Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 912

912. Alliance (6)

Hyang’s words sounded plausible, but neither Hyeon nor Han Myeong-hoe could accept them with a simple, “Yes, sir.”

Regardless of what anyone said, Hyang was the Taesang Emperor [Retired Emperor]. Moreover, he was the one who built this glorious empire. He was a figure who received absolute loyalty from the Emperor, his ministers, and the people.

Such a person at the forefront?

He was the most valuable hostage. No, if Hyang were to die or get injured on the front lines, it was crystal clear that the morale of the Imperial Army and the people would plummet.

And the people of the Empire would certainly hold the Emperor and his ministers accountable.

Of course, the nation that initiated the conflict would then have to pay the price to an empire consumed by rage.

“As the Emperor of the Empire, and as his grandson, I cannot accept the Taesang Emperor’s request.”

“I must go. Otherwise, the Empire and its people will suffer greatly in Italy.”

“Trust the Imperial Army and the people of the Empire.”

“It is because I trust them that I want to go. I cannot allow such loyal Imperial soldiers and citizens to be lost in vain, can I?”

Han Myeong-hoe intervened in the parallel conversation between Hyang and Hyeon.

“The intention that Taesang Emperor holds is truly admirable. However, please consider His Majesty the Emperor. If the Taesang Emperor goes to Italy, what will the people think of His Majesty the Emperor? They will immediately denounce it as unfilial. And what will they think of the commanders who will be commanding the army on the front lines? They will say, ‘How incompetent must they be that the Taesang Emperor, who is of such advanced age, has to go to Italy?'”

“Why is age being brought up here…”

Hyang gave a bitter smile and muttered softly at Han Myeong-hoe’s words. However, he quickly straightened his expression and retorted.

“What is wrong with age? Look at Bangchon (황희’s pen name) [Hwang Hui, a renowned Joseon Dynasty scholar and politician], Uichon (김점’s pen name) [Kim Jeom, a Joseon Dynasty scholar], Jeoljae (김종서’s pen name) [Kim Jong-seo, a prominent Joseon Dynasty general], and Jibong (황보인’s pen name) [Hwangbo In, a Joseon Dynasty politician]. All of them held important positions and performed their duties even past their 90s. And you’re saying I can’t because I’m old? That’s nonsense.”

Hyeon and Han Myeong-hoe both cursed inwardly at Hyang’s words.

‘Damn it! I can’t even curse at the people who are already dead, this is driving me crazy!’

The people Hyang mentioned were those who had served as Prime Ministers and Deputy Prime Ministers around the founding of the Empire.

They were outstanding subjects who were credited with having put the Empire on a stable track during the reigns of Sejong and Hyang. And they were all famous for their longevity.

“And, although I am old now, do I look like I have problems moving around?”

At Hyang’s question, Hyeon and Han Myeong-hoe both shook their heads and answered.

“No, you don’t!”

“Not at all!”

This was the truth.

* * *

Looking at Hyang’s appearance now, it was hard to believe that he was almost eighty years old. His back and waist were straight, and his gait was energetic. And he was in good physical condition, enjoying horseback riding, shooting, and Shinji Gyeok-Gu [a polo-like game played in Shinji] whenever he had the chance.

Even in the history before Hyang’s intervention, records about Munjong mentioned that he had a good and handsome physique.

In other words, his hardware itself was quite good.

However, it would have been impossible to maintain this state with just his innate hardware. What made this possible was Sejong and his ‘Deokjil’ [the act of passionately supporting a celebrity or cause].

Hyang had initiated and operated the “Making Healthy Pigs” project for Sejong’s health.

“No matter how much you threaten me with impotence, there is an expiration date. I’m sure you’ll hear, ‘You tell me to do that, but why don’t you do it yourself?'”

To give Sejong a clear motivation, Hyang consistently exercised and created exercise equipment – similar to those seen in mineral springs and various places in the 21st century – and used them.

Hyang’s concern for exercise was not only for Sejong’s sake.

“What you need for this kind of ‘Deokjil’ is money and health!”

A big reason was to enjoy his favorite ‘Deokjil’ for a long time.

Through consistent exercise and a balanced diet of vegetables and meat, Hyang was still in excellent condition.

Thanks to this, a similar lifestyle became popular among intellectuals – specifically, the privileged class – under the name of “Emperor’s Health Method” not only among the people of the Empire but also in neighboring Ming and Japan.

* * *

In the end, because Hyang did not bend his will, other ministers had to step in.

Similar words to those spoken by Hyeon and Han Myeong-hoe continued to be voiced, and Hyang answered without hesitation.

“…Lastly, the reason I must go to Italy is for the morale of the Imperial Army.”

“What do you mean by that?”

At Han Myeong-hoe’s question, Hyang lightly moistened his throat and continued.

“The war that is about to take place is very different in nature from the wars our Empire has fought so far. To put it more simply, the justification is weak.”

“Justification… you mean?”

When Hyang brought up “justification,” Hyeon and Han Myeong-hoe looked as if they understood something.

Hyang nodded lightly at their expressions and explained in more detail.

-Most of the major wars the Empire has fought so far have been defensive wars. In other words, wars fought to protect the safety of the Empire.

-However, participating in the war in Italy is different in nature. If you look closely, it is the Empire interfering in the internal affairs of another country.

-Of course, you can argue about the Mesika subjugation war waged in Shinji. However, the Mesika subjugation war has a clear justification. It had the justification of saving the natives who were being oppressed by those who abandoned human morality and practiced cannibalism.

