“To involve the Ming as well… Hmm…”

At the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ suggestion, Hyeon trailed off, sinking into deep contemplation. He was not alone; beginning with Han Chi-hyeong, the other ministers also fell silent, wrestling with the implications.

“Minister, let us be frank. This is not a proposal one can easily accept or reject. You are well aware of this, are you not?”

In response to Hyeon’s query, the Minister of Foreign Affairs bowed his head low.

“Your humble servant is acutely aware, Your Majesty. However, it is a fundamental truth that increasing one’s allies is far superior to increasing one’s enemies. If we can offload a significant portion of the risk in exchange for a moderate share of the profits, could there be any arrangement more advantageous than this?”

“But surely, anyone with a modicum of intelligence among them will see through our intentions?”

“If they possess enough intelligence to discern our intent, they will also realize that this is an offer they cannot refuse.”

“They could take the profits we yield and forge a dagger to stab us in the back. How do you propose we handle that?”

“What benefit would they possibly gain from such treachery? It would only invite a far greater calamity upon themselves. If they are rational actors, they would not dare commit such folly.”

Han Chi-hyeong immediately rebutted the Minister’s confident assertion.

“Are there not countless historical precedents of nations facing ruin precisely because they thought exactly as you do now?”

Undeterred, the Minister of Foreign Affairs countered Han Chi-hyeong’s objection.

“What, then, is the purpose of the Imperial Army? The Empire is already a great power with few equals. A great power possesses its own methods of conduct and diplomacy.”

Hyeon showed a flicker of curiosity at the Minister’s words.

“Oh? And what might those be?”

The Minister answered without hesitation.

“We must treat even the smallest and most destitute opponent with courtesy and sincerity, yet we must always hold a cudgel in one hand. And when the time comes to swing it, we must strike without mercy.”

At this, Right Vice-Premier, Ryu Sun, immediately pointed out the moral flaw.

“I do not believe that is the way of a ‘Junzi’—a noble man.”

“To practice the way of a noble man against one who is not is merely the act of a fool, not a Junzi. Why do you think Duke Xiang of Song has been mocked for over a millennium?”

“However, the Way of the King dictates…”

“The world is no longer in the era of the Kingly Way, but in the era of the Hegemon!”

“Even if the currents of the times flow that way, should not those who have studied the words of the Sages strive to realize the Kingly Way?”

“Ideally, yes! But if we merely drift with the current, how can we call ourselves noble men?”

“Reality is reality! Before we are scholars or noble men, we are ministers of the Empire! Those who operate the machinery of the Empire must never lose sight of reality!”

As the voices of the ministers rose in heated debate, Hyeon raised a hand to cut them off.

“Enough. Silence! This is unsightly.”

At Hyeon’s command, the ministers bowed their heads in unison and fell silent. Hyeon looked over them and spoke, ”The debate between you was not unpleasant to witness. However, is this truly the time for such philosophical arguments? Why are you all so distracted by the branches that you have forgotten the trunk?”

“W-We apologize, Your Majesty!”

The ministers bowed apologetically at Hyeon’s rebuke. However, Ryu Sun dared to disagree.

“It is presumptuous of me to say, Your Majesty, but I do not believe this debate to be a mere branch. I believe this is a crucial discussion defining how the Empire conducts its diplomacy. When the First Emperor founded this Empire, he proclaimed ‘To Broadly Benefit the Humanity’ as our national policy. What does this mean? It means to bring benefit to people. How could ‘people’ refer only to the subjects of the Empire? Viewed in this light, diplomacy is the finest instrument for practicing our national policy.”

Scarcely had Ryu Sun finished when the Left Vice-Premier, Seongjun, stepped forward.

“Your Majesty, with all due respect, the Right Vice-Premier speaks of ideals that are far too lofty. No one can deny the beauty of his words. However, they are but empty cries. He may criticize compromising with the times, but one cannot survive by ignoring the currents of the world!”

“Your Majesty, if I may…”

As Ryu Sun opened his mouth to rebut again, Hyeon raised his hand.

“Stop. It would be best to cease this now. You must all exercise prudence.”

“It is presumptuous to say…”

“If you know it is presumptuous, then do not speak!”

Hyeon’s thundering rebuke instantly froze the atmosphere in the Grand Hall. With a voice sharpened by irritation, Hyeon addressed his ministers.

“Both the First Emperor and the Emperor Emeritus spoke thus: ‘He who manages a nation must always keep both feet firmly planted in reality.’ And further: ‘Always be prudent. Even in the best of times, aim not for the absolute best, but for the second best. In a crisis, aim not to avoid the worst, but to achieve the lesser evil. Prudence is the highest virtue for one who runs a nation.’ Do you not understand what this means?”

“……”

None of the ministers dared to open their mouths at Hyeon’s question. Hyeon singled out Ryu Sun.

“Right Vice-Premier, listen well. I do not think your words are wrong, but neither do I think they are right. Striving to realize ‘To Broadly Benefit the Humanity’ and the Kingly Way is praiseworthy, but one must never forget reality. Etch this into your mind.”

“I shall carve it into my bones, Your Majesty.”

Having cautioned Ryu Sun, Hyeon issued his order to the assembly.

“The Minister of Foreign Affairs’ proposal is worth deep consideration. I will give you two days. Organize your thoughts by then.”

“We receive your command!”

