I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 192

The Tinder of Revolution (4)

Everything in the world operates on cause and effect.

Generally, the more significant the event, the more intricate the web of causes, with numerous issues intertwined.

And sometimes, a confluence of unfortunate events, a streak of terrible luck, accumulates and explodes.

Among these causes, some are within human control, while others lie beyond it.

However, upon closer examination, many instances reveal how the karma accumulated through human actions converges with natural disasters, inevitably leading to eruption.

The French Revolution is no exception.

The Great Revolution is widely understood to have erupted because the contradictions of the old order, the karma of the Ancien Régime [the political and social system of France before the Revolution], reached a breaking point.

Of course, this is true. It’s an undeniable fact, but strictly speaking, it represents an accumulated cause, not the specific trigger that ignited the revolution.

When people rise up in revolution, most harbor anger, a feeling that ‘I can’t live like this anymore,’ in their hearts.

That’s right. That feeling of ‘I can’t live like this’ serves as the decisive trigger for rebellion.

Even before the French Revolution, droughts and famines had ravaged the entire French territory for several years.

According to historical records, there was a severe drought, followed by floods that swept away crops, and then another year of drought and hail.

And in the very year the revolution broke out, record-breaking cold gripped France, the worst in the 19th century, causing grain prices to skyrocket.

Even if France’s feudal contradictions had reached their peak, a nationwide revolution might not have occurred if the people had been able to eat their fill and stay warm.

Of course, that doesn’t mean the accumulated grievances would have vanished; they would have simply exploded at the next available opportunity.

The Great Revolution clearly demonstrated the enormous repercussions that can occur when this accumulated anger explodes all at once.

Other European countries feared the revolution’s spread, so they hurriedly dispatched troops. What about France itself?

Even those who are enthusiastic about revolution tend to believe that such an event should never happen again once they’re in charge. That’s human nature.

In fact, Minister Guizot, a prominent figure in the July Revolution [a revolution in 1830 that replaced Charles X with Louis-Philippe as King of France], sitting before me, unable to conceal his anxiety, serves as proof of this.

“…It’s been a while, Your Highness.”

“Indeed. It was a few years ago when we last met, wasn’t it? Time seems to be passing by so quickly these days.”

“Since becoming the Prince Consort, you have achieved far more than when you were a minister. I secretly doubted your ability to establish political influence as the Prince Consort, but I see how short-sighted I was. Hahaha.”

“You flatter me. I was just fortunate. By the way, I understand you have something to discuss regarding the Joseon [ancient Korean kingdom] issue?”

I know that’s not the primary reason for his visit, but since it was the stated purpose of my trip to England, I need to play along appropriately.

And strictly speaking, even though it’s a pretext, it’s not a matter to be taken lightly.

The execution of three French priests in Joseon during the Gihae Persecution [a persecution of Catholics in Korea in 1839] was an undeniable fact.

Needless to say, the execution of missionaries provided the best justification for imperialist countries to invade Asia at this time.

Guizot came seeking information about the revolution, but he undoubtedly also intends to exert influence over Joseon.

As expected, he frowned with a serious expression and nodded.

“As Your Highness knows, Bishop Imbert, Father Maubant, and Father Chastan were executed by Joseon. Moreover, according to our investigation, Joseon summarily executed these three even after they had surrendered. As the protector of Catholicism, the home country cannot ignore this.”

“That’s true. Killing religious figures who have surrendered seems excessive. However, I believe Joseon applied the same standards it used when punishing Catholics in the past to maintain consistency.”

“If that’s the case, isn’t that an even more serious problem, since they will continue to do so in the future? The Vatican has separated Joseon from the Beijing Diocese and recognized it as an independent diocese. In other words, we have a duty to carry out pastoral activities there. We must fulfill the noble duty that the Lord has imposed on us white Europeans!”

Guizot clenched his fist and delivered his words with passion, but I had to desperately control my facial muscles to suppress the ridicule that threatened to erupt.

Even if you’re trying to rationalize it, don’t you feel a pang of conscience when you say such things?

When did Jesus ever send missionaries to Asia with instructions to bring warships and devastate the land with cannons when missionaries are killed?

He’s calmly saying things that would get him whipped by Jesus if he came back to life, but I refrained from directly refuting him.

