Holy Roman Empire

It seemed as if the elderly man dressed in splendid attire was quite pleased with everyone's reaction. With a faint smile, he spoke deliberately, "The person was arrested during the protest, so it's impossible to directly bail him out. We must pay for our mistakes. No matter the reason, participating in a protest march is tantamount to opposing the Envoy delegation, and punishment is inevitable. However, not everyone needs to lose their head. Apart from the organizers and those directly involved in the march, who can't escape, the other participants are mere accomplices—their crimes do not warrant death. This time the incident involves a large number of people, and the international community is closely watching; the Envoy delegation will establish an international court for the trial. Before the trial concludes, all we can do is manage to make their time inside a bit more bearable. What can be influenced is the location of the imprisonment after the trial. The victims of the embassy case are Russians, so the likely places of imprisonment are in the Far East or Siberia. Both are wretched places of ice and snow, basically a one-way ticket. What we can do is choose a better place for them. Once the storm passes, we'll find a way to get them out." Upon hearing this answer, everyone looked utterly astonished. After all, rescuing someone before a trial and after a trial are completely different concepts. The former allows one to act as if nothing happened. Keep a low profile for a while after getting out, and the matter could be considered over; the latter, however, would be a permanent political stain. In a country like the Far Eastern Empire, which harbors such fear of foreigners, the government dares not employ someone who has mingled with the Japanese and gone against the great powers. No matter how capable the person, their political future would be utterly bleak. A young man in blue, with a trembling voice, said, "President Liu, can't you think of any other way? If we accept the international court's judgment, Decheng's future will be ruined!" There was no other option. As members of the same ethnicity and having participated in the protest together, now that he was safe while his cousin had been imprisoned, Wang Deran couldn't possibly face his family. Worse, there might be suspicions that he had ulterior motives, deliberately setting up his cousin to seize the family's political resources. As he spoke, Wang Deran had already knelt down. Never in his life had he bowed down to beg like this, but now he had no choice. This kneel was both to plead for his cousin's political future and his own. "A man's knees are gold," yet they cannot block a scholar's pride. Seeing Wang Deran kneel, several friends who usually got along well also knelt down. The rest, seeing no other option, steeled their hearts and reluctantly followed suit. This time, the elder was the one who couldn't sit still. Although receiving a junior's kneeling was just a traditional ritual and not really significant in the Empire, this was Japan. Influenced by European thought, the new generation of young people were extremely resistant to such acts of kneeling. President Liu received everyone as a form of political investment and to make friends, not to make enemies. While dragging up the nearest person with both hands, he feigned alarm, "Gentlemen, please rise quickly!" Seeing that no one got up, President Liu's face changed in an instant, "You are all really distressing me!" With that, he even made a gesture as though he would bow in return. The group immediately snapped to their senses, hurriedly got up, and came forward to help. Confucian rites and customs had long been ingrained into their hearts, and everyone remembered well the status with which they came. Juniors kneeling to their elders was a rightful duty; if they made an elder kneel to a junior, they could forget about returning home to carry on with their lives. After a round of mutually flattering commotion, everyone returned to their seats. The conversation once again returned to the central issue—rescuing someone. President Liu said helplessly, "Gentlemen, it's not that I'm unwilling to help, it's simply that my heart is willing, but my strength is lacking. The Russian Embassy case is too significant, and whoever gets involved can't get out. You may not know, but several high-ranking officials, including the Japanese Government's Minister of Police, the Chief of Tokyo Police, and the security officer for the embassy district, have already committed seppuku at home. To lighten its own burden, the Japanese Government is nearly going mad. At this time, whoever steps forward is bound to get no good out of it. Rescuing someone, unless the Envoy delegation steps in, is not possible. We may have some connections with the embassies of various countries, but not enough to ask the envoys of those countries to intercede." It's not that they couldn't be persuaded; it's mainly that it wasn't worth the substantial investment. Had these people had more powerful backing or had their families been willing to make a considerable investment, then perhaps there could have been room for negotiation. Please have the