Chapter 290 The hero is late
Since 1882, many cabinet ministers have begun to report to Carlo frequently.

Carlo is now a figure that the Spanish government cannot ignore. If they can gain Carlo’s support, it will be beneficial to their re-election.

Carlo certainly understood the purpose of these cabinet ministers reporting to him frequently, and this was a result that Carlo deliberately promoted.

The reason is very simple, that is to prevent the prime minister from dominating the cabinet government and thus undermining the royal power.

Although the Prime Minister can appoint nine cabinet ministers, the King of Spain also controls five cabinet positions, including the Deputy Prime Minister, the Archbishop, the Secretary of State for Justice, the Secretary of State for Royal Affairs, and the Secretary of State for the Colonies, either through direct appointment or election by the House of Lords.

If we add the Minister of Defense elected by the Military Council, the political power held by the King of Spain is fully capable of competing with the Prime Minister. This is also a means to ensure that the future King of Spain will not be sidelined.

Since March, the atmosphere of the cabinet election in Spain has become intense. Although the so-called cabinet election is not determined by popular vote, the Spanish people still pay close attention to every cabinet election.

After all, to put it bluntly, the Prime Minister of the Cabinet is elected by the House of Commons, and the members of the House of Commons are elected by the district councils in each major region.

Members of the regional council are elected by the people of each region, and the people have direct say over the qualifications of regional councillors.

Any citizen who is over 18 years old, has lived in Spain for more than ten years and has Spanish nationality can participate in the election of regional councillors and is eligible to be elected as a councillor.

This approach is much more democratic than the direct appointment system during the reign of Queen Isabella. The Spanish people actively participate in every regional council election and pay close attention to every rotation of cabinet government power.

According to public opinion surveys conducted by major newspapers, there are still many people who support Prime Minister Canovas’ re-election.

Although Spain lost its Cuban colony during his term, the West African colonies it gained in return were not without value.

More importantly, Spain’s Congo territory is now a colony with an area of ​​millions of square kilometers. The size of the Congo territory alone is enough to make up for Spain’s regret for losing Cuba.

This is also due to the stability of Spanish politics. The Conservative Party has become the largest party in Spain. As the leader of the Conservative Party, Canovas has a much greater chance of being re-elected as prime minister than others.

Carlo’s attitude is also very clear, that is, to support Prime Minister Canovas’ re-election.

After becoming the Prime Minister of Spain, Canovas did not forget Carlo’s support for him. In all important decisions of the Spanish cabinet government, Prime Minister Canovas would fully consider Carlo’s opinions and attitudes, and he was respectful enough for the royal power.

This is also the reason why Carlo is willing to let him run for re-election.

With no major suspense over who will become prime minister, Carlo does not intend to pay too much attention to Spain’s cabinet election.

At present, there is a more important thing worthy of Carlo’s attention, that is, the former Prime Minister of Spain and the greatest contributor to the Spanish Savoy Dynasty, Duke Primo, is critically ill.

Since his assassination in 1875, Prime Minister Primo has gradually faded out of politics.

On the one hand, he was willing to hand over all power to Carlo and believed that Carlo could lead Spain to greatness.

On the other hand, it was also because Prime Minister Primo’s health condition was very poor after being assassinated.

Although the assassination did not endanger Prime Minister Primo’s life, the medical technology of that era was not so reliable.

Since then, Prime Minister Primo’s health has become very poor, and he seems to have aged by more than ten years.

As the greatest contributor to the Kingdom of Spain, after Prime Minister Primo announced the end of his political career, Carlo presented a large amount of assets to Prime Minister Primo in the name of the royal family, including a castle and thousands of acres of land.

These assets are enough for Prime Minister Primo to live a good life after his political career ends. The rent from the land alone is enough for Prime Minister Primo to live on.

In addition, Carlo also sent a small guard to Prime Minister Primo. This was not to monitor Prime Minister Primo, but Carlo’s purpose was only to protect Prime Minister Primo’s safety.

Prime Minister Primo’s reforms are certainly a positive development for Spain, but for the previous vested interests, it is like cutting their flesh one by one.

Primo was assassinated when he was prime minister. Now that he has retired from politics and has no political power, who can guarantee that Primo will not be assassinated?
The guards sent by Carlo were to protect Primo’s safety. Carlo was very grateful to Prime Minister Primo. Without his support, Carlo would not have become the King of Spain and mastered most of the political power so smoothly.

If there were any power-hungry prime minister, after Carlo showed enough ability, he would probably be more wary of Carlo and would not give Carlo a certain amount of power and influence.

By the way, it has been 13 years since Carlo became the King of Spain. Old guys like Prime Minister Primo who once promoted the Spanish Revolution have now reached their twilight years.

Prime Minister Primo was born in 1814 and is 68 years old this year, which is definitely considered a long life in this era. If he had not been assassinated and his health deteriorated rapidly, Prime Minister Primo might have lived to be 1870 or 56 years old. This is also very different from the historical ending that he was assassinated in 12 at the age of . At least he lived years longer than in history.

