Whether one likes it or not, the outbreak of a large-scale war forces a cold, unforgiving reality upon those involved.
Even nations that had long lived detached from reality could not escape it.
Not even premodern states, where the spread of information was weak, were exceptions.
One might control news of wars in neighboring lands, but it is impossible to conceal a war one is personally entangled in.
Joseon was no different.
In fact, from Joseon's perspective, there was no reason to hide the results of this war.
The court referred to it as the Second Northern Expedition and loudly proclaimed it as a historic victory.
Moreover, General Yi Beom-gyu, who had fought in the north and returned triumphant, vividly described how Britain operated its warships.
"The difference… is not merely decades, but centuries. To be frank, the gap between Joseon and Britain may be as great as that between ancient Gojoseon and present-day Joseon."
"What kind of irreverent statement is that? Are you saying we are centuries behind those Westerners?"
"…If I must speak honestly, yes."
"Even if Britain is a military power, technology is not confined to the military alone!"
Though more officials had begun to realize the gap through contact with Britain, five centuries of ingrained belief would not change easily.
Among the high officials devoted to Confucian principles, many still rejected the need for reform.
"Your Majesty! General Yi Beom-gyu has been overwhelmed by British warships and can no longer think objectively."
"And are you implying that I, who personally boarded a British warship in Dongnae and was impressed, lack virtue?"
"N-no, Your Majesty! How could I dare—"
"Is it not evident from Ambassador Kim Jwa-geun's reports that Britain is not merely strong in military power?"
A city far more advanced than Hanseong, where even at night the wealthy illuminated their estates with gas lamps hundreds of times brighter than candles.
Strange devices of unknown principles were described in detail, and Kim Jwa-geun himself had grown accustomed to using such innovations without discomfort.
"Or are you saying that his reports are false?"
"N-not false, Your Majesty… but perhaps somewhat exaggerated…"
Recently, the court had split into two factions—those pushing for reform and those urging delay.
The pro-reform faction was led by the Andong Kim clan, centered around Kim Jwa-geun.
The opposing faction, advocating delay, was led by the Pungyang Jo clan under Jo Byeong-gi.
However, neither side was united by firm ideology.
The Andong Kim clan had originally been indifferent to reform, but with Kim Jwa-geun serving as ambassador to Britain and Britain's rising influence, they had simply gone along with the tide.
As for the Pungyang Jo clan, they were not opposing reform out of deep Confucian conviction.
Rather, they calculated that if reform proceeded under Andong Kim leadership, the balance of power—already tilted by the king—would shift decisively.
And so, they opposed it.
Watching this farce of a court, one could feel old frustrations resurfacing.
Would it not be simpler to sweep them all away and replace them with younger officials?
But youth did not guarantee openness. Many who had grown up steeped in Confucian teachings clung to it even more rigidly.
In fact, those who had directly encountered Britain—even boarded its warships—were often more open-minded.
What could be done?
They would have to be shown reality and corrected.
Fortunately, a timely opportunity had arisen.
"Hear this. Britain has invited us to participate in a grand exhibition of technology—the Great Exhibition. I have accepted, believing there is no reason to refuse, and preparations are already underway in their capital."
"I support the policy of making Joseon known to the nations of Europe."
"Do others agree?"
"It is said that Japan will also participate. Joseon must not merely attend, but achieve results more impressive than Japan!"
Though unlikely, being judged inferior to Japan would not be a matter of wounded pride alone.
Seeing all officials united in competitive spirit, the king grasped how to steer the situation.
Japan and Qing must be brought into the equation—Joseon's national pride must be stirred.
After a brief pause, he spoke again.
"This Exhibition, drawing the attention of the world, is a rare opportunity. I intend to use it to demonstrate that Joseon is a fully independent nation. Does anyone object?"
"Your Majesty… by 'independent nation,' do you mean—"
"We will settle our relationship with Qing once and for all. Have we not discussed this before?"
Silence fell.
The moment had finally come.
It was too weighty and sensitive—no one dared speak.
To break from tributary relations with Qing and establish a new order.
Qing would surely react with fury, but Britain would serve as a shield.
