Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1069

1069. Laying the Groundwork (4)

“Total war… I believe the related policies and laws have already been prepared?”

At Wan’s remark, Hyeon, who stood beside him, nodded. After concluding two major wars, Hyang had initially proposed the concept of total war. Wan had established the groundwork and framework during his reign, and Hyeon’s reign had refined and expanded upon it. Therefore, the renewed mention of ‘total war’ prompted him to raise a point.

‘Could this be a sign of senility…? No! I mustn’t entertain such disrespectful thoughts!’

While Wan and Hyeon harbored these concerned thoughts, Hyang responded.

“I am well aware of that. That’s why I haven’t commented until now. I, too, believed it was sufficient. However…”

Hyang paused, sighed deeply, and continued, “Hoo~. The world is changing too rapidly. No, it has already changed. I anticipated it would take approximately a century to redefine the concept…”

“This sh…”

At Hyang’s words, Woo nearly blurted out a curse without realizing it, but he quickly covered his mouth. Hyeon glared at the flustered Woo before addressing Hyang.

“Total war is total war, isn’t it? Adjusting the details is one thing, but starting from scratch seems unnecessary.”

“It’s not the same total war. The total war we’ve conducted thus far could be termed ‘the Court’s total war,’ whereas what we must now consider will be ‘the Nation’s total war.'”

“Huh?”

“Uh?”

At Hyang’s statement, Wan and Hyeon’s expressions turned serious as they pondered the implications.

‘The Court and the Nation are subtly different… There’s a subtle distinction…’

Meanwhile, Woo looked at Wan and Hyeon with a clearly puzzled expression, as if asking, ‘What are you talking about?’ Observing Wan and Hyeon’s silent contemplation, Woo bowed his head to Hyang.

“My knowledge is limited, and I cannot fully grasp the Grand Emperor’s meaning. Please, enlighten me.”

At Woo’s request, Hyang smiled gently and replied.

“It’s not that your knowledge is shallow, but that you lack experience. You haven’t had extensive experience overseeing all state affairs simultaneously, weighing the importance of matters, and considering not only the Empire’s situation but also the circumstances of other countries.”

As Hyang pointed out, Woo was still inexperienced. The Empire’s policy involved cultivating fundamental skills by managing institutions traditionally overseen by the Crown Prince, such as Area 51 [a secretive research and development facility] and research institutes, before gaining practical experience as Regent.

And Woo had only recently begun his regency.

“I will explain the rationale behind this proposal for the Crown Prince. It’s more effective than simply reading the words.”

“Thank you!”

Woo expressed his sincere gratitude, while Wan and Hyeon’s faces brightened at this unexpected opportunity.

Hyang’s explanation can be summarized as follows:

-The reason the current total war is called ‘the Court’s total war’ is that the Court’s deficiencies can be compensated for by the private sector.

-For example, according to the current plan, in a total war situation, private artisans are summoned to the armory to produce weapons.

In essence, the Court draws from the private sector to address its shortcomings.

-However, in the new concept of total war, the situation is reversed.

When a total war erupts, everything that can be delegated is handed over to the private sector, allowing the Court to focus solely on management and supervision while dedicating all its efforts to prosecuting the war.

-In contrast to the previous example, in the new total war, the Court entrusts all production to the private sector and dispatches artisans from the armory to the private sector to manage and supervise.

“That’s the fundamental difference.”

“Why is this distinction being made?”

Hyang immediately addressed Woo’s question.

“The world has changed. Hwachas [Korean rocket artillery] and assault vehicles are no longer exclusive to the Empire. Some countries have imported them from the Empire, but many have developed them independently. In other words, ‘mass production, mass consumption’ will define warfare. Let’s examine the report…”

Listening to Hyang’s explanation, Wan, Hyeon, and Woo quickly turned to the report.

“…This compares the amount of supplies consumed in the Liaodong War [a major conflict in the region of Liaodong] that we fought and the estimated amount of supplies consumed in the recent war between France and Habsburg in the Lorraine region.”

“…Good heavens…”

Wan, Hyeon, and Woo, upon examining the comparison table, all wore dismayed expressions.

“The amount of supplies consumed in a past all-out war that risked the fate of the nation and a modern local war shows surprisingly little difference…”

“If this consumption rate is applied to the current all-out war as it is…”

Wan and Hyeon’s faces paled as they performed some quick calculations. Woo, with a similar expression, asked Hyeon.

“Father, when the report on the war between France and Habsburg was released, none of the ministers mentioned the point the Grand Emperor is making. Surely, they couldn’t have been unaware of these figures.”

At Woo’s observation, Hyang answered in Hyeon’s place.

“Since the founding of the Empire, our economy has grown remarkably. Indeed, not only the economy but also our military strength has increased significantly. Isn’t Ming the only country capable of waging an all-out war against the current Empire? In such a context, seriously considering such local wars would be the most they could do. If they were to think about it seriously, they would deem it an overreaction.”

“Still, it seems problematic that they overlooked this.”

“It’s unavoidable.”

“Yes?”

At the word ‘unavoidable,’ even Wan and Hyeon looked puzzled. Seeing their expressions, Hyang asked Wan.

“Do you recall the situation during the Liaodong War?”

