Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1064

1064. Gambling (8)

Following Hyun’s decision, the core bureaucracy of the Empire sprang into action. Han Chi-hyung, the Chief State Councillor [Prime Minister], gathered the Vice State Councillors [Vice Prime Ministers] and ministers of each department and assigned them tasks.

“The First Vice State Councillor will coordinate cooperation between the three countries and find a suitable representative for our interests in Persia.”

“Understood.”

Sung-joon nodded at Han Chi-hyung’s command. Han Chi-hyung then assigned tasks to Ryu Soon as well.

“The Second Vice State Councillor should consider establishing a new department to oversee information-related affairs and devise a method to manage it effectively.”

“I will do my best.”

The Vice State Councillors, having received their assignments from the Prime Minister, began to break down the tasks in more detail in consultation with the ministers of each department.

“This is an unprecedented event, with not only us but also Ming and Japan working together. We must be careful not to set a bad precedent.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, representing a key department, replied, but Sung-joon’s caution remained.

“Japan never misses an opportunity when they see an opening. The same goes for Ming. Although their power has diminished compared to the past, they are still an empire that once controlled all the surrounding countries. Remember that you will suffer if you underestimate them.”

“I will pay special attention.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs was just the beginning. Sung-joon also instructed the ministers of other departments on their responsibilities.

“Check the information related to the weapons used by the Ming and Japanese armies. Ah! And check their troop strength as well. We may have to dispatch soldiers as a last resort. And… find out how much wealth is flowing into Japan from our Empire. If necessary, we need to use that to put pressure on Japan. Ah! While I’m at it, let’s also look into the number of students who have come to the Empire from Japan and their political leanings. If we can get them to side with the Empire, it will be easier in the future. Next…”

As Sung-joon’s orders flowed, the aides standing behind the ministers diligently recorded them. Following the First Vice State Councillor, Ryu Soon, the Second Vice State Councillor, added tasks for the ministers.

“Prepare and submit records of the departments and personnel in charge of information within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense. The same goes for the Police Bureau. Submit a report related to the department that investigates civil affairs. Also, have the Tribunal organize and report records of lawsuits related to civil affairs investigations, such as false accusations or extortion. In addition, inform the Review Board in advance and have them consider a bill regarding the new department. And…”

Ryu Soon’s instructions were also extensive. Only when the aides’ shoulders grew stiff from taking notes did Ryu Soon’s words finally cease.

“Then, do your best, everyone. If this work succeeds, we will etch our names in the history of the Empire.”

“We will do our best!”

At Han Chi-hyung’s words, the ministers responded with determination.

“Then, I trust you all.”

With those words, Han Chi-hyung and the Vice State Councillors stepped back. The ministers who remained in the conference room began to coordinate once again, using the records written by the aides.

“This part seems more suitable for the Ministry of National Defense than the Ministry of Foreign Affairs…”

“This part seems more suitable for the Ministry of Economy and Finance.”

“It seems reasonable for our Ministry of Education to take charge of this part.”

Having finished coordinating, the ministers dispersed to their respective departments.

* * *

After that, the officials of the Empire moved busily, regardless of department. In the meantime, many officials flocked to the Archives [National Archives].

“There’s no data here!”

“What’s the point of having the Archives!”

“The figures here and here are different! I don’t know which one is correct!”

“There must be a correction somewhere! Find it!”

“I can’t find where it is!”

“Archivist!”

“Yes!”

All records remaining from before the establishment of the Empire, as well as those from Joseon, Goryeo, the Three Kingdoms period, and even earlier, were collected, organized, and stored in the Archives. It was a place with terrible reputations, such as ‘Hell of Corrupt Officials’ and ‘Text Hell’, but the Archives was a treasure trove for officials and scholars looking for related data. Carts loaded with reports and data like mountains sped through the Six Ministries Street [main administrative avenue] of Seoul, and officials with armfuls of documents hurried through the corridors and offices of the government building.

“It was busy before, but these days it’s completely chaotic.”

The residents of Seoul commented on the 모습 [sight] of the officials moving busily on Six Ministries Street and in the government building.

“That’s true, but somehow it seems more energetic compared to the past.”

“That’s right. Did everyone eat a bowl of tonic…”

As the residents said, a strange vitality circulated on the faces of the officials. It was a kind of trickle-down effect. As the Empire settled into a routine, the officials became immersed in a kind of mannerism. Of course, every day 이어지고 [continued] without a break, and 야근 이어지는 [night work continued] whenever there was a gap, and 철야 이어지는 [all-nighters continued] when it was time to rest. However, the result was ‘today is the same as yesterday, tomorrow is the same as today’. The only thing that stimulated this repetitive daily life was when events such as the former ‘Italian Unification War’ occurred.

“But if you pray for a war to break out, you’re a son of a bitch…”

“Even if it’s boring, a peaceful era is a good thing.”

In this situation, the ‘Three Kingdoms Alliance’ and ‘Persian Investment’ projects that began to be 추진 [promoted] this time were very attractive events.

“There is a possibility of military action, but it is not high. And even if military action occurs, there are Ming and Japan, so the burden will not be great.”

Here, the ministers and vice-ministers and their immediate subordinates had other calculations.

-The last ‘Italian Unification War’ is the responsibility of the former prime ministers and cabinet.

-But we are in charge of this! right now!

-If we make this happen, we can proudly record our names in the history of the Empire! Not just ordinary ‘versatile’ people, but ‘very capable’ people!

