Jang Hangseon’s appointment as the Right Deputy Prime Minister was quite an exceptional case.

Ever since the Prime Minister system was established during the Reformation era, the position of Right Deputy Prime Minister had typically been filled by the Minister of General Affairs or the Minister of Justice, while the Left Deputy Prime Minister role was monopolized by the Ministry of Finance and Economy. Given this situation, Jang Hangseon’s selection was a rather unconventional move.

Consequently, Wan had to deliberate considerably before choosing Jang Hangseon.

Funnily enough, choosing the Prime Minister and the Left Deputy Prime Minister was easy…

No ministers voiced opposition to the selection of Han Myeonghoe as Prime Minister and Lim Sunwook as Left Deputy Prime Minister. The prevailing opinion was that both men were unparalleled in their careers, achievements, and interpersonal relationships.

Ah, but maybe not Han Myeonghoe?

Just as Wan mused to himself, there had indeed been some talk about Han Myeonghoe.

***

Ever since his time as the Minister of General Affairs, Han Myeonghoe’s nickname had been ‘The Emperor’s Weathervane.’ It was because he grasped the Emperor’s will[1] faster and more accurately than anyone else, steering matters in that direction.

“It’s not like he’s a sycophantic opportunist, though…”

“That’s the bigger problem…”

“He does oppose things from time to time…”

“And that’s what makes it a problem. If he just moved according to the Emperor’s will, he’d be nothing more than a treacherous courtier greedy for power…”

“Wasn’t his path unconventional from the very start of his government service?”

Just as the rumors about him suggested, Han Myeonghoe was ‘The Emperor’s Yes-Man.’ However, he did not follow blindly; depending on the situation, he would express opposition or propose a compromise. And because his reasoning was always sound, Wan would either withdraw his own proposals or accept the mediated plan.

This was why the officials had so much to say about Han Myeonghoe.

Is he an unprecedented sycophant who is skilled at finding his own path to survival, or a capable official who knows how to properly guide the Emperor’s will?

It was the retired Kim Jongseo who put this debate to rest.

“Han Myeonghoe’s ability is precisely what is needed for the Prime Minister. To be the first to most accurately grasp His Majesty the Emperor’s will and move the court officials, or to be the first to identify what is wrong and guide him to the right path. That is the ability required of a Prime Minister.”

Kim Jongseo’s words quelled the controversy, and Han Myeonghoe was able to ascend to the position of Prime Minister without any further trouble.

On the day he returned after being appointed, Han Myeonghoe gazed at the night sky with eyes full of a myriad of emotions.

“Finally…”

He had lived his life aiming for success and fame and the position ‘below one person, but above ten thousand’. It was a position he had climbed to by building achievements and a career, sometimes with brilliant strategies and at other times by the book.

As he stared at the night sky with a face full of conflicting emotions, Han Myeonghoe came back to reality and scowled.

“Finally, my ass! It’s just one mountain after another!”

The current emperor, Wan, was not someone to be taken lightly. Though he hadn’t officially served as a regent for the previous emperor, Wan was more skilled than anyone at handling the ministers. He had come to the throne having perfectly mastered state affairs through preliminary education and practical training, including planning, prioritizing projects, and drafting budgets while running Area 51 and the research institute.

The same was true for Hyeon, the next in line for the throne.

Watching Wan and Hyeon, the ministers came to understand why Sejong and Hyang had entrusted the Crown Prince with the responsibility of running Area 51 and the research institute. They had completely transformed the study of emperorship, which had been purely theoretical until the regency, into a practical, hands-on curriculum. By managing Area 51 and the institute, the Crown Prince became a figure thoroughly seasoned in administration.

“Still, he has his age, but the problem is that he is coming back.”

The man who was Han Myeonghoe’s nemesis, Hyang, was set to return. Of course, as Emperor Emeritus, he could not directly interfere in politics, but by summoning Hyeon to Suganggung Palace and dropping a hint or two, he could easily shake the entire royal court. That was why Han Myeonghoe was scowling.

Unlike Han Myeonghoe, who ascended to Prime Minister amidst controversy, Lim Sunwook became Left Deputy Prime Minister without any significant opposition. In fact, many welcomed Lim Sunwook’s appointment. Those who welcomed him included not only officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economy but also many common people engaged in commerce and industry.

“If it’s Lord Im, he worked in commerce for a long time, so he’ll be able to solve economic problems well!”

“Damn right, he will!”

The people had high hopes for Lim Sunwook, whose long experience in the Ministry of Finance was built upon his career managing a rather large merchant guild.

***

In any case, after much deliberation, Wan appointed Jang Hangseon as the Right Deputy Prime Minister.

The unprecedented decision caused a stir, and Han Myeonghoe stepped forward on Wan’s behalf to explain and persuade.

“His Majesty believes the war that will unfold in Italy will be one that greatly affects the security of the empire.”

“Just how large a war does he think it will be?”

“The preparation period alone is at least ten years, and our opponents are France, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire, are they not? Spain might be one thing, but France and the Holy Roman Empire are among the strongest powers in Europe. He must believe that if we underestimate them and fail to prepare properly, the empire will suffer great losses and humiliation.”

“In the past, when we staked the nation’s fate to fight the Ming in Liaodong, we didn’t place the Minister of Defense in a deputy prime minister’s seat, did we?”

“The Ming are right on our doorstep, are they not? But the war in Italy is a different case. It is the first time in the empire’s history that we are jumping into a war in a distant foreign land. And we have to cross New Frontier to get there. The war expenses alone will be formidable. That is why he believes Lord Jang Hangseon is the right man for the job. What is Lord Jang’s principle? He advocates for ‘Iron and Blood’[2], but is not his philosophy that ‘national defense must not consume the people’s livelihood’? His Majesty must believe that Lord Jang will prepare properly over the ten-year period.”

