Chapter 212: Laying the Lines, Casting the Net
The Ottoman Empire.
Konstantiniyye.
Said walked dejectedly between two rows of guards bowing their heads, then looked back at Topkapi Palace behind him, feeling even more desolate.
Just moments ago, the Sultan had appointed him as a Special Envoy to "inspect" Tunisia.
A few years prior, this would have been an envied and lucrative post. Typically, a peripheral province like Tunisia would lavishly entertain the Sultan's envoy and offer generous "travel expenses" upon their departure.
However, this mission was clearly destined to be devoid of such perks.
The Empire's war efforts in Ochakov were extremely strained. Potemkin's Russian army was pressing hard, threatening to capture the vital fortress on the northern Black Sea coast at any moment.
Coupled with the devastating defeat in the previous naval battle of Fidonisi, the Empire now faced an extremely perilous situation, with its finances and military overwhelmed.
It was at this critical juncture that Tunisia plunged into a coup.
It was against this backdrop that the Sultan chose him to travel to Tunisia.
Said sighed. This mission didn't even come with expenses; he had to pay out of his own pocket.
Moreover, according to imperial custom, if he failed to make Haj apologize to the Sultan and request investiture as Pasha, he would likely be executed for "incompetence and disgracing the Empire's dignity."
Assisted by his servants, he climbed into his sedan chair, mentally calculating his assets. He could probably muster 30,000 Sultanis, though he wondered if this meager sum would be enough to "persuade" Haj.
'How ironic,' he thought, 'the Sultan's envoy having to bribe a provincial Pasha.'
United States.
Philadelphia.
On the streets outside Independence Hall, two or three thousand citizens enthusiastically cheered and waved vigorously towards the Assembly Hall.
Hamilton stood by a second-story window, gazing at the scene with satisfaction, marveling at how worthwhile the more than 200,000 dollars he'd spent earlier had been.
News from the Mediterranean yesterday confirmed that the American fleet, with French and Dutch assistance, had eradicated the Barbary Pirates of Tunisia, significantly enhancing the safety of Mediterranean shipping routes henceforth.
As a congressman who had championed the special appropriation to combat the pirates, he had garnered considerable political prestige.
Madison, a fellow member of the Federalist Party, approached and gestured towards the window with a laugh:
"Mr. Hamilton, you're quite the legendary hero in Philadelphia now! Hmm, 'Pirate Avenger,' listen to the nickname people have given you."
He lowered his voice: "At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if you contended for the presidency."
"Ha, you jest. My reputation is nowhere near enough," Hamilton replied with a smile, yet the title "Pirate Avenger" resonated with him.
Naval reports indicated that the French had captured over a thousand pirates and offered to sell them to the United States for 2,000 dollars each.
That sum could buy five strong male slaves. But the fleet commander at the time had deemed it too expensive and refused the purchase.
Hamilton inwardly shook his head. 'What an idiot! He absolutely should have bought a hundred or so pirates, publicly tried them, and then hanged them in front of everyone. That would have made my title of "Pirate Avenger" even more fitting!'
The fervent and proud populace outside might indeed bring him a pleasant surprise in next year's presidential election.
With that thought, he turned to Madison:
"I will submit a request to Congress for an appropriation to purchase the Barbary Pirates. I ask for your support."
Netherlands, Amsterdam.
Sir Joseph York, the British Ambassador to the Netherlands, emerged from the Parliament building with a grim expression.
In the recently concluded Provincial Assembly meeting, the Dutch had not condemned France's actions in North Africa as Britain had hoped.
Furthermore, they had issued a statement proclaiming that free trade in the Mediterranean had seen improved protection recently, thanks in part to Dutch contributions.
York cursed under his breath. Everyone knew the Dutch fleet had merely played a supporting role for the French. This was clearly an endorsement of France!
Though the Dutch had been intimidated by Britain's past victories, they harbored deep resentment for Britain's imperious demands. Thus, they were delighted to seize any opportunity, however minor, to irritate Britain.
York then recalled a rumor he had heard two days prior—that the Dutch East and West India Companies would merge, accept French investment, and form a "United East India Company."
