Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1181

1181. The Task He Left Behind (1)

The negotiations between the Empire and England were proceeding relatively smoothly, but the negotiations between the Empire and France were only treading water.

-Lend me some money!

-Do I owe you that?

France, in the negotiations, was employing a kind of ‘brinkmanship’ tactic [a strategy where one pushes dangerous events to the edge of catastrophe to achieve the most advantageous outcome].

-We will pay the reparations in the amount and time agreed upon.

-But, right now, we don’t even have enough funds for reconstruction!

-So, lend us some money!

-If you don’t lend it, we can’t pay the reparations! Screw it!

The Empire’s response was equally firm.

-You think you can just screw it! Should we turn France’s ports into ashes again?

Faced with the Empire’s pressure, the French envoys bared their chests [a sign of defiance and willingness to sacrifice themselves].

-It’s already ashes anyway, destroy it if you want!

The sight of the French envoys baring their chests and holding out led to a debate among the Empire’s ministers, divided into two factions.

No, it was a debate between the majority and minority factions.

-Those guys are trouble even if we help them!

-If they regain their strength, they will bare their teeth at the Empire again!

-We should just let them collapse this time!

This was the majority’s argument.

On the other hand, the minority’s argument was as follows.

-It is true that France is in a very difficult and dangerous situation right now.

-However, France is a nation with strong potential. Moreover, the loyalty of its people is strong.

-If we insist on a strong-arm approach here, it will only provoke the French people and make them gather their strength.

-Reduce enemies and increase friends.

-Considering France’s position in Europe, it is reasonable to grant their wishes.

“If we lend them money, they will look down on the Empire! We must deal with them firmly!”

“Even when disciplining children, you should hold a treat in one hand and a whip in the other! If this is the case even when disciplining children, how much more so in relations between countries! Do you think good results will come from holding whips in both hands!”

The majority pressed hard, but the minority did not budge from their position.

-Even a cornered rat can bite a cat!

-Look at Spain! Thanks to the Habsburgs, they can still breathe, but they are already cornered! If we drive France into a corner as well, Gibraltar will be in danger again!

As time passed, more and more people began to agree with the minority’s argument, and the conflict between the two sides became even more intense.

In the end, everything depended on Woo, the decision-maker.

“Hoo… Both sides have valid reasons, so it’s really hard to decide.”

Woo sighed deeply and organized his thoughts.

“In my opinion, it seems good to lend money to France, but the problem is the opposition from the ministers. No, not just the ministers, but the people will also be dissatisfied. This is truly a dilemma….”

Faced with a situation where he would be criticized no matter which side he chose, Woo eventually got up from his seat.

“I know that Tae Tae Sang Hwang [roughly translates to ‘Retired Emperor’] is busy these days, but I’ll have to go and pester him.”

* * *

As Woo said, Hyang was spending his days incredibly busy.

What made him so busy was the light bulb.

The discharge lamp, which used the electrical discharge phenomenon, was recognized as a ‘device that drives away darkness’ and began to be used everywhere.

However, as the places where it was used increased, problems also began to be discovered one by one.

There were problems caused by the limitations of the discharge lamp itself, but there were also problems caused by psychological resistance.

This psychological resistance became the biggest problem in the Imperial Army, especially the Imperial Navy.

“Did they say that the flickering inside that discharge lamp is the same as lightning?”

“That’s what they say.”

“And they want to install that in the gunpowder magazine? What crazy bastard would say such a thing…”

“Shh! Tae Tae Sang Hwang is involved in this.”

“Damn it… Sigh! I have no choice….”

And so, the installation began, but the psychological resistance of the personnel on site was considerable.

-The oil lamps and kerosene lamps that we have used so far can be dealt with quickly even if an accident occurs. But not that discharge lamp.

-The lamps already came with fireproof sand or other safety devices from the time they were installed. But we have no idea what kind of accident that discharge lamp will cause, or how to deal with such an accident.

Because of this psychological resistance, there were more than a few ships where the wires of the installed discharge lamps were cut and the existing lamps were used instead.

Education was repeated each time this was discovered, but it was not easily eradicated.

This was because there were more than a few captains who did not resolve the situation and simply left it alone.

“There’s no way Tae Tae Sang Hwang would make a mistake, but I’m still uneasy. I refuse to let my ship be the victim of some unlucky chance.”

These were captains who valued their own ships more than their trust in Hyang.

Eventually, a report related to this was sent to Hyang, and Hyang nodded readily.

“I admit this part. I only knew the theory about arc lamps. And, we’re in a situation where we can’t use them in the places where I expected them to be used well.”

The place where Hyang thought it would be most used was the mine.

However, the discharge lamps that were currently being made were too large to be used in the mine’s tunnels. Not only that, but they were also too bright, which could have a negative impact on the miners who were used to the dark.

“…Therefore, we must put more effort into developing a new lamp that uses the ‘overheating of wires’ that I mentioned before. It’s unfortunate that I made such a mistake. And, I must admit that I also have limitations and reflect on my complacency.”

Wan, who was listening to Hyang’s self-criticism from the side, slyly interjected.

“You seem too cheerful for someone who’s saying that.”

“If my expression is even a little bad, everyone around me will make a fuss, so what can I do? I have to smile even if I force myself.”

“I don’t think so….”

“Stop talking nonsense and go do your work. Didn’t you say you were going to develop a new flying machine?”

“…It is not the way of a ruler to block the channels of speech….”

“Get out! How long has it been since I gave up the throne!”

