I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 249

< Killian and Kirian (8) >

I knew from the start what Gennady’s answer would be.

That’s why I believed that Joseon’s achievement in capturing him was significant.

If he had been captured by the British Empire, there would have been loopholes to escape, but having disgraced himself by being captured by the weak nation of Joseon, he’s now trapped.

In fact, I received a response in just one day, without even waiting the full two days.

“Your Highness, if I follow your will, can I be assured of my life?”

“Of course. We’ll even change your name to a British one and let you live comfortably in Canada. To avoid recognition, change your hairstyle, shave your beard, and gain about 20 kilograms [approximately 44 pounds].”

“But the wealth I’ve accumulated isn’t that much…”

“If you do a good job, we’ll provide you with the means to live without working for the rest of your life. Would that be acceptable?”

Having asked this far, the answer was already determined.

Gennady looked around, as if afraid someone might be listening, and nodded faintly.

“But if this leaks out, I’ll be assassinated before I can even fake my death. What should I do?”

“We’ll take care of everything, so don’t worry too much. Just gather the reporters and read the script I’ve written with feeling. Repeat after me: ‘Tsar Nicholas is a tyrant who drove hundreds of thousands of soldiers to their deaths for his own greed.'”

“Tsar Nicholas is a tyrant who drove hundreds of thousands of soldiers to their deaths for his own greed!”

Good, the coding seems to be going smoothly. Now, the only thing left is to figure out how to get this to the ears of the Russian army.

It would have been easier if the radio had been as widespread as it was in the 20th century, but the current limitations on information transmission speed are a concern.

It would be problematic if I held a splendid press conference, but it didn’t reach Russia’s ears.

Even if it does, high-ranking officers will find out, but if they intentionally control it, the army’s morale won’t collapse.

We need to prepare as much as possible, taking advantage of the fact that Gennady’s betrayal is unexpected.

It’s impossible to do anything in Asia, so I need to take him to Europe and make the situation as big as possible.

Of course, it would be more comfortable to settle things in Asia before that, right?

Frankly, meeting them one by one is cumbersome, so I called Lee Beom-gyu, the Joseon representative, and Toyama, the commander of the shogunate forces, together.

“First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude to both of you for fighting so hard to show your faith as our allies. I only requested supplies for the fleet at first, but I didn’t expect you to send troops to fight as well.”

“It’s nothing. We were just doing what we should as allies.”

“I have to board a ship and go to Europe as soon as the local stabilization is complete. The armistice agreement will probably be held there, so there is a risk that your opinions will not be fully reflected. But as allies, we cannot show a negligent attitude towards your interests after you have fought so hard for us. So, I would like to hear from you now. Would that be alright?”

“Of course! We are just grateful that you are so considerate.”

“The Shogun will also be moved by Your Highness’s consideration.”

No one in this world dislikes the promise of securing their interests.

Naturally, both the Joseon and Japanese sides grinned and began to list what they wanted.

“The Shogun wants to ensure the right to occupy Sakhalin, which the Russians have been claiming as their land.”

“That’s not too difficult.”

“Oh, but what are you going to do with this area? If you plan to occupy this area by dividing it…”

It would be enough to eat only Sakhalin, but isn’t it too greedy to covet the Primorsky Krai [a region in southeastern Russia] as well?

Of course, they brought up the idea of divided occupation because they know that too, but realistically, Joseon and Japan are not yet capable of occupying this land.

“Does Joseon also want to take part of the Primorsky Krai?”

“No. In fact, which country wouldn’t want to expand its territory? But owning this place would only increase the conflict with Russia, and the practical benefits would not be that great.”

“That’s what the home country is also judging. The plan is to occupy the Primorsky Krai for now, but if the Russians want it back, they will have to pay compensation and hand it over again. We will calculate the distribution of compensation appropriately.”

“If Joseon doesn’t occupy this area, we don’t intend to be greedy either. We were just saying that if there is a plan to occupy it by dividing it, we would like to receive our share.”

It seems that the Japanese side has been roughly settled with this, and the rest is now the Joseon side.

Having seen Japan take Sakhalin, they will want to get something equivalent to it. What will they ask for?

“Your Highness wants to clearly settle the relationship with Qing [the last imperial dynasty of China] through this matter.”

“I know that the position that Joseon cannot be seen as a colony of Qing has already been settled.”

“Not only that, but considering the various circumstances this time, the King and the court have decided that completely severing ties with Qing would be more in line with Joseon’s identity.”

“So, you’re saying you’re going to completely end the tributary relationship itself?”

This is something that Qing would foam at the mouth if they knew, but going this far means they definitely want us to back them up.

The disgrace that Qing showed this time must have had a considerable impact on Joseon.

Well, even if I were a Joseon minister, if I saw the current Qing Dynasty, I would feel a sense of self-doubt about whether I should remain in a tributary relationship with them.

The problem is Qing’s reaction to hearing this. Breaking away from a tributary state also means breaking away from the Sinocentric order [a hierarchical system of international relations prevalent in East Asia] that has dominated the Korean Peninsula for a long time.

