novelraw Chapter 164: The Expedition's Great Harvest
Chapter 164: The Expedition's Great Harvest
“Menotti, this is truly a vast fertile plain untouched by human hands!” Spanish African Expeditionary Force deputy commander Anthony Ronaldo Prince Crus gazed at the boundless plain before him, shocked for a long time before slowly speaking.
African Expedition Team commander Menotti was also stunned, staring at the fertile land ahead. After swallowing, he issued his order: “Have we recorded all the routes along the way? How many indigenous tribes have we encountered, and with which ones have we established contact? I don’t want any omissions.”
“Don’t worry, sir.” Deputy Anthony smiled and nodded, confidently saying: “The brothers are all veterans of the expedition team; they naturally won’t forget these procedures.”
“God bless us; our efforts over these more than three years have not been in vain. The Congo River Basin actually hides such a vast plain; perhaps we can recreate another Spain with these lands!” The excitement on Menotti’s face did not fade; instead, it intensified with his imagination.
The African Expedition Team had a tough time over these nearly four years. After assembling in Spanish Mainland, they sailed by ship to Guinea Colony.
In Guinea Colony, they gathered all expedition team members, replenished guns and ammunition, horses, and steamboats, then grandly proceeded north along the Congo River.
After passing through Kingdom of Congo, the expedition team first encountered an indigenous force called Anzuku, then entered the Bantu people’s territory.
The further north they went, the more hostile the African indigenous people became. Along the way, the expedition team had taken thousands of indigenous lives—not counting in the exact thousands, but at least several thousand—with reserves of bullets and guns already wasted equivalent to several carriages.
But the good news was that they obtained large amounts of food from these indigenous people. Exploration was full of danger but also allowed learning more about unknown things.
Menotti thought he understood these Africans quite well, but after deep exploration into the Congo River, he realized how ignorant and backward the Africans inside the African Continent truly were. Along the way, Menotti saw indigenous people eating raw meat, cannibal tribes, and even indigenous nations existing on a large scale.
Without sufficient armed forces for protection, the expedition team would likely have been worn down in contacts with these indigenous forces.
The four-year exploration career gave Menotti one truth: those not of my race must have different hearts. No matter how servile these black monkeys appeared, their hearts held only enmity toward the expedition team.
In these years, the expedition team also faced betrayal by African indigenous people, resulting in the complete slaughter of that African tribe.
“How many outposts have we established along the way?” Menotti instructed his men to set up tents for rest while turning his gaze to deputy Anthony, inquiring about the journey’s status.
“Sir, over these years we’ve established 22 colonial outposts and made contact with over a hundred local tribes and villages. Under your orders, over a thousand Spanish flags have been raised on these lands, proving Spain was the first colonizer to arrive here.” Anthony Ronaldo Prince Crus respectfully reported to Menotti.
The discoveries along the way were significant, not to mention finding such a vast plain in the Congo Basin. When all this news was reported domestically, the expedition team would surely gain huge merit.
Though Menotti was the expedition team commander and armed forces manager, Anthony was also deputy commander and expedition commander; the two had worked in perfect harmony during this exploration.
Deep exploration was a nine-out-of-ten chance of death. Carlo had promised before departure not to overlook anyone’s merit.
Under Carlo’s repeated instructions, Menotti dared not neglect; every bit of merit from anyone since the start was recorded, to be uniformly rewarded upon the team’s return to Spain.
The reason Menotti and Anthony were so excited was Carlo’s personal promise: if the expedition team discovered fertile land and rich mineral resources in the Congo River Basin interior, seized the initiative to establish colonial outposts or even colonial scope, they could earn nobility titles.
As chief and deputy commanders, Menotti and Anthony were likely to receive baron or even count titles upon returning to Spain, how could they not be thrilled?
Though Spain had many nobles among European Countries, the value of Spanish nobles had not declined.
Moreover, beyond nobility titles, Carlo promised various property and funds rewards. They naturally trusted a king’s word, steeling their resolve to perfect this exploration for greater merit and rewards.
Two and a half months later, the terrain maps and exploration information about the Congo River Basin were sent back to Spain.
The materials immediately drew Carlo’s attention; he decided to urgently convene a cabinet meeting to cooperate with the government on colonizing and developing Congo.
Cooperating with the government to colonize Congo was a decision Carlo made after much consideration.
There were many reasons; first, this land attracted attention from many great power nations—relying solely on royal family strength made full control difficult.
Historically, Belgium did pick up the bargain, but at that time Belgium’s strength in Europe was negligible, which is why the great powers felt at ease.
Spain was different. Spain’s overall strength was like the great powers’ goalkeeper: stronger than Spain were great powers; weaker were not.
