I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 288

The most crucial factor in becoming the King’s adopted son is, undoubtedly, the power of one’s family.

While the current King’s authority is strong, and his personal favor is paramount, the influence of a powerful family can still significantly sway matters.

The Andong Kim or Pungyang Jo clans, with their close access to the King, have ample opportunities to promote their chosen candidates.

However, a significant variable has emerged: Kirian Kwae, who has unexpectedly become the focal point of this debate.

Left State Councilor Kim Hak-seo’s topic has sparked widespread discussion, linking Joseon’s current foreign policy and future direction to England, specifically Kirian. Every official and Confucian scholar is now engaged in this debate.

Consequently, even the powerful families who had meticulously prepared for the Crown Prince selection are now thrown into disarray by this unforeseen element.

“Is His Highness Kirian going to be directly involved in this selection?”

“There’s been no indication from their side yet… but that’s the rumor circulating in the court.”

“What nonsense. There’s no way that could happen.”

Just days ago, Kim Eung-geun would have been certain, but now, even he, the one who spoke those words, is unsure.

Kim Jwa-geun had instructed him to remain silent and uninvolved in this selection, but Kim Eung-geun disregarded this advice and had already decided to support Yi Won-beom, the Prince of Ganghwa.

Yi Won-beom was granted the title of Prince Deokwan and reinstated as a member of the royal family, currently learning the basic etiquette expected of a king.

His Confucian knowledge was already superior to the other candidates, so they adopted a strategy of focusing on memorizing only the essential basics.

In any case, Prince Deokwan is currently the King’s closest relative, making him a strong contender if they leverage this connection.

Because bloodline and legitimacy hold absolute power in Joseon society.

Therefore, even if the King invites Kirian as an observer, Kim Eung-geun doubted he would openly exert influence.

Such overt interference would be unacceptable to Joseon’s public sentiment.

The King likely intends for Kirian to participate as an observer, formally establishing a tributary-investiture relationship [a traditional diplomatic relationship where a less powerful state acknowledges the supremacy of a more powerful one], allowing the new king to benefit from England’s prestige.

Thus, the King will ultimately have the most significant impact on the selection.

Kim Eung-geun sought to exploit this aspect as much as possible.

But Kirian’s sudden prominence disrupted everything.

“How are the other candidates doing? Are any of them trying to contact His Highness Kirian?”

“Except for Heungseon-gun, who met him once before, the others remain quiet. I suspect His Highness Kirian may be declining meetings even if they are requested.”

“Well… in the current climate, even a meeting could shift the balance.”

Heungseon-gun’s visits to Kirian seem to have ceased after his initial few days in Joseon.

Whether Kirian intends it or not, politics is often secondary.

The key is how others perceive the situation; the intentions of the person involved are often less important.

“Anything else noteworthy?”

“Left State Councilor Kim Hak-seo is reportedly receiving extensive data from the Jongbu Temple officials of the Ministry of Personnel.”

“Jongbu Temple? Why are they suddenly investigating there?”

Jongbu Temple is the institution responsible for compiling the royal family’s genealogy and managing information on its members.

The fact that they are examining Jongbu Temple’s data in this context is telling.

They must be gathering information on the individuals being considered as Crown Prince candidates.

“Do you know why the Left State Councilor is doing this?”

“The Left State Councilor is assisting His Highness Kirian by order of His Majesty the King. I believe His Highness Kirian may be reviewing the candidates’ data. He likely hasn’t seen detailed information on these candidates before…”

“Does that mean he intends to intervene to some extent based on this information?”

Logically, if he were merely gracing the occasion, he wouldn’t be openly requesting information like this.

There’s a slim chance Kim Hak-seo is simply curious and gathering information, but in that case, he wouldn’t have started with Jongbu Temple.

How long has Kim Hak-seo been navigating the court? Why would he publicly summon Jongbu Temple officials and request data?

Isn’t this a deliberate move to signal his intentions to everyone?

“…Is he telling us to figure it out, or… Damn, I still don’t know what he’s planning.”

“What should we do?”

“I need to make contact first. Tell Prince Deokwan to thoroughly memorize the etiquette for addressing royal elders.”

“…Yes?”

“We lack a reason to meet if they refuse, but Prince Deokwan’s recent title provides a perfect opportunity to greet the royal elders. By prioritizing seniority, he will likely not be refused as an elder of the royal family.”

If Kirian intends to exert influence in Joseon, he won’t refuse to maintain a good relationship with the Andong Kim clan, the most powerful family in Joseon.

After all, Kim Jwa-geun, currently recognized as Kirian’s closest contact in Joseon, is also from the Andong Kim clan.

Kim Eung-geun remained confident.

And, of course, Kim Eung-geun wasn’t the only one racking his brains.

“It would be beneficial for Prince Gyeongwon to prepare to greet His Highness Kirian as well.”

“Ha, but I’ve never even met him before…”

“That’s why you should prepare even more diligently. I hear they are also actively making moves, so we can’t afford to fall behind. Besides, Prince Gyeongwon is younger and lower in rank than His Highness Kirian, creating a dynamic where he is genuinely greeting an elder. Demonstrating your intelligence at that time would be very helpful.”

“Oh, okay. I would like to meet His Highness Kirian at least once.”

The subtle power struggles between the powerful families, previously conducted with nervous restraint, have now surfaced with Kirian at the center.

Who will make contact first?

Who will offer greetings first?

Royal etiquette and pride dictate that even these trivial matters are imbued with meaning and debated.

As the day of the competition to determine the Crown Prince draws nearer,

The power struggle to gain influential allies intensifies.

* * *

“The competition will not be a single event, but will involve various methods to assess the candidates’ qualifications.”

