Guns in Hand, Follow Me!

As the scholars' gathering drew to a close, the door was suddenly pushed open, and a middle-aged man with deep-set eyes and an air of scholarly refinement entered, led by Servant.

Everyone turned to look and immediately let out excited and surprised exclamations:

"Hilada Chelebi! What brings you here?"

"Chelebi, we are currently reading your masterpiece."

"You wrote so well! There are some parts we don't quite understand; could you please explain them to us?"

Please, have a seat here...

The scholar named Hilada, somewhat wearily engaging in social interactions, sat down on the carpet, smiled, and spoke with the people in the room about the relationship between Tunisia and Rome.

This was the third "event" he had attended today. For him, this was originally supposed to be a business deal—he received a sum of money and published "Analysis of the Origins of Tunisia" under his own name.

The fee was quite high, a full 1000 Riyal. Keep in mind, this booklet hadn't received religious approval and severely criticized the Guard Corps; he had taken a great risk.

However, after repeatedly studying the Pamphlets, he became increasingly convinced of its contents and began to actively promote it throughout Tunisia.

"For us, who originated from the powerful Eastern Roman Empire, this is beyond question." Hilada quickly became the focus of the discussion, and following the Pamphlets's viewpoint, she said, "Now, what stands between us and civilization and prosperity are those Ottomans!"

"They murdered our ancestors and brutally oppressed us, the Roman descendants, for over a hundred years!"

The Ottomans he was referring to were the Tunisia Guard Corps. In fact, regarding the hatred towards the Guard Corps, he didn't need to incite much; everyone in the room was already nodding in agreement. Over a hundred years ago, when the Ottoman Guard Corps invaded Tunisia, it was naturally accompanied by extensive looting and killing.

Someone asked cautiously:

"But Chelebi, our Roman Compatriots, are France... they are Christianity, what if they force us to convert..."

"Don't worry, that won't happen," Hilada said confidently. "To be honest, I've been in contact with high-ranking France officials. They are all very nice, civilized, and tolerant. They want to help us achieve autonomy and assure us they won't force us to make any changes..."

"This is wonderful!"

While the "French experts" were excitedly discussing this, Joseph was traveling north of Susa in his boat-shaped Carriage.

Inside the Carriage, Consul Joanne, stationed in Tunisia, briefed him on the progress of the "identity recognition" campaign, and then offered some concerned reminders:

"Your Highness, we've been busy for so long, but it seems no Tunisia dare to resist the Guard Corps. I mean, there are still frequent reports of Guard Corps attacks on the France in various places. Do you think we could send troops to intimidate them first?"

According to the Crown Prince's plan, the first step was to make the Tunisia natives feel that they had "Roman Compatriots" backing them up, then to remind them of their hatred for the Guard Corps, and finally to "rise up" and rebel against the Guard Corps.

Joseph shook his head and said:

"We absolutely cannot get bogged down in a counterinsurgency war; that would wear us down. The Guard Corps has ruled Tunisia for so long; it's no wonder ordinary people are afraid of them. Therefore, we need to give them some 'incentives.'"

"Excitation?"

"People might not challenge the strong for revenge, but they'll take risks for Gold Coin." Joseph smiled, gazing at the distant mosque. "That's why I went to see Elder Alayi."

Elder Alayi was a highly influential religious leader in Tunisia, with a large following. Most importantly, he was not Ottomans, but a native Tunisia.

An hour and a half later, in a Villa outside the mosque, Joseph earnestly said:

"This will also be of great benefit to you and your faction—the religious world is currently controlled by the Ottomans; once they are driven out, you will surely become the supreme religious leader of Tunisia."

The kind-looking old man hesitated before refusing, and after politely taking his leave, he led his entourage back to the tall mosque.

Although he was somewhat tempted by the idea of calling on the Tunisia natives to drive out the Ottomans, he ultimately felt that the matter was too risky and did not agree to the suggestion of the young France magnate.

Joanne watched Alayi's departing figure and whispered:

"Your Highness, should we... try threatening him?"

Joseph immediately shook his head. "No need. We'll try again tomorrow."

Although Joanne felt that given the old man's attitude, no amount of persuasion would be of any use, since His Crown Prince had spoken, he decided not to say anything more.