In any case, Hyang was devoted to developing light bulbs while engaging in such farces.

* * *

Woo, who visited Hyang while he was leading a busy life, told him about his concerns.

“…So, I have come to seek guidance from Tae Tae Sang Hwang.”

“Hmm…. Indeed, it is a dilemma.”

At Woo’s words, Hyang nodded and muttered to himself.

‘The aftermath of the Treaty of Versailles gave birth to Hitler, right? No, even if it wasn’t Hitler, World War II would have been inevitable, and was the Treaty of Versailles the cause of that?’

“Hmm….”

After pondering for a long time with his mouth shut, Hyang opened his mouth with a serious expression.

“In this old man’s narrow view, if you do not grant France’s request, war will break out again within 10 years at the earliest, and 30 years at the latest.”

When Hyang mentioned war, Woo’s expression became even more serious and he asked.

“If we lend money to France, can we avoid war?”

“Fifty-fifty. But, if you don’t lend them money, the probability of war breaking out will be even higher.”

“Is it because of the hatred of the French people, as the proponents said?”

“That will also play a part. No, it will play a big part. Let me tell you a little more about this old man’s thoughts….”

Hyang’s thoughts can be summarized as follows.

-The current regime governing France knows the Empire well.

-However, considering the current situation in France, the phrase ‘a lamp before the wind’ [meaning something is in a precarious situation] is the most fitting.

-If the people, unable to bear the current situation, rise up, the current regime is likely to collapse.

-Those who seize power through such a rebellion will take a hostile stance towards the Empire and implement aggressive military policies in order to appease the people’s dissatisfaction.

-And, they will try to seize the wealth of other countries using the strong army they have raised.

-This means that war will break out again in Europe.

-The Empire, which has alliances with various European countries, will participate in the war again.

“…And, as technology advances, that war will become even more terrible. If we can delay that war by at least 30 years, or, if we’re lucky, by 50 to 100 years, wouldn’t that be a cheap price to pay?”

Woo, who was nodding at Hyang’s explanation, smiled bitterly and replied.

“I came to lighten the burden, but I feel like I’m adding more.”

“Cheer up. I believe the Emperor will make the right decision. As always.”

“I will do my best.”

* * *

Woo, who returned to Gyeongbok Palace [the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty], summoned the ministers and conveyed Hyang’s words.

“…In my opinion, Tae Tae Sang Hwang’s words are worth considering deeply. Therefore, Minister of Foreign Affairs.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Tell the French envoys to wait a little longer.”

“I will obey Your Majesty’s command.”

“And, let the other ministers think about it again.”

“We will obey Your Majesty’s command.”

The ministers, who had left Geunjeongjeon [the throne hall in Gyeongbok Palace], gathered in the conference room attached to the Prime Minister’s Office and put their heads together.

“His Majesty told us to think deeply, but shouldn’t we see His Majesty’s heart as already set on acceptance?”

At the Deputy Prime Minister’s words, the Prime Minister nodded silently. Then, the other Deputy Prime Minister raised an objection.

“However, the problem is that accepting this will set a precedent. There may be those who misjudge that they can still gain wealth from the Empire even if they pick a fight and lose.”

“Huh! Without thinking about what their country and people will go through?”

“Wouldn’t there be those who think it’s a profit if they can just get money from the Empire even if they suffer like that?”

The Prime Minister shook his head at the Deputy Prime Minister’s words.

“Sir, I think your words are far-fetched. If there are those who think that way, they are not qualified to discuss governing the country. No matter how I think about it, it’s far-fetched.”

The Deputy Prime Minister closed his mouth at the Prime Minister’s criticism. He thought it was a bit far-fetched even in his opinion.

The next one to speak was the Minister of National Defense.

“The other Deputy Prime Minister’s words are far-fetched, but I think we need to consider the precedent. If we make a mistake, the Empire may be seen as a weak country trying to buy peace with money.”

“We were treated like that this time?”

The Minister of National Defense immediately replied to the Deputy Prime Minister’s question.

“Just wait 30 years.”

-If this goes well and peace between the Empire and Europe continues, there will be those who try to make this a practice.

-Why? Because it may be cheaper than increasing the defense budget.

-In the worst case, the Empire will follow the path that Song took [referring to the Song Dynasty in China, which was known for paying tribute to avoid war].

“Is the Minister of National Defense dissatisfied because of the budget?”

At the Minister of Finance’s retort, the Minister of National Defense raised his voice.

“Come on! Don’t just look at the trees, look at the forest! [meaning don’t focus on the details, look at the bigger picture]”

“Can’t I even joke?”

“Is this a time for jokes!”

As the Minister of National Defense’s voice grew louder, the Prime Minister intervened.

“Stop, stop. The Minister of Finance has gone too far this time.”

“I’m sorry. I went too far.”

The Minister of Finance immediately apologized at the Prime Minister’s rebuke.

As the overheated atmosphere subsided, the Prime Minister summarized the situation for the time being.

“Let’s summarize the story so far. It’s not bad to accept France’s proposal. But, we must avoid this becoming a bad precedent. Is that right?”

“That’s right.”

“Then let’s think about how to solve this in the best way.”

At this, the ministers closed their mouths and pondered to find an answer.

But this was not an easy task.

“This is like… trying to grab the reins of horses trying to run in opposite directions and go down the road….”

“Why did those damn French bastards start a war….”

“I agree.”

The ministers, tired of finding an answer, began to denounce France.