Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1116

1116. The Growing Embers (4)

Around the same time.

An Ottoman envoy was visiting Italy to conduct important negotiations.

“…Through this treaty, the Ottoman Empire will be able to dock warships at the Famagusta naval base. I sincerely hope that the peace between Italy and the Ottoman Empire will not be broken.”

In response to the Italian Foreign Minister’s words, the Ottoman envoy replied with a serious face.

“The Ottoman Empire will do its best.”

“Return safely.”

After the lavish banquet celebrating the conclusion of the treaty, the Ottoman envoy boarded a ship and returned to the Ottoman Empire. As the ship carrying the Ottoman envoy disappeared into the distance, the Italian Foreign Minister turned and headed towards his carriage.

“Minister, do you think the Ottomans will keep their promise?”

“They will, if they consider their future interests.”

The Foreign Minister’s voice was calm as he answered, but there was a hint of worry within it.

* * *

The Famagusta port, which was central to the agreement between Italy and the Ottoman Empire, was located in Cyprus. In the Middle Ages, Cyprus was an independent kingdom, but it gradually became subordinate to Venice.

Later, as Italy unified and the last king of Cyprus died, the Venetian queen transferred the kingdom’s sovereignty to Italy. This was done to survive the threat of the Islamic Ottoman Empire. Sultan Bayezid II of the Ottoman Empire, upon hearing the news belatedly, threw down the cup he was holding and flew into a rage.

“We should have seized it when the war was raging in Italy!”

At the time, Venice was caught up in the war and suffered significant military damage, making it difficult to pay attention to the situation abroad. However, other factors contributed to their inaction.

First, the Ottoman naval power was not strong at the time. Second, the Kingdom of Cyprus was still relatively intact. Finally, the fate of Bayezid II’s powerful rival and brother, Cem, who had fled to Europe, was uncertain. If things went wrong, there was a significant possibility that European powers would unite against the Ottomans, using Cem as their figurehead.

Therefore, Cyprus, which they could only watch from afar, was handed over to Italy.

* * *

When Selim I of the Ottoman Empire first sent an envoy, Italian politicians convened to decipher Selim I’s intentions.

-Considering the strategic location of Cyprus, the Ottoman Empire is bound to covet it.

-But instead of mobilizing forces, they are negotiating? Why? Considering the recent growth of the Ottoman military, it seems illogical.

-The fact that they are still negotiating suggests they need their military strength elsewhere.

“Then where do you think that place is?”

Looking at the map, the Italian generals quickly pointed to two locations.

“Antalya and Adana. In other words, against Korkut and Ahmed [Selim I’s brothers and potential rivals for the throne].”

“Korkut and Ahmed…”

The Italian politicians, recalling Selim I’s most powerful rivals and surviving brothers, nodded.

“If those two are eliminated, Cyprus might be next?”

“Wouldn’t that be the most logical course of action?”

“Then wouldn’t it be better to refuse the negotiation?”

As more and more opinions leaned towards refusing the negotiation, objections began to surface.

“I think it’s better to negotiate.”

“Why?”

“It is almost certain that the next target after those two are eliminated will be Iran.”

“Why?”

The reasons of those who favored negotiation were as follows.

-First of all, the growth of the Ottoman military power depends on external support. And that external support comes from us: Italy, Portugal, and France.

-Looking at the current situation, France is the most eager to engage. However, France desperately wants to secure a passage to Iran.

-The Ottoman Empire also considers Iran to be a major threat due to sectarian differences [referring to the Sunni-Shia divide].

-Finally, the Ottoman naval power is inferior to that of Italy.

-Considering the current economic state of the Ottoman Empire, it is difficult to simultaneously develop both the ground forces and the navy.

-In reality, their focus is heavily on the ground forces.

“…Therefore, if we grant them a suitable naval base, the Ottoman navy will remain under our watchful eye.”

“That’s right.”

“Sounds plausible, doesn’t it?”

After further discussion, Italian politicians decided to engage in negotiations. And as a result of that negotiation, the Ottoman navy was granted access to the Famagusta naval base in Cyprus.

* * *

The news of the negotiations between the Ottoman Empire and Italy, and its outcome, quickly spread to other countries. Upon hearing the news, the European powers analyzed the Ottoman Empire’s next move and its potential impact on their own interests.

“Oh, this has become less interesting.”

The politicians of Habsburg [referring to the Habsburg Empire] and England licked their lips in disappointment. The news that the Ottoman Empire had established a base in Cyprus meant that they could effectively blockade sea supply routes to Korkut and Ahmed.

The Famagusta naval base was a well-fortified naval base. Therefore, the Ottoman navy could immediately impose a naval blockade. And this meant that some of the great powers would fold their hands and simply observe the power struggle involving the Ottoman Empire and Iran. Of course, they could invest more resources and persevere, but the odds of losing were too high compared to the potential gains.

“I can’t help it. We’ll just have to wait for the next opportunity.”

The politicians of England and Habsburg reluctantly withdrew from the immediate game.

“The next opportunity will surely come.”

The Ottoman Empire and Europe were like water and oil, difficult to mix. And the opportunities for wealth hidden in Iran, Mesopotamia, and the routes leading to India to the east were tempting.

