Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 438

438. Night of Betrayal – The Beginning of Chaos (6)

“Malacca?”

Sejong asked, seeking confirmation of the Chief of Staff’s opinion. The Chief of Staff replied firmly to Sejong’s question.

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

“Hmm…”

At the Chief of Staff’s firm answer, Sejong fell into thought, saying nothing.

As Sejong fell silent, Hwang Hee spoke up.

“Isn’t that too ambitious?”

“It’s the minimum we can realistically aim for at this time,” the Chief of Staff stated.

Lee Maeng-gyun added to the Chief of Staff’s statement, “The Malacca Kingdom is quite powerful. And it has been a faithful tributary state of Ming [China] since its founding. Are you suggesting we build a naval base in the kingdom’s capital? Do you believe that’s feasible?”

“But it’s the most strategically advantageous location.”

“Regardless of how optimal the location is, it’s not a place where we can simply establish a military base! Are you not considering the diplomatic ramifications? Fine! Let’s disregard the fact that Malacca is a smaller country compared to Joseon [Korea]! What about the Ming Dynasty then!”

Under Lee Maeng-gyun’s forceful questioning, the Chief of Staff fell silent. Sejong, who had been observing the Chief of Staff’s struggle to formulate a suitable rebuttal, intervened.

“Enough. It’s clear that Malacca is well-situated, but establishing a military base there seems ill-advised. If it’s absolutely necessary, have the military find another suitable location. And remember this: ‘Consider first whether it will increase external enemies.’ Do you understand?”

“I will engrave it in my heart, Your Majesty.”

The Chief of Staff, having answered Sejong’s words, quietly stepped back.

Hyang, who was sitting beneath the shrine and observing the proceedings, looked at the Chief of Staff with questioning eyes.

‘Considering the military’s actions thus far, they’ve never engaged in military adventurism. Why now?’

Hyang couldn’t comprehend the military’s motives at all.

The military had consistently advocated for the most moderate approaches when dealing with issues involving natives residing in the newly acquired northeastern islands and the area north of Dongbing Port, or when the Jurchen people in the Liaodong area, who had not yet submitted, caused trouble.

‘Even though it’s a country far from Ming, it faithfully pays tribute and falls within Ming’s sphere of influence. Moreover, it has rapidly become a center of Asian trade in recent years, so Ming would never relinquish it!’

No matter how much she pondered, Hyang’s eyes remained fixed on the Chief of Staff’s every move, unable to decipher his intentions.

Then, Hyang noticed the Chief of Staff and Jo Mal-saeng subtly nodding to each other.

‘Could it be a feint?’

In an instant, Hyang understood the military’s true intentions.

‘Was Plan A disguised as Plan B? Because the ministers would oppose it outright if they simply asked for it? Was this a calculated deception?’

Instantly, Hyang turned her head and looked at Sejong. Seeing Sejong sitting with a peculiar expression, Hyang realized that Sejong had also seen through their scheme. And when she turned her head again, Hwang Hee and Kim Jeom were also wearing similar expressions.

In the end, Hyang prayed silently.

‘You have to choose the right time and place when you’re trying to deceive someone. To attempt such a trick in a place full of seasoned professionals….’

“The Minister of National Defense and the Chief of Staff should provide a proper explanation.”

The Minister of National Defense and the Chief of Staff were startled for a moment at Sejong’s words, but quickly acted as if they were unaware of any wrongdoing.

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

Sejong’s voice turned sharp at Jo Mal-saeng’s response.

“What do you take me and the ministers gathered here for? Especially, Minister of National Defense, do you wish to return to the records office again? If you are sent to the records office this time, you will only come out a corpse.”

‘We’ve been caught!’

As soon as they realized that Sejong had discovered their ploy, Jo Mal-saeng and the Chief of Staff immediately prostrated themselves on the floor.

“Please forgive us, Your Majesty!”

“We were playing petty tricks!”

“If you honestly tell me where you truly desire to establish a base, I will consider it.”

At Sejong’s words, Jo Mal-saeng and the Chief of Staff answered simultaneously.

