I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 300

Blood is Thicker Than Water (3)

In the early stages of the war, the shogunate’s plan to easily suppress the rebels with their superior numbers was thwarted from the start.

Although they had been modernizing, the shogunate forces had little experience in battles where thousands of troops clashed on a large scale.

It would have been one thing if they were just sending a few hundred modernized troops to fight, but when they mobilized over 10,000 soldiers, the shogunate army began to falter.

Military doctrine cannot be adapted overnight simply by changing it.

You can hand out weapons and train soldiers to use them, but trying to operate with precision will inevitably lead to problems.

The shogunate army attempted to suppress the New Government forces by using a mix of modernized units and outdated, pre-modern troops.

But battles rarely go as planned.

Compared to the disorganized shogunate forces, Satsuma and Choshu [two powerful feudal domains in Japan], though fewer in number, were well-equipped and secured victories in several engagements through efficient combat.

If they had appointed a competent commander, things might have been different, but with Ieyoshi’s death, the shogunate was now controlled by his incompetent cronies, making that impossible.

They assumed that since they had the numbers, they could just appoint someone who could vaguely command and they would become a victorious general. This incompetence and corruption created a fantastic synergy.

“What should we do?”

“What do you mean, what should we do! We need to appoint a proper commander right now!”

“The rebel troops are stronger than we thought, so we should reorganize first…”

“That would only embolden those already arrogant rebels!”

As the meetings devolved into heated debates day after day, the already timid Shogun Iesada grew increasingly anxious.

First, they said the war would never happen.

Then, they changed their tune and said they could easily win.

Now, they say reorganizing will still give them an advantage.

It was like a stream of consciousness, with their words changing in real-time. How was he supposed to keep up?

Just then, fortunately or unfortunately, a helping hand arrived.

“Shogun! Prince Gillian Goa Tokugawa, the hidden power of the British Empire, has personally arrived with his troops to assist you!”

“R-really? If the British are helping us, what do we have to worry about from rebels? Excellent, truly excellent!”

“Shogun, we need to determine if their intentions are pure. We shouldn’t accept their offer without careful consideration…”

“W-wait a minute. Why am I only hearing about the British support now? If they came with warships, I should have been informed.”

“That is… they sought permission from the Emperor first and were waiting for his decree. To be fair, that is the proper procedure.”

Since it involved foreign troops entering the country, the Emperor’s permission was technically required, but everyone knew it was just a formality.

Normally, the shogunate made the decision and then received the Emperor’s approval, not the other way around.

Of course, everyone knew that following official procedures avoided problems later, so no one criticized it.

“S-so… should we accept? Prince Gillian is from the same Tokugawa family as me… It would be a good opportunity to establish a firm connection…”

“The Prince has declared that he will uphold the words left by Ieyoshi. Whether Ieyoshi actually said those words or not, the Emperor has already approved. Rejecting their help could lead to diplomatic issues.”

“Then… I will meet with him and discuss it.”

The fact that he bypassed the Shogun and met with the Emperor first, even though the Shogun resided in Osaka Castle, clearly indicated an ulterior motive.

Whether it was a positive intention to uphold the laws of the land or some other scheme, they had to deal with the situation.

Iesada wasn’t overly cautious at this point.

His retainers warned him that there were few trustworthy people in the world and that he should be suspicious of Gillian’s true intentions, but Iesada felt they were no different.

How could he not know that there were powerful retainers everywhere, taking advantage of his naivety to wield power as they pleased?

If they were all the same, wouldn’t it be better to have a relative who was at least related by blood and lived far away, making it difficult for them to interfere?

No matter how he looked at it, a tiger on the other side of the world seemed safer than the jackals in front of him.

Iesada ignored his retainers’ words and hastily prepared to go to Osaka Bay.

* * *

-We acknowledge the claims of Prince Gillian Goa Tokugawa of the Great British Empire.

The vague decree didn’t specify what was being acknowledged, but it gave me the authority to move freely in this civil war.

Since the Emperor guaranteed the legitimacy of my actions, I no longer had to worry about anyone’s opinion.

Other European countries couldn’t raise concerns about intervening too directly in foreign affairs.

If they were unhappy, they could get the Emperor’s permission and send their own troops.

With all the variables accounted for, I sent a message to the Shogun’s side, stating that I would intervene, and received a reply to meet and discuss the matter.

At first, they offered a grand welcome if I came directly to Osaka Castle, but the Emperor had already come to Osaka Bay. Was I supposed to go to Osaka Castle?

I sent a formal and elaborate reply stating that I would not, and the Shogun’s side, properly instructed in etiquette, immediately replied that he would come himself.

That’s how it should have been from the start.

I could have gone, but the atmosphere in Japan was different from Joseon [historical Korean kingdom].

You never knew when some crazy guy with a knife would appear and yell “Otsu!” [an archaic interjection expressing surprise or aggression]. I was too scared to go anywhere.

I would have bodyguards, but in the age of firearms, you can’t let your guard down.

Especially since my cause of death in my previous life was carelessness, I never forgot my motto of testing every stepping stone before building a bridge to cross it.

Even if I wasn’t hurt, if some crazy guy tried to attack me with a knife, the situation would become complicated.

It would create an opportunity to legally exploit Japan, but I would have to drastically revise a significant portion of my plan, and I didn’t want any more variables.

No get-rich-quick schemes, just steady and reliable progress.

I would gradually remodel this place to my liking.

I greeted the Shogun leisurely at Osaka Bay, first carefully observing the complexion of my pitiful relative, who was even called a half-wit.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Shogun.”

“I-it’s an honor to meet you too. I have heard much about Prince Gillian from my father.”