Prime Minister Serrano, who is four years older than Prime Minister Primo, is already 72 years old this year. Carlo has also communicated with Prime Minister Serrano, who has formally requested not to hold any position and plans to retire gloriously to spend his later years.

In fact, people in every era are similar. No matter how many years they live, they will always face various diseases and pains in old age.

Archduke Serrano was in relatively good health, but after he turned 70, his health gradually deteriorated.

Fortunately, Prime Minister Canovas is capable enough, so Archduke Serrano, as Deputy Prime Minister, does not have to take on too many government affairs. He basically exists as a mascot to increase the influence of Count Canovas, the Prime Minister.

Now that Prime Minister Canovas has gained enough political influence, it is naturally time for Archduke Serrano to retire.

Carlo certainly had no objection to Archduke Serrano’s proposal to retire.

Because Archduke Serrano had reached the pinnacle of the Spanish nobility, Carlo’s rewards to Archduke Serrano were mostly money and the like, allowing him to spend his later years in wealth. It was also a statement to all officials loyal to the royal family, letting them understand that being loyal to the royal family would not only allow them to have a good end, but also obtain titles and property, allowing their children and grandchildren to enjoy wealth and glory.

Compared to Prime Minister Primo, Archduke Serrano is in much better health. Prime Minister Primo is already critically ill, while Archduke Serrano is still in relatively good health.

Carlo also communicated with Prime Minister Primo’s doctor about his health problems. The doctors are helpless about Prime Minister Primo’s physical condition. Now it all depends on how long Prime Minister Primo can last.

According to doctors’ estimates, Prime Minister Primo could only last half a year at most. This also made Carlo increase the number of visits to Prime Minister Primo. For Carlo, Prime Minister Primo is indeed a mentor and helpful friend. It was his protection that allowed Carlo to survive the most vulnerable period in the first few years of becoming the King of Spain.

The reason why Carlo’s brother, the historical King Amadeo I of Spain, quickly and voluntarily gave up the Spanish throne was largely because Prime Minister Primo had been assassinated before he arrived in Spain.

If the king has no supporters, he will never be able to keep the throne.

What Carlo did not expect was that before Prime Minister Primo, another noteworthy person passed away quietly.

When the news of Garibaldi’s death came from Italy, Carlo was in the royal palace with his young son Martin and daughter Sofia.

Martin is less than three years old this year, which is the most adorable age for a child. Carlo is also happy and leisurely, holding Sofia, who is already six years old, in his left hand, and Martin, who is less than three years old, in his right hand, and checking the academic performance of Prince Juan Fernando, who is already seven years old.

Upon learning of Garibaldi’s death, Carlo immediately put the two little guys down, stared at the guard who sent the message, and asked in disbelief: “What did you say? Mr. Garibaldi is dead?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. News came from Italy that Mr. Garibaldi died this morning at his residence on Caprera Island. The Italian government is currently preparing for Mr. Garibaldi’s funeral.” The guard respectfully handed over a telegram document and explained to Carlo.

Carlo took the original telegram, read it carefully, sighed and said, “This is really bad news. Have you notified Giotti and Menotti?” “Not yet. After learning the content of the telegram, I immediately came to report to you.” The guard replied.

“Go and notify Jyoti first, and then send a telegram to Lan Fang to transfer Menotti back.” Carlo thought for a while and gave the order.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” The guard nodded and went to convey Carlo’s order.

After the guards left, Carlo sat in the palace and looked towards Rome, wondering what he was thinking.

“Father.” Prince Juan Fernando walked up and looked at Carlo with concern.

“Don’t worry, little Juan. A hero like Garibaldi will definitely go to heaven, and he won’t have to suffer from illness anymore.” Carlo put away his complicated emotions and looked at his eldest son with relief.

For Carlo, nothing could make him happier than knowing that his eldest son was so successful.

Since receiving the strict elite aristocratic education set by Carlo, Juan Fernando has had no complaints and has meticulously completed all the academic assignments assigned by Carlo.

The teachers that Carlo hired specifically for him from all over Europe were also very satisfied with little Juan’s efforts and had praised his diligence in front of Carlo many times.

So far, Carlo is quite satisfied with Prince Juan’s performance. After he finishes his studies and has some political training, even if he cannot grow into a wise and brave pioneering monarch, it will be no problem for him to be a mediocre monarch who can maintain the status quo.

Considering the future historical trend, Spain really needs a king who can maintain the status quo after Carlo to consolidate the territory established by Carlo.

If Carlo’s plan to annex Portugal and establish the Iberian Empire could really be realized, then the future Spain would need decades to digest the entire Spain.

Once Portugal and Morocco are swallowed and digested, Spain’s potential will be infinitely expanded, and it will truly become a country capable of competing with the superpowers.