-If this is successful, this will be our achievement! Even if a peaceful era is good, it is unfavorable for success. But if we succeed in this and make it an achievement, success is a sure thing!

The upper echelons, obsessed with honor and ambition, rolled up their sleeves and took the lead, and this influence spread downward.

* * *

The Empire, having completed its own preparations, entered into full-scale negotiations with Ming and Japan. Since Ming and Japan were also well-prepared, the negotiations between the three countries were very intense.

-The three countries cooperate to pursue the common interests of the three countries.

As soon as the negotiations began, an agreement was reached on the above 명분 [pretext], but fierce debates, 눈치싸움 [battles of wits], and 밀고 당기기 [give-and-take] continued over the clauses that followed. 연락선 [liaison ships] went back and forth to Nanjing and Yamugachi almost every day, and 휴정 이어지는 [recesses continued] whenever there was a gap. In the meantime, secret negotiations took place between Ming and the Empire, the Empire and Japan, and Ming and Japan.

After fierce negotiations, the three countries were able to produce a reasonably satisfactory result.

-The three countries actively cooperate for the common interests in the Persian region.

-The three countries establish a permanent negotiation body for this purpose.

(Omitted)

-The profits secured in the Persian region are distributed in the following ratio. The distribution rate is as follows.

Empire 4: Ming 3.5: Japan 2.5

-This distribution rate is adjusted every 10 years.

(Omitted)

“Hmm… Adjusting the distribution rate every 10 years is a bit 거치적스럽군 [cumbersome].”

Han Chi-hyung bowed his head and replied to Hyun’s 지적 [remark] after confirming the negotiation coordination plan.

“It was unavoidable in order to appease Ming and Japan. Also, it was a good number for our Empire.”

“A good number?”

“Yes. Because it can be adjusted every 10 years, we can prevent them from 수를 쓰는 [scheming] behind the scenes as much as possible. Of course, that doesn’t mean they won’t try, but it’s a good number because we can deter them. Also, it is a good number for our Empire because those who will succeed us cannot be 방심 [careless].”

“Hmm… That’s right.”

Hyun nodded after hearing Han Chi-hyung’s explanation. No matter how ‘fairly’ the shares were divided, it was 인지상정 [human nature] that dissatisfaction would inevitably arise due to greed over time. Therefore, if the ratio was insisted on until the end without a 중간에 조율 과정 [mid-term adjustment process], problems would definitely arise. The Empire may be overwhelming Ming and Japan now, but the future was uncertain.

Ming was a clear great power in terms of territory and population, and Japan was also growing rapidly. If Ming and Japan join hands and start a military build-up against the Empire…

‘It’s more of a loss than a gain for the Empire.’

Having finished the calculation, Hyun said to Han Chi-hyung.

“As the Prime Minister said, it is the best number in the current situation. Proceed as it is.”

“I 받드옵니다 [humbly accept] the command!”

“Your efforts are producing visible results. I hope you will do your best until the end so that your names will be left in 청사 [history].”

Han Chi-hyung and the officials all bowed their heads and answered Hyun’s 치사 [words of praise].

“We will do our best!”

* * *

Meanwhile, Hyang, who was receiving reports on the situation in Suganggung [Hyang’s residence], had a strange expression on her face.

“Hmm… A three-nation alliance? Or is it the East-West Cold War?”

The European powers were already meddling with the Ottomans because of Persia. If the Empire, Ming, and Japan join hands and move, the European powers will immediately notice and start responding.

‘The most likely thing is that the European powers will also form an alliance, but it won’t be easy.’

The European powers were still 치고받는 [fighting] each other whenever they had a chance. Considering the situation, it was never easy for the European powers to join hands with each other.

‘But if it’s about profit, a big profit, they’ll join hands. It will take time, though.’

The Arabian Peninsula, Persia, and Central Asia were the places that showed off their presence with oil as a weapon even in the 21st century. It was a region where 피가 마르지 않는 [the blood never dries] over oil even in the 21st century. Therefore, Hyang was 확신하는 [convinced] that the European powers would eventually join hands, even if it took time.

“Hmm…”

Hyang looked at the map and thought about the future. Hyang, who had been 주억거리거나 가로 저으며 [nodding or shaking her head] and calculating for a long time, 펼쳤다 [unfolded] a piece of paper.

“In times like this, it’s still the British style…”

-Just as Britain 장악해 [seized] Gibraltar and 장악한 제해권 [controlled the sea] of the Mediterranean, the Empire also 장악 [seizes] Gibraltar 확고히 [firmly] and exerts influence on the Mediterranean countries.

-Just as Britain used Japan to check Russia, Italy and Portugal are used to check the European powers.

Hyang, who had 정리한 [organized] up to this point, had an expression that revealed her complex emotions.

“What did Japan, who received the British 버프 [buff, i.e., advantage], do… Is there a ‘road not taken’, but is there also an ‘unavoidable road’?”

It was a proposal that Hyang herself wrote and 건의할 [suggested] to Hyun. It was almost impossible for Hyun to 거부할 [reject] the proposal submitted by Hyang, the 태상황 [retired Emperor]. No, it was a proposal that could not be easily 거부할 [rejected] even by Hyang herself, not Hyun. This was because it was too 달콤한 [sweet] a proposal for a monarch who prioritized national interests.

‘Instead of fighting the enemies directly, make the enemies fight each other. That way, you earn time like 천금 [gold].’

It was such a 달콤한 [sweet] proposal.

“Someday, the Empire will also be 끼어들게 [intervening] in the fight, though…”