Following Hyeon’s decisive verdict, the core strata of the Empire’s bureaucracy began to move with feverish intensity. Han Chi-hyeong, the head of the Imperial bureaucracy and Prime Minister, summoned the Vice Premiers of the Left and Right, along with the ministers of each department, to assign their respective duties.

“Right Vice-Premier, you are to coordinate the cooperation between the three nations while simultaneously seeking out individuals who can represent our will within Persia.”

“Understood.”

At Han Chi-hyeong’s command, Seongjun nodded solemnly. Han Chi-hyeong then turned to Ryu Sun to assign his task.

“Left Vice-Premier, you are to devise a plan for the establishment of a general agency to oversee intelligence-related affairs, as well as the measures necessary to control it.”

“I shall do my utmost.”

Having received their directives from the Prime Minister, the Vice Premiers began to consult with the ministers of each department to break down the tasks in finer detail.

“This undertaking is not merely a movement of our own, but an unprecedented collaboration involving Ming and Japan. You must not forget that we cannot afford to set a bad precedent.”

“We shall bear that in mind.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, whose department was central to the operation, responded promptly, but Seongjun’s warnings did not cease there.

“Japan is a nation that never misses an opening if one is revealed. Ming is no different. Although their glory has faded compared to the past, they were once an empire that held sway over all surrounding nations. Bear in mind that taking them lightly will result in a bloody nose.”

“We shall pay particular attention to that.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs was merely the beginning. Seongjun proceeded to issue instructions to the ministers of other departments as well.

“Verify all information related to the weaponry used by the armies of Ming and Japan. Ah! Do not stop at weapons; confirm their troop strength as well. We may have to deploy soldiers as a secondary measure, after all. And… determine exactly how much wealth flows from our Empire into Japan. If push comes to shove, we must be ready to strangle Japan’s economy with it. Oh! While you are at it, examine the number of Japanese students studying in the Empire and their political leanings. If we can bring them over to the Empire’s side, matters will be much easier in the future. Furthermore…”

Whenever Seongjun’s commands fell, the aides standing behind the ministers busily moved their stylus pens to record the orders. Following the Right Vice-Premier, it was the turn of Ryu Sun, the Left Vice-Premier, to add to the ministers’ workloads.

“Compile and submit records regarding the departments and personnel responsible for intelligence within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense. The Police Bureau is to do the same. Submit reports regarding the departments that inspect civil affairs. Furthermore, the Judiciary is to organize and report records of lawsuits related to civil inspections—cases such as false accusations or extortion of money. Also, send word to the Legislative Review in advance to begin contemplating bills regarding the new agency to be created. And…”

Ryu Sun’s work instructions were equally lengthy. It was only when the shoulders of the aides stiffened from the furious scribbling that Ryu Sun’s speech finally concluded.

“Then, everyone, do your best. If this undertaking succeeds properly, we too shall be able to carve our three-syllable names deeply into the history of the Empire.”

“We shall dedicate our utmost efforts!”

At Han Chi-hyeong’s rallying cry, the ministers responded with eyes shining with determination.

“Then, I place my trust in you all.”

With those final words, Han Chi-hyeong and the Vice Premiers stepped back. The ministers remaining in the conference room placed the records written by their aides before them and entered into a second round of coordination.

“I believe the Ministry of National Defense would be more suitable for this portion than the Ministry of Foreign Affairs…”

“This section seems appropriate for the Ministry of Finance and Economy.”

“I believe it is reasonable for our Ministry of Education to take charge of this part.”

Having finished their coordination once more, the ministers dispersed to their respective departments.

***

From that point on, the officials of the Empire moved busily, regardless of their department. Amidst this flurry of activity, throngs of officials flocked to the Office of Records.

“There is no data!”

“What is the point of maintaining the Office of Records if it’s useless like this!”

“The figures here and here are different! I don’t know which one is correct!”

“There has to be a corrected version of that! Find it!”

“I cannot find where it is!”

“Office of Records!”

“Yes, sir!”

All surviving records—not only from the Joseon era prior to the declaration of the Empire but also from the preceding Goryeo Dynasty, the Three Kingdoms period before that, and even earlier—were gathered, organized, and stored in the Office of Records. Although it bore the terrifying nickname “Hell of Corrupt Officials” or “Literary Inquisition,” for officials or scholars seeking relevant materials, the Office of Records was a veritable treasure trove.

Carts laden mountain-high with reports and data raced recklessly through the Six Ministries Street of Seoul, while within the corridors and offices of the government complex, officials dashed about, clutching armfuls of documents to their chests.

“They were busy before, but these days they are absolutely running wild.”

Observing the officials moving frantically through the Six Ministries Street and the government complex, the residents of Seoul commented:

“That is true, but somehow, they seem to be overflowing with vitality compared to before.”

“You’re right. It’s as if they all downed a bowl of restorative medicine…”

As the residents noted, a strange vitality flushed the faces of the busily moving officials. It was a kind of trickle-down effect. As the Empire settled into a stable orbit, the officials had become soaked in a sort of mannerism. Of course, their daily lives continued without a break, filled with overtime whenever there was a gap and all-nighters whenever they thought they might rest. However, the result was always “a today like yesterday, and a tomorrow like today.” The only things that stimulated this repetitive routine were events like the “Italian Unification War” of the past.

“Even so, anyone who prays for a war just to break the boredom deserves to die…”

“Even if it’s boring, a reign of peace is best.”

In this situation, the newly promoted ‘Three-Nation Alliance’ and the ‘Persia Investment’ case were incredibly attractive events.

“There is a possibility of military action, but it’s not on the high side. And even if military action does occur, with Ming and Japan involved, the burden won’t be too great.”

