Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 869

869. Imperial Form, Imperial Style (6)

‘Europe is a bit behind in this area, that’s right. If I remember correctly.’

Hyang muttered to himself, sifting through his memories.

The relationship between the state and its people began to be seriously discussed among European intellectuals as the Enlightenment gained prominence in academic circles.

Through the American Revolutionary War and the French Revolution, the Enlightenment, or rather, Enlightenment thinking, became commonplace in the West. This thinking has become a fundamental part of the worldview and understanding of humanity for modern people living in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Therefore, Hyang naturally held such views and expressed them in his policy address.

And this way of thinking, in turn, influenced Sejong. Combined with the traditional Confucian ideology of people-oriented governance and the traditional values symbolized by ‘Hongik Ingan’ [a Korean ideal of benefiting all mankind] and ‘Chobeop’ [Sejong’s legal and ethical framework], a unique system was born.

To the intellectuals of Europe, where the power of religion—Christianity and indigenous beliefs intertwined with Christianity—remained strong, it was a very progressive and innovative idea, a groundbreaking political philosophy.

‘Imperial style… Are we becoming like the United States after the late 20th century?’

* * *

In the late 20th century, as the United States established itself as the victor of World War II, a significant portion of the world adopted American laws, institutions, culture, and values.

This wasn’t limited to countries newly independent from colonial rule. Europe, devastated by World War II, set aside its pride and embraced American culture and values.

However, as mentioned earlier, only half the world embraced it. The other half adopted the communist laws, institutions, and ideologies represented by the Soviet Union.

Of course, over time, variations emerged in both the East and the West.

The ‘Third World’ claimed neutrality, belonging to neither East nor West, but in reality, accepted influences from both.

There was ‘Korean-style democracy’ used to justify ‘developmental dictatorship.’

And ‘Maoism,’ ‘Chinese socialism,’ and ‘Juche ideology’ [North Korean ideology of self-reliance] were created to break away from Soviet influence and simultaneously strengthen dictatorial power.

However, after the collapse of the Eastern Bloc in the 1990s, most countries adopted the ‘American style.’

The ‘American style’ had become the ‘global standard.’

Of course, some countries resisted this trend, clinging to religious fundamentalism or socialism. However, most of these countries, with the exception of China, were marginalized.

The cultural impact was even more profound.

Dramas and movies highlighting the flaws and problems within various countries were produced and gained international recognition.

However, even among these films, Hollywood productions exerted the greatest influence.

Works from other countries often struggled to cross their own borders, while Hollywood’s creations easily transcended boundaries.

And pro-Americans who encountered these works would proclaim:

“Look! They openly reveal and criticize their own shortcomings! That is America’s strength!”

Even those who voiced ‘anti-Americanism’ in Korea in the 1980s often conceded this point.

“Well… that’s something to admit. Even though there’s a lot of capitalistic trickery mixed in.”

Of course, there were those who criticized this perspective.

“You fools! It’s all propaganda! ‘We Americans are so free that we can criticize ourselves so openly! This is our America! Praise it!’ That’s what they’re doing!”

“But isn’t it better than not being able to make it openly at all?”

“….”

And as the Korean Wave [Hallyu] gained popularity in the 21st century, a similar phenomenon occurred in China.

-At least the bbangz (a derogatory term for Koreans) are better in that there is no censorship in movies or dramas!

-We should learn from the fact that they are not afraid to reveal their shortcomings and that there is no censorship! If it were us, we wouldn’t even be able to put it in theaters because of the Party’s censorship!

Hyang, sifting through his memories of the 21st century, smiled slightly and muttered.

“Interesting. It’s interesting.”

* * *

“Not interesting. Not interesting.”

Cosimo, who had half-risen from his bed and repeatedly read the documents sent by the Empire, glared at the report with a displeased expression.

Certainly, the proposal the Empire had made was enticing.

Already, elementary educational institutions similar to the Empire’s Sammin Academy [likely referring to a type of school or educational system] were established and operating, and positive results were evident.

-Systems and laws that allowed a small country oppressed by a great power to grow into a powerful nation.

-And they will send officials who are well-versed in those systems and laws to advise us.

They were undeniably laws and systems that produced tangible results. This could not be denied.

For Cosimo, who had been trading with the ‘Land of Flowers’ since it was called Joseon [old name of Korea], not the Empire, he could never deny the effectiveness of those laws and systems.

Having decided to enter the competition with the goal of ‘Italian unification,’ Florence’s own laws and systems had limitations.

In order to surpass other competitors, Florence’s potential had to be maximized, and the assistance of those who had experience was essential.

Therefore, the Empire’s proposal to Florence was like ‘welcome rain after a drought.’

However, it was also a ‘poisoned chalice.’

Observing the behavior of people who bought things from the ‘Land of Flowers,’ they fell into two categories.

One was simply for ‘decoration.’ From fancy chandeliers to cheap bowls, they just wanted to show off that they possessed something from the ‘Land of Flowers.’