***

After enduring the chaotic commotion, Hyeon sought out Hyang to vent his frustrations.

“I simply do not understand why they are all so eloquent with their words. No, eloquence is fine. But it makes me sigh to see them tossing aside the main issue to fight over tangential branches. If I had my way, I would dismiss every last one of them.”

“Are there others capable of filling their seats?”

“Haa~. That is the problem. That is why I leave them be. It seems certain that even if I filled the court with new faces, the same thing would happen again.”

Hyang smiled gently at Hyeon’s grumbling and responded, ”Think of it positively. It is only because the Empire is prosperous enough that they have the energy to argue so.”

“Are you suggesting this is a reign of peace and prosperity?”

“I cannot say for certain if it is a perfect reign of peace. Even at this moment, there are surely those in corners of the Empire starving or shedding tears over injustice. However, I can guarantee that life has become significantly more comfortable compared to the past. That is why such debates occur. There is an old saying that circulates in the markets: ‘If the children starve for three days, even a nobleman will climb a neighbor’s wall.’ Because the livelihoods of the Empire’s subjects have improved, they have the luxury to debate morality and precedence. Do you think they would argue over righteousness if their lives were destitute? They would be drawing swords long before that.”

Hyeon nodded, his expression brightening considerably at Hyang’s words. Seeing Hyeon’s mood improve, Hyang asked for his true intent.

“What do you think of the Foreign Minister’s proposal, Your Majesty?”

“I see no harm in it. It could lend strength to an Emperor friendly to our Empire, and if it goes well, we could cultivate a pro-Imperial faction within the Ming court. The only problem is that the partner is Ming.”

Hyang nodded at Hyeon’s assessment.

“I agree.”

And this sentiment was shared by the ministers as well.

***

Rationally speaking, the Foreign Minister’s proposal was sound. However, emotionally, it was a proposal that incited strong resistance. Ming and the Empire had fought two wars that had staked the very survival of their nations. While much time had passed and trade volume between the two countries had exploded—with merchants from both sides vigorously trading across the West Sea—deep-seated animosity and mistrust still ran high among the ruling classes of the Empire and the vested interests of Ming.

“I’d rather deal with Japan than Ming!”

This sentiment was common enough to circulate even among the populace. Japan was not viewed favorably either, due to the memories of suffering caused by Japanese pirates. However, the Japanese pirates were literally bandits, and after the Conquest of Tsushima and the subsequent reforms, they had effectively been wiped out, diluting the hostility significantly.

But Ming was different. There were still many alive who had lost family members or been maimed in the last two wars. In such a climate, joint ventures with Ming were no easy pill to swallow.

***

After Hyeon left, having unloaded his grievances, Hyang remained alone, muttering to himself.

‘This reminds me of the Yesong Controversy.’

In original history, after King Hyojong’s passing, a fierce political battle erupted over the proper mourning rites for Queen Jangnyeol, Hyojong’s stepmother. It began as a debate over funeral dress codes but quickly escalated into a vicious political struggle. Since Joseon was a nation founded on Neo-Confucianism, the argument expanded into a question of the King’s legitimacy.

Today’s debate was much the same. It started with the risks of the Foreign Minister’s proposal, but before long, it had expanded into whether it aligned with national policy and Neo-Confucian values, turning the court into a chaotic battleground.

“Come to think of it, I had forgotten. ‘To Broadly Benefit the Humanity’ was a national policy, but ‘Seeking Truth from Facts’ was also a national policy.”

Hyang took out a blank sheet of paper and began drafting a document to send to Hyeon.

Two days later, in the meeting to decide on the Foreign Minister’s proposal, the motion passed. There were formidable counterarguments this time as well, but Hyeon silenced them with a single statement:

“The Empire’s national policy includes ‘To Broadly Benefit the Humanity’, but it also includes ‘Seeking Truth from Facts’. Think deeply on what truly aids the Empire and its subjects.”

***

Not long after Hyeon made his decision, Imperial envoys visited Yamaguchi and Beijing. The proposal brought by the envoys sparked fierce debates in the political circles of both cities.

The debate in Beijing was particularly intense. The Chenghua Emperor and his inner circle showed an immediate positive reaction upon hearing the proposal.

“The problem lies with those ministers.”

The issue was whether the other major power bloc in Ming—the orthodox bureaucracy, or more precisely, the nativist Ming officials—would accept it. Consequently, the Chenghua Emperor’s faction prepared thoroughly while closely watching their opponents’ moves.

Before long, news that was not quite good news reached them.

“Eh? The faction has split?”

The orthodox bureaucratic group in Beijing had divided into two camps regarding the proposal.

***

When they first heard the Empire’s proposal, most of the Beijing bureaucracy scoffed.

“Hah! What grand proposal could those Joseon wretches possibly bring?”

“Petroleum? Why should we join hands with those Joseon scoundrels over mere oil?”

However, it wasn’t long before those with a keen sense of the times began to think differently.

• Petroleum is a resource with far more uses than coal.
• However, it is a substance that is not found in Ming.
• Joseon produces petroleum, but we cannot buy it from Joseon forever.
• Ming also needs an independent and stable supply route.

“If we think of it this way, joining hands with Joseon seems advantageous, doesn’t it? Regardless of the method, it allows us to establish our own independent supply route proudly!”

“Don’t be ridiculous!”

And thus, the bureaucracy split into two factions.