Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1058

Two days later, Hyun convened a meeting with the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, and Ministers, placing the Suez issue on the agenda.

“Intelligence reports from Suez, the Ottoman Empire, and Europe suggest something is brewing there. What are your thoughts?”

Han Chi-hyung stepped forward to answer Hyun’s question.

“Your Majesty, we’ve reviewed the intelligence, but it appears to be mere speculation. It doesn’t warrant Your Majesty’s concern.”

Hyun’s expression and tone sharpened at Han Chi-hyung’s response.

“Mere speculation? What makes you say that?”

Han Chi-hyung, keenly aware of Hyun’s rising displeasure, quickly explained his reasoning.

“Firstly, digging a canal is no simple feat, especially considering the conditions in Suez.”

Han Chi-hyung’s explanation can be summarized as follows:

-Their goal in digging a canal in Suez is to allow cargo to be transferred without unloading it from ships.

-To achieve this, the canal must be wide enough for at least two ships to pass each other without colliding.

-However, the ships currently traversing Suez are much larger than Panokseon warships [Korean warships], and they are growing even larger.

-Considering the increasing size of ships and the environment of Suez, building such a canal is beyond the capabilities of a single nation.

“So, haven’t you received intelligence that they are trying to collaborate with the Ottomans?”

Han Chi-hyung responded again to Hyun’s inquiry.

“That, too, is no easy task.”

-The succession battles in the Ottoman Empire are notoriously brutal.

-The problem lies in the elimination of the losers in the succession battle. Ideally, the elimination of the losers is completed perfectly, but if not, it becomes a major concern.

The current Sultan, Bayezid II, is a prime example. With his most powerful rival, his brother Cem, fleeing to Europe, he constantly worried about the possibility of civil war breaking out.

“…Therefore, Bayezid refrained from reckless expansion, unlike his predecessor, Sultan Mehmed II. If he provoked Europe, the European powers could instigate a civil war by using Cem as their figurehead. Fortunately, the worry of civil war disappeared a few years ago when Cem died, but now Bayezid is too old.”

Han Chi-hyung’s words continued.

-Currently, the succession structure of Bayezid II is a three-way battle.

-Korkut of Anatolia, who was the most promising candidate, failed to properly suppress the rebellion in Anatolia, resulting in a stalemate.

-In this situation, it is difficult for European powers to gain significant benefits even if they intervene.

-Also, if a defeated competitor escapes from the Ottoman Empire, as in the case of Cem, the civil war could continue.

-This is due to the nature of the European powers. They have deep-seated grudges between nations, and they do not hesitate to betray alliances if it is in their interest.

-What’s worse is that there is no dominant power in Europe right now.

“…In a situation where many are trying to steal from their own neighbors if given the chance, no one would want to join a gambling game where they have to keep pouring in money.”

“So, you’re saying it’s just a rumor?”

“Yes, that is correct. Of course, they may have considered it at first. In fact, they must have considered it. However, any leader would abandon the idea as soon as they realized that the disadvantages could outweigh the advantages. That is the logical course of action.”

Hyun lightly shook his head at Han Chi-hyung’s words.

“I agree with the Prime Minister that it is the logical course of action. However, I disagree with the expectation that Europeans will avoid such seemingly reckless actions. Europeans will not hesitate to act if it is in their interest, even if it defies logic. Or, is that just Europeans? Look at the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods [periods of conflict in ancient China]. Why did the sages emphasize benevolence and dream of a royal way of governing?”

Han Chi-hyung boldly retorted at Hyun’s words.

“Then, does Your Majesty believe that they will proceed with the project even if it defies logic?”

“That is so.”

“But even if they can gain a lot of wealth from Suez, it cannot be seen as significant when considering the wealth that must be invested to carry out such a large project.”

“Don’t just think about the canal. They are not only aiming for the canal.”

Han Chi-hyung and the other ministers all looked puzzled at Hyun’s words.

“You said not just the canal? Then what else is there?”

“Oil.”

Han Chi-hyung immediately raised a question at Hyun’s concise answer.

“Isn’t oil just a more useful fuel than coal?”

“………”

Hyun closed his mouth at Han Chi-hyung’s answer and looked around at Han Chi-hyung and the other ministers. Seeing that they all had similar expressions to Han Chi-hyung, Hyun sighed and muttered to himself.

“Haa~.”

‘Perhaps that’s what most people think. Even I wouldn’t have known if the Supreme Emperor hadn’t pointed it out…’

Hyun, who had sighed, opened his mouth.

“The use of oil is not just for fuel. Lubricants are also produced for machines and steam engines used in workshops, and asphalt is also used as a waterproofing agent for roads and ships. If the refining method improves further than it is now, it is certain that even more can be obtained.”

“Do the European powers also know that?”

“They probably only know that it is a slightly more useful fuel than coal. But as time passes, they will also find out.”

“Then, even though they only recognize it as a mere fuel, do you think they will proceed with a near-gambling endeavor? I dare to say, isn’t it a groundless fear?”

“Hiss!”

