Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1030

Alsace-Lorraine. [A region historically contested between France and Germany.]

None of the ministers opposed Im Soon-wook’s proposal. The Empire’s Iron Horses [trains] had already completed their third-generation development. To connect the vast lands of Bukji and Shinji, faster Iron Horses capable of carrying more were needed, leading to rapid improvements and developments.

Thanks to this, the ministers didn’t raise any significant objections. The Iron Horses of the Ming Dynasty, considered the best among foreign nations, were only at the Empire’s second-generation level, while England and France were at the 1.5-generation level. The Iron Horses the Empire sold to France and Portugal were early second-generation used models. Therefore, even if this level of technology was released, the possibility of them becoming immediate and dangerous competitors was very low.

“…Therefore, we intend to sell Iron Horses, as well as the technology, to the Habsburgs, Italy, and Portugal. What do you think?”

When Hyun sought Hyang’s advice, Hyang asked back with a slightly stern expression.

“Isn’t that something His Majesty should decide, not something you should decide?”

“That is true, but wasn’t the Supreme Emperor the first to introduce the Iron Horse to the world and has been continuously involved since? I am asking because I am concerned that I might be taking something too lightly.”

“Hmm…”

After pondering Hyun’s words for a moment, Hyang soon shared his opinion.

“I think it would be fine to release technology up to the second generation. Aren’t there many who are already taking apart and studying the Iron Horses we’ve released? And it’s not like you can immediately create the same thing just by knowing the basics. I don’t think it will immediately become a source of trouble.”

“Thank you for your wise advice.”

“Ah, this is just a side note, but don’t mention it to Duke Jinpyeong. If it were Duke Jinpyeong, he would be running around saying he’s going to lay railroads all the way to Europe…”

Hyun smiled and replied to Hyang’s words, which were a mix of jest and seriousness.

“I will keep that in mind.”

After sending Hyun away, Hyang turned his gaze out the window and muttered to himself.

“That rascal… did he really beat up the Grim Reaper and chase him away?”

The eunuch and court ladies next to Hyang inwardly responded to Hyang’s mutterings.

‘Look who’s talking!’

‘All the siblings are living long lives…’

It was widely rumored that not only Hyang but all of Hyang’s older and younger siblings were living long lives. In relation to this, even a mysterious book called ‘The Imperial Longevity Method’ was created and sold.

Analyzing the cause, Hyang smacked his lips and muttered.

“His Majesty Taejo [King Taejo, founder of the Joseon Dynasty] also lived a long life, so bloodline must have played a part, and next is the stress issue? With a side of butterfly effect?”

Yi Seong-gye [King Taejo’s personal name], who spent almost his entire life on the battlefield, also lived to the age of 72. And many things had changed since Hyang’s full-scale intervention. As Hyang clearly organized things, the siblings no longer had to suffer political stress, and conversely, they found work that suited their aptitudes, greatly reducing other stresses as well.

Of course, the idea that reduced stress led to longevity could be an overgeneralization, so Hyang was suspicious of the butterfly effect he had created.

* * *

In any case, the Empire signed a formal contract with the Holy Roman Empire regarding the introduction of Iron Horses. According to the contract, the Empire would assist the Holy Roman Empire in building Iron Horse production factories. Of course, they made sure to get what they deserved.

At the same time, the Empire sent people to Portugal and Italy to resolve various issues related to Iron Horses. They secured evidence of attempted technology leaks by thoroughly searching Iron Horse repair shops, and based on this, they shook the Portuguese and Italian governments. Thanks to having concrete evidence in hand, Portugal and Italy had no choice but to sign a formal technology provision agreement, and the Empire was able to profit handsomely.

And in the midst of this, Japan was also caught trying to illegally copy the technology.

“Does the King of Japan repay kindness with enmity? Ang!”

Starting with Hyun, the Empire’s ministers took turns pressuring the Japanese government, and in the sea between Tsushima Island and Japan, the Imperial Navy conducted large-scale mobile exercises using live ammunition. As a result, the Japanese Crown Prince had to prostrate himself (dogeza) [a Japanese term for kneeling and bowing deeply as a sign of respect or apology] before Hyun in the Geunjeongjeon courtyard [the main hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace].

Overwhelmed by the Empire’s force, Japan once again watched the Empire’s every move, and the Empire once again gave Japan a warning.

“We will not say anything about what you obtain by paying a fair price or what you obtain through your own efforts. Rather, the Empire will be impressed by Japan’s efforts. But! We will never tolerate acts that disrupt the friendship between our two countries through unfair means!”

Overwhelmed by Hyun’s stern warning, the Japanese Crown Prince once again slammed his head on the floor and answered.

“Hai!” [Yes]

It wasn’t a response that fit royal etiquette, but it was an answer that came out without him realizing it, overwhelmed by Hyun’s force. Japan, having come to its senses due to the Empire’s warning, immediately took action.

They sent a negotiating team to negotiate with the Empire to acquire the necessary technology, paid the technology usage fee, and introduced it. At the same time, they greatly increased their research institutes and educational institutions. Finally, they changed the ratio of students sent to the Empire from administration-focused to technology-focused.

-If we make a mistake, we could give the Waegu (Japanese) [a derogatory term for Japanese people] excessive power! What kind of people are those Waegu!

To this objection, Hyun and the court replied:

-If you press down too hard, they will rebel even more.

-The more dangerous they are, the closer we must keep them and observe them.

