Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1018

1018. The Name of Kindling is Arms Race (11)

“Interesting. There’s a contradiction in the envoy’s words. The Empire, as the envoy says, only handed over the map. So, why should I step in and proclaim Gloria as ownerless land? Why should I and the Empire go that far? Ah, let me say in advance, don’t even think about using ‘peace’ as an excuse.”

“……..”

Louis was silenced this time.

‘So much deliberation and effort! Is this the *yoyuu* [composure] of the strong!’

Louis had done his best before departing from Paris, on the way to Seoul, and right before meeting Hyun.

‘With this one move, we’ll diplomatically strike a blow against the Empire!’

This was Louis and France’s plan. Although its power had faded due to the exhaustion from the Hundred Years’ War, France was a nation worthy of the title ‘Strongest in Europe.’ However, suddenly finding themselves constantly being led around by the Empire that appeared from the East, their pride was deeply wounded.

-There’s much to learn, and I acknowledge it’s a powerful nation. But it’s also true that my pride has been hurt!

Therefore, they saw the negotiations to purchase the Haeung-class as an opportunity to repay the humiliation they had suffered.

-An opportunity to secure both practical benefits and restore pride!

However, now they were in a situation where they had exchanged blows, one for one.

‘If I make even a small mistake here, it’s a failure! No, even if it’s just a failure, it’s fortunate; if things go wrong, power could shift to Portugal and Italy!’

Seeing Louis, with a look of dismay, desperately searching for an answer, Hyun made a conclusion first.

“In my view, Gloria is not a matter for the Empire to be involved in. I believe it is right for the European powers to resolve that issue. However, Portugal and Italy are allies of the Empire. If an allied nation falls into crisis, I have no choice but to help. Of course, this is on the premise that the allied nation does not start a war first.”

At Hyun’s words, Louis’s face brightened.

“If that is the Empire’s policy, then France will respond in kind. If Portugal and Italy do not go too far, France will not initiate a war first.”

“That much, I and the Empire can accept.”

Louis and Hyun smiled and reached an agreement. The ministers who were watching this negotiation murmured inwardly.

‘The saying, “It’s whatever you want it to be,” fits perfectly.’

The agreement that Hyun and Louis had just reached was something that could be interpreted differently depending on one’s position. If a serious dispute arose between France, Portugal, and Italy in Gloria, the Empire could see it as a war against its allies, and France could insist it was just a simple dispute, which would complicate matters. The opposite was also true.

In any case, having reached an agreement in this way, Hyun and Louis moved on to the next topic.

“So, this must be the real main point. You want the Empire’s Haeung-class battleships? Hmm. Let me ask again. Why should I hand over the Haeung-class battleships to France?”

“For the peace of Europe.”

“The peace of Europe? What do you mean?”

“The nations of Europe are in fierce competition. If someone becomes even slightly stronger alone, it will lead to war. But if their strengths are similar, war will not easily break out.”

“It seems to me that it’s not so much fierce competition, but rather old grudges or karma that are more fitting, wouldn’t you say?”

“That may be the case. But, whatever the reason, if their strengths are similar, war is less likely to break out, so wouldn’t peace continue?”

At Louis’s words, Hyun nodded lightly but did not easily move on.

“That may be so. But the Haeung-class battleships are battleships with a lot of the Empire’s shipbuilding technology embedded in them. To hand over such ships to France? To ignore the Empire and France’s bad blood?”

At Hyun’s words, Louis also nodded and responded.

“As Your Majesty says, the Haeung-class battleships are indeed battleships that showcase the Empire’s shipbuilding technology. It is also true that there was an unfortunate incident between the Empire and France in Italy. But! As I have already said, the unfortunate incident in Italy was merely a difference in values, not due to grudges. It has already become a thing of the past, France has apologized, and the Empire has accepted the apology, so there is no need to continue discussing it. This is what Your Majesty said directly a little while ago.”

After pausing for a moment to moisten his throat, Louis continued.

“As I have said several times, the Haeung-class battleships are indeed battleships that showcase the Empire’s shipbuilding technology. But it is also true that that technology is not the latest technology. To put it more bluntly, it means that the Haeung-class battleships have become outdated for the Empire.”

“Outdated?”

“Yes. Even if the Empire’s enemy possesses Haeung-class battleships or battleships with similar performance to the Haeung-class, I believe the Empire has or has developed the technology and battleships to suppress them. Otherwise, the Empire would not have sold the Haeung-class battleships, no matter how much of an ally they were.”

At Louis’s answer, Hyun gave a bitter smile.

‘They know us too well. Or, have they become too familiar with us?’

It had already been decades since the opening of the ports. Those who had encountered the Empire during that time could not help but know the Empire’s way of doing things well. In the end, Hyun came to a conclusion that was not a conclusion.

“Hmm…. I have listened well to the envoy’s words. There were answers that I understood, and answers that I did not. Also, considering the weight of the matter, it is not good to make a decision in this place. I will consult with my ministers and make a decision, so return and wait.”

“I humbly implore Your Majesty to bestow your grace upon us.”

Watching Louis, who bowed politely and retreated, Hyun gave a bitter smile.

“Wagging his tail only at the end.”

After Louis and his party left, Hyun, who was coming out of Gyeonghoeru [a royal banquet hall], turned to Han Myung-hoi.

“What does the Prime Minister think?”

