Although the debate that had stirred all of Hanseong had ended, considering its aftermath, the real beginning was only now.
"Did you see that debate the other day?"
"I didn't, but my son heard it and told me. Said it was unbelievable."
"Unbelievable doesn't even begin to describe it. I thought politics was something only for those high officials, but that's not the case at all."
"What was it they said? Colonies? If we just sit still, we'll be in danger too."
For ordinary people, talk of power or Confucian principles meant little.
Their daily lives were a struggle for survival, and what mattered most was securing enough food for the year.
At first, few paid real attention to the debate.
Most had gathered simply because it was a rare chance to see the king in person, and to catch a glimpse of the Joseon royal said to have come from the world's strongest empire.
But once Kim Hak-seo began speaking in detail about the West, everything changed.
He described how Western powers colonized Asian nations, how they extracted resources, and how harshly the people suffered, even providing specific figures.
It would have been strange if the people had not been shaken.
And yet, they did not fall into panic.
Because he had clearly stated that as long as Joseon stood with Britain, such a fate would not befall them.
Not only were these words spoken, but the very consort of that empire sat beside the king and waved to the people.
More importantly, that figure was not merely a foreigner, but a royal of Joseon.
"Then as long as we trust His Highness Killian, nothing really changes for us, right?"
"They say Qing is collapsing, but we're actually doing better these days."
"That's obvious. If we stand with His Highness, we might even drive out Qing and take Manchuria."
"Where even is Manchuria? Would getting it make life easier?"
"What are you saying? Don't you know Goguryeo? That land is huge. If we take it, Joseon will grow many times over."
Whether Manchuria was suitable for farming did not matter.
To most people, land itself symbolized strength.
A larger territory meant a stronger nation.
If the Left State Councillor himself said it, then it must be true.
"Wait, didn't they say His Highness Killian is a royal of Joseon?"
"They did."
"Then shouldn't his surname be Yi, not Killian?"
"Hmm… maybe Killian is his given name… or perhaps his family name is different…"
"Then have we been calling him improperly this whole time?"
"Maybe it's different since he lives abroad…"
From markets to fields to taverns, there was no place where Killian's name was not being discussed.
Just as intended, the people now saw him as Joseon's lifeline and the key to its future greatness.
Once a favorable impression takes hold, it rarely fades.
Even among the scholars from the provinces, confusion began to spread.
"You went into that debate so confidently, and this is the result? You were completely overpowered by a single official."
"To say overpowered is excessive."
"Then what? You could not refute a single argument."
"Kim Hak-seo has strayed from the proper path of Confucianism."
"And what does that matter if you could not answer him?"
Choe Ik-hyeon and Yi Man-son remained silent as criticism poured in, while divisions emerged among the scholars themselves.
"From a practical standpoint, his argument was not entirely wrong."
"What are you saying?"
"If Western powers truly behave as described, should we not first ensure Joseon does not suffer the same fate?"
Silence.
More voices began to agree.
"If they come with guns and force, should we not prioritize survival?"
"We did not fully submit even during past invasions."
"And yet we eventually submitted to Qing. And now Qing has been defeated by Britain. If survival requires aligning with Britain, then perhaps it cannot be avoided."
"Absurd. To abandon Confucian principles is to abandon what it means to be a scholar."
The unity of the scholars had collapsed.
Some clung to ideals, others began to accept reality.
"If Yi Gwang-ro returns from the Western colonies and confirms this, then what will you say?"
No one could answer.
If even he acknowledged the truth, their entire ideological foundation would collapse.
The tide of the times was approaching.
Whether to be swept away or to ride it.
Many scholars watched one another, trying to decide.
Joseon's future had become uncertain.
"Your Highness, just as expected, everyone in Hanseong is talking about you."
"Expected? I made no such plan."
"Ah… yes, of course. It is simply remarkable how things turned out this way."
Kim Hak-seo had exceeded expectations.
Not out of guilt, but because he had no desire to fall from his position.
Thanks to him, the scholars were divided, and the people had embraced me.
Most importantly, I had made no promises myself.
"And what of the other officials?"
"They are eager to meet you, each hoping to gain your favor."
"Is that so? Then what do you think I should do?"
"You must not meet them. You should maintain your position and give the impression that you are not easily accessible."
"That would elevate your own standing, would it not?"
His face turned pale.
"I would never dare use Your Highness's authority for my own gain."
"I know. And meeting them now would only lead to endless questions."
"Yes, exactly."
"And what of the talk about Manchuria?"
"That has caused quite a stir. Some even claim you are the reincarnation of Gwanggaeto the Great."
"…Is that acceptable in a Confucian state?"
"Not in a literal sense. But it shows how strong the sentiment has become."
"That is enough."
"Of course. I have not once claimed any direct connection between your intentions and these discussions."
"Well done. Continue that way."
Then he asked carefully,
"Is the recovery of Manchuria truly possible?"
"That depends on you."
"…On me?"
"I prefer to look toward the future rather than dwell on the past. Can you do the same?"
He understood immediately.
Tears welled in his eyes as he bowed deeply.
"I will devote everything to ensuring your vision takes root in Joseon."
"That is excessive. But if you insist, I will entrust you with something."
"Anything, Your Highness."
"Gather detailed information on all candidates for the crown prince. It must be objective. And make sure everyone knows you are doing it."
"…I understand."
The foundation had been laid.
Now it was time for it to grow.
Officially, I would remain neutral.
But everyone would understand what that truly meant.