I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 271

< Happenings at the Expo >

London was abuzz with excitement for the competition showcasing the pride of various Asian countries, though it was largely a contest within their own sphere.

At this time, Europe generally believed it was on par with Asia in every field, including displays of national pride.

While Joseon [historical Korean kingdom] and Qing [the last imperial dynasty of China] grappled with whether to break free from or maintain their tributary relationship, Prussia and France were vying for dominance on the European continent—a conflict of a vastly different magnitude.

Russia, weakened by war, needed decades to recover.

Excluding the British Empire, an island nation set apart, the most powerful country in Europe would inevitably wield considerable influence over the continent.

Of course, Prussia and France were both allied with the British Empire and had no intention of open warfare, but a tense war of nerves was unavoidable.

As proof, Otto von Bismarck, a key figure in the Prussian court, personally visited London, and French Foreign Minister Louis crossed the English Channel.

“Our Prussian pavilion must be the best in Europe, no matter what. Everyone understands that, right? This is His Majesty’s will, so we cannot be outdone by France. Austria is a given.”

“Yes! We will demonstrate that German technology is the best in the world!”

“Good. And we need to make our Prussian pavilion even more impressive and eye-catching. Any ideas?”

“How about incorporating the black eagle, the symbol of Prussia, into a structure that overlooks the French side?”

“Hmm… Too obvious might seem blatant. Let’s focus on elaborate decorations inside the Prussian pavilion instead.”

The items Prussia is exhibiting represent the pinnacle of its latest technologies, a result of the recent industrial revolution.

From automated looms to flawlessly transparent crystalware and advanced steel products, visitors could sense Prussia’s strong, yet disciplined spirit.

“Whatever the French do, they’ll probably just display bread-baking machines or meat-heating stoves. They don’t have much to offer besides food.”

Of course, France wasn’t idle.

In fact, France invested just as much effort into the Expo as Prussia.

The widespread perception that France had suffered greatly in the war with Russia meant they couldn’t be underestimated.

Therefore, France needed to demonstrate its superiority over every other European country.

Prime Minister Guizot personally spearheaded the effort, and Foreign Minister Louis came to London, all for good reason.

“Excellent! France must be the star of this event! Display artworks at regular intervals from the entrance to the exhibition hall corridor! And be sure to serve a glass of wine to distinguished guests from each country!”

For this Expo, France gathered a diverse array of products, from cutting-edge steam engines to bespoke fashion for the upper class, which was currently flourishing, and wines that were demonstrably superior to those of other countries.

The goal was to project an image of leadership in both technology and culture.

“No matter how hard the Prussians try, they’re just a bunch who do nothing but fight. How can they ever compare to France, which excels in both the arts and warfare?”

Austria might rival France in culture, but its technology lagged behind.

A country’s prestige ultimately stems from a comprehensive assessment of all its strengths.

From that perspective, France was arguably the next most powerful country in Europe after the British Empire.

While both sides were careful not to openly acknowledge each other as rivals, a silent battle was brewing among the second-tier powers vying for recognition.

Unlike France and Prussia, these nations were genuinely trying to assess each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

“Spain will undoubtedly try to prove its superiority, just like the other countries, correct?”

“Of course. The United States is preparing to do the same.”

“Indeed. This is an excellent opportunity to see their true colors.”

“I’ve heard rumors that Spain will primarily showcase artworks and rare artifacts plundered from its colonies.”

Ambassador Lawrence smirked upon hearing this report.

This highlighted the difference between a declining power and a rising superpower.

The United States wouldn’t display a single item stolen from foreign lands at this Expo.

Some might argue that this was because they lacked colonies to plunder, but even if they had, they wouldn’t have exhibited such items.

The items the United States showcased were all independently developed by American scientists.

While their technology might not yet rival that of the British Empire, they were confident they were not far behind other European nations.

Firstly, the fact that they weren’t relying on looted artifacts already set them apart.

“Still, we should keep a close watch on Spain, just in case. And have you thoroughly investigated what I mentioned last time?”

