After organizing Zhu Jianshen’s requests, the Administration Office immediately reported them to their superiors.
Wan, who received the final report, examined its contents before asking his ministers.
“Has anything changed in Ming’s court?”
“Nothing has changed, Your Majesty.”
“Not a single thing has changed? Really?”
With a look of disbelief, Hwangbo In stepped forward to answer.
“Not a single thing has changed, Your Majesty.”
At Hwangbo In’s answer, Wan shook his head.
“Our Empire has changed its system several times since the days when we were Joseon… and not a single thing has changed there? Good heavens, don’t they realize how much the world has transformed?”
***
As Sejong’s reforms were being finalized, Joseon’s court system underwent significant changes. Then, when Joseon transformed into the Empire, it was revised once more.
Through this process, the traditional Six Ministries changed into Six Departments, and semi-independent institutions named Won, Cheo, and Cheong were created.
As the Empire grew larger and relations among the people became more complex, the administrative structure inevitably became more complex as well.
Furthermore, with the application of a primitive system of separation of powers, the Empire’s administrative organization became the most intricate in the world during this period.
Even that wasn’t enough—there was even a dedicated institution researching ways to improve the efficiency of the Empire’s administrative organization.
This was why Wan shook his head.
“Even the Japanese are trying to change their court system by imitating our Empire, yet they still can’t break free from the ancient Tang system that’s been passed down for centuries… tsk tsk…”
Clicking his tongue without realizing it, Wan issued an order.
“Still, since he doesn’t know, grant his request.”
“We receive your command.”
After ordering his ministers, Wan examined the report again, processing each item one by one.
“Let’s put aside the matter of the friends he wants to take with him and first look at this marriage issue. What kind of people are this Yang Geum-soon’s parents?”
A staff member stepped forward to answer Wan’s question.
“They run one of the top five rice shops and breweries in the Western Village area.”
“So they’re quite wealthy, then?”
“Yes, they have considerable influence in their neighborhood.”
“What about their origins? Are they from a noble family?”
“They are commoners, Your Majesty.”
“Hmm…”
“And how does this Yang Geum-soon feel about him?”
“It seems she thinks well of him, but it would be more accurate to describe them as having a sibling-like relationship.”
“So he’s even more eager because of that?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Hmm… Even if their relationship is like siblings, if we pursue this marriage, there’s a high possibility her family will accept it?”
“Very high, Your Majesty. Their relationship is already the talk of the entire neighborhood…”
“Ah…”
Nodding at the staff member’s answer and thinking for a moment, Wan turned to Hwangbo In.
“Would it be advisable for a girl from a wealthy but humble background to become Empress?”
“It’s the Ming Imperial family, Your Majesty. No matter how much money they have, how could there be any comparison?”
“Still, let’s consider this. If the Empress and close advisors were Empire citizens, wouldn’t that benefit relations between Ming and our Empire?”
“It could certainly help, Your Majesty. However, if mishandled, it might be seen as a means for our Empire to interfere in Ming’s internal affairs.”
“But he requested it first?”
“How many people would actually consider that factor?”
“If we reject everything except his first request, wouldn’t he develop ill feelings toward our Empire?”
“That possibility certainly exists.”
“Hmm…”
After pondering Hwangbo In’s words, Wan reached a conclusion.
“Let’s think about this more before making a decision.”
“We receive your command.”
***
That night, Wan visited Sejong’s quarters again.
After hearing the situation from Wan, Sejong’s first question was this:
“What is the caliber of these members of the so-called Hidden Dragon Society?”
At Sejong’s question, Wan gave a bitter smile.
His hunger for talent remains unchanged.
Smiling wryly at Sejong’s unchanged appetite for talented individuals, Wan composed his face and answered.
“They’re not good enough for me to use, but too good to give away.”
“Hmm…”
After pondering Sejong’s question for a moment, Sejong pointed out a problem.
“Even if these members pledge to share life and death with him and go to Nanking, the language barrier will be the biggest problem. And if the newly crowned Emperor shows favor to them, the existing power holders will try to harm not only the members but the Emperor himself. Do you think he has a way to prevent this?”
Contemplating an answer to Sejong’s observation, Wan’s eyes lit up as he responded.
“Perhaps he’s hoping our Empire will provide that solution?”
“He wants our Empire to protect him? Hmm…”
After calculating for a moment in response to Wan’s answer, Sejong nodded.
“That’s certainly possible. Even though he’s become Emperor, the fact that he’s isolated without allies remains unchanged.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Therefore, I believe he’s trying to secure his safety by using his friends and the girl he likes.”
“Even so, the problem remains. If we station Empire troops in Nanking, it could immediately be called interference in internal affairs.”
“Wouldn’t it be possible if they don’t stay openly? Private armies have been prohibited for a long time, but aren’t there still families who keep a few men as ‘guard warriors’ or under other names, whether openly or secretly?”
“That’s true.”
Sejong nodded at Wan’s words.
Private armies had been prohibited since Taejong’s time, and after suppressing the Giyu Rebellion, possessing private armies was completely banned. However, families with much to protect still maintained private soldiers. Of course, with at most fifteen men and weapons limited to bladed weapons, the Empire’s police force turned a blind eye to the situation.
“If we send an appropriate number under the guise of guard warriors sent by the family, he would be satisfied.”
“It’s a good method, but it’s a shame to give away talented individuals.”
Seeing Sejong still covetous of talent, Wan smiled bitterly once more.
