I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 518

< An Outpost of the British Empire – Sunset of the 19th Century >

The most charismatic politician in Prussia, the Iron Chancellor Bismarck, visibly relaxed after receiving my promise.

“As long as Bismarck remains Chancellor, that painting will never see the light of day.”

In other words, it could be displayed in the National Gallery after he steps down. But realistically, what secret lasts forever?

“After all, its credibility will inevitably diminish with time.”

“Ah, so does that mean I can claim the painting was a bit of an exaggeration when that time comes?”

“Ah, that’s up to you, Chancellor. I would never infringe on anyone’s freedom of expression.”

Bismarck promised to grant me a favor on the condition that the painting remain in my collection, for my private viewing only.

As he said himself, he probably thinks he can brush it off when it’s revealed later.

But unfortunately for him, as science and technology advance, it will become possible to precisely date the painting, right?

Trying to deny it then would only add another line to his dark history, so wouldn’t it be better to just admit it coolly?

But he’s already committed too much to back out now.

“Chancellor, even so, this situation won’t necessarily have a negative impact on you.”

“What do you mean it won’t? I’m about to be branded a delusional liar.”

“That’s just the level of teasing you’d get at drinking parties. Rather, if you embrace the humor, your human side will be more emphasized, and some people will appreciate that.”

This was half a joke, but the other half was genuine.

In the 21st-century modern society, saturated with memes and humor, what’s the best way to stay relevant?

It’s to become a meme.

It’s not a pleasant history, but events like ‘Hateful Britain’ or the art school entrance exam dropout [referring to Hitler’s rejection from art school] have been consumed as memes.

If our Iron Chancellor Bismarck reveals such a fallible side, how much will people enjoy and relate to it?

This is all my affectionate consideration for the future legacy of our allied Chancellor.

Bismarck, who had no idea how he would be immortalized on the internet in the future, returned to Berlin, self-satisfied that he had achieved a considerable accomplishment.

Meanwhile, Edward, who had finally resigned himself to his position as acting authority, accepted his fate and asked me for advice instead of foisting the work onto me.

“So, you’ve sorted out America and Europe, and now you want to tackle Asia?”

“Yes. Didn’t Father also say that even if it’s not immediately, Asia could become the focal point of the 20th century?”

“That’s right. China and India alone have populations of how many? Even Japan and Joseon [historical Korean kingdom] will have populations that can’t be ignored in about 100 years.”

“So, I’m trying to get ahead of the curve. I’m going to consolidate all of Great Britain’s Asian territories and make this the center of Asian trade in the future.”

Great Britain’s Asian territories include Taiwan, Singapore, and Shanghai… Certainly, in terms of geopolitical location, there are no better places than these.

Even though I’ve been subtly leaking future knowledge, seeing him formulate such a plan so readily makes me think I’ve done a good job educating my successor.

“So, you’re going to control Asia with this new unified territory.”

“Yes, but even so, the basic population difference is too significant. As a result of calculating the expected population growth rate due to the current increase in food production, scholars generally agree that Asia’s population will be enormous in about 100 years.”

“That’s right, that’s right.”

“Of course, many people say that it’s not a problem because we can use that region as our market, but according to Father’s prediction, that massive population alone could be a threat, right?”

“Yes. Imagine if China’s population exceeds 1 billion. At first, they’ll beg us to build factories and sell goods, but if the whole world is desperate to sell goods to China, then they’ll be the ones calling the shots.”

Even in the original timeline, what policies did the United States, trying to maintain its position as the world’s strongest power, implement to contain China, which was rapidly catching up?

Having foreseen such a future, it is necessary to take measures in advance to prevent such a thing from happening again.

“So, I thought the best thing to do would be to divide China into two.”

“Divide? I’ve considered that too, but the national identity is already too firmly established, so even if we force them apart, I’m worried they’ll just reunite.”

“Dividing them by ethnicity might be difficult, but systems and ideologies are a different story, aren’t they?”

My lips naturally curled up as I understood the implication of Edward’s proposal.

“Have you detected any interesting movements?”

“Yes. It seems that there are quite a few people within China who desire a constitutional monarchy or democracy now.”

“I see. Good, I understand your intentions, so proceed as you wish.”

There are many people in China who want democracy, but supporting them to overthrow the Qing imperial family [the ruling dynasty of China at the time] and seizing territory in return is a bad idea.

Even if we could take about a third of China, it would be unsustainable in the long run.

So, if we could divide China into two countries, one a monarchy and the other a democracy, what better solution could there be?

“If we divide China into two and leverage the unified British territories, Joseon, and Japan, it won’t be difficult to keep China in check, no matter how much it tries to rise.”

“Yes, but to do that, we need to have a way to properly utilize Joseon and Japan, right?”

“Since you have influence over that region, it won’t be too difficult. Of course, to drive a wedge here, we need to attract people who will be in key positions there in the future. As part of that, I’m thinking of expanding the scholarship program further. Can you authorize that?”

“Doubling it is insufficient. I’ll triple it. If we’re going to accept young children who haven’t yet established a firm identity as international students, we need to increase it that much, don’t we?”

To cultivate not only Joseon and Japan but also outstanding talents from China into pro-British factions, we need to invest at least that much.

“Thank you! Then I’ll go discuss it with the Prime Minister right away.”

Watching Edward leave the room with a bright smile after receiving my approval,

I felt like I could truly begin to relinquish control.

* * *

Joseon was undergoing a literal great transformation.

And when society changes, the long-established order between social classes is disrupted, and old conflicts resurface.

Of course, the rapid development of society was not beneficial for everyone.

For the classes who made a living from traditional knowledge or authority inherited from the old era, this transformation was practically a death sentence.

However, the children of the old aristocrats and powerful families were not simply being left behind.

