A flag is not merely a simple symbol.
In the military, a flag is like the heart that embodies the pride and honor of a unit.
The colors must be protected under any circumstances, and losing them is no different from the unit collapsing.
This was not only true in ancient times but remained a strict principle even in the modern era, and it was not limited to the military alone.
If there is something treated as equal to or even more important than a military flag, it would be the national flag or the imperial standard.
Such flags required special care, and if they were ever damaged, it would not be an exaggeration to say that hell would break loose from that very day.
It may sound excessive, but even in original history there was the Arrow Incident, where war was declared simply because a flag had been desecrated.
If even a national flag could cause such consequences, then the burning of an imperial standard was something that could never be overlooked.
Naturally, as soon as this news arrived, not only Parliament but every government department was thrown into chaos.
"Your Majesty, have you heard the news?"
The man who could smell conflict better than anyone else, Benjamin Disraeli, entered with heavy steps.
Yet judging by the slight twitch at the corner of his mouth, it seemed he could not completely hide his true feelings.
"News? What news are you referring to?"
"The outrageous, treacherous, and horrifying news that our imperial standard has been desecrated in Asia. Parliament and the Foreign Office are in complete shock."
"Of course I have heard. But seeing that it is you here rather than the Prime Minister, it must truly be chaos."
"The Prime Minister cannot leave his position until evening. From the House of Lords to the Commons, every department is calling for him."
"That is understandable."
The imperial standard of the British Empire burned in Asia?
It was such an unprecedented and absurd event that no one even knew how to handle it.
Especially since Joseon and Japan were allies.
"You seem rather at ease, Minister, considering you came here yourself."
"The government cannot form a position without knowing the will of the Crown. So I came as a representative."
"And what do you think? Do you see this as an opportunity?"
Though he did not always show it openly, Disraeli was fundamentally inclined toward imperialism.
Not that he could be criticized for it. In this era, what politician among the great powers was not?
It was only a matter of degree.
"Your Majesty, this is not a simple matter of the flag being dropped or stepped on. Even that would be serious. But it was burned. This must be dealt with firmly."
"Of course. I have no intention of letting it pass lightly. But honestly, is it not strange? Why would something like this happen?"
"We are currently summoning the ambassadors of Joseon and Japan to hear their explanations. Regardless, responsibility will be difficult to avoid."
"Have they both lost their minds?"
At that, Disraeli let out a dry laugh.
"Indeed. I cannot imagine what would make them dare such an act."
From the way he spoke, he had already reached a conclusion.
He was eager to hold them accountable.
Of course, I had no intention of letting this pass either.
At this point, the matter had already gone beyond something that could be ignored.
However, the cause had to be examined carefully.
Neither I nor Disraeli believed this was entirely the will of Joseon or Japan.
They may have been involved.
But not entirely by their own intent.
"Let us first hear their explanation before deciding our response. Be careful not to disrupt cooperation by acting prematurely."
"Understood. But Your Majesty… you already know the full story, do you not?"
"The full story? Is it not simply that some extremists from Joseon and Japan lost their minds and burned the flag?"
"…Ah. Yes. Of course."
Seeing the faint smile on my lips, Disraeli immediately understood and bowed.
This would be treated as the reckless act of fools.
And that would be the official conclusion.
Whether there was someone behind it… both of us had our suspicions.
But officially, there was no mastermind.
While London was in chaos, the greatest panic was naturally at the embassies of Joseon and Japan.
"What in the world is going on!"
The shout of Park Gyu-su echoed through the Joseon embassy.
No one could answer.
None of them knew the full story.
It was absurd.
Infuriating.
But there was nothing they could do.
They were isolated in a foreign land.
An enormous incident had occurred, yet they did not even know what had happened.
And the country they faced was the most powerful empire in the world.
What were they supposed to do?
"We need information. Gather everything before tonight. We must kneel and apologize at Buckingham Palace."
"What did the Prime Minister say?"
"Nothing. We were scolded and told to report as soon as possible."
"Should we contact the Japanese embassy?"
"Of course!"