Envoy's office intervene, but there's no need for all of them to show up, just one or two speaking up would be enough. To achieve this, it's both difficult and simple. The most direct and effective method is to spend money. Among the dozens of envoys in the Envoy's office, there's bound to be some who are greedy. The Chinese Association had long had a clear grasp of these people's characteristics and preferences, and channels for giving gifts were already in place. Not using the method of splashing cash was key, as the ones caught in the crossfire weren't only Wang Decheng. In recent times, President Liu had already encountered more than a dozen such cases. Many people had become unintended victims, and in comparison, Wang Decheng really got what he deserved. If the Japanese protested that the Envoy's office was infringing on sovereignty, why would unrelated individuals go to stir up trouble? Since they dared to participate in the protests, they should be prepared to face the consequences. Even those who courted their own disaster could be pulled out, so naturally, others who were wronged could not be simply left unattended! As a civil organization, the Chinese Association could establish itself in Japan purely because of the support of many Chinese and by being fair and just, able to help everyone out at critical moments. Rescuing one person and rescuing a group were completely different challenges. If one were to truly embark on that, one might exhaust all the connections the Chinese Association had cultivated over the years in one go. Moreover, this was just the beginning. As the investigation by the Russian Embassy continued, it was unknown how many compatriots would become collateral damage in the future. If we used up all the network resources now, there would be nothing left for the future. Relying purely on throwing money at the problem, the Chinese Association was not that wealthy. Being able to become Vice President of the Chinese Association, responsible for daily work, and widely recognized by the Chinese community, President Liu was certainly not an ordinary person. He would help, but he had to act within his means. While the elite needed attention, ordinary people could not be ignored. The former could bring profit, the latter could bring reputation. It was precisely because he had a good grasp of this balance that President Liu, who did not come from a distinguished background and was not the wealthiest, could become a leader in the Chinese world in Japan. As for the President, he had always been mingling in Southeast Asia, rarely coming to Japan, and not really managing affairs. His greatest contribution was establishing contact between the association and the various embassies, and resisting the pressure from the Japanese government. After a moment of silence, Li Boan spoke up, "President Liu, could you possibly introduce us to Envoy Jose?" Clearly, he had seen through President Liu's intentions. It is a Chinese tradition to speak only a third of one's mind. The rest, understood by the wiser, need not be comprehended by everyone. Compared to others, President Liu had already been very considerate. Fearing that the younger ones wouldn't understand, he almost explicitly suggested "approach a member of the Envoy's office." Although the Chinese Association played the role of being all things to all people, the real backup was only one. Now, if one wanted to rescue someone, it seemed that envoys from all countries could speak up, but only a few really had the weight. If one wished to rely on connections and give gifts, then one must find the right person. Envoys from minor countries, even if willing to help, might not be able to make an impact. It's simple to speak with those who are intelligent; a word is enough. Deep down, President Liu had already scored everyone. Political investments also need to be selective—not everyone is worth investing in early. For most people, a nodding acquaintance and a bit of social ties would suffice. Those who truly deserve attention and effort are always the genuinely capable. Only such smart individuals can climb higher and go further in the world of officials. "Making an introduction is not a big issue, but you should prepare yourselves first. Perhaps you have heard that the Holy Roman Empire is very strict in its governance. Directly giving money not only would not work but might even offend someone. For you, this is also an opportunity. If you can use this chance to establish a relationship with Shinra, it will be beneficial for your future careers." This was indeed a sincere statement; if it were not for Li Boan's quick response, making President Liu see his potential, he would not have given out so much advice. At the dawn of the 20th century, East Asia was still a playing field for the great powers. Even the closed Far Eastern Empire could not resist the tide of the times. Today, to do well in the officialdom, it is an essential course to establish good relations with the great powers. Just as not all major powers are the same, comparatively speaking, forming close ties with aggressive nations like Russia is more likely to invite criticism, while association with Shinra, which does