover, even if they won an election and tried to enter politics, they could not receive a seat unless they abandoned their beliefs as Jews.

This was because the British Parliament required members to take an oath as Christians.

He didn’t like that a global empire was still maintaining such outdated systems, but what could he do?

That was the law of the British Empire, and Jews were originally the scapegoats who were ridiculed everywhere in Europe.

Fortunately, the new Queen Victoria said that she would allow the use of foreign aristocratic titles, but before that order was promulgated, she left for Canada, and this was postponed indefinitely.

He was lamenting whether there was anyone else who was so unlucky when he received an unbelievable call.

“I, I, It’s an honor to meet you! Your Royal Highness!”

“Don’t be too nervous, come and sit here. Was there anything uncomfortable on the way?”

“N, no, there wasn’t!”

A self-made man who succeeded in marrying the most precious woman in the British Empire despite being of Irish descent.

The most popular politician who is enthusiastically supported by the citizens for endlessly expanding the territory of the British Empire with his amazing diplomatic skills.

No, since he is the Queen’s husband, it might not be right to call him a politician, but in any case, it is an undeniable fact that he is one of the most influential people in the British Empire today.

He didn’t know why he was suddenly looking for him, but at least he didn’t feel any animosity in his voice or eyes.

The man, who had dealt with countless customers, knew that this was a reaction closer to favor or interest.

Could this be the opportunity of a lifetime that God has given him?

The fact that he is close to Disraeli makes it clear that the Prince Consort has no prejudice against Jews.

The man bowed in the most polite gesture he could and opened his mouth.

“Lionel Nathan de Rothschild. I have come running at Your Royal Highness’s call.”

No matter what happens.

I must get into that man’s good graces today.