“Well… I was young at the time, so my memories are vague. I only remember that the Yuan Emperor and the Grand Emperor wore serious expressions every day, and the ministers spent each day with a look of determination.”

“That’s why it’s unavoidable. Those who experienced the Liaodong War firsthand have already passed into history, and the current generation only knows the Liaodong War through records and numbers. It’s inevitable that those who actually lived through it and those who only know it through knowledge will make different judgments about the importance of the matter.”

Hyang paused briefly, moistened his throat, and continued.

“The same applies to the total war concept. When we initially conceived and developed the framework, those who had experienced the Liaodong War held prominent positions from top to bottom. They were the ones who had risked everything for the nation in a single war. Hmm… I wonder if you understand what I’m saying?”

At Hyang’s question, Wan, Hyeon, and Woo all nodded.

“Yes, we understand. We will prepare for a new total war.”

“I am truly grateful that you accept it without dismissing it as an old man’s worry.”

“You are too kind. How could we disregard the Grand Emperor’s concern for the nation?”

“Thank you. I feel like I can rest comfortably now.”

“Please trust us and leave it to us.”

As Wan, Hyeon, and Woo departed, Hyang stretched with a relieved expression.

“Ugh… I believe I’ve completed all my work. Now, let’s enjoy my hobby in peace…”

* * *

Wan, Hyeon, and Woo, having returned to Gyeongbok Palace [the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty], gathered to discuss the task Hyang had assigned.

“I understand the Grand Emperor’s concerns… But is there a realistic possibility of a total war occurring at the scale the Grand Emperor envisions?”

At Wan’s question, Hyeon responded with an ambiguous expression.

“I can’t guarantee that there isn’t. That’s the problem.”

“That’s right. That’s the crux of the matter. A ruler must not dismiss even the smallest potential problem.”

“Indeed. And when I reflect on it, wars have become increasingly attritional.”

At Hyeon’s words, Wan nodded.

“General Yi Jing-ok once said something along those lines. War first consumes people, then supplies, and ultimately the country. He wasn’t wrong.”

“He certainly left behind a memorable saying. Hmm… I should share it with the Prime Minister.”

At Hyeon’s decision, Woo displayed a look of disapproval.

“He’s already overburdened.”

“Then what do you suggest? Crown Prince, are you volunteering?”

“Yes? I am too inexperienced to be entrusted with such a significant responsibility…”

Hyeon chuckled and interrupted Woo, who was hastily trying to decline.

“Not ability, but experience… You’re not implying you’re incompetent, are you? You’re confident in your abilities, correct? Hmm… I should entrust it to you even more, Crown Prince. I intend to abdicate to you soon anyway. From now on, it’s your era, so it’s beneficial for you to take charge and manage it yourself.”

“Ah, no. Your Majesty! I am still lacking in many respects!”

“It’s an excellent opportunity to address those shortcomings! Crown Prince, take charge and execute it properly. That is my command.”

At Hyeon’s command, Woo responded with a tearful expression.

“I obey Your Majesty’s command.”

“You were the one who pointed out that the Prime Minister and ministers are suffering from overload. Therefore, do not rely on the Prime Minister and ministers; manage it effectively on your own.”

“…Yes.”

Observing Woo’s face, already weary before even commencing, Wan asked Hyeon with a concerned expression.

“Aren’t you placing too much of a burden on the Crown Prince?”

“He’s the one who will soon inherit the throne. He needs to handle this much.”

“But seeing his expression, I feel sorry for him…”

“That fellow only appears that way. He’s capable, but he only attempts to do what he’s instructed, and his cunning is growing… Tsk!”

Wan wore a peculiar expression at Hyeon’s words, who clicked his tongue while mentioning Woo’s sly demeanor.

“Huh? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“…I wonder if the Emperor wasn’t similar? When I recall how he slyly maneuvered to create that steam ironclad ship…”

“……..”

* * *

Meanwhile, Woo, having been assigned the task, repeatedly pondered to find a solution.

“Doing everything from start to finish myself is the worst possible approach. Who said that? ‘Identifying the right person and delegating the work is the mark of a capable leader.’ Hmm… To whom should I delegate this…”

The easiest solution would be to pass it on to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister would then distribute it and delegate it to others. However, Hyeon had already forbidden this method.

“Hmm… What would be a good approach?”

Woo, thinking hard to find the optimal solution, fixed his gaze on the calendar hanging on the wall. Suddenly, Woo’s eyes began to sparkle as he looked at the schedule next to it.

“That’s it! I’ve finally identified the individuals to whom I can delegate this. I’ve found the individuals who will undertake it at the risk of their careers!”

The ones Woo was targeting were the mid-level officials who had applied for the competency assessment test.

* * *

To be promoted in the Empire’s bureaucracy, officials had to demonstrate diligence. They had to be recognized for their diligence through excellent attendance, and they had to be recognized for their ability through the results of their assigned tasks. By diligently accumulating experience and achievements in this manner, they could rise to the 6th rank without significant difficulty.

They had to take a separate test to advance from the 6th rank to the 5th rank, but this test could be considered a formality. The real obstacle was the test to move from the 5th rank to the 4th rank. Only by surpassing the 4th rank could they attain a true high-ranking position. And Woo was targeting those who were challenging this test.