Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 23

Extraneous Chapter 23. The 1592 Southern Sea Battle. (23)

News that the Japanese navy was attempting to break through the blockade reached Gyeongbok Palace.

In response, the remaining members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff began to voice their opinions, growing agitated.

“We can’t let those Japs escape!”

“We must gather all available forces from the West and South Sea Fleets to completely destroy them!”

Lee Ju, observing the officers clamoring for the immediate mobilization of both fleets, raised his hand to silence them.

“I have entrusted all command to Yi Sun-sin. Silence.”

“Your Majesty!”

“I said, be quiet!”

At Lee Ju’s sharp command, the staff members fell silent. He glared at them before continuing.

“You are already aware of the punishments you face. Further insubordination will only worsen them.”

Lee Ju’s cold words effectively silenced the staff.

With the room quiet, Lee Ju turned his attention to analyzing the war situation, studying the newly updated symbols on the strategic map.

-Increasing numbers of Japanese soldiers who landed are surrendering.

-Although some pockets of resistance remain, they are being dealt with effectively.

“Hmm…”

Lee Ju stroked his chin, considering the situation displayed on the board.

‘If it were up to me, I would order the drowning of every last Jap trying to flee, but I’ve already delegated full authority to Yi Sun-sin. This isn’t the time to interfere. More than anything, I’m intensely curious about Yi Sun-sin’s strategy and actions. From what I’ve seen, his command is unparalleled.’

Yi Sun-sin was driving the Japanese army into a corner, relying heavily on communication and map-based tactics.

‘The Japanese army must have intercepted our wireless communications and become aware of Yi Sun-sin’s role, right? What are they thinking now?’

Lee Ju unconsciously smiled. The staff members who witnessed this smile were filled with dread.

‘He’s… he’s smiling? Why? What does it mean?’

‘Could it be? Is he smiling while plotting how to punish us further?’

The staff, already burdened by their past misdeeds, were terrified by Lee Ju’s subtle smile.

Just then, the communications officer entered and reported.

“An order has been received from the Commander of the 3rd Mobile Fleet!”

“Read it!”

“Yes, sir!”

The order from Yi Sun-sin, as relayed by the communications officer, was as follows:

-Destroyers from the West Sea Fleet and the South Sea Fleet are to assist the self-propelled explosive boats [small, unmanned boats packed with explosives] in disrupting the enemy’s escape.

-However, Japanese navy destroyers are to be sunk or forced aground whenever possible.

-Repeat: The objective is not complete interception, but disruption.

-Aircraft attacks will commence at dawn.

-Until then, minimize unnecessary casualties and efficiently impede the enemy’s progress.

-Aircraft units stationed in Gyeongsang and Jeolla Provinces will sortie at dawn to strike the Japanese aircraft base across the Korea Strait (South Sea Strait).

-Expect Japanese aircraft to sortie around the same time; deploy sufficient kestrels and sparrowhawks [types of fighter planes].

-Repeat to all units involved: Unnecessary casualties are prohibited.

-The goal of this operation is not the total annihilation of the enemy, but to inflict maximum damage.

-This is essential for the success of subsequent operations.

“…That is all.”

“Good work. Return to your post and report any new developments immediately.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Im Pa-chong.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Lee Ju dismissed the communications officer and summoned Im Pa-chong. As Im Pa-chong stood, Lee Ju immediately posed a question.

“Yi Sun-sin used the phrase ‘subsequent operations.’ What is your interpretation of this?”

“I believe it refers to a landing in Japan!”

“A landing in Japan?”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

“A landing in Japan…”

Lee Ju nodded at Im Pa-chong’s assessment.

“That’s right. It’s only fitting to return a gift in kind.”

“However, Your Majesty, this constitutes an overreach of authority!”

“Overreach of authority?”

“All military actions of the Imperial Army are to be decided by Your Majesty! To act in anticipation of Your Majesty’s decision is a clear overstep!”

Hearing this accusation of Yi Sun-sin’s overreach, Lee Ju turned to summon the Royal Guards.