In this situation, even claiming the land in the royal family’s name might face opposition from many great power nations, chiefly the British.
Plus, Congo was an extremely vast land; now there was no distinction between gold and cloth Congo. Menotti’s team explored the entire Congo River Basin—millions of square kilometers of vast land.
Currently untouched only because nations didn’t know the Congo River Basin well. But historically, the Congo River’s exploration began around this time.
Relying solely on royal family strength, effective occupation and establishing Spanish colonial power in a few years would be hard. But with Spanish Government strength, a few years sufficed to build large colonial outposts and scale up to colonies.
Of course, cooperating with the government wasn’t simple. The Congo River Basin was explored with royal family funding; naturally, interests couldn’t be given away for free.
Carlo’s bottom line: Congo River Basin colonies must be established as royal family territories, with the royal family as true owner.
The government could cooperate with the royal family to develop Congo River Basin lands, mine resources, and allocate interests based on enterprise shares.
Though the government had no sovereignty over Congo Colony, it could gain large interest shares; the government surely wouldn’t refuse.
At the urgently convened cabinet meeting, Carlo entered the meeting room with detailed African colonization exploration materials and drawn terrain maps, had guards hand them to Prime Minister Primó, then explained the urgent meeting’s reason: “
Gentlemen, per the African Expedition Team’s latest news, the team has successfully explored interior Congo River Basin lands and confirmed at least one vast plain upstream of the Congo River, with an area of hundreds of thousands of square kilometers.
The team has established over 22 colonial outposts and contacted over a hundred local indigenous tribes in this time.
But this is far from enough for a formal colony; I hope the government helps the royal family promote colony establishment. In return, the government gets half the Congo River Basin colony’s interests.”
Hearing Carlo, even Prime Minister Primó was very surprised. If not for the non-imitated materials and terrain maps, Prime Minister Primó might have questioned their authenticity.
If Prime Minister Primó was surprised, the other cabinet ministers were more so. Learning the royal family dispatched an expedition team years ago with huge success, cabinet members showed varied expressions, all with some surprise.
“Your Majesty, is this news real?” Minister of Defense Serrano couldn’t sit still first, asking joyfully.
As once the third largest colonial empire, Spain naturally had many with enthusiasm for colonialism. But America was fully partitioned; Portugal and Spain’s American Colonies had mostly gained independence.
Recently, Spain gained only in Moroccan Region elsewhere, with no colonial progress.
Suddenly hearing Spain could gain a plain of at least hundreds of thousands of square kilometers, Grand Duke Serrano was naturally delighted.
As for whether the land was government’s or royal family’s, Grand Duke Serrano didn’t care. After all, whichever it was, it had little to do with him.
Carlo smiled and nodded, saying: “The expedition team’s news is real, undoubtedly. In a few days, team commander Menotti returns to Spain; you can ask him details then.”
Carlo carefully checked the reported terrain maps and materials; nothing suspicious.
The drawn terrain maps had some deviation but largely matched Carlo’s impression of the Congo River Basin.
Even without the report, Carlo knew of the Congo River Basin’s plains and rich mineral resources.
But colonizing Congo needed a suitable excuse to convince the government; that’s why Carlo sent the expedition team first.
When truly acting, the original team could guide and mediate, helping Spanish colonizers communicate better with local indigenous people.
“Your Majesty, how to handle the Congo River plain discovery?” After reviewing all materials, Prime Minister Primó passed them to Grand Duke Serrano, then asked his concern.
Since the Congo River Basin plain was found by the royal family’s expedition team, it likely belonged to the royal family.
If so, why should the government exert effort? Prime Minister Primó was really asking the government’s benefits in the colonial action.
“The Congo River Basin lands should be established as royal family territories; the royal family is the sole owner.” Hearing Prime Minister Primó, Carlo smiled: “
But interests from this land can be split half with the government; only royal family and government cooperating to develop it is best for us.”
Hearing Carlo claim it as royal family territory, some ministers’ faces changed. Minister of Transport Ruiz stood: “Your Majesty, since it’s a colony, why not directly make it Spain’s new colony?
Colony profits can still split 50-50 with the royal family; after all, the government is the main force in construction. What do you think?”
Carlo smiled; he knew the government would covet this land. But the royal family had seized initiative via the expedition team; government gaining sovereignty was impossible, as it lacked reason.
Unless the government forcibly seized it, it had no chance at sovereignty.
So the question: would Spanish Government fall out with the royal family over this land?
“Minister Ruiz, repeat your words.” Carlo’s calm gaze fixed on Ruiz; he had no fondness for this so-called radical reformist.
