Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1094

1094. Overture to Disaster (1)

The new power engine unveiled by the Empire caused a stir in Europe, the Middle East, Ming [China], and Japan. However, this was only one piece of a larger puzzle. Those not directly affected remained indifferent, focused on their own affairs. The same held true for the rulers. For them, the ‘new power engine’ was important, but not *critically* important.

“If the development of the new power engine succeeds, we stand to gain much. However, even greater gains can be found elsewhere. We can’t afford to focus solely on one thing.”

“But what about the principle of ‘select and focus’?”

“There are too many competitors vying for success with the new power engine. We must especially consider the Empire, our most powerful and technologically advanced rival.”

“The Empire leads in more than just one or two areas…”

“…Damn those Empire bastards.”

This sentiment was mirrored within the Empire itself. In fact, given the Empire’s vast responsibilities, choosing to ‘select and focus’ was even more challenging.

* * *

Through the continuous subjugation of native populations and policies encouraging childbirth, the Empire’s population finally exceeded 40 million.

“They say ‘everyone is born with their own fortune,’ but we must remain vigilant.”

Food production was on the rise thanks to various irrigation projects, the development of new farming techniques, and the introduction of new crops. However, they couldn’t afford to relax their vigilance due to global climate issues—the Little Ice Age—and the ever-present threat of natural disasters like typhoons. And it wasn’t just about food. The growing population fueled diverse desires and demands, leading to the expansion of commerce, industry, and various forms of entertainment.

These developments generated and distributed more wealth, further strengthening the Empire. However, this also meant an increased workload for the Empire’s officials.

“The population has increased, but the landmass has increased several times over…”

“It’s good to make money, but do it legally!”

“If you make a lot of money, pay a lot of taxes!”

While lower and middle-ranking officials groaned under the weight of overwork, high-ranking officials engaged in a different kind of discussion.

“As the saying goes, ‘everything has its twists and turns’…”

“Now I understand why the Won Emperor and the Grand Emperor Emeritus worked so hard to bring Shinji [a region within the Empire] under their control.”

Shinji, which became part of the Empire’s territory thanks to Sejong and Hyang, had established itself as the Empire’s primary source of food and resources. Moreover, it provided an excellent solution to the overpopulation problem slowly emerging in the mainland and Bukji [another region within the Empire].

The Shinji railway network, Jinpyeong’s final masterpiece, connected the entire region. Finally, the sea route linking the Empire’s mainland and surrounding areas to Shinji was weaving the entire Empire into a cohesive economic unit.

The vision of the Empire that Kim Jeom had dreamed of long ago was gradually becoming a reality.

-A nation that can stand firm even if foreign powers try to shake it.

* * *

The Empire wasn’t the only power experiencing growth. Ming, Japan, and the European powers were also steadily developing. Through exchanges with the Empire, medicine began to advance, and systematic management systems for drinking water and sewage were established. As the number of people suffering from diseases decreased and average life expectancy gradually increased, population growth rates also began to rise.

As populations grew, each country’s government faced similar challenges to the Empire—providing food, clothing, shelter, and satisfying the people’s various desires.

“What is the best solution?”

“Religion is difficult; money is the answer.”

Countries that reached similar conclusions began to engage in fierce competition with the goal of ‘enriching the country and strengthening the military.’ The primary arenas for this competition were Terra [the Americas] and Gloria [likely a fictional continent, possibly referring to Africa], and the South Pacific Ocean between them, which teemed with people and ships from both East and West.

The state of the Pacific Ocean was particularly interesting. Thanks to its vastness and relatively calm waters compared to the Atlantic, it had once again earned the name ‘Pacific Ocean.’ However, no country even considered venturing into the North Pacific Ocean north of the equator. In fact, it wasn’t even called the ‘North Pacific Ocean.’

It was known as ‘Dae Naehae (大內海),’ meaning ‘the vast inner sea located between the Empire’s mainland and Shinji.’ And no country dared to challenge the Empire’s dominance there. The Empire’s ships were the only ones that could safely navigate that vast ocean, with the exception of the Hawaiian Islands.

For countries whose shipbuilding technology lagged far behind the Empire, that sea was ‘a pie in the sky.’ In the end, they were forced to engage in a kind of ‘spiritual victory’ [finding satisfaction in the idea of possessing something they cannot actually obtain].

“Such a vast ocean has more disadvantages than advantages.”

“That’s right. If you get shipwrecked in a vast ocean with no refuge, it’s the end.”

“I agree, I agree. It’s best to get the islands scattered in the South Pacific into our hands.”

Based on this reasoning, the European powers and Japan engaged in a ‘battle for the South Pacific islands.’ Aside from the Empire, the only major powers that didn’t participate in this competition were the Ottoman Empire and Ming. This was because they possessed the resources and internal stability to address their problems without resorting to such external expansion.

* * *

In order not to fall behind in the competition for ‘enriching the country and strengthening the military,’ more and more intellectuals and politicians began to advocate ‘mercantilism’ [an economic theory promoting exports and limiting imports]. And before they knew it, ‘abolition of slavery’ had become a prominent political issue among the European powers.

