Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1017

When Shin Suk-ju mentioned England, Jang Hang-sun voiced his doubts.

“Isn’t it well-known that England is France’s arch-enemy? Things don’t always go as planned, you know.”

Shin Suk-ju addressed Jang Hang-sun’s point.

“Of course, that’s possible. However, England has a compelling reason to subdue France: Terra and Gloria.”

At the mention of Terra and Gloria, all the ministers, including Jang Hang-sun, fell silent, assessing the situation. Emboldened by their silence, Shin Suk-ju raised his voice.

“From my experience as an ambassador in Italy, Europeans dislike being surpassed. It’s certain they will turn their swords against our empire. I don’t know when, but for the same reason, they regard each other as bitter enemies and are constantly fighting. That’s why the Supreme Emperor used the strategy of ‘controlling officials with officials,’ right?”

Shin Suk-ju bowed to Hyun and continued.

“Your Majesty! Why did we cede Terra to them during the reigns of the Yuan Emperor and the Supreme Emperor, and Gloria during the Italian unification war? Wasn’t it to solidify our empire’s control over Shinji [a region or territory] while they fought over those lands? This matter is the same. Considering their nature, it’s unreasonable to completely trust Portugal or Italy. Maintaining a balance of power between them is the best strategy. If we do that, they’ll be too busy watching each other to pay attention to us. They will tear at each other even more fiercely. Our empire can secure its peace without expending much effort and use the saved strength to bring greater peace to the people.”

No sooner had Shin Suk-ju finished than Jang Hang-sun challenged him.

“Foreign Minister! Have you forgotten why Song [referring to the Song Dynasty in China] fell? They focused on diplomacy using tribute instead of investing in military preparations, neglecting national defense and leading to their downfall! I agree that excessive military spending should be avoided, but I believe the Roman saying, ‘If you want peace, prepare for war,’ is invaluable!”

Shin Suk-ju responded, raising his voice.

“I’m not suggesting we use the same methods Song did! But considering every country except our empire as an enemy and seeking solutions is the worst strategy! I agree with that Roman saying, but ignoring potential savings is foolish!”

“What! Foolish! This man!”

As Jang Hang-sun and Shin Suk-ju’s voices grew heated, Hyun intervened.

“Enough! Both of you, maintain moderation! Have you forgotten where you are?”

“Apologies!”

“Tsk, tsk!”

Hyun clicked his tongue. The two men lowered their heads like turtles and fell silent. Hyun glared at them and then spoke.

“I know that the two ministers are arguing for the sake of the empire’s peace. I acknowledge that both sides are right, but their approaches are slightly different. Shouldn’t you reconcile and adjust, rather than raising your voices? Remember that this is a place to find the best path through discussion and adjustment, not a battlefield to determine victory or defeat.”

At Hyun’s warning, the ministers, including Han Myung-hoi, bowed their heads in unison.

“We will engrave it in our hearts!”

‘It’s a relief that the tongue-clicking stopped at two times! If it had been three, a bloodbath would have occurred!’

The emperors who succeeded Hyang all listened to their subjects and valued harmony. But the bloodline was still there. Hyun, having settled the situation, continued.

“Among the teachings the Supreme Emperor gave us is this: ‘When continuing relations with other countries, keep this in mind: tell the truth, but not the whole truth; trust the other party, but not completely; and always keep the worst in mind, but do not be bound by the worst.’ Like the Foreign Minister said, assuming that all countries except the empire are enemies is the worst strategy. But relying solely on using enemies against each other is also a poor strategy. Keep this in mind.”

“We will engrave it in our hearts!”

“Good. Then, let’s meet the French envoy. We need to hear what France is thinking.”

“We obey your command!”

Meanwhile, Hyang, who had heard about the debate between Suk-ju and Jang Hang-sun, wore a strange expression.

‘The strategy that Shin Suk-ju has come up with is similar to the method used by the country nicknamed “Jerkland” [a derogatory term for England/Britain] in my previous life when they swallowed India whole?’

The method used by the British, led by the East India Company, to colonize India was similar. They grasped the situation in India, which was divided into constantly warring principalities, and used a strategy of inciting conflict accompanied by arms support.

‘At least there’s the justification that it’s for efficient national defense rather than acquiring colonies…’

“Hoo~”

Hyang sighed and muttered to himself.

“Do people think alike?”

And this mutter created another rumor.

