Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1118

1118. The Growing Tinder (6)

Woo sighed, having heard the issue explained by the Prime Minister and other ministers.

“Hoo… This is indeed a complex problem. Hmm…”

Woo carefully reviewed the Ministry of Finance’s proposal and the Ministry of National Defense’s rebuttal, sighing again.

“Hoo… Both sides present reasonable arguments, which makes it even more troublesome.”

As Woo observed, both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of National Defense presented solid arguments for their respective positions. The Ministry of Finance emphasized the Empire’s expanding influence in Central Asia and the growth of overseas markets, which were beginning to show limitations.

The Ministry of National Defense’s opposition was also well-founded. Railroads were a means to quickly transport large quantities of goods and people. Furthermore, the railroad specifications were identical for both the Ming and the Empire. Consequently, their opposition stemmed from the concern that the Ming, if determined, could rapidly advance deep into the Empire using these railroads.

“Hmm… Minister of National Defense, would deploying additional troops near the border with the Ming be so problematic?”

“Your Majesty, permanently stationing troops in a new location is costly. We would need to construct housing for the soldiers immediately, as well as create training grounds. Villages would need to be built for officers and generals to live with their families, and dedicated stores would be required for their shopping needs.”

“There are many factors involved.”

“And that’s not all. We would also need to lay new roads for troop movements and for villagers to travel to larger cities. Additionally, military clinics would be necessary for soldiers and villagers alike. This is the bare minimum. The problem is that even this requires significant funds, time, and effort.”

Listening to the Minister of National Defense’s explanation, the Minister of Finance countered.

“Heo… It’s surprising to see the Ministry of National Defense expressing reluctance due to cost concerns.”

“The Ministry of National Defense has never spent money recklessly, thanks to whom!”

As the Minister of Finance and the Minister of National Defense once again displayed a confrontational attitude, Woo intervened.

“So, the Ministry of National Defense opposes the plan due to defense and budget concerns?”

“That’s correct. Even now, troop capacity is limited, and deploying additional troops would eliminate any remaining space.”

The Minister of Finance immediately challenged the Minister of National Defense’s statement.

“Isn’t it stipulated that reservists are to be immediately conscripted in the event of war? As far as I know, at least 200,000 soldiers can be newly deployed within three days, correct?”

“That’s only if everything goes according to plan without any issues. And even if you gather 200,000 in three days, there’s still a problem. It takes at least fifteen more days to train those soldiers into fighting shape. I don’t even want to think about what could happen in those fifteen days!”

“Didn’t you claim that the Imperial Army is invincible? Why are you so afraid of facing the Ming?”

To the Minister of Finance’s question, the Minister of National Defense replied succinctly.

“Because it’s the Ming.”

“Heo!”

The Minister of Finance looked dumbfounded but didn’t press the issue further. He, like the Minister of National Defense, was well aware of the Ming’s capabilities.

* * *

The Ming’s greatest strength was its population.

Only recently had the Empire surpassed a population of 100 million. This was the result of continuously attracting natives from the northern wastelands and new territories, while actively encouraging childbirth. However, the Ming’s population exceeded 300 million.

While the Empire’s 100 million were spread across the mainland, the northern territories, and the new lands, the Ming’s 300 million resided solely in the Central Plains. Ironically, the Empire had significantly contributed to the Ming’s rapid population growth. The Empire had taken the lead in stabilizing Northeast Asia, allowing the Ming to smoothly increase its population.

And to secure food for their growing population, they began to actively cooperate with the Empire’s initiatives.

* * *

“Hmm…”

Woo, observing the quarrel between the Minister of National Defense and the Minister of Finance, turned to the Minister of Finance.

“Isn’t the Empire also constructing a railroad connecting it to the West?”

In response to Woo’s question, the Minister of Finance immediately bowed his head and replied.

“Yes, Your Majesty. We signed a treaty with the Grand Duchy of Moscow five years ago to build a railroad.”

“Then, is connecting with the Ming truly necessary?”

The Minister of Finance quickly responded.

“The railroad from the Empire to the Grand Duchy of Moscow lies north of the proposed railroad with the Ming. Its purpose is to facilitate communication with the major European powers through Moscow. However, the Ming’s railroad would connect to countries near the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. Connecting the Empire’s railroad to that region is not advisable.”

Looking at the map, Woo considered the Minister of Finance’s explanation and expressed doubt.

“Huh? It seems like the Empire could take the lead directly?”

“Time is the critical factor. By the time that connection is completed, the Ming will have already taken control of everything.”

“Hmm… Both sides have valid points, making this truly…”

No matter how much he worried, it was difficult to favor either side. However, Woo knew he had to make a decision and that he would be responsible for the consequences.

Because he was the Emperor.

“It’s difficult to make a decision here. I will take some time to consider this more carefully before making a final choice.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“If additional data is needed, I will send people to the Minister of Finance and the Minister of National Defense. Please prepare the necessary information.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

* * *

After dismissing the meeting, Woo spent a long time organizing his thoughts before visiting Sugang Palace. Facing Hyang and Wan, Woo explained the issue in detail and presented the documents submitted by the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Finance.

“As you can see, both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of National Defense have reasonable opinions. Therefore, it is very difficult to accept one and reject the other.”