“…Yes. Killian’s information was accurate.”

“They’re planning to expand their influence in the Americas… A dying empire.”

Killian likely intended to mediate between the two strained countries, but his good intentions backfired.

From the United States’ perspective, Killian provided invaluable intelligence.

It wasn’t surprising that the outcome differed from his intentions.

Unless you were American, you couldn’t fully grasp what infuriated the United States.

Would the British Empire’s envoy ever seriously consider America’s manifest destiny [the 19th-century doctrine or belief that the expansion of the US throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable]?

Frankly, the United States might have been willing to mediate if Spain had simply sold weapons to Mexico.

Misunderstandings could be resolved.

But if the issue stemmed from a desire to meddle in the Americas again, no compromise was possible.

They would fight and crush them to prevent any future interference.

They were already displeased that a European country held a colony in Cuba, posing a direct threat to the southern United States, and this made the situation even worse.

The only European power the United States recognized in the Americas was British Canada.

They would not allow any other European presence.

“We must observe every move Spain makes at this Expo, compile a report, and send it to the home country. This is a critical task, so everyone must take it seriously.”

“Understood.”

Watching carts laden with artworks enter the exhibition grounds, the United States officials exchanged murderous smiles, envisioning a war that might never happen.

* * *

I was reminded of my first visit to Qing China.

At the time, I pretended to be a thoughtful Englishman who understood and sympathized with the Sino-centric order [a hierarchical system of international relations that prevailed in East Asia before the adoption of the modern system of sovereign states] of East Asia.

My performance was so convincing that even Lin Zexu [a Chinese scholar and official of the Qing dynasty] was completely fooled.

But it wasn’t a complete fabrication.

If Qing China could restore its national power and lead Asia, I would gladly step aside and observe.

In fact, I still adhere to the policy of leaving Asian affairs to Asia.

Considering my past life and future reputation, exploiting Asia like a worn-out rag didn’t seem like a profitable venture.

The European countries, oblivious to the future, were caught up in imperialistic fervor, swaggering even in the resource-poor African backwaters. The more they did, the better my future reputation would be.

Give them the freedom to choose, but don’t force them.

The current British Empire’s diplomatic policy toward Asia, heavily influenced by me, could be summarized in that sentence.

Of course, not forcing them didn’t mean I didn’t create opportunities, but even that was something.

Compared to thugs like France or Russia barging in with guns and demanding submission, or Belgium threatening genocide in the Congo if they didn’t hand over cocoa, I was practically an angel.

Therefore, Joseon’s sudden outburst and Japan’s embarrassing praise had absolutely nothing to do with me.

Whether they understood the British Empire’s stance or not, Guo Songtao, the newly appointed first Qing Chinese ambassador to Britain, sat across from me with a complex expression.

“Do you prefer coffee or milk tea?”

“…It’s alright. Actually…”

“We have high-quality coffee beans that arrived just yesterday. Would you like to try them?”

As a member of a European royal family, I wouldn’t commit the atrocity of diluting coffee with water.

He should experience the bitter yet profound flavor of royal espresso.

I still remember Victoria’s glare after I instinctively added water and ice to my espresso, a habit from my past life.

That historical moment, when I received her first contemptuous glare for making an iced Americano [espresso diluted with water and served over ice], was unforgettable.

Unlike France or Italy, Britain enjoys Americano just fine in modern times, so I don’t know why she made such a fuss.

Since that day, known as the nightmare of iced Americano, I’ve avoided adding anything to my espresso unless I’m alone, to uphold the dignity of the envoy.

As a result, Guo Songtao, who inadvertently ended up drinking espresso with me, grimaced terribly after his first sip, unlike a seasoned diplomat.

He looked back and forth between me and the coffee with a bewildered expression, as if he couldn’t believe anyone could drink it.

Was this his first time trying espresso?

“Europeans enjoy this coffee as much as you enjoy tea. It’s surprisingly good once you get used to it. If it’s too bitter, you can add milk.”

