One of the few places where the king and the people could meet.
Yukjo Street, lined with the Six Ministries and the core institutions of the state, was filled with officials, yangban, and commoners who had gathered from all directions.
Even though it was called a place of communication, it was rare for the king to meet the people directly. Today was one of those rare occasions.
A vast avenue wide enough for hundreds to stand side by side had been prepared as a public debate stage so that all could witness it.
Originally, the debate had been planned for the Ministry of Rites or the Sungkyunkwan, but at Killian's strong insistence, it was moved to an open space where everyone could see.
Though he would not even participate in the debate, he had pushed for this setting. It made some wonder what confidence he had, but given his past actions, no one questioned him further.
"His Majesty arrives."
The crowd was enormous.
Even during royal processions, Yukjo Street was never this crowded. Now it was packed without a single gap, and even beyond the visible crowd, more people were still trying to push their way in.
Watching this, Killian stood beside them, smiling faintly and nodding in satisfaction.
If the officials lost this debate after setting such a grand stage, the consequences would be disastrous. Yet he showed no concern.
"It seems not only people from Hanseong, but also from the provinces have gathered."
"That is only natural. Otherwise, there would be no point in making such a grand event."
"Even the civil service examinations do not draw such crowds. This is remarkable."
"That is because those exams concern only the candidates and their families. And it seems many have come out of curiosity about me as well."
At that realization, it became clear.
People could not hide their curiosity toward Killian, who sat beside the king with an unfamiliar appearance and attire.
He was not merely a foreigner, but a royal relative of Joseon and the consort of the most powerful empire in the world.
Humans are naturally exclusive, but when someone is seen as part of their own group, that perception changes quickly.
Even if he looked foreign, the title of royal kin created familiarity.
Moreover, admiration for strength is instinctive.
If that strength belongs to an enemy, it inspires fear. But if it can be associated with oneself, people are drawn toward it.
"Your Highness, was the purpose of this grand stage to establish your presence in Joseon?"
"Is that so?"
"It must be. This goes beyond simply persuading scholars. You intend to engrave your position into the minds of the people."
"That may be the case, or it may not."
The answer was ambiguous, but his expression made it clear.
Strengthening his position would naturally give him greater influence over the selection of the crown prince.
At the same time, this also benefited the Joseon royal family.
The more closely Killian was perceived as connected to Joseon, the more secure the country's safety would be.
As everyone took their seats, the Chief Royal Secretary explained the rules.
"This debate is to determine the future direction of Joseon. Officials and scholars alike will present their views, and His Majesty will listen to all sides before making a decision. His Highness Killian will observe but will not speak, to ensure fairness."
It was a deliberate move to emphasize neutrality.
Killian's political skill was evident even in this arrangement.
"Now, we will first hear from the scholars who have publicly criticized the current policies."
Immediately, one scholar stepped forward.
"I am Yi Man-son, son of Yi Hwi-byeong from Yeongnam. The current policy of distancing from Qing and aligning with Britain is misguided. Qing, though not the Ming, still follows Confucian principles. Western nations follow Christianity and do not understand proper relations between ruler and subject."
He acknowledged Killian as an exception, but insisted that this did not justify abandoning traditional ties.
"Even to claim that the Mandate of Heaven has shifted from Qing to Britain is unacceptable."
Despite the strong tone, Kim Hak-seo remained calm.
When Yi Man-son finished, he spoke.
"I find it admirable that our scholars speak with such conviction. Yet it was His Highness Killian who suggested that even those who blocked the road should be respected for their sincerity. It is also thanks to him that we are holding this debate instead of resorting to force. What do you think of that?"
"…As I said, His Highness is different. But most Westerners are not."
"Do you understand how Britain governs itself?"
"…They deny proper order between ruler and subject…"
"Do not speak in abstractions. Diplomacy is a battlefield. If you do not even understand how another nation operates, how can you argue policy?"
Yi Man-son faltered.
Kim Hak-seo continued without pause.
"Britain follows Christianity, yet it has a king and ministers. Authority is respected. Moreover, they elect representatives from among qualified citizens, and the state promotes education to expand that qualification. Is this not similar to Confucian ideals of cultivating the people?"
"…Elections favor popularity, not virtue."
"People are not fools. Most representatives are highly educated, much like our scholars. Even His Highness graduated from a prestigious institution."
The argument was systematic, leaving little room for response.
"Even if Britain is not barbaric, that makes it more dangerous. They have already sold opium to Qing and drained its wealth. Joseon could face the same fate."
"That is precisely why understanding the current world is important. Britain did commit such acts. But since His Highness took a leading role, those policies have changed. Opium has been banned, and those who trade it are now criminals."
"How effective can such reforms be?"
A mistake.
Kim Hak-seo immediately seized on it.
"Are you denying the possibility of moral reform? Is that not the very essence of Confucian teaching?"
Caught in his own contradiction, Yi Man-son fell silent.
The experience of seasoned officials was overwhelming.
The debate had only just begun, yet the outcome was already beginning to take shape.