WeTried Translations
Translator: NEET_Romulus
Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried
◈ Dropped into the Ending of a Trash Show as an Extra ◈
Chapter 11: Personal Rule
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“Once the Imperial House has been put in order, you must hold an enthronement ceremony.”
Deoksu Palace had been completely destroyed. Even now, workers were combing through the ruins, recovering bodies and searching for possible survivors.
Which was why I was walking through Gyeongbok Palace, the Republic of Korea’s main imperial palace.
“An enthronement ceremony?”
I tilted my head at Seo Yu-jin’s words.
“Your Majesty proclaimed the succession through the broadcast, but that was only an abbreviated declaration made under a state of emergency. To demonstrate the nation’s stability both at home and abroad, an official enthronement ceremony is essential.”
“So you’re telling me to put on a show for appearances.”
“A nation is sometimes sustained by shows.”
I stopped and slowly looked around the empty palace halls. With the imperial family completely wiped out and even the staff moving with extreme caution, the silence was suffocating.
“Let’s postpone it.”
What kind of lavish enthronement ceremony could we hold when the smell of blood had not even faded?
It was not that I would refuse entirely. I simply did not think it was the priority right now.
“Rebuilding a government capable of cleaning up this mess is the highest priority. Isn’t it?”
Seo Yu-jin fell silent briefly, then bowed her head.
“You are entirely correct. In that case, the most urgent matter is forming a Cabinet.”
The Cabinet was currently completely vacant.
The Prime Minister and ministers who had been at the imperial wedding had all vanished in the bombing.
“Each ministry is operating on an emergency basis under acting vice ministers, but we cannot run the state like this.”
Then Seo Yu-jin continued.
“We need a central figure to lead the executive branch immediately. Therefore, Your Majesty must appoint a new Prime Minister without delay.”
“...Me?”
Article 53 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea. The Emperor appoints and dismisses the Prime Minister, as well as ministers nominated by the Prime Minister.
Article 54. The Prime Minister and ministers require the confidence of the National Assembly to perform their duties.
So if the Prime Ministerial candidate I appointed failed to win confirmation in the National Assembly, the authority of the newly established Imperial House would suffer a devastating blow.
“Do we have any candidates?”
“I have shortlisted a few.”
Seo Yu-jin swiped through profiles of political figures.
But few of them impressed me. Each had some flaw, or was simply too small a figure to manage this chaos.
“Are we really this short on talent?”
“Representative Lee Hyeon-ryong served as Minister of Finance and Economy, so he offers stability.”
“And he is the descendant of a distinguished family.”
“...That is correct.”
“He offers stability, nothing more. He doesn’t seem to have the nerve needed to break through a political climate drenched in blood. He’s the archetypal bureaucrat, isn’t he?”
Seo Yu-jin’s finger hesitated as the screen changed again.
A photograph showed a white-haired gentleman wearing a kindly smile.
“Kim Yang-han.”
I looked down at the name on the profile.
“He is the former chairman and current standing adviser of the Great Korea Party. He is an eleven-term lawmaker and is famous in politics for his rare integrity.
“He has established three charitable foundations with his own money, and his public recognition is overwhelming.”
“Go on.”
“Despite repeated requests, he has never accepted the office of Prime Minister himself. He also frequently offered blunt counsel to the late Emperor, so public opinion holds that ‘Kim Yang-han is different.’
“Political circles in Yeouido, the media, perhaps even the entire nation, are all naming him as the savior.”
Seo Yu-jin paused before continuing.
“...At least, that is how he is known publicly.”
“So the reality is different.”
I knew that already.
The head of a prestigious capital great clan[1]. An elder statesman. And the power behind the scenes who had constantly manipulated the villainess Kim A-ra in an attempt to control the country.
[Thanks to His Majesty the Emperor’s decisive measures, security in the capital is rapidly returning to normal. Citizens are hurrying to prepare for a return to their daily lives, but...]
[The problem is that concerns over domestic and international risks remain immense. When the stock market reopens after its closure, our economy, having suffered an unprecedented attempt to overthrow the state, is highly likely to fall into a panic driven by sentiment. Many argue that a strong signal must be sent to the market if we are to prevent a mass withdrawal of foreign investors.]
