In the Name of Empress-Chapter 407 - 287: Tomorrow’s Troubles Belong to Those with a Tomorrow

Chapter 407: Chapter 287: Tomorrow’s Troubles Belong to Those with a Tomorrow

In the spring of 1794, there was no old man drawing a circle in the Beihai, but a group of high-ranking overseas officials stood at Emre Port, eagerly awaiting the most distinguished guest.

This guest was none other than Roland, the former Imperial Knight Commander and Governor, now the Vice Emperor with the honorary title of Caesar.

Over the past year, the political landscape of the Empire had undergone massive upheavals.

The Cabinet left by the old Emperor was almost completely eliminated.

Their public charge was treason.

Among the original members of the Cabinet, only three or four, including William and Alben, continued to serve; the others were either executed or forced into early retirement.

Since ascending the throne, Empress Sylph’s governing style could be described as vigorous and resolute.

She showed no mercy in suppressing dissidents, spared no effort in overseas expansion, and was only somewhat gentle with the lower classes at home.

In the past year, she almost entirely transplanted the successful experiences of the Four Overseas Provinces to the homeland.

She promoted mandatory education, emphasized industry, encouraged trade, raised military benefits, and downsized redundant troops.

Qualified soldiers were recruited from workers and farmers; the army was reorganized and expanded with the Knight Order and Overseas Legions as the backbone.

Moreover, the Imperial shipyards operated continuously, striving to process oak from the Oden Kingdom. Aside from this batch of sailing battleships, ironclad ships built with new technology and blueprints were also launched continuously.

Although it had only been a year since Her Majesty the Empress ascended the throne, the atmosphere within the Empire had been completely renewed, and the aging Empire seemed to be bursting with vitality again.

Everyone knew that while the Empress’s wisdom was undoubtedly crucial for these achievements, the man silently supporting her from behind might be even more important.

Yet, Roland was indeed too meritorious, overshadowing the sovereign.

In the annals of history, people like him generally did not have good endings.

People were also wondering how the Empress would ultimately deal with Roland.

Would she continue to reward him, or simply make Roland disappear as well?

While many were watching and speculating, the officials of the Four Overseas Provinces never doubted.

Oh, who couldn’t see the relationship between Her Majesty the Empress and Roland?

It’s a classic romance.

Though they were somewhat worried about the Empress destroying the foundation herself, they were more eager to become honored guests at the Empress’s wedding.

Amid guesses and anticipations, Empress Sylph suddenly announced an explosive piece of news at the 1794 New Year.

Roland was granted the honorary title of Caesar.

Everyone was stunned.

Some didn’t even know what Caesar meant and rushed to the library to find out.

It turned out it was the title of Vice Emperor during the Magic Empire period.

In the history of the Magic Empire, Caesar was not just an honorary title; it held real power, and there were even records of Caesar replacing the legitimate Emperor and ascending the throne.

The Empress’s absolute trust in Roland dispelled the illusions of opportunists.

Forget it; their relationship is solid, with no gaps; flies would have to crawl far away.

Roland’s elevation to Caesar completely dispelled William and Alben’s competition for the Chancellor’s office.

Previously, both of them had used the Left and Right Minister positions as stages, hoping to achieve enough merit for the Empress to restore the Prime Minister’s office.

Though they respected Roland, he had no formal position after all, and sometimes could neither suppress them nor quell the restlessness within the Cabinet.

This Cabinet was a new team under the Empress, and without special reasons, it would not easily be replaced.

Such is the nature of politics in great nations; without absolute necessity and assurance, it’s better not to act than to alter things at will.

Every change could alter the destiny of thousands upon thousands of people.

Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish; it must be handled with caution.

To stabilize the Cabinet and quell disputes, Sif brought up an old subject and once again requested Roland to become the Vice Emperor.

Her reasoning was simple: establishing a Vice Emperor certainly posed long-term risks, but the short-term benefits were greater.

If they couldn’t concentrate the nation’s power to crush Sofia, there would be no future for them.

The future problems should be left to their future selves or descendants.

Trust that tomorrow’s self will have enough wisdom.

Roland initially intended to refuse, but Sif’s one remark silenced him.

"Tomorrow’s troubles belong to those who have tomorrow."

Her meaning was evident: the decisive moment was approaching, and the massive machine of Sussex had to be operated now to seize the opportunity.

As for how to eliminate the aftermath, first survive and then worry about it.

Sofia was missing.

Since entering the Arctic Glacier one spring, she had never been seen again, and the Vladimir Empire had been running independently for two years without the Empress’s guidance, revealing several issues.

This was Sif’s opportunity, but most likely also a trap.

Roland and Sif did not believe that Sofia would suddenly disappear.

The day of return was near; there was no reason for Sofia not to appear.

They had to be prepared to face this great test.

Roland did not refuse; the title of Caesar was indeed significant.

The Empire had gradually formed two major sectors, at home and overseas, and with the Four Overseas Provinces officially enjoying the status of inland provinces, the overseas faction had become a powerful political force.

The overseas faction not only included steady and capable Cabinet members like Ados but also middle forces like Dailong and Bridges, and emerging figures like Raikkonen and Jes.

