Black Corporation: Joseon

Chapter 552

Hwang Hui explained point by point why Zhu Qizhen’s letter was bullshit.

-Though he received the positions of Special Commissioner, Special Commissioner for Maritime Defense, and Special Commissioner for Provincial Administration, he is merely a first-rank official.

According to protocol, no matter if it’s a superior nation, no matter how high the rank, a subject is just a subject. A mere subject cannot command the monarch and crown prince of our Joseon to come and go.

This is a serious diplomatic discourtesy.

-The same applies to Imperial Princes and Kings.

According to Great Ming law, Imperial Princes and Kings who establish royal residences are forbidden from interacting not only with local officials but also with influential local figures.

Violating this becomes a serious crime that could be charged as treason.

Yet calling for Joseon’s Crown Prince simply because they share a border is not only a diplomatic discourtesy but also indefensible against charges of conspiracy.

“…Though he was removed from Crown Prince position due to his temperament, Zhu Qizhen cannot be unaware of this.”

“In my opinion, this seems intended to gain justification for starting war.”

At Hwang Hui’s words, Lee Sachul pointed out an issue.

“Isn’t this too obvious? Even a neighborhood dog would bristle at receiving such a discourteous letter. Wouldn’t this draw criticism for provoking war rather than justifying it?”

“What does Minister Seongji think his reason was?”

“He’s someone who was demoted from Crown Prince to Prince. Isn’t this saying he lacks the capacity for such deep thinking?”

At Lee Sachul’s assessment, Hwang Hui showed an expression of disbelief.

“Such an inadequate person has been given command of 300,000 troops. You don’t think this is a serious problem?”

“Don’t we lack definitive proof that those 300,000 troops will certainly point their swords at Joseon? From my position, I must continue to advocate against war until something actually happens.”

Hyang made a strange expression at Lee Sachul’s words.

“What do you mean you must advocate against war?”

Lee Sachul explained his reasoning at Hyang’s words.

“Because I hold the position of Minister of Education. Education isn’t simply about teaching knowledge but also about cultivating character. Cultivating character means not only following the sages’ teachings to overcome the self and return to propriety to illuminate the world with virtue, but also practically implementing Hongik Ingan’s beautiful intent as taught by Hwanung.

However, looking at the ministers’ reactions to the current situation, they are extremely hawkish. If such hawkishness permeates down to lower officials and the people, it will lead to national ruin. Of course, it won’t happen immediately, but it will eventually lead to destruction. Look at the closest example of Yuan. That massive empire didn’t last even 100 years before collapsing.

Of course, when the nation faces crisis, it’s natural to sacrifice oneself to save it.

However, we must absolutely prevent relying on violence for everything.

Therefore, I must continue to advocate against war until Zhu Qizhen actually makes a move.”

Kim Jongseo stepped forward to counter Lee Sachul’s words.

“Looking at the current situation, war could break out tomorrow and it wouldn’t be strange. Aren’t your words too idealistic?”

Lee Sachul countered Kim Jongseo’s words.

“The art of war says ‘attack is the best defense,’ doesn’t it? Looking at the current court atmosphere, we seem ready to strike first! That would mean we’re giving them justification! Step back for a moment and think! That incompetent Zhu Qizhen has created over 300,000 troops in just months after entering Liaodong! What does this indicate? Surely you don’t think this was possible with just one imperial edict? The Emperor is behind this! Therefore, while I agree with strengthening defenses, I cannot support preparing for war!”

Lee Sachul’s statement sparked heated debate in the conference room.

“Preparing for war and advocating for war are completely different things!”

“I’m saying we don’t need to provoke Zhu Qizhen first!”

“There are over 300,000 troops in Liaodong! Have you forgotten this?”

“Can’t we not be certain that great army is aimed at our Joseon?”

Though it was ‘Lee Sachul vs. All Other Ministers,’ Lee Sachul persistently maintained his argument.

Watching this scene from the head seat, Hyang muttered internally:

This is definitely a generational gap.

***

If elder ministers like Hwang Hui were the first generation of Sejong’s reign, Kim Jongseo and Hwangbo In could be called the second generation, and Lee Sachul the third generation.

Lee Sachul, grandson of Lee Cheon-gye, Prince Wanseong who was King Taejo’s older brother, had just entered his mid-thirties. His abilities were extraordinary enough to reach a ministerial position at an age when he would normally be serving as a section chief or secretary in the current Joseon court.

However, as Hyang said, he showed a generational gap with the first and second generations.

While the first and second generations who were the working generation of the Reformation Plan emphasized expansion, the third generation who benefited from the reforms showed stronger tendencies toward maintaining stability.

Therefore, while the first and second generations tended to accept war if necessary, the third generation showed tendencies to avoid war as much as possible.

This was why Sejong made the bold move of appointing Lee Sachul as Minister of Education. He thought education especially needed stability maintenance.

***

Watching the ministers’ heated debate, Hyang was making an internal decision.

I definitely need to run state affairs centered on the second generation while I’m in position. The second generation is suitable for completing expansion into Manchuria, Siberia, and America. The third generation suits Wan’s reign.

Having reached this conclusion, Hyang joined the debate.

“Minister Seongji. I too think the Emperor is behind what’s happening in Liaodong. And all ministers would agree on this point. Then why do you think the Emperor planned this?”

Lee Sachul immediately answered Hyang’s question.

“To pressure our Joseon.”

“Then do you think it’s possible to pressure our Joseon with just 300,000 troops in Liaodong?”

