Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 204

204. Dilemma – Odori (1)

As the loyalty of the naturalized Jurchens grew, the military and the Ministry of War began serious discussions about integrating them into the Joseon army.

“Is it really wise to accept the Jurchens?”

“Isn’t there a risk of betrayal?”

From Choi Yun-deok on the front lines to Jo Mal-saeng in Hanseong [modern-day Seoul], officials were primarily concerned with the issue of ‘trust’ and debated it extensively.

‘Can we truly trust the naturalized Jurchens?’

The debate soon expanded beyond the military and the Ministry of War, drawing Sejong [King Sejong the Great, the fourth king of the Joseon dynasty] and his ministers into a heated discussion.

Those in favor argued:

‘They have sworn allegiance to Joseon and depend on us for their livelihood. In this situation, incorporating them into the army is acceptable.’

However, the opposition was strong.

‘The Jurchens have a history of betrayal. This has happened repeatedly since the Goryeo dynasty, let alone Joseon.’

Both sides presented valid points, leading to a tense stalemate.

In response, Hyang proposed a third option.

“What about setting qualification restrictions?”

“Qualification restrictions?”

“Only accept those who hold important positions within their tribes, or those who have established families and have children, into the Joseon army.”

“Hmm….”

“That might be a viable approach.”

Sejong and his ministers were intrigued by Hyang’s suggestion. However, some raised objections.

“Consider the case of Tong Meng Ge Tie Mu Er of the Odori tribe. He pledged allegiance to Joseon while offering hostages, but ultimately defected to Ming [the Ming dynasty of China]. We were then forced to return all the hostages due to pressure from Ming. Considering this, it’s not the best policy.”

Hyang countered the objection.

“Of course, there are such examples. However, leaving them unmanaged is even more dangerous. Consider the ferocity of Jurchen warriors. We must integrate them into the army and maintain control.”

“But….”

“Then how about this method?”

Hyang presented a refined plan.

– Future leaders, such as the sons of chieftains, will be placed in Sungkyunkwan [Joseon’s highest educational institution] to receive civil service education.

– The sons of elders will be placed in the military but essentially held as hostages.

– Jurchen warriors who enlist will be grouped by tribe but divided into squads (15-25 men) and mixed with other tribes.

– Provide opportunities for promotion to incentivize loyalty.

Sejong and his ministers reacted increasingly positively to Hyang’s improved plan. However, as opposition remained, Hyang presented further refinements.

– Do not provide firearms to Jurchen units. Jurchens will only use traditional bows and spears as weapons.

– Only helmets and cuirasses [chest and back armor] will be provided for armor. Full body armor used by Joseon cavalry or spearmen will not be provided.

“I will not object if firearms are withheld.”

Even those who had opposed the plan now supported Hyang’s additional improvements.

Following the decision of Sejong and the court, a wave of change swept through the Jurchens.

The chieftains of the naturalized Jurchen tribes grabbed their sons, who were departing for Hanseong, and continued to instruct them.

“Taking a position in the court is an opportunity for you, but also a great opportunity for our tribe. There will undoubtedly be discrimination, but grit your teeth and endure it.”

“Yes, Father.”

“I don’t expect you to become a Prime Minister, but you must rise to the rank of Danghagwan (正3品~從6品) [a mid-level official rank].”

“Yes, Father.”

“Then go. Take care of yourself.”

The families of the chieftains’ sons who left in that manner settled in Hanseong. For their convenience, the court assigned houses near Dongdaemun [one of the Eight Gates of Seoul]. This marked the beginning of a neighborhood later known as ‘Dongyeochon (東女村)’ [Eastern Women’s Village, likely referring to the women who accompanied the Jurchen men].

“Do your best for Joseon, for your tribes, and ultimately for your own success.”

At the welcoming banquet for the chieftains’ sons who arrived in Hanseong, Sejong gave these instructions.

The Jurchens who attended Sejong’s address all responded in unison.

“We will engrave it in our hearts!”

Three days after the banquet, they all entered Sungkyunkwan. The Sungkyunkwan Jejo (成均館提調) [Chancellor of Sungkyunkwan], responsible for guiding them, looked at them and outlined the future schedule.

“For the next six months, you will study academics here and receive practical training. Throughout this process, your grades will be assessed based on your attitude and performance, which will determine your eventual rank. Furthermore, your proficiency in Joseon language will also influence your rank, so please do your best.”

“Yes!”

Thus, their challenging school days began.

Since most of them came with their families, they received the same salary as officials of the 9th rank.

In addition, those with excellent grades received a monthly bonus, leading to fierce competition.

After intense competition, they were assigned to the court with ranks ranging from the 8th to the 6th rank.

“Haa~.”

On their first day at the Six Ministries [the main administrative bodies of Joseon] office to which they were assigned, they all sighed in front of the gate.

“How much discrimination will I face because I am Jurchen?”

They were very worried, but the Joseon officials welcomed them warmly.

“Welcome! Welcome!”

“Welcome! Welcome!”

The Jurchens couldn’t help but be suspicious of the overly enthusiastic welcome.

‘Is this a trap?’

However, in less than three days, they understood why the Joseon officials welcomed them so warmly.

“The work never stops!”

“It’s overtime every day!”

“Save me! This is hell!”

A Joseon official passing by chuckled at the Jurchens’ cries of ‘hell’ and said.

“This is just the entrance to hell? Do you know where the real hell is?”

The Joseon official raised his hand and pointed to the area where the scribes were.