* * *

Maximilian I of the Holy Roman Empire, who completed the Iron Horse factory by receiving technology from the Empire, sighed as he reviewed the report.

“In the East, they use the phrase ‘mountain upon mountain’ to describe this situation, don’t they?”

Maximilian I’s vassals responded with silence to his question. As soon as the factory was completed, Maximilian I hired many artisans to work in the factory. The artisans hired at the factory were supervised and guided by artisans from the Empire, and they either maintained the Iron Horses sent from the Empire or began their own production.

And problems arose in their own production. The steel produced in the Holy Roman Empire was unable to create Iron Horses with proper performance. No, it wasn’t just Iron Horses. It was difficult to make proper railroads as well. Maximilian I smacked his lips as he reviewed the report.

“There’s no choice. Send an envoy to Seoul again.”

Shin Suk-ju, who received the message from the envoy of the Holy Roman Empire who arrived in Seoul, muttered with a strange expression.

“Those leeches… is their wallet strong enough?”

Shin Suk-ju, who was well aware of the complex political situation within the Holy Roman Empire, was most concerned about this aspect. Whether it was the help of heaven or not, the financial problem was easily resolved, contrary to Shin Suk-ju’s worries. Surprisingly, the feudal lords moved actively. In particular, the feudal lords of the Upper Rhine District and the Lower Rhine-Westphalia District moved particularly enthusiastically.

The area later known as the ‘Ruhr industrial area’ began to sprout hundreds of years earlier. With the active support of the feudal lords, a large steel mill, supported by the Empire’s technology, appeared in Essen. On the day the molten iron was first extracted from the large logo, Maximilian I, who was present, clenched his fist.

“Through this steel mill, I will give that arrogant France a taste of their own medicine!”

Meanwhile, Shin Suk-ju, who participated in the event as a congratulatory envoy, muttered inwardly as he watched the flowing red molten iron.

‘Now, blood as red as that molten iron will flow in Europe again.’

The steel mill built in Essen was a symbol of the Empire’s conspiracy.

* * *

During this period, the Netherlands and Belgium regions of the 21st century were called the ‘Low Countries’ and were part of French territory. Originally, this area was the territory of the Duchy of Burgundy. The Duchy of Burgundy, which dreamed of independence from France, was destroyed by Louis XI’s attack, and the territory of the Duchy of Burgundy, including the ‘Low Countries,’ became French territory.

And Essen was located very close to these ‘Low Countries.’

“It may be a bit risky, but this area is optimal.”

The engineers and managers dispatched from the Empire reported this to Maximilian I and the feudal lords. Maximilian I and the feudal lords were immediately able to understand the meaning. Gelsenkirchen, located right next to Essen, and the nearby area had large-scale iron and coal mines. And the necessary industrial water could be easily obtained through the Rhine River, which was located right next to it.

It was literally the perfect location. The problem was that the Low Countries, controlled by France, were right in front of them. After fierce debate, Maximilian I and the feudal lords came to a conclusion.

“Let’s build it in Essen!”

The background behind Maximilian I and the feudal lords’ decision was the assault vehicles coming in from the Empire. Count Tilly, who had confirmed the performance of the assault vehicles that arrived in the first batch, reported to Maximilian I as follows:

“There will be no rivals to the assault vehicles in the plains from the Low Countries to Essen!”

This is how the steel mill was built in Essen.

-Make railroads and Iron Horses with the steel produced in Essen, and make cannons.

-If France aims for Essen, let’s defeat France with the weapons made in Essen!

-And drive France out of Lorraine!

Maximilian I had not forgotten the humiliation he suffered in Portingen.

The Empire was aiming for this.

-Coal and iron ore do not come out just by digging anywhere. In particular, places where large quantities are buried to the extent that profitability can be met are even rarer.

-Both France and the Holy Roman Empire need more mines. If so, France will aim for Essen, and the Holy Roman Empire will aim for Lorraine.

-In the end, the two will have no choice but to fight again.

“I heard that coal and iron also come out in Alsace?”

“Where is that again?”

“It’s between Essen and Lorraine.”

“That’s a terrible location… They’re openly provoking a fight. Let’s spread rumors appropriately.”

“You are truly wicked.”

And the situation that followed went according to the Empire’s plan. The steel mill in Essen, which received technical support from the Empire, soon produced high-quality steel in large quantities. The Holy Roman Empire, having obtained various iron products starting with high-quality steel, joined the ‘Imperialization’ at a rapid pace.

Railroads connecting the major cities of the Holy Roman Empire began to be laid. The same was true for the military sector. Starting with the elite troops of the Habsburg family, they began to arm themselves with ‘Imperial Long Rifles (Impeioales Langgewehr),’ which were ‘properly referenced’ from the Florentine arquebus [an early type of long gun], as well as Hwachas [Korean rocket arrow launchers] and cannons. The Holy Roman Empire went even further.

“Since we’re spending money anyway, let’s spend it properly!”

Once again, an envoy holding a money bag headed to Seoul and introduced the ‘light communication system.’ Of course, they not only purchased the hardware but also introduced the software—a code developed to match the alphabet of the Holy Roman Empire.

It was the best communication system for the Holy Roman Empire, where most of the territory was plains. As the Holy Roman Empire began to move in earnest, European intellectuals had worried expressions.

“I don’t know exactly when it will be, but France and the Holy Roman Empire will fight again!”

“That war will be so fierce and brutal that the wars we have experienced so far will look like a joke!”