Their current power wasn’t too large, but their rapid growth could not be overlooked, even by Cabinet members.

The overseas faction knew their foundation was weak, hinting in their words that the Empress’s rise overseas made her their greatest patron.

Furthermore, Caesar Roland, as a leader of the overseas faction, was an essential figure.

As the Governor of Northern Rodinia, he epitomized the overseas faction!

Becoming Caesar, Roland can make decisions in place of the Emperor on many occasions.

For instance, overseas.

Before the decisive battle begins, Sif must stay in the Imperial Capital to coordinate various interests, and the only person she completely trusts to perfectly execute strategic decisions is Roland.

Imperial Tutor Wald, although trusted like Roland, is ultimately old.

The Empress couldn’t bear to see him continue working hard, so she let him retire with the highest treatment, keeping only the title of Senior Advisor.

If the country has important matters in the future, the Empress will still consult with him.

If not, then he can enjoy his retirement.

Of course, although his fief is overseas, the Empress did not urge him to leave the Imperial Capital.

With the teacher nearby, she feels more at ease, especially since Roland is going out to sea again.

He is headed to the Four Overseas Provinces to stir up another storm.

Governor Roland is back!

The officials of the Four Overseas Provinces were all invigorated and eagerly looking forward.

Governor Roland is their benefactor.

In just over a year overseas, he brought Ados and Aramis into the Cabinet, and other officials received considerable rewards, with promotion speeds like rockets.

However, after Roland returned to the Imperial Capital, the promotion speed of overseas officials slowed considerably.

Overseas officials felt bitter, but dared not complain that Roland had forgotten them.

They could only hope Roland would return soon.

With hope in minds, there will be a response; their sincere wishes touched the heavens and finally brought their governor back.

Along with him returned the fourth and fifth fleets, two massive fleets, and hundreds of thousands of elite Central Army soldiers.

Such a large-scale army is surely not just escorting Roland alone; there must be a larger scheme.

Bordeaux was impatiently waiting at the dock, finally seeing black smoke on the horizon.

"It’s the flagship of Lord Governor!"

Compared to Caesar and Count, the officials of the Four Overseas Provinces prefer to call Roland the Governor.

Though it’s not Roland’s highest position, it feels more personable.

Bordeaux was invigorated, his breath somewhat hurried.

Ados and Aramis already successfully entered the Cabinet, becoming high-ranking officials with actual power, reaching the zenith as subjects, yet he had fallen behind.

No help for him, the Cabinet seats were limited, and his performance rating lagged behind the two old friends, leaving him to continue overseas.

To soothe his injured feelings, the Empress especially let him take over her dual role as Vice Governor.

Bordeaux was grateful for the Empress’s generosity, yet somewhat melancholic.

He wants to progress too.

Unfortunately, once the opportunity is missed, it won’t come again.

Originally he thought he would rot overseas, yet unexpectedly his great benefactor Roland returned.

Thinking of Roland’s overwhelming power and Caesar title, his dormant heart started to stir.

He knows well what kind of subordinates Roland likes, naturally not daring to slack off.

Fortunately, he hasn’t relaxed these years, still advancing the construction of the Governor’s Territory according to Roland’s left policies, and it’s been effective. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

It took a full hour from seeing the black smoke of the flagship on the horizon to Roland stepping onto the dock.

It was also Bordeaux’s most anxious month.

He both hoped Roland would return soon to let him partake in the soup, yet feared drinking the soup would be uneasy, and even more feared the Empress sent Roland overseas merely to stabilize.

In his oscillating feelings, the salute guns roared.

Bordeaux’s heart finally settled.

The welcoming salute guns totaled twenty-one shots, also his request.

It’s widely known, most countries’ welcoming salutes are at most twenty-one shots. Among them, welcoming the national leader is twenty-one shots, government head nineteen shots.

Although Roland is Vice Emperor, going straight to twenty-one shots would exceed, the Governor surely dislikes that.

If they shot nineteen, it would be somewhat impolite.

Roland’s status is much higher than the Prime Minister.

Ultimately they could only compromise.

Seeing Roland stepping onto the dock with a gentle smile, Bordeaux breathed a sigh of relief.

He won the gamble.

Lord Governor is still the same Lord Governor.

Bordeaux hastily went up to greet, and caught a glimpse of the Golden Staff in Roland’s hand, his heart skipped a beat.

That scepter represents the Emperor’s authority, which even Her Majesty the Empress did not carry when she left the Imperial Capital back then.

His expression was slightly stiff, vaguely feeling some distance between himself and Roland.

Just when he felt a bit dejected, Tony standing beside him reminded with a smile:

"Bordeaux, don’t rush to be dejected yet, just think, if it’s only returning to the Governor’s Territory, is there a need to carry Her Majesty’s scepter?"

"Besides, look at this gigantic fleet, try guessing how many soldiers it can carry?"

Although Bordeaux loves to brag, he is definitely not a talentless waste.

His corpulent body shivered, understanding Tony’s implied meaning.

Her Majesty the Empress sent the most trusted Roland, carrying the Golden Staff and such a vast fleet, certainly not as a joke.

He’s very clear, the Empire is going to make a big move.