“Did Ieyoshi leave any words about me?”

“Yes. He said that you are a capable person and that Asia is likely to revolve around you in the future…”

Iesada paused, tilted his head slightly, tapped the floor with his foot, and continued.

“…he said.”

“That’s an overestimation. I’m just here in Asia for a short time and will be in Europe for the rest of my life. There’s no way things will revolve around me.”

Judging by his appearance, the rumors that he suffered from smallpox as a child and showed symptoms of cerebral palsy seemed to be true.

Even if he was the only son, how could he have made such a foolish simpleton his successor?

Wouldn’t it be strange if ministers didn’t try to make the Shogun a figurehead and divide power among themselves?

Ieyoshi must have been extremely obsessed with bloodlines.

It would have been better for his son to adopt a capable relative and pass on the Shogun’s position.

Even if you pass on a position that is no different from a king, what’s the point if he can’t bear the weight of the crown and is crushed by it?

This wasn’t Iesada’s fault, but Ieyoshi’s responsibility for trying to force the situation to give the position to his son.

Isn’t this why treacherous subjects cling to him like mosquitoes, trying to suck his blood?

This won’t do.

I can’t stand by and watch my nephew suffer like this. I need to step in and sort things out.

“Shogun, is there anything you would like to ask me? Or anything you don’t understand?”

“…Yes? No, um… N-nothing in particular. I’m not doubting you or anything… Ah! N-no, that’s not it.”

“Ah, it’s alright. I’m not trying to find fault, but I’m just asking in case there are any misunderstandings. For example, you might wonder why I came so late when I was going to help.”

“Uh…”

Judging by his expression, he was suspicious.

It’s only natural to be suspicious of my intentions since I intervened when the situation was at its peak.

There must be people around him constantly gaslighting him, telling him not to trust me, so I need to win him over here.

“Actually, I didn’t intend to intervene at first. Ieyoshi asked me to take care of his son, but I was hesitant to interfere in another country’s civil war as the envoy of the British Empire. Ultimately, even though Satsuma and Choshu are strong, I judged that the Shogun was in a much more advantageous position in terms of objective strength. So, I didn’t think there was any reason to risk misunderstanding and offer help.”

“I-I see. Certainly… the ministers initially said that the war wouldn’t happen, and even if it did, we would win overwhelmingly…”

“I knew it. If Ieyoshi were here, this wouldn’t have happened. Many of them are probably only focused on strengthening their own power by taking advantage of the shogunate’s authority.”

A sacrifice is needed.

A sacrifice to be swept away to gain the Shogun’s trust.

And Iesada, perhaps with something in mind, shook his head and sighed deeply.

In the first place, why wouldn’t treacherous subjects, determined to make a fortune, increase when such a foolish person became the supreme ruler?

This is a law, no different from the increased likelihood of rain when dark clouds gather.

“Some people wondered if there was a reason why Your Highness received the Emperor’s decree before me.”

“Hoo… I’m glad I asked. But Shogun, think about it. Politics and diplomacy are about scrutinizing every minor justification and exploiting the opponent’s weaknesses. The official diplomatic procedure in this country requires the Emperor’s approval. To set that aside and contact the Shogun first? Especially since I am from the same Tokugawa family, it would clearly be seen as a British Empire plot to expand its influence in Japan by putting the family first.”

“Uh…”

“In this case, Satsuma and Choshu might receive support from other countries, which would prolong the civil war. Even after the civil war ends, someone might try to hold us accountable for procedural issues. Everything is for our Tokugawa family to establish the government of this country without anyone’s intervention, so you don’t need to worry.”

I emphasized the word “our,” and Iesada’s face naturally brightened.

Is this the Ripley Syndrome [a psychological condition where a person believes and acts as if they are someone else]?

By constantly saying Tokugawa, Tokugawa, I feel like I’ve really become a member of the shogunate.

Still, seeing that I’ve completely dispelled Iesada’s doubts, it’s worth it for the wholehearted method acting.

“T-then, I will gratefully accept Prince Gillian’s help. If Your Highness helps us, Satsuma and Choshu won’t dare to resist any longer. If… if this whole situation is resolved, is there anything you desire…”

“What I desire is for the Shogun to remain a steadfast pillar of this country. Of course, we will have to recover all the costs incurred during the battle.”

“We will have Satsuma and Choshu bear that burden. Don’t worry.”

“Ah, and my home country’s citizens, merchants, and other collaborators scattered throughout the region are anxious due to the civil war. I need to take them to Canada first. The damage could be significant once the operation begins, so I want to take them before that. Can you grant me permission?”

“O-of course, I will grant you permission. Right now…”

Evacuating people before deploying the navy is a very common and natural proposal.

Canada is much closer to Japan than England, so it’s not strange to say that you’re sending people to Canada.

The Shogun and his other retainers immediately created an agreement without any objections and quickly signed it.

Since the Emperor’s permission had already been granted, it could be considered effective immediately.

If the Royal Navy devastates Satsuma and Choshu, they will surrender in an instant.

So, I need to prepare as quickly as possible and transport the people.

I clearly stated that I would include not only my home country’s citizens and merchants but also collaborators, and I actually wrote it that way in the agreement.

The criteria for collaborators? It depends on how you interpret it.

Once I’m prepared, it won’t be difficult to take immigrants whenever an accident equivalent to a civil war breaks out, even after the civil war ends.

Now, shall we gather the good collaborators who want to immigrate to the land of abundance, Canada, full of opportunities, leaving behind the land of hopeless civil war?

The deadline is set until the chaos in this land is completely over.

Absolutely, absolutely no one expected that tremendous chaos would sweep through the Japanese archipelago even after this civil war ended.