-The Supreme Emperor was already thinking about the strategy that Minister Shin Suk-ju had thought of. The nearby eunuchs, maids, and officials started the rumor, and everyone who heard it nodded and said:

“As expected of the Supreme Emperor…”

* * *

Following Hyun’s orders, the French envoys came to Seoul as soon as their quarantine period ended.

“…His Majesty wishes to speak with you directly, so please prepare well.”

“Understood.”

Duke Louis of Orléans, responding to the message from the Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, looked back at his aides and smiled wryly.

“How come I always end up meeting emperors? Is this luck or misfortune?”

He had met Hyang when he went as an envoy regarding the unification of Italy, and now he was meeting Hyun. Louis composed himself and ordered his aides.

“Let’s rethink what questions the Emperor of the Empire might ask and what answers would be best.”

“Yes.”

“I thought I would just greet the Emperor and have a meeting with the Foreign Minister, but things have gotten bigger. Bigger.”

* * *

Louis, who had unpacked his luggage at the Seoul State Guest House, visited Gyeongbok Palace the next day at dawn to pay his respects to Hyun. Hyun responded politely. Louis was the most likely, almost certain, next King of France.

“You must be tired from your long journey. I will let you know the date of the meeting today, so let’s talk honestly about France’s intentions.”

“I will do my best.”

Two days later, a meeting was held at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in Gyeongbok Palace.

“The scenery around Gyeonghoeru at this time of year is truly beautiful. It puts my mind at ease.”

“Indeed.”

The meeting began in a relaxed atmosphere, but Hyun immediately got to the point.

“The Empire and France once pointed guns at each other during the last Italian unification war. But now you’re saying you want to buy the Haeung-class battleship, one of the Empire’s main forces. What is France thinking?”

Louis smiled and replied.

“I acknowledge that there is a painful past between the two countries. But that war wasn’t fought because of mutual resentment, only differing opinions. Therefore, when the war ended, France cleanly acknowledged its faults.”

As Louis’s answer stated, France cleanly acknowledged its defeat in the armistice agreement, and the compensation issue was resolved reasonably.

“And didn’t we cleanly settle the accounts related to Suez even during the war? Both France and the Empire did. Considering that, wouldn’t you say that the Empire is also in the same position as France? As a great power, wouldn’t it be better for the Empire to be interested in the healthy future of both countries rather than dwelling on the past?”

Louis’s fluent words were impeccable, and Hyun and the ministers smiled wryly.

‘He’s not easy to deal with.’

‘As expected of the next King of France…’

But Hyun was not easy to deal with either.

“‘We should be interested in a healthy future rather than dwelling on the past’… Those are good words, but they would have been empty if France’s actions hadn’t followed. It is because France has shown it through action that I am here.”

“I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s decision.”

The two lightly exchanged jabs and continued.

“France wants the Haeung-class, but if France agrees to my conditions, I will allow it.”

“What conditions are those?”

“I want you to conclude non-aggression treaties with Portugal, Italy, and Switzerland.”

Louis pondered for a moment and conveyed France’s position.

“If Switzerland maintains neutrality as promised with the Empire, France will not use force against Switzerland. However, Italy and Portugal are impossible. Ah! Of course! France is also continuing friendly relations with Portugal and Italy. But if a matter of national interest arises, we will use all possible means.”

“A matter of national interest… Is it Gloria?”

“That is correct.”

Hyun immediately followed up.

“If it’s Gloria, I think the Empire should side with Portugal and Italy?”

“Didn’t Your Majesty only give them a map, not territory?”

At that moment, Hyun lost his words.

‘I made a mistake! I’m going to get scolded by Grandpa!’

Hyun could almost hear Hyang’s scolding.

‘You idiot! You can’t even do business properly!’

Louis’s question had pierced Hyun’s weakness. What Hyang had conveyed to Portugal and Italy was ‘a map containing the route to the uncharted area south of Shinji.’ In other words, he had handed over ‘information,’ not ‘the Empire’s territory.’

If he had only handed over information, the Empire would have no reason to care about the power struggles in Gloria. But if he had handed over territory, it would inflict a fatal wound on the authority of Hyang and Hyun. There were historically no cases of monarchs who lost territory being viewed favorably.

France, which had already been tricked once by Hyang and the Empire in Italy, had been careless, and Hyun had been properly hit.

“Of course, I only handed over a map. But, you see, the Empire is an ally of Portugal and Italy. I have to think about the safety of my allies, right?”

“That is a natural statement. France can also cause disputes with Italy and Portugal, but does not want war.”

“That’s a vague expression. I don’t like wordplay very much.”

“Then I will tell you directly. Please acknowledge that the Gloria continent is unclaimed land.”