This was an era dominated by yellow journalism.
A few casual remarks thrown out by Karl had thrown the entire United States into disarray, with public opinion boiling over.
After all, it was a country that had only been founded for a little over a century.
Massive in size, yet its reaction to “recognition” from an ancient European noble was exceptionally fervent.
Even after Karl concluded his East Coast tour, countless invitations from newspapers still flew like snowflakes to the embassy, all vying to interview this “most visionary European royal.”
At this time, the United States had not yet truly recognized its own global power through the war with Spain.
Therefore, it was naturally particularly receptive to this narrative of being “acknowledged by ancient Europe.”
To be honest, even Karl hadn’t anticipated the effect would be this good.
After all, American newspapers already relied on exaggerated headlines and sensational stories to grab front-page space, and a fresh-faced young royal from an ancient empire across the ocean was simply the perfect “media delicacy.”
Such opportunities didn’t come along every day.
When could Americans ever so easily interview a direct member of the Habsburg Family and have him utter such “pleasing” praise?
And from Karl’s perspective, wasn’t he also doing his part to purify American public opinion?
Compared to the fake news filled with incitement and fabrication, what he said were all facts.
“Your Highness, didn’t we say we were going to deal with Edison?”
On the train back from Boston to New York, Tressler finally couldn’t hold back and asked, his face full of confusion.
“Am I not doing that right now?”
Karl flipped through the day’s newspaper without looking up.
Tressler looked utterly bewildered.
He meant, shouldn’t they be directly confronting Edison?
Why was His Highness instead praising America all over the country?
“Tsk, just watch quietly.
It won’t be long before Edison himself comes crying and begging for reconciliation.”
Karl closed the newspaper, his tone certain.
“What if he doesn’t come?”
How rude.
Karl glanced at him, noticing the man was still looking at him with that same skeptical gaze.
What if Edison didn’t come?
It would simply mean the first wave of the public opinion offensive hadn’t fully worked.
Then he’d just add more fuel, or take the final step: formally “lamenting” to the Old Emperor through official channels.
Regardless, Karl would continue to say “nice things” about America afterwards.
He felt not a shred of guilt because he believed everything he said was the historical truth.
Frankly, which of his statements was wrong?
In a few decades, America would truly become a superpower that commanded the world’s attention.
Apart from a certain future nation arriving in the 21st century, no country could comprehensively rival it.
Unlike those yellow journals that only incited and falsified, Karl spoke verified truths proven by time.
It was precisely because of this prophet-like certainty and sincerity that he could more deeply touch the hearts of Americans, who at this time craved recognition.
A child from a top European noble family, praising America with passion and foresight—who, aside from spies with ulterior motives, would view him with malice?
Once the American public became increasingly fascinated with Karl and his popularity peaked, it would be time to slowly reveal his true purpose.
With slightly moist eyes, sniffling, he would inadvertently reveal to a certain media outlet:
That respected inventor, Mr.
Edison, seemed to have taken my film work without permission…
If he laid the groundwork in advance, saying it was a precious work he personally participated in, created with the intention of showcasing European art and culture to America, it would be even more perfect.
The story was so convoluted it would be more than enough to be made into a movie in the future.
For now, he could only hope the plan would work.
Whether this would ultimately cause Edison real, substantial damage was actually impossible to say for sure.
After all, manipulating public opinion wasn’t a guaranteed success; there were many variables.
But once it worked, in this era, nothing was more powerful than being condemned by the national media.
Next, those bloodthirsty yellow media outlets would swarm like sharks smelling blood, tearing Edison to shreds.
Truth or falsehood wasn’t important to them.
All that mattered was creating topics, attracting attention, and increasing sales. The source of this chapter is g.com.
Moreover, for now, America was still that democratic nation, and the government still listened to public opinion.
When the incited populace cried out loudly, forming a wave of public opinion, they couldn’t remain completely indifferent.
Besides, there was already a force within the U.S.
government eager to “take on” big business.
A few years ago, Congress had passed the Sherman Antitrust Act, beginning to ignite the flame of restricting monopolies.
And Edison, a well-known master of “patent wars” with countless enemies in the business world, was perfectly qualified to become a typical target for the government to make an example of.
What if even the public cast looks of dissatisfaction and disdain upon him?
From the perspective of Washington politicians, wouldn’t they be clapping their hands with joy and seizing the opportunity?
Then, there wouldn’t even be a need to match teammates.
They already intended to take down a few giants to demonstrate authority.
Now they could also shout to the nation: To consider friendly relations with the empire across the ocean, we have no choice but to painfully handle this matter!
They would have a diplomatic pretext, domestic legal basis, and public support.
The politicians would probably be so happy they’d dance naked.
