I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 285

< Debate on Royal Mourning (3) >

The few avenues where the King and the people could meet and communicate.

The Street of Six Ministries, lined with the Six Ministries and central government offices, was bustling with officials, nobles, and commoners from all directions.

Even though it was called a street of communication, the King meeting with the people was a rare event, happening perhaps once every few years, but today was that day.

The debate venue, set up on the wide avenue capable of lining up hundreds of people horizontally, was open for everyone to see.

Originally, they intended to hold the debate at the Ministry of Rites or Sungkyunkwan [Joseon’s highest educational institution], where the civil service examinations were held, but at Kirian’s strong request, the meeting was held in a space where everyone could see.

Some wondered what confidence he had, since Kirian himself wasn’t even participating in the debate, but they figured he wouldn’t do something like this without a good reason, so they quietly did as he asked.

“His Majesty the King is arriving!”

Anyway, so many people have gathered.

I’ve never seen the Street of Six Ministries so packed with people, not even when the King makes an appearance.

Even from a slightly elevated position, I can see people still trying to push their way in from the back.

Kirian, who created this stage, was smiling and nodding, seemingly pleased with the sight.

If the ministers are defeated in logic after setting up such a stage, it will be an uncontrollable disaster. Is he really that confident?

“It seems that people have gathered from the provinces as well as from the capital.”

“It has to be. Otherwise, there’s no point in making such a big deal out of it.”

“Even when holding the civil service examination, this many people don’t gather. It’s amazing.”

“The civil service examination is really a story for another world, except for the examinees and their families. And it seems that half of the people here are just curious about me?”

Ah.

Was this also one of his aims?

Indeed, people were showing great interest in Kirian’s exotic attire and appearance as he sat next to the King.

It’s not every day that you see a Western goblin, and not just any goblin, but a royal and a guest with equal status to the King, so it would be stranger if they weren’t curious.

Humans are inherently territorial creatures, tending to favor their own and draw lines between themselves and others.

But even if someone looks like a foreigner, the title of royalty makes them feel closer.

Moreover, rumors were spreading that he was the Royal Consort of the strongest country in the world, even stronger than the Qing Dynasty [the last imperial dynasty of China], so what more is there to say?

The admiration for the strong is a human instinct that has continued since prehistoric times.

If that strong person is an enemy, you might fear and reject them, but if there are conditions that create a sense of kinship, you will naturally lean towards them.

Hwan could clearly see this through the buzzing atmosphere.

“Your Highness, was the reason for making such a grand spectacle to imprint Your Highness’s existence on Joseon?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“So that’s a yes. I thought it was too much to just spread the justification for enlightenment easily to the local Confucian scholars. The greater purpose must have been to instill the existence of Kirian Quai, the Royal Consort of the Empire and a relative of Joseon, in the minds of all the people of Joseon.”

“Maybe, maybe not.”

Look at that expression, like a teacher looking at a student who got the right answer.

Unlike his words, he’s openly showing that it’s a 100-point answer.

Indeed, it is undeniable that making his position solid like this is more advantageous, even to exert influence on the Crown Prince’s investiture in the future.

And this wasn’t bad for the Joseon royal family either.

The stronger the perception that Kirian is deeply connected to the Joseon royal family, the more securely Joseon’s safety would be guaranteed.

It would be even better if just one of Kirian’s sons or daughters came to Joseon, or if one of the royal family members was sent to the English royal family… but that’s just wishful thinking.

For now, I’m grateful just for the way things are turning out.

As everyone, including Hwan and Kirian, took their seats, the Chief Royal Secretary explained the simple rules of the debate in a loud voice.

“This is an important occasion for His Majesty to hear various voices regarding the direction Joseon should take in the future. This is a very important matter that will determine the future of all 20 million people in Joseon. Not only officials but also Confucian scholars from the provinces have participated, and His Majesty will listen to all their voices fairly and make a decision.

Also, His Highness Kirian, the Royal Consort of Great Britain, who is involved in this matter, is watching the debate, so please keep this in mind. Of course, His Highness Kirian has said that he will not make any remarks during the debate as it may influence the debate.”

This was also a somewhat unexpected decision, but I think it’s a device to outwardly highlight the fairness of the debate.

I didn’t know at first, but after spending a few days in Joseon, I roughly guessed how deep this man’s political skills were.

Actually, I expected it.

If he didn’t have the political power, how could a mixed-race aristocrat become the Royal Consort of the world’s strongest country?

“Everyone here is a renowned scholar, so I believe that no one will show rude behavior in front of His Majesty. If anyone does, they will be immediately dragged out regardless of their position, so please keep that in mind and strictly adhere to the order of speaking. Then, first, let’s hear from the Confucian scholars who have publicly criticized the current government policy.”

As soon as the Chief Royal Secretary finished speaking, one of the Confucian scholars jumped up.

“I am Lee Man-son, the son of Lee Hui-byeong from Jinseong Lee clan in Yeongnam. The current government says that the country can survive by distancing itself from Qing and getting closer to England, but this is an absurd claim. Although Qing is not the legitimate successor of Chinese civilization like Ming [the preceding dynasty], it strictly follows the Confucian way and knows morality and law. However, most Western countries believe in Christianity and do not know the righteousness between father and son, and between ruler and subject.

