João froze for a moment, then flew into a rage. "That would be the same as handing Lisbon over to the Spaniards! How is that any different from surrender?!" Marquis Lorish bowed slightly. "Your Highness, the Spaniards will receive nothing but an empty, hostile city.
"We will move everything in Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro. The British Royal Navy will help us.
"Then, in Her Majesty the Queen's name, you will issue an edict: all those who resist the Franco-Spanish Allied Forces will be granted military rank, and those who achieve major victories may even be ennobled.
"From then on, supplies from Rio de Janeiro will flow steadily into Iberia, providing provisions and funds for the Resistance Army here. The occupying forces will soon find themselves under attack from every direction.
"Within a few years, unable to bear the cost of the war, the Spaniards will withdraw of their own accord.
"Even if the Spaniards are willing to pour in enormous funds to hold on, by then you will have assembled a powerful army in South America. When the opportunity arises, you can suddenly strike back at Lisbon and crush the enemy in a single blow!"
For a time, João fell silent. The Chief Minister's strategy did not seem entirely unacceptable. If it were carried out successfully, he could become a great monarch who led the Portuguese people in driving back a powerful enemy, his name sung forever.
More importantly, it was better than surrendering or being captured by the Franco-Spanish Allied Forces.
Duke of Terceira and Marquis Lorish exchanged a furtive glance beside him, then said loudly, "Your Highness, this is also an excellent opportunity to consolidate Brazil. In recent years, the Caboclos have been rising in revolt with ever greater frequency. If you personally go there to rule,