Black Corporation: Joseon

“Then we’ll organize an envoy to Ming as soon as the agreement with Oirat is completed.”

At Heo Hu’s words, Hwang Hui stepped forward.

“I think the appropriate time to send the envoy would be after we’ve handed over all the cannons. We should get what we can get.”

Though Hwang Hui’s words were blunt, everyone, including Hyang, nodded. Hyang expressed agreement with Hwang Hui’s words.

“The Prime Minister is correct. That timing would be optimal for sending the envoy. However, if the Emperor seems to discover it midway, we should send the envoy immediately.”

“Your Highness’s words are sound.”

Under the agreement of Hwang Hui and the ministers, the cannon issue was thus concluded.

And the court historian recorded these events as follows:

-…Thus, the Crown Prince and ministers decided how to handle the matter with Oirat.

• One might say that scholar-officials who study and discuss morality going against the teachings of wise ancestors by discussing mere profit. However, it is the duty of rulers to contemplate even a single coin a hundred times over for saving and spending to achieve national wealth, military strength, and public welfare.

• What should be gotten must naturally be gotten.

***

Having decided on their policy toward Oirat, the court immediately moved to implementation.

“Two hundred yang of gold per piece… isn’t that too expensive? Purchasing two hundred pieces would be too burdensome.”

The Finance Ministry official stepped forward to answer the Oirat envoy’s words.

“Though the Type B General Fire-tube may look simple, from managing its materials to every other aspect, it requires considerable effort. Considering the value of these aspects, it’s absolutely not a cheap price.”

“But it’s still quite expensive.”

As the Oirat envoy continued to protest the price, the Finance Ministry official made another proposal.

“Then how about purchasing used ones from our Joseon military? We could offer a discount then.”

The Oirat envoy’s eyes sparkled at the official’s words.

“How much of a discount?”

“Ten percent.”

“Didn’t you say they were used!”

To the Oirat envoy’s protest, the Finance Ministry official calmly explained the reason.

“We’re not just handing over used items. We’ll select those in good condition from what our military uses and repair all parts needing maintenance. Simply put, they’re used in name only – practically new.”

“That’s still too stingy! Please give us a bit more discount!”

“How much of a discount does Oirat want?”

“Thirty percent.”

“That’s saying you don’t want to trade. Minister, shall we leave?”

“Shall we?”

As the Joseon officials, starting with Heo Hu, stood up, the Oirat envoy hurriedly stood up, waving his hands.

“No, no! That’s not what I meant!”

After several days of negotiations, Joseon agreed to transfer 120 Type B General Fire-tubes to Oirat.

-Twenty percent discount.

-Payment limited to Ming or Joseon currency.

-Cannons to be transferred as payments are made matching their value.

“I humbly request your cooperation.”

After stamping the agreement, the Oirat envoy made his request with a somewhat dissatisfied expression. Heo Hu responded with a slight smile.

“Joseon is a country that keeps its word well.”

“I’ll trust in that.”

Coming out after concluding the deal, Heo Hu asked the Finance Ministry official.

“Twenty percent… considering diplomacy, we could have given a bigger discount.”

The Finance Ministry official shook his head at Heo Hu’s words.

“That’s already a substantial discount. As we told the envoy, the maintenance process costs a lot. Especially since those going to Oirat need complete replacement of their firing mechanisms.”

“You mention replacement – so you’re modifying them?”

“Yes, changing them from using copper caps to flint ignition systems.”

“I see.”

***

Having finished his business in Joseon, the envoy met Hyang before departure.

“I pay my respects to Your Highness.”

“Father is away on provincial inspection, so I’ve come instead – please forgive the discourtesy.”

“Not at all.”

The Oirat envoy shook his head with an understanding expression at Hyang’s apology. Oirat was a power in the Northern Yuan, but not its ruler – not the Khan. Therefore, even having the Crown Prince come out for a farewell was considerable treatment.

“You’ve worked hard for relations between our Joseon and Oirat – I wish you a safe journey back. Eunuch.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

At Hyang’s command, the eunuch presented one long box and one small box to the Oirat envoy.

“The long box is Joseon’s gift to Oirat’s Taishi.”

“May I open it briefly?”

The envoy carefully requested permission to open the box, hoping to prevent any possible diplomatic issues.

Hyang readily agreed to the envoy’s request.

“You may open it.”

“Thank you.”

Expressing his gratitude, the envoy carefully opened the long box’s lid.

“Oh!”

The Oirat envoy couldn’t help exclaiming at its contents.

Inside was an ornate matchlock musket decorated with lacquer and gold and silver inlay.

“This is our gift hoping for friendship between Joseon and Oirat. And the small box is Joseon’s gift to you, the envoy.”

At Hyang’s explanation, the Oirat envoy bowed deeply in gratitude.

“I will certainly convey Joseon’s goodwill to the Taishi!”

“Please do.”

***

Boarding the northbound train after leaving Gyeongbok Palace, the Oirat envoy hurriedly opened the box he had received.

“Hoo~”

Inside was a small curved dagger with its scabbard decorated in mother-of-pearl inlay.

Examining the dagger’s gleaming sharp blade as if enchanted, the Oirat envoy muttered quietly.

“In the worst case, this will be my lifeline.”