“I think it’s not bad. No, I think it’s good. It’s working out according to the plan of using barbarians to control barbarians. By the way, it’s a bit surprising that their eloquence has become so strong.”

“That’s why…”

Looking around, Hyun asked Han Myung-hoi again.

“Would *Seokgo-daejoe* [kneeling on straw mats to await punishment] be too much?”

It was an abrupt question thrown without preamble, but Han Myung-hoi immediately understood and answered.

“It would be too much. No matter what anyone says, Your Majesty is the supreme being.”

“Hoo~.”

After hearing Han Myung-hoi’s answer, Hyun sighed deeply and ordered Han Myung-hoi.

“Let’s go to Sugang Palace together.”

“Do you mean me too?”

“……”

Seeing Hyun’s expression as he looked at him without a word, Han Myung-hoi said to the fellow ministers who were following behind.

“Let’s go together.”

“Why us?”

To this, Han Myung-hoi answered with an expression. Seeing that expression, the ministers sighed and answered.

“Hoo~. Let’s do that.”

“Hoo~.”

Amidst the sighs coming from here and there, someone muttered softly.

‘It’s a relief that it’s not *Seokgo-daejoe*…’

* * *

“The Emperor has arrived!”

“Bring him in.”

At the news that Hyun had arrived, Hyang rose from his seat to greet Hyun.

“This grandson begs forgiveness from his grandfather!”

“Welcome…..huh?”

Hyang, bewildered by Hyun’s appearance of kneeling down and begging for forgiveness as soon as he entered the room, fixed his gaze on the ministers who followed, especially Han Myung-hoi. Receiving a silent question, Han Myung-hoi, like Hyun, knelt down and bowed his head.

“This subject is incompetent and has caused trouble for the Emperor. Please forgive this subject’s great sin!”

Following Han Myung-hoi, the other ministers also knelt down and bowed their heads in unison.

“Please forgive our great sins!”

Hyang, who was momentarily bewildered by the sudden commotion, soon regained his senses and analyzed the situation.

‘Grandson or grandfather, those are all words that young Hyun used when he was acting like a child, right? To go so far as to use those words to ask for forgiveness means he’s caused a major accident… What’s on Hyun’s schedule today…’

“Eunuch, what did the Emperor do today?”

“Yes, Your Majesty…”

After hearing Hyun’s schedule from the eunuch, Hyang’s eyes sparkled.

‘This must be it! He caused an accident in the conversation with the French envoy!’

Having roughly grasped the situation, Hyang asked the historian who had followed.

“There, I will ask the historian.”

“Yes? Ha, please ask.”

“Were you at Gyeonghoeru?”

“Yes, I was.”

“Then recite it a bit.”

“Yes? What should I recite?”

“You must have recorded everything that happened at Gyeonghoeru! Recite that!”

“The historical records are records that even the Emperor cannot freely view!”

“That’s why I’m telling you to recite it! I need to know exactly what happened, but I don’t want to see even the trivial details written in those historical records. That’s why I’m telling you to recite it directly!”

At Hyang’s words, Han Myung-hoi cautiously opened his mouth.

“If it’s that part, we can explain it directly.”

“That’s why it won’t work. Your personal opinions can be included, and excuses can be made. I just want to know only the facts of what happened in that place, without any personal opinions!”

Having heard the conversation between Hyang and Han Myung-hoi, the historians and scribes, who were of course recording this as well, realized the seriousness of the matter and gathered briefly to talk quietly. After their voices rose momentarily several times, the historians bowed their heads in front of Hyang and answered.

“We will transcribe only the relevant parts separately and submit them.”

“Why? Are you afraid I’ll read the trivial details too?”

“…..Please have mercy.”

“Write it as quickly as possible and give it to me. And let the Emperor sit comfortably.”

“No! I cannot do so until my grandfather determines what is right and wrong!”

At Hyun’s words, Hyang looked back at the historians and scribes.

“Did you hear? The later you are, the harder it will be for the Emperor.”

“We will do our best!”

The historians and scribes desperately moved their pens to transcribe, and Hyun made a face as if he had really been hit.

‘I thought he would ask me to do it at least one more time…’

‘I don’t know well, but if he’s kneeling on his own, I can’t easily let it go.’

Receiving unspoken pressure from Hyun and the ministers kneeling, the historians and scribes wrote with all their might. Thanks to that, the document recording what happened at Gyeonghoeru was submitted to Hyang sooner than expected.

“Hmm. Let the Emperor sit comfortably. The ministers as well.”

“Thank you.”

At Hyang’s words, who put on his reading glasses and turned his gaze to the report, Hyun and the ministers immediately expressed their gratitude and sat comfortably.

‘If I say something flattering for no reason, I’ll have to sit upright until the end! Let’s just sit down!’

Hyang, who chuckled softly at Hyun and the ministers’ actions, soon began to read the record.

“Hmm….. hmm…. I see….. yes.”

Hyang, who read through the record while adding interjections, looked at Hyun and the ministers and opened his mouth.

“First of all, looking at the results, France’s proposal fits the Empire’s plan of using barbarians to control barbarians, so I don’t think it’s bad. Rather, if we use it well, it will help secure the budget to build new battleships, so it’s a very good thing. But…”

As Hyang paused after saying ‘but,’ the ministers became very nervous.

“The process of negotiation is seriously flawed. How could the Emperor be led around by the French envoy? This must be the fault of the ministers!”