I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 302

Land of Opportunity (2)

With the Shogun’s permission secured, the British Empire officially commenced the evacuation of its citizens.

“Go to Canada, you say?”

“Only for those who wish to.”

“What about those who want to return to the home country? Or those who wish to remain here?”

“They will return via Shanghai or Hong Kong. But for now, those heading to Canada are the priority.”

There were hardly any complaints.

It was natural to prioritize the Canadian ship routes, given they had to cross the Pacific.

However, British citizens and merchants working in Japan had no prior connection to Canada, so naturally, not many were initially interested in going.

But that didn’t mean the ships to Canada were sailing empty.

“Me! I want to go to Canada too!”

“I understand your enthusiasm, but not everyone can go. You must pass a strict screening to be eligible for Canada. As I said, only qualified individuals will be selected based on the agreement formally concluded between the Shogun and Prince Kirian.”

It wasn’t as if people weren’t fleeing to other countries like Germany or Ireland, but those were simply voluntary departures.

However, no country would willingly cooperate with another’s immigration policy if they were deliberately trying to poach their population, saying, “Yes, take them all~”.

In an era of population growth, they might overlook a few departures, but a continuous drain would inevitably cause trouble.

So, ostensibly, only a limited number of people were permitted to go to Canada.

However, as rumors circulated about the preferential treatment of immigrants, local public sentiment began to shift.

“What? If you go to Canada, taxes are reduced by more than half?”

“Besides, they give you conveniences that are practically tax-exempt until you get settled?”

“They say they’ll give you land if you go to the frontier. I heard they’ll recognize ownership if you just go and pioneer?”

“Hey, don’t lie. There’s no way such conditions exist?”

“I don’t think so. The Yamada family went to receive some technical training before, and they said it was much more comfortable than living here. No one ignores you because of your status, and the taxes are lower.”

Thanks to my deliberate efforts to spread rumors, the perception of Canada as a land of opportunity and success quickly took hold, particularly in areas where immigration efforts were focused.

Canada isn’t exactly a paradise on earth, but frankly, compared to the living standards of Japanese or Joseon [historical Korean kingdom] farmers during the Edo period [1603-1868], it’s pretty close to heaven, isn’t it?

I wasn’t lying.

“But if we go over there, won’t we have to live with those Westerners? What if they discriminate against us?”

“If we go separately, that might be the case, but if hundreds or thousands of us go as a group, we’ll form our own village and live together, so there shouldn’t be any bullying, right?”

“Besides, strictly speaking, Canada is said to be the land where Prince Kirian is a daimyo [feudal lord]? Would there be people who discriminate against us when that descendant of Tokugawa [shogunate family] is a daimyo?”

“Come to think of it, that’s right? All we do is farm here for the rest of our lives, and we have to pay most of it in taxes, so why don’t we just go over there?”

“I’m okay, but I don’t want my children to live like this.”

A parent’s desire to pass on a better life to their children, coupled with the desperation to escape this tiresome land, fueled the desire to immigrate.

In addition, the war was intensifying, and there were even rumors that if it got worse, they might be forcibly conscripted.

Of course, it’s a rumor I spread.

“Isn’t this ridiculous? If the new government army occupies this place, they say we’ll be forcibly drafted?”

“No way···.”

“No, it’s true? They’re pressuring us to take up arms and participate because the new government side needs to save His Majesty the Emperor. If you refuse, they say you’re a traitor who refused to save His Majesty the Emperor······.”

“If they’re going to fight a war, they should do it among themselves. Why are they trying to drag us along when they’re taking taxes like crazy?”

“Prince Kirian is recruiting people to immigrate to a place called Canada, so why don’t we just run away there? Then at least we won’t die on the battlefield.”

For these reasons, the number of farmers requesting to be sent to Canada was increasing day by day.

Still, I couldn’t break the sacred contract I made with the Shogun.

My subordinates, who received clear instructions, verified the qualifications of immigrants through strict and thorough investigations.

“Okay, everyone! I know how you all feel, but those who are allowed to go to Canada are only good collaborators who have cooperated with the citizens or merchants of the British Empire in ‘any case’. We will verify whether you meet the criteria, so please answer honestly.”

