The Joseon Prince Went To America And Didn’t Return – 87



< American Scrap (3) >

It is not easy to bring back together 80000 Korean residents.

That is why I ordered Ahn Chang-ho to gather as many people as possible.

‘If you give too little time not many people will come. But if you give too much time something bad might happen to Stevenson. Before I can warn the Koreans.’

That’s why I gave Dosan four days.

Although he made many concessions the schedule was extremely tight in absolute terms so it seems like Dosan will have a hard time this time.

‘I’ll do what I discussed with Hearst.’

First I started looking through a box of documents stored in one of the cabinets in the office.

I just came back from The Hague and started collecting information on potential enemies.

Naturally it was full of materials related to the Japanese government.

Is that why?

As soon as I got home I was able to send the relevant materials to Hearst right away.

[Exclusively obtained by this newspaper]

What is Waka Shudo Japan’s secret style of poetry?

Japan located in East Asia has succeeded in modernizing unlike other Asian countries.

However despite their appearance their culture is still stuck in the primitive Middle Ages. The Japanese government has been promoting that they have well accepted advanced Western culture…

Hurst lived up to my expectations.

In just one day Japan’s male-colored culture was exposed in tabloids across America.

It is said that sales of Hearst’s newspapers doubled compared to usual perhaps because the provocative article was printed prominently on the front page.

“Thank you Prince. Do you have any other news to report?”

In response Hurst sent someone to me to thank me.

Because increased circulation directly translates into increased profits for his newspaper.

Moreover as the market share of the media outlets he owns increases the unit price of advertising also rises.

Perhaps because my pockets were getting heavier Hearst began writing articles for me with increasing enthusiasm.

‘It’s just the beginning… and you already look flustered.’

The Japanese government was on edge.

Get notified for updates: https://discord.gg/93rmBjgP6B

I’m nervous that all the good images I’ve had will disappear.

Tsk tsk.

What should I do about this?

There’s a follow-up article coming out tomorrow.

An article about ‘Yobai’ a strange sexual culture in Western Japan will be published soon.

The ‘Japanese funeral’ where parents are abandoned in the back mountain when they grow up is also sealed and waiting in Hearst’s chest of drawers.

The truth about the Japanese version of parasites ‘geisha’ will also be revealed soon.

‘Although they are well-represented as artists among Westerners geishas are nothing more than prostitutes.’

And that’s not all.

I also had information about corruption among Japanese politicians in my hands.

Jeong Seong-mo an agent of Ikmunsa who was active in Japan recently had the good fortune to contact Lee Wi-jong.

Jeong Seong-mo who has been working in Japan for the past five years handed over some very useful information to Lee Wi-jong.

‘The Saionji Cabinet alone is full of corruption.’

Cross-validation results showed that the data received was quite reliable.

So I held this and it was the best timing.

So I was planning to blow it up around the time of Japan’s election.

“Gudang (Yoo Gil-jun).”

“Yes Your Majesty.”

“Did you convey this well to the Japanese consulate in San Francisco?”

“Yes Your Majesty. I believe we will have an answer soon.”

“If you get a reply let me know right away.”

“yes.”

He threw news stories to the Japanese embassy and made a gesture that said “Do you still want to fight?”

It’s best to compromise early and on a reasonable level.

The longer you delay the more hurt both of you will be.

Of course Japan was hit harder than I was but I too was seeing the good image I had built up over time suffer because of Japan’s plot.

‘If they find out that I have this much power they won’t be able to launch any additional attacks on me and our fellow citizens.’

The biggest difference between me and the Japanese government is whether or not there is an election.

I was still a prince but they are judged by the public through elections.

So the article I throw out will be a good attack point for the opposition party.

That’s why they won’t be able to withstand my attacks for long.

“Your Majesty I have also received word from the Daily Californian.”

“Yeah. How much did you say you were willing to sell the newspaper for?”

“I offered three hundred thousand dollars.”

“Three hundred thousand dollars?”

“yes.”

“Buy it right away.”

Join our discord and ping me to update more chapters. Discord: https://discord.gg/93rmBjgP6B

“yes.”

And the carrot and the stick must go hand in hand.

The escape route was open but it was still necessary to continue pressuring Japan.

“David also managed to buy it.”

I was attacking the Japanese government and bribing pro-Japanese reporters who had previously been on Japan’s side one by one.

David was my enemy yesterday but from now on he will be my man and the trumpeter for the things I want to promote.

‘It’s actually more comfortable for those who simply reveal money.’

Of course there were also those who could not be bought with my money.

Stevenson who was very steeped in Japanese thought rejected my proposal outright.

It was to be expected but I couldn’t help but feel bitter.

“Your Majesty Sir Stevenson has held a press conference.”

This was also expected.