Reports said both Joseon and Japanese individuals were involved.
The situation made no sense.
"How do mobs even reach a ship in the Han River and burn the imperial flag?"
"If that is the case, how do Japanese citizens get involved in such an act abroad?"
They argued, but neither could shift blame without knowing the truth.
They exchanged information.
"The attackers were a mixed group of Joseon and Japanese. They burned the imperial standard."
"That matches our report."
"Then why no further explanation from Joseon?"
"The distance… communication takes time."
"…What if something happened to the Crown Prince?"
That possibility froze the room.
If true, the consequences would be catastrophic.
The burning of the flag would seem minor in comparison.
"Surely not…"
But doubt remained.
Two hours later, the truth arrived.
"This… this cannot be real…"
The telegram revealed everything.
The perpetrators had named their backers.
Figures within the military of both Joseon and Japan.
The ambassadors reread it again and again.
Nothing changed.
Park Gyu-su could only mutter in despair.
Had heaven abandoned Joseon?
***
The news that the imperial standard of the British Empire, beloved by its people, had been burned in the distant Far East was finally published in the newspapers.
There was only one reason why the embassies of Joseon and Japan had not already been blown apart.
The government had instructed all newspapers to include the phrase "there are still many unclear aspects under investigation" when writing their articles.
Without that single line, both embassies might no longer exist in London.
"Your Majesty, I once again state that this matter is in no way the will of the Joseon imperial court or government, and I offer my deepest apologies for this disgraceful incident."
Park Gyu-su bowed repeatedly, lowering his head as though his hands and feet had become one in his desperation to beg forgiveness.
Even so, Victoria only watched him with a cold gaze.
If she stepped in, the situation might escalate further, so I spoke at the right moment.
"According to the report, several figures within your military have been named as suspects. How do you explain that?"
"There are such reports, but nothing has been confirmed. However, anyone involved will face severe punishment under the law. We fully understand the gravity of insulting the imperial standard and will conduct a thorough investigation."
"I understand. But you realize we cannot simply wait for your investigation to conclude without taking action ourselves."
"…Yes. That is correct."
"We are not asking for much. We will conduct our own investigation. Please cooperate. We will discuss further depending on the results."
Park Gyu-su bowed repeatedly and withdrew.
Soon after, Yoshida Shoin entered.
His reaction was similar, but he tried to distance Japan from responsibility.
"From what we have learned, most of those involved were Joseon citizens. A few Japanese were involved, but they will be punished severely…"
"I have heard that your military may also be involved."
"T-that is not true! Some individuals may have connections, but they are insignificant figures without power…"
"I understand. Let us wait for the results."
He retreated, visibly relieved.
Trying to shift all blame onto Joseon.
But that would not work.
They were already on the same ship.
They would sink or survive together.
Victoria finally spoke.
"Are we being too lenient?"
"We agreed on this approach."
"But this could be an opportunity."
"In the short term, perhaps. But in the long term, it is better to follow Edward's request."
There was no need to intervene directly.
This was Edward's stage.
And he was handling it well.
"If we do not pressure them more, Parliament may think you are being too soft."
"It will not matter. Something more interesting will happen soon."
To be honest, I had allowed things to continue this way because it was the lesser evil.
But neither Joseon nor Japan were entirely welcome in my view.
Japan would always remain a figurehead.
Joseon, however, was different.
Now calling itself an empire.
Historically strong royal authority.
A population conditioned to obey the ruler absolutely.
With Manchuria in its grasp, its confidence would only grow.
I had already repaid any debt I owed them.
Their current position was more than enough.
If their pride had grown too large, it needed to be tempered.
"Both Joseon and Japan have grown too bold. It is time to press them down."
"Then should we not apply more pressure?"
"No. This is better. They will feel the same tension you do."
Power changes people.
Japan had already proven that.
Joseon was no different.
Expansion into Manchuria proved it.
No nation was inherently peaceful.
Strength breeds ambition.
And ambition must be controlled.
But direct force would damage my image.
It was better to weaken them from within.
And my son understood that well.
At the same time, in Joseon.