“Oh, samurai [warrior class]. Please take good care of me. I want my child to receive education in the territory of the great Prince Kirian, not in this country.”

“Let’s see···the name is Yamada? Yes, Mr. Yamada. What did you provide for the citizens of our British Empire?”

“Well···there was a merchant named David, and when he was having a hard time with the heat last summer, I gave him water in a cool shade. I, with this···it won’t work, right?”

“The summers in Japan are known for their murderous heat and humidity, unlike the home country. It is said to be so terrible that sometimes people who fail to adapt die. But thanks to Mr. Yamada’s help, he was able to safely overcome the crisis, so he is worthy of being called a collaborator. Pass!”

“···I knew it wouldn’t work. Excuse me···huh? No, you said pass? Really?”

The person in charge, who didn’t even look at the details and stamped the appropriately made document, immediately called the next person.

“Well, then, Mr. Yamada, I hope you have only happy things in Canada, and the next person, come in, next person!”

“Ah, hello. My name is Seta······.”

“Let’s see, Mr. Seta, our merchants bought food at Mr. Seta’s store two months ago?”

“Yes! Well, I wanted to treat people from far away a little better, so I lowered the price a little.”

“That consideration is a source of unspeakable strength for people living in a foreign land. Mr. Seta is also qualified, so pass. I hope you have only good things in Canada.”

A miraculous pass rate of nearly 9 out of 10 people passing the screening.

Even that one person was so stupid that he confessed that he had nothing to do with it, but in reality, even if he was only remotely related to the British Empire, he was evaluated as a collaborator.

As the situation was like this, rumors soon spread that passing the screening was incredibly easy and that they didn’t even verify what they made up.

“Samurai, I have provided refreshments to a person named Alfredo.”

“Pass!”

“I have guided a person named Brandon.”

“Pass!”

“I am to a person named Corinu······.”

“Pass!”

Wow, there were so many collaborators who helped the merchants of the British Empire in this narrow land.

I don’t know how much our country’s merchants have been eating for free until now.

You’ve been doing business in a truly blessed environment.

After searching almost all port areas that were officially opened and nearby villages, and gathering, gathering, and gathering immigrants, there were not enough transport ships prepared in advance.

I wondered if this was too much, but it’s not that I didn’t foresee this situation.

If there are many people, just send them in two or three installments.

How do you deal with the aggro that will naturally be directed if you bring so many people? The norm of noise marketing is to cover the controversy with a bigger controversy.

Thanks to preparing an event so big that no one could care about the population outflow, no one’s eyes were on this side.

This is because the Emperor, who had been crouching as the Shogun’s scarecrow attachment doll, stepped forward.

[Listen, my subjects! The Hwanguk [historical name for Korea, used here to refer to Japan] is now at a critical crossroads that cannot be compared to any other time. The era of the law of the jungle, where the strong eat the weak, is unfolding all over the world, and many weak countries are falling into the hands of powerful countries, and the people are being exploited as slaves. Therefore, in order to protect my subjects, I have broken my long silence and decided to directly direct the direction of the country.

Prince Kirian, my loyal friend and pillar of this country, understood my heart and personally took the troops from afar. Not only Prince Kirian, but also the Shogun expressed his intention to respect my decision, so how can this not be the blessing of this country?

However, there are those who deny my decision and make the false claim that I made a wrong decision due to the Shogun’s pressure, which is an unforgivable act of treason. No one can cover the eyes of me, the owner of the imperial family, and no one can interfere with my decisions.

I cannot forgive those who harm the country and confuse the good people and daimyos through such strange nonsense. I formally order the Shogun to subjugate Satsuma and Choshu [domains that opposed the Shogunate].

In addition, the navy led by Prince Kirian is the agent who fulfills my will, so keep in mind that this is by no means an invasion of foreign forces, but a bulwark to protect this Shinju [another name for Japan].

I order all subjects to accept and understand my will.]

It was such a strong tone that I couldn’t believe it was the Emperor who had been closing his ears to the demands of the Shogunate and the new government.