Even if I were a high-ranking Japanese official I would have acted the same way.

Stevenson’s churning out of negative articles would have further fanned the anger of the Korean community.

Wouldn’t that lead to a bloodbath in California just as the Japanese government wants?

I squinted my eyes and looked for Choi Hyun-woo.

“Are Lee Wi-jong and Lee Jun watching Stevenson right now?”

“Yes. Didn’t His Majesty tell you to be prepared for the unexpected?”

The Ikmunsa agents were escorting Stevenson without his knowledge.

This is to prepare for any unfortunate events.

Then another person’s face came to mind.

“What about Dosan?”

“I am currently in downtown San Francisco preparing for the Synthetic Association’s extraordinary general meeting scheduled for tomorrow.”

“Tell them to gather as many Korean residents as possible.”

“yes.”

While I was going through the documents to figure out what additional measures to take.

“Your Majesty. Your Majesty.”

Choi Hyun-woo came to see me again.

“There was a disturbance at the press conference.”

I tried to calm Choi Hyun-woo down while maintaining my composure.

“Take your time and report as it is.”

“Angry Koreans reportedly showed up at Stevenson’s press conference and beat him up.”

“What about Lee Wi-jong and Lee Jun?”

“Fortunately they stopped them in time so Stevenson only suffered a minor scratch on his forehead.”

He breathed a sigh of relief and asked about the future handling of the Korean residents who participated in the assault.

“Did the police show up? How many Koreans were arrested?”

“That’s… I heard that four people were involved and were questioned by the police.”

“Oh like that.”

“But the good thing is that Stevenson requested that the police release the Koreans because he did not want to punish them.”

Stevenson was reportedly so scared that he was left alone in his hotel room with a police escort.

Tsk tsk.

Why are you doing this when you’re so scared?

‘I need to meet you soon.’

Before that.

I need to give a big warning to Koreans.

If things continue like this something bigger than what we’re seeing now might happen.

I prepared for the general meeting tomorrow while wondering how to appease the angry Korean residents.

* * *

‘There are a lot of people here.’

Everyone must be busy trying to make a living.

Nearly two thousand Koreans gathered here at my command.

‘That’s amazing.’

It could mean that the Korean community has high trust in me but it is probably because Ahn Chang-ho’s ability is outstanding.

I once again spoke highly of Ahn Chang-ho and exchanged greetings with him.

“Dosan.”

“Your Majesty. Have you just arrived?”

“Yes. Thank you for your hard work in finishing the work in a short period of time.”

“no.”

As soon as they entered the conference room many of the Korean residents stood up with their hands together.

After that he greeted me with a polite attitude.

“Hello Your Majesty the King.”

“It’s been a while huh?”

“Come this way.”

“okay.”

I walked towards the center of the podium exchanging glances with the people inside as much as possible.

“I didn’t expect much since I called this hastily for an extraordinary general meeting. More people than I expected came. I would like to start by saying thank you to you. It must not have been an easy choice to put aside what you were doing and attend this meeting.”

After stopping in his seat he shouted at the Korean residents.

Then the Korean residents were at a loss as to what to do with my greeting.

“No Your Majesty.”

“Why do you say such things?”

“Your Majesty how much have you taken care of us all this time?”

“It’s just a day off. This kind of loss is nothing.”

“That’s right. Don’t worry too much.”

I would like to talk to them more personally.

But I was in a hurry.

Because we don’t know when or how Stevenson might be raided by our people.

That’s why.

I quickly opened my mouth in a conference room with over two thousand people gathered.

“Those who are quick-witted will have already guessed why I called this extraordinary general meeting.”

“Your Majesty. Is it because of the article that was reported in the press the other day?”

A man in the left corner guessed my intentions.

I nodded and exchanged a glance with him.

“That’s right. That’s why I’ve called you all together. What’s your name?”

“My name is Jang In-hwan.”

“okay?”

“Yes Your Majesty. Has Your Majesty seen that article?”

I nodded and answered Jang In-hwan’s question.

“Of course. I keep a close eye on local public opinion.”

“Your Majesty. That rascal named Stevenson has been insulting Your Majesty and our people.”

I know.

I made a gesture to tell him to continue talking.

“In particular a horror story about Your Majesty has been spreading throughout California. Is Your Majesty well?”

It’s clear that I’m the one who was insulted.

It seems like the Korean residents are getting angrier.

“Don’t be angry. I’m human too.”

“Then you must have been relieved to hear what happened yesterday. I heard that some of our people gave Stevenson a good beating.”

“That’s right. I heard that too.”

Local broadcasts began to be heard here and there.

I quietly clenched my right hand and silenced their voices.

It was a silent gesture to get the floor and speak.

“Your Majesty Stevenson has not yet written a correction.”

Yu Gil-jun told me with a grin.