Those who were trapped in the remnants of the old era and indulged in the past were the exception, not the rule.

To put it bluntly, even as times change, the wealthy are often the first to seize new opportunities.

“Minister, who should we appoint to the new position in the ministry?”

“We must choose someone who studied abroad. What do people who only studied within the confines of Joseon know?”

“That’s true. Weren’t there some individuals returning from studying at King’s College this time? Should we consider them?”

“There were such talents? We must recruit them immediately. Offer generous compensation and ensure they return, so no one can accuse us of letting them stay in London!”

The most highly sought-after talent in Hanseong [historical capital of Korea] right now is, without a doubt, someone who studied in London.

Next are those who studied in Prussia, France, or Canada.

This is not only the case in Joseon but also in neighboring Japan.

It was considered natural to employ individuals who had been exposed to more advanced civilizations to further develop the country.

In other words, people with money and power were desperate to send their children to London.

If there was an opportunity in Paris, Berlin, or Toronto, they would try to get their foot in the door.

That’s how strong the longing for Great Britain and the desire to study abroad were in Joseon and Japan.

And for these people, there was the Royal Road, which represented the greatest glory: the Great British Imperial Family Scholarship Program created by Killian.

If selected as a scholarship student, they would be given the opportunity to receive the exact same education as the most promising talents of the British Empire in London, no less.

Being selected for this was a family honor, and some powerful families were so enthusiastic that they even held festivals to commemorate their children being selected as scholarship students.

Lee Gyeong-seon, a member of a declining collateral line from Pyeongsan-dohobu, Hwanghae-do [a region in historical Korea], whose family was relatively insignificant, also harbored a lifelong wish to make his son a Killian scholarship student.

He was the 15th generation descendant of Grand Prince Yangnyeong, the eldest son of Taejong [a king of the Joseon Dynasty], but his family had long since lost their government position.

In the midst of this, the world was being turned upside down and a completely new order was being established, so how could he not seize this opportunity?

Just as Lee Gyeong-seon’s family had moved to Hanseong, an announcement was made to select young scholarship students, and he pushed his son forward with a prayerful heart.

Lee Seung-ryong, the eldest son and the only son in the family for six generations, did his best to meet the family’s expectations.

And as a result, he was proudly selected as a scholarship student and moved to London with his family, receiving everyone’s congratulations.

In fact, Lee Seung-ryong, who was not even ten years old yet, had great pride in being a member of the Joseon royal family.

No matter how Great Britain was the world’s strongest power, Joseon was a deeply rooted giant with a history of five thousand years.

Even if he was from a collateral line that had been pushed out of the center a long time ago, the royal family was still the royal family.

Moreover, Joseon was now recovering the old territory of Goguryeo [an ancient Korean kingdom] and enjoying an unprecedented golden age.

Seung-ryong vowed not to lose the dignity of a member of the Joseon royal family, even in London.

However, when he looked at the faces of the scholarship students, there were several who did not share such noble status.

Jeong Sun-man, whom he befriended after talking on the ship, was one such example.

At first, Seung-ryong, fueled by his pride as a member of the royal family, decided to lead the people from Joseon in London and showcase the potential of Joseon people.

But reality differed from his ideal.

“Joseon? Where is that country located?”

“Isn’t it a country west of China?”

“Hey, you fools, don’t you even know that? It’s south of China. Right next to Hong Kong.”

“That’s Taiwan, you idiot. You’re the one who’s clueless.”

In British society, Joseon was just one of those obscure countries tucked away in a remote corner of Asia.

Even the children of London’s influential figures usually reacted with ‘Where was that again?’ when Seung-ryong said he was from Joseon.

Of course, there was one way to dramatically change these people’s reactions.

Just add one modifier after the name of the country, Joseon, and that was it.

“Yes, yes. I’m from Joseon Dynasty. His Majesty Killian’s hometown…”

“His Majesty’s hometown?”

“Ah, ah! That Joseon! So that’s where Joseon was. Haha, we have a guest from a precious place.”

“Wait. Then, if the blood of the Joseon royal family flows in your veins, are you a distant relative of our Killian Majesty?”

“Yes, yes! I’m Majesty Killian’s cousin…”

It didn’t matter what kind of country Joseon was or what kind of influence the royal family there held.

Just the mere suggestion that he might be a distant relative of Killian was enough for everyone to treat Seung-ryong well, and he could become a superstar who received the most attention wherever he went.

It was around this time that Seung-ryong’s father, Lee Gyeong-seon, changed his son’s name.

“My son. I heard that your fortune will shine late in life. I believe that time refers to this study abroad period. I’m thinking of renaming you Seung-man (承晩) in the sense of continuing Killian Majesty’s grace and achieving great success later in life. What do you think?”

“I like it too. But Father, is there any way we can meet Killian Majesty even once?”

“Well. If we were a direct line of the royal family, it might be possible…”

Seeing his father’s troubled expression, Seung-ryong, or rather, the young Lee Seung-man, drastically revised his goals for studying abroad.

Maintain the spirit of the Joseon royal family? Don’t be ridiculous.

He now realized for sure.

The Joseon royal family was insignificant.

What’s important is not being a member of the royal family, but riding on the coattails of the giant named Killian.

Even the eldest son of a count family, who didn’t even know where Joseon was, widened his eyes and tried to become friends with him when he said he was Killian’s cousin.

Not to mention Joseon itself.

If he could only catch Killian’s eye while studying abroad, wouldn’t his smooth sailing after returning home be guaranteed?

He has a definite advantage over others because of his connection as a distant relative of Killian.

If only he could meet Killian and talk to him even just once while staying in London!

Lee Seung-man’s eyes, gazing at the overflowing waves of the Thames, were burning with a desire that was beyond his years.