Following Yamamoto’s ritual suicide, those who harbored thoughts similar to his, or dared to voice them, instantly clamped their mouths shut. The repercussions of this single act exceeded all expectations. The King of Japan, who already wielded formidable authority, now possessed a royal power that could truly be described as ‘absolute.’ Consequently, Japan responded actively and affirmatively to the proposal put forth by the Empire.

However, the nation that found itself bewildered by this enthusiastic response was, in fact, the Empire itself. Upon hearing the details through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister Han Chi-hyeong shook his head in disbelief.

“Hah. The Japanese… at the slightest provocation, they slice open their bellies as if they were descaling fish, not ending a human life…”

The Minister of Education, who had been nodding along to Han Chi-hyeong’s critique, turned to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“By the way, a thought just occurred to me. Didn’t the first King of Japan declare a ban on seppuku?”

“He did indeed proclaim a ban, but he failed. The roots of the practice were far too deep to be severed simply by a decree.”

“Ah…”

***

The practice of seppuku in Japan is known to trace its roots back to the Heian period. As the era shifted into the Muromachi period, the number of those performing this ritual suicide increased drastically. Ouchi Morimi and Ouchi Mochiyo, who had toppled the Muromachi Shogunate and received the abdication from the Emperor to become the masters of Japan, continuously attempted to ban the practice, yet they failed at every turn.

Modeling their system after the Empire, they established a ‘National Office of Records,’ and officials who committed crimes were punished by being assigned to organize records within this office. The problem was that every single official who received this sentence committed seppuku.

—I have betrayed my Lord’s trust and brought a stain upon my family’s honor. How can I dare to breathe and remain among the living!

Most left behind wills or testaments similar to the one above before slicing their own stomachs.

“They defy a royal command and commit seppuku? Have you ever seen such insolent wretches! Drag the families of these brazen fools here and punish them severely!”

Infuriated by the reports of these suicides, Morimi and Mochiyo attempted to implement a system of collective punishment, implicating the families. However, each time they tried, the ministers risked their lives to dissuade them.

“They have paid the price for their crimes with seppuku. Since the price has been paid with their lives, it is not a wise course of action to hold their families accountable!”

“This is a tradition that has been passed down for nearly a thousand years! If mishandled, the hearts of the people will turn away!”

‘If one commits seppuku, the matter is covered up and investigated no further.’

This was the unwritten law that had been passed down through the ages, and breaking it was a perilous endeavor. Although Japan held values where ‘the strong are the law’ and ‘the victor is the government army while the loser is a rebel,’ the power of the Japanese King was not yet solid enough to shatter such deep-seated customs.

In the end, ‘seppuku’ survived.

***

“Hmm, but consider this. Looking at this recent incident, it seems the King of Japan utilized this seppuku for his own ends.”

At the words of Right Vice-Premier, Seongjun, the ears of the other ministers perked up. Representing the group, Left Vice-Premier, Ryu Sun, asked Seongjun:

“What do you mean by that?”

“What kind of family is the Ouchi clan, the current royal family of Japan? Is it not a family that has maintained deep relations with us since the days when our Empire was still merely the Kingdom of Joseon? They are the ones who know the Empire’s true strength best. Yet, when voices emerged advocating for a ‘Independent Japan Theory’ or a ‘Japan First Theory,’ could they simply leave them be? Naturally, they had to shut those mouths.”

“Are you suggesting it was a staged play?”

At Ryu Sun’s point, Han Chi-hyeong answered instead.

“Rather than a staged play, it was likely a calculated move of ‘let just one person be the example.’ That was likely the intention.”

“Ha…”

As Ryu Sun exhaled a breath of disbelief and shook his head, Han Chi-hyeong summarized the situation.

“It seems Yamaguchi has been sorted out in this manner, so let us examine Beijing. I hear that things have roughly fallen into place over there as well?”

At Han Chi-hyeong’s question, the Minister of Foreign Affairs nodded.

“It seems the general outline has been settled in Beijing too. Although, it is true that they also saw quite a bit of blood in the process.”

“It is fortunate that it wasn’t too late. We can now move on Persia without missing our window of opportunity.”

“That is correct.”

“However, there is something I am curious about.”

The Minister of Education, who had been listening to the conversation, interrupted with a face that showed genuine lack of understanding.

“What are you curious about?”

“It has been decades since Ming moved its capital from Beijing to Nanjing, yet why do we still refer to Ming as ‘Beijing’? I do it myself, but it suddenly struck me as odd.”

“Hm? Wait a moment…”

“You’re right?”

At the Minister of Education’s point, the conversation suddenly veered off onto a tangent. The result of the brief ensuing discussion was simply ‘habit.’

—Since the days of Joseon, the events that influenced the Empire the most all originated from Beijing. Therefore, the perception of ‘Ming equals Beijing’ has been deeply ingrained.

“We shouldn’t be cursing seppuku. Habits are truly terrifying things.”

“I still believe it is significantly better than slicing one’s stomach open, don’t you agree?”

Although they had sidetracked briefly, the ministers, having taken a moment of mental respite, resumed their discussion on the pending issues.

***

Having decided on the answers to the scattered state affairs, the ministers compiled them and reported to Hyeon.

“…Hmm. I believe the opinions of the lords are reasonable. Then, let us proceed as planned.”

“We receive your command.”

After ratifying the agenda items, Hyeon moistened his throat briefly before continuing.

“By the way. Regarding the seppuku incident that occurred in Japan this time. It feels as though there is some conspiracy behind it.”

Since Hyeon raised a point similar to what had already been discussed among the ministers, Han Chi-hyeong stepped forward and reported the opinions that had circulated among them.

“Oho~. Indeed. It is reasonable to view it that way.”

