Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 969

969. Everyone’s a Sucker But Me… (6)

Upon hearing Han Myung-hoi’s proposal for the Empire, the leaders of Italy, who were about to voice their opposition, suddenly fell silent and began to contemplate.

‘Wait a minute… if this goes well…’

They began to see the possibility of eliminating other competitors if things went their way.

* * *

During this period, Europe was largely isolationist, or at best, operated under heavy protectionist trade policies. England was a prime example. The renowned Florentine woolen industry relied on wool imported from England. To foster its own woolen industry, England enacted stringent protectionist measures.

They imposed hefty taxes on imported woolen goods, particularly those from Italy, and restricted import quantities. Beyond limiting woolen imports, England also restricted the export of raw wool, the essential material, and began recruiting skilled woolen artisans from Italy and across Europe. Thanks to these proactive development policies and protectionist trade practices, the English woolen industry grew to rival Italy’s.

* * *

As England’s example showed, protectionism was widespread in Europe at the time. The Empire’s goods were the exception. The Empire’s primary exports were luxury items favored by nobles, such as crystal chandeliers; medicinal ingredients believed to enhance virility, like ginseng, found exclusively in the Empire; and unique porcelain products—known as “bone china” in pre-Hyang history—and ‘carbide’ [a type of early lighting fuel].

European countries didn’t outright ban these items but imposed high tariffs. The issue was that tariffs on porcelain and carbide, used by ordinary people, were higher than those on luxury goods and medicinal ingredients sought by the nobility. This naturally caused public discontent, and European governments offered these justifications:

-Although the tax *rate* is low, the *total* tax is much higher because the goods are very expensive.

-And the tax rate isn’t *that* low.

There was some truth to this. The tax rate was relatively low, but not insignificant. And the added tax was substantial due to the high cost of the goods. However, the main consumers were the nobles, who held power. Even the nobles were unhappy with the taxes.

So, they lowered the tax rate to a more reasonable level.

* * *

Against this backdrop, the Italian leaders hesitated to object and began to worry. The northern city-states, including Florence, centered their economies on commerce and industry. The Kingdom of Naples in the south depended heavily on agriculture, but the urban aristocrats who had accumulated wealth through commerce and industry held significant power in the cities.

-Until now, we have imposed unconditionally high tariffs on goods imported from the Empire. We even imposed higher tariffs on Empire goods entering through other city-states.

-However, if it becomes duty-free, we can lower the price slightly and still make a substantial profit.

-It’s impossible in markets dominated by merchants from England, France, Spain, and Habsburg, but we can gain overwhelming price competitiveness in markets like Eastern Europe, the Hanseatic League [a medieval commercial alliance], and the Grand Duchy of Moscow.

‘It’s not bad, but isn’t the Empire taking the biggest advantage?’

“The duty-free agreement sounds good, but isn’t the Empire benefiting disproportionately?”

“That’s right. Shouldn’t a good agreement benefit both sides equally?”

As the Italian leaders raised objections framed as negotiations, Han Myung-hoi smiled slightly and responded to their bargaining.

“That’s right. A good agreement should benefit both sides. So…”

Han Myung-hoi paused, then signaled again, and the Empire’s officials distributed new reports.

“Looking at the goods entering the Empire these days, I see many Italian woolen goods, French luxury lace, and silverware. The Empire taxes these. Wouldn’t the people of the Empire buy more if there were no taxes on them?”

As Han Myung-hoi pointed out, Italian woolen goods and leather products were quite popular in the Empire. Wool was a novel material for the people of the Empire, who were mainly familiar with cotton. The same was true of leather products. Unlike Empire-made products, which were functional and plain, Italian leather products were colorful and fashionable.

“Hmm…”

“Oh…”

The Italian leaders’ eyes lit up as they reviewed the reports.

“Give us some time. This isn’t something one person can decide; we need to gather everyone’s opinions.”

“As you wish.”

With Han Myung-hoi’s concession, the negotiations were temporarily adjourned. The Italian leaders moved to another conference room and questioned Lorenzo de’ Medici.

“How much do you know about this?”

“Florence is friendly with the Empire, so you must have known about this proposal!”

Under pressure from the other leaders, Lorenzo waved his hands, looking troubled.

“I didn’t know either! I knew something about the national structure [the fundamental principles of governance]! But I didn’t know about this part! I swear to the Virgin Mary, I didn’t know!”

“That can’t be…”

“Honestly, isn’t this part of the Empire’s internal affairs? Why would they tell me?”

“…That’s right.”

“That makes sense.”

The other leaders nodded at Lorenzo’s protest. As the leaders relented, Lorenzo quickly moved on to the main point.

“Isn’t the important question now whether the Empire’s proposal is beneficial to us or not?”

“That’s right.”

After much discussion, the Italian leaders reached an agreement and returned to the negotiating table.

“Unified Italy will accept the Empire’s proposal.”

Han Myung-hoi’s face brightened at Lorenzo’s words as the representative.

“That is a truly wise decision! This will further strengthen the relationship between the Empire and Italy!”