Many officials nodded at Han Myeonghoe’s words. However, some continued to point out problems.

“France and the Holy Roman Empire may be renowned powers in Europe, but compared to the Ming, they are but a drop in the bucket. Are you not overestimating them?”

“It’s true they are a drop in the bucket. However, during the Liaodong War, the Ming underestimated us and did not prepare properly, while we were thoroughly prepared. That decided the victory, did it not?”

“That is true.”

“The problem is Suez. At Suez, France saw the true capabilities of our imperial army. Now that they know we have allied with Florence, it is only natural that they will prepare thoroughly, don’t you think? And the Holy Roman Empire and Spain, wary of France, will bolster their military strength in tandem. Those are the opponents we must face.”

“…”

No further counterarguments arose after Han Myeonghoe’s explanation. His words were reasonable. Thanks to Han Myeonghoe taking the initiative, the talk about Jang Hangseon’s appointment as deputy prime minister died down.

Later, when Wan learned of the circumstances through various channels, he muttered with a satisfied expression.

“Han Myeonghoe is certainly useful. He could easily sway things if one isn’t careful, but Hyeon is no pushover himself, so there shouldn’t be a major problem.”

While running Area 51 and the research institute, especially while making a fuss about developing that ‘high-speed, ironclad steam-powered warship,’ Hyeon had become well-versed in all manner of standard procedures and cunning tricks.

“And when Hyeon ascends the throne, the Regent will be back too…”

Wan felt reassured as he thought of Hyang, his most powerful safety net. However, watching Hyeon later become mesmerized by the Small Hwacha and cavalry pistol that Hyang brought, Wan grew a little worried.

“Will it really be okay? Isn’t this just adding fuel to the fire?”

***

It was this background that had Jang Hangseon lost in thought.

Based on the report’s contents and the demonstration, the weapons were truly well-suited for the imperial army’s situation.

The problem is the cost…

As if sensing Jang Hangseon’s thoughts, Lim Sunwook spoke first.

“According to the report, granting New Frontier exclusive production rights for the weapon tentatively named the ‘Small Hwacha’ and the new cavalry pistol will greatly aid its self-reliance. I believe this is problematic. If producing the Small Hwacha, the new cavalry pistol, and their new ammunition is enough to make New Frontier self-sufficient, just how large a quantity must be produced? And to consume that quantity, half of the imperial army would have to be armed with them. I may not know much about the art of war, but I have heard that every weapon has its designated purpose. If we carry the wrong weapon to the wrong place, we will not only face defeat but also lose many lives.”

At Lim Sunwook’s point, the ministers’ gazes focused on Jang Hangseon.

Receiving the unspoken question, Jang Hangseon cleared his throat lightly to compose his voice and began to speak.

“Ahem! Ahem! The Left Deputy Prime Minister is correct. Both the Small Hwacha and the cavalry pistol will display immense power in close-quarters combat, but they will not be as effective at longer distances.”

Hyang interjected at Jang Hangseon’s assessment.

“Your Majesty, as a party involved in this matter, may I have a word?”

“You may.”

Having received Hyeon’s permission, Hyang immediately questioned Jang Hangseon.

“The cities of Italy are dense with buildings made of thick stone. Wouldn’t they be useful in such places?”

Jang Hangseon replied at once.

“Of course, that is true. However, not all battles are urban warfare. And if the enemy uses thick stone buildings as cover, why should we respond with long guns and hwachas? We should naturally use artillery.”

Hyeon and all the ministers nodded at Jang Hangseson’s answer. Seeing this, Hyang screamed inwardly.

Hey! You cannon fetishists!

However, Hyang had forgotten something. The very cannons that had gotten them addicted had all passed through his own hands.

“Ahem! Ahem!”

With even Jang Hangseon showing a negative reaction, Hyang cleared his throat and continued.

“I have no intention of trying to achieve New Frontier’s self-reliance with the Small Hwacha and cavalry pistol alone. I simply hope that the imperial army recognizes their utility and introduces a reasonable quantity.”

At Hyang’s words, Hyeon turned to look at Lim Sunwook and Jang Hangseon.

“What are the thoughts of the Deputy Prime Ministers?”

“If it is an appropriate quantity, it would be good to introduce them.”

Following Jang Hangseon’s reply, Lim Sunwook also spoke.

“I am of the same opinion.”

With the strictest of them, Lim Sunwook, in agreement, Hyeon looked at Han Myeonghoe with a bright face.

“The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers will work with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Finance to create a report on the optimal quantity, budget, and introduction period, and submit it.”

“We accept your command.”

While observing Lim Sunwook’s expression from the side, Hyang slowly prepared to bring up another topic.

I should open one more bundle for our Lord Lim Sunwook. He’ll cry otherwise.

“Ahem. Ahem! Your Majesty. I have something to discuss, if I may?”

“Of course!”

Having obtained permission to speak from Hyeon, Hyang turned to Lim Sunwook and opened his mouth.

“I discovered something quite interesting in the territory acquired from the last Mexica Conquest. The natives call it ‘chicle’.”

“Is that so?”

At Hyang’s words, Lim Sunwook’s eyes began to sparkle.

He said it was ‘quite interesting’! That means it’s a profitable commodity!

According to Lim Sunwook’s memory, whenever Hyang began speaking in such a manner, things that brought in large sums of money soon followed.