Of course, His Highness Kirian, who is sitting there, has Joseon blood, so he will be different from ordinary Western ruffians. However, that cannot be a reason to distance ourselves from China, which Joseon has been close to for a long time, and to establish diplomatic relations with the Westerners. Furthermore, the claim that the Way of the world has moved from Qing to England is an outrageous statement that no one with a Neo-Confucian mindset can make.”

Lee Man-son himself did not have any notable achievements, but he had considerable influence as a descendant of Lee Hwang [a prominent Korean Neo-Confucian scholar].

He started with such a strong tone, but Kim Hak-seo, the representative of the ministers, showed no change in expression.

Rather, he smirked as if he found it amusing, and quietly waited for his turn. When Lee Man-son finished speaking, he slowly looked around and opened his mouth.

“Seeing our Confucian scholars so full of righteous indignation, I have many thoughts. In fact, during the last welcoming ceremony, I argued that all the Confucian scholars who dared to block the procession and made outrageous remarks should be severely punished. However, His Highness Kirian, despite being offended, said that the sense of justice of those who risked their lives to take action needed to be respected in some form. The reason why this meeting is being held is all because His Highness Kirian said that the affairs of the state should be decided through discussion and persuasion, not violence.

First of all, I would like to hear the thoughts of our Confucian scholars on that point. I wonder if the one we rejected as a Westerner actually has the qualities of a gentleman.”

“That’s… I clearly said that His Highness Kirian has Joseon blood, so he is different from ordinary Westerners. But aren’t most Westerners who believe in Christianity different?”

“Does our young Confucian scholar know how the political system of England is structured?”

“…Christianity denies the relationship between ruler and subject, and even the order of seniority….”

“Don’t talk so abstractly, tell me properly. International diplomacy is a real battlefield where you can calmly take out guns and knives to threaten as needed. It is said that if you know yourself and your enemy, you will never be defeated. I don’t know how you can discuss the policies of the country without knowing how those so-called Westerners run their country.”

Lee Man-son was momentarily at a loss for words.

Because he suddenly appeared foolish, opposing without knowing anything.

Before he could say anything, Kim Hak-seo quickly continued.

“I haven’t finished speaking yet, so I will continue. England believes in Christianity, but that doesn’t mean it denies the relationship between ruler and subject. If that were really the case, why would England have a king and a prime minister who is equivalent to a state councilor? Even His Highness Kirian here is the Royal Consort of England. Even those who believe in Christianity acknowledge the authority of the king and show respect.”

“…….”

“And they elect representatives by voting among citizens who meet certain qualifications, and those representatives make laws. Of course, it may be just mob rule, but the point here is that voting is only allowed for those who meet certain qualifications. And the state strives to educate people so that the number of qualified people increases, and isn’t this the very edification that Confucianism emphasizes?

In addition, nobles belonging to the *yangban* [traditional aristocratic class] families have separate ways to participate in politics, and there are safeguards in place to prevent the representatives elected by vote from running wild. Can we simply dismiss this as the way of barbarians or beasts?”

“It may seem reasonable at first glance, but the act of voting will inevitably lead to the election of those who pander to popularity. How can they handle the complex affairs of the state without self-cultivation and study?”

“People are not fools. Most of those who are elected as representatives graduate with excellent grades from institutions that are equivalent to Sungkyunkwan in our country. His Highness Kirian, who is sitting there, is also a graduate of England’s top prestigious school with excellent grades.”

It’s hard to continue the argument because he thoroughly refutes abstract claims with objective facts.

It’s interesting to see Kim Hak-seo smoothly overwhelming him, but it’s also true that I suddenly wonder if the Chief State Councilor was so knowledgeable about international affairs.

“I admit that England is not a simple Westerner. But then their danger only increases. There are clear records that England sold a huge amount of drugs when trading with Qing. Moreover, it is said that they are sweeping away the country’s silver and necessities, and our Joseon may face such a crisis at any time.”

“That’s why I keep saying that you need to be familiar with the current international situation. It is true that England did things that were worse than beasts. But after our His Highness Kirian took on an important role in England, England changed. England has banned all drugs, and in fact, most of the merchants who deal with drugs have now either gone bankrupt or become criminals.”

“How effective can it be to edify ignorant barbarians?”

He’s finally self-destructing.

It was a slip of the tongue that came out of impatience as he continued to get caught up in the presentation of concrete data.

The ministers, who usually engage in nitpicking fights in the court, would not miss this mistake of Lee Man-son.

Kim Hak-seo immediately seized the opportunity and raised his voice, tearing at his prey.

“Edification is not effective! Is it the duty of a scholar to be arrogant because he has gained a little knowledge? Teaching and edifying ignorant people is the essence of the teachings given by Zhu Xi [a Chinese Neo-Confucian philosopher], but are you now denying that Zhu Xi’s teachings are useless!”

No matter how you look at it, it was a trap set from the beginning, but how could innocent Confucian scholars see through the schemes of the ministers who had been rolling around in the court for their entire lives?

Lee Man-son’s face turned pale as he suddenly became a Neo-Confucian scholar who denied Zhu Xi.

As expected, those who have eaten meat know how to eat it well, and the design that comes from experience is no joke.