Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1070

1070. Laying the Groundwork (5)

Woo used the second part of the civil service examination as his method here. The test to move from 5th grade to 4th grade [referring to a specific bureaucratic ranking system] had to be taken twice. The first part was a personal evaluation taken over two days, examining the applicant’s knowledge of Confucianism and practical skills.

“The second one is a piece of cake compared to this,” Woo muttered.

Most applicants were recognized for their academic and professional abilities; in fact, only those individuals were encouraged to apply. The real challenge, the filter Woo was aiming for, was the second test: ‘A Month of Hell.’

-Applicants choose one ball from an opaque box.

-Those who select a ball of the same color form a team, with each team comprising one person from each of the 6 Ministries, the Censorate [an agency that supervised the activity of all the other agencies], and the Judiciary.

-These teams are given a test assignment: to create a draft policy for operating the Empire, including legal and ordinance standards.

-Cooperation, coordination, and leadership skills demonstrated during the task are scored. The completeness of the final proposal is also a key criterion.

-Three examiners are assigned to each team, and success or failure is determined based on their evaluation reports.

-The second test lasts a month, with grading taking an additional half-month.

It was a notoriously difficult test, inspiring comments like, “Just hearing the name makes me want to throw up again.” Most participants echoed this sentiment.

“If you take that test, you can see why the ‘Theory of Communist Distribution’ is nonsense,” one applicant had said.

Because ‘leadership’ was an evaluation criterion, intense power struggles and fierce competition for leadership positions were common. The assignments themselves were also challenging, related to the operation of the entire Empire and involving all 6 Ministries, the Censorate, and the Judiciary.

In other words, there were no easy tasks where one could coast. Even after coordinating with each other, the feeling of carrying more weight than others was unavoidable, leading to frequent disputes. The examiners meticulously recorded and evaluated all of this, making it the ‘optimal method’ in Woo’s eyes.

* * *

“With this background, we will assign ‘Total War’ as the test assignment this time.”

“Hmm……”

Hyeon, who had been nodding while listening to Woo’s report, asked, “Is that the only reason you chose this test?”

“No. ‘Total War’ is not an immediate threat but a countermeasure to prepare for a potential future situation. The current test-takers will be the ones shaping the court at that time. By contemplating these issues in advance, they will be better equipped to handle them when a real crisis occurs.”

“Good answer.”

Hyeon, satisfied, stamped the proposal and added, “While you’re at it, make sure to explain it properly to the Prime Minister and the ministers.”

“……Yes.”

The next day, Woo presented his plan to the Prime Minister and ministers.

“…..That’s how it will be.”

After listening to Woo’s explanation, Han Chi-hyung and the ministers weighed the possibilities and potential gains and losses. After a period of deliberation, Han Chi-hyung addressed Hyeon.

“The Crown Prince has devised a truly excellent method. It seems wise to proceed as planned.”

Seong-joon added, “If those working with Ming [China] and Japan are at the forefront, those who pass this test will be well-suited to support them from behind. With proactive leadership and strong support, the Empire will have nothing to fear.”

“I am truly pleased that the Crown Prince is thinking so deeply about state affairs. The Empire’s future is bright with such wisdom,” another minister chimed in.

“Hahaha! I feel truly good as a father, even more than as an emperor, to hear such favorable opinions. However, the Crown Prince’s experience is still limited, so I hope you will all do your best to assist him.”

“We obey your command!” the ministers replied in unison.

Hyeon looked at Woo with a proud expression.

‘That kid! He kept making me anxious, but now he’s finally doing it right!’

The ministers’ positive reaction and the Emperor’s approval meant Woo’s method was adopted. The applicants, however, faced sleepless nights.

“I heard that the second assignment this time came from the Supreme Emperor [a title of respect for the current Emperor]……” one applicant whispered.

“Haa~. Should I give up applying this time? Even if it means falling behind my peers in my career…..” another lamented.

“That’s not an easy decision. The idea originated with the Supreme Emperor, but the execution is overseen by the Crown Prince. A misstep could put you on the Crown Prince’s bad side.”

“If that happens, success is out of reach…….”

“What should I do?”

The applicants were consumed by worry and insomnia, but ultimately, they chose to apply.

“If I apply and fail, it’s ‘bad luck,’ but if I give up, I’ll be marked as ‘incompetent.’”

“The answer was already decided,” one applicant sighed.

* * *

Even as Unjongga [a district in the capital] buzzed with the test to identify those who would support the Empire from the rear, the officials collaborating with Ming and Japan focused on their assigned tasks.

“Those working with Ming and Japan now will be responsible for the front lines of the Empire in the future, and those who pass this test will be responsible for the rear,” Seong-joon’s words to Hyeon had resonated deeply, filling these officials with both pride and a sense of responsibility.

“The fact that His Majesty the Emperor did not contradict Lord Seong-joon’s words means that he also recognizes the importance of our work!” one official declared.

