Joseon and Japan had long existed as neighbors that were both close and distant.
There had been a pause during the Imjin War, but after the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate, exchanges continued.
They also shared a similarity. Both sides used the other to elevate their own authority, while quietly considering the other slightly inferior.
Objectively speaking, by the mid-19th century Japan had already surpassed Joseon in strength, but no one in Joseon truly knew that.
In fact, even Japan itself likely did not fully grasp the extent of its advantage.
Without accurate knowledge of each other, both sides were filled with baseless confidence and failed to make rational judgments. That was the nature of the 19th century.
From that perspective, Gyeongwon-gun's question was not typical of a child, yet it also reflected a lack of understanding of reality.
"If the direct Tokugawa line were to end, they would seek a successor from a collateral branch, so theoretically it is not impossible. But this is not like a game of Go where one side makes a move and the other responds. Any method you can conceive, the other side can also conceive. Unless you believe yourself to be a once-in-a-century genius."
"I understand. If we attempt such a move, the shogunate could respond in the same way. But would the Japanese truly be capable of that? I have heard they are harsh and lack the ability to distinguish proper principles."
Given the mindset of 19th century Joseon, this was about the limit of understanding.
Still, it was commendable that he had asked this in private rather than using it as a debate topic.
For someone so young to grasp matters to this extent suggested he possessed notable potential among the royal relatives.
The backing of the Pungyang Jo clan was a concern, but considering Gyeongwon-gun's temperament, it would not be a decisive issue.
And if he understood that I stood behind him, even powerful families would not recklessly challenge the throne.
His youth could be seen as a weakness, but it also meant he could be shaped.
It was tempting.
Realistically, neither Joseon nor Japan could interfere in each other's internal affairs based on blood ties without risking war.
But over a long period, perhaps it might be possible for me, if not for them.
After all, the very selection of Joseon's next king was already part of that process.
I continued to observe the candidates through various conversations, weighing their strengths and weaknesses.
In the end, none stood out decisively.
Still, I reached one conclusion.
No matter which of the three became king, all could be managed.
What remained was simply choosing the best among them.
That would depend on the evaluation devised by King Heonjong.
Even after the candidates left, visitors continued to arrive.
Officials from the State Council, ministers of the Six Ministries, and members of the royal family all sought an audience.
Yet one figure remained silent.
The Queen Dowager Sunwon.
Given her connection to Kim Jwa-geun, perhaps she had already been informed, or perhaps there was another reason.
In any case, her silence made things easier.
Joseon's royal family could not significantly influence the larger situation, but avoiding unnecessary complications was still preferable.
With that, I declined further meetings and waited for the day of the evaluation.
At last, the day arrived.
I took my seat beside King Heonjong, watching what would become the first debate in Joseon's history to determine the next king.
Originally planned for the palace, it had been moved to a larger venue so more people could witness it.
Nearly all officials of the court were present, along with scholars from Sungkyunkwan.
The candidates, now standing before a massive crowd, looked visibly tense.
But King Heonjong began without hesitation.
"Deokwan-gun, you spent your youth on Ganghwa Island. A ruler should be educated from an early age. Do you not see this as a critical weakness?"
"…I understand it may appear so. But I am studying diligently to make up for it. And I believe I possess a strength others do not."
"What is that?"
"I have lived the life of the people myself."
Despite knowing he was being judged, Cheoljong of Joseon spoke with unexpected composure.
"I know the pain of winter cold without firewood, the desperation of searching for food when there is none. If the essence of righteous rule is to care for the people, then I believe I am well prepared in that regard."
The answer was simple but sincere, and many nodded.
But sincerity alone could not make a great ruler.
"Gyeongwon-gun, your youth may be a weakness. What do you think?"
"Though it is a weakness now, it also means I have more time to grow. I will continue to study and improve."
Then the king turned.
"Heungseon Daewongun, what do you consider your weakness?"
Heungseon Daewongun paused briefly before answering.
"I once trusted my own knowledge too much and dismissed others' views. But I have learned that I may be wrong, and now I strive to listen."
It was a skillful answer, turning weakness into strength.
The questioning continued, covering governance, foreign affairs, and talent selection.
Then came the debates.
Deokwan-gun's topic, the importance of understanding the people's lives, added little beyond what he had already said.
Gyeongwon-gun's topic sparked a real exchange.
He argued for preserving Confucian order while adopting Western technology.
Heungseon Daewongun countered that technology and ideology could not be separated so easily.
Their debate continued, but experience prevailed, and Heungseon Daewongun gained the upper hand.
Then came the final topic.
Whether Joseon held legitimate claim to the territories of ancient Joseon.
The moment it was revealed, the entire hall fell silent.
Even the scholars were stunned.
Deokwan-gun cautiously suggested that such claims could lead to conflict with Qing.
Gyeongwon-gun hesitated.
Then Heungseon Daewongun spoke firmly.
"Joseon inherits the legacy of all past states on this land. Gojoseon, Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla, Balhae, and Goryeo all live on within us."
No one could easily refute that.
Then, unexpectedly, Gyeongwon-gun raised his voice.
"Joseon is indeed the successor of those states. There are records in the Annals confirming this."
"The Annals?" someone asked.
"Yes, it is recorded."
Even King Heonjong confirmed it was likely true.
Once invoked, the authority of the Annals was absolute.
To deny it would be to deny the foundation of recorded history itself.
From that moment, the direction of the debate was set.
Joseon was framed as the legitimate successor to Manchuria.
The conclusion unfolded naturally.
Watching this, I became certain.
If there was a way to silence ideological resistance in Joseon, it was not through argument alone.
It was through the promise of greatness.
And the meaning of that greatness did not need to be explained.