Reincarnated as Napoleon II-Chapter 145: The Plan of Penetration

"Your Imperial Majesty, you want to establish diplomatic ties with Qing China?" Charles-Louis asked.

"Of course, what industrialized countries aren’t? We need markets for our Empire to grow. The British are trying but in a completely wrong way. We have the technology that the Chinese would want. And to show them that we are serious, I would send one of the family members there."

Napoleon II looked at Charles.

"You mean me?" Charles-Louis pointed at himself. "But I’m your Imperial Chief of Staff. I can’t be away from you."

"You think so?"

"It would be better if we send one of our high-ranking diplomats instead of me. That should tell them that we are serious."

Napoleon II listened without interrupting. He walked slowly back to the desk and rested both hands on its edge, considering the suggestion.

"A diplomat would be the safe option," he said after a moment.

Charles-Louis nodded.

"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty. The Chinese court respects hierarchy. Sending a senior envoy with proper credentials would still signal importance."

"Very well. It would be troublesome if I send you there really. It’ll take time to train your substitute."

Napoleon II straightened and turned his attention back to Beauvilliers.

"You have spent twenty-five years in Canton," he said. "Tell me, do you speak their language?"

Beauvilliers nodded immediately.

"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty."

"Fluently?"

"Enough to negotiate contracts, settle disputes, and speak with local officials," Beauvilliers replied. "I learned from the merchants of Canton and from the workers who lived near the foreign factories."

Napoleon II looked satisfied.

"That is useful."

Charles-Louis glanced toward the merchant.

"You mean to bring him with the mission?"

Napoleon II nodded.

"Yes."

He gestured toward Beauvilliers.

"A diplomatic envoy who cannot communicate directly with the Qing officials would depend entirely on their translators. That would place us at a disadvantage."

Beauvilliers bowed slightly.

"I would be honored to assist the Empire, Your Majesty."

Napoleon II leaned lightly against the desk.

"Then you will accompany the delegation."

Charles-Louis looked thoughtful.

"That will strengthen the mission."

Napoleon II nodded once.

"You will serve as interpreter and adviser on Chinese trade customs."

Beauvilliers inclined his head again.

"I accept the responsibility, sire."

Napoleon II walked toward the large map on the wall once more. His finger moved across Europe, down through the Mediterranean, then eastward along the sea routes.

"The delegation will depart next month," he said.

Charles-Louis looked up.

"That soon?"

"Yes."

Napoleon II tapped the map lightly.

"The new naval squadron is already preparing for long-distance deployment."

Charles-Louis understood immediately.

"The Pacific Fleet."

Napoleon II nodded.

"Our newest warships."

Charles-Louis crossed his arms thoughtfully.

"They will certainly attract attention in Asian ports."

"I’m sorry but what kind of ship is that?" Beauvilliers asked.

"You’ll see in a month," Napoleon II grinned. "I believe those ships are underway sea trials right?"

"Yes Your Imperial Majesty, and it’ll end in two weeks and the commissioning ceremony two weeks after that."

Napoleon II smiled hearing that.

"Good," he said. "This is making me excited."

He stepped away from the map and walked slowly toward the tall windows overlooking the gardens of Versailles.

"Now of course, it’s not only China we should open up," he continued. "Japan and Joseon are also there."

Charles-Louis followed his gaze.

"Japan has been closed to most foreigners for centuries," he said. "And Joseon follows similar policies."

Napoleon II nodded.

"Yes, but isolation never lasts forever."

He rested one hand behind his back.

"The moment one power manages to open those markets, the others will follow."

Charles-Louis understood the implication immediately.

"You want France to arrive first."

Napoleon II gave a small nod.

"If Britain pushes too hard in China, the Qing court may grow suspicious of all Western powers. That could close the door for everyone."

Beauvilliers spoke carefully.

"That is a real possibility, Your Majesty. The Chinese officials already distrust foreigners."

Napoleon II turned back toward the desk.

"Which is why our approach must be different," Napoleon II continued. "We show them the benefits of trading with our Empire, and if they refuse, well we are going to show them what it would be like if they don’t trade with us. There is a reason why there is a battleship coming with the fleet."

Charles-Louis slowly turned his head.

"So the diplomacy arrives with a reminder."

Napoleon II did not deny it.

"A reminder that the world has changed."

Beauvilliers looked uneasy for a moment.

"In Canton, Your Majesty, the appearance of a powerful warship in the harbor would certainly attract attention."

Napoleon II returned to the desk and leaned against it.

"That is the intention."

He folded his arms.

"The Qing court still believes its armies and fleets are superior to anything outside their borders. They have not seen modern naval power."

Charles-Louis nodded.

"European navies evolved rapidly during the last decades."

Napoleon II allowed himself a faint smile.

"And ours evolved even faster. So Charles, I want you to select the diplomats who would be coming to China, Joseon, and Japan. But China first, since it’s the country those two countries respect and fear the most."

Charles-Louis nodded slowly.

"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty."

He stepped closer to the map and studied the coastline of East Asia. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

"China first," he said. "Then Japan and Joseon afterward."

Napoleon II gave a small nod.

"That is the logical order."

He pointed toward the Chinese coast.

"If we establish relations with the Qing court, the rest of the region will take notice."

Beauvilliers spoke quietly.

"That is true, sire. Both Japan and Joseon observe China closely. For centuries they have treated the Qing Emperor as the center of the regional order."

Napoleon II folded his arms.

"Then China becomes the key."

Charles-Louis nodded.

"I will select diplomats who understand long negotiations."

"Okay, that’s good. I believe our discussion here has ended. I’ll return to work now and you, mister, the exposition is still ongoing so you might want to drop by."

Beauvilliers blinked slightly.

"The exposition in Paris, Your Majesty?"

Napoleon II nodded.

"Yes. It would be a shame if a man who has spent twenty-five years abroad returned to France and did not see what the country has become."

Beauvilliers bowed his head.

"I would be honored to visit it, sire."

Napoleon II gestured lightly toward the door.

"You may also find it useful."

Beauvilliers looked curious.

"Useful?"

Napoleon II smiled faintly.

"You have spent decades dealing with Chinese merchants. When you return there with our delegation, you will be describing France to them."