Hyeon, nodding at Han Chi-hyeong’s words, let out a small sigh.

“Haa~. Seeing this incident, I feel we must not loosen our vigilance regarding Japan even the slightest amount. No, it would be better to devise ways to strengthen it further.”

At Hyeon’s words, Han Chi-hyeong stepped forward.

“I believe it is inevitable that voices calling for an independent path emerge from within Japan. This is because the Empire and Japan are different nations. Furthermore, the King of Japan is already taking the lead in suppressing excessive opinions. In such circumstances, if we were to strengthen our vigilance, it could invite backlash.”

“The Prime Minister speaks of the folly of ‘beating the grass to startle the snake,’ and you are not wrong. However, consider this. What if the ‘Independent Japan Theory’ is not advocated by ministers or intellectuals, but by the King of Japan himself? When the ministers or intellectuals oppose the King’s resolve, what if the King forces them into silence by compelling seppuku just like this time?”

“Looking at the current King of Japan’s conduct, I do not believe such a thing will happen. Therefore, if we mishandle this, we may provoke unnecessary hostility. Please consider this carefully.”

Hyeon nodded at Han Chi-hyeong’s statement.

“The Prime Minister has a point. But, tell me. Can you confidently guarantee that all the Kings of Japan who follow him will share the same heart as the current King? If we scramble to act only then, we will not only miss the timing but also clearly reveal our hand. That would indeed invite the backlash the Prime Minister worries about. Therefore, we must move in advance from now. We must strengthen it little by little, so that Japan does not notice. Do you understand what I mean?”

“Yes. I have understood. Then, we shall move immediately.”

Han Chi-hyeong paused for a moment, pondering something, then addressed Hyeon.

“Considering the nature of the matter, I believe it would be best to entrust the task to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense.”

“I think so as well.”

“Then we shall prepare accordingly.”

Just as that matter was being wrapped up, Right Vice-Premier, Seongjun, stepped forward.

“Your Majesty. I believe this is the opportune moment to establish a new ministry dedicated to the management of information.”

“Oho? Create a new ministry? Interesting. Tell me in detail.”

As Hyeon gave permission with sparkling eyes, Seongjun cleared his throat and began to explain his thoughts. Seongjun’s idea could be summarized as follows:

• Even now, all sorts of information flow into the various ministries of the Empire.
• While some of this information is necessary only for the relevant ministry, a significant amount would be useful to other ministries as well.
• Furthermore, gathering information from inside and outside the Empire is far more efficient when done by those who have been properly trained.
• Looking at the current situation, there are more cases of bringing in mere rumors circulating in the market than information acquired by properly trained individuals.
• Therefore, we need an institution to train people in how to acquire information and analyze the transferred data, and to operate these trained personnel.
• If we combine and analyze the information brought by trained agents with the information flowing into the various ministries, the Empire will be able to see a thousand li while sitting still.

“Hmm…”

Hyeon did not reach a conclusion immediately upon hearing Seongjun’s proposal. As Hyeon’s silence continued, Left Vice-Premier, Ryu Sun, stepped forward.

“Your Majesty. It is presumptuous of me to say, but the Right Vice-Premier’s idea is considerably dangerous.”

“Dangerous? What is the reason?”

At Hyeon’s question, Ryu Sun immediately began to outline the dangers.

• It is true that establishing and operating a ministry dedicated to the acquisition and analysis of information is efficient.
• However, if a single ministry takes exclusive charge of intelligence work, it is extremely perilous.
• This is because, if things go wrong, it could blind and deafen the Emperor. If this happens, all ministries will be reduced to walking on eggshells around the Intelligence Ministry. It would be no different from the Ten Eunuchs who brought about the fall of the Later Han Dynasty.

“…Therefore, I believe the creation of a ministry solely responsible for information is dangerous.”

“That makes sense.”

Nodding, Hyeon commanded Han Chi-hyeong.

“I believe the opinions of both Vice Premiers have merit. However, considering the future, I believe the establishment of a ministry dedicated to information is necessary. The Empire will need to know more and more as time goes on. Therefore, Prime Minister, devise a plan that incorporates a method to avoid the dangers pointed out by the Left Vice-Premier, and submit a proposal.”

At Hyeon’s order, Han Chi-hyeong bowed his head while gritting his teeth.

“…..I receive your command.”

“Then let us end here for today.”

Leaving the Geunjeongjeon Hall after the meeting concluded, Han Chi-hyeong glared at Ryu Sun and Seongjun as he issued orders.

“You two, combine your efforts to create the proposal. One of you came up with the idea, and the other pointed out the dangers, so if the two of you work together, a sufficiently good result should emerge. I am trusting only in you two.”

“Prime Minister! Isn’t this too much! This is an overly emotional response!”

“If you find it unfair, you be the Prime Minister then.”

“We already have a heavy workload…”

“Do you have more work than I do? And if it’s too hard, feel free to submit your resignation.”

“I meant it is physically taxing, I didn’t mean resignation…”

“Physically taxing? Then I shall send you some restorative medicine.”

***

Meanwhile, Hyeon, who had visited the Sugang Palace, smiled broadly as he spoke about the ‘Creation of the Intelligence Agency.’

“A good place to hide the Secret Guard has emerged.”

“Do you intend to hide the Secret Guard there?”

“Yes. Isn’t there an old saying, ‘If you want to hide a tree, hide it in the forest’? It is the perfect place. And there are advantages in many ways. Recruiting talent will become easier, and inspecting the intelligence organization itself will be easier as well.”

At Hyeon’s words, Hyang nodded.

“Just as the Emergency Committee was hidden within the Secret Guard, now the Secret Guard shall be hidden within this newly established intelligence agency, serving as the Emperor’s eyes and ears. It is a good idea.”