Chapter 7: Should One Become the Royal Concubine of the British Empire

Although the British Empire in the West began to gradually harbor animosity towards the Ming Dynasty after the Napoleonic Wars, the shift in Britain's stance had long been anticipated by the brilliant strategists of the Zhuge family.

It is no exaggeration to say that, on the surface, the current Ming Dynasty is led by the eight prominent families, but in reality, the true leader has always been the Zhuge family

In this era of Europe, it is quite normal for royal couples to separate and pursue their own interests. Did not the kings and dukes of the British Hanoverian dynasty do the same? Who does not have a multitude of illegitimate children, while the legitimate ones are few? As a result, there are now no successors—only a few very old men and two very young children remain in the Hanoverian royal lineage, yet there are two corresponding crowns... one for the throne of the British Empire and one for the throne of the Kingdom of Hanover... The two children each have a crown, and if any unforeseen event were to occur, it could lead to the extinction of the royal line.

At this point, Zhuge's brows furrowed tightly, "It is also possible that he has lost his memory!"

Seeing her beloved partner angry, Natalie immediately softened her stance and said in a low voice: "Dear, please don't be angry, I will listen to you"

I have calculated, and today news of the pacification in Petersburg should arrive. This Tsar... most likely still refers to Nicholas!

Furthermore, the direction of expansion for the Rakshasa Empire is not towards Central Asia, but rather towards the Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor. The Ming Dynasty is too far from the Balkans and Asia Minor to conduct armed intervention, whereas Britain may potentially collaborate with France, Austria, and Prussia to intervene

Zhuge Weidao did not expect that this Rakshasa princess would actually "back down" so quickly, and he felt embarrassed to be angry any longer. He was contemplating how to comfort Natalie... and perhaps keep her with him for the night. Seeing Zhuge Weidao's expression soften, Natalie changed the subject and said: "However, Nikolai Pavlovich tends to want me to go to England. Although he hasn't explicitly stated it, I understand his intentions."

"Eighty-eight, come in quickly!" The old master Zhuge finally spoke up.

This father is truly wonderful

The newcomer is also a Zhuge. The Zhuge family follows the generational name system, and the eighty-eighth Zhuge is Zhuge Weidao's elder brother, who bears a striking resemblance to Zhuge Weidao, though he is not as handsome and does not possess as good a physique, being slightly overweight. He is ten years older than Zhuge Weidao and currently serves as the chief minister's secretary to Zhuge Weijiu.

Natalie saw Zhuge silent and thought that the other party was contemplating the feasibility of the proposal

... ...

After entering the decision-making circle of the Zhuge family, gaining access to more family resources and mastering the core secrets of the family, these strategists from the Zhuge family often achieve great success. They become prominent figures in the military, political, commercial, and academic spheres of the Ming Dynasty

In order to...Natalie, the Grand Duchess? Zhuge imagined for a moment, "That Grand Duchess is soft-hearted and fond of the One Hundred and Eight Brothers. Seeing that he lost his memory while trying to save her, she would definitely be willing to follow him to the Ming Dynasty.

"Is it the secret telegram of the one hundred and eight brothers?" Zhuge asked with a smile.

Moreover, the court of the Ming Dynasty was not as chaotic as the British royal family; otherwise, Zhuge Youde would not have requested Natalie to preserve her chastity

While several of the old Zhuge were in discussion, a sudden sound of hurried footsteps was heard from outside the door, followed by the voice of an old servant from the Zhuge family standing outside: "Eighty-eight Master, you have arrived"

"Hmm." Natalie nodded, "Alright, I will follow your lead."

That may not be the case. If a Queen Natalie were to emerge, perhaps Britain and Russia could coexist peacefully... The report from the 108th brother mentioned that this Grand Duchess Natalie has a gentle and obedient nature. If she were to become queen, she would surely adopt a laissez-faire approach. Second brother, do you think there is a possibility for this Natalie to ascend directly to the throne?

After much contemplation, Zhuge felt that it was still not appropriate to elope. He needed to bring her back to the Ming Dynasty legally and then marry her formally.

You all listen to me? That is wonderful

So I really am a millionaire! Zhuge said to himself: But where are my million silver dollars? I only know that I have 30,000 in operating funds, and the checkbook is still with Guo Xiaobao. If I elope with Natalie, will our future happy life be guaranteed? Am I to live off Natalie's wealth? However, as a Rakshasa noblewoman, she must have some estates, serfs, and properties, but the cash she can bring for our elopement surely won't be much... Once this money is spent, it will be a life of poverty and sorrow for us as a couple.

