Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 272

272. The Aftermath

While the chase unfolded in the north, Yi Maeng-gyun, having departed from Hanseong [present-day Seoul], was also preparing for a different kind of battle.

The morning before their scheduled arrival in Shandong province, after a rapid sea voyage, Han Song-ro informed Yi Maeng-gyun of their estimated time of arrival.

“We should arrive in Shandong around noon tomorrow.”

“Is that so? Thank you. Then I should begin my preparations.”

After informing Yi Maeng-gyun, Han Song-ro left the cabin, a puzzled expression on his face.

“Preparing? Preparing for what?”

It didn’t take long for Han Song-ro to discover the meaning of ‘preparing’.

Yi Maeng-gyun, who had been diligently consuming his meals without succumbing to seasickness, even on the rocking ship, suddenly stopped eating solid food and began subsisting solely on water.

Furthermore, the officials accompanying Yi Maeng-gyun issued strict instructions to Han Song-ro and the crew.

“Do not forget. His Excellency has been in a weakened state since boarding the ship.”

“Yes? Yes….”

At the official’s pronouncement, Han Song-ro and the crew could only nod in agreement. They were tempted to inquire further, but the fierce glint in the eyes of the military officer standing behind the official effectively silenced them.

The next day, precisely at the predicted time, Han Song-ro docked the ship at the Joseon [Korean] commercial port in Shandong.

“Thank you for your hard work….”

Yi Maeng-gyun, supported by the young officials, offered his thanks as he emerged from the cabin. Han Song-ro responded politely.

“It was nothing. Have a safe journey.”

“Thank you.”

Yi Maeng-gyun, replying with a weak voice, was carefully assisted down the gangplank by the young officials.

Watching them, Han Song-ro scratched the back of his head and muttered to himself.

“It’s like some kind of elaborate charade….”

* * *

Upon arriving in Shandong, Yi Maeng-gyun’s party proceeded to Beijing by carriage. Accompanying Yi Maeng-gyun’s entourage were not only Joseon soldiers but also Ming [Chinese] cavalry, serving as both escort and surveillance.

These Ming soldiers were tasked with escorting Yi Maeng-gyun’s party, but they also had the responsibility of monitoring their activities.

Yi Maeng-gyun’s group, having traveled approximately 500 kilometers (1300 li) from Shandong to Beijing in seven days, immediately requested an audience with Emperor Xuande.

“The Joseon envoy has arrived? Why? There should be no reason for an envoy to come at this time.”

Emperor Xuande, his curiosity piqued by the unexpected arrival of the Joseon envoy, promptly granted them an audience.

Yi Maeng-gyun, supported by the young officials, approached Emperor Xuande and offered a deep bow.

“I am Yi Maeng-gyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Joseon Kingdom, and I am honored to meet the Emperor of the Great Ming Empire….”

Before he could complete his greeting, Yi Maeng-gyun collapsed to the floor.

“Your Excellency!”

“Your Excellency!”

The vice-envoy and officials who had accompanied Yi Maeng-gyun rushed to his side, while the Ming officials present were visibly surprised and flustered. Emperor Xuande, startled, rose from his throne and exclaimed.

“The royal physician! Summon the royal physician immediately!”

The royal physician, hastily summoned, took Yi Maeng-gyun’s pulse and reported to Emperor Xuande.

“His energy is severely depleted, and he has fainted temporarily.”

“Is that so? Then have the envoy taken to the Huìtóng Hall [state guest house] to rest.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“The vice-envoy should remain for a moment and report to Us what has transpired.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Shortly thereafter, eunuchs entered and carried Yi Maeng-gyun out on a stretcher. Emperor Xuande, observing the scene, turned his attention to the vice-envoy, his expression growing even more serious.

“Vice-envoy, your complexion is also unwell. What on earth has happened in Joseon?”

“It is a matter so grave that I can scarcely bring myself to speak of it.”

“You must have sought Us out because of this matter, so speak without hesitation.”

At Emperor Xuande’s command, the vice-envoy immediately responded.

“Imanju and Mentemu have invaded Joseon!”

“Imanju and Tong Mengke Temu’er?”

“That is correct.”

“Hmm. I understand. We will also verify these claims. Vice-envoy, you should also go and recuperate.”

“Your Imperial Majesty’s grace is boundless.”

After dismissing the vice-envoy, Emperor Xuande turned to the Senior Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat [chief advisor].

“Senior Grand Secretary, is what they say true?”

“Logically speaking, they would not fabricate such a significant event, would they?”

“That’s true, but why Imanju and Tong Mengke Temu’er? More importantly, why hasn’t this report reached Us? Liaodong, or rather, Imanju’s territory, is not far from Beijing.”

“That is….”

