Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1123

1123. Middle East War (1)

Events unfolded as Woo had anticipated.

The Empire secured a reasonable, if not quite substantial, economic and political gain by transferring three Assault Flagships to Japan. The Imperial Court then publicly announced this transfer. Naturally, the details of what was exchanged in return were conveniently omitted.

This development stirred activity among various nations in Asia.

* * *

Seoul had already become a hub for international politics in Asia.

Countries from Asia and even Europe had established and were operating embassies in Seoul. This was to gain early insights into the Empire’s movements and to provide accommodations for their envoys visiting Seoul for various reasons. In the past, they would have frequented the state guesthouse run by the Imperial Court, but with so many countries arriving around the same time, securing private accommodations proved more cost-effective.

Additionally, it was safer to have discreet conversations outside the state guesthouse. Consequently, starting with Ming [a Chinese dynasty] and Japan, neighboring countries began acquiring modest-sized tile-roofed houses to set up embassies, which significantly increased the market value of such houses in the northern district of Seoul, Ban-chon.

Among the countries that learned of the Empire’s deal with Japan, Ryukyu [an island kingdom, now Okinawa] was the quickest to react. After grasping the situation through an envoy sent by the Ryukyu ambassador to the Empire, Ryukyu immediately dispatched an envoy to Seoul.

“Our kingdom wishes to purchase one of the Empire’s Assault Flagships.”

To this proposal from the Ryukyu Crown Prince, the Prime Minister, acting as the counterpart, expressed doubt.

“Does Ryukyu truly need an Assault Flagship?”

“It is because of Japan.”

“Japan…”

The Prime Minister nodded slightly at the Ryukyu Crown Prince’s words.

* * *

Ryukyu’s location on the sea route from Suez to Northeast Asia was truly ‘ideal.’ Despite improvements in ship performance, long voyages across the ocean were still arduous. Therefore, it was common to stop at Ryukyu for rest and resupply before heading to the Empire, Ming, or Japan.

Conversely, merchant ships departing from Ming and Japan also routinely stopped at Ryukyu for inspections. The Ryukyu Kingdom capitalized on this. They expanded major trading ports to accommodate more ships and established large shipyards capable of repairing and maintaining ships that had endured or were about to endure long voyages.

They also provided space for restaurants serving cuisine from various regions of Europe and Asia. By implementing these policies, Ryukyu grew into a hub for intermediary trade. And for Japan, Ryukyu was becoming an increasingly tempting target.

For Japan, Ryukyu was the perfect stepping stone for advancing southward.

* * *

The Prime Minister, aware of Ryukyu’s circumstances, nodded, but his response was not entirely positive.

“We are well aware of the strained relationship between Ryukyu and Japan. However, Assault Flagships are offensive weapons, not defensive ones. If Ryukyu acquires an Assault Flagship, it could provoke Japan.”

“I am well aware that Assault Flagships are, as their name suggests, offensive weapons. However, to fend off external forces, one needs not only a shield but also a sharp sword, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Would one ship suffice?”

“One ship is all Ryukyu can afford. Instead, we need the Empire’s help.”

“Our Empire’s help, you say? Are you perhaps referring to becoming a tributary state [a state subordinate to a more powerful one]?”

For survival, Ryukyu was simultaneously subordinate to both Ming and Japan. In contrast, the Empire had not maintained any tributary states since the Emperor Sejong ascended the throne and declared the new era.

-How can there be a relationship of lord and vassal between countries? There may be differences in size between nations, but a lord-vassal relationship is absurd.

This was in accordance with the decision of Sejong, the founding Emperor of the Empire. Nevertheless, the Empire’s influence only increased, rather than diminished.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed this diplomatic policy of the Empire. At the Prime Minister’s question, the Ryukyu Crown Prince immediately nodded.

“Of course, I am well aware. What we desire is the Empire’s navy.”

“Our navy, you say?”

“Our largest port in Ryukyu is not only our largest trading port but also a naval base for the Ryukyu navy. We will open that naval base to the Empire’s navy.”

The Prime Minister began to contemplate the Ryukyu Crown Prince’s proposal. Ports were important strategic assets, especially naval bases, which were even more valuable. Yet, Ryukyu was offering to open its naval base to the Empire.

‘I understand what they’re thinking, but…’

The Prime Minister, stroking his beard thoughtfully, chose a typical and traditional diplomatic maneuver, stepping back for the moment.

“You have presented a proposal that I cannot decide on immediately. I will report this to His Majesty and return with an answer.”

“Please, convey this well to His Majesty.”

“I will convey it without adding or subtracting a single word.”

* * *

Upon receiving the Prime Minister’s report, Woo immediately questioned the Minister of National Defense.

“It seems to me that the Ryukyu Kingdom wants to use our Imperial Navy as a shield. Is that correct?”

The Minister of National Defense replied immediately to Woo’s question.

“That is correct, Your Majesty. The reason Japan is trying to take Ryukyu is because of that port. Therefore, if Japan takes action, they will try to capture the port by mobilizing their navy. If our Imperial Navy is stationed at the port, the Ryukyu navy will try to lure the Japanese navy into the port. If the Imperial Navy suffers damage while both sides are fighting, the Imperial Navy will have no choice but to intervene.”

