The Chief of Staff’s statement was like a checkmate in chess. The ministers, having no way to block it, could do nothing but smack their lips in frustration.
‘Tsk! There’s no way out now.’
‘From here on, all we can do is drag our feet.’
‘His Majesty’s will is already clear and we have no justification. It’s a no-go.’
‘There are no obvious problems that anyone can see, and His Majesty has already made up his mind.’
‘His Majesty is one thing, but…’
The ministers couldn’t easily speak up not only because they were cornered, but also because Wan had already set his will.
However, the biggest reason was Hyang’s shadow looming behind Wan.
***
Most—no, all—of those currently running state affairs with Wan had worked under Sejong since the days when the Empire was called Joseon.
Therefore, the images of Sejong and Hyang were clearly imprinted in their minds.
To them, Sejong and Hyang were insurmountable walls.
Wan was also an excellent monarch, but he wasn’t perfect in every aspect. He occasionally needed the ministers’ help, and the ministers could show their worth while assisting Wan.
But Sejong and Hyang were different. To put it extremely, to Sejong and Hyang, ministers were merely eyes and ears, arms and legs acting on their behalf. Replaceable ones at that.
Yet the reason ministers commonly served for decades during Sejong and Hyang’s time was simple.
Sejong and Hyang didn’t easily dismiss capable people, and the ministers in question were so capable that they’re still talked about today.
***
With Wan—no, Hyang—having made up his mind, the ministers’ task was clear:
- Shut up and do as you’re told!
Therefore, the ministers once again glared at Shin Sukju.
‘Really! Opening his mouth unnecessarily again!’
‘That damned troublemaker!’
Eventually, representing the ministers, Hwangbo In stepped forward and bowed to Wan.
“The strategy Your Majesty has bestowed is truly profound. We shall execute it with our utmost effort.”
“Thank you. Now then, let’s first resolve Florence’s whining.”
“Yes, Your Majesty…”
Following Wan’s command, the ministers began exchanging opinions about Florence’s requests.
“First, ‘Please station a high-ranking Imperial official in Florence. Specifically, someone with decision-making authority who can act on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor.’… Hmm…”
Reading Florence’s first request, Wan decided with an expression suggesting it was no big deal.
“This can be handled by establishing an embassy, so it’s not a problem… Next…”
Wan and the ministers decided which of Florence’s requests to accept and which to reject.
Wan and the ministers’ criteria were simple:
- No financial support until Florence’s preparations are properly on track, or before they’re pushed to the cliff’s edge.
Why should we support wealthy Florence, famous throughout Europe, with our precious resources?
- We’ll provide manpower if Florence wants. Except for technicians.
- Depending on the situation, secure a permanent military base in Italy.
***
Once Wan and the ministers finished their selection, Shin Sukju and Giovanni engaged in fierce negotiations.
“The Empire cannot accept that request.”
“However, for the good neighborly friendship between our two nations, you must grant it.”
“The Empire is not a charity.”
“To succeed in Florence’s great cause…”
“That great cause—it would be good if it succeeds. But our Empire cannot bear unnecessary burdens for that great cause, can we?”
As the debate continued tensely, Giovanni inwardly cursed Shin Sukju.
‘What did this person eat wrong? Why is he being so prickly?’
However, Shin Sukju had no choice but to be desperate.
‘I can’t back down here! No more mistakes! No, I must obtain even more than His Majesty and the other ministers expected to save face!’
Having already been marked twice by Wan, Shin Sukju had no choice but to make a last stand in these negotiations.
Finally, unable to bear Shin Sukju’s behavior any longer, Giovanni kicked back his chair and stood up.
“Bah! Negotiation requires coordination between both sides! How can it be so one-sided! This is not right! I’ll see His Majesty the Emperor directly!”
“Wait!”
The flustered Shin Sukju rose from his seat to stop Giovanni, but Giovanni immediately stormed out of the negotiation room and rushed to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
***
“Your Majesty. The envoy from Florence is causing a commotion at the entrance of Gyeongbokgung.”
At Seo Geo-jeong’s report, Wan, who had been examining documents, expressed puzzlement.
“The Florentine envoy causing a commotion? Why?”
“He’s insisting he must see Your Majesty.”
“If he wishes to see me, tell him to request through the Foreign Ministry and follow proper channels.”
“It seems there’s a problem with the Foreign Ministry.”
“With the Foreign Ministry? Hmm…”
‘Come to think of it, reports say the negotiation room has been noisy…’
“Sigh…”
After a long sigh, Wan asked Seo Geo-jeong with an expression of understanding.
“Is it because of Shin Sukju?”
“…It seems so.”
“Sigh…”
With another long sigh, Wan commanded Seo Geo-jeong.
“Go personally and bring the Florentine envoy. Since he’s an envoy after all, we should show him that much courtesy.”
“I receive your command.”
After paying respects to Wan, Seo Geo-jeong left the great hall and walked toward Gwanghwamun Gate.
Seo Geo-jeong cursed Shin Sukju the entire way to Gwanghwamun.
“That damned mung bean sprout old man! Why does he always cause trouble! They say he does his job well! Why does this supposedly capable old man always—did he eat rotten mung bean sprouts!”