Edward reviewed the information he had received.
"The more I see, the more peculiar this country becomes."
"…What do you mean?"
"Joseon. There are many things I cannot understand. Though I imagine it was the same for you when you first came to London."
Kim Jwa Gun hesitated.
Edward smiled.
A capable man.
Not entirely loyal to the royal family.
Useful.
"Let us speak honestly. Do you believe Joseon is stable?"
"…Of course. It is thriving."
"Now, yes. But in the long term?"
"…."
"Japan's prime minister Okubo Toshimichi once begged my father for help."
Kim Jwa Gun reacted.
He understood.
Both were losing control to the military.
"My father advised using people like you. And rewarding you."
Edward leaned forward.
"I have heard something interesting. Some military officials spoke of conquering Manchuria, Japan controlling southern Qing, and creating a unified Asia."
"…That is nonsense."
"It was said seriously."
Kim Jwa Gun fell silent.
"Joseon may take Manchuria. That is acceptable. But beyond that, Europe will intervene."
"I know."
"But those men do not seem willing to stop."
Edward poured himself a drink.
"If this continues, Joseon will not end well."
"…."
"You follow me because you know this."
"…You are perceptive."
"Then help me."
Kim Jwa Gun was overwhelmed.
Edward recalled his father's advice.
Appear confident.
That alone would dominate them.
"If you want a better future for Joseon, you will cooperate."
"…."
Looking at his expression, Edward realized once again.
His father had been right.
***
Even when Joseon was swept up in a celebratory mood after reclaiming Manchuria.
Even when the visit of Edward, the future Son of Heaven, made it feel as though Joseon had become the center of the world.
In one corner of Kim Jwa Gun's heart, a deep anxiety always hung like a curtain.
The higher one climbs, the greater the fall when one collapses.
While in London, Kim Jwa Gun had studied the histories of many nations.
The conclusion he reached was simple.
The more advanced a country becomes, the more inevitably it declines when the military begins to influence politics and administration.
The British Empire itself was proof enough.
From that perspective, the current state of Joseon and Japan was clearly abnormal.
And the Killian he knew would not look kindly upon such a situation.
To be honest, if he were in Killian's position, he would think the same.
Military control inevitably drifts toward extremism.
And now, the military was even aligned with the imperial court, making it even more unrestrained.
If it continued rampaging like this, it would inevitably be struck down one day.
History had proven that beyond doubt.
While others saw the Crown Prince's visit as a blessing, Kim Jwa Gun saw it differently.
To him, it felt like a grim reaper descending to determine whether Joseon had crossed the line.
If the military collapsed, that would be welcome.
But would they fall alone?
Of course not.
They would drag Joseon down with them.
That was why, despite his hatred of the military, Kim Jwa Gun personally stepped forward to ensure that the Crown Prince remained satisfied.
Formalities did not matter.
His role was to stay close to Edward and ensure his mood never soured.
Fortunately, detailed reports about Edward had already been prepared by the embassy in London.
His personality, relationships, even his favorite foods.
Kim Jwa Gun memorized everything.
Crown Prince Edward
Conclusion: enjoys attention and privilege. Slight inferiority complex toward his father. Seeks recognition.
Though considered less capable than his father, his position ensures significant influence.
That was the essence.
But this information caused problems.
"Less capable than his father? Then we can manipulate him."
"If we win him over, he will be a powerful ally."
Hearing such talk made Kim Jwa Gun uneasy.
So he stayed close to Edward at all times.
Yet now, the pressure he felt was incomparable to before.
Edward had changed completely.
"You want me… to help you?"
"Yes. For both our nations. I believe you are a loyal minister who cares for Joseon's future."
"…I do not understand. I will pretend I did not hear this."
He tried to leave.
Then Edward's voice stopped him.
"If you walk out that door, you will be remembered as the worst prime minister in Joseon's history."
"…Why?"
"Because you ignored the only chance to save this country. If you leave, I will simply enjoy my stay and report everything I have seen to my parents."
"…Report what?"
"The so-called Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. Surely my country should know of such ambitions."
Kim Jwa Gun froze.
