Around the time Killian had just arrived in Hanseong, the Shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyoshi, was deep in thought.
Preparations had been thorough, but when it came time to act, his resolve faltered. He hesitated again and again, unable to decide.
"Shogun, if you give the order, we can pressure them at any time. Even the regional daimyō are increasingly siding with us."
"But Chōshū and Satsuma are not ordinary domains. If we misstep and lose, everything will collapse."
"There is no chance of defeat. Did you not defeat even Russia, a great European power? Compared to them, Chōshū and Satsuma are like children."
Objectively, the Shogun's forces were stronger. That could not be denied.
But in real war, superiority in strength did not guarantee victory.
Still, delaying further carried its own risks.
Through great effort, the Shogun's authority had risen again to levels seen in the early days of the shogunate, but that depended entirely on Ieyoshi himself.
If time passed and the current Shogun died, what would remain?
He had no confidence that his successors could maintain control. In fact, he was certain they could not.
Though he had many children, most had died young. His only viable heir, Tokugawa Iesada, suffered from severe aftereffects of illness.
If he were to die now, everything he had built would collapse like sand.
He needed to live longer, and while he still lived, establish a system where no one could challenge the Shogun's authority.
That was why he sought to crush the powerful domains.
"…Yes. It must be done at least once."
The justification already existed.
The shogunate had declared that modernization and the introduction of new weapons would be controlled centrally, yet evidence suggested that Satsuma and Chōshū had been secretly acquiring such weapons.
If they were ordered to surrender all such arms, their strength would weaken while the shogunate's would increase.
If they refused, then force could be used to crush them.
Either way, it worked.
But raising an army was still a heavy burden, which was why he had hesitated.
Then, an opportunity appeared.
"Killian is in Shanghai?"
"Yes. Reliable sources say he will head to Joseon."
"Joseon is close… so Killian has come to Asia."
Not alone, but with the Asian fleet.
This was the opportunity.
Killian's presence alone would greatly strengthen the Shogun's authority.
With the most powerful figure of the Tokugawa regime nearby, who would dare oppose him?
"Issue official orders to Satsuma and Chōshū. It is time to settle this."
The ruler of the islands was Tokugawa.
Having made his decision, a burning resolve filled his chest.
Qing faced the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.
Joseon faced the succession of a crown prince.
Japan stood on the brink of internal conflict.
The three nations of Asia, unwilling to fall behind one another, were moving toward chaos once again.
Among them, Joseon's rapid and unpredictable transformation stood out the most.
The Taiping conflict and Japan's internal strife were events that would have occurred regardless.
But Joseon was different.
Because of my existence, the changes there had become something like a storm or a tidal wave, impossible to predict.
"Look at these fools. How dare they present such a petition here. They ask to have their heads cut off with axes? Fine, I will cut them down myself."
Kim Hak-seo looked ready to collapse if he swung an axe himself, yet he spoke fiercely.
"Left State Councillor, do not be too harsh. Whatever the case, risking one's life for one's beliefs deserves some respect, even if expressed in such a manner."
"They are not truly risking their lives. It is nothing more than a threat. If we truly tried to execute them, they would run immediately. That is why I am so angered."
"Even so, we cannot shed blood here."
At first, I had considered the possibility of someone charging with a blade, but as expected of a nation that prides itself on scholarship, they chose petition instead.
It was still entertaining enough.
A confrontation between powerful court officials and provincial scholars would be remembered for generations.
And given Kim Hak-seo's position, he would try everything to suppress them and gain my favor.
"Ignorant fools. Do you not see the mercy His Majesty is showing? Disperse at once."
"Though he may be a royal relative, is he not still a man of Britain? Joseon must uphold its own way."
"How dare you. Seize them all."
At Kim Hak-seo's command, soldiers moved and dragged the scholars away.
"Your Majesty, do not abandon the way of Confucianism."
Even as they were taken, they shouted toward the palace.
It almost felt like watching a scene from a drama.
Kim Hak-seo, misunderstanding my slight smile, spoke stiffly.
"I apologize for this disgrace. I will resolve it personally. Please do not concern yourself."
"Will that truly solve it? Today they blocked the road with axes, next time they may come for my head."
"That will never happen. I will ensure your safety and remove them from Hanseong entirely."
"That is only a temporary solution. Even if you remove them, others will emerge. Are you planning to exile all scholars? The root of the problem must be addressed. I will discuss this with His Majesty myself, so you need not worry."
"Then I will personally escort you to the audience hall."
He was clearly determined not to let me meet the king alone.
"Even so, it does not feel right to treat the State Councillor as a mere guide. You have already done enough."
"No. I insist. During your stay in Joseon, I will personally ensure your comfort."
His intentions were obvious, but those around us did not seem to notice.
Even the Chief State Councillor looked surprised.
"Why are you suddenly like this?"
"This concerns the future of Joseon. As a minister, I must see it through."
His words impressed the others.
I simply smiled and allowed him to continue.
Eventually, we arrived at the palace and met the king.
"It has been a long time. You must have had a difficult journey."
"Not at all. Your burdens must be far greater."
"I wished to greet you personally, but my physicians forbade it. I also heard there was an incident on your way here. I apologize."
"There is no need. The Left State Councillor handled everything with great care."
Kim Hak-seo immediately prostrated himself.
"I will serve His Highness with my life. Your Majesty need only focus on your health."
The king looked at him with surprise.
"You wished to retire not long ago. What has changed?"
"In these times, how can I think of my own comfort? I will remain and serve the state."
The king seemed moved, then turned to me.
"What do you think? Shall we entrust this matter to him?"
"I am grateful for his dedication."
"Then it is decided. Speak, what is your proposal?"
"Your Majesty, if we simply suppress the scholars by force, the unrest will only grow. Instead, we must defeat them through reason. Just as King Sejong once overcame opposition with logic, we must do the same. I will take responsibility for this."
The proposal was accepted.
Those who opposed the decision were given a choice.
Debate openly and accept the outcome, or be punished for defying royal authority.
Naturally, all chose debate.
Thus, an unprecedented event was set.
A debate led by the king himself, where court officials and provincial scholars would clash.
The stage had been set perfectly.