The Senior Grand Secretary, unable to provide a satisfactory answer to Emperor Xuande’s rebuke, immediately prostrated himself.

“It is our fault, please forgive us!”

“Please forgive us!”

“If you acknowledge your fault, confirm the situation immediately!”

To avoid further incurring Emperor Xuande’s wrath, a messenger was urgently dispatched from Beijing to Liaodong. However, the messenger returned the very next day.

Because another messenger, bearing an urgent report detailing the incident in Liaodong, had already arrived in Beijing.

“Imanju and Mentemu have crossed the border and invaded the villages of Joseon!”

The moment Emperor Xuande saw the contents written on the first page of the report, he immediately closed the cover.

“It’s over.”

Meanwhile, Yi Maeng-gyun continued to recuperate at the Huìtóng Hall.

* * *

Emperor Xuande, having witnessed an old minister faint before him for the first time, ordered a thorough investigation into their journey.

“He only ate half a bowl of porridge for each meal? In our Ming Dynasty bowl?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

After reviewing the report, Emperor Xuande turned to the Senior Grand Secretary with a grave expression.

“Did the Joseon envoy collapse due to the misfortune that has befallen Joseon? Or is it because he was simply starving?”

“He must have been weakened by the mental strain caused by the misfortune, which in turn affected his appetite. Even I would struggle to eat properly if my country were in such dire straits.”

“Hmm….”

At the Senior Grand Secretary’s explanation, Emperor Xuande stroked his beard thoughtfully.

“I hope that is the case, but….”

‘Why does it seem to me that he collapsed from sheer starvation?’

The Joseon people are known for their hearty appetites. Yet, he only consumed half a bowl of porridge per meal? It’s only natural that he would collapse from hunger.

Emperor Xuande, carefully considering the possibility of a hidden motive, soon reached a conclusion.

“Even so, what can We do? The justification already lies on their side….”

And so, it was five days later that Yi Maeng-gyun finally rose from his sickbed.

* * *

With Yi Maeng-gyun back on his feet, a fierce diplomatic battle commenced with Emperor Xuande and the Ming court.

However, throughout the negotiations, Ming found itself being led by Joseon. Since Imanju and Mentemu had violated the border of Joseon and caused unrest, the moral high ground rested with Joseon.

Starting with the issue of the custody of Imanju and Mentemu’s families, most of the agenda items were resolved in Joseon’s favor.

However, there was one point that Ming could not easily concede: territory.

“We have received an urgent report that Joseon troops are stationed in the land where Imanju and Tong Mengke Temu’er’s tribes resided. Does Joseon intend to occupy this territory?”

At the question posed by the Senior Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat, acting as Ming’s representative, Yi Maeng-gyun immediately responded.

“Ah, they are likely stationed there to protect the supply route.”

“Supply route…. Then does Joseon intend to relinquish control of their land?”

“We will withdraw from the Pajeo River area, where the chieftain Imanju resided, as soon as the matter is resolved. However, we, Joseon, will retain control of the area occupied by the Mentemu clan.”

“Why?”

“Have you forgotten? The location of the Odoli tribe, led by Mentemu, is where our Joseon royal family originated. Surely you haven’t forgotten the imperial decree that His Majesty issued, have you?”

At Yi Maeng-gyun’s retort, the Senior Grand Secretary fell silent.

When the Joseon crown prince first visited Beijing, Emperor Xuande granted permission for the recovery of the land where the Joseon royal family originated. The area where the Odoli tribe was located undoubtedly fell within that territory.

As expected, Joseon was dictating the terms of this agenda item.

“However, the land ruled by Tong Mengke Temu’er belongs to our Ming Dynasty’s Jianzhou Left Guard….”

“Senior Grand Secretary.”

When Emperor Xuande, who had been listening to the conversation, addressed the Senior Grand Secretary, the Senior Grand Secretary immediately closed his mouth.

He seemed to understand the reason for Emperor Xuande’s summons.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“The land ruled by Tong Mengke Temu’er rightfully belongs to Joseon, as they claim. Do not jeopardize the amicable relations between our two countries with unnecessary obstinacy.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

By Emperor Xuande’s decree, the land occupied by the Odoli tribe was officially recognized as belonging to Joseon.

“Listen closely, Joseon envoy.”

At Emperor Xuande’s summons, Yi Maeng-gyun rose from his seat and replied respectfully.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Joseon must also restrain its ambition for the sake of maintaining good neighborly relations between Ming and Joseon.”

“I will engrave it in my heart.”

At Emperor Xuande’s warning, Yi Maeng-gyun bowed his head and replied.

Yi Maeng-gyun, with his head bowed, muttered inwardly.

‘For the time being….’