This was not a suggestion.
It was a warning.
"Those are just the words of a few extremists…"
"The military is the problem. Both Joseon and Japan are dominated by it. If this continues, the future will not be bright. That is why a purge is necessary."
"…Will Britain intervene?"
"Of course not. That would be interference. If that were my intention, I would not be speaking with you in private."
Edward smiled faintly.
"I simply want Joseon to stabilize. That benefits both our nations."
Kim Jwa Gun could not respond.
He had no choice.
"Who do you want to meet?"
"The Emperor's second son, Seongchinwang, his wife, and you."
"…Understood."
He could not refuse.
Rejecting this meant disaster.
"I will arrange it immediately."
As he left, Edward spoke again.
"Do not worry. Your decision will make Joseon's future brighter."
Kim Jwa Gun staggered out.
His thoughts were in chaos.
Was this truly the same Crown Prince?
Edward smiled faintly.
"That should be enough."
He recalled Killian's teachings.
Make a strong first impression.
Control the narrative.
Kim Jwa Gun was now bound.
A useful tool.
Everything he had said was technically true.
But it was all for the British Empire.
Not for Joseon.
He thought about the next move.
Using the Emperor's second son and his wife.
The woman, especially, seemed ambitious.
A useful pawn.
Unlike Kim Jwa Gun, she would not last long.
Better to use and discard her.
Edward frowned slightly.
"Why does Father dislike them?"
He did not know.
But it did not matter.
Sometimes, it was better not to question everything.
Another lesson he had learned from Killian Gore Hanover.
***
"You are saying the Crown Prince wishes to meet my wife and me?"
"Yes. He said he has matters he wishes to discuss at length for the future of both nations. How shall I convey your response?"
"We must go, of course. I will arrange a meeting as early as tomorrow."
At last, the efforts they had made so far were bearing fruit.
Min Ja Yeong immediately coordinated with her husband and prepared to meet the Crown Prince.
If this were truly for the future of both nations, why would he summon her husband rather than the current Crown Prince?
Still, it could not appear as though they had ulterior motives, so they disguised the meeting as a consultation regarding her husband's study in the British Empire.
Min Ja Yeong was confident.
If the other side had no interest, that would be one thing. But if they were testing the waters, then all she had to do was match their expectations while demonstrating her own usefulness.
And when she saw Edward's face, which appeared no different from before, her confidence only deepened.
"Your Highness, thank you for arranging such an opportunity."
"No, I should be thanking you for responding so quickly."
"I was quite surprised when I heard from the Prime Minister. A matter concerning the future of both nations. I was honored that you would discuss something so important with us, and I could feel your sincerity."
"Your positive response makes this discussion easier. The reason I asked to meet you is… ah, wait a moment. I believe the letter from my father is here somewhere."
Seeing the Crown Prince fumble through his clothes for a paper, as if he did not remember the details, Min Ja Yeong lowered her head slightly and suppressed a laugh.
So the saying that a tiger's son is no match for the father was true.
If he was going to attend such a meeting, he should at least have memorized his script.
When she glanced around, she saw that Kim Jwa Gun's expression had also stiffened slightly.
No matter how she looked at it, the Crown Prince did not seem like someone to trust in terms of ability.
But that only made things better.
The more powerful yet incompetent the figure, the more freedom those around him would have.
"Please take your time, Your Highness."
"Thank you. I am not used to this sort of thing. My father suddenly sends me such instructions… honestly, what a troublesome fate."
His open complaints seemed to stir a sense of shared hardship, and Seongchinwang offered sincere sympathy.
"You must have a heavy burden, Your Highness."
"It is nothing. Even as Crown Prince, one must at least pretend to work. Ah, here it is. This is a very important matter, so everyone here must keep it confidential. Otherwise, everything will be considered as though it never happened, and you will have to deal with the consequences yourselves. The Prime Minister has already agreed to this."
"We are discreet people. You need not worry."
"Good. Then… how should I explain this? As members of the Joseon royal family, you may find this unpleasant, but it could also be a great opportunity. My father is deeply concerned about Joseon's current situation."
