I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 222

The Mystery of the Orient

When Kondo first arrived in Paris, he felt a sense of awe that went beyond mere shock.

When he first heard of France, he vaguely imagined it to be a great power like Qing [the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912], with a vast territory and population.

It was common sense that the essential conditions for a great power dominating the world were land size and population.

However, compared to Qing, France had only about one-tenth of the population and a much smaller territory.

Nouvelle-France [New France, the area colonized by France in North America], as a colony, boasted an enormous size, but information gathering on that area was still incomplete.

In fact, even without exploring that far, Paris was far more developed than Edo [the former name of Tokyo, and the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate].

He suspected that even Beijing, the capital of Qing, which he had heard rumors about, would be nothing more than a rural area compared to this place.

The difference was so great that he worried he might be mistaken for a swindler back home if he were to recount what he had seen and heard here.

“I’m glad I bought information from the Oranda (Dutch) merchants… Not a single word was wrong.”

From the conversations he had on the train, it was clear that the Joseon [Korean] delegation posed no threat.

Their understanding of the West was so abysmal it was laughable.

On the other hand, Đại Việt… or rather, it’s now called Đại Nam (Nguyễn) [historical names for Vietnam] since the dynasty changed.

In any case, they and Champa [a historical kingdom in what is now central Vietnam] seemed to require a bit of caution.

Champa was in a state where it could be destroyed by Đại Nam at any moment, so their sincerity in forming a delegation was palpable.

If they could only attach themselves to a country with an invincible army that had defeated Qing with just 8,000 men, they wouldn’t fear Đại Nam.

If it were him, he would lick Prime Minister Kurisutiano’s boots.

Đại Nam would also know this fact, so they would try to impress France to maintain neutrality.

If so, competition would inevitably arise.

“Hey, what about what I told you to find out?”

“Yes. It’s as the Oranda merchants said. The people here seem to regard the Prime Minister almost as a living god. When we hinted that even we from the East thought the Prime Minister was great, they readily told us everything. On the contrary, the Champa side, who tried to offer bribes, were turned away at the door.”

“Indeed. It’s always the prepared who reap the rewards. I heard the Joseon delegation is in complete disarray…”

“Yes. They were so *넋이 나갔던지* [넋이 나갔던지 (neoksi nagatdeonji): a Korean expression meaning ‘넋이 나가다’ (neoksi nagada), which translates to ‘being in a daze’ or ‘being completely out of it’] that it was easy to extract information. They had an audience with Prime Minister Kurisutiano, and his knowledge was beyond our imagination. He naturally discussed the philosophy of Zhu Xi [a Song dynasty Confucian scholar] to such an extent… that even the interpreter was embarrassed.”

“A Westerner knows Zhu Xi?”

If he wasn’t just superficially acquainted but could naturally discuss the philosophy, his understanding must be beyond ordinary.

It seemed unbelievable at first, but it wasn’t as if there weren’t those here who had deeply studied Catholicism.

It was possible that their Prime Minister was one of those people.

“Sun Tzu said, ‘Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.’ If they are so well-informed about us, it’s understandable why the gap is so wide.”

Perhaps Prime Minister Kurisutiano is the perfect leader who has harmonized Eastern thought and Western practical learning.

If so, it might be the best example for the shogunate to refer to in order to stand tall as a powerful nation in Asia.

“The problem is the asymmetry of information between us and them. We don’t know this place well, but they seem to know us well… With clumsy behavior, we’re likely to not even break even.”

The current shogunate basically maintained a policy of isolation, but they knew they couldn’t stick to it forever.

Kondo’s mission was to bring back as much accurate information as possible so that the home country could make the right decisions.

And to leave a good impression here so that they could secure the best possible terms when trading.

“Is there anything else you’ve found out about Prime Minister Kurisutiano?”

“I don’t know if this is a common occurrence, but the Prime Minister’s son has been appointed as the next emperor of a neighboring empire. And his daughter is scheduled to become the next queen of a kingdom to the north.”

“They’re bringing in a king from another country? No matter how strong their influence, how can that be possible?”

“I suppose it’s a difference in culture. Of course, it’s possible because the Prime Minister’s influence is enormous.”

Kondo couldn’t easily understand it.

It was like bringing in a *천황* [천황 (cheonhwang): Korean term for the Emperor of Japan] from another country, let alone a daimyo [a powerful feudal lord in Japan].

Not only they but anyone else would find it hard to understand.

If the bloodline of the Joseon royal family were to be cut off, would they really enthrone a prince of Qing as the next king?

Absolutely not.

