Empire Rising: Spain - Chapter 239 - 162: The Expedition Team’s Great Harvest

Since this land is to belong to the Royal Family, why should the government expend effort on it? What Prime Minister Prim is actually asking about is the benefits the government can gain from the colonial action.

“The land of the Congo River Basin should be established as a royal territory, with the Royal Family being the sole owner of this land.” Upon hearing Prime Minister Prim’s inquiry, Carlo smiled and said:

“But the profits from this land can be shared half and half with the government. Only through collaboration between the Royal Family and the government in jointly developing this land will it result in the best outcome for us.”

Upon hearing Carlo’s intention to make this land a royal territory, several ministers’ expressions changed instantly. Minister of Transportation Ruiz stood up and said, “Your Majesty, if we are to establish a colony, why not directly establish it as a new Spanish colony?

The colony’s revenues can still be split fifty-fifty with the Royal Family, given that the government will definitely be the main force in building this colony. What do you think?”

Carlo chuckled, having already anticipated the government’s interest in this land. However, the Royal Family has already gained the upper hand due to the expedition, and it’s virtually impossible for the government to gain sovereignty over this land, as they have no grounds.

Unless the government intends to forcibly seize it, they have no chance of obtaining sovereignty over this land.

So the question arises, will the Spanish Government sever ties with the Royal Family over this land?

“Minister Ruiz, please repeat what you’ve just said.” Carlo looked at Ruiz calmly, having no favorable impression of this so-called radical reformist.

“Your Majesty, the government has the right of disposition over Spanish lands. Furthermore, the government will serve as the main force in developing the Congo River Basin. I believe that establishing a government-controlled colony is the best and most effective colonization method.

The Royal Family can still receive a share of the benefits from the colony in the Congo River Basin, which also serves as compensation for the Royal Family’s initial discovery of this land.” Upon Carlo’s request, Ruiz remained unfazed, reiterating his opinion.

For Ruiz, as long as Prime Minister Prim did not express a clear objection, he naturally had nothing to fear.

Moreover, according to the Spanish constitution, the Royal Family indeed has limited influence over the Cabinet Government. Ruiz, as a minister in the Cabinet Government, is unafraid of Carlo’s reproach, unless Prime Minister Prim heeds Carlo’s every word.

Additionally, within the Progressive Party, Ruiz is quite a prominent figure. He is the second-ranking figure in the Progressive Party, the third-ranking figure in Spanish politics, with influence second only to Prime Minister Prim and Duke Serrano.

To Ruiz, the Royal Family should not excessively interfere with the decisions of the Spanish Government. Since the land has already been discovered, it should naturally be handled by the Spanish Government.

As a form of reward to the Royal Family, sharing half of the colony’s revenue with the Royal Family already constitutes a win-win situation.

Upon hearing Ruiz’s response, Carlo smiled mildly and said mercilessly, “Minister Ruiz, may I ask if you can represent the Spanish Government?

The expedition that discovered the plains of the Congo River Basin has no relation to the government, and certainly not to you. Frankly, you have no authority or right to advise on the disposition of the land in the Congo River Basin.

The purpose of convening this meeting is merely to invite the government to jointly develop the land in the Congo River Basin, rather than to hear your self-righteous propositions.”

Since becoming King of Spain, Carlo has indeed refrained from interfering too much with the decisions of the Spanish Government. This is mostly out of consideration for Prime Minister Prim, not an indication that Carlo has no ambition for power, content to be a sidelined king.

Suggestions like Ruiz’s essentially offer Carlo an opportunity to rebuke him face-to-face. Regarding such a radical reformist, Carlo holds little goodwill.

Because before entering the Progressive Party, this fellow was a member of the Republican Party. Whether he sincerely recognizes the Monarchy of Spain or does so out of necessity due to Prime Minister Prim’s stance is a question worth pondering.

To counter Ruiz’s propositions that challenge royal authority, the best approach is to make him recognize his standing. Carlo doesn’t believe that Prime Minister Prim would completely offend the Royal Family for Ruiz, as that would be equivalent to undermining the foundation of the Kingdom Government.

The Kingdom Government and the King are complementary to each other, challenging the King’s authority is tantamount to challenging the Kingdom Government’s authority.

Although Carlo is unsure of Ruiz’s intentions in openly challenging royal authority during the meeting, he will not tolerate such self-destructive behavior.

“I agree with His Majesty.” Minister of Industry Canovas stood up, expressing his stance: “Since the expedition by the Royal Family discovered the Congo River Basin, sovereignty should belong to the Royal Family.

However, cooperation between the government and the Royal Family in development is necessary; such vast land is indeed a valuable asset for Spain.

If the government claims the land in the Congo River Basin for itself, what does it regard the Royal Family as? Do not forget, Spain is a Kingdom Government, and His Majesty the King is the ruler of Spain.”

“I also agree with His Majesty’s proposal.” Minister of Agriculture Jovellar followed Canovas’s lead and stood up, stating: “What we should be discussing is how to jointly develop the land in the Congo River Basin, not fighting internal battles for the sovereignty of the land.

If we cannot even comprehend this step, gentlemen, how can Spain ever speak of being strong?”