Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1117

1117. The Growing Embers (5)

While Selim I’s commanders, with the assistance of the French military advisory group, were meticulously finalizing their preparations, Ahmed’s commanders were equally firming their resolve.

“We already know how this will end…”

Ahmed’s commanders were calm, or rather, resigned to their fate. Those who had accompanied Ahmed from Amasya to Adana were his most loyal retainers, setting them apart from those left behind by Korkud. These commanders understood that even if they abandoned Ahmed and surrendered, their chances of survival were slim.

“If the end is already determined, let us be remembered as warriors, not cowards!”

Having given up on victory and survival, Ahmed’s commanders found their resolve strengthened. Thus, in the ensuing battle, later known as the ‘Battle of Adana,’ Ahmed’s commanders fought with fierce determination against Selim I’s forces.

Inspired by their commanders’ unwavering spirit, their subordinates fought to the death. Selim I ultimately won the battle, beheading Ahmed, his son Osman, and the rest of his family. However, the military cost was significant. Upon receiving the report, Selim I sighed and turned to the French military advisors.

“Hoo〜. Europeans call this a ‘Pyrrhic victory’ [a victory achieved at such a great cost that it is almost equivalent to a defeat], don’t they?”

“The enemy’s will was strong.”

“Hoo〜. Those heretics are quite formidable in their own way…”

After reviewing the report again, Selim I turned to his vizier with a face full of regret.

“I would like to punish those heretics immediately, but I cannot. Restore the army’s losses as quickly as possible.”

“Yes, Sultan.”

“And we need to increase the size of the army. Allocate the necessary time and funds.”

“Yes, Sultan.”

Having issued his orders to the vizier, Selim I looked at the map and muttered.

“Those filthy heretics will live a little longer.”

* * *

Meanwhile, Shah Ismail of Iran—or Safavid Persia, as it was also known—was also occupied with important matters. With the aid of advisors dispatched by the Empire, he was steadily establishing a robust administrative system and attracting talented individuals by welcoming converts.

Militarily, he was also making consistent progress. First, he seized the Shia holy sites in southern Mesopotamia, thereby securing religious leadership within Shia Islam. Next, he subdued the remaining Uzbeks in the northeastern region, solidifying his control over Persia.

The blood shed in these battles was only sharpening the Iranian army’s blades. All of this required substantial funding, leading Ismail to actively engage in trade with the Eastern Three Nations.

He generated significant intermediary profits by distributing goods from the Eastern Three Nations—goods that entered through the trading port built in southern Persia—to regions north and east of the Caspian Sea.

That wasn’t all.

He also profited considerably from selling crude oil produced in Baku and Mesopotamia to the Eastern Three Nations, especially the Empire. While structured as profit distribution from a joint venture, the returns were still substantial.

“Wouldn’t it be better to dissolve the joint venture and monopolize the oil ourselves? Our military strength is considerable now.”

Occasionally, some would advocate for breaking the agreement with the Eastern Three Nations, but Ismail’s response was always the same.

“Drag that traitor out and behead him immediately!”

Ismail’s forceful reaction silenced those who suggested breaking the agreement. However, they did not give up entirely. They secretly approached the vizier, seeking his support.

“Our current military power is significant. Is it truly necessary to share with the heretics of the East?”

Upon hearing this, the vizier became enraged and rebuked them.

“Have I ever seen such fools! Who is our enemy right now? It’s those Ottoman bastards! The situation is already difficult enough with just the Ottomans, and you want to increase the number of enemies?”

“But consider the wealth that the heretics of the East are taking away. Surely this is exploitation!”

“It’s a fair trade!”

“Unfair practices must be eliminated!”

“Do you think you’re the only smart ones? Don’t you realize that we can’t even produce a single bullet without the help of those Eastern Three Nations! And are you unaware of the immense profits we gain from selling those Eastern goods! You fools! Shut your mouths and get out of here immediately!”

Thus, the advocates for breaking the agreement were dismissed without achieving anything. As a side note, these advocates were soon marginalized in Iranian politics as well. Having been pushed from the center of power, they returned to their hometowns and began to influence the populace.

Thus, the ‘Self-Strengthening Faction’ was born.

Amidst these minor upheavals, news of the Battle of Adana reached Tabriz. Upon hearing the news, Ismail immediately summoned his viziers and the political and military advisors from the Eastern Three Nations.

“Selim of the Ottomans has finally eliminated all of his remaining rivals. Therefore, it is safe to assume that he will now target us, wouldn’t you agree?”

In response to Ismail’s question, the viziers and advisors replied in unison.

“That is likely.”

“Then should we prepare for war immediately?”

The vizier stepped forward to answer Ismail’s question.

“War will not break out immediately.”

“What is the reason?”

“According to the news we have received, the Ottoman army suffered considerable losses in this battle. Considering the time it will take to recover from those losses, they will not be able to move immediately. We should use that time to prepare even more thoroughly.”

In response to the vizier’s answer, Ismail turned to the advisors from the Eastern Three Nations. At the unspoken question, the military advisors from the Eastern Three Nations stepped forward.

“We also agree with the vizier’s opinion. The losses suffered by the Ottoman army in this battle are not at a level that can be recovered in a short period of time.”

