Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 957

957. South and North, and the Middle (4)

Before the current ruling family, the Habsburgs, the Holy Roman Empire under the Hohenstaufen dynasty held the largest territory in Europe. While its size diminished somewhat with the rise of the Habsburgs, it still rivaled France as the largest territory. The core issue was the lack of firm control over such a vast domain.

The empire’s numerous princes and lords constantly sought to break away. Some powerful dukes even plotted to overthrow the Habsburgs and seize the throne. Consequently, Emperor Frederick III and his successor Maximilian I, despite wielding considerable power, couldn’t fully commit to Venice and Italy.

-Too much to protect, but not enough power to protect everything.

-Then, let’s discard what we can, but take as much as we can.

This underlying decision led to different approaches when dealing with Hungary and Venice. Hungary, which threatened the Habsburgs’ very foundation, was confronted with full force, while Venice was merely garrisoned without a full-scale commitment. Especially after the devastating defeat of the Imperial Navy in the Battle of Corsica, they completely withdrew to a spectator role.

And after the overwhelming power of the Imperial-Italian allied forces was reconfirmed in the Battle of Vicenza, the Habsburgs withdrew completely. They decided it was unnecessary to expend resources in peripheral areas when internal issues within the empire demanded attention. Neither France nor Spain excessively criticized the Habsburgs’ actions, understanding the rationale behind them.

-If I were in that situation, I would have made a similar decision.

Hyang added.

“It’s best not to get involved in a game where you’re likely to lose everything.”

Therefore, the ‘Sack of Venice’ didn’t become a major public outcry. For Hyang and Lorenzo de Medici, it was a win-win situation, and it wasn’t considered a significant problem for France, Spain, or other European powers. In that era, war and plunder were often intertwined.

And there was a clear historical precedent: the ‘Sack of Constantinople’ during the Fourth Crusade. Thanks to this, the great powers and the empire all achieved reasonably favorable outcomes in the Venetian War, except for the Venetians, who were furious about their city being plundered. Some intellectuals even sneered at the enraged Venetians.

“They’re just getting back what their ancestors did in the past. So what!”

The Venetians, after all, had used the Crusaders as mercenaries under the pretext of insufficient funds during the aforementioned Fourth Crusade.

* * *

In any case, with the addition of Venice, the ‘unification of Northern Italy’ was nearing completion. The remaining areas were the Turin region controlled by France and the Cuneo area controlled by Spain.

“Shouldn’t we attack immediately?”

Lorenzo, emboldened by the acquisition of Venice, immediately proposed an attack, but Hyang shook his head.

“Although there wasn’t a major battle, the losses were still significant. And the soldiers are exhausted. I don’t think it’s feasible to launch an immediate offensive.”

“They’re tired, but their morale is high.”

“Taking a break is also a military tactic. Besides, aren’t both France and Spain on high alert right now? There’s an old saying that you shouldn’t provoke a venomous snake that’s already angry.”

“But……”

“I think it’s best to integrate the soldiers recruited from Venice first. We also need to coordinate the Venetian soldiers with our existing forces so they can work together effectively.”

“The Venetians, in the process of Southern integration……”

“If that happens, I don’t think the residents of Milan and Genoa, let alone your Florence, will appreciate it. Some are shedding blood and fighting, while others are just relaxing in the rear.”

Faced with Hyang’s point, Lorenzo had no choice but to concede.

“Ah, I was short-sighted.”

After retracting Lorenzo’s proposal, Hyang muttered to himself.

“The feeling of ‘I’m the only one suffering while you’re having fun’ is most intense on the battlefield and in the workplace. But if they actually withdraw their support, it’ll be a real mess. Of course, I don’t care if they argue later, but not right now. And……”

Pausing, Hyang looked at the thick reports piled on his desk. He muttered as he reviewed the lists of Imperial soldiers killed and wounded in the war, and the inventory of lost equipment.

“We can buy new equipment, but we can’t replace human lives. We’ve already gained a decent amount of political capital, so we need to minimize further bloodshed. Since it’s a European war, the Europeans should be the ones shedding blood.”

As Hyang said, the empire had already reaped considerable benefits. Militarily, it demonstrated the empire’s actual strength, which had previously only been rumored, deterring reckless actions by European powers and expanding arms sales to the Ottomans and smaller European nations. Politically, it firmly established its control over Shinji [a region or territory under the empire’s influence].

“That powerful fleet came from Shinji? That fleet can’t be the entire Shinji garrison fleet…. We shouldn’t mess with Shinji.”

“I’m tempted by the uncharted areas on the map given to Portugal.”

The European powers, initially covetous of Shinji, gave up on it and began to focus on other territories. Next was strengthening the empire’s voice. From the meeting just before the start of the war, the empire’s presence and influence grew significantly.

Among the European powers attending the meeting, none could afford to ignore the empire’s existence and opinions. In the end, Hyang, judging that he had gained everything he needed to some extent, began to conserve his resources.

* * *

While France, Spain, and the Imperial-Italian alliance were slowly catching their breath and replenishing their strength for ‘the final showdown in Northern Italy,’ unwelcome guests arrived from the mainland. Led by Han Myung-hoi and Jang Hang-sun, high-ranking officials from the court and the Ministry of National Defense arrived en masse.

