Iron Dynasty Chapter 979

Within the halls of parliament.

The gazes of the parliament members shifted toward Victoria, settling intently on the father and son from the Cao family. These two individuals with yellow skin stood prominently amid a gathering dominated by white faces.

Everyone present knew exactly who this father and son were and the roles they had played. Thanks to their assistance, Britain had successfully acquired two key technical experts from the Great Yu Empire.

Facing the stares from the assembly, Cao Kun rose gradually to his feet. He offered a respectful bow to Victoria before speaking, “Your Majesty the Queen, if I may speak freely, I believe the Western notions of liberty and democracy won't undermine Xiao Ming’s standing in the Great Yu Empire—at least not at this moment. The reason lies in how this youthful emperor personally guided the Great Yu Empire out of its era of destitution and frailty into the strength and affluence it enjoys today. The citizens of the Great Yu Empire revere him deeply, and the prevailing ideology there is New Confucianism, a refined spiritual framework drawn from the core of ancient Confucianism while shedding its outdated elements over millennia, infused with some of this emperor’s unique perspectives. Its roots run deep among the Great Yu Empire's populace.”

A furrow formed on Victoria's brow as she absorbed his words. “So, does that mean we should simply watch from the sidelines and take no action?”

“Not at all. My point is that Western philosophies can't rival the dominant New Confucianism right now. Furthermore, given the Great Yu Empire’s ongoing smear campaign against Europe, it's highly unlikely the ordinary folk will revolt. From what I see, disrupting Xiao Ming will demand a prolonged strategy.” Cao Kun's eyes tightened slightly. Xiao Ming had wrecked his entire world, leaving him without a home. At present, his heart burned solely with animosity toward Xiao Ming.

“Then, Mr. Cao Kun, kindly expand on this for the benefit of the parliament members,” a spark of optimism reignited in Victoria’s chest.

Since settling in Britain, Cao Kun had devoted himself to scheming on this front. He couldn't accept the collapse of the Merchant Parliament back home. To this day, he viewed himself as its president in the Great Yu Empire and insisted he was the true authority over the nation.

In pursuit of that ambition, he had invested immense energy. Pausing briefly to gather his thoughts, he continued, “The triumph of the Merchant Parliament in the southern regions demonstrates that the clash between capital and imperial authority is fundamentally unresolvable. Capital embodies liberty, yet imperial power, seeking to bolster its control, will always curb capital's freedoms. The Great Yu Empire finds itself in the nascent phase of capital's ascent, with merchants of all sizes proliferating rapidly. That said, no single merchant has yet amassed sufficient clout.” Glancing across the faces in the chamber, Cao Kun stated directly, “You gentlemen understand the might of major capitalists far better than I, coming as you do from those very lineages, and it was your efforts that toppled the Queen’s dominion to install a government chosen by democratic vote, correct?”

Cao Kun's remarks cast an uneasy tension over the parliamentary atmosphere. Be it the “Bill of Rights” or the French uprising that dismantled monarchical rule, these movements were sparked by capitalists exploiting the rift between the masses and the throne. The uprisings culminated in the downfall of imperial authority, paving the way for capitalist-led parliaments to govern. At the core of these avaricious capitalists' fervor for revolution was the imperial restrictions hampering their business pursuits.

Capitalists had long viewed their enterprises as borderless, dreaming of a vast union under capitalist sway where tariffs vanished, allowing profits to soar unchecked.

A subtle grin tugged at Victoria’s lips. The rift between parliament and the Queen persisted even in these times.

She urged Cao Kun onward, “Do go on.”

“Given this reality, why not leverage our strengths to foster influential capitalists within the Great Yu Empire? That would involve expanding trade ties with the Great Yu Empire to nurture a cadre of major merchants bound by British interests. Additionally, I propose elevating the standing of Great Yu Empire natives in Britain, granting them equal rights to those of the British, to lure talented individuals from the Great Yu Empire here for opportunity. It's only through such measures that Britain can challenge the Great Yu Empire down the line.” Cao Kun expounded with fluency. These concepts had occupied his mind through countless deliberations.

“Indeed, it takes someone from the Great Yu Empire to truly grasp its people.” Nick rose to his feet, clapping in approval of Cao Kun’s proposal. “In essence, we must end this direct opposition to the Great Yu Empire. Dispatching a delegation there is essential. Besides, the fates of Wilson and Dicken remain uncertain, and we can't leave them behind.”

Victoria replied, “Naturally, we won't forsake them.”

Nick inclined his head then, addressing Victoria, “Your Majesty, our aim this time isn't to question your sovereignty, but to provide counsel. Amid these circumstances, Britain requires a steadfast and commanding Queen to lead the realm. In the far-off East, a formidable adversary awaits.”

“Nick, I appreciate your backing. Britain's path to greatness has been strewn with setbacks, yet they won't deter us from growing ever mightier,” Victoria declared resolutely. The parliament members all rose and inclined their heads to Victoria. Whenever Britain confronted peril, a remarkable Queen would emerge to steer the nation through the storm.

At this juncture, they were convinced Victoria would be that Queen.

Having affirmed Victoria’s authority in Britain, Nick adjourned the session, deeming certain choices unfit for public discourse.

Once the assembly had cleared, he approached Victoria and suggested, “Your Majesty, Prince Rogert arrives in London tomorrow. Perhaps a meeting with him is in order.”

“Rogert.” An image surfaced in Victoria’s thoughts.

Truth be told, her mother hailed from the Prussian royal line as the King's daughter, while her father was England's King John III. Thus, she carried the blood of both Prussia and Britain.

Rogert, in name, was her cousin, the youngest offspring of Prussia's Duke Saxon I. The reigning Prussian King was her uncle—and Rogert’s as well—since her mother and the King were brother and sister, and Rogert’s father was the King's sibling.

Prussia and Britain had forged this marital bond to thwart France’s territorial ambitions back then, and Victoria herself stemmed from that strategic union.

Gazing at Nick, Victoria grasped his implication immediately. Word of Prussia forging ties with the Great Yu Empire had spread widely across Europe.

Should they rekindle an alliance via political matrimony with Prussia, substantial gains could flow through Prussian channels, while also checking France's advances.

“In my view, Prince Oslaf from Tsarist Russia suits Your Majesty better. As the brother to the present Tsarist Russian Queen, a union between our nations would forge Tsarist Russia into a reliable ally,” Murphy interjected with his viewpoint.

Victoria's brow creased. “I cannot wed two men simultaneously, and this concerns my personal life. You're overstepping.”

With those sharp words, she stormed from the room in irritation.

Murphy and Nick exchanged glances, and Nick queried, “Who do you suppose she'll pick?”

“Rumor has it that Oslaf captivated the Queen at first sight during his European tour last year, though a Queen's nuptials extend beyond mere affection.”