Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1121

1121. The Growing Embers (9)

Meanwhile, serious discussions were also taking place in the Emperor’s Palace in Yamaguchi, Japan.

“Hmm… a mutual defense pact with Iran, you say?”

To Emperor Ouchi Yoshioki’s question, his ministers bowed in unison and replied,

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

“I believe we already have a treaty with Iran?”

“As Your Majesty is aware, the main point of that treaty was a joint venture regarding oil production in Iran. The military aspect was a supplementary agreement.”

“Furthermore, its contents are almost entirely about supporting the training of Iranian forces and the weapons they use. Therefore, we propose that a mutual defense pact between Japan and Iran is desirable.”

“Hmm…”

Yoshioki, who had been silent with only a short groan, asked again in a deeply composed voice.

“If I recall correctly, a war between Iran and the Ottomans is expected to break out soon. The Empire, Ming, and the European powers all seem certain of it. Is that not so?”

“That is correct.”

“And you propose a mutual defense pact? If a war breaks out between Iran and the Ottomans, Japan will also be drawn into it?”

“We are aware.”

Yoshioki’s expression darkened further at the ministers’ response, and he surveyed them.

‘The militarists are one thing, but even the civil officials are speaking with one voice?’

Yoshioki’s expression did not ease. Since the Ouchi family had risen to the pinnacle of power in Japan, the country had been run by a bureaucracy centered on carefully selected officials. This was to suppress the samurai lord class that had previously dominated Japanese power. Instead, warriors belonging to the Ouchi family and those from allied families were retrained and formed into the Japanese army.

In this way, a balance was maintained between the civil officials and the military faction, who kept each other in check. But now, both factions were speaking with one voice.

Yoshioki posed another question to the ministers.

“Under the current agreement with Iran, we are obligated to provide support if war breaks out. Yet you propose a separate treaty, a mutual defense pact?”

“As Your Majesty stated, there is a provision to support Iran with weapons and military supplies if they are attacked. We can also provide troops if necessary.”

“But why?”

At Yoshioki’s question, the prime minister, the head of the ministers, bowed deeply and replied,

“If we remain under the shadow of the Empire and Ming, Japan will never be free.”

“Unable to escape the shadow of Ming and the Empire?”

“That is correct. Looking at the current state of the three nations, the Empire is in the lead, with Ming half a step behind. But Japan is at least one step behind, even if we are being generous. If we do not find a way to catch up now, Japan will fall two or three steps behind.”

“Is Japan in such a precarious situation? I cannot believe it!”

At Yoshioki’s denial, the prime minister began to explain again.

“The biggest reason Japan is in danger is our location.”

The prime minister’s reasons for saying Japan was in crisis were as follows:

-First, the size and location of our territory are problematic. As you can see on the map, the Empire’s territory is enormous. It is also in a strategic location, able to reach anywhere it desires.

-The same is true for Ming. They occupy the vast Central Plains and can reach Europe by land if they so choose.

-But Japan is not so fortunate. The east and south are blocked by the Empire, and the west is blocked by Ming.

-Furthermore, our population is steadily increasing. This has its advantages, but also its disadvantages.

“Wait, isn’t a growing population a good thing? Both the Empire and Ming are making great efforts to increase their populations, are they not?”

At Yoshioki’s remark, the prime minister bowed and replied,

“It is true that an increasing population has been seen as a symbol of a prosperous reign since ancient times. However, if we cannot solve the problem of providing for their basic needs (恒産 [kousan, lit. ‘constant property,’ meaning stable livelihood]), it will bring disaster.”

The prime minister continued his explanation.

-Japan’s current farmland will not be enough to feed the growing population.

-Therefore, we must import grain from other countries, which requires money.

-However, there are limits to the amount of gold and silver mined within Japan.

-Naturally, we must earn wealth from abroad, but this is extremely difficult in the current situation where we are blocked on all sides.

“…Therefore, we must conclude a mutual defense pact between Iran and Japan to create an opening.”

After hearing the prime minister’s words, Yoshioki immediately asked,

“I do not understand. How will making an alliance with Iran and joining them in war create an opening? If you are talking about sea routes, I do not believe it is feasible. Have you forgotten the Empire’s navy stationed at key points along the route to Iran? Surely, you are not planning to use Iran as an excuse to plot against the Empire or Ming?”

“Absolutely not. We would never entertain such foolish thoughts. What we are aiming for is…”

The prime minister paused, took a breath, and carefully revealed his true intentions.

“Luzon, Malaya, and the European powers’ colonies in those areas, as well as the colonies in Terra [likely referring to the ‘New World,’ or the Americas].”

“European colonies?”

* * *

Since the full-scale exchange between the East and West, the European powers had been steadily and persistently trying to gain a foothold in Southeast Asia. However, thanks to the Empire, which had been diligently moving around since before, followed by Ming and Japan, the construction of colonies was near impossible.

It was not a ‘gun vs. spear’ situation, but a ‘gun vs. gun’ situation. The Polynesian region was the most symbolic example of this.