They would bring in even a distant relative from the most remote branch of the royal family and make him king.

“…This is what they call a difference in culture and a difference in perception. Anyway, I’m glad we knew this information in advance. We need to prepare more gifts quickly. Gifts befitting the next queen and emperor… Damn it! If I had known, I would have scraped everything from the home country.”

“Still, we brought plenty of gifts to present to the Prime Minister’s wife. The Prime Minister’s wife is also an *황녀* [황녀 (hwangnyeo): Korean term for an imperial princess] of a neighboring empire, so we have carefully selected items that match her status.”

“Yes, yes. It is in these details that the difference in sincerity between us and other countries is revealed.”

Just by looking, Joseon would stiffen their necks and toss a few pieces of *백자* [백자 (baekja): Korean white porcelain] as gifts.

But even if that were the case in the past, their porcelain-making technology is now superior to theirs.

Joseon’s *백자* could be covered up with the finest works made with their heart and soul.

“Good. Then all that’s left is for our surprise event to succeed. Haa… It has to go well.”

Fortunately, the shogunate had accumulated experience and data through long-term exchanges with Oranda merchants.

Even though the countries were different, Westerners seemed to share similar sensibilities unlike Asian countries.

If so, the people here would also be interested in the materials that the Oranda merchants liked and showed interest in.

Even if they look like clowns, it doesn’t matter.

Because what matters is the national interest of this side, not his pride.

※※※

Some time after all the delegations from each country arrived.

I hosted a party to which I invited key figures from the delegations.

“Oh my, I don’t know what to do with the Prime Minister’s generosity in creating such a place.”

“Since you’ve come from afar, we should naturally treat you this much. We have prepared the dishes we are proud of, so I hope you have a pleasant time.”

“Ehh~! I’ve already heard rumors that the cuisine here is the best in *구라파* [구라파 (gurapa): Korean term for Europe], and I’m finally going to taste it. I will enjoy it!”

Are these guys determined to flatter me?

Modern Korea also has a knack for this kind of thing, but the dignity of the original is different.

After that, Kondo reacted like lightning to whatever I said and rattled off flattery.

He didn’t stop talking so much that the interpreter, who was experiencing an *극한직업* [극한직업 (geukanjigeop): Korean expression for an extremely difficult or demanding job], was sweating profusely.

Here, the Vietnamese countries were checking each other and watching to see how they should intervene, and Joseon’s Seo Yong-bo was glaring at the wine in front of him as if he would devour it.

“Is this Western alcohol… hmm…”

“Judging from the fact that it’s made from grapes, it seems to be a kind of fruit wine.”

“The foods are also completely different from ours. The smell itself is quite good, but…”

Is it because they were suppressed last time without being able to say a word here?

At least in this place, he didn’t directly show the *모습* [모습 (moseup): Korean word for ‘appearance’ or ‘demeanor’] of a Confucian *꼰대* [꼰대 (kkondae): Korean slang for a condescending, older person who insists on their own way of thinking].

If he caused trouble here, I was going to make sure he couldn’t keep that *우의정* [우의정 (Uuijeong): a high-ranking government position in Joseon dynasty] position, but I’m glad he knew at least the minimum atmosphere.

“Now, everyone. There are several official events scheduled for the future, so if you need anything, please feel free to tell me. I will tell the staff to be as considerate as possible to you.”

“하잇! Thank you, Prime Minister!”

Again, as soon as he heard the interpreter’s words, Kondo, who reacted first, subtly approached me.

“Prime Minister. The atmosphere is just right, would it be okay to show you the entertainment we have prepared?”

“Ah~ what did you prepare?”

“Yes. We have discovered the material that Western merchants showed the most interest in and prepared a kind of performance art.”

“Why go to such lengths… I understand. Then let’s enjoy watching it.”

As soon as my permission was given, Kondo immediately signaled to his subordinates who were waiting outside.

The identity of the performance that Japan had ambitiously prepared.

It was a group of entertainers dressed as ninjas. Oh my god.

Unlike me, who almost spat out the wine I was drinking, the reaction of the French upper class, including the king, was quite good.

“Oh! Could that be the Hashashin [a historical group of assassins] of Asia?”

“Aren’t Hashashin also from Asia?”

“Then let’s call them the Hashashin of Zipangu [an old name for Japan], what!”

The entertainer group in ninja costumes, whether they had prepared quite diligently, threw model shurikens or did several somersaults, capturing people’s attention.

Kondo, who gained confidence as the audience’s reaction was quite good, puffed out his chest and entered explanation mode.

“We call these people ninjas!”

“Ninjas!”