not expand its territories in East Asia, seems much safer. The people of our nation are not foolish; it's very clear who the aggressors are and who are not. As to why Shinra does not expand eastwards, explanations from the outside world are varied. Some speculate that it is out of consideration for the feelings of the people in Lan Fang Autonomous Province, as this region is a significant tax contributor. Every year, the taxes it delivers account for forty percent of the entire fiscal revenue of Austrian Nanyang, and most critically, this is pure profit, with no administrative expenses to be paid. Other areas may appear to generate higher income, but once administrative costs are deducted, very little remains, with some islands even operating at a loss. A steady annual increase in revenue translates to stable happiness, far superior to the outcome of direct violent plunder. Both parties have their own needs met as over the past few decades, Lan Fang Autonomous Province has been extremely stable, and any issues are resolved internally. Only in matters of diplomacy does the issue necessitate the involvement of the Central Government; otherwise, no burdens are placed on the central authorities. At the height of its power, Shinra, not being in the final stages of a dynasty, would naturally not engage in any mischief that could disturb its own financial purse. Another explanation is that the Shinra Emperor is enamored with Eastern culture, which has spurred a special affection, preventing his subordinates from expanding eastwards. This is something that anyone who has visited Vienna Palace would know. The buildings and collections there exude an Eastern cultural essence, indeed in abundance. As to whether this can influence the monarch's decisions, that remains unknown. However, in monarchies, the personal preferences of a monarch can indeed impact national policies. Though the precise truth is unclear, the fact remains that their absence of an invasion is certainly a positive development. Compared to those who constantly seek to invade one's country, a major power that never invades seems much more amiable. Under these circumstances, not only have diplomatic relations improved, but civilian sentiment has been influenced as well. While not everyone holds a favorable view, at least there is no hatred. ... The Russian Embassy affair continues to ferment, and Prince Wilhelm, stationed at the Governor's Mansion of Southeast Asia, has found himself engulfed in endless troubles. If the Southeast Asia region were a colonial dependant on Shinra for survival, then these problems wouldn't matter. Unfortunately, the situation has now changed, and to become an independent Sub-State, many issues must be addressed. In a way, this is like a father dividing his property among his children. The eldest son inherits the main business, receiving the largest share, and as a younger son, one also obtains a rich inheritance, yet it requires deeper management. Managing an enterprise cannot do without talent, and that is precisely what colonies lack the most. Inclusive of military personnel who are adept in combat, all industry talents, including those in medical care, education, and industry, are scarce in Austrian Nanyang. Though Prince Wilhelm had already recruited a significant number of followers from home when he came, they were but a drop in the bucket for the vast region of Southeast Asia. High-tech industries need not even be considered. Just managing basic industries and improving fundamental infrastructures would suffice for Wilhelm to dedicate his lifetime to. Southeast Asia's infrastructure is too weak to allow for shortcuts. The best-developed area, Lanfang, is precisely the autonomous province. The issue of "autonomy" is critical in Shinra. There are many autonomous cities and Sub-States within the country, touching upon which constitutes a serious political issue. Even if Wilhelm is a prince, should he touch this sensitive issue, he would have to return home to be a parasite, leaving all other aspirations behind. Of course, Wilhelm himself has never entertained the idea of claiming Lanfang Autonomous Province. Not without reason, the Austrian South Seas Region is too large, and it is impossible for the country to agree to grant him complete rule over it. Including areas directly under the governance of the governor's office now, they might be split up again in the future. The Central Government will retain only a few major cities as strongholds, and the rest will establish autonomous Sub-States. Wilhelm is not dissatisfied with this. Even if a division does occur, it would not matter. After all, the wealth will not benefit outsiders; if it doesn't benefit one's own sons, it will benefit one's own nephews. The current undivided governance is because the third generation of the Habsburg dynasty is too young to hold court. Rubbing his forehead, Governor Wilhelm instructed, "Send a telegram to inquire about the progress of the domestic talent recruitment." Now Wilhelm truly understood why the aristocratic lords were frantically pulling people from the homeland. It wasn't that everyone had too much money and nowhere to spend it; it was simply that without