If it really took effect, Edison would absolutely be hard-pressed to withstand it, and might even become the “chicken killed to warn the monkeys.”
If the U.S.
government dared to try breaking up Rockefeller’s Standard Oil and Morgan’s Financial Empire, what made Edison think he could hold out?
Besides, there were plenty of people in the business and scientific communities who wanted a piece of his cake and would be delighted to see him fall.
This was something only a “second-generation royal” could do.
An identity that itself was enough to spark infinite public curiosity.
Who was more newsworthy than a young royal of the Habsburg Family?
If an ordinary European producer said the same things, which major American newspaper would pay attention?
Still, he had to consider the worst-case scenario.
If it failed, he could only lodge a symbolic protest through the embassy and then leave gracefully.
After all, he had already met Tesla, so it wasn’t a complete loss.
He could treat it as a long trip for relaxation and market research.
Just as Karl steeled his resolve to continue waiting for public opinion to ferment—
“Y-Your Highness!
Please give me another chance!
I want to clear up the misunderstanding, please hear me out!”
Edison, panting and sweating profusely, rushed to the legation suite where Karl was staying, his voice filled with obvious anxiety.
Indeed, once the interviews began, everything would fall into place.
It was effective even before officially starting, don’t you think?
…
“Your Highness!
I understand completely now!
I have done something utterly despicable to you!
I should have long ago returned that ill-gotten wealth with interest and formally apologized to you!”
Edison had clearly seen through Karl’s open scheme and could no longer sit still.
He hurried to the legation and, upon meeting, immediately adopted a submissive posture, practically begging for mercy in a lowly manner.
“Your Highness?
Please hear me out!
Any terms can be negotiated!”
Karl deliberately remained silent for a long time, just looking at the other with a casual gaze.
Edison, as if gripped by immense fear, almost lost control but forcibly restrained himself.
The great American inventor-tycoon, a business magnate, was now groveling without any of his usual self-respect.
And the reason Karl remained so calm was because he understood better than anyone how ruthless the yellow journalism of this era in America was.
In late 19th-century America, major newspapers, in their fight for readers, resorted to exaggeration and emotional incitement.
A few articles could tear a person’s reputation to shreds.
“Mr.
Didn’t we already discuss this before?” Karl feigned confusion.
“Your Highness, are you planning to use the media?”
Edison wiped the sweat from his forehead and asked tentatively.
“The media?
I’m not sure I understand?”
That’s right, I’m still a child.
A child.
A young royal who knows nothing.
Karl blinked, showing an expression of innocence befitting his age.
“No!
Not at all!
There’s no need to go that far!
I was wrong, completely wrong!
I beg you to be merciful and give me a chance to plead!”
“However, Mr.
Edison, you are an American citizen after all.
If this matter involves infringement, don’t the American government and public also have a right to know?
I think it should be transparent…”
“Your Grace—!”
Edison almost shouted, simultaneously bowing his head very low.
Looking at his appearance, Karl sneered inwardly, but on the surface, he sighed softly.
To be honest, Karl had actually wanted to see, under the combined force of this era’s yellow journalism and the prestige of the Habsburg royalty, to what extent a person could be destroyed.
He had imagined such a scene:
After his tearful accusatory interview was published, Edison would be stoned by angry citizens.
Newspapers would swarm to dig up all his dark history and fan the flames.
Even the U.S.
government would have to step forward and issue statements applying pressure…
What a perfect picture of “everyone pushing against a falling wall”~
Karl had once looked forward to it.
But before he could truly act, just by revealing his opening move, the other party was already kneeling and begging for mercy.
How boring.
Still, the farce should end here.
He wasn’t a true madman, nor was he a pleasure-seeking monster who delighted in destroying others.
Since the other party had wisely lowered his head to this extent, practically throwing his face to the ground, wouldn’t accepting his apology be the magnanimity expected of a future monarch?
Pushing someone to the brink would make it impossible to truly work together in the future.
When it was time to accept, one must decisively accept.
Edison might be fierce and difficult as an enemy, but once he recognized the situation and became an ally, with his abilities and roots in America, he would be a rather reliable partner.
Besides, Karl genuinely needed to establish a foothold in America in the future, and Edison, a local power, was indispensable.
“Since Mr.
Edison has shown such sincerity and gone to such lengths, for me to dwell on past unpleasantries would seem petty.”
Karl finally relented, his tone softening.
“Th-then, does that mean Your Highness is willing to forgive?”
“Let bygones be bygones.
Let’s discuss the cooperation you mentioned last time.
The specific terms can still be negotiated, right?”
A smile that could be called “benevolent” appeared on Karl’s face as he extended his hand to Edison.
See how magnanimous I am.