[Then completing the Cabinet must be the most urgent matter.]
[As the right person to bring the current chaos in state affairs under control, the name of former Great Korea Party chairman Kim Yang-han continues to be raised both inside and outside political circles.]
[Certainly, former Chairman Kim’s steadiness is unmatched. He is respected across factional lines and well known in the international community. Overseas markets and diplomatic circles are sending out signals that if Kim Yang-han steps forward, Korea’s risk will stabilize rapidly.]
[Meanwhile, according to a public opinion poll, former Chairman Kim Yang-han holds an overwhelming lead...]
The formidable foe I had to defeat had stepped forward on his own.
“Invite Chairman Kim to the palace.”
“...Should I hint at a Prime Ministerial appointment?”
“No.”
Concern appeared on Seo Yu-jin’s face.
“Then you must be even more careful. Simply bringing the retired Chairman Kim into the palace will lead public opinion to treat his nomination as Prime Minister as a foregone conclusion.”
“I know.”
That was what I said.
If it was a fight I could not avoid, I had no choice but to shake up the board first.
* * *
When the imperial palace summoned him after only two days, Kim Yang-han’s lips curved upward faintly.
The media affiliates under JD Group had moved as one. That girl still seemed useful enough.
Of course, the Emperor had no other choice.
The current Emperor had moved the military decisively and survived through a moment of boldness.
But commanding soldiers and doing politics were entirely different realms.
If the Emperor had to rely on someone, it could only be him.
Kim Yang-han entered the palace and bowed with utmost reverence.
With both hands clasped and his waist deeply bent, he performed a flawless formal bow.
“Your Majesty. Your servant Kim Yang-han pays his respects to the sacred countenance. Long live Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty ten thousand times.”
“Oh! Chairman, why are you doing this?”
Lee Jin sprang to his feet in alarm. He hurried over and tried to grasp Kim Yang-han’s arm and raise him.
“Please rise. You are one of this nation’s great elders. I don’t know where to put myself when you behave this way.”
But Kim Yang-han gently pushed Lee Jin’s hand away and pressed his forehead to the floor once more.
“Your words are wholly undeserved, Your Majesty. The Emperor is Heaven itself and the parent of the nation. When a subject meets their sovereign, it is the law of all under Heaven to show such respect. How could Your Majesty say such gracious things? Please understand.”
“Ah... I nearly committed a breach of etiquette because I don’t know palace protocol well. How embarrassing.”
Lee Jin withdrew, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. Only then did Kim Yang-han slowly rise.
“Even while bedridden, I heard of Your Majesty’s heroic bearing. It was a splendid achievement that revealed the spirit of the Great Emperor.”
“You praise me too highly. I was merely fortunate. But though the rebellion has been suppressed, the country remains a mess. I desperately need Chairman Kim’s wisdom.”
A faint gleam appeared in Kim Yang-han’s eyes.
“Your Majesty. The most urgent matter now is to soothe the shaken public and restore the international community’s trust. Even my humble connections and wealth, I shall gladly offer for the nation.”
As Kim Yang-han spoke smoothly on, Lee Jin repeatedly nodded, unable to hide his admiration.
“As expected of Chairman Kim! Listening to you makes it feel as though the darkness before me has cleared. With someone like you here, surely there is still hope for this country.”
Once the mood had ripened and Lee Jin’s attitude had grown exceedingly favorable, Kim Yang-han brought up the real matter.
“However, Your Majesty. If the nation is to stand firm, there is something that must be done first. For the people’s welfare, this servant dares offer counsel.”
“Please speak. I will hear anything.”
“Please lift the national state of emergency now.”
The young Emperor must enjoy the trump card in his hand.
It would not be easy for him to let it go. Even so, politics operated through legitimacy.
“It was a necessary measure to eradicate the remnants of the rebellion, but if this tense political situation drags on, the people’s lives will fall into ruin. Song Haksu, the ringleader, has already been captured, and even the family of Min Do-yeong, the force behind him, has been thoroughly detained. The rotten abscess has been completely cut away.”
Kim Yang-han spoke with a grief-stricken expression.
“Now that the situation has been settled, it is time to withdraw the military’s guns and bring stability to the market. I believe it would be right for Your Majesty to leave this emergency situation promptly and return to normal governance.”