Thanks to the merchants of Ming and Japan, who were focused on making money, the Polynesians had acquired firearms early on. The Polynesians used these firearms well in battles between tribes, but they used them even better against the Europeans who came flocking in.

Very ‘lethally’.

Nevertheless, after persistent attempts, the Europeans were able to build small and large colonies in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans.

* * *

“You aim for the colonies?”

“That is correct.”

Seeing that Yoshioki’s reaction was gradually turning in a positive direction, the prime minister raised his voice.

-It is an open secret that European powers are behind the Ottomans, just as the Eastern Three [the Empire, Ming, and Japan] are supporting Iran.

-They are supporting the Ottomans to secure the oil coming from the region occupied by Iran.

-Although its uses are not yet widespread, even a child knows that its potential is limitless.

-Therefore, Europe will never give up on oil. If the situation becomes unfavorable for the Ottomans, they will not hesitate to intervene directly.

-The Empire is famous for playing it safe, and Ming has no experience in dispatching troops to distant lands, so they will believe they have a chance of winning.

-If Japan actively moves here, Iran will consider us closer than the Empire or Ming and will treat us better.

-Not only Iran. If Europe intervenes, Japan will use this as an excuse to attack and seize European colonies around Luzon and Terra.

-If we do that, Japan will be able to breathe.”

“Hmm…”

‘It sounds plausible…’

Yoshioki, carefully analyzing the prime minister’s explanation, asked him again.

“How does Europe’s intervention become an excuse?”

“If we conclude a mutual defense pact with Iran, Iran’s enemies are also Japan’s enemies. We cannot simply ignore the enemy’s territory near Japan, can we?”

“That is true. Yes… But tell me, how will seizing colonies allow us to breathe?”

“We can trade with the surrounding areas through the colonies, and we can give new opportunities to the people of Japan by relocating them. Most importantly, Japan will have a passage through which it can move at any time without being mindful of the Empire and Ming.”

“Hmm…”

Yoshioki pondered the prime minister’s explanation several times and then shared his thoughts.

“I think it is a good plan, but it is not an easy one. What is the first thing we need to succeed?”

At Yoshioki’s question, the prime minister immediately replied,

“The Empire’s Assault Galleons. We need at least three of them.”

“Assault Galleons? Do you think the Empire will give them to us?”

“There are rumors that the Empire is slowly retiring its Assault Galleons. We cannot miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! We must obtain them, even if it means giving the Empire as much sulfur as they want from Japan!”

“Sulfur?”

Yoshioki could not hide his surprise at the prime minister’s words.

* * *

Saltpeter and sulfur were items that the Empire had been desperately trying to obtain for a long time. Among these, saltpeter was being supplied steadily from Tianzhu [India] and Shinji [Korea], but sulfur was still in short supply.

A mine had been discovered in the Empire’s mainland, but the output was not high. Furthermore, as various technologies developed, the demand for acid made from saltpeter and sulfur, as well as various by-products, continued to increase.

Because of this situation, the Empire was demanding more and more sulfur sales from Japan. However, Japan was moderately controlling the amount of sulfur it exported. Thanks to this, sulfur was Japan’s most profitable product in its trade with the Empire.

* * *

“It is unlikely that the prime minister does not know the value of sulfur. Are Assault Galleons that necessary? Isn’t Iran a desert?”

“The Assault Galleons are not needed in Iran. They are essential to subdue the colonies in the southern seas.”

Yoshioki, who was well aware of the Assault Galleons’ notoriety, nodded involuntarily. However, Yoshioki could not easily make a decision.

‘This is not an easy problem. Even if we proceed with the plan, there are many obstacles, and even if we reject the plan, there are many obstacles…’

After much deliberation, Yoshioki returned to the topic of Assault Galleons.

“Even if we give them sulfur, can we be sure that the Empire will give us Assault Galleons?”

“I will go to Seoul myself to negotiate! Now is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

“It is not an easy task even if the prime minister goes. Tell me the basis for your confidence.”

“There has never been a time when the relationship between the Empire and Japan has been as good as it is now! And the European powers are starting to advance eastward again! If we step forward and act as a shield, the Empire will accept!”

“Hmm…”

“Your Majesty!”

“……”

Clack!

After remaining silent for a long time even after the prime minister’s words, Yoshioki finally opened his mouth, audibly folding the fan he was holding.

“Very well! I will entrust everything to the prime minister! You must make it happen!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Some time later, a formal document announcing the prime minister’s visit from Japan arrived in Seoul. The Imperial Court, which had already been monitoring Japan’s movements through various channels, reported to Woo.

“The Japanese prime minister is finally coming.”

Woo stroked his chin at the prime minister’s report and replied,

“Keep in mind that we must thoroughly understand Japan’s intentions once again and respond accordingly.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

Meanwhile, Hyang, who had confirmed the information obtained about Japan’s intentions, wore a strange expression.

“What is this? Japan’s logic is somewhat familiar… Is it the ‘Anglo-Japanese Alliance’ [a historical alliance between Britain and Japan]? Is Europe replacing Russia?”