Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 324

324. Those Who Wait, Those Who Move (1)

Two months before the birth of Hyang’s son, the most significant event in Joseon during the year of Sinhae, the 13th year of King Sejong’s reign (1431).

In the Forbidden City of Beijing, the capital of Ming China, an envoy who had returned from Joseon was reporting to Emperor Xuande.

“…That concludes my report.”

After the report on the coordination of diplomatic issues between Ming and Joseon, as well as other administrative matters, was completed, Emperor Xuande commended the envoy.

“You have worked diligently. The king and subjects of Joseon are exceptionally meticulous and shrewd, yet you have achieved commendable results. Again, I commend your hard work.”

“I am deeply honored by your excessive praise. All is thanks to the grace of His Imperial Majesty. May you live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand upon ten thousand years!”

In response to Emperor Xuande’s praise, the envoy chanted ‘ten thousand years’ three times, extolling the Emperor.

Emperor Xuande, seemingly pleased by the envoy’s reaction, smiled faintly and inquired, “I have heard that many changes are occurring in Joseon. Did you observe anything of note?”

“Indeed, I did.”

Emperor Xuande’s eyes brightened at the envoy’s response.

“Oh? What did you see?”

“A device called a ‘steel horse’ (鐵馬) was operating in Hanseong [modern-day Seoul].”

“Steel horse?”

“Yes. According to the interpreter…”

The envoy who had been to Joseon began to describe the train in detail.

“Hmm…”

Listening with keen interest, Emperor Xuande interrupted the envoy’s explanation with questions whenever his curiosity was piqued.

“Truly remarkable. Since it is called a steel horse, is it as swift as a real horse?”

“It is not quite as fast, but it is slightly faster than a person running at full speed.”

“Is that so? You mentioned it carries people; how many can it transport?”

“It pulls two large carts and can carry approximately 100 people.”

“I see. Hmm…”

As Emperor Xuande hummed thoughtfully after hearing the envoy’s explanation, the Senior Grand Secretary of the cabinet interjected, “Your Majesty, according to the envoy, this device appears quite useful. Would it not be wise to request the King of Joseon to present it as tribute?”

Emperor Xuande nodded slightly at the Senior Grand Secretary’s suggestion but refrained from making an immediate decision.

After a moment of contemplation, Emperor Xuande reached a conclusion.

“Now is not the opportune moment. Such steel horses would be better suited for connecting cities rather than operating within one. However, if it is only slightly faster than a running person and can only carry around 100 people, its utility to our empire would be limited.”

Having reached a negative conclusion, Emperor Xuande turned his attention back to the envoy.

“Hmm… I presume the Crown Prince of Joseon was instrumental in developing this?”

“That is what I heard. Praises for the Crown Prince were ubiquitous.”

“I see. He is like an awl in a sack (囊中之錐) [a talent that cannot be hidden] or a crane among chickens (群鷄一鶴) [standing out from the crowd], that Crown Prince of Joseon.”

Nodding as he recalled Hyang’s image, Emperor Xuande made a firm decision.

“The Crown Prince of Joseon will not be content with that steel horse. He will inevitably create a more advanced version and put it to practical use. I shall await that development.”

At Emperor Xuande’s words, the Senior Grand Secretary of the cabinet raised a concern. “From the report, the steel horse appears to be a device of considerable technological sophistication. When a more advanced steel horse emerges, will Joseon willingly comply with our requests?”

Emperor Xuande explained his reasoning to the Senior Grand Secretary. “Joseon has no choice but to comply. Our Ming can sever ties with Joseon, but Joseon cannot sever ties with Ming.”

“Joseon is constantly seeking opportunities to improve their standing.”

“Historically, vassal states invariably seek to escape their subordinate position, which is only common sense (常理, a matter of course). However, Joseon’s current circumstances preclude such an attempt. Senior Grand Secretary, allow me to ask you a question.”

“Proceed, Your Majesty.”

“Is trade between our Ming and Joseon currently flourishing?”

“Indeed. Ah!”

The Senior Grand Secretary, who had been answering Emperor Xuande’s question, exclaimed and looked at the Emperor. Emperor Xuande smiled at the Senior Grand Secretary’s reaction.

