Empire Rising: Spain

Of course, whether they are in mainland Spain or the colonies, they are within the Spanish official system and naturally need political achievements to advance further.

Carlo’s control over the colonies is stronger, which results in a principle of meritocracy and capability prevailing in the Spanish colonies.

Simply put, as long as one is not a black slave and has obtained the status of a Spanish colony resident, one can become an official of the colony based on their capabilities.

The stronger the ability, the more political achievements one can establish, and thus reach a higher position.

Except for the Governor of the Colony, who is personally appointed by the King and whose position has little to do with political achievements, all other colonial government positions, including city mayors, depend entirely on the official’s political achievements for promotion and appointment.

This is indeed a suitable system for the colonies, as officials in various Spanish colonies must find ways to fill the gaps in their political achievements in order to ascend higher.

The advantage of this system is that it prevents idle officials. Unless one never wishes to be promoted or get a raise, they must achieve something.

After all, higher positions not only represent greater power but also more income and benefits.

Since Carlo was crowned King of Spain, he has raised the welfare benefits and specific income of Spanish officials multiple times. Moreover, compared to the military, government officials have higher welfare benefits and income, and stronger social status.

Carlo increased the income and welfare benefits of officials precisely to prevent corruption from occurring.

After raising the welfare benefits and income of officials, Carlo also enhanced the supervision and management of all Spanish officials. Any official involved in corruption would not only have to return illicit funds but also face serious consequences as a warning to others.

Even before the establishment of the West Africa Colony, Harrison had already been the Governor of the Gambia Colony. Over the years, Harrison accumulated a substantial amount of wealth, achieving financial freedom with ease.

This is the advantage of being an official, especially being a high-ranking one. Substantial income can be accumulated even without corruption.

Of course, if one were slightly corrupt, the income amassed might be even greater. However, doing so would be standing in opposition to Carlo, and Harrison would not jeopardize his political career.

Just as Harrison, with a smiling face, was supervising the loading of grain at the port, a minor commotion suddenly erupted at the outermost part of the port.

Naturally, Harrison noticed this as well. He frowned and asked in dissatisfaction, "Damn it, who can tell me what is going on there?"

There was no need for Governor Harrison to send someone to inquire. A soldier suddenly ran from the outermost part of the port to Governor Harrison, speaking between gasps, "Governor, Governor, a French Fleet has come outside the port!"

"French Fleet?"

Governor Harrison’s originally smiling face instantly turned grim. He asked again, "Are you sure it’s the French Fleet? Soldier."

"Absolutely, Governor. The French flag is flying on their warships, and they are approaching our port." The soldier nodded once again, looking very confident.

"Damn it, why would the French warships come to our port?" Governor Harrison, observing the chaotic situation at the outskirts of the port, was momentarily puzzled by the French intentions.

"Governor, I’m afraid we need to be prepared. The French have not informed us in advance, which probably means their intentions are not friendly," a colonial official reminded Governor Harrison.

"These damn Frenchmen have chosen a perfect time. I hope they won’t affect our grain transportation," Governor Harrison nodded, feeling that the sudden arrival of the French carried no goodwill.

What concerned Governor Harrison somewhat was the large quantity of grain currently waiting for loading and transportation at Banjul Port.

If the French didn’t make any other moves, the grain could be preserved. But if the French took any other actions, or a small-scale conflict broke out with the Spanish here, then the grain would most likely be lost.

The less grain shipped to Spain, the less political credit for Harrison. Just when it seemed like the grain was a sure gain, the French suddenly intervened, causing issues for Governor Harrison.

"Mobilize the troops stationed at the port and stay alert for any French actions.

Do not hesitate with the coastal batteries near the port; aim them at the French warships. If these Frenchmen remain inactive, that’s fine, but if they bombard Banjul, fire back immediately!" Governor Harrison promptly issued the order without any hesitation.

"Yes, Governor."

The officials quickly conveyed Governor Harrison’s orders, and the garrison and coastal batteries at the port mobilized, keeping a close watch on the French Fleet outside the port.

A few minutes later, the French Fleet had approached the Spanish port.

How close, you ask? Governor Harrison could even see the French flag on the French warships with the naked eye, confirming it was indeed a French Fleet.

"Signal the French and ask what they intend to do. If they come any closer to the port, I will regard it as a provocation against the Kingdom of Spain and have the right to actively sink the French Fleet," Governor Harrison said grimly, his gaze never leaving the French Fleet.

A few minutes later, several officials hurriedly arrived and reported to Governor Harrison, "Governor, these Frenchmen said they are a transport fleet from the Gold Coast and want to dock at our port to replenish supplies."

Upon hearing the officials’ explanation, Governor Harrison not only showed no sign of relief but expressed doubt, sneering, "Do these Frenchmen think I’m a fool? It’s indeed over a thousand kilometers from the Gold Coast to here, but there’s a French port just over a hundred kilometers north of Banjul. Instead of replenishing supplies at their port, they come to ours. What do they take us for? A transit point they can use at will?"

After voicing his doubts, Governor Harrison pondered for a moment before issuing his order, "Tell these Frenchmen that Banjul Port is undertaking an important transportation task and cannot provide a berth for them, nor do we have time to supply them with resources.

Have them leave the port immediately. I certainly don’t want these big ships lingering around the port, especially with their cannons pointing at me, keeping me from sleeping soundly."

"Yes, Governor."

While Spain clearly expressed its refusal, the French Fleet didn’t leave immediately but stayed at Banjul Port for several more minutes.

Just when Governor Harrison was about to become infuriated and ordered the coastal batteries to aim at the French warships and fire several warning shots about a hundred meters in front of them, the French Fleet slowly began to retreat.

At this point, Governor Harrison fully understood the French intentions. In short, they were intimidating Spain to avenge Spain’s covert interference in the Asian war.

Thinking of this, Governor Harrison didn’t hesitate and immediately sent a telegram to mainland Spain, detailing the incident’s causes, processes, and results that occurred at Banjul Port.

Even though he held no goodwill towards the arrogance of these Frenchmen, Governor Harrison did not embellish the report and straightforwardly relayed the event to Carlo, awaiting Carlo’s next decision.

Although France’s overall strength is greater than that of Spain, that doesn’t mean Spain is afraid of France. For such provocative actions by the French Fleet, Spain will surely retaliate, and in a more powerful manner than the French provocation.