“Your Majesty, the government has disposal rights over Spain’s lands. Moreover, the government will be the main developer of Congo River Basin lands. I believe a government-controlled colony is best and most effective.
The royal family can still get interest shares from Congo River Basin colony as compensation for first discovery.” Hearing Carlo, Ruiz remained unflustered, restating his opinion.
For Ruiz, without Prime Minister Primó’s clear opposition, he feared nothing.
Per Spanish Constitution, the royal family had little influence over cabinet government. As a cabinet minister, Ruiz didn’t fear Carlo’s rebuke unless Prime Minister Primó obeyed Carlo blindly.
Moreover, Ruiz was a key Progressive Party figure, number two there and number three in Spanish political arena, influence second only to Prime Minister Primó and Grand Duke Serrano.
For Ruiz, the royal family shouldn’t overly interfere with Spanish Government decisions. Since the land was discovered, it should go to Spanish Government.
To reciprocate, half colony profits to royal family was already win-win.
Hearing Ruiz, Carlo smiled coldly: “Minister Ruiz, can you represent Spanish Government?
The expedition team discovering Congo River Basin plain has no government ties, least of all yours. Frankly, you have no disposal or advisory rights over Congo River Basin lands.
This meeting’s purpose is inviting government to jointly develop Congo River Basin lands, not hearing your self-important claims.”
Since becoming King of Spain, Carlo hadn’t much interfered with Spanish Government decisions—to give Prime Minister Primó face, not lacking ambition or willing to be a figurehead king.
Ruiz’s suggestion was offering his face for Carlo to slap. Carlo had no fondness for such a radical reformist.
This guy was Republican Party before joining Progressive Party. Whether he truly accepted Spanish Monarchy or only due to Prime Minister Primó’s stance was questionable.
Facing Ruiz challenging royal authority, best was making him recognize his status. Carlo didn’t believe Prime Minister Primó would fully offend royal family for Ruiz, undermining kingdom government foundations.
Kingdom government and king were symbiotic; challenging king’s dignity challenged kingdom government’s too.
Though Carlo didn’t know Ruiz’s intent in openly challenging at the meeting, he wouldn’t tolerate such suicidal behavior.
“I agree with Your Majesty.” Minister of Industry Cánovas stood, stating: “Since royal family’s expedition team discovered Congo River Basin, sovereignty belongs to royal family.
But government-royal family joint development is necessary; such vast land is great asset for Spain.
If government claims Congo River Basin lands, what of royal family? Remember, Spain is kingdom government; His Majesty the King is Spain’s ruler.”
“I also agree with Your Majesty’s proposal.” Minister of Agriculture Hovelliar followed Cánovas, standing: “We should discuss jointly developing Congo River Basin lands, not infight over sovereignty.
If we can’t see this, gentlemen, how can Spain be powerful?”
The two rebuttals left Ruiz’s face cloudy; he turned to Prime Minister Primó.
Prime Minister Primó knew Ruiz’s thoughts, but following them would split Spain.
“Government naturally respects royal family sovereignty.” Prime Minister Primó concluded, slowly saying: “Jointly developing Congo River Basin lands with royal family is inevitable; that’s settled.”
Hearing Prime Minister Primó, Ruiz sat, knowing he’d failed utterly.
“Your Majesty, does anyone else know of expedition team’s actions?” After the dispute, Prime Minister Primó looked to Carlo with his question.
Exploration secrecy was vital. Without it, while Spain colonized, the land would attract other colonizers.
In colonial competition, Spain might not have advantage. Africa drew not just Spain but Britain and France great power nations too.
“No one else knows yet.” Carlo smiled: “Expedition team has armed protection; no other teams encountered en route.
Team has established over twenty outposts; in colonization, we’ve seized initiative.”
Hearing no one knew Congo River Basin exploration, Prime Minister Primó fully relaxed. If Spain led in Congo River Basin land colonization, even later old colonial powers like Britain and France joining wouldn’t worry in competition.
“Any good opinions on developing and colonizing Congo River Basin lands?” Prime Minister Primó looked to other cabinet members.
“Your Majesty the King, Prime Minister. Per this terrain map, Congo River Basin plain isn’t far from our Guinea Colony.
If we connect Guinea and Congo River Basin plain by railway, it’ll speed colony establishment and plain development.
Also, build railway along Congo River to coast, further control coastside Kingdom of Congo. Kingdom of Congo’s south is Portuguese-controlled; if slow, Portuguese might learn of Congo River Basin plain.
Portugal is small trouble, but news spreading via Portugal to Europe burdens our colonization more.