"Your Majesty… there is still debate among scholars as to whether Britain truly possesses such strength."
"That concern is already accounted for. We will send an official delegation to celebrate the Exhibition—see it with your own eyes."
"…Pardon?"
"Appoint Kim Heung-geun, the Right State Councillor, as head, with Jo Byeong-gi as deputy. Let them observe not only Britain, but all Western advancements gathered there, and report in detail."
Once they saw it for themselves, they would understand.
Add proper justification—and everything would fall into place.
"And remember this: under no circumstances must the European powers perceive Joseon as inferior to Japan. Do your utmost."
"Yes! We shall ensure Joseon's spirit is made known!"
As expected—invoke Japan, and resolve strengthens instantly.
Just as Joseon reacted strongly to Japan, Japan too treated matters involving Joseon with particular seriousness.
Since its early rule, the Tokugawa shogunate had used Joseon envoys to elevate its authority.
They had even misled the Dutch East India Company into believing Joseon's envoys were tribute missions.
Unlike Ryukyu, Joseon was a significant state—making it useful for Japan to present itself as a great power commanding tributaries.
But recently, Joseon's rapid alignment with Britain unsettled the shogunate.
It was not merely fear of Joseon growing stronger.
Trade and diplomacy were one thing—but Joseon appeared to be forging deeper ties, even manipulating genealogies to connect itself with Britain.
At first, it seemed mutual imitation—but recently, even the Joseon king had reportedly left his palace to board a ship with Killian.
If Joseon were aligning itself closely with Britain, the implications for the shogun's authority would be severe.
"Joseon is preparing to attend the Exhibition in great numbers?"
"Yes. It is confirmed."
"…We are attending as well, correct?"
"Yes. Under the consul in London, we will present Japan's superior culture."
"This is a gathering of the world's great powers. Japan must stand out—above all in Asia. Not Joseon."
With victory in the recent war, even partial control of Karafuto (Sakhalin) had restored the shogun's declining authority.
Praise spread across the domains, and loyalty surged.
Even powerful domains like Satsuma and Chōshū were becoming isolated.
If this momentum continued, the shogunate could reestablish its dominance.
To do so, Japan must continue projecting strength abroad.
The position the shogunate now claimed was clear—
Asia's chosen partner of the British Empire.
Achieve that, and the prestige gained would far surpass anything from dealings with Joseon, Ming, or Qing.
"Under no circumstances shall any Asian nation outshine us at this Exhibition."
"Yes!"
Among Asian participants, only Japan, Qing, and Joseon would attend.
If success was secured here, and Western knowledge steadily adopted, Japan could rise as Asia's strongest power.
Confidence bred ambition.
And the shogun's ambitions continued to grow.
Fifteen days before the Exhibition's opening.
Preparations were complete, and final arrangements for welcoming foreign dignitaries were underway.
The original London Exhibition had its shortcomings—but under my direction, much had changed.
Each nation now had clearly defined sections, allowing them to showcase their identity.
Recreational areas had been constructed, and accommodations expanded for the expected crowds.
The Asian section, themed around the "Mystique of the East," would surely draw attention.
With the war against Russia just concluded, global interest was at its peak. France, Prussia, the United States, and Spain were locked in subtle rivalries.
A guaranteed success.
Then, as final preparations were underway, an unexpected visitor arrived.
"Your Highness, an envoy from an Asian nation requests an audience."
"Regarding the Exhibition? Qing? Joseon? Or Japan?"
"No. It is a nation without formal diplomatic ties. They insist on meeting you personally."
"Then they should go through the Foreign Office. Why come to me? Because they are Asian?"
"Yes. The name was… Ryuchu? Rochu? Something like that."
Ryuchu…?
After a moment, a thought surfaced.
"…Do you mean Ryukyu?"
"Ah—yes, that is it. Do you know of them?"
"Of course. Tell them I will receive them tomorrow or the day after."
The attendant blinked in surprise before bowing.
Ryukyu… to think they would send envoys all the way here.
Qing and Joseon. Ryukyu and Japan.
Those seeking to escape tributary ties—and those unwilling to release them.
This Exhibition… is going to be very interesting indeed.