“Of course, war will eventually break out. However, it is not wise to act too hastily. The soldiers’ morale will decline as they grow weary of waiting.”

“Hmm…. Are you suggesting that we should prepare, but avoid acting rashly?”

“That is correct.”

After listening to the vizier and the military advisors, Ismail pondered for a moment before making a decision.

“Alright. We will prepare for war, but we will not act lightly. Instead, we will use that time to prepare more thoroughly.”

“We obey the Shah’s command.”

* * *

While the Ottomans and Iran were diligently preparing for the ‘coming war,’ Seoul was still bustling with activity.

“Am I seeing things correctly these days?”

“You are seeing it correctly.”

“Good heavens, how could such a thing happen…”

The Prime Minister and ministers were observing the debate unfolding in the conference room with curious expressions.

“So, the Ministry of Economy and Finance’s plan is ridiculous!”

“We wouldn’t be proposing it if it weren’t feasible!”

“That would put a strain on national defense!”

“We are not suggesting reducing the military!”

“That’s why it’s even more of a problem! A railway connecting to Ming [China’s official name at the time], are you even serious!”

The situation was that the Ministry of National Defense was vehemently opposing the ‘Empire-Ming Railway Connection Plan’ put forward by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. This was a complete reversal of the usual dynamic, where the Ministry of National Defense typically took the lead and the Ministry of Economy and Finance opposed.

* * *

The Ministry of Economy and Finance conceived of this plan after confirming that Ming envoys, under the orders of the Hongzhi Emperor, had begun negotiations with Central Asian countries. These were the same people who had a history of conflict with the Central Plains and the nomadic tribes, a conflict as old as the one between the Central Plains and the Korean Peninsula.

However, the negotiations taking place this time were progressing quite smoothly.

—A railway will be built starting from Ming and extending to Iran.

-The countries through which this railway passes will manage the railway jointly with Ming and share the profits.

-The countries through which the railway passes will conclude a military agreement with Ming.

The attractive aspects were that it was not a unilateral exploitation by the Central Plains or nomadic countries, but a pursuit of common interests, and that it guaranteed military support through military agreements. No matter how remote and barren the nomadic countries of Central Asia were, they were aware of the current state of the world.

They also knew that their survival depended on having enough guns and cannons. The problem was acquiring those guns and cannons. Cannons, in particular, were not something that could be easily made in a local blacksmith’s shop, and they were incredibly expensive.

However, if a railway were built, they would be able to transport more goods than they could with camels, and they would be able to earn a substantial amount of money. This meant they would be able to afford those troublesome cannons themselves.

In addition, Ming offered other incentives.

-If you agree to the construction of the railway and agree to the military agreement, we will supply the guns and cannons used by the Ming army at a low price!

Ming was effectively employing the same tactics that the Empire had used. The nomadic countries who heard Ming’s proposal had no choice but to consider it seriously. It was a truly tempting offer, but the problem was Ming itself. It was a country in the Central Plains with whom they had a long history of resentment passed down through generations.

After much deliberation, the nomadic countries began to accept Ming’s proposal one by one. Some ambitious individuals in the Ministry of Economy and Finance, having confirmed that Ming had finally begun constructing a railway through Central Asia, acted swiftly.

“Ming is setting a delicious table, and we’re just standing by? We should quickly grab a spoon and join in!”

The plan they drafted was presented to the Minister of Economy and Finance, who immediately summoned the drafters.

“Do you really believe that those who were so afraid of us that they moved their capital from Beijing to Nanjing would agree to a railway connection with our Empire?”

“Isn’t that the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?”

“And, to be honest, our Empire has never initiated aggression, has it? If they still complain, isn’t that like the victim remaining still while the aggressor gets angry?”

“Hmm…”

The Minister of Economy and Finance was taken aback by the proposers’ answers, but he couldn’t easily dismiss them. He believed that if successful, it could be very profitable.

‘And, the cost of building the railway is surprisingly low.’

The railway already laid in the Northern Territory had extended to near the border.

Only the last three hundred li (里, approximately 120 kilometers) remained unlaid for military reasons.

“I will consider this matter further. Go back and attend to your duties.”

“Yes, sir.”

Afterwards, the Minister of Economy and Finance, after much deliberation, made a decision.

“This is definitely something that will benefit the national interest. I should inform the Prime Minister.”

The Prime Minister, having received the plan from the Minister of Economy and Finance, summoned other ministers and shared his opinion.

“…The Ministry of Economy and Finance’s plan seems quite promising. However, this is not a decision I can make alone, so please share your opinions.”

The first to react to the Prime Minister’s words were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense.

“It may require some effort to persuade Ming to cooperate, but it seems 괜찮을 것 같소이다 [it seems like it could be okay/worth it, in a somewhat old-fashioned tone].”

“Absolutely not! Are you even serious!”

The Minister of National Defense vehemently opposed.

“A railway connecting to Ming! Are you planning to make it possible for them to come all the way to Seoul without any trouble? What are you thinking!”

“What! Are you that insecure? What are you so afraid of with just one railway!”

As they continued to argue, the Prime Minister chose the easiest course of action.

“Let’s inform His Majesty the Emperor.”