“A place called Tumasek or Temasek!”

“Where is that place? Bring the map.”

At Sejong’s command, the eunuchs brought a large world map that had been set up on one side.

Jo Mal-saeng, selecting a map depicting the terrain of India and nearby areas, pointed to a specific location.

“This is the place, Your Majesty.”

Hyang, examining the place indicated by Jo Mal-saeng, nodded slightly.

‘Singapore!’

“Explain why the military has chosen that place as a candidate.”

At Sejong’s command, the Chief of Staff stepped forward to explain.

“This area, called Tumasek or Temasek, is located in the middle of the sea route to India and Aden.

“There is a small strait north of Temasek, separating it from the Malacca mainland, which provides a significant defensive advantage.

“There are records indicating that Temasek was once a fairly prominent trading city that declined as Malacca prospered. In fact, it possesses a port suitable for establishing a military base.”

“…And as the Minister of Foreign Affairs mentioned, it is far from the capital of Malacca, so it will not cause major diplomatic issues.”

Sejong, nodding at the Chief of Staff’s explanation, asked, “It’s not a bad selection. Then you should have told me about that place from the beginning. Why resort to tricks?”

At Sejong’s question, Jo Mal-saeng and the Chief of Staff’s eyes turned to Kim Jeom. As the two men’s gazes focused on him, Kim Jeom raised his voice involuntarily.

“What did I do!”

Despite Kim Jeom’s protest, Sejong, Hyang, and the ministers all nodded in agreement.

“That’s exactly what happened.”

Leaving behind Kim Jeom, who couldn’t conceal his sense of injustice, Sejong continued to question Jo Mal-saeng and the Chief of Staff.

“Now that I know where the military wants to establish its first naval base, I want to know the locations of the other proposed sites. You mentioned five places earlier; where are they?”

“Ryukyu [Okinawa], Luzon [Philippines], Temasek, Chittagong [Bangladesh], and finally Aden [Yemen].”

“I know Ryukyu and Temasek, but where is Luzon?”

At Sejong’s question, the Chief of Staff pointed to a location on the map.

“This is the place, Your Majesty. The natives who live there call it Luzon.”

Sejong, checking the island pointed out by the Chief of Staff, muttered while looking at the map.

“Ryukyu, Luzon, Temasek….”

Sejong, drawing an imaginary line connecting the areas mentioned by the Chief of Staff, asked Jo Mal-saeng.

“Is this going beyond Ming’s Dongban (東藩, old name for Taiwan)?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty. The area between Ming’s mainland and Dongban is rife with pirates, and Ming’s navy is wary of our movements there.”

“That’s good….”

Sejong, nodding, continued to ask questions.

“Is Chittagong for the saltpeter?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty. Without the saltpeter coming from the Bengal Sultanate, our military would be crippled. No, it’s not just the military, but also food production that would be greatly affected.”

At the Chief of Staff’s words, Sejong glanced at Kim Jeom and said to the Chief of Staff.

“I understand up to Chittagong, but Aden is too much. I believe we can protect Joseon’s interests if we secure up to Chittagong, so plan accordingly. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should actively cooperate with the Ministry of National Defense.”

“We will follow your command, Your Majesty!”

“We will follow your command, Your Majesty!”

At Sejong’s command, Jo Mal-saeng, the Chief of Staff, and Lee Maeng-gyun all bowed their heads and answered.

It seemed like the situation was coming to an end, but Sejong’s questions continued.

Sejong, glancing at Kim Jeom once again, asked Jo Mal-saeng.

“Are you planning to deploy Challenger-class battleships to each of those military bases? If so, how many will you deploy?”

At Sejong’s question, Jo Mal-saeng answered immediately.

“Challenger-class ships can be threatening to the opponent given their size and power. Therefore, we are thinking of deploying Haeung-class battleships to these military bases. We will start with six ships first and eventually aim for a minimum of 12 ships.”

“If there are six ships, are two ships for patrol, two ships for maintenance and supply, and two ships on standby?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

Jo Mal-saeng answered immediately to Sejong’s question based on the operating rules of the Joseon Navy.