“Is that the mystery of Asia?”

In reality, ninjas never wear such strange clothes or make exaggerated movements.

But Kondo came here to inject Japanese fantasies into Westerners, setting aside actual historical research from the beginning.

Is it that Westerners are *뿅가는* [뿅가는 (ppyongganeun): Korean slang for being crazy about something] to ninjas now as in the past… My head is dizzy.

Even while I was suppressing the laughter that was about to burst out, the performance was heading towards the end.

And finally.

The entertainer unit wearing ninja masks made complex hand signs and shouted a loud cry.

“Ninjutsu! Art of the Flame!”

“푸흡!”

Fortunately, everyone’s attention was focused on the ninjas spitting fire, so no one saw me spitting out wine.

What should I say here?

No, this level of fire in a place without fire… is that not it?

“Ahem! Thank you for showing us a wonderful stage. I’m proud that all the guests like it.”

“Thank you!”

Whatever my true feelings were, the show prepared by the Japanese side was a great success.

Then, the Vietnamese and Champa sides, who had become impatient, hurriedly began to unpack the gift bundles they had brought without hesitating any further.

“Prime Minister! This is the finest silk personally selected by the Emperor of our Đại Nam. In fact, we received help from French missionaries when we founded the dynasty, so we feel a deep sense of intimacy with your country. His Majesty also asked me to convey his gratitude for the past on this occasion.”

“Ah, now that you mention it, I have seen records that missionaries here spent their own money to obtain weapons. This is also a strange connection.”

“Prime Minister! This is coffee and silk that our King of Champa enjoys. Please accept it as a token of friendship!”

“I will gratefully accept it.”

As I smiled brightly and tried to receive the gifts, Kondo, not wanting to be outdone, brought a huge amount of gifts and placed them at my feet.

“We have also prepared gifts from both *천황* [천황 (cheonhwang): Korean term for the Emperor of Japan] and the Shogun to the Prime Minister. This is a sword made by the best craftsman in our country, called a *우치카타나* [우치카타나 (uchikatana): a type of Japanese sword]. Since the Prime Minister will not use it in actual combat, we made it to emphasize the aesthetic aspect as much as possible rather than practicality. Also, this is…”

The Japanese gifts, whether they had really prepared with determination, poured out endlessly.

From ceramics to various accessories and paintings, the sincerity that could be felt just by looking at them was extraordinary.

Even I was slightly thinking, ‘These guys, look at them?’ because they even brought gifts for my children.

As gifts tailored to the king, queen, and princes came out, the other members of parliament naturally felt favorable.

If this continues, it is certain that Joseon will become a sack of *보릿자루* [보릿자루 (boritjaru): Korean expression for someone useless or insignificant].

When I glanced back, Jeong Yak-yong, who looked very anxious, was constantly talking to Seo Yong-bo.

Seo Yong-bo, who had been chewing on his steak with a look of *똥 씹은* [똥 씹은 (ttong ssibeun): Korean expression for a disgusted or sour expression, as if one had eaten poop], finally felt a sense of crisis and looked around.

However, the situation was so that even I could see that they had not prepared anything.

Eventually, when he nodded, Jeong Yak-yong hurriedly brought paper and began to grind ink on the spot, writing something in a beautiful handwriting.

Whether this also became a performance, interesting gazes poured in from the surroundings, and Jeong Yak-yong’s face, who noticed this, brightened a little.

Perhaps he thought it was a good opportunity since attention was drawn to him.

The arm movements of Jeong Yak-yong, who was *서필* [서필 (seopil): Korean term for calligraphy], became even more exaggerated and drew large trajectories.

When Jeong Yak-yong, who had drawn attention in this way, finally completed the writing, Seo Yong-bo slowly approached and politely handed over the paper and ceramics.

“This is *백자* [백자 (baekja): Korean white porcelain] and *서예* [서예 (seoye): Korean calligraphy] that Joseon is proud of.”

Perhaps because they are serious about *서예* [서예 (seoye): Korean calligraphy] from a young age, the letters themselves are very nicely drawn.

The Chinese characters written were roughly like this.

大佛帝國萬歲

克里斯蒂安太平聖代

波旁皇室萬萬歲

If translated directly, it would be Long live the Great French Empire, the reign of Christian is a time of peace, and Long live the Bourbon royal family.

Yes, you tried hard.

For now, the sad reality of that country is that even acknowledging that this alone is a great development.

I’ve already given a warning, so do well from now on if you really don’t want to be *나가리* [나가리 (nagari): Korean slang for being eliminated or ruined].

The Mystery of the Orient End