Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 542

542. Conspiracy (8)

It wasn’t just Joseon whose foreign trade volume was growing.

Merchants from Ming were also gradually expanding their reach.

They had been active in Southeast Asian regions like Dai Viet (Daewol), Siam (Thailand), and Luzon (Philippines) for a long time. With the Ming court’s support, they became even more active in venturing abroad.

Moreover, Ming possessed a geographical advantage that Joseon lacked.

It was the land route utilizing its vast territory bordering several countries.

The most representative example was the Tea Horse Road, which started in Yunnan Province and traversed the Tibetan Plateau.

A trade route was established that bypassed the Mongol forces, specifically the Oirat, and connected to Central Asia, India, and the Middle East.

Using these land routes, Ming could secure a stable market presence. Although they couldn’t transport large quantities of goods as quickly as ships, they could maintain a steady supply.

The goods were similar as well. While they had fewer top-quality products compared to Joseon, they could attract customers with reasonable quality at lower prices.

And the Ming court—more precisely, the Xuande Emperor—gained another crucial advantage.

They were able to obtain information from Europe and neighboring countries quickly and consistently.

As a result, the Xuande Emperor could receive news about events in the Mediterranean region slightly earlier than Joseon.

* * *

“It’s utter chaos.”

The Xuande Emperor, after reading the document summarizing the information obtained by the merchants, shook his head slightly.

The war in the Mediterranean region was frighteningly expanding its influence.

First, in the Middle East, the conflict between the Timurids and the Qara Qoyunlu (Black Sheep dynasty) erupted as the Ottomans invaded the Mamluk Sultanate.

The Qara Qoyunlu struck Timur in the back while Timur was distracted by the Ottoman Empire’s movements.

Timur was caught in a situation where he had to deal with both the Ottomans and the Qara Qoyunlu simultaneously, leaving him unable to respond effectively.

And this allowed the Ottomans to focus more effort on the invasion of the Mamluks.

The situation north of the Mediterranean also became complicated.

The Holy Roman Empire became involved in the conflict between France and Spain.

* * *

Since the division of the Frankish kingdom in the past, the relationship between France and the Holy Roman Empire had been strained.

Thanks to this, Spain—more precisely, the Crown of Castile and Aragon—which bordered southern France, emerged, and the Holy Roman Empire established friendly relations with Spain.

Another reason for the conflict between France and the Holy Roman Empire was the struggle for control over Italy.

France and the Holy Roman Empire continued to clash in order to monopolize trade in the Mediterranean region and seize the religious power symbolized by the Vatican.

Even divided into factions, the rulers of the Holy Roman Empire did their best to prevent France from dominating Italy.

In the history before Hyang intervened, this competition between France and the Holy Roman Empire—later the Austro-Hungarian Empire—continued for a long time until Italy achieved independence.

* * *

Because of this historical context, as soon as France made a move, the Holy Roman Empire also reacted.

Small and large battles took place between the Holy Roman Empire and France to secure transportation routes from France to Italy.

In the end, the war, which began as a simple dispute over trade routes, quickly escalated into an international war in which the major powers of the Mediterranean and Europe became entangled.

Later, historians with a Western-centric view of history would dub this war ‘World War I’.

* * *

Learning from the continuously updated reports that trade between Joseon and Europe had almost ceased, the Xuande Emperor smiled with satisfaction.

“Finally, I can be rid of these troublesome matters at once.”

The Xuande Emperor, who had jumped up from his seat, ordered the eunuch waiting outside.

“Summon the ministers immediately!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

* * *

A month later, Crown Prince Zhu Qizhen, having received the Xuande Emperor’s order, entered the Forbidden City.

“I greet His Imperial Majesty, may you live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!” [A traditional greeting wishing the emperor a very long life.]

The Xuande Emperor, hearing the Crown Prince’s cheers, replied in a nonchalant voice.

“You have worked hard to come. I am very pleased to see you in good health.”

“I am deeply grateful.”

At the same time as his reply, Zhu Qizhen looked at the Xuande Emperor.

Seeing the more pronounced signs of illness than before, Zhu Qizhen muttered inwardly.

