The Rise Of Australasia

Chapter 181: 175: Briefcase and Edward VII

Chapter 181: Chapter 175: Briefcase and Edward VII

If the predictions made by some newspapers about New Zealand’s economy in the coming years caused unease and fear among New Zealanders, then Arthur and Australia behind him were considered the last straw for them.

The officer who delivered the speech seized on this point, boldly comparing the British Empire and Australia, and finally drew a disturbing conclusion: that it would be more promising, or more suitable, for New Zealand to join Australia rather than continue under the rule of the British Empire.

What’s disturbing is not the conclusion itself, but the impact it could have on the situation in New Zealand.

After all, New Zealand is still under the rule of the British Empire. Although the governor is Arthur, the Duke of Australia, it only fuels the imagination of New Zealanders.

Not many rational New Zealanders have seriously considered breaking away from the rule of the British Empire and embracing Australia.

It’s not that they don’t expect anything from Australia, but the British Empire is still the first of the great powers, and New Zealand remains an autonomous colony of the empire.

Wouldn’t that make New Zealand like a mistress of the British Empire, secretly stealing away the empire’s son, Australia?

Of course, there’s also the fact that New Zealand is independent of Australia, considered one of Australia’s children...

Hmm? This seems a bit messy.

Anyway, the current situation is like this. If New Zealand wants to join Australia, it must first get past the British Empire.

However, invariably, for every rationalist faction, there is an extremist faction, or those with more radical ideas who are not so rational.

This speech caused quite a stir in that Alliance Party member’s hometown, and with not inconsiderable influence there, many people showed their support, thus expanding the number of supporters for the conclusion.

Like a wildfire on the prairie, in just under a week, this conclusion spread widely in the North Island of New Zealand, even reaching the northern regions of the South Island, and is continuing to spread like wildfire.

Rationalists are still in the minority, especially in this era when the public is easily influenced and ignorant.

Therefore, what Edward was actually curious about was this briefcase, but when he opened this briefcase, or after seeing what was inside the briefcase, he regretted it a bit.

“How did you get this stuff?” Edward VII’s face changed constantly, sometimes gloomy, sometimes shocked, and mixed with what seemed like fear and regret.

“Your Highness entrusted it to me, Your Majesty. Your Highness told me that when Your Majesty sees the contents of the briefcase, you will understand how important it is to maintain a friendship with Australia,” Chief David said calmly.

Edward VII’s reaction undoubtedly proved how important the contents of the briefcase were, but as a loyal servant and subordinate, Chief David also knew very well that curiosity could indeed kill a person.

Don’t ask what shouldn’t be asked, don’t do what shouldn’t be done. This is the principle that Chief David has summed up over the years, and he has been practicing it throughout his life.

“Hmph! Good! What else did Arthur tell you?” Edward VII nodded vigorously, his face pale.

“His Highness said that the current situation in New Zealand is inevitable, but the typhoon has only accelerated it by more than ten years. His Highness hopes that the British Empire can support the referendum in New Zealand. No matter the result, it will be satisfactory for the people of New Zealand,” Chief David began.

Edward VII stared at Chief David for a long time, and Chief David remained calm, as if there was nothing in front of him.

In the end, Edward VII conceded, slammed the documents on the table, and said, “Tell Arthur he won. The British Empire will support the decision of the New Zealand people. But also convey a message for me, I hope that this document is the only one in the world, and he is also a member of the royal family of the British Empire. He should understand the importance of the royal family’s reputation.”

This document was Queen Victoria’s last trump card for Arthur, and also Edward VII’s biggest evidence of guilt.

If this document were to be made public, the damage it would cause to Edward VII personally and the British royal family would be irreparable, and it might even lead to a decline in British royal power.

This is something neither Edward VII nor Arthur would like to see, and one of the reasons why Arthur did not disclose this document.

Now that this document has finally come in handy, it is justified in Queen Victoria’s painstaking effort to collect these documents and entrusted them to Arthur.

After obtaining Edward VII’s promise, Chief David sensibly left the British Empire.

Although people are not clear about what exactly Edward VII and Chief David talked about, judging from Chief David’s relaxed look when he left and the numerous broken pieces of furniture discarded by Buckingham Palace, there seemed to be some demolition happening in Edward VII’s office after Chief David left.