Empire Rising: Spain

Among the proposals, aside from the suggestion towards Istanbul, the most supported is the recommendation for Muhammad III al-Sadiq to flee to Rome.

The reason for Rome’s popularity is entirely due to Italy’s previous investments in Tunisia.

Because England and France once prevented Italy from forcibly annexing Tunisia, leading Italy’s colonial actions in Tunisia to mainly focus on economic activities.

After influencing Tunisia’s economy, naturally, it could penetrate the Tunisian government and cultivate Tunisian officials who are favorable towards Italy to come to power.

The weaponry used for the Ottoman Empire’s reforms was mostly bought from England and France, while the armament for Tunisia’s reforms was primarily purchased from Italy.

Muhammad III al-Sadiq looked pale as he listened to his ministers argue over where to escape, feeling deeply disappointed inside.

On the surface, this simply looked like the ministers had differing opinions, but in reality, it represented the disputes among various forces within the Tunisian government.

The recommendation to go to Rome was proposed by the forces cultivated by Italy, while the suggestion to go to London was from the factions supported by the United Kingdom’s influence.

As for those suggesting heading towards Istanbul or staying in Tunisia to submit to French rule, most were local Tunisian nobles and powers.

These individuals held high status and prestige in Tunisia, and only by staying could they continue to enjoy their power.

Although submitting to French control essentially meant having an additional master, as seen from France’s colonization of Algeria, as long as there was no resistance against French rule, the French wouldn’t wipe out the indigenous population.

This also indicates that they do indeed have hope of maintaining their authority through surrender, although even under their command, they still controlled tens of thousands of Tunisians.

At this moment, Muhammad III al-Sadiq’s heart was extremely conflicted. On one hand, he had great fear of the French and wanted to escape to Istanbul or another European city before the French conquered Tunisia, seeking the chance to form a government-in-exile and return to Tunisia.

On the other hand, Muhammad III al-Sadiq was unwilling to relinquish his authority.

Despite only ruling a country of several hundred thousand people, as Tunisia’s Beiyi, Muhammad III al-Sadiq was still the supreme existence in this nation.

Except for under the nominal rule of the Ottoman Empire’s Sultan, Muhammad III al-Sadiq’s power faced no obstacle in Tunisia, which made him deeply attached to this authority.

Suddenly being forced to leave Tunisia, to give up the power he had enjoyed for most of his life, was something Muhammad III al-Sadiq was reluctant to do.

It was precisely for this reason that Muhammad III al-Sadiq’s heart was in turmoil, and he still couldn’t decide what decision to make at this critical moment.

The good news was, Muhammad III al-Sadiq no longer needed to be troubled by his indecisiveness.

Because within a few minutes, the palace guards brought a message that shocked everyone present: the French Army had breached Tunis City.

The reason Muhammad III al-Sadiq and others still had time to hesitate within the Royal Palace was because Tunis City was Tunisia’s largest city, equipped with city walls that could indeed obstruct the French Army’s advance.

But it was evident that Tunis City’s walls were destined not to hold against the French Army for long.

If it were only the regular colonial troops from France, facing Tunis City’s walls would require some effort, and might even prove impenetrable.

But this army, carefully assembled by France, included an artillery regiment.

This artillery regiment was specifically organized by France to breach Tunis City’s walls, and during the siege of Tunis City, it played its intended role.

Under the successive bombardments by French cannons, the walls of Tunis City collapsed with a boom.

The Tunisians had never witnessed such a spectacle and had already fled in all directions once the French Army began bombarding the city walls.

By the time the guards reported, the walls of Tunis City had collapsed and the French Army was advancing towards the city.

Upon hearing this dire news, Muhammad III al-Sadiq had only one thought: is it still possible to surrender to France now?

If before the French Army breached Tunis City, Muhammad III al-Sadiq had many choices, then after the French Army broke through, his options were reduced to one: an early surrender to France.

All other choices resulted in death, so it was better to survive, as at least there was hope of retaining his authority.

Once Muhammad III al-Sadiq understood the circumstances, he no longer hesitated. He immediately looked at the numerous officials and said solemnly, "Everyone, I have decided to seek peace with France. I will absolutely not leave Tunisia!

If you wish to leave, then hurry! I will live and die with Tunisia; the Beiyi of Tunisia will never abandon his loyal nation and people!"

Muhammad III al-Sadiq’s words were eloquent and resolute, showing no signs of the recent fear of death and greed for power.

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