So I suggest immigration in two simultaneous steps: from Guinea Colony dispatch manpower for inter-colony railway; meanwhile assemble new hands to control west of Congo River coast, master all land north of Congo River to Guinea.
Thus, we’ll build vast huge colony, perhaps recreating a new Spanish viceroyalty.” Minister of Industry Cánovas stood with his proposal.
Colony establishment’s key step is railway for transporting materials and troops. This was Transportation Department’s affair, but due to Ruiz’s poor showing, Cánovas directly proposed for it.
“Mmm.” Prime Minister Primó nodded, approving the proposal.
This matched Spain’s past colonization. Purely dispatching new colonizers would delay months.
But preparing materials and manpower from Guinea Colony simultaneously saved time.
Though Spain’s Guinea Colony small-scale, it was formal colony with some immigrants and army garrison.
Even if issues mid-colonization, Guinea’s army could handle. Relying on Spanish Mainland transport took too long, likely delaying.
“How many troops in Guinea?” Prime Minister Primó asked Minister of Defense Serrano about Guinea Colony garrison.
“Post-army expansion, Guinea Colony garrison scaled to one colonial defense regiment. But if Congo River Basin truly has such vast plain, one regiment far insufficient.” Grand Duke Serrano answered.
Guinea Colony was Spain’s small colony in Guinea region, limited to nearby coast, not large area.
Previously only 1000 garrison; without army expansion, likely still around
Prime Minister Primó nodded, agreeing: “Time to reinforce Guinea, but need suitable excuse.”
Near Guinea, not just Spain had colonies; United Kingdom, France, Portugal too.
Especially Portugal’s São Tomé and Príncipe islands faced Spanish Guinea Colony across sea. If Portugal learned of reinforcements, it’d strengthen guards there and watch Spain’s Guinea moves closely.
Thus, Spain’s massive Guinea-to-Congo River Basin railway would be discovered.
How to reinforce Guinea without alerting Portuguese and Britain and France?
This sparked wide cabinet discussion, but no good ways.
Reinforcing Guinea couldn’t hide; en-route transport ship supplies and docking would alert others.
Though Guinea Colony Spain’s, it had other nations’ immigrants. Portugal’s São Tomé and Príncipe couldn’t self-sufficiency; many materials bought from Guinea or farther.
Any Spanish transport ship docking would alert Portuguese. Spain’s overt moves would worry Britain and France too, amid economic crisis—who’d guarantee Spain wouldn’t stir trouble?
“Prime Minister Primó, I have a suggestion.” Seeing prolonged fruitless discussion, Carlo smiled.
“Since our transport ships will surely be noticed, why not turn it to advantage?
Dispatch transport ships under East Indies reinforcement excuse, dock at Guinea Colony mid-way for supplies.
If ships leave Guinea soon, won’t worry Portuguese. But it means hardship for our soldiers.
During supply docking, soldiers can’t disembark directly. Wait till dead of night unnoticed for small-scale offload to elsewhere.”
Hearing Carlo’s proposal, cabinet ministers thought, then saw it wasn’t ideal but currently best choice.
Transporting thousands of troops couldn’t fool all; docking would attract notice.
To deceive, only gamble with this seemingly reasonable way.
Prime Minister Primó pondered, smiled and nodded: “Good proposal, Your Majesty. But before our transport fleet sails, let East Indies have some incident, making reinforcement excuse more plausible.
Thus, neither Portuguese nor United Kingdom, France will suspect motives. If soldiers secretly land in Guinea undetected, transport plan succeeds perfectly.”
Prime Minister Primó’s supplement made the plan more reasonable; cabinet ministers voiced agreement.
Confirming no objections, Prime Minister Primó nodded decisively: “Minister Serrano, Guinea Colony reinforcement plan under Ministry of Defense responsibility.
How many troops will Ministry of Defense dispatch to Guinea?”
Grand Duke Serrano thought, then answered: “To avoid notice yet stabilize Congo River Basin situation, reinforcements should be one colonial defense regiment scale.
2000 troops suffice against any local indigenous resistance; even facing Britain and France colonial troops’ provocation, we have strength to defeat them.”
For any country, 2000 troops weren’t small. For local African indigenous, 2000 crushed them.
No joke; African indigenous tech and mindset too backward to resist European colonizers.
Even stronger African indigenous like Morocco had no room to resist in Spanish colonial war, let alone looser, backward African indigenous tribes.
Some tribes still ate raw meat and drank rainwater; facing steel guns and cannons’ modern army, what resistance? None.
No one objected to reinforcing one colonial defense regiment.
Seeing this, Prime Minister Primó nodded: “Draw this colonial defense regiment from South Morocco Colony, also showing our panic.
