Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 871

871. Generational Shift (2)

The debate regarding Im Soon-wook and Han Myung-hoi’s proposals stretched on, but ultimately, Wan held the power to make the final call.

“I have listened carefully to your opinions. I can see in every word the deep concern you hold for the peace, security, and prosperity of the Empire, and I am greatly pleased by it.”

The ministers bowed their heads in response to Wan’s praise.

“You are too kind.”

“We have merely fulfilled our duties as subjects.”

Having softened the atmosphere with praise, Wan shared his own thoughts.

“I believe that both the Minister of Finance and the Minister of General Affairs have valid points.”

Wan’s subsequent remarks can be summarized as follows:

-The Minister of Finance’s plan is sound, but its success hinges on precise timing. If we fail to advance and retreat at the opportune moments, the Empire will bear unnecessary burdens.

-The problem lies in the distance between Italy and the Empire. Even if something occurs in Italy, news takes a considerable time to reach Seoul, and vice versa.

-The Minister of General Affairs’ plan is bold, and it could potentially save both time and resources.

-However, there is a significant risk that a fragmented Europe could unite and turn against the Empire.

-Because, in the eyes of Europeans, our Empire is both pagan and foreign. Moreover, they suffered greatly during the Mongol invasions. Why else would the saying ‘Trample the grass to find the snake’ [a proverb meaning to be thorough in eliminating potential threats] exist?

-Looking at the current state of our Empire, we are surrounded by the Ming, Japan, and the Mongols on our mainland and northern territories. Although our Empire is currently at peace and engaging in diplomacy with them, they could become enemies at any time. Increasing the number of potential enemies is not a wise strategy.

“…However, these two proposals are the only viable options before us. Therefore, I believe the best course of action would be to combine elements of both.”

Wan’s strategy was as follows:

-Establish an Imperial embassy in Florence. This embassy will serve as our official observation post in Italy, reporting directly to Seoul.

This way, those seeking to intervene in Italy will be aware of the Empire’s presence and be forced to reveal their intentions.

-Never reveal all your cards at once. The Empire will only act upon Florence’s request. This will provide justification for our actions and minimize suspicion. It will also help us identify European countries willing to align with the Empire and Florence.

-If the Empire deems military intervention necessary, mobilize all available troops in the European theater and strive for a swift victory.

-And, in the event of such a military deployment, the staging point will be Shinji.

“Shinji, you say?”

“Yes. I have already discussed this with Sahwang [governor or commander], and I believe it is the optimal plan.”

At Wan’s words, the eyes of all the ministers, including Hwangbo-in, turned towards the Minister of National Defense and the Chief of Staff.

Amidst the ministers’ focused gazes, Jang Hang-sun and the Chief of Staff analyzed Wan’s proposal with serious expressions.

They exchanged opinions in hushed whispers, and finally, having reached a conclusion, they nodded and turned to face Wan and the other ministers.

“We also believe that Shinji is the most suitable option.”

“Is Shinji truly capable of handling such a task?” Kim Jong-seo questioned, and Jang Hang-sun immediately responded.

“Not at this moment. But that applies equally to Florence and anyone else attempting to meddle in Italy. If we are speaking of the 10 or 15 years we anticipate, and if we diligently develop Shinji’s naval power, the possibility is high enough.”

Shin Suk-ju challenged Jang Hang-sun’s assessment.

“Most European countries are already vaguely aware of Shinji’s existence. Won’t they naturally take precautions once things begin to unfold?”

“The entirety of Europe will defend against Shinji?”

“Yes.”

Jang Hang-sun shook his head at Shin Suk-ju’s words.

“Impossible. First, the nations with the strongest naval power in Europe are Spain and Portugal, and both are heavily invested in the Mediterranean and African regions. They lack the resources to spare for Shinji, and even if they did, they wouldn’t divert them. The moment they do, they risk falling behind in the competition. And, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs knows, Portugal maintains a positive relationship with our Empire.”

“What about England and France?”

“Those sworn enemies joining forces? There’s a saying ‘Wu and Yue in the same boat’ [meaning even enemies can cooperate in a crisis], but the likelihood is extremely low.”

“Still, there’s always a ‘what if,’ isn’t there?”

As Suk-ju persisted, Jang Hang-sun scoffed and retorted.

“Hmph! Do you believe our Ministry of National Defense is blind and deaf? We are well-informed about the performance of European warships, and the types of ships they are constructing! Why? Because the largest shipyard involved in building those ships is the Empire’s shipyard in Suez! We know the capabilities of the ships the Europeans will deploy in battle, we know the capabilities of our own warships, and Sahwang in Shinji is diligently developing the navy! If events transpire after the anticipated timeframe, there will be absolutely nothing to worry about!”

At Jang Hang-sun’s confident assertion, Shin Suk-ju fell silent, his expression paling. The ministers around them, who had been listening intently, exchanged glances, shaking their heads slightly and muttering to themselves.

‘That man, he’s done it again.’

Pointing out potential problems and raising questions was not inherently wrong. The issue was that Hyang was the Sahwang in Shinji. And that Sahwang was Hyang.

The ministers, well aware of Hyang’s personality, understood from Wan’s words, ‘The Sahwang has agreed,’ that the decision was already set in stone. If it was Hyang, he would undoubtedly develop the Shinji navy meticulously, adhering to the Ministry of National Defense’s projected timeline, or even surpassing it.