‘Has the time finally come?’

As if sensing Zhu Qizhen’s thoughts, the Xuande Emperor asked Zhu Qizhen a question.

“Is the Crown Prince turning twenty this year?”

“That is correct.”

“Hmm….”

The Xuande Emperor, pausing for a moment, soon spoke in a serious voice.

“I will give the Crown Prince a task! The Crown Prince must do his best to complete it!”

At the Xuande Emperor’s words, Zhu Qizhen immediately clasped his hands and bowed.

“Give your orders! I will do my best!”

The Xuande Emperor’s voice continued as Zhu Qizhen bowed.

“I grant the Crown Prince the position of Special Envoy Commander, as well as the positions of Special Envoy Chief Secretary and Special Envoy Investigating Censor!”

At the Xuande Emperor’s words, Zhu Qizhen raised his head with surprised eyes.

What the Xuande Emperor was saying now was that he was giving him administrative, judicial, and military power to govern an entire province.

The surprise was temporary, and Zhu Qizhen began to sweat coldly down his back.

‘This is the final test! If I don’t satisfy His Majesty here, I’m finished!’

Looking at Zhu Qizhen’s expression, the Xuande Emperor continued to speak with an expressionless face.

“Using the given position and authority, the Crown Prince shall annex Liaodong [a region in Northeast China].”

As the word ‘Liaodong’ was uttered, Zhu Qizhen focused all his attention on listening to the Xuande Emperor’s words.

“The Crown Prince also knows that the Oirat Tartars purchased cannons from Joseon last year. According to the reports of the spies, although they claim to use cannons against bandits as they told Joseon, the number is quite small. This confirms that they have other intentions.”

At the Xuande Emperor’s words, Zhu Qizhen calculated in his head.

‘Even if the Oirat have other intentions, it will be difficult to break through the Northwest defense line. Then, is it still Liaodong?’

The Xuande Emperor’s following words were exactly as Zhu Qizhen expected.

“Looking at the current situation, it is difficult for the Tartars to invade the Northwest. They will try to cross the Great Wall using Liaodong as before. The Crown Prince must go to Liaodong immediately and secure Liaodong firmly! To this end, 150,000 troops are waiting, so command them to accomplish the task!”

When the Xuande Emperor’s order was finished, Zhu Qizhen knelt down, clasped his hands, and answered loudly.

“I will definitely accomplish Your Majesty’s command!”

* * *

As Zhu Qizhen, having received the Xuande Emperor’s decree, came out, a eunuch quickly approached him.

“I have received the imperial order to guide the generals who will serve the Crown Prince.”

“Is that so? Guide them.”

“Yes.”

Heading towards the garrison created outside Beijing, Zhu Qizhen talked with the eunuch. Eunuchs were less repulsive to Zhu Qizhen, especially after Wang Zhen, who was executed by the Xuande Emperor.

“What is your name?”

“I am Wang Chong.”

“Oh! A Wang!”

Zhu Qizhen was pleased with Wang Chong’s answer, partly because of his memories with Wang Zhen.

“A eunuch who was very close to me in the past was also a Wang! So, what is your rank?”

“I am the Director of the Armory Bureau.”

“Armory Bureau! Hooh~. Shouldn’t I be trying to impress you?”

Zhu Qizhen’s eyes lit up and joked at Wang Chong’s answer. The Armory Bureau’s mission was to manufacture weapons and supervise the workshops that made weapons to supply to the Ming army, starting with the Imperial Guards.

Wang Chong replied to Zhu Qizhen’s joke with an exaggerated expression as if it were absurd.

“That’s absurd! Rather, it is this humble servant’s duty to do his best to help the Crown Prince achieve his great undertaking.”

“Hahaha! Anyway, please take good care of me!”

Continuing the conversation, Zhu Qizhen’s party arrived at the garrison.

Having received orders in advance, 150,000 soldiers were lined up outside, and the generals commanding them were standing in front.

“The Crown Prince has arrived! Military salute!”

Zhu Qizhen, who got off his horse and went up to the platform, shouted loudly. At the general’s shout, the other generals and soldiers saluted all at once.