-From this point of view, the justification for participating in the Italian war is very weak. It is not that the Empire’s territory is being invaded, nor that Europeans have abandoned human morality.

-Therefore, there is a very high possibility that the morale of the Imperial soldiers stationed in Italy will be greatly reduced.

-Therefore, I must go and continue to promote legitimacy to boost the morale of the soldiers.

“Justification…”

“But, the morale of the soldiers being lowered is a bit…”

The ministers had expressions of doubt, but Hyang had an expression full of conviction.

“It will definitely be lowered. Because the Empire now has so much that it doesn’t have to pay attention to the outside…”

“Yes? What do you mean by that…”

“Looking at the current situation of our Empire, we have an incredibly vast territory called Honji, Bukji, Outer Bukbang, and Shinji. And the population is not very large. In other words, all the people can make a sufficient living just by developing the Empire’s territory. So why go all the way to distant Italy and get involved in a war? Are you sure there won’t be people who say we should just close the country?”

‘One of the reasons why the US military was in such a state during the Vietnam War was for similar reasons, right?’

“…”

The ministers closed their mouths at Hyang’s question. Watching those ministers, Hyang continued.

“Do you know why there is a saying, ‘The thorn under my fingernail is more painful’ [meaning one’s own problems always feel more significant]?”

“…”

The ministers were still silent with doubtful expressions at Hyang’s words. However, the ministers could not back down.

“However, the command system is already in place in Italy. If something goes wrong, it will cause great confusion.”

“I think there will be even greater confusion if I don’t go? Aren’t the army and navy both Jeldosa [military commissioners]? Both sides are of the same rank, right?”

‘The rivalry between the army and navy boasts history and tradition.’

At Hyang’s point, the ministers immediately answered.

“That is why Ambassador Yoo Eung-bu was dispatched. When the war breaks out, Ambassador Yoo Eung-bu will become the Commander-in-Chief and command the Imperial Army.”

“Of course, I think that part is reasonable. But the problem is Florence. More precisely, Lorenzo de Medici, the tyrant of Florence. Is it possible to control Lorenzo with just Yoo Eung-bu? It is possible while the war has not yet broken out, but will Lorenzo stay still when the war breaks out and we gain the upper hand?”

“…”

At Hyang’s point, the ministers closed their mouths again. According to the information they had received, Lorenzo de Medici was a fairly capable ruler, but he also had many incompetent aspects.

-His ambition is as great as his proven ability. However, he has not proven his military talent.

Because of this assessment, the ministers closed their mouths at Hyang’s point. Watching those ministers, Hyang muttered inwardly.

‘Mussolini was such a crazy guy that even the crazy guy Hitler was terrified of him, right?’

Watching the ministers who were silent because they were at a loss for an answer, Hyang drove in the final wedge.

“Even if it is a small country, it is not good for a minister to oppress the ruler of a country, and the people of Florence may have antipathy towards the Empire. So, shouldn’t someone suitable go?”

“That is a reasonable statement, but your age is too high… Rather, if the Retired Emperor goes…”

“Tsk!”

“Hic!”

The minister, who was about to suggest sending Wan instead of Hyang, froze as soon as Hyang clicked his tongue. It was something that had been engraved on his body while suffering from Hyang and Wan for a long time.

“Have you thought about the time it takes to send people to Shinji from here, and from Shinji to Italy? Have you forgotten that the situation is such that it may be too late even if we move out tomorrow?”

The ministers closed their mouths again at Hyang’s words, which clearly revealed his inner thoughts of, ‘I can’t have my rice bowl taken away no matter what!’

In the end, Hyeon had no choice but to admit that the conclusion had already been decided.

“Hoo~.”

Hyeon sighed deeply and looked at Hyang.

“Promise me just one thing. Promise me that you will never go to the front lines.”

At Hyeon’s words, Hyang smiled brightly and answered.

“I promise.”

In the end, it was decided that Hyang would head to Italy.

As an aside, Hyeon, who made this decision, immediately sent a long letter full of excuses and complaints to Wan in Shinji. Wan’s reply, which arrived in Seoul after some time, was short and concise.

-You worked hard.

It was a reply full of many meanings.

* * *

-The Taesang Emperor is going to Italy!

-It is to comfort the Imperial Army stationed in Italy and to hold talks with the rulers of the alliance!

Such proclamations were posted on the bulletin boards of all government offices in the Empire. However, few people believed these words as they were.

Even ordinary people were aware of the inside story that something had happened in Europe that was affecting the Empire’s interests, and that the Imperial Army had been dispatched in response.

Nevertheless, the news that Hyang was going to Italy shook the world.

“No, why is someone of his age going to the battlefield?”

“Is Italy such an important place? Enough for the Taesang Emperor to go there himself?”

Many people were asking ‘why?’ with puzzled expressions, but some shook their heads and muttered.

“There must be a place where wailing is breaking out now…”

As they said, there was a place where wailing was erupting.

It was the Imperial Army Logistics Command.

“Why! Why! Whyyy!”

“This is so frustrating!”

The Imperial soldiers working at the Logistics Command, regardless of rank, were screaming and cursing. But reality was reality. Recognizing that they could not escape the situation, they moved desperately.

“Re-examine the supply plan from the beginning!”

“Look closely! If the situation in Italy goes even slightly wrong, you’ll be a recorder at best!”