With most issues settled, starting with the national structure, the document summarizing these agreements began to be drafted. However, the documentation process was unexpectedly slow due to the issue of the shareholdings of the state representatives participating in the parliament.

“Well, it’s what I expected.”

Han Myung-hoi enjoyed his black tea with a relaxed expression. Seeing this, Seong Sam-mun glared at Han Myung-hoi and asked.

“Does it please you to see this situation? You aren’t overwhelmed with work as you are in Seoul, and the Supreme Emperor is in Bologna.”

At Seong Sam-mun’s remark, Han Myung-hoi shook his head exaggeratedly.

“Surely not! How could I, as a subject of the Empire, harbor such disrespectful thoughts?”

“The color in your face says otherwise?”

“You seem to have rejuvenated altogether?”

“Ahem! Ahem!”

Having simply silenced Seong Sam-mun, Han Myung-hoi concluded.

“Until news comes from the north, let’s not miss this brief moment of leisure.”

At Han Myung-hoi’s words, Seong Sam-mun and Shin Suk-ju quietly nodded.

* * *

As time passed, the news from the north was not good.

-The front lines are in a stalemate.

-Both the French and Spanish armies are resisting strongly.

-Additional reinforcements are needed.

“Hoo~.”

“Oh dear…”

The Italian leaders all sighed as they reviewed the reports sent from the front lines. Lorenzo de’ Medici was the only exception. Observing the Italian leaders’ worried expressions, Han Myung-hoi muttered inwardly.

‘If the Supreme Emperor were here, he would have clicked his tongue very loudly.’

Han Myung-hoi reflected on the Empire’s report that had been delivered to him.

-Self-strangulation due to failure of cooperation.

-Penny wise, pound foolish.

-Disgraceful conduct.

After reading the report several times, which could be summarized in this way, Han Myung-hoi clicked his tongue.

“Tsk! If it were the Imperial Army, they would be dismissed from their posts immediately for such a pathetic battle.”

* * *

“This time, we will face France and Spain.”

“What!”

Collione, who commanded the Florentine army, exclaimed at the words of the commanders of Genoa, Milan, Venice, the Kingdom of Naples, and the Lordship of Romagna.

“General, calm down.”

Lee Si-ae, who stopped Collione with a subtle gesture, smiled slightly and replied.

“Very well. I look forward to your good fortune in battle.”

Lee Si-ae, watching the commanders nod curtly with arrogant expressions as they left, turned to Collione and his subordinate commanders.

“To take France and Spain so lightly, have we made war too easy?”

“They’re going to have a hard time.”

At his subordinate commander’s words, Lee Si-ae shook his head and replied.

“It would be fortunate if they don’t suffer a complete defeat.”

And the ensuing battle was a series of struggles.

* * *

Before the battle began, the morale of the French and Spanish armies was plummeting. According to scout reports, the approaching forces were far larger than their own.

“Should we prepare to retreat…”

“Even if we retreat, shouldn’t we fight at least once?”

“Can we win by fighting when the soldiers’ morale is at rock bottom?”

While the commanders of the French and Spanish armies were immersed in such conversations and anxieties, the scouts were constantly bringing in information. While receiving reports from these scouts, the French commanders felt a sense of unease and questioned it.

“Wait a minute? The scouts are moving around so freely, and they’re all returning safely?”

“That’s impossible?”

If it were the Imperial Army they knew, this could never happen. One of the first things the Empire did was eliminate as many enemy scouts as possible.

-Fight comfortably after removing the enemy’s eyes and ears.

This was the basic tactic of the Imperial Army.

“Something is wrong!”

“Send out more scouts!”

The French commander’s expression turned grim as he reviewed the information secured by deploying even more scouts.

“These guys?”

-The vanguard of the enemy is the Genoa, Milan, Venice, Naples, and Romagna armies.

-The Imperial Army, Swiss Army, and Florentine Army are positioned in the rear.

“These guys? Do they think they can face us with just Genoa or Milan?”

“It’s an insult!”

The commanders, enraged by shame, exploded at the information that followed. It was information brought by daring scouts who had infiltrated taverns along the Italian army’s advance route, disguised as farmers and merchants.

-The Imperial Army, Swiss Army, and Florentine Army have been pushed to the rear at the strong request of the commanders of the leading troops.

-The soldiers of the leading units consider our troops to be cowards.

“Ha! These guys really!”

The French and Spanish commanders were furious, but they couldn’t move easily.

“Find out where that damn Imperial artillery, which deserves to be thrown into the sulfur fires of hell, is!”

“The assault troops too!”

The information brought by the scouts who moved upon receiving orders was as follows:

-No Imperial artillery in the vanguard. No assault troops either.

“Is that so?”

The French and Spanish commanders, having confirmed the information, sent messengers to each other.

“They must think they can make a fool of us; let’s show them what we’re made of!”

“Let’s do it!”

And this atmosphere spread among the soldiers who heard the rumors.

“Do those guys who only know how to play soldier think they can make a fool of us?”

“We’ll make them shed tears of blood!”

“Do they think they’re the Imperial Army? Just let them come!”