Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1073

1073. Checkmate (3)

Mercenaries were a familiar concept not only in Europe but also in the Ottoman Empire. Historically, both before and after Hyang’s intervention, European artillerymen and cannons crafted by European artisans were instrumental in breaching the walls of Constantinople.

Interestingly, the manufacturers of the massive cannons used to breach Constantinople’s walls, both before and after Hyang’s intervention, were Czech. This historical connection explained Selim’s lack of initial aversion to the proposal.

However, Selim didn’t immediately commit to a decision.

“You said immediate support is possible, but what numbers are we talking about?”

“We can immediately provide 300 musketeers and 20 Hwachas [Korean rocket artillery]. Within fifteen days, we can mobilize 2,000 musketeers, 300 Hwachas, and 50 cannons.”

“That’s a bit… limited.”

Selim looked at the Italian envoy with a perplexed expression.

“That’s sufficient to deal with Korkud or Ahmet individually. However, it’s insufficient to confront the Janissaries [elite Ottoman infantry]. The Janissaries guarding Constantinople alone consist of over 60 Ortas (approximately 12,000 men).”

“Within a month, we can have 10,000 musketeers, 30 cannons, and 500 Hwachas ready.”

“Within a month? Hmm…”

Selim began to carefully weigh the possibilities presented by the Italian ambassador.

‘Right now, that damn Ahmet holds the advantage because he’s closest to Constantinople.’

“Hmm…”

Selim studied the map, running calculations in his head. The situation was a three-way power struggle between Korkud, Ahmet, and Selim, but Ahmet was the most likely to succeed. He was the eldest son of Bayezid III, and his assigned governorship was nearest to the capital, Constantinople. Selim, on the other hand, was the farthest.

‘Ahmet’s only real weakness is that the Janissaries haven’t sided with him yet, but that could change the moment I ally with Europe.’

Because Ahmet commanded independent and substantial military power, the Janissaries had initially distanced themselves from him. They openly voiced their disapproval of Ahmet, and the nobles in the capital were also hesitant to offer their support.

This was Ahmet’s greatest vulnerability.

“Hmm…”

Sensing Selim’s hesitation, the Italian envoy spoke, as if understanding the situation.

“We are well aware of the Ottoman succession dynamics. The moment you join forces with us, you, as governor, will be the first to enter Constantinople.”

“How so?”

“We will intervene and prevent Ahmet from entering Constantinople.”

“Ah!”

Selim’s face brightened at the Italian ambassador’s words. The reinforcements promised by the Italian ambassador would arrive by sea, allowing them to sail directly to Constantinople. This would enable them to block Ahmet’s advance and defeat him decisively.

‘No, I don’t necessarily have to be the first to arrive. With their strength, they can turn the tide even after another force has already entered.’

Selim realized that multiple scenarios were now possible.

-The conventional wisdom says that the first to enter Constantinople wins.

-But conventional wisdom isn’t always right.

Before becoming Sultan, Murad II had to wage a bitter civil war against his brother Mustafa and another Mustafa—who claimed to be Murad II’s uncle—backed by Byzantium. Similarly, the current Sultan, Bayezid II, fought a fierce civil war against his brother Jem. In other words, being the first to enter Constantinople was only half the battle. Only by completely eliminating the other contenders could one truly claim victory.

‘France, Italy, Portugal… and the backing of their empires…’

Having completed his calculations, Selim clenched his fist.

‘The winner will be me!’

Having made up his mind, Selim turned to the Italian envoy.

“I accept your proposal.”

“A wise choice!”

“But I require a guarantee, formalized in a written document.”

“We feel the same way.”

One of the most significant influences within the Empire was the importance of ‘documentation.’

-The closer the relationship, the more important it is to put all promises in writing to maintain that friendship.

* * *

While alliances were being forged and broken in the Ottoman Empire in the pursuit of power and the protection of vested interests, similar events were unfolding in Tabriz.

“Hoo~. This is a headache.”

Inside Ismail’s palace in Tabriz, the ruler Ismail, later known as Ismail I, sighed, resting his hand on his forehead.

“The Qizilbash [Turkmen tribal confederation], the Qizilbash, they are the problem.”

Ismail’s face twisted in frustration as he spoke of the Qizilbash, who had once been his strongest supporters and comrades but had now become his biggest source of trouble.

* * *

The Qizilbash became a headache for Ismail from the very moment he founded the Safavid dynasty. The first priority for any newly established dynasty is to secure the loyalty of the people it governs.

One way to achieve this loyalty is to identify capable individuals from among the populace and appoint them as officials. This was a principle agreed upon not only by Ismail but also by his viziers and high-ranking officials. However, the Qizilbash vehemently opposed this decision.

“Those heretical Sunnis becoming officials! This cannot be allowed!”

“Appointing heretics as officials is unacceptable!”

The Qizilbash, openly defying Ismail and the vizier’s decision, began to rampage through Persia, massacring Persians.

“Will you die, or will you renounce your heresy and convert!”