“I agree. This is where we choose the Crown Prince of this country, so we can’t be careless.”

“So, what qualities do you believe a king should possess? There are many, but just name one.”

Sigh. My popularity has soared to the point where they’re directly asking for my opinion.

I expected them to be more discreet, but Heonjong seems to believe he can push forward in this atmosphere.

Given my position, it’s not entirely surprising that they’re asking about the qualities of a king.

The surrounding officials also seemed to be listening intently, driven by genuine curiosity rather than dissent.

“There are many, but I believe a macroscopic perspective is essential. A leader must be able to envision the big picture. Of course, if one can only envision the big picture and the detailed plans are a mess, ruin is inevitable. However, a leader of a country needs the ability to see the world broadly.”

“I see. That’s right.”

As Heonjong nodded, the officials’ eyes gleamed.

They anticipated that, given Heonjong’s agreement, the competition would somehow test the candidates’ macroscopic perspective.

It’s natural for students to anticipate past questions and develop strategies to answer them.

But in truth, I was curious because I hadn’t received a detailed explanation of how the competition would proceed.

“Your Majesty, I received the invitation to attend, but I haven’t heard how the competition will unfold. Are the multiple stages you mentioned now confirmed?”

“Of course. The reason I gathered everyone here is to announce the topic of the first competition. Since it’s the first time, we’ll start with a simple topic and listen to each candidate’s thoughts.”

“Is it similar to the past state examination [a civil service examination system in dynastic Korea]?”

“Do you even know about the state examination system? Yes, I’m going to start with that. After hearing all the answers, I’ll have the candidates debate each other.”

“Will Your Majesty present the topic?”

If it’s an interview and a debate, it’s not a particularly unique test.

Interviews and debates are common components of modern public recruitment exams.

Still, Heonjong shook his head slightly, indicating he wasn’t planning a typical and predictable debate.

“The candidates will present the topic themselves. I’ve already instructed the Chief Royal Secretary to collect one topic each candidate wishes to debate.”

“The candidates choose the topic? That’s a good approach.”

Usually, in a debate where you choose the topic, you might aim to overwhelm your opponent with a topic you know best, but this is a competition to select the Crown Prince.

Everything, starting with the ability to select a topic, is subject to evaluation.

No matter how skilled you are in a particular area, if the topic itself is absurd, you could be disqualified solely for that reason.

I was suddenly curious about what topic Heungseon-gun would submit.

Perhaps he’ll ask about your opinion on rebuilding Gyeongbok Palace? That would be interesting.

“I participated in several debates like that in London, so I’m eager to see it in Joseon. Everything from selecting a topic to engaging in a short debate will reveal the candidate’s qualifications, making it excellent for evaluation.”

“Hahaha! I’m glad you see it positively. Do any officials disagree?”

Heonjong turned his gaze to the assembled officials, but naturally, no one protested.

They’re not being forced to fight, and a healthy method like debate has been proposed, so disagreement is unlikely.

It would have been more surprising if someone had objected.

“If there are no objections, I will formally announce this and listen to the candidates’ presentations directly in the Pyeonjeon Hall three days from now.”

As soon as Heonjong finished speaking, the eyes of those directly involved in this competition burned brightly.

I could sense not only their ambition but also a clear shift in how they looked at me.

Yeah, yeah, do your best to get close during the remaining time.

Who knows? If you prostrate yourselves with enough sincerity, perhaps I’ll meet you and listen to your story.

* * *

The next day.

At Heonjong’s invitation, I leisurely made my way to his residence.

I greeted the court ladies and eunuchs who glanced at me with a casual wave. Upon entering, I found Heonjong, dressed comfortably and reclining, welcoming me.

“I apologize for making you come and go for two consecutive days.”

“No need. I wouldn’t miss this spectacle. I heard the candidates have chosen their debate topics?”

The most entertaining thing in the world is a fight, and a verbal fight certainly qualifies.

Especially a debate to become the future king of this country – how fierce will it be?

The tension will be so palpable that it would make a modern presidential debate seem tame, perhaps even escalating to physical altercations.

Of course, that’s their problem; I’ll be enjoying the show with popcorn.

“Let’s see, Prince Deokwan’s topic is ‘How important is it for a monarch to understand and care for the real lives of the common people?’ It’s straightforward but undeniably important, and it allows him to highlight his strengths, so it’s not a bad choice.”

“That’s right. Prince Deokwan is said to have lived a life indistinguishable from ordinary commoners on Ganghwa Island, making it a strategy to turn weaknesses into strengths.”

“Is the next one Prince Gyeongwon? ‘How important is it to maintain the Neo-Confucian order in a rapidly changing era? If it is important, what policies should be implemented to protect it?’ This is a very sensitive and meaningful topic. Personally, I’m eager to see the candidates’ responses.”

Now, let’s see what topic our last player, Heungseon-gun, has chosen.

I received the data from Heonjong and unfolded the paper with a beaming smile, revealing the beautiful handwriting of Heungseon-gun.

“Wow, did Heungseon-gun really write this? Are you going to have a public debate on this?”

A perfect exclamation of pure surprise escaped my lips.

“That’s what they say.”

Prince Gyeongwon’s topic seemed potentially explosive, but this is on a completely different level.

Beyond the level of difficulty, is it even appropriate to debate this in a competition to choose the next king?

“Does Joseon have legitimacy in the old Joseon territory…”

Isn’t this a roundabout way of asking whether Joseon can claim the Northern Expedition [a historical plan to conquer the Jurchen territories north of Korea] or not?

When the Manchurian Northern Expedition theory was a hot topic in the last debate, he threw out bait like a master provocateur.

This is a truly reckless topic, no matter how you look at it.

I can’t wait to hear the debate.