These elderly gentlemen are all dressed in the manner of Zhuge Liang, which naturally indicates that they are members of the Zhuge family. Moreover, they are not just any members, but rather the great strategists of the Zhuge clan. Within the Zhuge family, only those who have earned the title of strategist are permitted to don the feather fan, silk scarf, and crane cloak. It is only by becoming a strategist that one can enter the decision-making circle of the Zhuge family, gain access to more family resources, and master the most core secrets of the Zhuge clan

This old Zhuge has also been with Zhuge for a lifetime, being the second in line, with the courtesy name Jiu. This year, he has already reached the age of seventy-five. He is still the legitimate son of the first branch of the Zhuge family, which makes him the Zhuge Wuwang of this generation. Additionally, he currently holds the official title of Right Chancellor of the Ming Dynasty, making him the second highest official in the Ming court, second only to the Left Chancellor, Cheng Wang Zheng Guozhong

"No, it is a secret telegram from Guo Xiaobao." Zhuge took out a copy of the telegram from the folder and handed it up, "Second brother, Daozi's disciple was injured in the turmoil in Petersburg while trying to rescue Grand Duchess Natalia, and a bullet grazed his scalp! Moreover..."

The 10th day of the 11th month in the 5th year of the Taiping era of the Ming Dynasty

Upon thinking of this, Zhuge nodded and said: "Alright, I will wait!"

No, no, no... this plan is not feasible. Zhuge has already recalled who the Duke of York and the Duke of Albany are. The British Crown Prince is too old and will certainly not live for many more years, perhaps not even long enough to ascend the throne, and he is likely incapable of sowing the seeds. If he dies, Prince William will become the presumptive heir, and when Prince William ascends the throne, Princess Victoria will become the new presumptive heir.

Are my several older brothers all inside?

Nicholas I proposed the construction of a royal-class ironclad in Russia, which was essentially an additional condition for sending Natalia to England... However, the Tsar could not state this openly, as it would sound as if he were selling off his sister, which would be undignified.

Beijing

However, in Natalie's view, this plan is entirely feasible

Zhuge was astonished by what Natalie said

The "108th brother" he mentioned refers to that "tall, rich, and handsome authority" Zhuge Weidao—after all, it is a large family that has been passed down for over a hundred years, and it continues to produce talented individuals, generating wealth in a proper manner, so naturally, there are many descendants.

"It is the way." Natalie said with a smile, "You need not worry, I will give birth to the future King or Queen of England, that is not a problem... Even if that British heir has no ability at all, I can still conceive!"

Thus, Nicholas I believed that stabilizing Britain was the key to the successful recovery of Constantinople by the Russian Empire

What? The first night? Zhuge stared wide-eyed, thinking: "Is there really such a thing? She is actually a somewhat promiscuous chaste and virtuous woman?"

What should be done about this

Under the guidance of these strategists of the 'Wei' generation, the Ming Empire appears to be on the right path, with national strength continuing to rise steadily. The era of peace and prosperity is also being maintained, with both population numbers and agricultural and industrial production daring to claim the top position in the world

The four old Zhuge were greatly astonished

The recent incident of the "Tsar's abdication and the mutiny of the Petersburg Guards" was certainly included in the "brilliant calculations" of several great strategists. Therefore, during breakfast today, these elderly gentlemen of the "Wei" generation began to "calculate" this matter.

"Second Brother, Eighth Brother, Tenth Brother, Thirteenth Brother." Zhuge Eighty-Eight entered holding a folder, cupping his hands in salute to the three elder brothers, "I have just received a confidential telegram from Petersburg."

In, in, all in

This this ... ...

However, contrary to Zhuge Weidao's expectations, this somewhat "promiscuous" woman actually shook her head and said, "My dear Weidao, I must reserve my first night for the wedding night"

Zhuge said with a heartfelt tone: "This time, I have truly encountered a good father... He has even considered this matter, which is truly thoughtful!"

The speaker is a plump Zhuge in his fifties, whose courtesy name is Jia, and he is the thirteenth in the generation of the character Wei.

Dear Natalia Pavlovna. Zhuge looked at the beautiful Natalia, who resembled a porcelain doll, and said, "Can you stay with me tonight..."

Zhuge contemplated: "Although this Natalie is somewhat promiscuous, she is still very obedient..."