This matter needed to be investigated promptly. If true, he had to exert every effort to prevent it, lest the Netherlands lean further towards France.
'The Low Countries are a strategic "beachhead" for the British Empire; they absolutely cannot be lost!'
...
Aboard the Advance, Joseph read "Origins of Tunisia Analysis" with a smile.
Monsieur Saint-Pierre's writing was exceptional, skillfully weaving historical records, various legends, and even myths into a vivid narrative.
No, it was more like a vibrant chronicle of Tunisia's rich history.
He handed the manuscript to Ishaq, his "North Africa expert," asking him to review it. If it was satisfactory, it was to be translated into Arabic and Berber languages and then printed in large quantities as quickly as possible.
To expedite the process, he had even brought printing presses and printers aboard the ship.
Another day passed, and the fleet arrived at the port of Tunis City.
Berthier and a retinue of officers were already on the dock to greet them. However, as Joseph had instructed them not to reveal his identity, there were hardly any soldiers present.
As the landing craft tied up and steadied, Berthier and the others saw an exceptionally long gangplank extend from the ship, and then the Crown Prince appeared in their sight.
After a brief welcoming ceremony, Joseph walked straight along the more than 30-meter gangplank to a carriage that had been unloaded from the ship.
Berthier looked at the strange, sealed, two-pointed carriage and, puzzled, pulled Clauzel aside to ask:
"His Highness is...?"
Clauzel helplessly spread his hands and whispered:
"His Highness promised Her Majesty the Queen that he would stay on the ship. So, ah, that is a ship. A ship mounted on a carriage."
Berthier simply stared.
Half an hour later, the convoy arrived outside Tunis City. Joseph immediately noticed numerous tents erected on the open ground beside the distant road, numbering well over a thousand.
Judging by the flags around the camp and the attire of the patrolling soldiers, they appeared to be Tunisian Janissaries.
"What's going on?"
Berthier, seated opposite him in the "ship," promptly explained:
"Your Highness, this is the Janissary force led by Koja, numbering over 12,000. After their conflict with Younis concluded, they returned to Tunis City. Concerned they might cause trouble, I had them stationed outside the city."
Koja had naturally heard about how the French legion had breached the defenses of 7,000 Janissaries in barely an hour, and although the latter were hastily assembled, he still dared not easily provoke conflict with the French army. He dutifully remained outside the city.
Berthier continued, "However, these Tunisian soldiers are accustomed to their pampered lifestyle and constantly clamor to return to their homes in the city. Oh, they normally only train once every three days and don't stay in the barracks otherwise."
Joseph immediately had a thought and asked, "Are the most effective combat units of the Tunisian Janissaries primarily here?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
Joseph smiled slightly: "Then let them enter the city and go home."
Berthier hastily responded, "Your Highness, last week, Monsieur Prosper and his men, disguised within a French merchant caravan, successfully repelled an attack on the caravan and captured several bandits.
"It was discovered that these individuals were all Tunisian Janissaries from northern El Kef.
"Much evidence indicates that the previous attacks on the French were carried out by the Tunisian Janissaries.
"If these tens of thousands of Janissaries are allowed into Tunis City, they might very well..."
"It's fine," Joseph interjected. "To prevent another assassination of the Bey, they must deposit their weapons in the armory before entering the city.
"Additionally, increasing the number of Berber police and enhancing patrols should prevent any issues."
Berthier hesitated, then nodded:
"As you command, Your Highness."
Early the next morning, Joanne brought two men, one tall and one short, to Joseph's temporary residence in the southern part of Tunis City.
The taller middle-aged man had typical Arabic features but was dressed in a very European style. The shorter, plump man was clearly French but wore a turban and an open robe.
The three entered, led by Eman, and immediately saw the floor of the room laid with wooden planks, forming the shape of a ship.
Joanne, already accustomed to this, stepped forward, bowed with a hand over his chest, and said:
"Sir, Monsieur Agathon and Monsieur Moore have arrived."
He then introduced the two men beside him:
"This is Monsieur Joseph."