At Woo’s words, Hyang studied Woo’s expression and asked.

“It seems like the Emperor’s concern isn’t about the choice itself? It seems you’ve already made up your mind?”

Slightly embarrassed by Hyang’s observation, Woo immediately replied.

“I have reached a decision to some extent.”

“Judging by your expression, it seems you will accept the Ministry of Finance’s plan?”

“That’s right. There are still many people in the region where the Ming is expanding who are unfamiliar with the Empire. I believe we need to introduce them to the Empire. However, it’s difficult to simply ignore the national defense concerns.”

“Hmm… Let’s look at the map.”

The three moved to the map and continued their discussion.

“Let’s see. There are three main land routes the Ming could use to invade our Empire, right? Ah! I’m referring to military use.”

Wan responded to Hyang’s question.

“That’s correct. The first is to start from Shanhaiguan and move along the coast. The second is to enter the Mongolian region and bypass it, entering between the Greater Khingan Mountains and the Lesser Khingan Mountains. The last is to move along the mountain road at the entrance of the Greater Khingan Mountains.”

“If the Ming were to invade our Empire without railroads, which route do you think is most likely?”

Woo immediately answered Hyang’s question.

“The last route mentioned by the Supreme Emperor [a respectful title for Wan]. The coastal route would be intercepted and destroyed by our Imperial Navy, and bypassing Mongolia would take too long, plus the Mongols wouldn’t stand idly by. Therefore, the mountain road through the Greater Khingan Mountains is the most likely. Although it’s a mountain road, there are many well-maintained roads due to the historical travel between the Central Plains and Liaodong. In other words, it’s militarily viable.”

“I agree. So, if we can devise a good plan to block this mountain road, I think we can greatly reduce our defense concerns.”

Wan sighed at Hyang’s words.

“Hoo… That defense is the problem.”

* * *

The Empire had expanded its territory to the front of Shanhaiguan through the ‘First Jo-Ming War’ [Jo-Ming War refers to a war between Joseon (Korea) and Ming China]. After that, the ‘Yellow Sea Battle,’ also known as the ‘Second Jo-Ming War,’ prevented the Ming from even considering turning eastward. However, the Empire remained constantly worried about a potential Ming invasion.

For this reason, they hadn’t connected the railroads and had built strong fortresses in key military locations within the Greater Khingan Mountains. However, as time passed, the Empire grew more concerned as the Ming also developed powerful cannons. The Empire had already learned that even the best-built fortresses were vulnerable to powerful cannons.

Fortunately, Emperor Chenghua, who succeeded Emperor Jingtai, was pro-Empire, as was Emperor Hongzhi, his successor, which was a great relief.

“The problem is what comes after them…”

This was why the Ministry of National Defense opposed the Ministry of Finance’s plan.

“So, I have something in mind.”

“What is it?”

At Hyang’s words, Wan and Woo’s eyes lit up. Seeing their interest, Hyang began to draw on a blank sheet of paper.

“It’s to build pillars on the slope and place a large barrier made of reinforced concrete bamboo on them.”

Hyang was suggesting an anti-tank barrier using rockfall obstacles. Wan and Woo nodded as they looked at Hyang’s explanation and drawings.

“Indeed! Indeed! That’s right! If used effectively, even a million troops could be held up!”

“If we ambush trains near this rockfall wall, the enemies won’t be able to move! The Ministry of National Defense and the Imperial Army will be very pleased!”

Hyang smiled at Woo’s words and added.

“I think the Ministry of Finance will like it even more than the Ministry of National Defense?”

“Yes?”

“Look. Is it necessary to station troops at this rockfall wall?”

“Ah!”

At Hyang’s words, Woo looked as if he’d been struck by lightning. As Hyang pointed out, it wasn’t necessary to constantly deploy troops around such rockfall walls. When needed, they could simply send cavalry units carrying trains, small toys [likely a euphemism for something more dangerous], and explosives for demolition. This would also alleviate the budget concerns that had been plaguing both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of National Defense.

“This will be a sufficient answer!”

* * *

The next day, Woo gathered the ministers and explained his decision and the rockfall wall concept proposed by Hyang.

“…Therefore, if we utilize this rockfall wall effectively, it seems like it will be a sufficient countermeasure. What do you think, Minister of National Defense?”

The Minister of National Defense, who had been calculating the pros and cons of Woo’s question, bowed his head and replied.

“It’s considered an excellent plan. It doesn’t require a large number of personnel after installation, and it’s optimal for the goal of hindering the enemy’s advance. Also, it seems like it can be adapted into a roof-like structure not only on mountain roads but also on railroads if necessary.”

“In the form of a roof? Hmm…”

Woo, imagining the Minister of National Defense’s idea, nodded.

“That’s right. Hmm… What about the Minister of Finance?”

“I also think it’s a truly great idea. Above all, it’s the best plan because it can achieve significant results with minimal cost.”

With the Minister of National Defense’s agreement, Woo approved the Ministry of Finance’s plan. Envoys were then dispatched to the Ming for negotiations. However, the envoys returned with frustrated expressions and reported to Woo.

“The Ming’s ministers are strongly opposed.”

“What is the reason?”

“They believe that our Empire is trying to invade the Ming by doing this.”

“Huh? If they invade, they invade, why would *we* invade?”