The following day, Joseph, accompanied by several more men, met with Elder Alayi again. The topic remained the same as the previous day—calling on believers to launch an attack on the Tunisia Guard Corps. In the process, all the wealth "reclaimed" from the Guard Corps, except for land, would belong to the attackers.

It's important to understand that as the rulers of Tunisia, the Guard Corps controls a vast portion of Tunisia's wealth. Simply confiscating the property of a high-ranking Guard Corps officer would be enough to feed several Berbers tribes for years! Driven by such immense profits and emboldened by religious leaders, it's no wonder the Tunisia natives would fight the Guard Corps to the death.

Of course, although the Tunisia Guard Corps is now mostly bloated and incompetent, it still controls the vast majority of Tunisia's weapons. If the natives want to challenge them, they can only turn to their "Roman Compatriots" for weapons and funding, thus forging a closer bond of kinship and shared interests.

This is Joseph's "sacrifice" plan.

However, the cautious Elder Alayi once again rejected his suggestion and politely hinted that the young magnate should not come again. As a Berbers, his ability to remain in power in the Ottomans- dominated religious circles of Tunisia was precisely due to this cautiousness of not standing out and not taking risks.

Joanne watched the old man leave, then looked dejectedly at the Crown Prince. Just as she was about to ask what to do next, she saw the prince turn to ask the two "Guard" behind him:

"So? Are you confident?"

The two men nodded briefly, then immediately returned to the Carriage, took out charcoal pencils and sketchbooks, and began sketching.

Ten minutes later, Joanne saw a lifelike image of Elder Alayi on their drawing paper.

"Your Highness, what are you going to do?!" He looked at the Crown Prince beside him in surprise.

"Since Elder Alayi disagrees, we'll agree on his behalf." Joseph gave him a sly smile, then ordered the caravan to proceed to the houses that had been prepared a few streets away.

The two painters entered the room, immediately set up their equipment, and continued their painting.

Joseph watched the two busy figures and couldn't help but sigh:

"Her Majesty the Queen ordered me to bring her personal painters; she was truly prescient!"

A few days later, an oil painting depicting an Elder Alayi solemnly waving his hand to call on believers to drive out the Guard Corps bandits went viral throughout Tunisia.

Above the painting is an oval frame with sharp angles, inside which is written, "Drive out the Ottomans, and all the wealth that was taken from them, except for the land, belongs to the warriors who heeded the call."

The sharp point of that angle points to the mouth of Alayi in the painting, making it immediately clear that these are his words.

There are numerous oil paintings circulating in every province, and tens of thousands more of the monochromatic, Lithographic Printing of Elder Alayi exist.

Less than 10 days later, all of Tunisia knew that Alayi had "declared war" on the Ottomans.

Joseph drew inspiration for this method from his previous work, "The Last Supper."

If the France, whose education level is far higher than that of Tunisia, firmly believe that what is depicted in the paintings is factual, then Tunisia should be even more convinced of it.

Fortunately, starting in the 18th century, the religious communities throughout the Ottoman and North Africa, influenced by Europe, no longer rejected portraits, which allowed his plan to be implemented smoothly.

As for the Elder Alayi Church's denial?

Not to mention that his neighborhood is currently under Police Intelligence Division cordon, making it difficult for ordinary people to see him, even if he were to spread the news, people would be more inclined to believe a mere word or a painting that looks as if the real person is standing right in front of them. The answer is self-evident.

Unless old man Alayi can teleport to Tunisia City and publicly declare that "the painting is not real," this "declaration of war" will be considered a done deal.

Soon, the whole of Tunisia began to stir up unrest under the call of religious leaders.

The South Bizerte, Andalusian.

A dozen or so members of the "Sword of Vengeance" organization, who looked to be in their forties or fifties, were gathered in the dimly lit hut. On the north wall was an oil painting of the Elder Alayi, and around it were a circle of religious objects.

They were a Berbers resistance against the Guard Corps, an organization that had existed for over a century. However, after so many years, they had lost all hope of driving out the Ottomans, and young people were unwilling to join, so the organization was on the verge of collapse.

Just then, the religious leader issued a "declaration of war."

This oil painting helped them recruit more than 60 members in three days, all of whom were young adults in their twenties and thirties. This made them ecstatic.

