Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 685

685. Suez (5)

“Hmm… Even though Lord Ouchi has a good relationship with us, I believe the request he sent this time is worth considering. What do you think, Prime Minister?”

At Hyang’s question, Kim Jeom replied as if he had been waiting for it.

“First, let’s break down Lord Ouchi of Wa’s [ancient name for Japan] request item by item. First of all, we can add up to 20% more students to study Confucianism and practical skills than we have now.”

“Only 20%? I’ve even heard rumors that once they pass the Confucianism course and are deemed capable of practical work, everyone is eager to take them away?”

At Hyang’s pointed remark, Kim Jeom readily admitted the truth.

“Of course, it is true that we still lack manpower to run the Empire. This is because the ideal government size pursued by Sambong Jeong Do-jeon [influential scholar and politician in early Joseon] and other predecessors was inherently small.”

* * *

When Joseon [Korean kingdom from 1392 to 1897] was founded, those who pursued a Neo-Confucian ideal state believed that the government did not need to be large.

-If the people are enlightened and everyone accumulates virtue, a large government is unnecessary. Rather, the larger the government becomes, the more the burden on the people increases!

Based on this decision, it was common for officials in the court at the time to hold at least two or three positions concurrently. With such concurrent positions being essential, salaries were reduced instead.

Thanks to this, until Sejong [fourth king of Joseon Dynasty] carried out his reforms, Joseon’s court suffered from severe personnel bottlenecks, and bribery was commonplace.

And that aftermath was still affecting things almost a generation later.

No, to be precise, the problem of a shortage of talent was being somewhat resolved by allowing the advancement of illegitimate children and even women to official positions as reforms progressed.

However, the problem was that the speed at which the Empire’s territory was expanding far outstripped the speed of talent supply.

As a result, the supply and demand of lower-level officials was somewhat resolved, but the weakness in the middle management was still a headache.

* * *

At Kim Jeom’s answer, Hyang’s eyes gleamed.

‘He mentioned Sambong Jeong Do-jeon so openly? Has he finally been freed from the shackles?’

The existence of Jeong Do-jeon, who was purged by Taejong [third king of Joseon] in the ‘First Prince’s Rebellion,’ was a kind of taboo.

He was occasionally mentioned as Sejong carried out his reforms. However, this was only to the extent that Sejong, as the king, would occasionally mention him, and the ministers had to be as careful as possible, mentioning him indirectly.

If they made a mistake, they would be plagued by memorials from the censors and not know what kind of harm they would suffer.

However, now that Joseon had changed to an Empire, the ministers naturally began to mention Jeong Do-jeon.

The private soldiers that Jeong Do-jeon pursued were also abolished, and military power was seized by the Emperor. In addition, the conquest of Liaodong, which Jeong Do-jeon promoted, had become the territory of the Empire, reaching the front of the Great Wall beyond Liaodong.

And the harmony between royal authority and ministerial authority that Jeong Do-jeon dreamed of was also taking root as a legal system through ‘super-law.’

Therefore, it had become natural for those who held ministerial positions or new officials to mention Jeong Do-jeon’s name if necessary.

As an aside, as the trend changed like this, amnesty for Ryu Jeong-hyeon and his comrades, who had been purged by Sejong, was brought up, but Hyang firmly refused.

“Those who do not know the deep and far-reaching implications of the situation and are trapped in their own stubbornness tried to ruin the grand plan! Even if they are all dead, I can never allow amnesty and restoration!”

At Hyang’s very firm refusal, the amnesty theory immediately sank into the deep sea.

After that, when Ryu Jeong-hyeon’s name came up among the officials gathered in the gibang [traditional Korean house of courtesans], they all shook their heads.

“Why did he put up such resistance from the beginning and dig his own grave! It’s his own fault!”

Meanwhile, Hyang remembered the conversation he had with Sejong in the past and strengthened his resolve.

“The Empire is not yet stable. Whether they are descendants of the Giyu Rebellion [political strife in Joseon] or descendants of Ryu Jeong-hyeon and his comrades, I must prevent them from approaching the vicinity of power, at least while I am alive.”

* * *

Kim Jeom continued to explain why it had to be 20%.

“As Your Majesty said, it is true that we lack manpower. As the saying goes, the more Wa people [Japanese] there are to work, the better. However, if that happens, the secrets that our Empire, including Shinji, is hiding may leak out. Therefore, 20% is the best way to use them appropriately and comfortably in a suitable place.”

At Kim Jeom’s answer, Hyang muttered inwardly.

‘That’s exactly it. Non-regular workers, or dispatch employees who often appear in Japanese dramas.’

Hyang, who was trying to get out of the way, quickly organized his thoughts and pointed out Shinji.

“Aren’t many of the Empire’s people already aware of Shinji?”

“As Your Majesty knows, what the people know is at the level of rumors. Only the officials and soldiers who are directly involved in the work, and the artisans in Area 51, know it properly.”

Kim Jeom’s expression as he looked at Hyang while answering that seemed to have a lot to say.

‘Why is he asking me when he’s the one who managed the secrets so meticulously in the first place? Who is he trying to feed?’

* * *

Hyang’s secrecy policy regarding Shinji was almost obsessive.

The crew members of the transport ships traveling to and from Shinji had to sign a confidentiality agreement, regardless of their position.

And the people who immigrated to Shinji through the SaMin policy [policy encouraging people to move to less populated areas] had to agree to mail censorship to be allowed to immigrate.

“What kind of land is it that…”

“I applied because they give me much more land than Daeseol Island or Bukji, but why is it so difficult?”

“Hey, damn it! I can’t do it because it’s so dirty! Should I just go to Bukji?”