“Royal Guards, remove this man.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

As another staff member was dragged away, the conference room fell into another tense silence.

Lee Ju continued in a cold tone.

“Among the words of Emperor Lee Hyang are these: ‘Extol those who lead the world, commend those who closely follow, and praise those who strive to follow. But, without hesitation, behead those who try to impede those who lead and cause them to falter.’ What behavior are you displaying now? Japan attacked us first, and you were content to wait for my explicit order? Even if you lacked the initiative of Yi Sun-sin, shouldn’t you have argued for the necessity of a landing in Japan?”

“I… I apologize.”

“I have said repeatedly, if you are sorry, then avoid creating situations that require apologies! If you lack insight, then remain silent! You incompetent fools! You are not even capable of being traitors! Even traitors must possess competence to betray effectively!”

Lee Ju’s harsh rebuke caused the Minister of National Defense and the staff members to wear gloomy expressions and fall silent.

Having restored order, Lee Ju turned back to Im Pa-chong.

“There is something else I am curious about. I would like you to explain it to me.”

“Ask away, Your Majesty.”

“I understand that Yi Sun-sin is contemplating a landing in Japan. However, for a successful landing, it seems logical to completely eliminate the remnants of the Japanese navy attempting to escape. Yet, based on Yi Sun-sin’s orders, he doesn’t seem to be aiming for complete annihilation. It’s as if he’s deliberately giving them some breathing room. Why is that?”

At Lee Ju’s question, Im Pa-chong replied with a troubled expression.

“I confess, I don’t fully understand that aspect either. While it is a valid tactic to avoid cornering an enemy completely, as a cornered mouse will bite, it appears he is granting the Japanese navy an excessive amount of leeway.”

“You share that sentiment? Hmm…”

After a moment of contemplation, Lee Ju reached a conclusion.

“In any case, a landing in Japan will take time. Should we summon Yi Sun-sin now and inquire directly?”

“That would be prudent, Your Majesty.”

“Then, let us observe for now.”

The Minister of National Defense and the staff members, who had been trembling with anxiety, began to show signs of relief at Lee Ju’s decision.

-His Majesty does not fully trust Yi Sun-sin!

-If Yi Sun-sin’s explanation, when summoned, fails to satisfy His Majesty, he will be removed from command!

-Then, we might survive!

* * *

Under the relentless attacks of the Imperial Navy’s destroyers and self-propelled explosive boats, the Japanese warships desperately continued their southward journey, weaving erratically.

However, these evasive maneuvers were gradually reducing the fleet’s speed.

“We must break through as quickly as possible! Dawn is approaching! The Empire’s aircraft will swarm us then!”

“We are doing our utmost!”

“Only speed can save us!”

As Kuki had predicted, the 3rd Mobile Fleet’s aircraft arrived en masse, with the rising sun at their backs.

With the arrival of friendly aircraft, the Imperial Navy’s self-propelled explosive boats and destroyers quickly withdrew.

Ships that had sustained hull damage or expended their supply of self-propelled explosives immediately returned to base, while those with remaining capacity retreated to a safe distance to observe the battle.

After nearly half a day of intense fighting, the surviving Japanese navy ships managed to pass through the Korea Strait (South Sea Strait).

The appearance of the Japanese fleet as it limped back to Japan was truly pathetic.

Compared to its initial strength, only about 35% of the ships remained. Of those, only about 60% were capable of even minimal combat.

The fleet was effectively annihilated.

The bridge of the flagship Yamato felt like a funeral home.

In fact, it was a funeral home.

As soon as it became clear that the breakthrough had succeeded, Commander-in-Chief Maeda Toshiie and Fleet Commander Kuki Yoshitaka had committed suicide.

The captain of the Yamato, after confirming their suicides by pistol in their respective quarters, reported the news to the home country via wireless and muttered softly.

“Perhaps this was the best course of action for them…”

It was certain that Toyotomi Hideyoshi would not have spared them had they returned in their current state.