They had expected this.
But Min Ja Yeong did not react rashly.
Her husband was weak in political schemes, and she knew that a woman appearing too cunning would not be viewed favorably.
She needed to appear wise, but not sly.
Balancing carefully, she spoke.
"Joseon has always been a loyal ally of the British Empire. May I ask what concerns His Majesty?"
"It is not you personally. The problem is the growing influence of the military. When the military interferes in politics, negative consequences are inevitable. We have already experienced this with Napoleon."
"I see."
"However, your royal court seems to tolerate this. Some suspect that this is to avoid fulfilling a past agreement with us."
At the mention of the old agreement between Killian Gore Hanover and Heungseon, Min Ja Yeong smiled slightly.
Now she understood everything.
"So His Majesty believes Joseon is encouraging military excess to avoid that promise?"
"Perhaps. My father believes that if the current Crown Prince ascends, the situation will worsen. So he asked me about Seongchinwang. I told him he seemed like a good man."
"…What?"
Both Min Ja Yeong and Seongchinwang were stunned.
This was direct intervention in succession.
Unthinkable.
Yet irresistible.
To be made Emperor of Joseon.
What did interference matter?
"His Majesty believes that since Seongchinwang is not closely tied to the military, he would be better suited."
"That is true."
"Then it is perfect. If you ascend, my father's concerns disappear, and I can entrust Asia to you."
Simple words.
But impossible reality.
Removing a Crown Prince was no easy matter.
"Did His Majesty offer any advice?"
"Yes. The military and Crown Prince must fall together."
Min Ja Yeong nodded.
There were indeed military figures who supported them.
"Then it may be possible."
The biggest problem remained.
How to defeat the military.
"Would Britain intervene?"
"No. Unless justified."
Edward showed a document.
Their eyes trembled.
"…It might be possible. Give us until tomorrow."
"Take your time."
They left immediately.
Min Ja Yeong's heart raced.
This was the opportunity of a lifetime.
If successful, she would become Empress.
Her family would surpass even the Andong Kim clan.
And with ties to the future British Emperor, her power would be unmatched.
Her ambition burned brighter than ever.
"They have taken the bait."
Kim Jwa Gun forced a smile.
"Of course they would. Becoming Emperor is irresistible."
"You plan to use them to purge the military."
"Partly. And Seongchinwang is more acceptable domestically."
"…I see."
"Also, Japan's Prime Minister Okubo Toshimichi wishes to participate. Coordinate with him."
Kim Jwa Gun felt a chill.
Edward's tone had completely changed.
"More chaos will be beneficial. If both Joseon and Japanese are involved, it will spread faster."
His smile was cold.
Kim Jwa Gun's heart sank.
So the intelligence reports were not wrong.
Edward had simply been acting.
"…There is one problem. Burning the imperial flag without cause would not convince people."
"A reason can be created."
Edward explained calmly.
Spread rumors.
Provoke extremists.
Create an incident.
"…Unbelievable…"
"Speed is everything. Once it happens, arrest the military leaders and have Seongchinwang take control."
Kim Jwa Gun realized.
This was already decided.
Later, he would say.
A tiger begets a tiger.
And the warm spring of Hanseong would soon end.
***
[Is Qing China Europe's possession? The British Empire does not wish for war in Asia to continue any longer!]
[It has been confirmed that the British Crown Prince spoke in a tone suggesting he hopes the wars in Asia will end at this point. Speculation arises that this was an indirect criticism of Joseon's policy of fully annexing Manchuria and Japan's policy of completely occupying southern Qing!]
Though the article circulated only briefly before disappearing, the fact that such an inflammatory report appeared while the British Crown Prince was present caused Kim Jwa Gun to react sharply.
"This is a malicious distortion of the Crown Prince's words! Ensure that no one is influenced by it!"
"Yes!"
"And if anyone attempts extreme actions because of this, they will not be forgiven. This has been approved by His Majesty, so pay special attention to the radicals within the military."
Of course, Kim Jwa Gun knew that those in the military were only brave in private and would never dare challenge the British Empire directly.