Many applicants, who were more angry than expected at the difficult screening process, turned to Bukji, which was still familiar. However, those who passed this process and moved to Shinji to settle near Daehogun soon sent letters to their relatives who remained in their hometowns.

The contents of the letters were simple.

-Stop talking and come to Shinji right now!

And the relatives in their hometowns who received this letter had a dubious expression on their faces.

“Come to Shinji? Have you forgotten the infamous screening process? Is this trying to feed me? Or is there really something there?”

Complaints about the difficult screening process continued to be raised, but Hyang had no intention of easing it at all.

“We must hide it until the natives of Shinji are properly assimilated into the Empire and Shinji’s own defense is established. As far as I know, Columbus set foot on the New World in 1492, so we must finish that preparation within at least 20 to 30 years.”

Hyang, who had heard the detailed plan from Sejong, who had briefly returned for the Empire’s declaration, set up a long-term plan to further supplement it.

The goal that Hyang was aiming for in that plan was simple.

-At least the North American region, and possibly even Mexico, will be blocked off at the Atlantic line!

* * *

“Okay, then let’s do this. In the case of international students who come simply to learn subjects such as Confucianism, mathematics, law, and medicine, let’s increase the number by about 10% each year, but let’s limit those who will learn administrative practice to those with excellent grades, up to a maximum of 20%. However, this 20% is not fixed, but is limited to those who have excellent grades and pass the screening. Let’s warn them that the number may decrease if they do not pass the screening. What do you think?”

Kim Jeom bowed his head at Hyang’s settlement plan.

“This is a truly reasonable decision. In particular, I think it is the best alternative to warn that the number may decrease rather than unconditionally increase. Then the international students will study harder and become more immersed in the Empire.”

Hyang nodded lightly at Kim Jeom’s words and looked around at the other ministers.

“What do the others think?”

At Hyang’s question, the ministers bowed their heads at the same time and answered.

“This is a truly reasonable decision!”

* * *

“Let’s do it this way for the issue of international students, and the next issue is the problem. It is the issue of accepting international students into the Military Academy.”

Kim Jeom immediately stepped forward and answered at Hyang’s words.

“Although I have little knowledge of the military, I believe that this request should not be accepted. Although Lord Ouchi is making peace with our Empire and submitting himself, Wa people [Japanese] are Wa people [Japanese]. Wa people [Japanese] are inherently fierce and betray those who follow them.”

At Kim Jeom’s words, the ministers all nodded. Seeing the faces of those ministers, Hyang turned to Min Shin, the Minister of National Defense.

“What does the Minister of National Defense think?”

Min Shin, who had been organizing his thoughts for a while at Hyang’s question, soon reported his opinion.

“I also agree with the Prime Minister’s opinion. Looking at the current situation in Wa [Japan], it is certain that Lord Ouchi has taken control of Wa [Japan]. Also, it is true that Ouchi Mochiyo, who is leading Lord Ouchi now, is a person who is cooperative with our Empire. However, the problem is that Ouchi Mochiyo is very old. Of course, Ouchi Norihiro, who will succeed him, also wants to make peace with our Empire and submit to it, but it is not certain. In this situation, training those who will lead the Wa people’s [Japanese] army is more harmful than good.”

At Min Shin’s words, Hyang immediately asked a question.

“What are the pros and cons?”

“The advantage is that we can show the dignity of our Imperial Army to those who will lead the Wa [Japanese] army and preemptively discourage them from provoking us. In addition, we can use the trick of making them admire the Empire. If we use this well, we can create a situation where the Wa [Japanese] army refuses even if the new lord of Lord Ouchi has an unexpected mind.”

“Wouldn’t that possibility be very low? No matter how much they admire our Empire, the military is a group that obeys orders, and isn’t it natural for them to follow the orders of the lord?”

Min Shin nodded at Hyang’s point.

“That’s true. If that happens, Lord Ouchi of Wa [Japan] will be considered ruined.”

Nodding at Min Shin’s words, Hyang continued.

“I understand the advantages well. Everyone knows the disadvantages without hearing an explanation. Then would it be reasonable to reject this part?”

Heo Hu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, stepped forward and expressed his opposition at Hyang’s words.

“It would be best to refuse, but there is a high possibility that it will cause problems in terms of diplomacy. Although Ouchi Mochiyo is currently in control of Wa [Japan], there are still those who resist. If we reject Ouchi Mochiyo’s request, we will greatly damage the face of Ouchi Mochiyo, who is advocating ‘leaving Wa [Japan] and entering the Joseon Dynasty’ and is friendly to the Empire. If we make a mistake, Ouchi Mochiyo’s reign may be greatly shaken. Furthermore, if Ouchi Mochiyo harbors resentment, another dispute may break out. Of course, the Empire’s power can suppress it immediately, but I think it is better to avoid unnecessary bloodshed.”

Kim Jeom took over after Heo Hu’s remarks.

“The Minister of Foreign Affairs’ remarks are also valid.”

At Kim Jeom’s words, Hyang revealed his inner thoughts without realizing it.

“Why are these neighbors all full of problems….”

At Hyang’s words, the ministers nodded with expressions of great sympathy.

After that, the ministers continued their debate, expressing and refuting various opinions.

Hyang, who was organizing his thoughts while listening to the ministers’ opinions, finally spoke about his thoughts.

“How about doing this?”

Hyang, who had gathered the ministers’ attention, spoke about his thoughts.

“First of all, the Navy is excluded.”

At Hyang’s words, the ministers all nodded. It was natural to exclude the Navy, as they had been famous for pirates since ancient times.

“And….”

Hyang paused for a moment and moistened his throat before continuing.

“In the case of the Army, instead of bringing them in, we will send instructors. The only thing the instructors will do is teach them how to fight. They will not teach them how to win.”