“It seems you have grasped my meaning. The increasing trade between our Ming and Joseon signifies the accumulation of wealth among the people of Joseon. Those who have tasted the benefits of wealth will inevitably desire more. This places Joseon in a precarious situation, like riding a tiger (騎虎之勢, a situation where one cannot stop what one has started). Without a means to sustain this wealth, Joseon will face imminent collapse. And we, Ming, control that lifeline.”

Emperor Xuande, picking up a teacup and moistening his throat, continued, “As a simple example, the Senior Grand Secretary must have received reports regarding the rice (米穀) being sold from Jiangnan to Joseon, correct?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Senior Grand Secretary nodded immediately.

* * *

Although production had been steadily increasing as Sejong’s reforms progressed, Joseon had not yet achieved complete self-sufficiency in food.

To be precise, thanks to the increased disposable income of the populace, food consumption had risen significantly—Joseon people’s tendency to eat heartily was almost ingrained—necessitating the continued import of large quantities of rice.

This situation benefited many landlords in the Jiangnan region, who cultivated rice varieties specifically tailored to the tastes of Joseon consumers, thereby generating substantial income.

* * *

“The people of Joseon, having acquired wealth, now demand white rice, and Joseon must continue to import rice (米穀) to feed the subjugated Jurchens. If we were to halt this trade abruptly, Joseon would face a crisis akin to a lamp flickering in the wind (風前燈火) [on the verge of being extinguished]. Is that not so?”

At Emperor Xuande’s question, the Senior Grand Secretary bowed his head and replied, “Indeed. The people’s dissatisfaction would be significant, and the Jurchens would undoubtedly react.”

“Precisely.”

Emperor Xuande, taking another sip from his teacup, continued with a relaxed demeanor. “These days, Joseon appears to be engaging in trade with the West via the sea, but our Ming remains their largest trading partner. As long as our Ming controls Joseon’s economic lifeline, Joseon will have no choice but to heed our directives.”

“That is correct.”

The Senior Grand Secretary concurred with Emperor Xuande’s assessment.

At that moment, an official who had been listening intently to the conversation stepped forward, bowed his head, and spoke, “Your Majesty, I apologize for interrupting, but I wish to bring a matter to your attention.”

“Speak.”

“Your Majesty’s decree (聖旨, the king’s will) is undoubtedly correct. However, I am concerned about Joseon’s handling of such devices. If it is indeed a mysterious device, the technology involved must be highly advanced (高等). While it would be ideal to summon not only the devices but also the artisans, there is a significant risk that we would remain unaware of any malicious intent on their part. Therefore, I propose that even if the current steel horse is not entirely satisfactory, it should be brought to our attention. It would be beneficial for our artisans to examine and study it, potentially leading to the creation of a more advanced steel horse.”

Emperor Xuande responded immediately, “There is some merit to your words. However, the majority of Ming’s most skilled artisans are currently employed by merchants. I am ashamed to admit that I, the ruler of this Ming, cannot place my trust in our merchants, even if I were to trust those of Joseon. How much wealth would they demand while claiming to be developing a superior steel horse, and what exorbitant price would we be forced to pay upon its completion? It would be more prudent to receive it as tribute from Joseon or acquire it through negotiations.”

“Ah…”

The Senior Grand Secretary, officials, and eunuchs, expressing their regret at Emperor Xuande’s words, immediately prostrated themselves and exclaimed, “Your Majesty! Please forgive our disloyalty!”

“Please forgive our grave errors!”

Emperor Xuande waved his hand dismissively at their shouts. “Rise. I have no intention of holding you accountable at this time.”

“Your grace is boundless!”

“Your Imperial Majesty, may you live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand upon ten thousand years!”

The people who rose from their seats expressed their gratitude in unison and chanted ‘ten thousand years’ three times.

As the shouts subsided, Emperor Xuande concluded the matter. “Let us postpone the steel horse issue for now.”

“We obey your command.”

“Then, moving on to the next issue, has the counterfeit money problem been resolved?”

“We have identified and are tracking the group responsible for the operation.”

Emperor Xuande’s expression hardened at the Senior Grand Secretary’s response.

“Eradicate them completely. Ensure they never contemplate such an act again.”

“We obey your command!”

“In particular, those who leaked the design, regardless of their status, shall have their ten generations exterminated. They are traitors who sought to undermine the foundation of the country for personal gain.”

