Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 30: Chapter 29: The Rougher the Seas, the Pricier the Fish

Why are the affairs of Spain always so troublesome?

Carlo faces a very difficult choice, which could significantly impact the future destiny of both Carlo and the Kingdom of Spain.

If Prim’s comprehensive reform succeeds fully and addresses potential opposition from the Church and capitalists, Spain’s overall national power will soar, potentially restoring its position among the great powers.

But if this reform triggers opposition from the Church and capitalists, allowing the Republican Faction and Carlos Faction to seize the opportunity for a major rebellion, Carlo’s situation will not be much better than that of Queen Isabel a year and a half ago.

While Carlo still has the option to return to Italy, this ultimate fallback might not be welcomed by the Church and capitalists whom Carlo has offended.

Moreover, if he returns to Italy in such a disgraceful manner, it would unquestionably be a severe blow to Carlo, who has finally secured the throne of Spain.

To gamble or not to gamble? How to gamble? This is the most troubling question for Carlo at the moment.

“We may face the Church, capitalists, or perhaps the Carlos Faction and Republican Faction. But Your Majesty, if our reforms succeed and gain popular support, we will have the backing of 16 million Spaniards. This is the foundation of my push for reform.

I plan to start promoting military reform this year and equip the army with more artillery. Our enemies certainly won’t expect us to promote reform so steadfastly and be willing to fight them.

As long as the people choose to stand by us, victory will be ours.” Prim disclosed his entire plan and attempted to win Carlo’s support.

No matter what Carlo’s status was before becoming King, the moment he was crowned King of Spain, he gained a certain prestige and position in Spain.

Spain has many farmers, most of whom support the monarchy. If Carlo can support his comprehensive reforms, the success rate of the reforms will undoubtedly be much higher.

Of course, Prim is also aware of the difficulty of this reform and the strength of the enemies he must face.

He has already prepared for a solitary struggle, and even if it’s just for the slim hope of Spain’s revival, he will absolutely not give up.

“How is Minister Serrano doing in Cuba?” Carlo did not immediately agree to Prim’s plan but instead asked a seemingly unrelated question.

“Minister Serrano arrived in Cuba two and a half months ago and has immediately launched a campaign to cleanse the rebellious troops. If nothing goes wrong, we might hear news of Cuba’s recovery in a few months.” Prim said with a smile.

Serrano truly deserves to be one of the most influential figures in the Spanish Army today, his military talents are commendable.

More importantly, Serrano himself served as Governor of Cuba a few years ago and is relatively familiar with the situation in Cuba.

Historically, Spain had been unable to suppress the Cuban rebellion for years; it wasn’t until Alfonso XII that a great cost was incurred to regain control over Cuba.

But by then, the Cuban independence forces had already gained momentum, which is why it took Spain a full ten years and seven hundred million Pesseta to quell the Cuban rebellion.

That translates to a staggering 27 million Pounds, enough to build ten main battleships during the Dreadnought era, let alone the era even before Dreadnoughts.

Prim’s reform, thus far, hasn’t expended such a large amount of funds. If all the money used to suppress the Cuban rebellion were allocated to Spanish reforms, Spain’s overall national power could rise at least a small tier.

“Excellent, Prime Minister Prim.” Hearing about Cuba being pacified within months certainly elevated Carlo’s spirits.

After carefully pondering for a moment, Carlo said to Prim, “Prime Minister Prim, I support your reforms. However, I also hope you are prepared for any possible rebellion; we must eliminate any enemies who might stand against Spanish reforms.”

“At your command, Your Majesty. Rest assured, the Spanish Army will fight for Your Majesty and Spain at any time; we won’t fear any enemies who stand against Spain.

Before advancing comprehensive reforms, I will approve funding to assist the army in purchasing weapons and artillery. If the Carlos Faction and Republican Faction attempt to hinder Spain’s reforms, then I will send them to meet God and let God preach to them.” Hearing Carlo support his reforms, Prim immediately stood up and solemnly guaranteed to Carlo with great determination.

“Excellent, Prime Minister Prim. I am fortunate to have ministers like you and Serrano in Spain. Once we annihilate the enemies blocking Spain’s progress, I will personally reward and celebrate your achievements!” Reassured by Prim’s guarantee, Carlo nodded with satisfaction, painting a grand vision for Prim.

This gamble, Carlo chose to side with Prim, for no other reason than because the opposing capitalists and Republican Faction could not possibly support Carlo either.

To put it bluntly, Carlo and Prim are in a state where they rise and fall together.

If Prim fails in the reforms and loses power and position, it would equally be unfavorable for Carlo.

After all, Carlo was somewhat brought up by Prim; Carlo’s initial position all came from Prim’s support.

If these enemies obstructing Spain’s advancement are not dealt with, how can Spain possibly achieve revival?

If he merely wanted to be a high noble enjoying life, Carlo could achieve that in Italy. However, if he seeks to realize his inner ambitions and wants to elevate Spain from a second-rate European country to a first-rate, or even a great power level, he must not fear domestic opposition.

So what if it’s the Carlos Faction? Even Queen Isabel defeated the Carlos Faction twice. Carlo does not believe that he, with the full support of Serrano and Prim, would lose to the already repeatedly defeated rebel Carlos Faction.

As the saying goes, the greater the storm, the pricier the fish. Although promoting comprehensive reforms in Spain now seems highly risky, the rewards of success are unquestionably substantial.

Popular support, the enhancement of Spanish overall national power is just a part; Carlo can seize the opportunity to resolve long-standing issues with the Church and Carlos Faction in Spain and make the Spanish populace detest the republic.

Thus, Spain’s domestic issues will be nearly resolved, and those independent factions failing to gain momentum everywhere will also disappear due to the soaring Spanish national power.

Considering these, Carlo’s mood became exceptionally relaxed. Whether it’s the Carlos Faction or the Church, they’re merely jesters who’ve lost sight of the bigger picture.

If he lacks the courage to defeat these forces, then Carlo’s ambition can be dismissed sooner.