I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 296

Became a Hidden Power in the British Empire – 296

The Miracle Rehabilitation Therapist

The final push to transform Joseon [historical Korean kingdom] from the ground up.

Now that the old ways have been swept aside, it’s time to build anew.

“For Joseon to become strong, it must shed its old skin and be reborn.”

Like a runaway train, Kim Eung-geun couldn’t stop once he started. He relentlessly pushed forward, even while questioning his own actions.

I continued to encourage him, impressed by his unwavering drive.

Kim Jwa-geun, in the same position, would have recognized the immense burden such drastic reforms would place on the initiator and would have proceeded with caution.

Or, he might have stepped back and delegated the task to someone else.

However, Kim Eung-geun lacked the ability or foresight to do so.

Besides, he seemed unconcerned, confident in his guaranteed safety.

He believed the current king, the future king, and the British Empire’s support were all on his side. What was there to fear?

That’s why, despite his occasional doubts, his words and expressions radiated confidence, which was encouraging to see.

“In Dong Zhongshu’s biography in Han Seo [historical Chinese text], it says that if the geomungo’s [Korean zither] sound is off, the strings must be adjusted. Yulgok [Korean Confucian scholar] used this analogy to advocate for national reform. I believe Joseon should follow Yulgok’s vision.”

“…We just abolished all but 47 of the Seowon [private Confucian academies] and exiled their leaders. Now you’re proposing more reforms? That’s excessive…”

“There’s a saying that you have to strike while the iron is hot. Even butchers know that proverb. We’ve created this momentum; indecision will ruin everything.”

While true, some began to voice concerns about the pace.

The abolition of the Seowon was difficult to oppose due to its clear justification, but further reforms were another matter.

However, Kim Eung-geun stubbornly pressed on.

“Look at the current situation! Russia was defeated by Britain and is weakened, and Qing [historical Chinese dynasty] is struggling with internal unrest. If Joseon seizes this opportunity, we could realistically take Manchuria and even the Maritime Province!”

“That’s true, but…”

“Let’s be realistic. Modernization, reform—are we going to avoid them forever? It’s better to face the consequences now and fix them. We’ll regret dragging our feet later.”

Logically, his points were valid.

The dogs bark, but the train keeps moving.

Regardless of the opposition, the Andong Kim clan’s reform drive continued relentlessly.

“First, the military is paramount. Let’s establish a military reform office to transform our outdated army into a modern force.”

“Hold on. Reforms are good, but is the military the priority? Isn’t our military’s weakness due to budget constraints? Will simply changing to a new-style army solve everything?”

“That’s why we need a dedicated organization to focus our efforts.”

“If we pour all tax revenue into the military, what about other areas? We can’t create money out of thin air.”

“Couldn’t we just print more money and distribute it?”

While the ambition to create a reform organization was admirable, the details were, as expected, disastrous.

Listening to Lee Ha-eung’s updates, I understood why Daewongun [title for the father of the reigning monarch] failed in the original history.

It was as natural as the sun rising in the east.

Those who know how to eat meat know how to enjoy it. Those who have experience with reforms know how to implement them effectively.

What do people who have followed Confucian teachings for centuries know about modernization and reform?

If you don’t have money, just print more. Brilliant.

Governments that went bankrupt due to lack of funds were simply incompetent.

Why didn’t they just print money and avoid bankruptcy?

Well, it couldn’t be helped.

In a situation where Sangpyeong Tongbo [Joseon dynasty coin] wasn’t even functioning properly, how many people truly understood monetary economics?

Thus, the need for high-denomination coins was inevitable, but they issued the ridiculous Dangbaekjeon [high-denomination coin] and ruined the economy.

“What do you think of their policies, Crown Prince?”

“…I’m ashamed to admit my ignorance. I lack knowledge of modernization and haven’t considered it deeply.”

“Excellent. It’s admirable to admit what you don’t know. Ignorance can be overcome, but failing to recognize your shortcomings is hopeless.”

Lee Ha-eung wouldn’t pour ten times the annual budget into rebuilding Gyeongbokgung [main royal palace] and issue a senseless currency like Dangbaekjeon.

This alone was a significant improvement.

As a negative example, people instinctively avoid repeating mistakes.

The Andong Kim clan was demonstrating a hopeless reform, and Lee Ha-eung was undoubtedly learning from it.

“But Your Majesty, if Kim Eung-geun leads the new military office and reforms, won’t there be significant negative consequences? You yourself said their direction is wrong, so it’s bound to fail.”

“I suppose so.”

“Then isn’t that a problem? It could create a negative perception of modernization and reform, undermining future efforts.”

I had considered that.

Excessive and failed reforms could lead to a backlash and a belief that inaction is preferable.

However, I concluded that this level of radicalism was necessary to break through Joseon’s stagnation.