Now that he had learned of Garibaldi’s death, Carlo would naturally not remain indifferent. He would at least send a confidant to attend Garibaldi’s funeral, after all, Garibaldi was very supportive of Carlo at the time.

Both of his sons traveled from Italy to Spain to serve Carlo. One is currently the commander-in-chief of the Spanish Guard, and the other is the head of the Spanish Military Guidance Group in Lanfang. Both of them are deeply trusted by Carlo.

Carlo also considered attending Garibaldi’s funeral in person, but finally gave up the idea after thinking it over.

After all, Carlo was the king of Spain, and Garibaldi was the national hero of Italy. The two had nothing to do with each other.

Even though Carlo and Garibaldi had a good relationship, it was not to the extent that a king would condescend to attend the funeral in person.

Perhaps only the kings and emperors of various countries were qualified to have Carlo attend the funeral in person. Even the kings of small countries were not qualified. Only the rulers of powerful countries were qualified to have Carlo attend in person.

If Carlo insisted on going, it would only damage the prestige of the Spanish royal family. If a king himself does not value his authority, then who else will?
Of course, considering that both Giotti and Menotti were serving him, it was necessary for Carlo to send someone of sufficient status and able to represent him to attend Garibaldi’s funeral.

In fact, for Carlo, there is only one such candidate, and that is Loren, the chief steward of the Spanish royal palace.

As the steward of the royal palace, Loren represented Carlo and the Spanish royal family to the outside world, so it was natural for him to attend Garibaldi’s funeral.

Soon, the commander-in-chief of the Guards, Giotti, also learned the news of his father’s death. He immediately came to see Carlo and wanted to ask for leave to return to Italy to attend his father’s funeral.

Of course Carlo would not refuse. He not only immediately agreed to Jyoti’s request, but also allowed Jyoti to take a warship to Italy with Butler Lauren.

In order to allow the two to travel to Italy as quickly as possible to attend Garibaldi’s funeral, Carlo decided to mobilize a warship to Italy.

This not only reflects Carlo’s importance to Garibaldi, but also provides an opportunity to increase the Italian people’s favorability towards Carlo.

You know, Garibaldi is a recognized Italian national hero and one of the three major contributors to the unification of Italy.

Even in terms of public support, Garibaldi was far higher than Vittorio Emanuele II, the father of the Italian nation.

This is also the reason why Garibaldi was highly guarded by the Italian royal family. If Garibaldi wanted to, he could always use the support of the people to launch a revolution and push himself to the throne of the Italian ruler.

When Jodie learned that Carlo planned to invite Butler Lauren to attend his father’s funeral, she was very grateful to Carlo.

After all, Garibaldi made no contribution to Spain, so there was no need for Carlo to attach so much importance to him.

In Italy, after learning of Garibaldi’s death, King Umberto I of Italy first showed a barely perceptible smile, and then a trace of regret emerged on his face.

Garibaldi’s death was good news for the Italian royal family. The person who posed the greatest threat to the royal family was dead, and the position of the Italian royal family would become more stable.

But his death was also bad news for Umberto I. Umberto I was a nationalist, and if he wanted to promote Italy’s military advancement, he needed Garibaldi’s support.

In the previous colonial competition in Tunisia, it was Garibaldi’s strong support that successfully aroused public anger in Italy.

Without the support of this national hero who is trusted by the people, Italy’s future path of nationalism and militarism will become more difficult.

Most people still want to maintain a peaceful and stable life. War only brings pain to ordinary people, and most of those who go to the battlefield are just ordinary people.

Although the Italian royal family was wary of Garibaldi when he was alive, when Umberto I learned of Garibaldi’s death, he did not hesitate at all and immediately decided to hold a state funeral for Garibaldi and allowed people from all over Italy to come to mourn Garibaldi.

The Italian government did not hide the news of the death of national hero Garibaldi.

This also led many Italian people to spontaneously go to Caprera Island, where Garibaldi lived during his lifetime, and they all commemorated this national hero in their own way.

In order to maintain order, the Italian government had to dispatch hundreds of police officers to Caprera Island and persuade the Italian people.

The Italian government said that Garibaldi’s funeral will be held in Rome, and people can go to Rome to pay their respects to Garibaldi at that time.

It was the Italian government’s repeated statements that eased the Italian people’s desire to go to Caprera Island to commemorate Garibaldi.

For Umberto I, the previous precautions against Garibaldi were no longer important. What was important now was how to make good use of Garibaldi’s funeral to improve the royal family’s favorability.

The more importance the Italian royal family attaches to Garibaldi’s funeral, the more people’s favorability towards the Italian royal family will be enhanced.

It is for this reason that on the day when Garibaldi’s death was announced, Umberto I announced a high-profile donation of 50 lire for a state funeral for Garibaldi, and in accordance with Garibaldi’s final wishes, buried Garibaldi in the family cemetery on Caprera Island.

5000 words two-in-one chapter, please support!

I originally planned to post it in the afternoon, but something suddenly happened in the afternoon, sorry!

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(End of this chapter)