Still, as planned, he performed his role perfectly.
To observers, however, his intense reaction only deepened their unease.
Half believed that even the military would not be mad enough to provoke the British Empire.
The other half feared that these reckless extremists might actually do it.
After all, the military had a pattern.
They would incite radicals to cause incidents, manipulate public opinion, and then escape responsibility themselves.
But doing this against the British Empire would risk war.
Would they truly go that far?
Because Kim Jwa Gun had stirred the atmosphere, doubt spread among the people.
And then,
That very night.
Flames rose from a British ship anchored in the Han River.
And with it, the hearts of countless Joseon officials burned.
"You mad bastards! What have you done!"
"Manchuria is rightful Joseon territory! Until Qing recognizes this, the war must continue! The British Empire must cease its interference!"
"Cease interference!"
The instigators spoke boldly, just as they always had in past incidents.
They claimed legitimacy.
They framed their actions as resistance.
Shock spread.
Even Japanese radicals joined them.
Those who had long suppressed resentment toward the military felt their anger boil over.
Yet no one dared speak openly.
At that moment,
Seongchinwang stepped forward.
"The British Empire and Joseon are bound by blood. Anyone who seeks to divide this bond is a traitor to the nation!"
His words resonated instantly.
He advised the Emperor to punish the perpetrators severely.
He was granted full authority.
He even met privately with Edward and calmed him, earning immediate trust.
To Heungseon Daewongun, his second son appeared reliable in this crisis.
Then, with astonishing speed, Seongchinwang interrogated suspects and uncovered the masterminds.
As expected,
Names of military leaders emerged.
Before they could react, the royal guard arrested them all.
"We are innocent!"
"We would never do such a thing!"
They pleaded.
It did not matter.
Even they believed someone among them had acted recklessly.
Japan faced a similar situation.
Okubo Toshimichi returned quickly and arrested military leaders.
[Military out of control!]
[Unprecedented diplomatic disaster!]
Both Joseon and Japan's military factions collapsed into chaos.
Opportunists quickly switched sides.
Survival came first.
With leadership gone, the military crumbled.
Those arrested still believed they would have a chance to defend themselves.
Until Kim Jwa Gun interrogated them.
"Will you confess your crimes?"
"We are innocent! You know we are not madmen!"
"The perpetrators have already named you."
"That is false!"
"The evidence is clear. Sign the confession."
They realized too late.
"Prime Minister… you planned this from the beginning…!"
"Watch your words."
"You power-hungry old man!"
Kim Jwa Gun turned away, smiling faintly.
What once seemed impossible had become easy.
With the British Empire behind him.
The military was removed.
Seongchinwang sought power.
Heungseon Daewongun sought stability.
Their interests aligned.
And so, the unprecedented incident of burning the British imperial standard was resolved with astonishing speed.
"It feels like a rotten tooth has been pulled."
"It shows."
Edward smiled faintly.
"You suffered greatly."
"I did. But they deserved it."
"They did. But are you sure nothing was overlooked?"
"There is no issue. This follows past patterns."
The military had always used others to act while avoiding blame.
This time, they failed.
"At least it did not become worse."
"You will need to stabilize the situation."
"Of course. But Your Highness… do you truly intend to make Seongchinwang the Crown Prince?"
Edward tilted his head.
"If I say that directly, would that not be interference?"
"You have already done enough."
"Reward your allies. That is what my father taught me."
The outcome was clear.
The Crown Prince would fall.
Seongchinwang would rise.
Yet Kim Jwa Gun hesitated.
"Do you think he lacks ability?"
"The current Crown Prince is no better. But his wife's family…"
"I see. Then use that weakness."
Edward's tone was calm.
Calculated.
"You prefer limiting royal power, do you not?"
"…Yes."
"Then this is an opportunity."
Kim Jwa Gun sighed.
"I am already old…"
"Then plant the seeds now."
Edward looked ahead.
The old order was ending.
The new one would rise.
But not under Joseon's royal family.
They were relics.
Soon to be placed in history.
He did not smile.
This was only the beginning.