‘No, it would be a relief if he simply developed it properly.’

Given Hyang’s penchant for innovation, there was no guarantee that something even more formidable than the Assault Turtle Ship would emerge.

In this context, continuing to express doubt was tantamount to questioning the Sahwang and the Emperor’s capabilities.

Shin Suk-ju, who had been attempting to demonstrate his diligence, had inadvertently caused another blunder.

Shin Suk-ju desperately sought to rectify his mistake, even in the smallest way.

“But, haven’t quite a few European exploration ships been sunk by the Shinji navy? The Europeans who dispatched those ships must suspect the Empire’s involvement. If they sense the Empire making a move, wouldn’t they naturally bolster their defenses in the Shinji area?”

The Chief of Staff nodded in agreement with Shin Suk-ju’s point.

“Of course, they will. Nevertheless, it is impossible for them to effectively defend. First, the sea between Shinji and Europe is vast, and accurate nautical charts are scarce. Ah! I stand corrected. Only the Empire possesses somewhat reliable charts.”

As the Chief of Staff stated, the Empire possessed charts of the Atlantic Ocean, particularly the North Atlantic.

* * *

One of the Empire’s most diligent endeavors since initiating trade with Europe and the Middle East was the collection of nautical charts.

Although the scales and accuracy were often questionable, charts dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, as well as the Viking era, were promptly sent to the Ministry of National Defense upon discovery.

Furthermore, the navy being cultivated in Shinji was also actively engaged. In between surveying the eastern and western coastlines of Shinji and eliminating European exploration ships, they dispatched one or two ships at a time to explore the route eastward.

Interestingly, the European exploration ships themselves became significant contributors to this exploration.

Initially, they sank exploration ships without hesitation upon encountering them. However, as time went on, Hyang revised his approach.

“It’s a waste in many ways….”

Following Hyang’s directive, the Shinji-based navy altered its tactics.

-First, inflict damage by firing a warning barrage.

-Sink the ship if the opponent continues to resist or attempts to flee.

-If the opponent raises a white flag, confiscate all crew and cargo and sink the exploration ship.

Through this method, a considerable number of Europeans ended up as prisoners in the Shinji naval prison.

A manager dispatched by Hyang awaited them in the prison.

“We have decided not to open Shinji to outsiders yet, so we have no choice but to detain you. We deeply regret this situation. Now, we will offer you a choice. You can either work at the railroad construction site until the port is opened, or you can refuse.”

“What happens if we refuse?”

“You will be compelled to build roads and railroads in the Mesica region to the south.”

“Doesn’t sound like there’s much difference?”

“There is a significant difference. The first option provides adequate compensation, and you are allowed to rest when needed. The second option offers none of those benefits.”

“Is there no option to return home?”

“If that were possible, why would we have sunk your ships?”

“….”

Ultimately, the Europeans found themselves working at Jinpyeong’s railroad construction site.

“More important than the people themselves is this….”

However, Hyang considered the nautical logs and charts obtained from the exploration ships to be of paramount importance.

Through these nautical logs and charts, the Empire’s Greater East Ocean (大東洋) chart became increasingly comprehensive.

* * *

The Chief of Staff continued his explanation.

“It is impossible for Europeans to defend all those vast coastlines and ports when they have no idea where we will strike from.”

“That’s true, but….”

“And Europeans are unlikely to pay close attention to the Shinji area because they are familiar with the habits of our Empire’s people.”

“The habits of our Empire’s people?”

This time, not only Shin Suk-ju but also the other ministers focused their attention on the Chief of Staff’s words.

“Yes. The habits of our Empire’s people are well-known. ‘A little more profit,’ and ‘a little faster.’ The Europeans have likely reasoned this way: ‘If the route from Shinji to Europe were faster and more profitable than the route from Seoul through Suez to Europe, the Empire’s ships would already be traveling it frequently. They are not doing so because it is not profitable.’ And, this is reflected in the actions of the Europeans. According to reports, the number of exploration ships approaching Shinji has dwindled to almost nothing, while the number of exploration ships heading to the Southern New Continent, which was recently discovered, has increased dramatically.”

As the Chief of Staff mentioned, Australia had indeed been discovered recently.

“It was real!”

“Let’s go!”

European explorers, thrilled by the discovery of the New Continent, immediately set sail for Australia.

Explorers arriving in Australia meticulously charted the coastline and ventured into the interior.

The discoveries didn’t end with Australia. While searching for suitable locations for rest and resupply on the way to Australia, numerous islands in the South Pacific region were discovered.

* * *

“Thanks to the Southern New Continent, Europe’s attention is fixated on the south. I calculated 10 or 15 years from now based on the current national power of European countries, and well….”

The Chief of Staff trailed off, but the ministers could easily surmise his intended conclusion.

‘Even in 10 or 15 years, Europe will be unable to contend with the Empire!’

Hwangbo-in smiled wryly and glanced at the Chief of Staff.

‘I thought he was simply a born soldier, but he’s become corrupted.’

The Chief of Staff deliberately trailed off, hedging against the possibility of his prediction proving inaccurate in the future.

‘Wasn’t he so confident! But what is this!’

Of course, neither he nor the Chief of Staff would likely be in their current positions by then, but the criticism one receives in absentia is often the most stinging.