“How can we treat fellow creatures of God as slaves! This is not the behavior of a true Christian!”

“That’s right!”

“We must abolish slavery and make slaves free citizens! And we must pay them fair wages!”

“That’s right!”

Such cries echoed daily in the capitals and universities of Europe. Fierce debates raged in royal courts and parliaments over the pros and cons of ‘abolishing slavery.’ Hyang, upon receiving this information, smiled wryly and muttered to himself.

“Heh heh… this is definitely skipping a few steps… Could this be my fault too?”

While Hyang was slightly concerned about recognizing his influence in the ‘abolition of slavery debate’ that had ignited European politics, Wan came to visit.

“The Grand Emperor Emeritus is also watching this closely. What do you think? Do you really believe they’re motivated by the ‘righteous attitude of Christians’?”

Hyang shook his head lightly at Wan’s question.

“Not at all. What they really want is ‘wages.’ Slaves can’t buy things, but free citizens who receive wages can buy things.”

“I think so too. I expect we’ll soon receive reports that slavery has been abolished.”

Hyang added to Wan’s words.

“And then there will be a mess over the standard of ‘fair wages.’ Won’t they want to buy and sell more expensive goods to make even bigger profits?”

“Europe will continue to be noisy for some time to come.”

“I think the same is true for us. If we let our guard down even a little, we’ll become just as noisy.”

‘The invisible hand [of the market] must function properly for the visible hand [of government intervention] to work well too.’

Worried about Hyang, Wan glanced at the historians, scribes, eunuchs, and court ladies present, and whispered softly.

“There are those who enjoy spreading rumors, so they’ll be sure to discuss this in Gyeongbokgung Palace [the main royal palace] and Yukjo Street [the street where government offices were located].”

“That’s right.”

* * *

As Wan predicted, Hyang and Wan’s conversation soon reached the ears of Woo [the current Emperor] and his ministers.

“Since they’re both so concerned, we must work even harder.”

The Prime Minister stepped forward and responded to Woo’s words.

“That is indeed true. We must take their commotion as a lesson and examine ourselves more thoroughly.”

“I agree. Let’s not be fools who burn down our own house while watching someone else’s fire.”

“I will follow your command.”

“In that sense, let’s start by reviewing the tax system together. Whether the tax rate is fair, whether taxes are collected efficiently, any complaints about taxation, etc. Let’s take a good look at it while we’re at it.”

“……I will follow your command.”

* * *

As Hyang expected, the European powers abolished slavery one by one. And once again, the social structure of Europe was shaken. The countryside was the first to feel the impact. Rural society was where the largest concentration of slaves remained after the decline of serfdom. With the abolition of slavery, many former slaves flocked to the cities, just as former serfs had done before them.

They could have stayed in the countryside, but the law and reality were often at odds. Although they were legally free citizens, they were still treated like slaves in practice. As slaves departed, rural landowners began to face economic hardship.

This was because their profitability declined as their labor costs increased. The slaves who migrated to the cities didn’t necessarily fare much better. The influx of newly freed slaves into the urban labor market led to workers accepting even lower wages. And sanitation and security in urban slums deteriorated further.

Of course, there was a positive side: the number of people able to purchase goods—the so-called market—increased. However, much of the demand was for cheap goods with low profit margins. Nevertheless, there were areas where the changes created mutually beneficial outcomes.

The shipping industry was one such area. Demand consistently outstripped supply. However, with the sudden availability of a large labor pool, smoother ship operations became possible. Shipowners were pleased, and the newly available workers also saw the situation as a positive development.

They were guaranteed almost the same wages as free-born sailors, albeit slightly less.

-If you complete two voyages safely, you will be paid the same salary as existing sailors.

Since this condition was clearly stated, the former slaves were generally satisfied. This wasn’t due to the shipowners’ generosity, but rather a necessary concession. The number of sailors with a background in slavery was certain to increase in the future. If accumulated dissatisfaction over unfair wages were to erupt, it would likely lead to a mutiny on board, and the potential damage would be significant regardless of the mutiny’s success or failure.

Therefore, offering some concessions to mitigate the risk of greater losses was the most prudent course of action.

* * *

The abolition of slavery had both positive and negative consequences.

In the end, the monarchs of the great powers received the following assessment:

-Did not see the expected profits.

-It is certain that this trend will continue in the future.

-However, reinstating slavery would result in even greater losses.

-Conclusion: Another solution is needed.

“As the saying goes, where there is light, there is shadow…”

The rulers who received these reports put their heads together to devise a new strategy. And the result of their deliberations was…

“Now I understand the saying ‘returning to the starting point after going around.'”

Based on mercantilist principles, the method they arrived at was ‘protectionism’ [shielding domestic industries from foreign competition] and ‘active foreign trade.’

“The problem is how to reconcile these seemingly contradictory approaches.”

First of all, expanding trade among the great powers themselves was impossible, as nearly all European powers were implementing protectionist policies.

“If it’s impossible within Europe, that means we have to look outside of Europe.”

In the end, the European powers once again turned their attention to Africa.

-Take from Africa and sell to Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and India.

-Very actively,

-Using all means possible.