They were at a point where shock therapy was the only solution.

“It’s alright. Kim Eung-geun is a disposable card. It’s not my preferred method, but I must abandon him. Allowing the Sedo [powerful in-law families] to further entrench themselves in Joseon is like nurturing a cancerous growth… a Banwi [term for a parasitic threat].”

“But the Andong Kim clan has already eliminated almost all opposing Confucian forces. And Your Majesty has granted their requests too often, making it impossible to strike now.”

“Of course, His Majesty can’t do it. That’s why the Crown Prince must.”

“…Yes?”

Why the surprise? You must have known this was my plan all along.

“You boldly swept away the Confucian scholars, but such strong measures naturally breed resentment. Many are undoubtedly seething with anger. However, with the King’s support, no one dares to resist.”

“Precisely. I investigated and found evidence of bribery.”

“Excellent. They’re emboldened, confident that their position is secure regardless of future changes. Leave them be.”

If Lee Ha-eung discovered bribery with a brief investigation, it’s widespread.

And many in Hanseong [old name for Seoul] disapprove of their actions.

“When the Crown Prince ascends the throne, encourage honest officials to present evidence of the Kim family’s corruption. Use that to impeach them. And acknowledge that you were too harsh in suppressing the Confucian scholars. By taking responsibility, the remaining Confucian scholars will support you.”

“…You ordered me to sweep away the Confucian scholars, and now you’re punishing me for it?”

“I never ordered a sweep. I suggested suppressing them due to strong opposition, but they chose to prove it with their actions. And with a slight nudge, they’ll swarm like bees, demanding punishment. The Crown Prince can feign reluctance and yield to their demands, right?”

You can tame a puppy and keep it after the hunt, but a tiger or lion left unchecked might turn on you.

So, you must eliminate them.

There’s no reason to keep them once their usefulness is over.

“Then the Andong Kim clan’s reforms will be wrecked? The reform organization they’re creating…”

“It’s alright. Create everything they want. It’ll be a mess if it operates normally, but before that happens, His Majesty will abdicate to the Crown Prince.”

This was already discussed with Heonjong [the king].

He said he’d abdicate once the foundation was laid due to his poor health, so there’s no suspicion.

“I won’t be in Joseon then, but you two can decide the timing. I trust you’ll handle it well.”

“…I understand. But the Andong Kim clan’s reform organization will be insignificant. Is that really alright?”

“Their role is to remove the Confucian conservatives and create a framework for reform. The people who will take over are returning soon, so give them importance. The organization and positions are created, but there are no qualified people? Just plug them in.”

“Returning from where… Ah!”

The enlightened thinkers who have been working to modernize their country in England for years.

Those from decent families, centered around Kim Jwa-geun, will be selected and sent back to Joseon first.

With family background and advanced knowledge from England, they can easily replace the pseudo-enlightened thinkers.

There would have been opposition to directly appointing the enlightened faction, but the Andong Kim clan will take the blame and explode, so don’t worry.

“Could it be that Your Majesty has been planning to bring them in to lead the reforms from the beginning?”

“You have to use your advantages. Why use pawns when there’s a chariot on the board?”

“But Kim Jwa-geun is from the same Andong Kim clan as Kim Eung-geun. Won’t there be opposition?”

“There won’t be. He clearly values personal honor over family.”

More accurately, it’s a desire for power, but he’s been in England for years and exposed to my influence.

Even if he seeks power in Joseon, he’ll be pro-British, making him the ideal center of power.

I won’t have to play puppet shows. He’ll champion England and unite with them. Who could be better?

His relationship with Lee Ha-eung isn’t bad, and with a mediator, there won’t be conflicts.

“Your Majesty is truly… a person with deep thoughts.”

“You flatter me. It just happened that way.”

“You’re orchestrating all this, but remaining uninvolved on the surface… why?”

“To make collaborators like the Crown Prince stand out. You have to give to get, right? Your Highness should be the main character in the modernization of Joseon.”

Of course, that’s a lie.

If I’m involved, my actions will be scrutinized, and the Killian Gore/Evaluation/Controversy section will be endless. Why would I want that?

Even without that, external intervention will naturally cause internal resistance.

I want real power and influence, not useless accolades.

I have enough honor already, so there’s no need for more.

It’s enough to give it away as a favor.

It’s just a few lines on my resume, but it’s a great reward for someone else.

Like now.

“The future of Joseon is in the hands of Joseon people. A new era is coming. It will be rough and rapid, but I will help Joseon from behind. Be strong.”

“Thank you. I will never waste the opportunity Your Majesty has given me.”

The stagnant water is swept away, and new water, fully armed with pro-British thinking, is coming in.

When Joseon is modernized under their leadership, who will the citizens respect and follow the most?

It’s such a complicated and difficult problem that I don’t know.