The Joseon Prince Went To America And Didn’t Return – 6



< Seed money (3) >

“What did you just say?”

Hulbert asked me back in a slightly trembling voice.

‘The pupils shook slightly.’

When I was living as Park Byeong-jun my job was a lobbyist.

And an essential virtue for a lobbyist is the ability to read people’s facial expressions.

‘If I just push a little harder…’

I guess I’m going to make a lot of mistakes.

After getting the estimate I continued speaking in a nonchalant tone.

“Those Japanese guys. It seems they’re trying to find Aba Mama’s secret funds.”

“….”

“It looks like you’ve been doing some research on overseas banks. You’ve been poking around in all directions so there’s been a lot of talk lately.”

He even mentioned the location of the slush funds.

That it is overseas not domestically.

Hulbert’s blue eyes swung even more widely from side to side at my confident attitude.

“Are you really unaware of this fact?”

“Ah ah. The prince himself….”

Hulbert began to use his wit to escape the current situation.

After he emptied the glass I had poured him he started whining and telling me ridiculous stories.

“You are joking too much.”

“charge?”

“Yes. Slush funds? Does that make sense? In the Great Korean Empire there already exists an organization called the Imperial Household Agency. Doesn’t that handle all the budgets required by the Imperial Family?”

I quietly observed Hulbert making excuses.

My voice still trembles.

The gestures are also excessive.

What bothered me most was that he started using English his native language.

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‘Tsk tsk. You’re trying but you don’t seem to notice the changes in yourself.’

As he spoke English I responded back to him in English quite naturally.

But perhaps because his mind was clouded by the alcohol Hulbert had no idea that I was adjusting to his own needs.

He was busy denying what I said without even realizing that I was reading the change in his expression.

“We have the Imperial Household Agency so why bother going overseas to store funds?”

“Why don’t all rulers have separate pockets? There are times when they need to secretly spend money without the officials knowing. The advantages of creating slush funds are something that Abama knows better than anyone else. Am I wrong?”

Gojong is the embodiment of power.

Even I who don’t know much about Korean history can understand it by inferring based on my past experiences and memories.

‘He must have been actively trying to raise secret funds overseas. He must have been in charge of it.’

I snapped my fingers and turned my gaze slightly to the left.

Lee Wan-yong collapsed from drunkenness.

He whispered to Hulbert looking at the room next to his.

“Abba Mama has to run the country among these selfish people. I think Aba Mama knows this better than anyone. He needs quite a bit of pocket money.”

All sorts of scoundrels both internally and externally are glaring at us intent on swallowing up the Korean Empire.

Hulbert was reminded that this was a time of emergency.

At this Hulbert broke out in a cold sweat and once again laid out his argument.

“Even if we assume that everything above is true… why would Your Majesty entrust this matter to a foreign press?”

As I continued my silence Hulbert pounded his chest and made a look of resentment.

“Foreign correspondents are not from the Korean Empire. They are Americans! How could they have entrusted such a burdensome task to me?”

I tilted my head and objected.

“That’s why I left it to you. No one would suspect you. And more than anything who in Hanyang is as trustworthy as you?”

All those who are currently with Emperor Gojong are only working for their own and their family’s glory.

That’s why King Gojong must have entrusted such a large sum of money to the blue-eyed foreigner in front of me.

“You are the perfect person for this job. I’m sure Abamama would have said so too.”

Hulbert who stands before me has been serving Korea for the past twenty years.

Other foreigners.

For example he was a true loyalist who did not demand local interests such as the ‘Unsan Gold Mine mining rights’ like his fellow American ‘Allen’.

‘All of this is King Gojong’s karma…’

After empowering the personal guard he had built when they threatened his absolute monarchy during the reform process Gojong mercilessly eliminated them using the opposition.

There were dozens and hundreds of talented people that Emperor Gojong kicked out in this way.

Even in his son Lee Kang’s memory it remains this negative.

If it’s added it’s more not less.

‘What happened to the words of those who spent a lot of money to study abroad?’

A considerable number of them were branded traitors in the year of Gapshin and were beheaded.

The rest were also branded as radical revolutionary reactionaries and were soon eliminated.

It can be said that Emperor Gojong personally eliminated the loyal subjects who worked for the Korean Empire.

Those who survived are now only traitors supported by countries like Russia and Japan.

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“I’ve met a lot of celebrities during the past six years I’ve been traveling around the United States.”

I had to give more credibility to what I said.

Since Hulbert didn’t know everything about my actions he made up stories that were as plausible as possible.

“Among them were European aristocrats and capitalists who ran banks in the United States. In the process I also met brokers who bought and sold information. That’s when I learned about this.”

This time Hulbert keeps his mouth shut.

It looks like he wants to listen to what I have to say.

‘I guess I need more confidence.’

I explained what I knew about Hulbert referring to an incident that had been on my mind.

“Your Majesty has already had her slush funds stolen once. I think you would know better.”

Who took it from?

Who are you? Who are you?

They’re Japanese.