They would have been fortunate to merely lose their heads for taking responsibility.

The war had begun with a crushing defeat.

Even if they continued the war against the Empire, which was now enraged, the outcome would inevitably be defeat.

Negotiations were the only viable option, and it was certain that Maeda and Kuki would be offered to the Empire as the primary scapegoats.

For them, suicide with a final statement of regret and acceptance of responsibility was the best possible end.

The captain’s muttering continued.

“Perhaps this is revenge…”

With the scapegoats gone, Toyotomi Hideyoshi was now in a position where he would have to bear the responsibility himself.

In any case, the battered fleet continued its journey home.

* * *

As soon as the Japanese navy’s passage through the Korea Strait (South Sea Strait) was confirmed, Lee Ju immediately summoned Yi Sun-sin to Gyeongbok Palace.

-The Commander of the 3rd Mobile Fleet is to proceed to Gyeongbok Palace immediately.

Yi Sun-sin, upon receiving Lee Ju’s order, chuckled wryly and muttered.

“Did I overstep my bounds too much?”

If the ‘higher-ups’ in Seoul were inclined to criticize, there would be numerous points to seize upon.

However, the urgency of the situation had demanded decisive action, precluding excessive concern for such matters.

He had been preparing in his own way, but the devastating defeat at Jeju Island was the fundamental problem.

Having suffered significant losses, bold action was necessary to protect the mainland.

Lee Ju’s order had arrived at the opportune moment, allowing him to utilize every available resource, but this order was also the primary source of potential trouble.

It was filled with decisions that would be difficult to justify, even in the face of accusations of ‘overreach of authority’ and ‘abuse of command’.

Regardless, having received the imperial summons, Yi Sun-sin immediately traveled to Seoul.

As soon as Yi Sun-sin entered Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Gyeongbok Palace, Royal Guard soldiers escorted him to the bunker.

“Salute!”

“You have worked hard indeed!”

Lee Ju greeted Yi Sun-sin with a beaming smile upon receiving his military salute.

After seating Yi Sun-sin, Lee Ju continued his praise.

“You flatter me, Your Majesty. I simply did my best. And it would not have been possible without the valiant efforts of the Imperial Army. The greatest credit for this battle belongs to the soldiers.”

“The soldiers will be greatly encouraged to hear that.”

As the warm atmosphere persisted, the Minister of National Defense and the staff members sitting in the back grew increasingly anxious.

‘If we are not careful, we will be ruined without even a chance to defend ourselves!’

‘But, if we speak out of turn now, we will be finished immediately!’

‘What should we do? How can I survive this?’

While the Minister of National Defense and the staff members trembled with anxiety, Lee Ju began to ask questions in earnest.

“There is something I am curious about.”

“Ask away, Your Majesty.”

“I am curious about the meaning behind your last order. Is the Admiral contemplating a landing in Japan?”

“Yes, Your Majesty, that is correct. If we cease our efforts now, they may repeat their aggression. Therefore, we must demonstrate our resolve.”

“I see. That is correct. But, you see… I believe we should have annihilated the Japanese navy completely. Wouldn’t a landing by the Imperial Army be safer if the Japanese navy was eliminated entirely?”

“Of course, Your Majesty, that would be ideal.”

“But why didn’t you?”

“It is to instill fear in the Japanese people.”

“Instill fear?”

“The sight of their warships sinking and being destroyed before their very eyes. The sight of their homes reduced to ashes must be etched into their memories.”

“Quite radical, isn’t it?”

“When waging war, it is essential to demonstrate the consequences directly and make them experience it firsthand. Only then will they never consider waging war against our Empire again.”

“Engrave it in their bones?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

“Not bad. I like it very much.”

As Lee Ju expressed his strong approval, the Minister of National Defense and the staff members closed their eyes tightly.

‘It’s over!’

‘It’s truly over now!’

Yi Sun-sin’s answer was the most explicit demonstration of the values of the Imperial people.

-If you dare to stab me in the back, be prepared to have your own head smashed in.