“That’s the real hell. Work hard. If you make a mistake, you’ll be sent to that hell.”

Overwhelmed with work, the Jurchens seriously considered resigning.

“Should I abandon my tribe and flee to the far north?”

However, their attempts were met with strong opposition from their wives and children.

“Where are you going! Are you going to ruin the children’s chances of success!”

“Where else in the world can you find such a house and household goods! Please be patient! That’s what my father said! Endure it for now!”

“This isn’t about pride, I’m going to die from work!”

“But the children aren’t starving!”

The men fell silent at their wives’ last words.

This was because, during their nomadic life, they had worried about starvation even as sons of chieftains.

In the end, they had to go to work with drooping shoulders.

It was a sad portrayal of the heads of households struggling with life.

* * *

However, their wives also had their reasons.

The salaries their husbands received were meager by Joseon standards, but enormous from the Jurchen perspective.

Even from the Joseon perspective, the salaries received by officials were considerable.

As the economy grew with the economic reforms, Sejong began to gradually implement the promised salary increases for officials and royalty.

Of course, as a countermeasure, even the slightest hint of corruption would result in the confiscation of most of their property and assignment to the scribes’ office or the mines.

Therefore, unlike in the past, officials had to be extremely averse to bribes.

In any case, their standard of living with their salaries was much higher than what they had experienced during their nomadic life.

Furthermore, the treatment of them and their families by the surrounding Joseon people had also changed.

They were no longer just ‘Jurchen leftovers’ but ‘officials’ and ‘the official’s family members’ who served the country.

In addition, rumors circulated that Saminhakdang [a type of local school] was about to open. According to these rumors, graduates of Saminhakdang would receive advanced education and be able to find well-compensated positions not only as officials but also in merchant groups.

The Jurchen women gritted their teeth upon hearing these rumors.

“There are Saminhakdangs all over the country, but the number of higher-level schools is much smaller! It’s obvious that the one in Hanseong is the best! We must endure in Hanseong no matter what!”

Not only the mothers of Joseon but also the mothers of Jurchen descent began to actively pursue opportunities for their children.

* * *

Meanwhile, the situation was similar for the Jurchens who joined the Joseon army.

Although both were cavalry, the Jurchens received only cuirasses and helmets, unlike the fully armored Joseon soldiers.

They also did not receive the firearms used by the Joseon army. The Jurchen cavalry had no choice but to rely on the bows and spears they had traditionally used.

However, the Jurchens were satisfied.

“The power of firearms is good, but the range is short!”

The Jurchens pointed out the limited range of the horse-mounted firearms, the main weapon of the Joseon cavalry.

The Joseon cavalry had strong rebuttals.

“It’s true that the range is short. However, the new horse-mounted firearms have a much longer range. And the Gapsikjang [elite soldiers] firearms have an even longer range. Lastly….”

The Joseon cavalry patted their armor and concluded.

“The range at which horse-mounted firearms can penetrate Jurchen armor is much greater than the distance at which Jurchen arrows can penetrate this armor!”

The Jurchen cavalry nodded at the Joseon cavalry’s words.

“Oh, that’s true. That’s why we’re not complaining.”

Although it was only a cuirass and a pointed helmet (a helmet with a brim around the entire circumference), the Jurchen cavalry had no complaints because they were given armor and helmets with the exact same performance as those worn by the Joseon cavalry and spearmen.

In fact, the Jurchen cavalry preferred receiving only cuirasses and helmets.

– The full body armor worn by the Joseon cavalry offers good protection, but it’s too heavy and restricts movement!

The Jurchens’ assessment was as follows. It was easier to perform the flashy equestrian martial arts, which the Joseon cavalry considered ‘more acrobatics than martial arts,’ while wearing only a cuirass and helmet.

With the Jurchen cavalry integrated into the Joseon army, the upper echelons organized them into forward scout units.

They utilized the mobility of light cavalry to scout enemy lines ahead of the Joseon cavalry and relay information.

If the enemy’s size was manageable, they would engage them alone to delay their advance.

Once the enemies were stalled, the Joseon cavalry, with their superior firepower, would rush in and inflict irreparable damage, which became the primary tactic.

* * *

When they were first incorporated into the Joseon army, many Jurchen cavalrymen shared the same concerns as the Jurchens who went to Hanseong.

“What if the Joseon bastards discriminate against us?”

Although they swore allegiance to Joseon upon naturalization, the Joseon people and the Jurchens had frequently been in conflict until then.

However, the Joseon soldiers politely saluted the Daejeong (隊正) [squad leader] who commanded the squad, the Gichong (旗摠) [flag commander] who commanded the Gi (旗, consisting of 3-5 squads), and the Jurchen military officers of higher rank.

The military salute was so respectful that the Jurchen military officers receiving it were embarrassed.

This was due to a royal order issued by Hyang through Sejong when the incorporation of the Jurchens was decided.

Sejong and his ministers were concerned about the potential for discord when the Jurchens were integrated into the Joseon cavalry.

Hyang advised Sejong after observing the situation.

“The military salute stipulated in the military law is a salute to the rank, not to the person. Therefore, it is military law to salute superiors regardless of whether they are Joseon or Jurchen. Failure to do so is a serious crime that violates military law.”

Sejong was impressed and clapped his hands at Hyang’s advice, which borrowed a line from a drama about US paratroopers in World War II that he had seen in the 21st century.

“That’s right! Yes! What does it matter if the superior is Jurchen or Joseon! If he is a superior, it is natural to salute him!”