Chapter 478: Intelligence from Maputo
Ernst was, in a sense, giving them a chance—it all depended on their own effort. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was still playing a supporting role in East Africa, but only because modern medicine hadn't fully taken root yet.
This wasn't unique to the East. Even in the West, traditional medicine remained dominant. Modern medicine, despite its scientific appearance, still had a higher mortality rate. After all, traditional Western medicine had developed over centuries—maybe it didn't always work, but it didn't kill people outright, or it wouldn't have survived.
Modern medicine, by contrast, was dangerously bold in its early days. If not for his past life experience, Ernst might have thought it was some sort of black magic.
If modern medicine didn't work, people would fall back on tradition. And among traditional systems, only TCM had a complete, ancient, and rich lineage. Whatever its shortcomings, its methods of restoring health were unmatched.
But for East Africa to develop, tradition had to be left behind. Ernst would bet on modern medicine, and TCM could only serve as a bridge during the transition.
...
Late 1877, the Far Eastern Empire recaptured its southern borderlands—a major global event.
While Russia faced resistance in the East, it had great success in the West. It dealt a heavy blow to its old enemy, the Ottoman Empire, and emerged from the conflict with new territorial gains.
The Far East had only been one small part of Russia's broader strategy in Central Asia and the Balkans. In the West, Russia had taken direct action.
Faced with such military might, East Africa was no real match in Britain's eyes. The Disraeli government turned its attention to the Russians instead.
Meanwhile, in Mozambique, strange things were happening. Some British ships had docked, but their passengers were French. All of this was reported back by East African intelligence agents in Maputo.
East Africa had long established a spy network in Maputo—dating back to its days as a colony. Mozambique, unlike East Africa, wasn't closed off, and many foreign merchants operated there.
"According to our informants in Maputo, French officers were seen disembarking from British ships and entering the governor's office. We don't know what was discussed, but their contact was apparently English," the intelligence report stated.
Ernst responded, "Got it. Keep monitoring the situation in Mozambique. We need to watch the Portuguese closely."
Constantino asked, "Are you saying Portugal would dare challenge us?"
Ernst replied, "It's not about daring. Portugal has no choice. They know East Africa won't allow two tumors to grow unchecked on its borders. The more they fear us, the more they'll resist. Clearly, they didn't have the courage to act alone—Britain must be behind them."
At the mention of Britain, Constantino's expression turned serious. "The British want to use Portugal against us."
"More accurately, they're probing us. They're unsure of our strength and don't want to attack us directly. So they need a pawn to test East Africa's capabilities. If we struggle with Mozambique, I bet Britain will enter the fray themselves."
Constantino tapped his finger on the table. "How will they come after us? Through war?"
Ernst said, "That's their only option. They might try to cut off our trade too. But if they do that, we can go down fighting. Cape Colony is hard to control—but we still dominate the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. It all depends on our ground forces, and that's what Britain can't figure out."
Constantino added, "If war breaks out, we may be fighting on multiple fronts. Portugal's colonies flank us on both sides. If Britain joins, that's four fronts—including Cape Colony and potential naval battles."
Ernst nodded. "That's why we need to control the tempo. We can't let Portugal think they have a real chance."
"So, you plan to show military force to intimidate them?"
Ernst shook his head. "No—we're going to fight. But this will also be a chance to reshape East Africa's borders. Angola aside, Mozambique's position is too threatening."
"What's your plan?"
"Move steadily. Don't overextend. Keep winning—but give Portugal just enough hope that they think they're close."
Constantino was confused. "Why not just seize their colonies outright? We're strong enough to do it."
"It's tempting to take both colonies. But we have to consider global perception. If we show too much strength, France might step in."
If East Africa appeared too dominant, every power with African interests would feel threatened. What if East Africa unified the continent?
Constantino nodded. "That makes sense. So how do we deal with Portugal?"
Ernst replied, "Take parts of Mozambique and Angola—but don't destroy them entirely. Leave them something. But only if Britain holds back."
"What do you mean?"
"If Britain doesn't intervene, we don't fully annex the colonies. But if they do, and war breaks out, then we take everything. Britain is the real target—we need to bait them."
"And what do Portugal's colonies have to do with that?"
"If war breaks out between us and Portugal, the entire conflict becomes bait. If Britain sees us struggle, they might be tempted. We won't destroy Portugal outright—that would scare Britain off. But we'll take half their colonies. That'll make Portugal want revenge. If Britain sees a winnable fight, they'll join. And then we'll go all-in."
"What if neither country plays along?"
"No big deal. Those two juicy colonies are within arm's reach. We can take them whenever we like. But my real goal is Britain. Just like the American War of Independence, East Africa needs a defining victory to cement its national identity and international status."
So, East Africa couldn't scare Britain off too early. If it did, Britain might never engage directly. And even if it did, if East Africa looked too strong, Britain might take it seriously—and a serious Britain was no joke. Ernst wanted them to treat East Africa like they treated Afghanistan or the Boers in his previous life.
Of course, it was all still speculation. Whether Portugal had the guts to act was unknown. Until they made a move, East Africa had little choice but to wait.
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