Moreover, even before Napoleon was defeated, the great strategist Zhuge Youde of the Zhuge family had already set the stage... Everything was under control

What is this woman really thinking? Instead of being a good Zhuge Liang's wife, she insists on becoming the wife of some British prince, and even wants to bear his children. After giving birth, she still wants to be with herself, claiming that the British royal family and parliament will not interfere... Is the royal circle of 19th century Europe really that chaotic?

Another old Zhuge has spoken, this one is the eighth master of the Zhuge family, named Xiao. He is in his sixties, yet appears younger than Zhuge Weiyi. Not a single strand of white hair can be seen in his hair or beard, and his pair of eagle-like eyes looks particularly spirited

"Feigning amnesia? Why is that?" Zhuge asked after a long time.

"Hahaha, if the Rakshasa Kingdom can truly manage to get by for several decades, it would indeed be a blessing for the Rakshasa people..." An elderly Zhuge, who appeared to be over seventy years old, with white hair and beard, and a face full of wrinkles, said with a smile while shaking his fan.

Moreover, having Natalie give birth to the future monarch of Britain aligns more closely with the interests of the Rus Empire. This is because the foreign policy of the Ming Empire has always been relatively mild and easier to appease. In contrast, Britain is quite different; the British Empire was willing to go to great lengths to confront Napoleon at all costs

Amnesia

In the northwest corner of the Forbidden City, within the magnificent Wu Wang Mansion, several elderly gentlemen, wearing silk caps, draped in crane cloaks, and holding feather fans, were gathered together, chatting while having breakfast.

"Thirteenth Brother, it is an obvious matter, what is there to calculate? However, regardless of who becomes the Tsar, there will inevitably be a war between the Rus' and England in the future! Our Ming dynasty can simply reap the benefits as a bystander."

Hearing Zhuge Weidao say this, Natalie felt completely at ease, as she believed that Zhuge Weidao's memory was beginning to recover

Dear. At this moment, Natalie said again, "If you want to elope, I have no objections... I still have a little savings, and you are a millionaire, we can live happily wherever we go."

Can one still serve in their duties after experiencing amnesia

In contrast, becoming the Empress of the Ming Dynasty is not so convenient. The current Emperor of the Ming is still a young boy, so the likelihood of Natalie outliving the young emperor is quite low; even if that day were to come, she would have already aged and lost her beauty.

This is also an elder named Zhuge of the character generation, whose courtesy name is Yi. He is in his sixties, tall and slender, with a white beard that nearly reaches his chest, exuding a certain ethereal quality

Natalie was taken aback for a moment, and then she understood what Zhuge was trying to do.

You ... ... '' Zhuge Liang was at a loss for words on what to say

Why is this Natalie so casual? ... She looks quite serious, but I didn't expect her inner self to be so wild

"No!" Zhuge's expression darkened, and he said sternly: "Natalie Pavlovna, you must go to the Ming Dynasty with me!"

Both the Duke of York and the Duke of Albany are 62 years old; how many more days can they frolic? Upon his death, Natalie's child will become the King or Queen of England, and Natalie will be the Queen Mother of England, at which point no one will be able to manage her. She will be able to openly enjoy the royal pension of the British monarchy and be with Zhuge Weidao in a double life. Moreover, for Zhuge Weidao, sleeping with the Queen Mother of England is far less risky than sleeping with the Empress of the Ming Dynasty.

Natalie smiled apologetically at Zhuge Wei and said, "Although I would very much like to stay, your late father once told me my fortune, saying that if I were to... before the wedding night, I would face an unbearable disaster. Therefore, my elder brother Alexander Pavlovich also advised me to keep my first night until..."

It is precisely because of these outstanding strategists that the Zhuge family was able to remain prosperous even after the passing of Zhuge Wuzhong Wang, and they have continuously manipulated the development direction of the entire Ming Empire both overtly and covertly

Zhuge added while busy with his studies: "Four elder brothers, do not worry. The telegram from Baozhi mentioned that the 108th brother might also be pretending to have amnesia"

Thinking of this, Zhuge said to Natalia Pavlovna: "My dear, you can rest assured, I will persuade Nikolai Pavlovich... If that does not work, we will find another way to leave"

Therefore, as long as Natalie can bear one or two children for the precarious Hanoverian dynasty, she will be regarded as a great contributor, and no one will inquire into her private life... If it were not for Zhuge Weidao's unsuitable lineage, she could even have this enthusiastic person assist the old duke.