“That’s good. Make a proper plan and move forward. I have high expectations.”

Jo Mal-saeng and the Chief of Staff immediately bowed their heads at Sejong’s decision, which had changed favorably from before.

“We will do our best, Your Majesty!”

* * *

As Sejong made his decision, the court and the military were busy moving to establish naval bases overseas.

However, at the end of the year Giminyon [year in the sexagenary cycle], just before the winter solstice, the navy dropped a major bombshell.

It was such a significant incident that not only Jo Mal-saeng, who received the report from Wonsan, but also Kim Jeom, who heard the story, jumped up from their seats and shouted.

“Hey! You damn navy bastards!”

The report from Wonsan was sent by Kang Nam-gil, the captain of the Challenger-class No. 3 ship, Maengjin.

* * *

Two years prior, Maengjin, which was assigned to the Eastern Exploration, prepared thoroughly at the Jungdongdo (中東島, Adak Island in the 21st century) military base, located at the easternmost part of the Joseon Navy, and prepared to set sail to the east.

“According to the latest investigation, the archipelago continues to the east. Your mission is to confirm how far those islands extend.”

Kang Nam-gil nodded lightly at the explanation of Lee Yi-don, the Manho [naval commander] in charge of the Jungdongdo military base.

“I understand, Manho. Then, I’ll see you upon my return.”

As Kang Nam-gil said goodbye, Lee Yi-don urged him with a worried face.

“Be careful, Captain. The seas of the south are rough, but the seas of the north are even rougher.”

“Hahaha! I will pay special attention.”

Kang Nam-gil laughed heartily and boarded Maengjin, and Maengjin set sail to the east.

And even after the promised date passed, Maengjin did not return.

Eventually, when winter passed and spring came again and the sea thawed, Lee Yi-don Manho wrote a report and sent it to Joseon.

After a three-month voyage, the report sent by Lee Yi-don arrived in Hanseong [Seoul].

Jo Mal-saeng clicked his tongue as he received the report.

“Tsk! The loss of a Challenger-class battleship….”

Challenger-class battleships had been steadily produced, but they were still considered precious assets. But such a valuable battleship had been lost.

And the naval commanders who heard the story discussed it with serious faces.

“Manho Kang Nam-gil’s personality is a bit impulsive, but his shipbuilding skills were exceptional.”

“And it was a Challenger-class battleship, on top of that.”

“How rough must the sea have been….”

The Challenger-class battleship not only had great firepower but also great survivability.

Even if they encountered unexpected typhoons while traveling between Suez and Joseon and became battered, the Challenger-class battleships were the ones that survived to the end and returned to Aden or Joseon.

Such a Challenger-class battleship with tenacious survivability had disappeared.

Sejong, who received the report, ordered Jo Mal-saeng.

“Inform the families of the Maengjin crew members of their disappearance. Don’t forget that it’s just a disappearance, not a death.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Sejong, who gave the order, and Jo Mal-saeng, who received the order, said that, but they were both thinking in their hearts that the crew was likely dead.

This was the same for the families.

But the Maengjin, which had disappeared like that, had returned.

* * *

“We’re home!”

“We’re back!”

As Wonsan Port came into sight, the sailors on the Maengjin cried out in emotion as they looked at Wonsan Port.

“What’s back?”

“Maengjin is back?”

As the return of Maengjin became known, not only the sailors around the pier but also the port commander ran over with surprised faces.

Although there were many wounds here and there, the gangway was lowered from the generally intact Maengjin, and the sailors lined up and disembarked.

And the report written by Kang Nam-gil, who got off last, arrived in Hanseong, and the bomb exploded.

The contents of the report can be summarized as follows.

-After sailing east continuously, discovered a coastline extending south.

-Traveled south along the coastline for more than 4,000 li [approximately 1,250 miles], but it continues to the south.

-Landed in the middle and searched the surrounding area, but found no traces of Westerners.

-Conclusion: Presumed to have discovered a new land that no one knew about.