Surprisingly, this was the ‘white man’s burden’ [the belief that Europeans had a duty to civilize non-European peoples] that dominated European thought at the time.

It wasn’t yet a widely used phrase, but it represented the prevailing sentiment among Europeans in the 19th century.

It’s not simply that Europe was racist; most Europeans genuinely believed in the superiority of the white race.

That’s racism, but people at the time weren’t even aware of it.

Superior white people have a duty to spread the benefits of civilization to the inferior cultures of yellow and black people.

Even the great figures who are remembered in history largely held these views, and many of them engaged in medical and missionary work with genuinely good intentions.

So, there’s no way my words will have any effect here.

I can only nod and sneer inwardly.

“I am truly impressed by France’s unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. I realize once again that France is the only country that can serve as a strong bulwark for the European continent.”

“Thank you for your understanding. We also wish to resolve the issue with Joseon amicably, but unfortunately, His Majesty believes that Joseon, having already executed our missionaries, is unlikely to be very cooperative. That’s why Admiral Jean-Baptiste Cécille has set sail with warships to issue a warning to Joseon.”

“You sent warships? Then Joseon will perceive it as a direct threat.”

“First of all, we have no choice but to apply some unspoken pressure to receive a sincere apology. What we seek is a sincere apology and a substantial expression of remorse. And I believe there’s no better way to demonstrate sincerity than through trade between our two countries… Could the British Empire mediate this?”

It seems that even high-and-mighty France can’t go too far, recognizing that Joseon is already territory that the British Empire has laid claim to.

Still, Guizot’s aim is not entirely unreasonable.

By threatening with warships and having the British Empire mediate, they can more easily secure a trade treaty.

Since the execution of missionaries provides justification, the British Empire can’t unilaterally side with Joseon.

Even with the divisions between the Old and New Churches, such a move would generate public criticism of the British Empire throughout Europe.

But how can I allow France to get involved in a country that I’ve already claimed for myself?

I have to sabotage their efforts by any means possible.

As I pondered a suitable excuse, Guizot, who was watching me, smoothly changed the subject.

“By the way, stabilizing the domestic situation is essential for engaging in trade with Asia, isn’t it? I’d like to address that point, as I’ve heard that Your Highness has recently received some unsettling news.”

“Ah, I see you heard it from the ambassador. That’s right. I hope everything goes smoothly, but I don’t anticipate a favorable outcome.”

“What exactly is happening… Is the prediction of a potential revolution accurate?”

To state it so plainly in front of the minister suggests the existence of solid evidence.

Guizot’s expression changed noticeably, but I didn’t reveal what they wanted to know.

If you want information, pay for it. Why are you trying to get it for free?

“Of course, I hesitate to speak definitively, as my information may be inaccurate. In any case, France’s intelligence is also among the best in the world, so I trust you are taking your own measures. I assure you that I will not disclose anything and will be discreet with my words, so please don’t worry.”

“No… that is…”

Guizot, looking at me with an expression that clearly conveyed his desire for me to reveal the information, bit his lip tightly and continued.

“It’s somewhat embarrassing to admit, but the home country hasn’t detected any signs of that yet. If Your Highness possesses any knowledge, would you be willing to share it with us?”

“Really? I assumed France would certainly be aware. Hmm… but I’m hesitant to share it, as this information isn’t entirely certain. I’d be embarrassed if I were to make a wild guess. Haha.”

“No. If that information proves accurate, we are prepared to offer a corresponding price. If it’s inaccurate, that’s even better. In any case, Your Highness has nothing to lose, correct?”

If the information is true, they’ll pay the price; if it’s not, they’ll simply forget about it.

It was the best offer France could make, and I had been waiting for these words.

“…I see. If you insist, I’ll attach some conditions. I want to assist the minister, but without compensation, I’m unsure what kind of criticism I’ll face in my own country. I trust you’ll understand.”

“Of course. If we were to seek such valuable information without offering anything in return, we would be rightly criticized for being unconscionable. What do you desire?”

“If the information I provide proves accurate, the French royal family will incur a significant debt to the British royal family. However, it would be burdensome for both parties to remain entangled in such debt relationships, so let’s settle it all in one transaction. I understand that Egypt is interested in constructing a canal to connect the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. However, the home country doesn’t have favorable relations with Egypt, so we can’t become involved.”

