The British concession in Shanghai had now taken on a proper form.
Despite the refined atmosphere of the reception room, a heavy mood lingered in the air.
"Thank you for coming such a long way, Your Highness Prince Gong."
This was my first time meeting Prince Gong in person, one of the few capable members of the late Qing imperial family.
"I am Aisin-Gioro Yixin. I have long heard of Your Highness's reputation."
"As have I, Your Highness. I hear you enjoy the Emperor's full trust."
"That would be an exaggeration."
"So I was told. You are modest. Still, I did not expect you to arrive so quickly from the capital."
Nanjing, now held by the Taiping forces, was not far from Shanghai by continental standards.
"I traveled by sea from Tianjin. The rebels do not control the waters."
He glanced at the coffee in front of him.
"Are you not concerned, given how close you are to the rebels?"
"From what I hear, they are deliberately ignoring us. If they have any sense, they would not wish to fight both Qing and Britain at once."
"Yet you demand that Hong Xiuquan be handed over."
"Yes, but we are interested in Hong Xiuquan, not the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom itself. There is always the possibility that internal struggles may remove him first."
The Taiping movement had already grown beyond the scale of a simple rebellion.
With control over the Yangtze's southern regions, it was no longer something Qing could easily dismiss.
"Then to summarize, the Taiping will not surrender Hong Xiuquan, and Qing cannot currently defeat them. Is that correct?"
"…For now. But we are doing everything possible."
"That is not sufficient. If Europe becomes aware of this situation, the reaction will not be favorable."
At first, European opinion of the Taiping had not been entirely negative, mistaking it for a Christian-inspired movement.
But once the truth became known, that its leader claimed to be the brother of Jesus, and that its leadership promoted strange doctrines, support quickly vanished.
"Hong Xiuquan is provoking multiple taboos in Europe, both religious and social. And now he has dragged the British royal family into his claims. This is not something we can ignore."
"I understand."
"Then asking us to simply wait is unreasonable. The fact that I am here in person should make that clear."
Prince Gong's expression wavered.
He knew what was coming, and he had little room to refuse.
"Then… may we request Britain's assistance?"
"You want support in suppressing the Taiping?"
"Yes. Qing once assisted Britain during the war with Russia. It is unfortunate that this left us unable to focus on the south…"
A clever argument.
But not a convincing one.
"Was it not the Manchu Banner forces that fought in the north? Were they ever meant to suppress the Taiping?"
"…That may be so, but…"
"And if we speak of causes, Qing first sent troops to Joseon and was suspected of aligning with Russia. That led to the situation in the first place. Qing does not hold a debt over Britain."
"…You are correct."
"Still, it is clear that Qing requires assistance. We will not deploy large forces, but we will provide support within reason."
I requested detailed intelligence on the Taiping forces and paused the discussion.
This was no longer a simple rebellion.
Britain alone could not suppress it without cost.
Then perhaps it would be better to involve others.
If handled properly, the tensions rising in Europe could be redirected here.
While I considered Qing's worsening situation, Joseon was thrown into turmoil.
The king's decision had sent shockwaves throughout the land.
He would select a successor from among the royal relatives and adopt him as heir.
At first glance, it seemed like an extraordinary opportunity, but there were many complications.
Close royal descendants were restricted from holding office, meaning many lacked scholarly achievements.
More distant relatives faced their own difficulties, navigating political pressures.
Powerful families began approaching potential candidates.
"If you intend to stand as a candidate…"
"You have studied the Confucian classics, I presume?"
"You must also show interest in Western knowledge."
If they could place their candidate on the throne, they would rise to the center of power.
Among those drawn into this struggle was Heungseon Daewongun.
Identified as a potential candidate, he fled toward Shanghai.
Officially, he sought to discuss matters with Killian.
In truth, he wished to escape the pressure in Hanseong.
"This is madness…"
He had never imagined himself as a candidate.
He was older than the current king and had no intention of pursuing the throne.
Yet now he was considered one of the most likely successors.
If the rumors were true, that Joseon, Ryukyu, and Japan would recognize Britain's queen as the new Son of Heaven, then Killian's presence in the selection process made sense.
If so, his influence would be decisive.
"Then perhaps… it is worth trying."
As Shanghai came into view, his heart began to race.
Among all candidates, he held two advantages.
He was well educated.
And he already had a connection with Killian.
Which meant—
he might be the closest man to the throne.
"…Perhaps I should try."
The ship continued toward Shanghai, carrying with it ambition, uncertainty, and the shifting fate of a kingdom.