“Hmm...”
“If this servant’s foolish words have clouded the ears of so wise a sovereign, I beg forgiveness.”
“Why would you say something so hurtful? With the country in this state, an excellent man like Chairman Kim must help me. Your words are right a hundred times over.”
“Your grace overwhelms me, Your Majesty.”
“I am truly fortunate. To have an elder like you beside me in such a crisis.”
Lee Jin said so.
“Indeed... It is just as I heard. I cannot help but marvel at Chairman Kim’s insight. You have pointed out even matters I failed to consider, and my heart is much lighter.”
“It is nothing. Only an old man’s needless concern.”
“We cannot leave such excellent judgment buried within the palace walls. I believe I will soon have to place a great burden upon Chairman Kim.”
It was practically a hint that he would be named Prime Minister.
Kim Yang-han bowed deeply and looked down at the floor.
He had won.
Wrapping this brat around his finger was this easy.
* * *
Immediately after the “conversation with a national elder” ended, Kim Yang-han climbed into his car after receiving Seo Yu-jin’s escort all the way beyond the palace gates.
Having practically been promised the Prime Ministership, Kim Yang-han was entirely at ease.
But then.
“Chairman. This is JD Broadcasting. An order has come down from Gyeongbok Palace to air an emergency address to the nation.”
Kim Yang-han frowned. Less than an hour had passed since he had parted with Lee Jin. What could he possibly be planning to say?
The first thing that crossed his mind was the announcement of his Prime Ministerial appointment.
But no matter how unfamiliar the Emperor was with state affairs, surely he would not announce it immediately without even arranging a proper schedule?
[Citizens, we are interrupting regular programming to bring you this emergency live broadcast. His Majesty the Emperor will now deliver a special address to the nation from Gyeongbok Palace.]
[Citizens, hello. I am Lee Jin, Emperor of the Republic of Korea.]
“Turn it up.”
“Yes, sir!”
The secretary hurriedly raised the volume.
Lee Jin’s voice came through the speaker.
[Today, I stand before you, the citizens of this nation, with a devastated heart. As a member of the Imperial House, I have come to confess and apologize for this country’s rotten shame.]
Something about the mood beyond the radio was ominous.
An apology? Why would the Emperor of this country apologize? Especially someone who had only recently ascended the throne.
[The results of the intensive initial interrogation of the traitor Song Haksu and the related suspects, all arrested by the Joint Investigation Headquarters, have just been reported to me. Reading that report, I could not suppress my grief.
[The soil that fostered Song Haksu’s rebellion was none other than the corruption and crimes of the former Imperial House, collateral imperial relatives, and the upper classes who had fed upon them to satisfy their own greed.]
“...Ha.”
[Steeped in privilege, they mocked the law and paralyzed the nation’s systems through every kind of corruption and crime. They are also deeply connected to Song Haksu’s motives and means of committing his crimes.
[If we carelessly fill those vacant positions without a thorough investigation and purge, the rebellion’s accomplices and corrupt criminals will take seats in the highest offices after nothing more than a little scapegoating.
[Therefore, as Emperor, I declare this. Those who created the present crisis are not only the rebels who took up arms. Every corrupt force that has gnawed away at the nation’s foundations from behind the scenes, whether they bear the blood of the Imperial House or descend from illustrious aristocratic families, will not escape responsibility.]
The voice pouring from the radio cut coldly through the air in the car.
[I have drawn my sword to cut away the rotten flesh. Until this chain of corruption has been completely rooted out, the national state of emergency will remain in effect.]
[Citizens, in the Emperor’s name, I declare that I will personally direct an investigation without untouchables until the old evils have been completely cleansed.
[I have no intention of sitting on this throne and making convenient compromises. I will permit neither political interference nor superficial patchwork.
[Citizens, believe in me. Even if we must endure the pain of cutting away flesh, I will cleanse this country.]
Click.
The broadcast ended.
The moving limousine became as silent as a tomb.
Kim Yang-han’s fist trembled as though he could not believe it.
He was excluding both the Prime Minister and the capital’s great clans.
‘So he intends to exercise personal rule from now on?’
Footnotes:
[1] Capital’s great clans: hereditary elite families centered in the capital, traditionally influential through their family connections and official service.
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