“Shh! Lord Royal Secretary! There are many listening ears!”
The subordinate officials following hurriedly tried to stop him, but Seo Geo-jeong raised his voice instead.
“Why? Did I say something wrong? The negotiating envoy overturned the table and is causing a scene about making a direct appeal to His Majesty, and people from Seoul are gathering around to watch! If this isn’t a national embarrassment, what is! Is it just a national embarrassment? On top of that, even His Majesty…”
Barely stopping himself from mentioning Wan, Seo Geo-jeong cursed Shin Sukju.
“Bah! That damned mung bean sprout old man!”
Shin Sukju’s love of mung bean sprouts was known to all Imperial citizens, whether on the mainland or in New Frontier.
Shin Sukju loved mung bean sprouts so much that he even took mung beans to New Frontier to grow sprouts.
Because of this anecdote, more and more common people were calling mung bean sprouts ‘sukju sprouts.’
But Seo Geo-jeong had another reason for not being able to contain his anger.
“Excuse me, Lord Chief Secretary! If you ask what happened…”
He had to listen to Giovanni’s complaints all the way back to Geunjeongjeon Hall.
True to his reputation as a talkative Italian, once Giovanni opened his mouth, words poured out like a waterfall or river.
After listening to him for a while, one became confused whether they were listening to words or being swept away by a flood of speech.
***
“I have brought the envoy from Florence.”
When Seo Geo-jeong reported with a haggard, pale complexion and half-dazed expression, Wan replied with a sympathetic look.
“You’ve worked hard.”
“Not at all.”
After Seo Geo-jeong withdrew, Wan turned to look at Giovanni. When Wan looked at him, Giovanni politely paid his respects.
“Giovanni di Cosimo de’ Medici, envoy of Florence, greets His Majesty the Emperor of the Empire.”
“It’s been a while. So, what’s the reason for causing such a commotion to see me?”
“Well…”
Just as Giovanni was about to speak, Wan quickly raised his hand to stop him.
“If your words become even slightly long, I’ll send you out immediately. Keep that in mind. Speak as concisely as possible. Didn’t your ancestor Cato say to speak briefly?”
“…I’ll keep that in mind.”
‘He even knows about Cato! What are these Imperial Emperors!’
Fully alert from Wan’s warning, Giovanni reported to Wan what the problem was.
“…Even in negotiations between a great nation and a small one, there should be propriety, with give and take. However, looking at the current negotiations, the Empire has no intention of giving anything and only thinks of receiving. Your Majesty! Considering the time the Empire and Florence have spent as good neighbors, this is too harsh a treatment!”
“I see…”
At Giovanni’s words, Wan responded with a bitter smile.
“It seems the Foreign Minister crossed the line briefly while thinking too much about only me and the Empire. As the envoy says, hasn’t it been more than just a year or two that Florence and our Empire have maintained good relations? It’s not good to only pursue our own interests with such a good neighbor. Indeed. It seems the Foreign Minister was too enthusiastic. I’ll speak to the Foreign Minister, so there won’t be another incident like this. I also find this regrettable.”
At Wan’s words, Giovanni bowed deeply and replied.
“Your Majesty shows such generosity, I am extremely grateful!”
“Negotiate well.”
“I’ll do my best!”
Having obtained what he wanted, Giovanni again politely paid his respects and left the great hall. Watching Giovanni walk away cheerfully, Wan commanded Seo Geo-jeong.
“Chief Secretary. Tell the Foreign Minister this: ‘Excess is as bad as deficiency.'”
“I’ll relay it immediately.”
“Sigh…”
After a long sigh, Wan looked at the ceiling and muttered.
“This won’t do. Something must be done…”
***
Whether Wan’s warning worked, the subsequent negotiations proceeded smoothly. The negotiations concluded with both the Empire and Florence securing what they considered absolutely necessary.
Satisfied with the results, Giovanni visited Wan again to announce his return home.
“I don’t know how to express my gratitude for Your Majesty’s grace. Florence will never forget this kindness.”
At Giovanni’s words, Wan responded with a gentle smile.
“I sincerely hope Florence’s dream of great achievement comes true.”
“With God’s blessing and Your Majesty’s help, we will surely succeed.”
As Giovanni left the great hall confident of success, Wan looked at his ministers.
“Now then… let’s select someone to stay in Florence and protect the Empire’s interests. Foreign Minister.”
At Wan’s designation, Shin Sukju hurriedly bowed his head.
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
“I heard the Minister speaks Italian and Latin very fluently.”
“N-no, Your Majesty. I only speak a little. I only know a bit of the Tuscan dialect of Italian.”
“Florence is in the Tuscany region. Perfect. The Foreign Minister must go to Florence. Since the Empire’s interests are at stake, Your Excellency must go.”
“I receive your command.”
Shin Sukju bowed with a dejected face. This was clearly a demotion to anyone who saw it.
‘Exercising full authority on behalf of the Emperor in Florence.’
On the surface, it was a position with tremendous authority. But in reality, it wasn’t.
There would be three ambassadors stationed in Florence. All with equal status. It was a system where the three would decide by majority vote.