After mutual greetings, Joseph, following local customs, invited the two to sit on the carpet, ordered servants to bring drinks and pastries, and after a brief exchange of pleasantries, went straight to the point:
"I hope to utilize your channels to help me transport some special items to various parts of Tunisia."
Agathon was the French clothing merchant who had previously helped the Police Intelligence Bureau infiltrate Kaseer Palace. He was also a high-ranking member of the French Chamber of Commerce in Tunisia, possessing extensive connections and resources there.
Monsieur Moore, beside him, was his local partner, a native-born Arab.
Agathon had only heard from Joanne that the young man before him held an esteemed position and possessed high authority regarding matters in Tunisia.
Therefore, he politely asked:
"What is it you wish me to transport?"
"Weapons, ammunition," Joseph stated candidly, "and some silver coins."
Agathon and Moore exchanged a look, their expressions instantly tensing:
"Your Excellency, as you know, various parts of Tunisia are in turmoil lately. What if these goods are intercepted..."
"I will send people to protect you. Although their numbers won't be overwhelming, they will be sufficient to handle anything short of a full-scale Janissary force. Oh, regarding compensation, you can rest assured; it will satisfy you."
Seeing their continued hesitation, Joseph offered a greater enticement:
"By the way, this matter is of concern to the Royal Family. If you handle it well, I can guarantee you a place in Parisian high society."
Agathon's eyes immediately lit up. Even if French merchants like them, toiling in these "barbaric lands," earned vast sums, Parisian aristocrats would only scorn them as nouveau riche.
Their greatest dream was to become true members of French high society. Who wanted to spend their entire lives in a godforsaken place like North Africa?
He immediately nodded vigorously: "Please rest assured, no matter how many weapons... er, I mean goods, I guarantee they will be delivered to your desired locations on time!"
"Can you bypass the Janissary checkpoints?"
"That's the fundamental expectation, Your Excellency. I know precisely how to bribe those greedy fellows. Moreover, I can mobilize the Chamber of Commerce's influence; even if something is seized, it can be recovered with some money."
"Excellent, Monsieur Agathon! Allow me, on behalf of His Majesty the King, to express my sincere gratitude."
...
On the outskirts of Tunis City.
In a typical two-story Arab-style building, several elegantly dressed individuals excitedly passed around two pamphlets.
The title on the cover of the pamphlets boldly read — "Origins of Tunisia Analysis."
A bearded middle-aged man forcefully pointed to a specific page, exclaiming:
"Hilada Chelebi is absolutely right! We are Roman Descendants, with a glorious history and noble bloodline!"
"Chelebi" is an honorific for very renowned scholars. The Hilada he referred to was a highly influential scholar in Tunisia.
Another immediately added:
"These historical evidences demonstrate that we share a common origin with countries like France and Spain, and it is entirely possible for us to integrate into advanced European civilization!"
"Look, Chelebi mentions that many people in France believe we are their long-lost compatriots!"
The bearded man flipped through a couple of pages and said gravely:
"It's those damned Ottomans who severed our ties with our ancient Roman homeland! They caused Tunisia to become dilapidated and decline!"
Joseph had truly not anticipated that there would be so many ardent admirers of France in Tunisia.
But then again, it was understandable. Many French people conducted business in Tunisia, and they presented an enviable image of fashion, wealth, confidence, and France's inherent power to the locals. In an era where national and ethnic consciousness was extremely weak, it was easy for Tunisians to become Francophiles.
Joseph had initially only intended to try and find a common ancestry for France and Tunisia. As for how many Tunisians would believe it, he hadn't held much hope.
Even if it influenced 10% of the population, it would still make his plan smoother.
However, his historical research on "common ancestry" was embraced by many Tunisians, especially the intellectual class. No one cared whether the evidence in the text was reliable; they immediately accepted the conclusion. [Note 1]
It was like if a future American scholar were to "prove" that Filipinos shared a common ancestry with them; the latter would likewise gladly accept it.
[Note 1]: At this time, North Africa was primarily inhabited by Berbers, Arabs, and Ottomans. The latter two are standard Caucasians, with no significant physical differences from Europeans. Even Berbers, while having slightly darker skin, had long interbred with Caucasians, appearing as Caucasians who had spent too much time in the sun.
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