“If we don’t perform well in this endeavor, success will remain ‘a pie in the sky’!” another added.

The imperial officials, newly aware of the opportunity and the potential crisis, began to work even harder. They also began to push the officials of Ming and Japan.

“Come on! Come on! A new day has dawned! Let’s work! Work!” one official urged.

“Considering the time it takes for news to arrive from the Ottoman Empire and Persia, we can’t afford to sit still and wait! We must prepare in advance to respond immediately! Let’s work, work!” another exclaimed.

The officials of Ming and Japan grimaced at the imperial officials’ outburst.

“Did these humans eat the wrong tonic…?” one Ming official muttered.

“The situation is already overwhelming…” a Japanese official groaned.

The officials of Ming and Japan were barely keeping pace with the imperial officials even before this increased intensity. Now, they began to falter.

“Let’s rest a bit! Let’s take it easy!” a Ming official pleaded.

“I’m going to die like this!” a Japanese official exclaimed.

The imperial officials frowned at their complaints.

“Huh! What is the duty of a subject? Shouldn’t you risk your life for the country? Neglecting state affairs because it’s difficult? What kind of disgrace is this!” one imperial official scoffed.

“If it’s too difficult, submit your resignation and ask them to send a replacement. Then you can be comfortable,” another added.

“Submit your resignation! Then you can be comfortable! You can rest very comfortably~!” a third taunted.

Faced with this reaction, the officials of Ming and Japan gritted their teeth and clung to their work. They knew that this endeavor was a crucial turning point that would determine their future.

“If we succeed, we will be on a winning streak, but if we fail, we will be relegated to unimportant positions and our careers will stagnate!” one Ming official said.

“If you’ve thrown your hat in the ring as an official, shouldn’t you make a name for yourself!” a Japanese official declared.

In the end, they began to consume tonics and black bean tea to stay awake and focused on their work.

* * *

After organizing affairs within Persia to some extent, the officials of the Empire, Ming, and Japan turned their attention to the Ottoman Empire.

“Among the sons of the current Sultan Bayezid II, three are the most promising: Korkud, Ahmet, Suleiman, and the one called Selim,” one official reported.

“Who is the most promising among the three?” another asked.

“Both Korkud and Suleiman have experienced military failures. Considering this, Ahmet appears to be the most promising. However, for the same reason, Ahmet is also the most disadvantageous.”

“Huh?’” the officials of Ming and Japan asked, confused. They soon understood the meaning and nodded.

“That’s right. Since he is the most likely to succeed, he will demand a larger stake,” one Ming official said.

“The other two will have no choice but to concede more to the European powers who offer them assistance,” a Japanese official added.

“Does this mean they are all equally unappealing?” one official asked.

The imperial official added an explanation to the analysis.

“We must also consider another factor: the Janissaries [elite infantry units that formed the Ottoman Sultan’s household troops and bodyguard].”

“Ah…….”

“I forgot about them,” a Ming official admitted.

Before becoming an empire, the Ottoman army was simply an assembly of warriors from various tribes. Organized mobilization was impossible, and the military power consisted mostly of light cavalry.

The Janissaries were created as a standing army to correct this imbalance and enable organized movement. They performed their role excellently. However, the current Janissaries have become both the Sultan’s most powerful weapon and his biggest burden.

The imperial official concluded the explanation with the following words.

“The next Sultan will be the one who succeeds in securing the support of these Janissaries, suppressing them, or both.”

“Is there any information about who the Janissaries are currently supporting?” one official asked.

“It hasn’t been publicly revealed, but according to rumors, they seem to favor Suleiman.”

“Hmm……”

“Hmm…. Then the choice of the European powers is…..”

The officials of Ming and Japan began to consider which candidate the European powers would support.

-First, considering only current military strength, Ahmet is the most powerful. Therefore, it is likely that he will be the least favored.

-That leaves Korkud and Suleiman. Since both have suffered military losses, they will likely concede more.

-However, the Janissaries are a variable. Suleiman is also becoming a less attractive choice.

-Korkud is the best opponent, but this creates difficulties for the European powers. Competition among them could arise, and Korkud could potentially gain too much power.

-Therefore, the best way to avoid this is……

The officials of Ming and Japan, having considered all the factors, uttered the same word.

“Purge.”

“A purge would be the answer,” one official affirmed.

The imperial officials nodded in agreement.

“In Persia, it was the Kizilbash [a Shia religious group that helped establish the Safavid dynasty], and in the Ottoman Empire, the Janissaries will be the targets of the purge.”

One of the Ming officials, who had been silent, raised an objection.

“The Janissaries are the most important force protecting the Sultan’s power. Would they really purge them?”

“Lord Wang, it is entirely possible. Have you forgotten that politics is about eliminating even the most powerful card if it is not loyal?”

“I agree. Especially if they are so powerful that they overshadow the Sultan, it is best to eliminate them when the opportunity arises. Have you forgotten the saying ‘kill the goose that lays the golden eggs’?”