African Entrepreneurship Record

Chapter 200: Chapter 188: Farewell and Instructions

”Your Highness, this is an urgent message from East Africa!” The telegraph room staff delivered the latest dated telegram to Ernst’s office.

Ernst took the telegram and read: ”March 1869, Mbeya City, Personnel Officer Becker, Military Chief Merk, dispatched... Yake Kingdom essentially taken, a small portion devoured by neighboring indigenous forces. - Student, Chief of Staff of East African Army, Sivert.”

”Well, quite rare indeed! I didn’t expect diplomatic talents to show up so quickly. Tom, what do you think I should reward Becker with?” Ernst asked Tom.

”Your Highness, Mr. Becker was born in the Wald region of Prussia, previously served in the kingdom’s army and later retired to join your East African colonial efforts. To be honest, Becker isn’t young, and likely won’t stay in East Africa long. Perhaps we should directly give him and his family substantial bonuses, divided into two parts under accounts at the Heixinggen Bank.” Tom suggested.

”Never mind the rest, why split it into two parts!” Ernst asked in confusion.

”Young master, the human heart is unpredictable. Someone like Mr. Becker, serving East Africa and separated from his family for years, has a family situation that’s honestly hard to investigate. So splitting the bonus into two accounts provides future security for Mr. Becker.” Tom explained.

After Tom spoke, Ernst fell into thought, leaning back in his chair and blinking at the lights.

”You spoke well! Tom, family is complex, not all families are happy, with good relations.

Originally, the first batch to East Africa perhaps went to escape family, or couldn’t adapt to post-retirement life, heading to the colonies.

No matter what, they’ve risked their lives for our Heixinggen Royal Family. We can’t just leave them unattended in their later years.

Do this, go and check the family situations of the first batch of mercenaries, see if anything has changed. Record any difficulties and I’ll later come up with a plan to care for them.” Ernst instructed.

”Yes, Your Highness.” Tom replied.

...

”Father, this is the chief of the guard I’ve arranged for you, Anderson. They’ll be responsible for your safety throughout the journey.

After arriving in East Africa, you’ll first stay in Dar es Salaam for a while to adapt to the local climate. Your father-in-law and mother-in-law also live there; if you wish, you can visit them.

Once you’ve adapted to the climate, you can proceed to First Town. By the time you reach East Africa, Sweet Palace in First Town should be completed.

If you’re unclear about anything, you can send me a telegram. First Town’s telegraph can contact me directly.

...” Ernst incessantly instructed Constantine.

”Alright, alright, I got it. If there’s anything unclear, won’t I send you a telegram to ask when the time comes? So long-winded.” Constantine impatiently said.

”Oh, I’m just worried about you!”

”Alright, quickly help me load everything onto the ship. In this life, I’ve seen all sorts of storms—no need for your lecture.” Constantine said.

Peace—a simple name.

This is currently the largest vessel under Heixinggen, very stable on the sea, equipped with a steam power system allowing it to maintain consistent speed even without wind.

Initially designated as a cargo ship, mainly transporting goods, but in practice, it was arranged to mix people and goods.

This large ship, considered a mainstay among East African immigrant vessels, was temporarily requisitioned by Ernst, undergoing over ten days of modifications, resulting in a brand-new appearance.

All facilities are fully equipped; to strengthen maritime defense and avoid pirate attacks, Ernst specially invited a Dutch ship expert to upgrade the defense system of the Peace.

Additionally, three purely armed ships will handle escort duties.

Previously used for immigration and cargo, the merchant ship had reserved extra space, and this time apart from sailors and security personnel, only Prince Constantine’s close aides and servants temporarily stay.

”The environment on this ship isn’t bad; if not floating on the sea, it could rival my long-resided estate.” Constantine said sitting on the sofa in the bedroom.

”Father, don’t speak too soon. You’ll be at sea for at least a month. Soon, you’ll know how boring it is.” Ernst said.

”A month’s time, it’ll pass with endurance—it won’t be as you say.” Constantine said.

”Can’t win against you. I’ve prepared lots of alcohol and beverages on the ship, along with various foods. This ship doesn’t have many people, and food and drinking water are abundant.

In your study, I’ve placed five bookshelves worth of books for entertainment, and specially prepared a game room on the ship for you. If you’re bored, you can play cards, chess with attendants...” Ernst listed the ship’s facilities.

”Alright, I know. No need to tell me such mundane details. Kaino will arrange everything; I’m well-taken care of with a bunch of people here. No need for you to worry.

However, after I leave, your duties increase. You should frequently associate with the Prussian royal family; afterward, I can’t personally liaise for you anymore. If there’s anything you can’t handle, remember to find your Uncle Karl. He previously served as Prime Minister and Army Commander of Prussia. Although retired now, he remains influential in Prussia. With his presence, William I and Bismarck must give face to a young man like you.” Constantine directly entrusted Ernst to Karl Anton Prince during his time in Prussia.

After Sigmaringen merged into Prussia, Karl Anton first worked at the Foreign Office and later served as Prussian Prime Minister and Army Commander from 1858 to 1862.

Later, when the old king passed away and William I ascended the throne, Prince Karl stepped down, after all, each emperor has his ministers, and William I was ambitious, preparing to strengthen Prussia’s military might, while Prince Karl opposed Prussia’s military expansion.

Prince Karl did so partly because he was relatively conservative and because he was friends with France’s Napoleon III, paying close attention to Franco-Prussian relations.

This was also why Napoleon III supported Carol I’s rise as King of Romania; Heixinggen and Sigmaringen both belonged to the Rhine Confederation established by Napoleon, harboring complex links with France.

However, Sigmaringen evidently maintained tighter ties with France than Heixinggen, given Constantine’s early withdrawal from politics.

At present, William I and the new government do bring great changes to Prussia, with several successive wars directly annexing the entire North German region.

Yet, William I still bears great respect for Prince Karl, not only as his father’s chief minister but also sharing the same family.

Current Prime Minister Bismarck was once a subordinate of Prince Karl, who also exerts strong military influence, with both sons serving the Prussian military, Leopold still holding a powerful position, reflecting the standing of the Sigmaringen Royal Family within Prussia.

Various deeds also demonstrate that Heixinggen now indeed pales in comparison to Sigmaringen, even holding East Africa and Alaska as colonies.

For Europeans, a Romanian throne holds far greater value than overseas colonies.

This Ernst must concede. If there were a ready throne to inherit, he might also choose Romania.

Romania indeed has excellent conditions, especially considering its historical developments with several golden opportunities. If well-utilized, Romania could become a prominent nation, at worst maintaining a significant European status.

Africa, albeit with strong potential, lacks ready examples, relying entirely on Ernst’s personal exploration through development, harboring both risks and opportunities.

Yet, Heixinggen gambles on overseas colonial expansion; the future remains unclear, and the destinies of the two royal families are uncertain.

No matter the future fate of the royal families, it won’t alter the closeness between Heixinggen and Sigmaringen.

In Europe, Heixinggen and Sigmaringen are not only the closest relatives but also the tightest political allies, with Ernst remaining unimpeded within Prussia due to Prince Karl’s care.