Park Yong-man who was standing next to him also breathed out hot breath as if he was angry.

That was when.

“I will cut off that bastard’s head Your Majesty.”

Eventually even a murder threat erupted from the conference room.

What I was worried about has happened.

“I am confident too. Leave it to me.”

Jang In-hwan who was sitting in front also came to me with a solemn expression.

“You said your name was Jang In-hwan earlier. What is your name?”

“My name is Jeon Myeong-un.”

I looked back and forth between these two silently.

“Are you serious about what you just said?”

“Yes. I’m not just saying that. I even bought a gun yesterday to get rid of that guy.”

“Me too.”

He said he even bought a gun so it’s not really an empty promise.

I asked them both with a serious expression.

“Guys. Which country do you live in now?”

“I live in the United States of America.”

When Jeon Myeong-un answered me quietly I agreed with what he said.

“Yes. We are now living in the United States of America not the Korean Empire. Then let me ask you one more question. What is the basis of the United States of America where you live?”

“….”

Jang In-hwan kept his mouth shut and lowered his head.

Perhaps you did not understand the intent of my question.

“Let me answer for you. There are three main foundations of the United States. One is democracy which elects representatives. The other is capitalism which recognizes private property and encourages corporate production.”

After holding up two fingers I looked around.

After that he stretched out his right ring finger and answered my question.

“There is a more important thought than that.”

“What is it?”

“It’s the rule of law.”

“What about the rule of law?”

“Yes. The rule of law is when everything is handled according to laws enacted by the National Assembly. This idea can be said to be the third foundation of this country.”

Is Qin Shi Huang’s Legalism the rule of law?

Jang In-hwan whispered to himself.

At this I remained silent.

I didn’t know exactly what it was so I didn’t show any expression of agreement.

I took a half step closer to Jeon Myeong-un and gave him some advice.

“You are shaking it up. Stevenson has clearly done us wrong. He is insulting us and inciting other Americans with false articles.”

“….”

“….”

“But that doesn’t mean he should be killed by our hands. He should be dealt with according to law and principle. Like any other American.”

Jeon Myeong-un and Jang In-hwan seemed to disagree with what I said.

But since he respected me he pretended to understand for a moment.

I quickly conveyed some words of advice to the Korean residents.

“Everyone keep this in mind. This is not the Korean Empire. This is definitely not a battlefield.”

I held their right hands together to give them a sense of intimacy then held them tightly.

Afterwards he looked at the Korean residents and gave them additional advice.

“Here in America we Koreans are the last bastion. We are the last bastion for independence.”

“….”

“….”

“The Americans have been willing to open their tents for us. Last year they permanently banned the immigration of the Qing but they are still keeping their doors open for us.”

After taking a deep breath he continued talking.

“But now we are trying to kick that door open ourselves. We are destroying the last ark that can protect our people against the Japanese Empire.”

I looked back and forth between the two people in front of me.

“Please think rationally. This is a foreign land. We are living in a rented room.”

“….”

“….”

“Don’t give them an excuse to get kicked out. That’s what those clever Japanese want most.”

I returned to the podium again and looked at the congregation.

“Is everyone upset?”

“….”

“He’s asking if I’m angry.”

“yes.”

“I’m angry.”

Everyone unanimously expressed the difficulties of living in a foreign land.

Here I am.

“Then it will be successful.”

“yes?”

“In this America no one is as good as me. They are telling me to surpass myself.”

“What is that…..”

“Stevenson wrote that we could survive this storm only if we were under Japanese rule.”

“That’s right.”

“Let’s smash that guy’s argument to pieces. Let’s make a big success here in America and become the cornerstone for Korea’s true independence.”

He emphasized that if that happens Stevenson’s nose can also be flattened.

“And. I promise you here about the article Stevenson wrote. I will take responsibility for it and get a correction article. So don’t get excited and ruin things. If there’s anyone around you… make sure to dissuade them.”

After I came down from the podium I looked at the two men again.

“majesty.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No. Your fervent patriotism will soon shine.”

Finally it was emphasized.

“But that guy Stevenson isn’t it.”

Jeon Myeong-un and Jang In-hwan made expressions as if they knew what I was trying to hide.

“ah….”

“So you’re saying that Americans and Europeans aren’t allowed?”

“Oh I understand.”

“I will be careful about my actions.”

huh?

what.

What about these eyes?

It’s over for now.

I left them both in the conference room and quickly left the building.

“Keep a close eye on those two.”

“Yes Your Majesty. Where will you be going?”

“Which hotel did you say Stevenson was staying at?”

“I heard he is staying at the Central Hotel.”

I nodded and said to Choi Hyun-woo.

“Then our next destination is the Central Hotel. Let’s go there.”

< American Scrap (3) > End