American: Native Empire

The news about the international conference and the World Union was not only known to China. It was broadcasted to all regions that had contact with the Empire.

That meant that Joseon also learned about it around the same time.

At this time, Joseon’s modernization had progressed considerably. 

They had used countless farmers to raise the level of basic industries in a short period of time.

Railroads and telegraphs were laid across the country, and schools were established in various places.

“Ah, what a wonderful world this is. If this is not a peaceful era, then what is?”

The people smiled broadly as they looked at the changing appearance of Joseon. 

They felt their lives becoming easier by the day.

They no longer had to starve, and they could receive treatment with penicillin, a medicine that was like a miracle, when they were sick.

Not only that. 

They could travel long distances in an instant by taking a train, and various convenient goods flooded the market.

Thanks to this, the popularity of the court, especially the king, among the people had soared long ago.

And the current king of Joseon was Lee Ho, not Lee Yeok. 

He was the king who received the posthumous name Injong in the original history.

Of course, if it was according to the original history, he should have died long before. 

Originally, Lee Yeok died a long time ago, and Lee Ho also died less than a year after his enthronement.

However, thanks to the imperial medicine and the changed political situation of Joseon, Lee Yeok died only four years ago, and Lee Ho had been ruling Joseon well until now.

“Have you heard the news? What do you think about it?”

Lee Ho opened his mouth as he sat on the throne. 

And he looked around the ministers in the court.

The political situation had been dominated by the reformists for a long time. 

There was no longer anyone who believed in Neo-Confucianism.

To begin with, Neo-Confucianism was completely excluded from the civil service examination. 

The exam was based only on practical skills and advanced imperial studies.

Of course, there was a separate faction that supported the king among them, but there was not much conflict yet.

“Your Majesty. China has already fallen and divided into ten countries. We no longer need to care about China’s eyes. However, we must not go against the Wakan Tanka Empire.”

“That’s obvious.”

Lee Ho also visited the Wakan Tanka Empire when he was crown prince. 

He was confused between Neo-Confucianism and imperial studies at that time, and Lee Yeok sent him to the empire after noticing this.

He arrived at the empire and was shocked after seeing the reality of the Wakan Tanka continent like everyone else. 

He then realized the trend of the times.

“Joseon will become stronger as time goes by. There is no need for unnecessary adventures. Therefore, we must attend the international conference in early next year and join the World Union.”

“Do you all think so?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The opinions of the ministers were unanimous.

They all had a pro-Wakan Tanka Empire tendency, so it was a natural conclusion. 

Lee Ho also thought that there would be no objection to joining the World Union.

But there was a main issue. 

And this court meeting was for discussing it.

“Your Majesty, may I say something?”

“Minister of Defense, speak.”

With Lee Ho’s permission, the Minister of Defense stepped forward.

In the past, when Lee Ho ascended to the throne, he first carried out a government reorganization. 

Lee Ho thought that if they wanted to be like the empire, they had to change like them.

Of course, there were some minor differences to suit Joseon’s situation, but he abolished the Uijeongbu system and switched to various departments.

“As you know, Your Majesty, there are only about a year and six months left until New Year’s Day next year. By then, the World Union will be established.”

“That’s right.”

“Your Majesty, we must not waste this time in vain. According to the information sent from the empire, after the World Union is established, countries that join it will not be able to wage war against each other.”

“So what are you trying to say?”

“We must raise our army and occupy Manchuria, which used to be Goguryeo’s land. Only then will Joseon’s glory last for a long time in the future.”

“Hmm.”

It was as expected.

Lee Ho was not only king of Joseon but also a focal point of Wangdangpa within reformists.

Wangdangpa was created by Lee Yeok to prevent royal authority from being swallowed by reformists and became a great force for Lee Ho until now.

Of course, Lee Ho also heard continuous discussions about this northern expedition.

‘Recovering the old land… It sounds plausible, but it’s actually just a pretext.’

Around a thousand years ago, Goguryeo collapsed and the northern territory was practically out of their hands. 

It would be different if there was no one on that land, but it was the land where the Jurchens lived.

If they carried out a northern expedition now, it would be an invasion war in fact.

‘I can understand their argument.’

The public opinion on the northern expedition among the reformists was quite good.

Joseon was currently successfully embarking on modernization. 

Moreover, thanks to the full support of the Wakan Tanka Empire, the speed was very fast.

At the same time, Joseon’s army became stronger day by day. 

The resistance of the local nobles and landlords continued during the modernization process, and a strong army was necessary to control them.

And they also needed to prepare for possible invasions from neighboring countries.

Having acquired such powerful force, the advocates of war raised their heads to secure more territory.

They thought that with this force, they could easily subjugate the Jurchens.

‘But I thought it would be okay for a while.’

The supporters of the northern expedition never rose to the mainstream. Modernization was the top priority now, rather than the northward expansion.