* * *

As the negotiations drew to a close and the delegation led by Yi Maeng-gyun prepared to depart from the Forbidden City, a messenger from Liaodong entered the imperial palace and delivered a report.

“Imanju, Mentemu, and the Joseon army are drawing closer and closer. A battle is likely to occur in the Jilin area.”

“Based on the outcomes of the battles thus far, the Joseon army is likely to emerge victorious.”

Emperor Xuande, upon receiving the report, fixed his gaze on Yi Maeng-gyun.

“Envoy, listen carefully. It appears that Joseon will be victorious. What are your thoughts? It seems to Us that Joseon has been diligently working behind the scenes without Our knowledge.”

“The Joseon officials, myself included, are solely dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of our Joseon.”

“Is that so?”

Emperor Xuande, continuing to stare intently at Yi Maeng-gyun, leaned back against the throne and gestured.

“Return to Hanseong. The justification for this matter rests with you. However, We will be watching you, Joseon, from this moment forward.”

“Your Imperial Majesty’s grace is boundless.”

Yi Maeng-gyun, bowing respectfully, retreated from Emperor Xuande’s presence.

Yi Maeng-gyun, after exiting the Hall of Literary Glory where Emperor Xuande resided, sighed deeply.

“Hoo~. It’s going to be tough from now on.”

* * *

Around the time the Joseon army was concluding the final battle in Jilin, a merchant ship set sail from Shandong towards Jemulpo [present-day Incheon].

On the bow of the merchant ship, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yi Maeng-gyun gazed eastward with a worried expression.

“I wonder if it went well?”

Han Song-ro, noticing Yi Maeng-gyun’s concerned gaze towards the east, spoke to Helmsman Old Man Chu.

“Old man, I must never allow my child to become an official.”

“Huh? You always said that you would send him to the Middle School as soon as he finished the Samin School [traditional schools], but what’s gotten into you all of a sudden?”

At Old Man Chu’s question, Han Song-ro pointed towards Yi Maeng-gyun and replied.

“Observing that man’s actions, being an official is far from an easy task. I would rather have him follow in my footsteps and work on a ship.”

At Han Song-ro’s words, Old Man Chu nodded.

“Well…. When he disembarked to go to Beijing, he seemed skilled enough to be a con man.”

* * *

Thanks to favorable weather conditions, the ship carrying the delegation was able to return to Jemulpo in five days.

“Thank you for your hard work. The remaining payment will be disbursed immediately.”

At Yi Maeng-gyun’s words, Han Song-ro bowed deeply and replied.

“Thank you. Please do not hesitate to use our services again!”

Yi Maeng-gyun smiled and responded to Han Song-ro’s words.

“It would be preferable if I didn’t have to ride your ship again!”

“Yes?”

“Good work!”

As Yi Maeng-gyun bid farewell to Han Song-ro and mounted the horse that had been prepared in advance, he set off towards Hanseong.

“This is an urgent matter, so move as quickly as possible! Giddy up!”

“Giddy up!”

As the delegation on horseback disappeared into the distance, Han Song-ro, straightening his back, turned to look at Old Man Chu.

“What was that all about just now?”

“Isn’t the reason you got this job because of the chaos in the north? Would those officials ever ride our ship unless there was chaos?”

“Ah….”

Old Man Chu muttered inwardly at Han Song-ro’s reaction, nodding as if he only understood after hearing the explanation.

‘It’s not that the captain’s son is choosing not to become an official, but rather that he is incapable of becoming one. How could his lineage lead him anywhere else?’

* * *

Yi Maeng-gyun’s party, upon returning to Hanseong, proceeded directly to Gyeongbok Palace [main royal palace].

“Welcome! Thank you for your dedicated service on this long journey!”

At Hyang’s welcome, Yi Maeng-gyun replied with a polite bow.

“It was nothing. I was simply fulfilling my duty.”

Yi Maeng-gyun, after responding, gestured to the official who had followed him inside. At Yi Maeng-gyun’s signal, the official handed a tray containing a thick scroll to the eunuch.

“This contains the Ming Dynasty’s official decision regarding this conquest.”

“Is that so?”

Hyang, after receiving the scroll and unfolding it, examined the contents and nodded.

“Thank you for your hard work. I will make a copy of this and send it to Father immediately.”

“How is the war situation progressing?”

“The final results have not yet arrived, but based on the information we have so far, it doesn’t seem too dire.”

“Ah~. That’s a relief.”

Observing Yi Maeng-gyun’s relieved expression, Hyang added.

“Please rest and recover from your fatigue for two days, and then return to the office the day after tomorrow. We are extremely busy at the moment.”

“…Yes.”

Shortly after, Yi Maeng-gyun, having exited the Donggungjeon [Crown Prince’s residence], looked up at the sky and muttered.

“Should I have starved myself on the way back as well?”