Normally, there would have been people who laughed at the fact that the ornamental Emperor had the power to say such things, but those who saw the contents of the Emperor’s decree immediately sensed that the situation was unusual.

The fact that the Shogun agreed to the Emperor’s appearance.

What does it mean that I officially declared that the navy I lead is the agent who executes the Emperor’s will?

At this time, not only the feudal lords who were trying to join the new government side and were coordinating opinions, but even those who expressed neutrality all turned around and issued statements condemning Satsuma and Choshu.

“Let’s subjugate the traitors who disturbed the Emperor’s mind, the owner of Shinju!”

“Satsuma’s lord Shimazu should immediately commit seppuku [ritual suicide]!”

“Show the responsibility of not only the lord but also the veteran vassals committing seppuku together!”

“What is Choshu’s lord Mori Takachika doing! Are you going to ignore the words that His Majesty the Emperor personally gave!”

The Jomak faction [pro-imperial faction] took this opportunity and rose up all at once and hurriedly organized support troops to send to the Shogun, and the Tobak faction [anti-shogunate faction] was naturally cornered.

The Tobak faction, which had deeply involved its feet, such as Satsuma, Choshu, and Saga, remained silent, but the Tobak factions, which were not so extreme, were busy slapping the back of the head of the same team, saying that they would withdraw their feet even now.

“W, we are wronged! We were deceived by the cunning words of Satsuma’s lord and thought that the Shogun was really confining His Majesty the Emperor! If this is the will of His Majesty the Emperor, of course we will follow His Majesty the Emperor!”

“The owner of the Hwanguk is His Majesty the Emperor, so we only follow His Majesty’s orders! Tenno Heika Banzai [Long live the Emperor]!”

If I stay still, I’m going to commit seppuku unconditionally.

The daimyos from all over the country, who had fire on their feet, flocked to Osaka, where the Emperor was temporarily staying, and the Emperor made a dumbfounded expression when he saw the rows of daimyos lined up outside the lodgings.

“Prince Kirian, I didn’t know this would cause such a big ripple.”

“It should have been like this from the beginning. Isn’t Your Majesty the king of this country?”

“I see. This was normal from the beginning···What humiliation have I been through until now······.”

“All of those kneeling and lined up there are those who want Your Majesty to give them a lenient disposition. But that’s because Your Majesty is now holding real power.”

“But strictly speaking, isn’t it because of the existence of Prince Kirian, who is lending power to me, not my power?”

“No. No matter how much I try on my own, if Your Majesty doesn’t take my side, I’ll just become the leader of the Westerners who came to invade the country. Of course, if I go back, there is a high possibility that they will change their attitude as if nothing happened. So we must reorganize the system of this country so that it doesn’t happen again.”

He is the Emperor who has not been treated like a king until now.

When he saw the sight of the entire archipelago trembling at the decree he issued and lining up to swear allegiance, he couldn’t help but get high.

This is power, and this is royal authority.

“Prince Kirian’s words are a hundred times right. All right. I have already issued an order to subjugate Satsuma and Choshu, so I will reorganize the national system as soon as their subjugation is over. That constitutional monarchy that Prince Kirian mentioned before? Please proceed as it is. Even if I can’t enjoy absolute power, I will gladly agree if I can be treated like a king. And I will appoint the person Prince Kirian recommends as the person in charge of the reform.”

“Are you sure you’re okay with that?”

“Of course. Until now, no one who said that I was a living god and the owner of this country only talked about it, but no one has given me as much real power as Your Highness.”

The Emperor, who coolly stamped the document I handed over with the royal seal, got up from his seat and smiled contentedly as he looked at the rows of daimyos who were still lined up.

A thief who learns late doesn’t know the dawn is coming, and he seems to be completely addicted to the high that power brings.

It’s not for nothing that even people who were clearly fine in modern times become strange when they wear a badge as a member of the National Assembly.

The pleasure that power brings is so intense that it paralyzes people’s reason.

So, I have to let him taste the feeling that he is controlling this country so that he can’t get out of it in the future.

Now it’s only submerged to the ankles, but soon it will be submerged to the shoulders.

Then no one can escape.

In my eyes, I could see the Emperor walking into the sticky swamp of power and sinking himself.