“A Ming Emperor would certainly think so.”

“Given Zhu Qizhen’s temperament that we know, do you think he’ll just stop at pressure?”

“But if we openly prepare for war, it will invite Ming’s intervention! That must be the Emperor’s aim!”

Heo Hu picked up on Lee Sachul’s words.

“We know that much too.”

“Then why!”

Hwang Hui cut in at Lee Sachul’s protest.

“Have you forgotten what was said before? To break free from serving the great.”

“If our Joseon grows stronger, we can naturally end our service to the great!”

“Why can’t you see that the Emperor has made this move to prevent that!”

“Are you saying we should go to war with Ming? Think about the size difference between Ming and our Joseon! We have no chance of victory!”

Jo Mal-saeng cut in at Lee Sachul’s cry.

“That’s true. With our Joseon’s capabilities, we can’t take on the Central Plains. But let me tell you something. We can make Ming fall.”

“What?”

“If Joseon falls, we have the capability to make Ming fall with us.”

At Jo Mal-saeng’s answer, Lee Sachul closed his mouth with a blank expression.

Looking at such Lee Sachul, Hwang Hui continued.

“If our Joseon military’s firepower were equal to Ming’s, those 300,000 could inflict more than serious wounds – they could deliver fatal injuries to our Joseon. Then naturally, the Emperor plans to intervene and control our Joseon. However, if we utterly destroy those 300,000, the Emperor will have to abandon that plan. If he decides to intervene directly then, Ming’s coastal regions will all turn to ashes.”

“Is that really possible?”

To Lee Sachul’s question, Jo Mal-saeng answered.

“Entirely possible.”

***

Finally, Lee Sachul fell silent, and Hyang stepped in to conclude.

“While Ming’s Emperor watches our Joseon, our Joseon has been watching Ming and Liaodong several times more closely. Thanks to this, we’ve become certain of the outbreak of war.”

As Hyang said, Joseon had not neglected monitoring Ming, Liaodong, and Wa.

Thanks to this, they already knew that Zhu Qizhen had created over 300,000 troops in Liaodong and that enormous cannons had been manufactured.

And among the military officers at General Staff Headquarters who received reports about these great cannons, this joke circulated:

“Should we sell these to the Ministry of Finance if we capture them?”

Through such surveillance, Hyang and the ministers came to strongly suspect that Zhu Qizhen’s arrival in Liaodong was the Emperor’s scheme, with the ultimate goal of making Joseon Ming’s puppet state.

And through this recent personal letter, their suspicion became certainty, leading them to judge that war was not far off.

Hyang continued speaking.

“Thanks to His Majesty’s insight, our Joseon has been able to greatly strengthen its military power. This truly deserves to be called divine providence. However, there’s a saying about preparation preventing disaster. We must prepare thoroughly and strike back decisively. We must ensure Ming’s Emperor never has cause to smile again.”

“We receive your command!”

The ministers answered Hyang’s order in unison.

This time, even Lee Sachul didn’t object.

***

After settling the situation, Hyang issued orders to Hwang Hui.

“Please draft a reply to Zhu Qizhen. We must clearly point out that this was an enormous discourtesy.”

“Understood.”

At Hwang Hui’s answer, Hyang smiled slightly and continued.

“Given my current mood, I’d like to write it myself, but I’m afraid I’d end up writing every curse word in Joseon, so I’m requesting this of you.”

Hwang Hui responded to Hyang’s words with an evil smile.

“I’ll show you how to curse with elegant prose.”

“I look forward to it.”

***

Five days later, Han Sam-nam arrived at Insanjin with Joseon’s reply.

“Travel safely.”

“We shall meet again.”

“When that time comes, we’ll give you a proper reception.”

After this meaningful exchange, Han Sam-nam’s party crossed the Yalu River.

Watching this scene from the tower, Yi Hui-deok turned to order his subordinate.

“Notify Hanseong by signal fire. Tell them those bastards have crossed the Yalu River.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And ask when exactly the Flying Spheres will be deployed.”

“Yes, sir.”

***

Upon arriving at Liaoyang Fortress, Han Sam-nam immediately delivered Joseon’s reply to Zhu Qizhen.

“Such insolence!”

After reading Joseon’s reply, Zhu Qizhen threw it down and burst out in anger.

The contents of the letter, filled with all manner of flowery phrases, could be simply summarized as mockery of Zhu Qizhen.

-Who the fuck are you to order us around?

“Your Highness, please calm yourself.”

At Wang Chong’s words, Zhu Qizhen caught his breath and ordered Zhao Bingde.

“Complete preparations thoroughly and subjugate Joseon!”

“We receive your command!”

“You must deploy in March without fail!”

“Yes!”

***

After receiving orders and leaving, Zhu Qizhen summoned Han Sam-nam along with other generals.

“Well, did you confirm the route?”

“I confirmed up to Uiju, but couldn’t check south of there. We traveled by iron horse to Hanseong.”

“That’s somewhat disappointing. Well… how about the iron horse? Could we use it?”

At Zhao Bingde’s question, Han Sam-nam shook his head.

“It’s dangerous. The Joseon bastards’ railroad runs along the coastline. From what I could roughly gauge, it seems to be within range of Joseon naval vessels.”

At Han Sam-nam’s report, Zhao Bingde made a resigned expression.

“Though our intelligence is lacking, we have no choice.”

Zhao Bingde looked at his subordinate generals and ordered.

“Proceed according to the existing plan. Implementation date: the fifth day of the third month.”

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