Empire Rising: Spain

It has been proven that in regards to Garibaldi’s funeral, Umberto I indeed made a wise move.

As a national hero renowned in Europe and America, the news of Garibaldi’s death shocked the entire Europe and also attracted attention from many countries in America.

Due to distance, American countries could only let their ambassadors in Rome represent them in attending Garibaldi’s funeral, commemorating this classical hero famous in Europe and America.

Countries located closer all sent their representatives, even powers like France and Germany were no exception.

A funeral attracting attention from many countries is rare in Europe. Aside from those historical aristocrats and rulers of various countries, very few funerals can draw such a level of international attention.

Thanks to the generous donations from the Italian Royal Family, Garibaldi’s funeral was even grander and more luxurious.

Although Garibaldi’s last wish was to be buried in the family cemetery on Capri Island, it did not mean the entire funeral process had to take place on Capri Island.

In reality, the funeral was held at Saint Lawrence Cathedral in Genoa. Garibaldi’s body would be placed here for a few days for people to pay their respects and mourn.

On June 3, 1882, Italy deployed naval ships to transport Garibaldi’s body from Capri to Genoa.

Behind the naval ships, there were various civilian vessels following voluntarily, forming an extraordinarily grand funeral fleet.

Italians voluntarily ceased work and classes, rushing to Genoa to pay respect to this national hero. The Italian Government simply announced a nationwide suspension of work and classes, boosting its popularity.

The funeral process differed little from those of European nobility. Garibaldi’s body was transported through Genoa’s port and the shipyard where he had worked as a youth, and then arrived at Saint Roxelane Cathedral.

After being placed for three days, Garibaldi’s body was hurriedly returned to Capri Island, where the funeral concluded with his burial in the family cemetery.

After the entire funeral process ended, many Italians were still unwilling to leave. The 16-square-kilometer Capri Island quickly became a famous Italian spot, with dozens to hundreds visiting daily to honor Garibaldi.

If not for the small island size and port, more Italians would likely visit Capri Island daily.

When Steward Luo Lun returned to Spain, several days had passed.

Giotto remained in Italy, planning to spend more time with his mother before returning to Spain.

Originally, Giotto intended to invite his mother and sister’s family to live in Spain. Living in Spain would offer mutual care, and his position as Commander of the Imperial Guard would be sufficient to support the entire family.

However, Giotto’s proposal was quickly rejected by his mother. She had lived in seclusion on this island with Garibaldi for over ten years and naturally did not want to move to Spain.

Moreover, with Garibaldi buried on Capri Island, she did not intend to leave her husband.

Giotto was helpless; he could only accompany his mother and sister as much as possible, leaving money to ensure their lives.

In fact, Garibaldi’s later years weren’t as impoverished as history suggests. Ten years ago, due to articles he published in newspapers, he had earned considerable royalties over the years.

The royalties Garibaldi earned totaled at least a million Lira, which was not a small sum.

This amount alone was enough for Giotto’s mother and sister to live well. Giotto knew they were not lacking money, yet he still left a substantial sum.

This was also Giotto’s remorse and compensation. Since taking office in Spain, Giotto had almost no opportunity to be with his family.

Since Carlo’s migration to Spain last time, Giotto had seen Garibaldi once, but Garibaldi never saw his two sons again before his death.

For Carlo, the already past funeral of Garibaldi was no longer important.

Because the day Steward Luo Lun returned, Prime Minister Prim’s doctor informed Carlo of the Prime Minister’s critical condition, and he might pass away anytime due to illness.

Although Carlo had been prepared for a long time, he couldn’t help but sigh when he learned of Prime Minister Prim’s critical condition.

In recent years, people familiar to Carlo had continuously drifted away from him.

Vittorio Emanuele II was the first, Garibaldi the second, and then it would be Prime Minister Prim.

However, in such a poorly medical era, living so many years could also be considered lucky for them.

Even the youngest, Vittorio Emanuele II, was almost 58 years old when he died. Though this was not considered advanced age, it was not premature death either.

The arrival of bad news was abrupt.

On the third day after the doctor notified Carlo of Prime Minister Prim’s critical condition, specifically June 13, 1882, Prime Minister Prim lost breathing.

Upon learning of Prime Minister Prim’s death, Carlo immediately rushed to the hospital where Prime Minister Prim was located. The death of this former prime minister also alarmed the Spanish Government, with most cabinet officials coming to pay respects.

Looking at Prime Minister Prim, who had already ceased breathing on the hospital bed, Carlo once again sighed helplessly, then began discussing the funeral details of Prime Minister Prim with Prime Minister Canovas.