“…I, I see. I apologize, it was so bitter that I initially thought something was wrong…”

Did he think the British Empire’s envoy was trying to poison him?

Looking at his pale face, he seemed serious. I should have added more sugar.

“I’ll prepare sweet milk tea for you next time. But why did your ambassador so urgently request this meeting? Is there a problem with the Expo preparations?”

“No, it’s not that… It’s about what happened at the banquet last time…”

“Ah, when the Japanese ambassadors suddenly shouted ‘Banzai’ [a Japanese cheer meaning ‘ten thousand years’]? I was surprised too. Is it common in Asia to praise other countries that way?”

“Of course not. Praising someone by comparing them to the gods they serve is rare in any culture. Rather, I wanted to discuss Joseon.”

Oh ho. I thought there were few capable people among the Qing officials, but it seems they sent a competent ambassador after all.

It was unusual that someone so young was appointed as ambassador.

After some investigation, I learned that Qing had never sent ambassadors in this manner, even when receiving tribute from other countries, and they considered it a great humiliation.

Simply accepting this position and leaving the country was seen as treasonous, a truly absurd notion.

“Joseon? Why discuss Joseon with me? If you have concerns, contact the Joseon consulate.”

“Because the Joseon ambassador called your Queen the Emperor of the world. Has Joseon decided to pay tribute to your country?”

“I’m unaware of any such decision. And even if that were the case, Joseon is the one offering tribute, so their intentions are paramount. Would you like me to connect you with their ambassador?”

“No. Joseon is a tributary state of Qing, so we will contact them if necessary.”

Let’s summarize ‘Great Qing’s’ position:

-Joseon is our tributary state, so don’t interfere.

-If you want to meet with Joseon, we’ll handle it. You have no right to mediate.

They were consumed by pride.

They failed to recognize Joseon as a colony, but they couldn’t relinquish their tributary status.

“Well, the Queen seemed pleased that Joseon was praising our country. It’s admirable that they know their place and comply so readily.”

“I heard that Your Majesty promised to recognize Qing’s suzerainty [supreme political authority] over Joseon and has no intention of interfering with the Qing-centered Sino-centric order.”

“That’s correct. The British Empire doesn’t concern itself with Asian affairs. We haven’t forced anything. But that doesn’t mean we’ll stop a country from breaking away from Qing’s influence. We simply won’t actively disrupt the Qing-centered order.”

“…But Joseon is doing just that.”

“We know nothing about it. If you have concerns, contact Ambassador Kim Jwa-geun and resolve it yourselves. The Expo is imminent, and I’m preoccupied.”

I gestured to the mountain of documents in the corner, and Guo Songtao sighed and rose from his seat.

“I understand. There seems to have been a misunderstanding. I will consult with Joseon separately.”

“Yes. I apologize, but I’m swamped. Please be careful on your way back.”

If you claim to be a great power, act like one. Who will listen if you simply whine that Joseon is yours?

As soon as Guo Songtao left, I reviewed the documents secretly sent from Shanghai and Hong Kong.

-The Taiping Rebellion [a large-scale revolt against the Qing dynasty] is intensifying. The Qing Eight Banners Army [the main military force of the Qing dynasty] sent to suppress the rebellion has been repelled.

-We have evidence that Hong Xiuquan [the leader of the Taiping Rebellion] initially gained notoriety by falsely associating himself with Killian. Details are being confirmed.

A country that can’t suppress a rebellion within its borders loses 50 points for its Sino-centric order.

Furthermore, a criminal who dared to exploit the name of the British Empire’s envoy is running rampant, so minus 100 points isn’t enough.

Frankly, I never believed they could claim to be the Emperor of the world by merely occupying Hong Kong or Shanghai.

Let them play with Joseon or Japan.

The moment they relax, thinking they’ve fixed things, they’ll feel the ground collapsing beneath them.

With the meeting with Guo Songtao concluded, I devoted myself to final preparations, avoiding further meetings.

Amidst the tangled interests of numerous countries, the first day of the world’s first international Expo, destined to be remembered in history, finally dawned.