Haha, Portuguese learning of East Indies trouble and our urgent draw from South Morocco Colony will feel assured.
Also, to make real, East Indies reinforcement can’t be show. East Indies time to unify; as our largest-area colony, can’t lag.
This transport plan: two colonial defense regiments—one hidden in transport fleet, one overt.
The overt regiment goes straight to East Indies with fleet; their task ends Sultanate of Sulu and Sultanate of Maguindanao rule, fully annexing lands into East Indies colonies.”
For maximum realism, best make East Indies truly war.
East Indies was East Indies; Spanish colonial rule not fully over entire archipelago.
In East Indies south, still indigenous forces like Cotlan states, Maguindanao. Across sea on Borneo, Spain infiltrated Sultanate of Sulu.
But due to past Spain’s constant weakness and domestic issues, hadn’t accelerated Sulu colonization.
Leading to Sultanate of Sulu with Brunei Empire, Sarawak Kingdom etc. ultimately annexed by British into North Borneo Colony.
European Countries’ colonial tacit understanding: first arriver with established colonial outposts claims region.
Most cases, nations kept this. But for key colonies, competing nations wouldn’t yield, sparking colonial war via competition.
But war not only way. Except overly important colonies or neck-and-neck progress, otherwise first arriver advantaged.
Few challenged this rule; Britain and France colonial empires followed. Challenging it challenged existing colonial system.
Under current system, Britain-France and Britain-Russia conflicts intense. But why World War I became Britain France Russia vs Germany Austria? Germany challenged colonial system.
No help; Germany unified when key colonies partitioned, left unexplored Africa.
Yet Germany far from Africa, no outposts. Britain distant too but had multiple outposts including Cape Colony—South Africa huge colony, foothold in Africa.
At this point, Portugal and Spain’s African colonization progress faster than Germany’s, why Germany got no fertile colonies.
Germany, getting no meal at table, flipped it—but beaten by gorging Britain and France.
Ultimately Germany’s geography poor. In Central Europe, four-war lands. Such position hard birthing powerful nation, surrounded by great powers.
Though geography not fundamental to strength/weakness, clearly influences nation.
Why United States powerful? Largely geography far from Europe, escaping European war chaos.
This attracted massive European immigrants; population soon exceeded European great powers.
Long peace sped United States industry and economic growth rate, why it rose to world’s strongest.
Same United States in Europe wouldn’t be world hegemon. United States strong mainly because European great powers busied with civil wars, letting upstart United States cheap in.
United States talent and technology mostly from Europe; war-escaping talents built its power.
Germany in United States position might do better. But in four-war lands, partly doomed its end.
Congo River Basin colonization plan quickly finalized; meeting smoothly ended.
For Carlo, ensuring Congo River Basin ultimately royal family’s was key.
Though half interests to government, royal family not losing. Government funds development, deploys army for sovereignty; royal family just awaits dividends.
None could question royal family’s legitimate sovereignty. Expedition team discovered it—that’s source.
If Spanish Government denied such sovereignty, other countries wouldn’t recognize. Then not government-royal family dispute, but Spain vs others’ colonial competition.
Prime Minister Primó understood, affirming Carlo’s proposal. Royal family territory or government colony same; profits split 50-
Only difference: royal family status more stable; as royal family territory, sovereignty royal family’s.
If House of Savoy ousted from Spain, Congo River Basin land unrelated to Spanish Government.
Carlo thus told cabinet ministers: current Spanish royal family and government prosper/fall together.
With plan set, Ministry of Defense entered tense preparations.
Over 4000 troops scheduling, plus fabricating reason fooling Portugal, Britain and France—every link must be reasonable.
East Indies news to Spain takes time; reinforcements earliest one month later.
This time for troop mobilization, transport fleet prep etc. Once East Indies rebellion news reaches Spanish Mainland, government urgently mobilizes under that pretext to reinforce East Indies.
About two and a half weeks later, Spanish African Expedition Team commander Menotti smoothly returned from Guinea Colony.
Long time not road expense, but arranging team’s next actions and integrating materials.
Though Menotti returned from Africa, Anthony still leads team shuttling Guinea-Congo River Basin, building more outposts, strengthening local indigenous ties.
This not only better conditions for Spain’s regional colonization but stabilizes merit, avoiding accidents.
If team negligence led to outpost destruction, even if Menotti and Anthony’s merit intact, face lost.
Worse, delaying Spain’s colonization progress would discount merit.
Before returning to Spain, Menotti clearly arranged team’s next actions; Anthony repeatedly guaranteed execution.
After all, concerns their merit and exploration finale; after nearly four years hard work, few more months fine.
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