Or is it because Qing has lost its qualifications as China, so they are now trying to call themselves China?

Whatever the case, it’s quite a big decision, and perhaps Asia will truly fall into a melting pot of chaos after this war ends.

“I understand for now. Is there anything you want to receive from Russia instead of Qing?”

“We don’t want territory, but we want to receive more supplies and compensation if possible.”

They want cash right now rather than land they can’t manage.

Considering Joseon’s situation, it can be said that it is a choice that takes care of their own interests.

“I understand. Then, when the armistice talks are held later, I will try to reflect your opinions as much as possible and get Russia to make concessions.”

“Thank you. But what about Commander Gennady? Should we continue to protect him on the Joseon side?”

“No. We will take him with us when we leave the Primorsky Krai. He said he is too anxious and scared to be in a place where he can’t communicate.”

“Ah… I see. I understand.”

As the saying goes, ‘to deceive the enemy, start with your own allies,’ Gennady’s splendid betrayal show should not be known to anyone until it is executed.

After that, I listened to the demands of Joseon and Japan and diligently prepared to leave the Primorsky Krai.

The Qing Dynasty also tried to intervene, saying they would take a seat, but they couldn’t say anything and just rolled their eyes, saying that they were offsetting the crime of attacking the British Empire’s alliance, not contributing to it.

If Joseon says that it will now abandon its status as a tributary state, I don’t know if they will really jump in and say, ‘You die, I die.’

Of course, if that really happens, it will end with me living and you dying, and Qing also knows that fact well.

Logically, they should be quiet, but things in the world don’t always flow so rationally.

The fact that I am here now was the most certain proof of that.

* * *

The news that the Joseon army captured the commander of the Russian army and made a great contribution to ending this front arrived at the court.

To think that they would make such a great contribution in a war that they had participated in as if they were pushed into it.

With this unexpected good news, the atmosphere of the Royal Court, as well as the Royal family, brightened noticeably.

“If this happens, we will be able to receive quite a large amount of compensation when the war ends.”

“Of course. We will be able to replenish at least several times more than the supplies spent for this war.”

“Ambassador Kim Jwa-geun’s opinion that we should actively respond to England’s demands was correct. Russia is not England’s match after all.”

Who were the people who initially harbored resentment against Kim Jwa-geun for sending him to Europe and spread conspiracy theories that he was doing his job half-heartedly?

Lee Hwan wanted to burst into laughter openly if possible, but unfortunately, he was not in good enough condition to waste his energy on that.

“I hope my intention to completely break away from Qing on this occasion has been well conveyed?”

“Of course. Kirian Gwaido of England said that he would definitely understand our intentions.”

“That’s a relief. Then, from now on, we must focus on securing the justification for not recognizing Qing as our suzerain state [a state that has control over another state]. Does anyone have any good ideas?”

“Your Majesty! I, Minister of War Seo Gi-soon, report. The war that Qing showed this time was full of brutality that could not be said to be the country of the emperor. It was not a matter of power, but the way they attacked Russia was too inferior. How can such a country be said to be a suzerain state that upholds the laws of China?”

“The Minister of War is right. What Qing did this time was so petty that even the Japanese pirates we call the Japanese did not do it.”

Now that things have come to this, Lee Beom-gyu’s adherence to the basics, to the point of being frustrating, has made it possible to put forward a very good justification.

In fact, just because the times have changed, we cannot completely deny the fact that Joseon is a country that follows the Sino-centric order and reveres the Tao of Confucianism.

Even if it seems like nothing, denying the foundation of the country can lead to a serious loss of authority.

In that respect, there were two paths that Joseon could claim.

Qing no longer has the qualifications to be the center of China, so they should proclaim themselves emperor and establish a new China.

Or they can preach that the mandate of heaven [the divine right to rule] that Qing had has moved to another country and end their relationship with Qing.

The former seems cool at first glance, but there were some aspects that were a bit burdensome to do so right now.

The second case was the most common method, but then there is the problem of which country to place at the center of the new Sino-centric order.

For now, taking the second method and naturally moving to the first method is the most trouble-free procedure, but…

“By the way, what is Kirian Gwaido in the Primorsky Krai planning to do next?”

“He says that he will return to Europe as soon as the occupation of the Primorsky Krai is over. It seems that he cannot stay here any longer because the battle in Europe is still in full swing.”

“He’s going back right away?”

Even though he came all the way to the Primorsky Krai, I didn’t expect him to just take care of his business and leave.

Judging from the fact that not only this side but also the Shogun of the Shogunate is not going to see him, I wonder if they have already judged that they have gotten everything they can get.

Lee Hwan was reminded that he had only heard about him and had never seen him in person.

The person with the greatest power and authority in this region currently called Asia.

Perhaps he has more influence on Joseon than himself, the owner of this country’s creation.

To think that he would close his eyes without seeing the talented person who has Joseon blood flowing through him and has risen to the highest position in a distant European power is a bit unfair.

After drumming on the dragon chair with his fingers for a while, he finally blurted out an impulsive word.

“Send a message to General Lee Beom-gyu. I want to meet Kirian Gwaido in person before he returns to Europe.”