“We greet His Majesty the Taesanghwang [Retired Emperor]! Seeing you in good health despite residing in a harsh environment for so long, we can only offer our gratitude to the heavens and earth.”

“We greet His Majesty the Taesanghwang!”

The officials from the mainland, led by Han Myung-hoi, paid their respects to Hyang in unison.

“I am truly grateful for your kind words. But…..”

Hyang, smiling and returning the greeting, looked at Han Myung-hoi and Jang Hang-sun and asked.

“But, what brings the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister here? No, not just the two of you, but with so many people in tow?”

‘It’s definitely because of Corsica, but……’

Although he asked the question, Hyang already knew the answer to some extent. And the answer he received was exactly what he expected.

“The navy suffered very heavy losses in this naval battle, so we are here to examine it in detail and prevent this from happening again.”

As he spoke, Han Myung-hoi handed over a golden envelope. Confirming the word ‘Command (命)’ written on the outside, Hyang sighed.

“Hoo~. I understand. Thank you for your hard work.”

“We are deeply grateful. And, I have been ordered to stay by His Majesty the Taesanghwang’s side for the time being to assist him.”

“Me?”

At Hyang’s question, Han Myung-hoi glanced at Shin Suk-ju and Sung Sam-moon, who were standing next to him, and bowed his head.

“Yes. His Majesty is very worried.”

“…. I look forward to working with you.”

As the situation was settled, Jang Hang-sun led the officials out.

“I’ll get those bastards!”

Hyang and Han Myung-hoi both smiled wryly at Jang Hang-sun’s curse echoing from outside the door. As the people disappeared, Hyang erased his smile and asked Han Myung-hoi.

“What’s going on in the mainland?”

“The mainland is in a time of peace.”

“The Imperial Navy suffered heavy losses here, but it’s not enough for you to come all the way here. What’s going on?”

When Hyang pressed him with a serious expression, Han Myung-hoi looked around. Understanding the unspoken request for privacy, Hyang addressed the people in the office.

“Everyone except the Prime Minister, leave. Both the scribe and the clerk.”

Starting with Shin Suk-ju and Sung Sam-moon, everyone left at Hyang’s command. With only Han Myung-hoi remaining in the room, Hyang asked again.

“What’s going on?”

“I am afraid to report, but there is a problem with the Crown Prince’s investiture.”

“With the Crown Prince’s investiture? Is there a problem with Woo (玗)’s health?”

“Ah, no.”

“Then why?”

At Hyang’s question, Han Myung-hoi took out a red envelope from his pocket.

“This is a private letter from the Emperor and the Sanghwang.”

Hyang received the envelope from Han Myung-hoi and quickly read the contents of the letter. As he read, Hyang’s expression gradually changed. Finally, after finishing the letter, Hyang put his hand on his forehead, sighed, and cursed.

“Haa~. Damn it!”

The contents of the letter can be summarized simply.

-Woo, the eldest son of Hyun, is refusing to become the Crown Prince!

* * *

As Joseon transformed into an empire, there were also changes in the investiture of the Crown Prince. Unlike Hyang, who was invested as Crown Prince at the age of 8, in the empire, the investiture of the Crown Prince and the marriage were held between the ages of 12 and 14, after he finished the Samin Academy [a type of advanced school] and received adult certification. This was a procedure stipulated by law, not merely a custom.

After the Crown Prince’s investiture, the selection of the Crown Princess and the Crown Prince’s concubine followed according to the law, and the national marriage was held. The reason why the order was set in this way was that the empire’s supreme law prohibited concubinage and polygamy. The only exceptions were the Emperor and the Crown Prince, which was to prevent the imperial family’s line from dying out. Therefore, the investiture of the Crown Prince was the beginning and the culmination of preparing for the future.

“…..But, he doesn’t want the Crown Prince position?”

“That is correct!”

At Woo’s answer, Hyun sighed softly and asked.

“Why?”

At Hyun’s question, Woo answered immediately.

“Because if I become the Crown Prince, I have to take responsibility for Area 51 and the research institute! I want to study music (音律) [classical music]!”

“Huh?”

At Woo’s answer, Hyun remembered what the Empress had said a while ago.

-Your Majesty, I heard that Woo-ah is hanging out with Yoong-yi every day these days.

‘If it’s Yoong, he was the son of Count Jinpyeong, right?’

Count Jinpyeong – Seongjong in the history before Hyang intervened – Yoong – Yeonsangun in the history before Hyang intervened – was famous for his deep knowledge of music even at a young age. However, he was as notorious for scandals related to women as he was for his knowledge.

“The eldest son of the Emperor must become the Crown Prince, and it is customary and legal for the Crown Prince to be in charge of the research institute and Area 51.”

“That’s why I shouldn’t become the Crown Prince!”

At Woo’s firm answer, Hyun shouted.

“Hey! You son of a bitch!”

“I told you, I won’t do it!”

While the father and son were at loggerheads, on one side, Woo’s full-blooded and half-siblings were watching this argument. The interesting thing was their expressions. The full-blooded siblings were full of worries, and the half-siblings had intriguing expressions.