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Chapter 548: Britain's Strategic Direction

Marquis Wellesley's expression also grew solemn.

He silently continued flipping through the pages. The next section of the report detailed France's diplomatic situation.

It was equally astonishing.

Spain, being a Bourbon-ruled nation, had always enjoyed excellent relations with France.

America, ever since its independence, was France's undeniable ally.

Due to France's significant assistance during the Silesian War, Austria now maintained a rather harmonious relationship with them.

The states of South Germany had signed the "Rhine-Seine River Treaty" with France, and trade was booming between them.

The Patriot Party in the Netherlands had previously received French aid. While there was some discontent regarding the Southern Netherlands, they generally maintained peaceful coexistence with France.

The Italian states constantly sought balance between France and Austria, wary of offending either side.

Russia, on the other hand, was cooperating with France to develop the Donbas region. Empress Catherine II was highly satisfied with France's investments there, and with the steadily growing trade between the two nations, rumors even circulated that she intended to marry her eldest granddaughter to the French Crown Prince.

Marquis Wellesley's heart sank.

'A Franco-Russian alliance?!'

That would create a terrifying behemoth on the European continent. The current strength of Austria, Prussia, and other nations simply couldn't stand against them.

In other words, France's current diplomatic situation was nothing short of heavenly.

Aside from Prussia, there were virtually no hostile nations, and France was likely to gain Russia as a powerful ally.

Marquis Wellesley narrowed his eyes. They had to disrupt France's international standing quickly, otherwise, once it established continental hegemony, Britain would have no chance to rise again.

This was Britain's long-standing policy of "Continental Balance" — Europe must remain fragmented, and a hegemon must never be allowed to emerge.

He turned to Pitt, saying in a deep voice:

"It seems we must intervene to maintain the balance."

Pitt nodded.

"Indeed. We don't have much time to waste."

He glanced at the page Marquis Wellesley had turned to and continued:

"The report also mentions the various reforms France has undertaken over the past two years."

"We must admit, they've done an excellent job."

"First, they tackled the tax issues, incidentally putting the unruly nobles in their place. Then, they pushed for banking reforms, streamlined the financial system, and even established something called the 'Industrial Development Fund,' successfully placating noble discontent."

"After all this, their precarious treasury began to stabilize. This also guaranteed their ability to rapidly develop industries afterward."

"Next, they implemented land reforms, gaining widespread public support. Oh, and recently, they even reclaimed tax collection rights. I heard that despite clashes with the Tax Farmers, resulting in several hundred deaths, domestic support for the government actually grew stronger."

"The Duke of Leeds predicts that with improved tax collection, France's industrial development will accelerate even further, posing a massive threat to our products in the European market."

Pitt glanced at the report again.

"Previously, the Duke of Leeds mentioned little about France's military situation, but you've just provided an update. That, too, is far from optimistic."

"In fact, His Majesty the King has largely agreed for the nation to shift towards a strategy against France."

"I've already instructed the cabinet ministers to develop strategic plans for their respective areas. There will be several more discussions, and for the military aspect, you'll likely need to submit a report as well."

"Once all plans are finalized, they will be presented to His Majesty for signature and implementation."

He hadn't mentioned Parliament at all. While Britain was nominally governed by Parliament, in reality, the grand strategies concerning the nation's fate were largely decided by the elites of the House of Lords and the King, with the populist members of Parliament only able to offer opinions on taxation.

Pitt let out a long sigh after speaking. "It seems our peaceful lives will soon come to an end."

As they spoke, their carriage pulled to a halt in front of St. James's Palace.

Marquis Wellesley alighted from the carriage to find his mother, his brother, and a host of other officials already waiting. Immediately, a fresh wave of cheers erupted from all around:

"Our hero has returned!"

"It's the protector of the Far East, the great Marquis Wellesley!"

Marquis Wellesley found the praises grating. After a quick embrace with his mother and brother, he swiftly followed Pitt into the ballroom where his triumphant return was being celebrated.

He forced a smile, gave a short speech, and performed an opening dance, then retreated to an inconspicuous corner, pondering his next move against France.

A graceful figure in a white gown drifted towards him, holding a wine glass and standing a short distance away, expectantly waiting for Marquis Wellesley to ask her to dance.

This noblewoman, Lady Catherine Kitty Pakenham, was an object of Marquis Wellesley's affections. However, she had shown little interest in him before, only changing her mind after his recent victory in India brought him considerable fame.

Yet, she waited for well over ten minutes, but the young officer who once pursued her so ardently now merely stood silently, head bowed, showing no inclination to dance with her.

Feeling a touch disheartened, she was about to approach him further when she saw Lord Grenville, the Foreign Secretary, walking toward him, forcing her to grudgingly stop.

"Congratulations," Lord Grenville said, smiling as he raised his glass to Marquis Wellesley. "To a magnificent victory."

"To victory."

Marquis Wellesley clinked glasses with him, exchanged a few pleasantries, and the conversation quickly shifted to Britain's overarching strategy.

"Indeed, as you've observed, the current international situation is highly favorable to the French," the Foreign Secretary conceded with a nod. "However, we are not entirely without options."

Marquis Wellesley had also served in diplomatic roles, and he knew how challenging it would be to launch a diplomatic offensive against France. He expressed his surprise immediately:

"Do you mean you already have a plan?"

"I have some general ideas that I wanted to discuss with you." Lord Grenville greatly admired Marquis Wellesley, often remarking that he was far less intelligent than him.

"I've always believed that one shouldn't be too greedy in anything. If you try to hold onto everything, you'll end up with nothing."

Marquis Wellesley nodded. "Please, continue."

"Previously, in order to better control our trade with Russia, we consistently opposed Russia's claims over Poland."

Lord Grenville raised his glass. "However, this not only offended our ally, Prussia, but also inadvertently created discord between Prussia and Austria."

Marquis Wellesley pondered briefly before asking, "Are you suggesting that our protection of Poland hindered the expansionist ambitions of Prussia and Austria?"

"Precisely. Without Russian involvement, it would be very difficult for Prussia and Austria to expand eastward, especially Austria, which would even prefer to focus its strength on Romania. This situation, of course, is exactly what the French desire most."