Zhu Qizhen, who went up to the platform and looked at the generals and soldiers, put strength into his voice and shouted loudly.

“Seeing such loyal and brave figures, I am truly moved! I sincerely hope that you will do your best to fulfill the imperial command!”

“Uwaaaa!”

The soldiers answered Zhu Qizhen’s words with a shout.

After the short event, Zhu Qizhen moved to his military tent and met with the generals.

“Quite young.”

Zhu Qizhen opened his mouth with a slightly worried expression as he looked at the generals’ faces. There were no old, seasoned generals among them. Most were middle-aged or young commanders with rosy cheeks.

The middle-aged general standing at the front replied in a loud voice to Zhu Qizhen’s evaluation.

“Although we may lack experience, our spirit is invincible!”

“What is your name?”

“I am Zhao Bingdeok!”

“What is your rank?”

“I was a Lieutenant General, but this time I was appointed as the Deputy Commander!”

Zhu Qizhen began to show interest in Zhao Bingdeok’s answer. As a Deputy Commander, he would assist him.

“Have you experienced combat?”

“Many times!”

“Who did you mainly fight against?”

“The Tartars and Jurchens!”

Zhu Qizhen was slightly relieved at Zhao Bingdeok’s answer.

‘His Majesty has been paying attention.’

Zhu Qizhen looked back at the generals and urged them.

“Let’s work together to achieve the task given by His Imperial Majesty.”

“We obey your command!”

* * *

Zhu Qizhen’s army, which departed from Beijing, passed through the Great Wall and entered Liaodong.

Arriving at Liaodong Fortress, Zhu Qizhen summoned the generals and gave orders.

“Order the soldiers to rest. And….”

Pausing for a moment, Zhu Qizhen ordered the Liaodong Governor, who was waiting.

“I would like to hear information about Liaodong and the border area from the Governor.”

“I will prepare it immediately.”

“Wait!”

Wang Chong raised his voice when the generals, who had heard Zhu Qizhen’s order, were about to move.

Receiving everyone’s attention, starting with Zhu Qizhen, Wang Chong took out a scroll from his arms and tore open the seal.

“Crown Prince Zhu Qizhen, receive the imperial order!”

At Wang Chong’s shout, Zhu Qizhen immediately straightened his clothes, knelt down, and sat down.

Wang Chong shouted the contents of the scroll loudly.

“The position of Crown Prince is revoked from Crown Prince Zhu Qizhen, and at the same time, the position of Prince of the East is bestowed! Prince of the East Zhu Qizhen is ordered to open a Prince’s Palace in Liaodong!”

“What!”

No sooner had Wang Chong finished speaking than Zhu Qizhen jumped up. However, Wang Chong continued to speak.

“The Prince of the East’s nature is that of a conqueror! This is advantageous for founding a dynasty, but it is not suitable for the current situation of defending the realm! Therefore, the position of Crown Prince is revoked and the position of Prince of the East is bestowed!”

“Ugh!”

Clang!

With a strange cry, Zhu Qizhen drew his sword and aimed it at Wang Chong.

However, Wang Chong continued to speak without blinking an eye.

“Although it is not in the document, His Majesty has given a separate secret order.”

“What is it!”

“得朝鮮許稱帝 (If you obtain Joseon, you are allowed to declare yourself Emperor).”

* * *

The Forbidden City.

The Xuande Emperor, sitting alone in his room, looked at the map and muttered.

“Now, defense is more important than expansion. If it’s that guy’s nature, he’s the kind of guy who will ruin the country by only doing unconditional expansion.”

The Xuande Emperor had suffered all sorts of hardships to restore the finances that had become riddled with holes due to the Yongle Emperor’s frequent conquests.

“The second one is mediocre, but that’s why he’s suitable for defense.”

The Xuande Emperor looked at Joseon and his eyes gleamed.

“And that guy will definitely take the bait I’ve offered. If that happens, Joseon will suffer serious damage. Annexing Joseon will be impossible, but it will be able to inflict fatal wounds. It is the best way to clip the wings of Joseon, which is trying to take flight.”