The problem was that they weren’t simply demanding conversion from Sunni Islam to Shia Islam; they were also forcing conversion to the Sufi sect, which was the Qizilbash’s own religious affiliation. As a result, a dark and ominous atmosphere began to permeate the Persian region, which had only recently been brought under control. This, in turn, strengthened the Qizilbash’s position.

This was because they were the only military force that Ismail could truly trust and rely on. And it was at this time that envoys from the East arrived, seeking an audience with Ismail.

* * *

“I have heard many tales of the East from which you hail. Welcome to Persia.”

The envoys from the tripartite alliance bowed respectfully in response to Ismail’s welcome.

“It is a great honor to meet the Shah [Persian King]. We are deeply grateful for the Shah’s hospitality.”

“It is our tradition to welcome those who come from afar. I pray to Allah that Persia and the East will continue to enjoy a prosperous relationship.”

“We are truly grateful.”

Ismail warmly greeted the envoys from the tripartite alliance. He was well aware of the rumors surrounding the three countries of the East: the Empire, a powerful nation that even the arrogant Christians of Europe were wary of; the Ming Dynasty, slightly less powerful than the Empire but still a major force; and finally, Japan, the weakest of the three but still stronger than most European countries.

‘For my country to achieve even greater prosperity, the assistance of these three countries is essential! I must not treat them carelessly! I cannot afford to miss this opportunity!’

Recognizing this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Ismail went to great lengths to welcome the envoys of the tripartite alliance.

* * *

Two days after the grand banquet held to welcome the envoys of the tripartite alliance, formal discussions began.

“So, what brings the East to our Persia?”

“To trade with your country and to acquire oil.”

“Oil?”

After listening to the explanation, Ismail nodded.

“Ah, you mean that black oil. Is it of great importance in the East?”

“It will become important to everyone in the future. Therefore, we ask the Shah to allow us to share in the profits derived from this black oil.”

“Profits?”

The Ming Dynasty official, acting as the representative, elaborated further.

-Crude oil itself has limited applications.

-However, through the refining process, oils and by-products suitable for various purposes can be produced.

-These oils and by-products are needed not only by the East but also by Europe and other countries.

-The problem is that these oil deposits are found in only a few locations, including the Persian region.

“…Therefore, the Ottoman Empire and Europe will undoubtedly attempt to exploit Persia for its oil.”

“Hmm…”

Ismail, the vizier, and the officials’ faces grew serious upon hearing the Ming Dynasty official’s explanation. They had heard rumors from the Mediterranean region. They were also aware of the turmoil surrounding the Ottoman succession and the involvement of European powers.

“So, the Europeans are interfering in the Ottoman Empire because of this oil?”

“That is correct, Vizier.”

After hearing the Ming Dynasty official’s response, the vizier turned to Ismail with a grave expression. Approaching Ismail closely, the vizier whispered softly.

“If that is true, war is inevitable.”

“It must be true.”

Ismail, responding to the vizier’s words, questioned the envoys.

“The East has proposed that we share the profits together. However, based on the envoy’s words, conflict seems unavoidable. What will the East do?”

In response to Ismail’s question, the Japanese official stepped forward and answered.

“The East and Persia will be bound together as one.”

“Bound together as one?”

“Yes.”

The Japanese official began to explain the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative. As the official’s explanation continued, Ismail and the vizier became increasingly engrossed.

* * *

The talks continued for an extended period.

“I instructed you to prepare a banquet, but a banquet is no longer important. Let us have a simple meal first and continue our discussion.”

The envoys of the tripartite alliance responded nonchalantly to Ismail’s words.

“We will follow the Shah’s will.”

“Aren’t you tired?”

“This is not a difficult task.”

Ismail and the vizier were momentarily taken aback by the envoys’ response.

‘Not a difficult task? They’ve been explaining for hours now?’

‘I’ve heard that the officials of the East are workaholics, and it’s true!’

The Shah, quickly regaining his composure, addressed the envoys.

“What you said about ‘a road like a single thread’ is truly inspiring. But the envoys have yet to answer my question. You must be aware of that.”

“Are you referring to how to prevent the conflict?”

“That’s right.”

The Empire’s official stepped forward at Ismail’s words.

“I will create the Shah’s army.”

Ismail froze for a moment at the Empire’s official’s words. After a pause, Ismail managed to regain his composure and repeated the Empire’s official’s statement.

“You will create my army?”

“That is correct. I will create the Shah’s army, and the Persian army.”

“My army, and the Persian army…”

As Ismail trailed off, the vizier, standing beside him, hurriedly interjected.

“The Shah appears to be tired. Let us postpone the rest of the discussion!”

Ismail, snapping back to reality at the vizier’s words, gestured to the envoys.

“I am tired, as the vizier mentioned. Let us conclude here for today. Return and rest.”

“We obey the Shah’s command.”

The envoys bowed politely and withdrew at Ismail’s dismissal.

—–

Hello?

This is Gukbbong, the author of ‘Black Company Joseon.’ I am writing to inform you that an error occurred in the recently serialized part, and I have corrected it. I mistakenly wrote ‘Selim’ as ‘Suleiman’ in the story, so I have corrected it.

I made a mistake in the research. I will try not to make this mistake again in the future. I’m sorry. I will do my best in the future.

Gukbbong.