The Senior Grand Secretary, sweating profusely at Emperor Xuande’s ruthless decree, replied, “We, we obey your command.”

“Hmm… That is settled, but has a solution to the printing plate problem been found?”

“I regret to inform you that it has not…”

“That is disappointing.”

At Emperor Xuande’s words, the Senior Grand Secretary immediately prostrated himself and shouted, “Please forgive me! I will exert every effort to provide an answer as soon as possible.”

Emperor Xuande commanded in an indifferent tone, “I grant you fifteen days. If you fail to provide an answer by then, I will hold you and all those involved accountable.”

“I will do my utmost!”

Emperor Xuande, hearing the Senior Grand Secretary’s desperate plea, rose from the jade throne.

“Let us conclude here for today.”

* * *

As the meeting concluded, the officials and eunuchs departed from the Munhwa Hall (文華殿) [Hall of Literary Glory].

Those who returned to their offices shared their thoughts on Emperor Xuande’s orders.

“The most pressing issue is the printing plate problem for the paper money, but has a solution been found?” the Senior Grand Secretary asked.

The scholars responded with gloomy faces. “We have urged the artisans within the palace and government to create the printing plates with the utmost precision, but the artisans employed by the merchants have been able to replicate them almost immediately.”

“Oh dear…”

The Senior Grand Secretary muttered with a troubled expression.

* * *

Ming, impressed by Joseon’s successful paper money system, was diligently preparing for its own paper currency initiative.

Ming’s officials diligently proceeded with preparations, drawing upon the processes implemented in Joseon, and the initial stages progressed smoothly.

However, the preparation process soon encountered a significant obstacle, threatening to derail the entire project.

The primary challenge revolved around the printing of the currency.

The initial dispute over the number of dragons to be depicted on the currency seemed almost comical.

Those in charge, upon examining the printing plates and their resulting prints produced by artisans from the imperial family and government offices, all frowned.

“It feels somewhat lacking, does it not?”

“Indeed. Compared to Joseon’s currency, it appears rather crude, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Let us refine it further.”

Dissatisfied with the results, the officials initiated improvements. After numerous trials and errors, a somewhat acceptable result emerged, prompting a collective sigh of relief.

“Hoo~. This is satisfactory enough for use!”

“Let us prepare to report to His Majesty!”

As they were expressing their relief, a counterfeit case surfaced. Counterfeit versions of the currency, which had not yet been distributed, began circulating in the market. These forgeries were of such high quality that they were virtually indistinguishable from the genuine article.

“This is impossible without an internal leak! Identify those involved! Furthermore, apprehend all those who printed the counterfeit money!”

Following Emperor Xuande’s enraged command, Dongchang [Eastern Depot secret police] and the Geumgun [Capital Guards] were mobilized on a large scale to conduct a thorough investigation.

As a result, a prominent merchant in Beijing and the officials who had accepted bribes from him were apprehended.

However, Emperor Xuande’s anger remained unabated.

“How poorly crafted are the genuine printing plates if one cannot differentiate between counterfeit and genuine money! Find an alternative immediately! Failure to do so will result in severe consequences!”

Faced with Emperor Xuande’s terrifying order, the officials once again urged the artisans to produce superior printing plates. However, the results remained unsatisfactory, as he had informed the Senior Grand Secretary.

Despite the best efforts of the artisans from the imperial family and government offices, the artisans employed by private merchants were able to replicate their work almost instantly.

* * *

“Haa~.”

The Senior Grand Secretary, having received the reports from the officials, sighed deeply.

“We must find a solution within fifteen days, but at this rate…”

One of the other officials spoke up, “There is no other option now. We must seek assistance from Joseon.”

“Joseon? Is that truly necessary?”

The speaker responded firmly, “Joseon’s currency has remained free from counterfeiting, or rather, has proven resistant to it. The solution lies only in Joseon. This is not the time to be concerned with pride.”

“Damn it…”

The Senior Grand Secretary uttered the profanity without realizing it.

* * *

Author’s words.

Hello?

I am Gukbbong, author of Black Company Joseon.

Thank you very much for the encouragement from the readers.

I will work harder to write more interesting stories in the future.

Gukbbong.