“So, Ryukyu is betting that Japan would never want things to escalate that far, and thus Ryukyu will be safe?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

“Hmm…”

Woo, pondering the Minister of National Defense’s answer for a moment, posed another question.

“I ask you, what would our Empire gain and lose if we grant Ryukyu’s request?”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs was the first to speak.

“If there is a gain, it would be peace between our Empire, Ming, Japan, and Ryukyu. And the safety of the sea route to Suez.”

“And the losses?”

“We would bear the risk that Japan might choose a foolish course of action. Japan cannot easily give up Ryukyu, even due to their own circumstances. Nevertheless, if they are blocked by the Empire and unable to take Ryukyu, they may bare their fangs at our Empire in an attempt to overcome this.”

No sooner had the Minister of Foreign Affairs finished speaking than the Minister of Education countered.

“Not all those who govern Japan are fools. Would they make such a decision?”

“Even a cornered rat will attack a cat. Would those who have all paths blocked care about what they show?”

“…”

The Minister of Education fell silent at the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ rebuttal. Seeing this, Woo asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“So, is it the proper course to reject the Ryukyu Kingdom’s proposal?”

“If we reject Ryukyu’s proposal, Ming and Japan will wage war.”

“Huh?”

“Uh?”

Woo, as well as the other ministers, looked at the Minister of Foreign Affairs with expressions of surprise.

“Are you saying that our rejection of the proposal will lead to war between Ming and Japan?”

“Ryukyu is simultaneously subordinate to Japan and Ming. If Japan tries to take Ryukyu, Ming will never stand idly by.”

The Prime Minister pointed out a flaw in the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ explanation.

“There is an inconsistency in your explanation, Minister. Ryukyu proposed to rely on our strong naval power. But Ming is not a weak country either. According to your logic, Ming would step in during an emergency. Can Japan handle Ming?”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs answered the Prime Minister’s criticism without hesitation.

“Japan will judge that they can handle Ming. No, they must have already judged so.”

“Why?”

“Although Ming’s naval power is strong, they cannot move because of our Empire.”

“Why does our Empire suddenly appear there?”

“That is…”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs’ explanation continued as follows:

-The main enemy that the Ming navy has in mind is our Imperial Navy.

-Furthermore, Ming believes that our Empire has very close ties with Japan.

-If the Japanese army moves, Ming will judge that we are the ones who moved. There is already a past precedent for this.

-Therefore, the Ming navy, for whom blocking our Imperial Navy is the most important task, will not be able to move easily. It would be fatal if they left their positions or suffered significant losses in a battle with Japan.

-Therefore, the Ming navy will not be able to focus its forces on Ryukyu. And this is certainly a level that Japan can handle.

-This will be Japan’s judgment.

“…And if things proceed this way, a considerable long-term war will break out.”

“Hmm…”

“That makes sense.”

Woo and the ministers nodded at the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ explanation.

“Then, does the Minister of Foreign Affairs have an alternative?”

“If I were Ryukyu, I would open that naval base equally to Ming and Japan. Even if Japan enters, they will not be able to act rashly because our Empire and Ming are watching. And this will also benefit Japan. Isn’t the biggest reason Japan is trying to take Ryukyu because of that port?”

“So, all four countries involved in this matter will gain both justification and practical benefits?”

At Woo’s words, the Minister of Foreign Affairs nodded.

“That is correct, Your Majesty. However, the Ryukyu Kingdom will be greatly disheartened. Therefore, I beseech Your Majesty to hand over the Assault Flagship that Ryukyu desires at a low price.”

“At a low price?”

“Giving it away for free is like begging, but receiving money makes it a transaction. Ryukyu is a small country, but it is not a beggar, is it?”

“That seems reasonable. Hmm…”

After pondering for a moment, Woo made a decision.

“Prime Minister, refine the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ plan further and propose it to the Crown Prince of Ryukyu.”

“I shall obey Your Majesty’s command.”

* * *

After hearing Woo’s decision, Hyang looked up at the sky, sighed softly, and grumbled.

“Haa~. It’s been a while since I felt this, but my position is really awful. Anyway…”

Hyang, pondering Woo’s decision for a moment, wore a strange smile.

“He’s presented Ryukyu with a proposal they can’t refuse. Is Ming the beneficiary? They’re sitting still and openly gaining a foothold in Ryukyu.”

However, Hyang soon wore an uneasy expression.

“I’m still worried about Japan. They’re a country full of guys who push forward even when everyone else says ‘No!’ Wait… When was the Imjin War [Japanese invasions of Korea, 1592-1598]?”

Feeling a sudden surge of anxiety, Hyang counted on his fingers, trying to recall, and unknowingly cursed.

“Damn it, all the neighbors are troublesome! My real estate investment failed!”

* * *

The Crown Prince of Ryukyu, upon hearing the Empire’s counter-proposal, put his hand on his forehead.

“Are you saying we should open it to Japan as well?”

“It will also be open to Ming. With our Empire and Ming glaring, Japan will not be able to do anything foolish.”

“I will think about it a little more and give you an answer.”

This time, the Ryukyu Crown Prince stepped back. However, everyone involved in the negotiation knew.

This was an offer that could not be refused.