The other was those who ‘used it properly.’ They carefully assessed whether the imperial goods they were purchasing were suitable for their purpose and purchased them accordingly. However, they always added this comment:

“What is the Empire thinking when they made this like this?”

And after understanding the purpose and how to use it, they utilized the goods in the imperial style.

And both groups eventually became addicted to the ‘Empire.’

The same held true for the Empire’s proposal to Florence.

The moment Florence accepted the Empire’s proposal, people’s reactions would be divided into two.

-The great country of the East has joined hands with our Florence!

The fact that the Empire, which is ahead in everything, has partnered with our Florence signifies that our Florence is that much more outstanding!

-These are the laws and systems that played the biggest role in creating that empire! They say they will even send people to teach us, so we must use this opportunity to further develop Florence!

Whether they were captivated by the outward appearance or sought practical benefits, they would all gradually be influenced by the Empire.

Like goods, laws and systems were imbued with the values and ideologies of their creators.

And that influence would be deeply ingrained.

Those who were researching the transplantation of the Empire’s laws and systems to Florence and those who exercised power using these laws and systems would be the first to be steeped in the Empire’s ideology and values.

Following them, the commoners under their rule would be similarly influenced.

And as time passed, Florence would become another version of the Empire.

“Hoo~.”

Cosimo, letting out a long sigh, quenched his thirst with wine.

“It’s not interesting, but… it’s a shame that there’s no other answer than this if I think about Lorenzo.”

Lorenzo, in his 20s, was full of energy, even participating in jousting tournaments. He had been gaining experience since he was young, accompanying Cosimo instead of his father, Piero, and possessed a fairly broad perspective.

If Lorenzo’s remaining time, ability, will, and the family’s capital were combined with the Empire’s guidance, the achievement of the great cause would be highly probable.

However, thinking about the future, the ‘lack of philosophy’ was a serious problem.

-The great cause of ‘Italian unification’ has been achieved. Then what?

The current Lorenzo would not be able to answer this question. In fact, it was clear that most of those who were advocating ‘Italian unification’ throughout Italy would be unable to answer.

“But if you ask me, I wouldn’t be able to answer either.”

Cosimo smiled self-deprecatingly and muttered.

Cosimo was a man who dreamed of becoming a humanist in his youth. He had even attempted a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to collect ancient documents, but was stopped by his father.

Instead of succeeding to the family business according to his father’s wishes, he collected or transcribed ancient documents and even established the Medici family library.

Naturally, Cosimo possessed more humanistic knowledge than most scholars.

That was why Cosimo was the first to obtain and read the Empire’s Chobeop before anyone else.

He read the original printed in Jeong-eum [Korean alphabet], not the Latin translation.

As he explored Chobeop and confirmed the Empire’s ideology and values embedded within it, Cosimo realized the hidden meaning in the Empire’s proposal.

But that was the extent of it.

“The thing is, I have very little time left. If only Piero had been strong….”

Because his eldest son Piero was sickly, Cosimo chose Lorenzo as a second option. This was a reasonably good method, but it meant that Cosimo had to remain on the front lines for a longer period.

In other words, there was no time to refine the political philosophy needed by Lorenzo, who dreamed of a great cause.

“Hmph! An excuse!”

Cosimo scoffed at himself.

“I’m a merchant. And now I’m a merchant through and through. The only thing that matters to me is the family’s interests and well-being. A great cause? A noble cause? What a joke.”

Cosimo coldly evaluated himself.

Among the powerful people in Europe at this time, Cosimo possessed the broadest perspective, and no one could match him in analyzing and judging situations.

However, Cosimo was still a figure of the old era. He allowed it because he was pushed by Lorenzo and Giovanni’s passion, but Cosimo still did not fully grasp the necessity of Italian unification.

For him, the noble cause was only ‘the family’s glory and well-being.’

For this noble cause….

“I’m the kind of person who would shout ‘Hallelujah’ in the Vatican and ‘Allahu Akbar’ in Mecca.”

Having made an assessment of himself, Cosimo came to a conclusion.

“For the sake of the family’s well-being and interests, for Lorenzo’s sake, and for the sake of that great ‘United Italy,’ it would be wise to accept the Empire’s proposal. Of course, it shouldn’t end at the level of advice, and we should draw the Empire into this gambling game… Ah! There’s no need to draw them in. This proposal itself is the Empire’s signal to jump into this game. What kind of cards is the Empire hiding in this gambling game, which is full of people who don’t intend to play a proper game?”

Cosimo’s eyes were now filled with curiosity and joy.

“If I were a little younger, I would have been at the forefront, running around. It’s a shame that I can’t do that now, but watching from behind is also fun in its own way.”

* * *

Two days later, Cosimo called Lorenzo and Giovanni and gave them orders.

“Go to Seoul as soon as possible and say that you will accept the proposal. But! Get as much as you can from the Empire! Remember! It’s about getting, not buying!”

“Yes!”

“Lorenzo, re-examine the population survey of Florence and its vicinity, as well as all preparations! The Medici family is the master of Florence! Check it properly if you don’t want to be taken advantage of!”

“Yes!”