“I think it was last year. If you want I can tell you the name of the person who managed the money.”

I am a second-generation Korean-American born and raised in the United States.

Since I was educated in the United States I don’t know much about Korean history.

However I remembered quite a bit of information regarding Emperor Gojong’s secret funds.

The size and location of Emperor Gojong’s slush fund as well as when it was discovered are all detailed.

‘At the time I just read it as gossip…’

A Korean newspaper brought by a friend who was studying abroad.

There were interesting articles published there every week and one of them was about Emperor Gojong’s slush funds.

At that time without thinking about anything.

I read the article as if I was reading the story of Anastasia the last princess of Russia.

This information was now becoming my lifeblood and flesh forming a large framework for my seed money raising plan.

“You still don’t trust me do you? Wasn’t that guy Lee Yong-ik your predecessor?”

As soon as I finished speaking Hulbert opened his mouth wide and once again showed an expression of shock.

And then for the first time he didn’t deny what I said.

“Your Majesty you also know about the incident that occurred last year.”

“Yes. I also feel sorry about that incident.”

“Ugh…..”

Hulbert groaned.

This is because Lee Yong-ik a former official in charge of slush funds was assassinated last year.

“After that incident the Japanese started to get more and more excited. They said they were going to find more of Aba Mama’s slush funds.”

“I also heard the rumor…..”

“I guess I didn’t know that you would really reach out not only domestically but also overseas.”

“yes.”

“I heard that you recently sent someone to Shanghai.”

“Are you talking about private injury?”

Emperor Gojong’s secret funds are in Shanghai.

Hulbert began to overreact to the word Shanghai.

“Yes. Fortunately it seems that the exact location of the slush fund is unknown. However if things continue this way it will be discovered soon.”

“I guess so.”

Hulbert’s face turned sullen.

If things continue this way Emperor Gojong’s secret funds could fall into the hands of Japan again.

“I should have told you this fact as soon as possible. I would have liked to tell Abamama directly but that was not possible so I had to meet you as a second option. As you know I cannot set foot on Joseon soil.”

I tapped Hulbert on the shoulder and told him the reason why I had been giving the officials from Hanyang a hard time.

“The fact that I injected myself in front of Hanyang officials was all for today’s meeting.”

“Your Majesty… I did not know that Your Majesty had such deep intentions.”

Hulbert nodded quietly looking moved.

I thought this was the moment and drove the wedge in.

“Drinking alcohol every day is really something I shouldn’t do. My father should know my deep intentions…”

I packed.

The recent injections and riots were all a show for the Korean Empire.

Then Hulbert looked completely taken aback as if he believed what I said.

‘I see that my image has improved a lot.’

From a reckless prince who misses his homeland and gets drunk to a royal who thinks deeply about his country.

It must have been greatly upgraded.

“That was a long story. Let’s stop here for today.”

They could just press him and ask him where Emperor Gojong’s secret funds were.

Or you could try to convince them to bring it to me.

But I decided to be patient and endure it one more time.

‘Let’s give it some time to think.’

It’s not like Hulbert is leaving tomorrow.

I guess I’ll just let it go today because I might ruin the rice that’s already been cooked.

“Oh… by the way.”

“yes?”

“How much alcohol do you drink Hulbert? How much do you have to drink before you lose your mind?”

You need to know your alcohol tolerance.

Then wouldn’t we be able to talk alone again tomorrow?

‘If I favor Hulbert like I do today my plan might be discovered. I have to eat moderately tomorrow.’

At my question Hulbert scratched his head and looked embarrassed.

And then he answered like this.

“Foreign media has never been drunk.”

“What? Not even once?”

“Yes. So don’t worry and just open the drinking party tomorrow as Your Majesty has planned.”

If that’s the case then yes.

Thanks to Hulbert’s answer I was able to go to sleep feeling much more comfortable.

* * *

“Okay… Let me have a drink.”

“Your Majesty!”

“Oh can I try a drink?”

The next evening also began with alcohol.

In order to save time I put aside my complaints and started drinking.

“This is… a mixed drink that I learned in the US. It’s called a bomb drink.”

Starting with the most annoying relaxation.

“Here drink.”

“Your Majesty.”

Lee Wan-yong looked at me with a look that said ‘What kind of drunkard is that?’

“I’ll have a drink too. Let’s go to sleep…”

Lee Wan-yong frowns.

But anyway since I had a higher status he had to accept my offer of a drink without complaint.

“You too and you too come with me. Drink all the way.”

“Ugh… ugh….”

I gave them a bomb drink that I learned from a Korean exchange student friend during my college days.

Because they had to continuously empty their drinks many people including Lee Wan-yong lost consciousness more quickly than yesterday and became one with the floor.

“Come to this window and let’s talk.”

After putting some distance between me and the drunken sprawling crowd I started talking to Hulbert.

“majesty.”

“Okay tell me.”

Maybe it was because we had a deep conversation last night but Hulbert’s attitude seemed to have changed quite a bit.