It was considered a waste to spend modernization funds on the northern expedition, and it was uncertain whether the Wakan Tanka Empire would support it.

But the situation changed.

If the World Union was formed and the Jurchens joined it, they might lose the opportunity to advance northward forever.

As a result, the northern expedition came back to the table, and this time it was very different from before.

There were more people in the reformist faction who thought that territorial expansion was more urgent than modernization.

“Minister of Foreign Affairs.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Have you heard the empire’s position on this?”

“Yes, I have.”

Lee Yi, who was performing the duties of Minister of Foreign Affairs, stepped forward. 

The Foreign Ministry was a very important department in Joseon, as it communicated closely with the imperial government.

Lee Yi continued.

“As we expected, they said they would recognize the territories effectively controlled by each country as their own when they join the World Union.”

At that, Lee Ho’s eyebrows twitched.

‘So they’re telling us to settle the territorial issue before attending the World Conference.’

He had heard that fierce wars were breaking out all over the world.

If they suddenly stopped all wars, many countries would be dissatisfied.

The front line could always be pushed and pulled.

So they gave them some time to deal with their own affairs, whether it was to recover their territory or negotiate.

“Also, we got a definite answer that they will remain neutral on Joseon’s northern expedition plan.”

“That’s only until the World Conference, right?”

“Yes.”

“You’ve done well.”

At Lee Ho’s encouragement, Lee Yi stepped back.

And Lee Ho realized.

‘The northern expedition will eventually become the mainstream.’

The empire did not oppose it, and it was the last chance to expand their territory. 

No matter how modernized they were, they couldn’t miss this opportunity for Joseon’s interests.

Lee Ho’s hunch was right. 

After a few days of persistent discussions, most of the ministers supported the northern expedition.

‘Yes. It’s a decision for Joseon’s future.’

After rationalizing himself, Lee Ho finally made a decision.

“From now on, raise the army and reclaim our old land.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

“Your Majesty is wise!”

***

“So this is how it ends up.”

“Well, we expected it to be like this, didn’t we?”

Blue Earth nodded slightly at Kim Ki-woo’s words.

Information from all over the world came in through the shadows. 

As soon as the news of the World Conference and World Union was announced, blood began to flow.

“At least the situation in East Asia is better.”

“Except for Joseon’s northern expedition, there doesn’t seem to be any major incidents. But I wonder if Joseon will succeed in its northern expedition.”

“I don’t know how much territory they will secure, but they will probably succeed to some extent.”

The Jurchens were not yet united. 

Nurhaci was still a child, and there was little chance that he would grow up after Ming collapsed.

No matter how strong the Jurchen cavalry were, they were likely to be unable to withstand Joseon’s firepower.

“The most bloodshed is probably in India.”

“Yes. Indochina Peninsula is also not easy, but India’s casualties are the most serious.”

There was no Mughal Empire in this world. 

They also remained as a small country.

On the other hand, coastal countries were dominant. 

They could trade smoothly with the empire. 

These countries invaded and invaded again before the World Conference to seize as much territory as possible.

Of course, the invaded countries also defended themselves desperately. 

They knew that if they held out for a year and a half, the war would end.

As a result, the war in India was fierce beyond measure.

The war in Indochina Peninsula was no less than that. 

They also acted as if there was no tomorrow, fighting with their neighboring countries for life and death.

“Ottoman must be moving soon too.”

“Yes. They have stopped modernizing and are gathering troops.”

Kim Ki-woo nodded. 

Suleiman had not died yet. 

He heard that his health was deteriorating continuously, but he could not be sure when he would die.

“What do you think? How much can Ottoman achieve in such a short time?”

“I can’t be sure, but unless something unexpected happens, they will probably expand their territory significantly.”

“Why do you think so?”

“Because Ottoman has never been negligent in training its army.”

Suleiman I devoted great efforts not only to internal affairs but also to military reforms. 

He constantly monitored the empire’s military system and applied it to his own army without interruption.

And now, the Ottoman army, which had been lying low, finally stretched its legs.

‘If they had more time, they might have swallowed up most of the surrounding areas.’

According to intelligence, Suleiman I was furious when he heard the news related to the World Union. 

He probably thought he had been stabbed in the back by the Wakan Tanka Empire.

It was just about time to expand his territory, but a time limit of a year and a half had appeared.

No matter how powerful the Ottoman Empire was, it was impossible to acquire as much territory as they wanted in a year and a half.

“How are the other regions?”

“There are still some people in Europe who are negative about the World Union, but they will adapt over time, won’t they?”

“I suppose so.”

The main reason for the countries that were negative about the World Union was religious. 

But Kim Ki-woo was not very worried.

The countries that did not join would not receive the protection of the World Union, and would eventually become prey for the neighboring member countries.

Kim Ki-woo had no intention of showing any kindness to the countries that were not members. 

The world was wide, and there were many things to worry about.

So a year and a half passed, and finally the new year dawned.

And in the capital of the empire, an international conference was held.