Furthermore, the ministers, vice-ministers, and the executives immediately below them had a different calculation.

• The past ‘Italian Unification War’ is the legacy of the previous Prime Ministers and ministers.
• But this task is ours to handle!
• If we accomplish this, we can proudly record our names in the history of the Empire! Not as mere ‘mediocre’ figures, but as ‘highly competent’ ones!
• If this succeeds, it becomes our performance record! They say a peaceful reign is good, but it is disadvantageous for promotion. However, if we succeed in this and make it our achievement, promotion is a guaranteed certainty!

As the higher-ups, captivated by the desire for honor and advancement, rolled up their sleeves and took the lead, the influence spread downwards.

***

Having completed its own preparations, the Empire entered into full-scale negotiations with Ming and Japan. Since Ming and Japan had also prepared thoroughly, the negotiations taking place between the three countries were intensely fierce.

• To pursue the common interests of the three nations, the three nations shall cooperate.

As soon as negotiations began, an agreement was reached immediately on the justification above, but fierce debates, battles of wits, and push-and-pull tactics ensued over the clauses that followed. Contact ships moved between Nanjing and Yamaguchi almost daily, and adjournments were called whenever a gap appeared. Even amidst this, secret backroom negotiations took place between Ming and the Empire, the Empire and Japan, and Ming and Japan.

After such intense negotiations, the three countries were able to produce a result that was reasonably satisfactory to all.

• The three nations shall actively cooperate for common interests in the Persian region.
• The three nations shall establish a permanent negotiation body for this purpose. (Omitted)
• The profits secured in the Persian region shall be distributed in the following ratio. The distribution rate is as follows: The Empire 4 : Ming 3.5 : Japan 2.5
• This distribution rate shall be adjusted in units of 10 years. (Omitted)

“Hmm… adjusting the distribution rate every 10-year cycle is a bit cumbersome.”

At Hyeon’s point regarding the negotiated adjustment plan, Han Chi-hyeong bowed his head and replied.

“It was unavoidable in order to soothe Ming and Japan. Furthermore, it is a good move for our Empire as well.”

“A good move?”

“Yes. Because it can be adjusted every 10 years, we can prevent them from using underhanded tactics behind our backs as much as possible. Of course, that does not mean they won’t try, but it is a good move because it can block them to the greatest extent. Also, it serves as a good move for our Empire because those who follow us cannot afford to be complacent.”

“Hmm… I see.”

Hearing Han Chi-hyeong’s explanation, Hyeon nodded. No matter how ‘fairly’ the shares were divided, it was human nature that dissatisfaction born of greed would inevitably arise as time passed. Therefore, if they insisted on that ratio until the end without a coordination process in the middle, problems were certain to arise. Although the Empire was currently overwhelming Ming and Japan, the future was unknowable.

Ming was a definitive great power in terms of territory and population, and Japan was also growing rapidly. If Ming and Japan were to join hands and engage in an arms race with the Empire…

‘For the Empire, the loss would be greater than the gain.’

Having finished his calculations, Hyeon spoke to Han Chi-hyeong.

“As the Prime Minister says, under the current circumstances, this is the best move. Proceed as planned.”

“I receive your command!”

“The results of your hard work are visible. I hope you will do your best until the very end so that your names may remain in the blue history.”

At Hyeon’s words of appreciation, Han Chi-hyeong and all the ministers bowed their heads and answered.

“We shall do our utmost!”

***

Meanwhile, receiving reports on how things were progressing at the Sugang Palace, Hyang wore a peculiar expression.

“Hmm… Triple Alliance? Or is it an East-West Cold War?”

The reason the European powers were making moves on the Ottoman Empire was because of Persia. If the Empire, Ming, and Japan joined hands and moved, the European powers would notice immediately and begin to respond.

‘The most likely scenario is that the European powers will also form an alliance, though it won’t be easy.’

Even now, the European powers were at each other’s throats whenever they had the chance. Considering such circumstances, it was by no means an easy feat for European powers to join hands.

‘However, if interests—and massive interests at that—are at stake, they will join hands. Although it might take time.’

Even in the 21st century, the Arabian Peninsula, Persia, and Central Asia were regions that flaunted their presence using oil as a weapon. These were regions where days without bloodshed over oil continued endlessly even in the 21st century. Therefore, Hyang was convinced that the European powers would eventually join hands, even if it took time.

“Hmm…”

Hyang looked at the map and contemplated the future. After nodding or shaking his head for a long while doing mental calculations, Hyang unfolded a piece of paper.

“At times like this, the British style is probably the way to go…”

• Just as Britain seized Gibraltar to control maritime supremacy in the Mediterranean, the Empire must also firmly seize Gibraltar to exert influence over the Mediterranean nations.
• Just as Britain used Japan to check Russia, we use Italy and Portugal to check the European powers.

Having organized his thoughts to this point, Hyang wore an expression that plainly revealed his complex emotions.

“What did Japan do after receiving the British buff like that…? Is there a ‘road not taken,’ or are there also ‘inevitable roads’?”

It was a proposal written by Hyang himself to be suggested to Hyeon. It was nearly impossible for Hyeon to refuse a proposal submitted by Hyang, the Emperor Emeritus. No, even if it were Hyang himself in the seat of power rather than Hyeon, it was a proposal that could not be easily refused. For a monarch who prioritized national interest, it was simply too sweet a proposition.

Do not fight the enemies directly, but make the enemies fight each other. In doing so, gain time worth a thousand pieces of gold.

It was an incredibly sweet proposal.

“Though the ending involves the Empire eventually joining the fight anyway.”