He trusts and respects me quite a bit.

“Perhaps… Your Majesty do you have a way to manage your slush funds without their knowledge?”

Oh is that so?

Let’s get straight to the point without any small talk.

I too welcomed this so I quickly gave an answer to Hulbert’s question.

“The best course of action is to move the funds to a place where Japan cannot reach.”

“For example?”

“A place like your home country the United States would be a good place to deposit Obama’s secret funds.”

“Foreign media thought so too.”

“Oh…. That makes sense. If you add some additional safety measures you’ll be able to live with even more peace of mind.”

“What do you mean by additional safety measures?”

In response to Hulbert’s question I pretended to hesitate for a moment then quickly told him what I had planned.

“If you hire a trustworthy person and manage it locally on an ongoing basis it will work out.”

After hearing my answer Hulbert fell silent for a moment lost in thought.

After a moment Hulbert swallowed his saliva and quietly asked me something.

“For example… are you talking about someone like a prince?”

Whoosh – a fastball comes in.

Now is the most important time.

Leave your money to me. Showing such sincerity is something only a lowlife would do.

That is why I first presented an impossible method to Hulbert.

“You mean you not me.”

“Huh? What about foreign news?”

“I’m out of favor with Abamama.”

He continued talking with a bitter expression.

“Some people call me a great debaucher. I’m sure Abama thinks the same of me.”

Public opinion about me is currently polarized.

Hulbert also knew this fact well and agreed with me.

“But foreign media don’t think so.”

I feel once again that the image has improved.

I smiled slightly at Hulbert’s sincere answer then frowned again.

“These evil people are separating Abamama and me.”

“That’s right. If you think about it all those people who go around calling me a debaucher are the concubine’s people.”

“Really? If it comes out of your mouth without me having to explain it… It seems like you’re talking big enough for everyone to notice.”

A concubine who wants to make her son the next successor.

She is gossiping about me.

In addition pro-Japanese cabinet officials who are supported by the Japanese government are also doing sister-in-law things and framing me from the side.

Fortunately Hulbert was well aware of this fact.

“If you recommend me as your agent you too will lose Abamama’s trust.”

King Gojong a bundle of desires.

There’s no way he’d pay that much money to me a potential competitor.

‘This fact must never reach Emperor Gojong’s ears.’

Hulbert began to think for a moment.

Because I really thought I was the only one who was suitable for the job.

“Foreign correspondents cannot return to the United States. His Majesty needs foreign correspondents.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. That is why in the opinion of foreign media… the only person suitable for the job is His Majesty who will return to the United States.”

“I’ve told you many times but Your Majesty will not allow this.”

“Foreign media also have something in mind.”

It seems that he will move the slush funds to the United States without telling Gojong separately and will appoint me as the account agent.

Because King Gojong and I are blood related.

Hulbert reassured me by emphasizing that I was fully qualified to be a proxy.

‘You’ve come over.’

I just climbed the 9th ridge.

To wrap things up neatly I handed Hulbert a letter I had prepared in advance.

“There is one more thing that is necessary to carry out what you said. Even after returning to Joseon the two of us must exchange letters.”

“I guess so.”

The problem is that if you send a telegram there is a high chance that it will be wiretapped.

Letters are more likely to be censored or lost.

“Come here.”

I ordered Hulbert to return to Korea and send a telegram to me.

“Are you telling me to send a telegram to His Majesty telling him to return to America?”

“Yes. Tell Abama that you have half-convinced me in Japan. Tell me by telegram that you will persuade me again. If you do that no one will suspect anything.”

If you plan out what you’re going to say in advance the act itself can become a message.

‘You can also find out where you are now.’

Hulbert and I talked things through discussing the specifics of how many telegrams we would exchange and when we would meet in America.

And so the night grew deeper.

* * *

A week passed after Hulbert returned.

In the meantime a telegram arrived from Hanyang.

‘Hulbert has arrived in Hanyang.’

The second telegram will come when it has been decided to persuade Emperor Gojong to move the slush funds to Shanghai.

‘The next one will be a telegram from Shanghai.’

When the telegram comes from Shanghai… I will prepare to leave immediately.

Because I was scheduled to reunite with Hulbert in San Francisco two months after the telegram from Shanghai arrived.

dripping-

That was when.

Late one night someone knocked on my bedroom door.

‘Who came to see me at this hour?’

The vassals who followed me from Joseon.

The three brothers from America were all sleeping in the next room.

No one comes to see me except these people.

‘Could it be Hulbert?’

There’s no way he’d take the risk of coming to me.

Hulbert is not that stupid.

Step by step-

I slowly walked to the guest room door and asked who the visitor was.

“Who is it?”

“Your Majesty. This is my name Lee Geun-sang.”

I can hear Korean.

The owner of the voice is a man.

Just in case I stood still without opening the guest room door.

Okay then.

A man named Lee Geun-sang whispered to me in a very small voice outside the door.

“Your Majesty has sent a message to Your Majesty. May I come inside?”

< Seed money (3) > End