The Yesong debates.
In the past, during the reign of King Hyeonjong, there had been two fierce disputes over funeral rites.
At a glance, they might seem like empty formalities unrelated to the lives of the people, but that criticism was unfair.
Confucianism was the foundation of Joseon, and those issues were directly tied to the legitimacy of royal authority.
In other words, the Yesong debates were deeply connected to real politics, and their importance could not be taken lightly.
From that perspective, the current dispute, though different in form, was similar in essence.
The question was whether it was right for Joseon, a state grounded in Confucian ideology, to establish relations with Western powers and pursue modernization.
Or whether it should uphold Neo-Confucian order and preserve its identity as the Little China.
Since this was a debate tied directly to the ideology of the state, it was expected to be as intense as the historical Yesong disputes.
The difference was that this time, instead of the court splitting into factions, a forum had been opened to persuade the provincial scholars.
Normally, if the court's position was firm, it could simply push forward regardless of opposition.
But this issue touched the very foundation of Neo-Confucian ideology.
If it was not decisively settled now, it would cause endless conflict in the future.
This was the king's intention, to resolve everything at once.
"If one has a head on their shoulders and that head functions properly, there is no room for debate. Look at the reports of Africa recorded by Ambassador Kim Jwa-geun. The great powers of Europe squeeze weaker nations until not even a drop remains."
"Exactly. Not only Africa, but many countries in Asia are falling into their colonies. If Joseon wishes to avoid that fate, we must become strong enough not to be devoured. And to buy time, we must rely on Britain's strength."
"In fact, by aligning with Britain, we were able to repel Russia and prevent them from taking northern lands."
The court officials, who had gradually become practical in their thinking, criticized the scholars' outdated understanding.
Even Confucian scholars could not ignore what they had repeatedly heard and experienced.
"Those who keep shouting should simply be sent to Western colonies, as His Majesty suggested."
"That is indeed the plan. But before they return, we must first change the mindset of the provincial scholars."
"There is no need to worry. I will personally break through their stubborn thinking."
All eyes turned to Kim Hak-seo, who had suddenly become an extreme pragmatist.
"If the Left State Councillor leads, we can feel reassured. But what caused such a change?"
"…This is driving me mad."
"…Pardon?"
"I mean those fools blocking the road with axes. Imagine if someone actually attacked His Highness with one. Joseon would be finished that very day."
His sudden outburst left the others puzzled, but they nodded nonetheless.
Perhaps he had simply been shaken by the incident.
Meanwhile, the scholars, led by Choe Ik-hyeon and Yi Man-son, were also preparing their arguments.
"They will argue from practicality, claiming it cannot be helped."
"Nothing new. It is no different from the Northern Learning faction."
"Exactly. Which means it will not be difficult to refute."
The Northern Learning scholars had once argued for practical reforms, but their ideas had never overturned centuries of tradition.
No matter how convincing practicality sounded, it was fleeting compared to traditions built over generations.
"I will gather as much evidence as possible that Western learning ultimately corrupts us."
"Good. If Yi Gwang-ro were here, he would be proud."
"I will do everything I can to awaken His Majesty from this misguided path."
They believed that once a proper stage was set, the king would come to his senses.
A nation of five hundred years of Neo-Confucian tradition could not accept Western learning.
"Let us go. To save Joseon."
"Protect Neo-Confucianism. Hear us."
"Joseon must change. Face reality."
"Expel those who defile Confucianism."
"Reform is the only path."
The atmosphere grew heated as the day of debate approached.
Scholars from across the country gathered, along with students from the Sungkyunkwan.
Most from the provinces opposed the court, but those closer to Hanseong showed more divided opinions.
The shift in public sentiment could be traced to a specific moment.
The day half of Sakhalin was incorporated into Joseon.
The sudden expansion of territory stirred pride.
"Even if Killian has Joseon blood, he is ultimately British. To trust him blindly is dangerous."
"How dare you doubt him. He helped repel Russia and even secured new lands for Joseon. Who else has done such a thing?"
Though the territory was not fully controlled, its symbolic value was immense.
For a nation that had rarely expanded through war, it was intoxicating.
"If we follow his path, we may reclaim even Manchuria and restore Joseon's glory."
"Are you suggesting war with Qing?"
"Qing is no longer what it once was. With Killian, we can reclaim our past."
No such promise had ever been made, but that did not stop speculation.
It was better to leave it as it was.
At this stage, no words would calm such enthusiasm.
Even the guards watching the crowds seemed confused.
I turned to a young officer.
"Lieutenant Gordon, do you have something on your mind?"
"No, Your Highness."
"You clearly do. Speak."
"We were discussing what Your Highness intends to do, and whose guess might be closest."
"That is natural."
Not only soldiers, but politicians in Britain likely wondered the same.
Why not simply turn Joseon into a colony?
The answer was simple.
It was a matter of efficiency.
Using the royal family and existing system was far more practical than rebuilding everything from scratch.
And in the long term, this land would serve as a buffer against Qing and Russia.
Destroying it would only increase costs.
Of course, that did not mean leaving everything unchanged.
Like renovating an old building, the structure would remain, but the inside would be transformed.
Even if Heungseon Daewongun became king, the nature of kingship itself would change.
Joseon needed surgery, and that would inevitably alter the meaning of the throne.
As the debate approached, I gave a quiet suggestion to Kim Hak-seo.
"Before the debate, imagine Joseon's flag flying over Manchuria."
"…What?"
"Dreams can come true. If one wishes strongly enough."
His reaction changed instantly.
"I will inform the others at once."
Watching him rush off, I stood as well.
I had only said to imagine it.
When, or whether, it would happen was another matter entirely.
Still, at this moment, that was enough.
Even those who clung to Confucian ideals would struggle to resist such promises.
After all, few could resist a vision of national glory.