“The Empire already has many excellent talents. Wouldn’t it be better to endure a bit of regret and send them to make Ming friendly to the Empire?”
“We mustn’t forget that there’s no guarantee it will turn out that way. If mishandled, they could cause discord.”
“Wouldn’t that be even better for our Empire?”
At Wan’s words, Sejong stared at him before speaking, “At times like this, I can clearly see whose son the current Emperor is.”
“You flatter me. And forgive my boldness in saying this, but Your Majesty is the legitimate father of the that former Emperor.”
Wan was delivering a factual blow: ‘You’re the one who sired the former Emperor!’
Giving a bitter smile at Wan’s fact attack, Sejong soon shared his conclusion.
“In my opinion, if his friends wish to go with him, we should let them. Of course, we must also provide means to protect them.”
“I also believe that would be appropriate.”
“Then, the problem now is his marriage issue… The fact that he directly requested our help suggests he wants us to act as matchmakers.”
“Ah! I hadn’t thought that far!”
“He probably thought that if we stepped in, both Noble Consort Zhu and the girl’s family would accept.”
Nodding at Sejong’s words, Wan continued.
“He’s quite shrewd. If he’s sharp-witted, it would be good to make him firmly our ally.”
“I agree. The problem is that the girl’s family is too humble…”
Drumming his fingers on the desk and calculating various possibilities, Sejong turned to Wan.
“We should summon Duke Anpyeong.”
Immediately understanding what Sejong meant, Wan nodded.
“I’ll send for him right away.”
***
While Sejong and Wan were plotting various schemes, Zhu Jianshen was also busy moving forward with his plans.
“Hey, Hidden Dragon. I hear people have been busily coming and going from your house lately. Has something big happened?”
Seeing Pilsu’s genuine concern, Zhu Jianshen smiled lightly and answered.
“There’s been some big news.”
“Is there anything we can help with? We can help with anything except lending money.”
At Pilsu’s words, Zhu Jianshen’s face turned serious as he looked at Pilsu and his other friends.
“Can you really help? All of you?”
“Of course we’ll help. Aren’t we friends after all?”
“Absolutely! We’re friends! If there’s something to help with, we’ll help.”
Hearing his friends’ earnest responses, Zhu Jianshen took a light breath and got to the point.
“Then, would you like to change the heavens with me?”
When the word “heavens” suddenly came up, Zhu Jianshen’s friends momentarily looked stunned.
“What? Are you suggesting treason or something?”
“Treason? Absolutely not!”
At Zhu Jianshen’s firm denial, Seokjun’s eyes lit up.
“Then, have you really ascended to heaven?”
At Seokjun’s question, Zhu Jianshen nodded.
“That’s right.”
“So, do you want us to change how we address you right now?”
“Not yet.”
“What kind of Zen riddles are you two speaking in?”
In response to Pilsu’s question about the cryptic conversation between Zhu Jianshen and Seokjun, Seokjun stepped forward to explain.
“Hidden Dragon has become the Emperor of Ming.”
“Huh?”
“What?”
“Eh?”
At Seokjun’s explanation, the other friends momentarily fell into a state of panic. Something they had never even thought of—no, something they had believed could only exist in imagination—had actually happened.
Looking at his friends’ faces, Zhu Jianshen continued.
“Come with me and let’s change the heavens of Nanking.”
For a long time after Zhu Jianshen finished speaking, no one easily opened their mouths.
The first to break the silence was Pilsu.
“Sigh~”
Breaking the silence with a sigh, Pilsu looked directly at Zhu Jianshen.
“It’s true that we’re your friends. And it’s also true that we’ll sincerely help you if you need assistance. But you’re a Ming citizen, and we’re Empire citizens. As Empire citizens, we cannot do anything that would harm the Empire.”
To Pilsu’s words, Zhu Jianshen immediately replied.
“I swear to the gods of heaven and earth that I won’t do anything to harm the Empire.”
“Really?”
“Really. If you want, I’ll even write it in blood.”
“Hmm…”
At Zhu Jianshen’s answer, Pilsu and the other friends looked at him with even more serious expressions.
“But why us?”
“You’re the only ones I can truly trust. When I go to Nanking, I’ll be isolated and just used by others.”
All his friends nodded at Zhu Jianshen’s words. Even they thought this was obviously the case.
“I can’t live a life of just being used. If I’ve ascended to heaven, shouldn’t I try to fly magnificently? And from what I’ve seen, I think you all can help me sufficiently.”
At Zhu Jianshen’s words, Seokjun joined in with a slight smile.
“Aren’t you overestimating us?”
“No, this is a conclusion I’ve reached after thorough, serious consideration.”
“If others heard this, they’d call it middle school syndrome.”
“That would be because their eyes are knotholes.”
Watching Zhu Jianshen, who would undoubtedly provoke others to say “That’s exactly why they call it middle school syndrome!” Seokjun pointed out another problem.
“We don’t speak the Ming language. Of course, thanks to you, we can have basic conversations, but not enough for debates.”
“That’s even better. You won’t be swayed by clever words and will only analyze facts, and only I will understand them, won’t I?”
“If things go wrong, both your life and ours could be in danger.”
“If the Empire has any thoughts on the matter, they’ll provide a solution.”
“Hmm…”
While everyone was calculating various possibilities based on Zhu Jianshen’s words, the quietest friend spoke up.
“That’s all fine, but… what are you going to do about Geum-soon?”
“I’m definitely going to marry her!”