When Egypt gained virtual independence from the Ottomans, the British Empire sided with the Ottoman Empire to ensure that the Ottomans, who were containing Russia, wouldn’t weaken.

As a result, the Egyptian coast was once devastated by the British Navy, and the current Egyptian leadership holds a negative view of Britain.

Therefore, they have no intention of sharing the canal’s construction and operation rights with us.

The country that Egypt will cooperate with in the future will be a European power other than Britain or Russia, and there is only one such candidate.

“Are you suggesting that…”

“Yes. Negotiate the canal construction with Egypt and sell all the shares to the British royal family. I’m not asking for it for free; I’ll purchase it at a reasonable price.”

“The operating rights of the canal connecting the Mediterranean and the Red Sea will hold immense value in the future.”

“But consider this. Even if France attempts to build it alone, there will be significant opposition within the home country. This will inevitably lead to conflict, causing construction costs to skyrocket and delaying the opening indefinitely. Wouldn’t it be better for us to buy it outright? Above all, this agreement will only take effect if the information I provide proves accurate.”

“That’s true. However, there’s one condition. When the canal actually opens, our French merchant ships should be subject to the same conditions as British merchant ships.”

“No problem. Of course, we’ll ensure that.”

In the original timeline, France established a discriminatory fare system, which drew heavy criticism, and the British Empire protested against this and operated the canal fairly.

They’re not offering services for free, and if they charge similar fees to other merchant ships, it’s not a significant privilege, so granting that much wouldn’t be a major issue.

“Then let’s formalize the conditions and reach an agreement. We would also like to resolve the Joseon issue during this meeting.”

“I understand France’s concerns regarding the Joseon issue. Still, I believe we need to send someone to Joseon to hear their side of the story before we can mediate.”

“Then it will take too long…”

Just as Guizot was about to continue speaking,

Someone carefully knocked on the door, and a voice was heard from outside.

“Your Highness, I apologize for interrupting the meeting. I have urgent news to deliver. And the French side also has something urgent to convey to the minister.”

“Not just us, but France too?”

I wondered what was happening and looked around, but Guizot shook his head, indicating that he was also unaware.

If this isn’t a unilateral situation on our side, it can’t be considered a diplomatic discourtesy to interrupt the meeting.

As soon as I gave my approval, the door opened, and two staff members entered.

If it’s information that needs to be conveyed in the middle of the meeting, it must be related to this topic. Did something happen in Joseon?

Unable to contain our curiosity, Guizot and I almost simultaneously received the paper and calmly read the words written on it.

No matter how surprising the information, I must maintain my poker face…

“Huh?”

“…What is this.”

Before anyone else could speak, a dumbfounded voice echoed in the room at the same time, and I glanced up to gauge Guizot’s reaction, who was visibly embarrassed.

He must have received the same report.

“Uh… um, Minister. I’ve heard some very coincidental news. Did you receive a report about Admiral Cécille?”

“…Um…”

Guizot’s voice, which had been so energetic about opening Joseon, shrank with embarrassment and shame.

“It seems a little difficult to hold Joseon accountable for the execution of missionaries. Do you agree?”

“…Yes.”

Ah, I shouldn’t laugh, but this is driving me crazy.

I desperately suppressed the laughter that threatened to erupt and looked back at the short phrase written on the paper.

-French warships led by Admiral Jean-Baptiste Cécille. Wrecked on a reef while conducting a show of force off the coast of Joseon. The commander and crew are being safely protected by the Joseon side.

I can’t do it. How can I not laugh at this?

I raised the paper to cover my mouth, took a deep breath, and opened my mouth.

“Joseon must have reflected deeply. Seeing that they are safely protecting the soldiers who were demonstrating force by firing cannons off the coast. Ahem, ahem.”

“……”

To be able to completely undermine the dignity of the Western powers, which had been painstakingly built by defeating Qing China [the last imperial dynasty of China], in an instant like this is a talent in itself.

Isn’t this something that only France can do, not the British Empire?

Once again, I looked at the phrase wrecked on a reef, and I couldn’t help but lower my head, unable to hold back the rising corners of my mouth.

Real Elan [French term for vigor, enthusiasm, and national spirit] is legendary.