After Zhemile, the leader of "The Sword of Vengeance," finished praying with the organization's top brass, he immediately looked at the bearded man closest to him:

What did the Fawaz Tribe say?

"Tribal Chief Hasani has agreed to join us in attacking the town's Guard Corps. We'll take 60% of the spoils."

Zhemile nodded. The Fawaz Tribe had a large population, capable of fielding at least 400 warriors, while his side only had about 150. So, it was acceptable for the other side to take the lion's share. Oh no, the "Sword of Vengeance" was for revenge against the evil Guard Corps, not for that little bit of Gold Coin!

The bearded man continued:

"However, Tribal Chief Hasani said they only have a few Scimitar, the rest are machetes, and he's worried they won't be able to defeat the Guard Corps."

The machete he was referring to is a farming tool used for slaughtering livestock and cutting down bushes.

Although the towns of Andalusian only had about 200 Guard Corps, they possessed dozens of Musket. If a real battle were to break out, it would be difficult to predict who would win.

Zhemile frowned. The "Sword of Vengeance" had been assassinating and kidnapping Guard Corps for years, yet they only had fewer than 12 Musket, all of which were old-fashioned Matchlock Gun, making them completely incapable of providing assistance to their allies.

Another high-ranking member of the organization clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, saying:

"What is there to fear? I can lead my warriors and drown those evil enemies in blood!"

Zhemile shook his head resolutely, and then heard the bearded man beside him say:

"I've heard that a gentleman from Tunisia City is willing to help the warriors who are driving out the Ottomans."

He leaned forward, his voice lowered:

"It's said he has quite a few Musket, and even cannons. Perhaps we could go and meet him."

Everyone in the room was immediately visibly excited.

Port of Bizerte.

Zhemile surveyed the unassuming building across the street from afar, then instructed his men to repeatedly confirm that there were no ambushes nearby before cautiously leading his men inside.

This is the residence of the gentleman who can supply them with weapons. He learned this from a France merchant.

They were received by Ishaq, a Special Police Intelligence Division using the Zaganos.

In less than an hour, Zhemile emerged from the old house, beaming with joy. Lord Zaganos had simply asked them to accept the "Rome origin" theory—he had read the Pamphlets before and had no objection to recognizing Roman descendants —and then Lord Zaganos promised to give him a full 100 Flintlock Gun!

Moreover, these items will be transported directly to Andalusian for him.

He felt dizzy and pinched his arm three times to make sure he wasn't dreaming. With this batch of weapons, he was confident he could sweep through the town's Guard Corps!

Then they ransacked all the mansions of the nearby Ottomans, one by one!

After Zhemile and the others left, Ishaq immediately ordered his men to go to Andalusian to verify the authenticity of their identities.

"Sword of Vengeance" is a well-known anti- Guard Corps organization in Tunisia, so Ishaq specially allocated them extra weapons, hoping they would live up to expectations. The guns were, of course, thousands of weapons previously seized from pirates and the Guard Corps, which he gave away without a second thought.

Meanwhile, Zhemile returned to the stronghold, quickly made contact with Lord Zaganos's men, and five days later unloaded the Musket from a group of "Olive merchants'" wagons.

However, to his surprise, although the Fawaz Tribe obtained the weapons, they suddenly backed out, saying that they needed to prepare properly before discussing the attack on the Guard Corps.

Similar situations are unfolding across Tunisia.

The natives were eyeing the Guard Corps with hostility, and a large number of weapons were distributed to them through Agadon and the Chamber of Commerce. However, because everyone harbored a deep-seated fear of the Guard Corps, no one dared to actually take action.

In Tunisia City.

Joseph frowned as he listened to Ishaq's report, and couldn't help but think of the scene in "Let the Bullets Fly"—Zhang Mazi raised his arms and shouted, "Gun in hand, follow me!" but the people of Goose City only dared to huddle in their homes and peek out, and even with guns in hand, they dared not touch Huang Silang's watchtower.

He truly hadn't expected the Tunisia natives to be so cowardly.

He got up irritably and paced back and forth in the room several times. Even the religious leader had spoken, so why couldn't he still muster their Courage?

Do they really need their master to appear before they dare to...?

Huh? Wait a minute!

Joseph suddenly realized, "That's it! That's the way to do it!"

(End of this chapter)