***

With many issues besides Oirat requiring resolution, Hyang had to work busily.

“And this is why I kicked away my iron rice bowl… Ah! I want to indulge in my hobbies…”

Sitting alone in his office complaining, Hyang heaved a long sigh.

“Sigh! Even kings should be guaranteed the three labor rights… Should I go on a thirty-year strike like someone…”

Having mentioned striking, Hyang immediately shook his head.

“No way… That person would be the first to throw me in the archives. sigh”

Letting out another long sigh, Hyang rose from his seat.

“I should sort out the island country situation. These guys are just barking at each other like neighborhood dogs fighting over territory instead of actually fighting…”

Leaving his office, Hyang commanded the eunuch standing by the door.

“Send someone to the Prime Minister’s Office. Tell them I want to discuss the Japan issue.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Shortly after, upon receiving the message, Hwang Hui and the ministers gathered in the Seunghwadang conference room.

Once all the ministers were seated, Hyang immediately got to the point.

“Is Japan still in a standoff situation?”

“Yes, that’s still the case.”

At Jo Mal-saeng’s answer, everyone, including Hyang, let out long sighs.

“Sigh…”

“Sigh…”

***

When Ouchi first raised his army, it seemed like there would be an immediate decisive battle with the Shogunate.

However, the current situation in Japan had both Ouchi and the Shogunate just growling and glaring at each other.

Though occasional battles broke out, both sides were restraining themselves from major battles that could affect the overall situation.

In this standoff, both Ouchi and the Shogunate were working to increase their own influence and decrease their opponent’s by manipulating local lords.

This prolonged standoff was frustrating Joseon.

“Damn it! We need a quick resolution to figure out how to take Tsushima!”

***

“…While this frustrating situation continues, the military expects a conclusion soon.”

At Jo Mal-saeng’s report, Hyang and the ministers’ eyes sparkled.

“What’s the reason?”

To Hyang’s question, Jo Mal-saeng walked to the map on the wall and pointed to a location in Japan.

“Because Ouchi’s forces have advanced right up to Settsu Province. And this Settsu Province contains Naniwa and Hyogo Port. If Ouchi captures these places, the Shogunate will wither and die.”

Hyang and the ministers’ eyes sparkled at Jo Mal-saeng’s explanation.

Hyogo Port and Naniwa were the ports where the Shogunate conducted trade with Ming. If Ouchi captured these places, the Shogunate would lose not only its funding sources but all its weapons import routes as well.

“So the decisive battle will take place with Settsu Province as the battlefield, and whoever wins there will gain the upper hand.”

Jo Mal-saeng picked up on Hwang Hui’s words.

“That’s correct.”

Heo Hu interjected at Jo Mal-saeng’s response.

“That makes sense for the Shogunate, but what about Ouchi? His main base is still intact.”

Jo Mal-saeng immediately answered Heo Hu’s point.

“The lords who’ve been watching and waiting will side with the Shogunate, completely destroying the balance.”

“Ah…”

Heo Hu nodded at Jo Mal-saeng’s answer.

Nodding at Jo Mal-saeng’s report about ‘why a decisive battle is inevitable,’ Hyang posed another question.

“Then when do you think this decisive battle will take place?”

“Japan’s rainy season has just ended. However, it’s still too hot for soldiers to fight well. Therefore, we expect them to wage the decisive battle around the Mid-Autumn Festival. The weather will be pleasantly cool then, and after the harvest, the soldiers will be at peak strength with full bellies.”

“Mid-Autumn Festival…”

After briefly counting the dates, Hyang turned to Hwang Hui.

“We should prepare the navy slightly earlier than that period, shouldn’t we?”

Hwang Hui nodded at Hyang’s suggestion.

“Indeed. If we prepare in advance, we can simply adjust troop numbers as appropriate depending on Japan’s situation.”

Following Hwang Hui’s words, Jo Mal-saeng added further explanation.

“To be honest, even our current naval forces stationed in Tsushima could capture it. However, more would be better to minimize casualties.”

Nodding while listening to Jo Mal-saeng’s response, Hyang turned to the ministers.

“I think we’ve waited long enough. Unlike the previous Tsushima expedition, this time let’s make Tsushima completely ours. Regardless of who wins in Japan.”

Heo Hu carefully asked about Hyang’s declaration.

“If the Shogunate wins, wouldn’t that be problematic? They might make an enemy of our Joseon over this issue.”

At Heo Hu’s words, Hyang looked at Jo Mal-saeng.

“Would it be too much for our Joseon to step in and overturn Japan’s situation?”

Jo Mal-saeng immediately answered Hyang’s question.

“While occupying all of Japan might be slightly beyond our strength, merely overturning the situation would be as easy as flipping a palm.”

Hearing Jo Mal-saeng’s assurance that it would be ‘as easy as flipping a palm,’ Hyang looked at Heo Hu.

“That’s what he says?”

After thinking briefly about Hyang and Jo Mal-saeng’s words, Heo Hu let out a long sigh.

“sigh Considering our relations with Ming, having Ouchi win would reduce our Foreign Ministry’s workload.”

At Heo Hu’s response, the ministers all muttered internally.

Those Foreign Ministry bastards. They’ll be praying their hearts out from today on.