Chapter 872

Episode 872: Generational Change (3)

The Chief of Staff’s remarks were like those of a general on a chessboard. Without Meng to stop the general, the ministers had nothing to do but quench their appetite.

‘Tsk! ‘I can’t do it anymore.’

‘From now on, all I can do is hold my ankles.’

‘The Emperor’s will is already clear and there is no justification. ‘It is not precepted.’

‘Not only is there no problem that no one can see, but the emperor has already made up his mind.’

‘The emperor is also the emperor, but...’

The reason why the ministers could not easily open their mouths was because they were cornered by a foreigner and because Wan had already made up his mind.

But the biggest reason was Hyang’s shadow behind Wan’s back.

* * *

Most, if not all, of those who are now running state affairs with Wan had worked under King Sejong since the days when the empire was called Joseon.

Therefore, the images of King Sejong and Hyang were clearly imprinted in their minds.

For them, Sejong and Hyang were a wall they could not overcome.

Wan was also an excellent monarch, but he was not perfect in all aspects. The help of the ministers was needed from time to time, and the ministers were able to show their presence by assisting Wan.

But it wasn’t Sejong and Hyang. To put it to the extreme, for King Sejong and Hyang, ministers were eyes, ears, arms and legs on their behalf. It can also be replaced at any time.

Nevertheless, it was simple that ministers who served for several decades during the reign of King Sejong and Hyang were common.

Sejong and Hyang were people who did not easily cut off talented people, and the ministers in question were so talented that they are still talked about in the population.

* * *

In the sense that Wan, or Hyang, had made up his mind, the ministers had decided on what to do.

– Shut up and do as you say!

Therefore, the ministers glared at Shin Suk-ju once again.

‘What a sight! ‘Don’t use your mouth again!’

‘That damn club!’

In the end, Hwang Bo-in, representing the ministers, came forward and bowed to Wan.

“Your Majesty’s plan is truly ingenious, so I will do my best to implement it.”

“Thank you. ruler! “Then let’s take care of Florence’s whining first.”

“Yes, Your Majesty...”

Following Wan’s order, the ministers began exchanging opinions on what Florence had requested.

“First of all, ‘Please have a high-ranking imperial official reside in Florence. Also, please appoint someone who has a certain degree of decision-making authority on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor.’... Hmm....”

After reading Florence’s first request, Wan decided with an expression that it was no big deal.

“This is not a problem as it will be done by setting up an embassy... Next...”

Wan and the ministers decided what to accept and what to reject regarding the issues requested by Florence.

The standards of Wan and ministers were simple.

-Financial support will not be provided until Florence’s preparations are in full swing or until they are pushed to the cliff.

Why should we provide financial support to Florence, a wealthy city known in Europe?

-If Florence wants it, it will provide manpower. Except for the technicians.

-Considering the situation, secure a permanent military base in Italy.

* * *

After Wan and the ministers had made their selections, Shin Sook-ju and Giovanni continued to negotiate fiercely.

“The Empire cannot accept that request.”

“But for the sake of good neighborly friendship between the two countries, you must listen.”

“The Empire is not a philanthropist.”

“In order for Florence’s great cause to succeed....”

“It would be good if that great cause succeeds. “But for that cause, can’t our empire bear more burden than necessary?”

“Good job.”

“No.”

When Seo Geo-jeong retreated, Wan turned his head and looked at Giovanni. When Wan looked at him, Giovanni bowed politely.

“Giovanni di Gosimo de Medici, envoy of Florence, meets His Majesty the Emperor of the Empire.”

“It’s been a while. okay. “Why did you make such a fuss to see my luggage?”

“That...”

Just as Giovanni was about to open his mouth, Wan quickly raised his hand to stop him.

“If you talk too long, I will send you out right away. Be mindful. Say what you need to say as concisely as possible. “Didn’t your ancestor Cato tell you to keep your speech simple?”

“...I’ll keep that in mind.”

‘You even know Cato! ‘Who are the emperors of this empire?’

Giovanni, alert to Wan’s warning, reported to Wan what the problem was.

“...No matter how much a negotiation takes place between a large country and a small country, there must be a degree and there must be something to give and something to receive. However, looking at the current negotiations, the Empire has no intention of giving anything and is only thinking of receiving. your majesty! “This is too much, considering how good the Empire and Florence have been as good neighbors!”

“I see...”

Wan responded to Giovanni’s words with a bitter smile.

“I think the Minister of Foreign Affairs has crossed a line by thinking too much about his country and the empire. As the envoy said, has Florence and our empire been on good terms for a year or two? Even though we are such good neighbors, it is not good to only look out for our own interests. cancer. It seems like the Minister of Foreign Affairs was too ambitious. I will tell my Foreign Minister and there will be nothing like this. “I’m also sorry about this incident.”

Giovanni responded to Wan’s words by bending his waist.

“I am so grateful that Your Majesty is so generous!”

“Negotiate well.”

“I will do my best!”

After getting what he wanted, Giovanni bowed politely again and left the palace. Wan, who was watching Giovanni walking happily, gave an order to Seo Geo-jeong.

“Do Seung-ji. Tell this to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. ‘Too much is too little.’”

“I will tell you right away.”

“Whoa~.”

Wan let out a long sigh, looked at the ceiling, and muttered.

“I can’t do it. If we don’t do something...”

* * *

Wan’s warning seemed to have worked, and the subsequent negotiations continued smoothly. The negotiations ended with both the Empire and Florence taking care of as much as possible of what they considered essential.

After receiving satisfactory results, Giovanni visited Wan again and announced his return.

“I don’t know how to express my gratitude for your Majesty’s favor. Florence will never forget this favor.”

Wan smiled softly and accepted Giovanni’s words.

“I hope that Florence’s great dream will come true.”

“With God’s blessing and Your Majesty’s help, we will definitely succeed.”

As Giovanni, confident of success, left Daejeon, Wan looked back at his ministers.

“Now then... let’s choose someone who will stay in Florence and protect the interests of the empire. Minister of Foreign Affairs.”

Shin Sook-ju hurriedly bowed her head at Wan’s nomination.

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

“I heard that the Minister speaks Italian and Latin very fluently.”

“Oh no. It just takes a little bit. “I speak Italian only a little bit in the Tuscan dialect.”

“Florence is in Tuscany. It worked. The Minister of Foreign Affairs must go to Florence. “The empire’s interests are at stake, so the captain must go.”

“I follow your orders.”

Shin Suk-ju was in tears and bowed her head. This was a demotion no matter who saw it.

‘Exercises full authority on behalf of the Emperor in Florence.’

On the surface, it was a position with great authority. But in reality, that wasn’t the case.

There were three ambassadors stationed in Florence. It was also the same status. It was a system where the three people decided by majority vote.