The ministers around Han Chi-hyung gasped in horror at Han Chi-hyung’s words. Han Chi-hyung’s statement was very provocative.

‘Lord Han has gone mad!’

‘He’s arguing with the Emperor! He’s out of his mind!’

However, Hyun, surprisingly, wore a calm expression and asked Han Chi-hyung.

“Groundless fear? You said groundless fear? Why do you think so?”

“If we look back at the things that Europeans have done so far, it is difficult to see that Europeans can think that far ahead.”

“In other words, they are short-sighted?”

“That is correct.”

“Tsk!”

At that moment, Hyun clicked his tongue, and Han Chi-hyung and the ministers flinched.

“As narrow as their views are, aren’t your views also narrow? Look back at their progress, as the Prime Minister said. They are the ones who have chased right behind the Empire. Nevertheless, you ridicule their narrow views and are confident that they will never know unless we take the lead? Can’t you consider that if you neglect your attention in that way, our Empire will be left behind before you know it!”

Han Chi-hyung prostrated himself on the floor at Hyun’s rebuke and raised his voice.

“I swear to the heavens that I have never neglected my attention! I am devoting myself to state affairs, forgetting day and night and sleep, for the safety of the Empire and the peace of the people! That is why I dare to say to Your Majesty that it is a groundless fear!”

Hyun replied briefly to Han Chi-hyung’s words filled with injustice.

“It’s not just me who is worried. The Supreme Emperor is also greatly concerned.”

“Hiss!”

Han Chi-hyung, who was prostrated on the floor at Hyun’s words, froze. In the Empire, no, in the Imperial Court, Hyang was an existence that could be called a ‘living god.’ What he worried about always became a problem, and there were more than a few cases where they suffered a setback if they did not prepare in advance.

“The, the Supreme Emperor also…”

“That’s right.”

“Please forgive my arrogance!”

Han Chi-hyung prostrated himself on the floor at Hyun’s answer and begged for forgiveness. Hyun looked down at Han Chi-hyung and clicked his tongue.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk…”

‘Gasp! That’s three times!’

‘This is going to be bad! If we’re not careful, our heads will fly off!’

The horrified ministers all prostrated themselves on the floor and raised their voices.

“Please forgive us!”

Hyun’s voice echoed over the heads of the ministers who were prostrated on the floor.

“It is commendable that you do not unconditionally follow my words and judge what is right and wrong. It is the duty of a subject to speak frankly for the sake of the monarch, the country, and the peace of the people. However, such frank words require excellent insight to shine. If an ordinary person thinks of one thing when they see one thing, then those who manage must see two or three, or even five to ten things when they see one thing. From managing a household on a small scale to managing a country on a large scale.”

Hyun paused for a moment to moisten his throat and raised his voice.

“But look at your actions now! Those who are in charge of managing this vast Empire are seeing the world through the eyes of ordinary people! Can I really trust you? Can I trust you and pass the throne to the Crown Prince? In the future, when the Supreme Emperor is not here, will this Empire be at peace if those who fill this throne room are like you!”

The ministers prostrated on the floor lowered their bodies even further at Hyun’s criticism and begged for forgiveness.

“Please forgive us!”

“Please forgive our complacency!”

“Get up from your seats!”

Hyun, who had made the ministers stand up, warned Han Chi-hyung.

“I warn the Prime Minister. The world of yesterday and the world of today are always different. I can understand and take into account a lack of ability. But I can never forgive complacency.”

“I will engrave it in my heart!”

“The same goes for you. No, the same goes for those who will succeed you.”

“I will engrave it in my heart!”

“Then, review the Suez situation again and report it to me. As soon as possible.”

“We will do our best.”

The ministers, who had been thoroughly chastened, left the Geunjeongjeon Hall [main hall of the palace] and glared at Han Chi-hyung.

“…I’ll buy you a drink.”

“From today, leaving work on time is out of the question, and a drink is bullsh*t…”

Han Chi-hyung hurriedly changed his words at the sincerity that came out of nowhere.

“I’ll buy you two, three drinks!”

Meanwhile, Hyang, who heard about the commotion in the Geunjeongjeon Hall, smiled bitterly.

“The analysis and prediction part is a place where ‘if you get it right, it’s average, if you get it wrong, you’re screwed.’ That’s why we put the smartest guys in there, but it’s also the part that gets the most criticism.”

On the other hand, the officials who heard the rumor that ‘the ministers were scolded by the Emperor!’ were very nervous about the ensuing downward spiral. But this time, there was no downward spiral. Instead…

“Bring all the data, all the data!”

“Analyze this again!”

The workload has increased again.

* * *

The ministers, who had been scolded by Hyun, analyzed the situation again. With the reports analyzing the impact of the events in the Ottoman Empire on their respective ministries, the ministers repeatedly held meetings with the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers every day.

“It is certain that Europe is likely to use tricks in the Ottoman Empire.”

“If the Supreme Emperor said it, it’s not a possibility, it’s a certainty.”

“Then…”

Han Chi-hyung, who was listening to the story, looked back at the ministers.

“What if we throw a wrench in their plans? They made us take criticism that we didn’t have to.”