England and Habsburg were convinced.

“They are acting friendly now, but they will inevitably clash! That’s our opportunity! If we prepare from now on, we will emerge as the victors!”

England and Habsburg fixed their gaze on the Mediterranean region and began to sharpen their swords.

* * *

Although England and Habsburg withdrew from the immediate conflict, they didn’t simply step back without taking action.

“It’s no fun if we retreat quietly, right?”

England and Habsburg secretly sent envoys to Korkut and Ahmed, whom they had been supporting.

“…The situation is as follows. Given the friendship we have cultivated, we propose granting you asylum.”

“Asylum…”

Korkut and Ahmed, upon hearing the proposal, were lost in thought.

They still had loyal informants. The information they received confirmed that the situation had deteriorated significantly. After much deliberation, the two reached different conclusions.

“Okay. I will entrust myself and my family to your care.”

Korkut, who accepted the Habsburg’s proposal, gathered his family, the families of his close aides, and a considerable amount of wealth, and set out on the road to exile. Before departing, he issued orders to his remaining subordinates.

“If it’s Selim, he will offer you a chance. So, when I leave, open the gates and welcome Selim’s soldiers.”

“Understood.”

The remaining subordinates accepted Korkut’s order with a somber expression. They knew that all was lost. Fortunately, they were not among the close aides targeted for elimination along with Korkut.

If they opened the gates and begged for mercy as soon as Korkut left, they might have a chance to survive. Unlike Korkut, who chose exile, Ahmed decided to fight to the death.

“I was the eldest son of the late Sultan and the most rightful heir! Are you suggesting I run away like a common thief? I refuse!”

As he stated, he was the eldest son of the late Sultan Bayezid II, and Ahmed was positioned closest to Constantinople. In fact, the late Sultan Bayezid II had publicly expressed his hope that Ahmed would succeed him as Sultan.

It was already humiliating to have the Sultan’s seat, which he believed was his, seized by Selim, but he could not accept exile. He resolved to fight to the bitter end. The English envoy, upon confirming Ahmed’s decision, politely bowed and withdrew.

* * *

Selim I, upon hearing the news of Korkut’s exile, immediately led his troops to Antalya. Seeing Korkut’s subordinates begging for mercy in front of the wide-open gates, Selim ordered in a cold voice.

“Surrender all weapons and return home to reflect on your actions. Afterwards, repent without rest until I summon you.”

At Selim’s command, Korkut’s subordinates bowed their heads and raised their voices.

“Merciful Sultan!”

“Oh! Merciful Sultan!”

“We praise the Sultan’s mercy!”

“Step back!”

Selim, after dismissing Korkut’s subordinates who were constantly praising him, took possession of Korkut’s castle.

“That foolish Ahmed is still baring his teeth, isn’t he?”

“That’s right, Sultan.”

Upon hearing the confirmation, Selim addressed the generals and ministers assembled around him.

“My mercy will only be bestowed upon those who are loyal and obedient. Those who defy me will be met not with mercy, but with teeth that are bigger and sharper than theirs. Remember this well.”

“Yes, Sultan.”

Selim, having clearly expressed his intention to conquer Ahmed, moved on to the next matter.

“Then let’s devise a plan to deal with those disloyal losers.”

“Yes, Sultan.”

* * *

Following Selim’s order, the Ottoman generals began to formulate a plan to suppress Ahmed’s army.

“Everyone, there is something important to keep in mind.”

The military advisory group sent from France began to advise the Ottoman commanders who were planning the operation.

“First, the Sultan’s orders must be carried out. Second, this battle serves as practical training in preparation for the conflict with Iran. Third, therefore, we must minimize losses while clearly identifying our weaknesses and developing countermeasures.”

The Ottoman commanders nodded in agreement with the advice of the military advisory group. The battle that took place during the last succession war was a clash between the old and the new.

On one side, modern cannons and firearms were being used, while on the other side, cavalrymen wielding swords engaged in combat, and arrows were still being fired. But since then, everything had changed.

The newly formed Ottoman army, as well as Ahmed’s forces entrenched in Adana and the surrounding areas, were all equipped with guns and cannons. Furthermore, the heretical army in Iran was also armed with guns and cannons.

In the process of eliminating Ahmed’s army, the shortcomings of the Ottoman army had to be properly identified and addressed in order to achieve victory against the heretics of Iran.

* * *

The French military advisory group was more concerned about Iran than Ahmed’s army. This was due to the weapons possessed by the Iranian army.

“I don’t know what the performance of the Ming [referring to Ming Dynasty China] and Japanese weapons is like…”

“Shouldn’t we assume it’s similar to the Imperial [referring to Ottoman] ones?”

“I don’t think so.”

One of the French commanders, who had some knowledge of the dynamics of the Eastern countries, shook his head.

“Considering the relationship between those three Eastern countries, especially what happened between Ming and the Empire, I’m sure their performance isn’t identical. If their performance was similar, those three countries wouldn’t be so friendly. It is almost certain that they are inferior to the Imperial ones. The question is how they compare to our French weapons.”