people, nothing could be done. Take education as an example, Shinra did indeed universalize compulsory education, but this "universal" only applied to all citizens. While the homeland was fully covered by "universal," the colonies were not. It wasn't just that all people were undergoing compulsory education, even the white ethnic group hadn't achieved it. In the colonies, only the homeland immigrants could enjoy compulsory education, and foreign immigrants had to make certain contributions before they were eligible for these benefits. As for the natives, there's no need to mention them; those who weren't wiped out were lucky to encounter lords with a conscience. This was also a feature of Shinra; under every colony, there were a group of small and medium lords assisting the colonial government in managing the local areas. In theory, if Wilhelm didn't want to be bothered, he could govern by doing nothing. Without the governor's mansion, the people at the lower levels of government would still operate on their own. Of course, racial conflicts in the Southeast Asian region were actually not severe. To this day, the local population had mostly become mixed-race. Truly achieving "You have me within you, and I have you within me." To speak of race again would be thuggish. A well-ordered society, coupled with bloodline connections, had relatively diluted the concept of ethnicity. Of course, this was also because the population in the Austrian South Seas Region was not large to begin with; at the start of colonization, the local area only had around three to four million people. If it had been in areas with large populations like the Philippines or Java Island, such an approach would not have been feasible. The Spaniards in the original timeline worked hard for over a hundred years and still did not truly assimilate the Philippines, with the main reason being the locals were too numerous and their own immigrants too few. The population growth in the direct rule area of the Austrian South Sea Governor's Office was not fast, but neighboring Lanfang was bursting at the seams with people. From the initial four or five hundred thousand, it ballooned to nearly ten million now, increasing twentyfold within forty years. In fact, this was the result of the Far Eastern Empire deliberately limiting growth because they were worried that if Lanfang grew too large, it would cast its sights on the mainland; otherwise, the local population would have exploded to who knows what extent. Having personally witnessed the wealth of the Southeast Asian region, Wilhelm had firmly resolved to develop the area. Lanfang was a living example; the initial Borneo (Kalimantan Island), with its natural conditions not being great, didn't even rank in Southeast Asia. Tropical rainforest climate, hot and humid due to its proximity to the equator, outside of a few fertile areas, most of the land was quite poor, and mineral resources were average. An area almost synonymous with poor land, yet it turned out to be the richest region in Southeast Asia, economically surpassing even Java Island, the most fertile land. The reason, naturally, was the people; and poverty of the land is relative. Compared to most of the land in the northwestern part of the Far Eastern Empire, Borneo was still fertile. What the soil lacks, manure can compensate for. Incidentally, Shinra occupied several guano islands, laying the foundation for Borneo's agricultural development. Seasonal rainfall varied greatly, and water shortages in the dry season could be compensated with reservoir construction. With perseverance, one could dig out reservoirs by hand even without machinery. Through hard work and toil, Borneo was developed. With a successful case at hand, Wilhelm naturally had the confidence to develop other regions. In the field of agriculture, Shinra was the king of that time. Not only was it first in agricultural technology, but also in construction of agricultural infrastructure. In fact, if you combine all the various water projects and infrastructure of Shinra, in terms of scale and quantity, they surpass all other countries in the world combined. Actually, agriculture in the Southeast Asian region did not need much attention. As long as there was enough food, exports could not be relied upon. The only buyer in the Far East region was Japan, and it was a poor country; relying on agriculture simply couldn't make one wealthy. If one truly wanted to become wealthy, they had to rely on industry, especially the quick-acting light industry, all of which were inseparable from talent. Frankly speaking, Wilhelm didn't have much confidence in recruiting talent from the homeland. There was no choice, there were too many competing for people. The talent gap in Austrian Southeast Asia was not a matter of a thousand or eight hundred; it couldn't be resolved just by recruitment. The best way to truly solve the problem was to cultivate talent ourselves. Elementary and middle schools were manageable, and ways could always be found to establish them; but universities were difficult. Real experts and professors weren't lacking for work. They could live well in the homeland, so why would they come to the colonies to suffer?