Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 224

224. Distant Seas Fleet (4)

When the news from the Waegu [Japanese] fishermen, who were brought from the Challenger ship to Wonsan, and the report written by Oh Ha-seok were sent to Hanyang [old name for Seoul, the capital of Joseon], the court was put on emergency alert. Consequently, Hyang also had to attend the meeting.

Sejong, seated in the Tanga [throne], looked at Jo Mal-saeng and gave an order.

“The Ministry of War should explain to the officials the report sent by Oh Ha-seok and what has been investigated so far.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

At Sejong’s command, Jo Mal-saeng gestured to the official standing behind him.

The Jipyeong (持平, Rank 5 official in the Ministry of War) stepped forward, bowed respectfully to Sejong, and then turned to bow lightly to the other officials.

The Jipyeong, having paid his respects, began to explain the situation.

“The Waegu fishermen captured during the Challenger’s attempt to seize them number 14 in total. They were disoriented when captured and even after arriving in Wonsan, but after about three days, they regained their senses, so we interrogated them. According to the interrogation, these fishermen are from the Oki Islands in Waegu [Japan].”

“Where are the Oki Islands located?”

To Sejong’s question, the official immediately answered.

“It is an island of Waegu located approximately 400 li (about 160km or 100 miles) southeast of Usan Island (于山島, Dokdo) [a disputed island between Korea and Japan](Note 1).”

At the Jipyeong’s answer, Sejong tapped the armrest with his fingers and muttered.

“400 li… That’s quite far. Then, who governs the Oki Islands?”

“It is the Kyogoku clan.”

“Hmm….”

Sejong, hearing the Jipyeong’s answer, hummed and fell into thought. While Sejong was lost in silence, the Minister of Rites posed a question on behalf of the others.

“What is the size of the fishing boats?”

“According to Oh Ha-seok’s report, the largest ship is about the size of a Jungseon (中船, Medium Ship) [a type of Korean warship].”

“How many people can that ship hold?”

“According to our navy’s organization, it can hold 30 people.(Note 2)”

“Then, how many fishing boats did the Challenger sink in total?”

“Four ships.”

At the official’s answer, the Geunjeongjeon (勤政殿, Throne Hall) [main hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace] was filled with the officials’ murmurs.

“Even with a simple calculation, that’s 120 people….”

“Usan Island is right next to Mureung Island (Ulleungdo) [another island near Dokdo]. And Mureung Island is right in front of Gangwon-do [province in Korea]. This is not something to be taken lightly.”

Among the officials filling the Geunjeongjeon, Waegu were not unfamiliar beings to many; they had a history of raiding the Korean coast.

Amidst such commotion, Chief State Councilor Lee Jik spoke up.

“The Ministry of War used the word ‘capture,’ instead of ‘sinking,’ and the number of Waegu brought here is only 14. If we calculate simply, only 10% survived. Something doesn’t quite add up. Let’s hear more explanation.”

At Lee Jik’s words, the murmuring subsided, and the Jipyeong of the Ministry of War was able to continue his explanation.

“To explain accurately, among the fishing boats the Waegu were riding, only one ship was as large as a Jungseon. The remaining three ships were about the size of a Kwaeseon (快船, Fast Ship) [a smaller, faster warship]. According to the fishermen’s statements, a total of 32 people were together, and 14 of them were captured.”

Those who had been trembling with anxiety until just now wore expressions of relief. However, they were all thinking the same thing at the same time.

‘You should have said that first!’

As they were grumbling inwardly, Sejong spoke.

“Then, did Oh Ha-seok attack simple fishermen, not Waegu pirates?”

At Sejong’s pointed question, the faces of those who had been relieved all turned serious.

Representing them, the Minister of Rites spoke.

“This must be clearly understood! If he attacked unarmed fishermen, it will be a problem! If they are cunning Waegu, they will make an issue of this and harass us! If necessary, we must execute Oh Ha-seok!”

“Minister of Rites! Let’s not get ahead of ourselves! The explanation is not over yet!”

The Minister of Rites, who had even mentioned Oh Ha-seok’s execution, closed his mouth at Jo Mal-saeng’s words.

“The Minister of War is right. It is appropriate to listen to the report without prejudging. Continue the explanation.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Jipyeong, bowing lightly, cleared his throat and continued to speak.

“First of all, let me clarify that they were fishermen, but they were not unarmed. Bring that here.”

At the Jipyeong’s command, two officials waiting behind him brought a small table forward.

On the table covered with white cloth, three Waegu swords (倭刀) [Japanese swords] were placed along with their scabbards.

“According to Oh Ha-seok’s report, after the fishermen’s rescue was completed, he selected sailors skilled in diving, just in case, and had them investigate the overturned fishing boats. In the process, they found these Waegu swords in the largest fishing boat’s cabin.”

“There are Waegu swords on a fishing boat?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm….”

At the Jipyeong’s answer, Sejong’s face hardened. Seeing that, Jo Mal-saeng stepped forward.

“Looking at the past actions of the Waegu, it is understandable. Most of the ships of the Waegu who have coveted this land have been about the same size as a Jungseon. And a ship is not something that just anyone can operate. In other words, it is reasonable to assume that those Waegu fishermen were Waegu who were ready to plunder with swords at any time.”

“That must be right.”

At Jo Mal-saeng’s explanation, Sejong, the officials, and Hyang nodded.

Even in the 21st century, piloting a ship, especially going out to the open sea, was something only qualified people could do, even with all sorts of high-tech devices, starting with GPS.

As they were nodding, Hyang asked Jo Mal-saeng.

“Then, there is only one issue that needs to be confirmed: Where was the location of those Waegu ships?”

In place of Jo Mal-saeng, the Jipyeong answered Hyang’s question.

“According to the report, it is 30 li (about 12km or 7.5 miles) southeast of Usan Island.”

At the Jipyeong’s answer, Sejong called the Minister of Rites.

“Minister of Rites, this time, it is not Waegu who should question us, but we who should question Waegu.”

“That is correct.”

“Let’s discuss this part later and listen to more explanations. I did see the report, but there is something I don’t understand. They only fired warning shots, but the ships overturned and broke? Is that possible?”

“It is possible.”

“Huh?”

“According to Oh Ha-seok’s report, he ordered the Hwatan (火彈, Fire Bomb) [an early type of explosive projectile] to fall as close as possible to the Waegu fishing boats without hitting them. With the 25 Muzzle-loading Gunpowder Artillery loaded on the Challenger, it is more than possible.”

“Hmm…. Even if they overturned, what is the reason for them breaking?”

At Sejong’s question, Hyang stepped forward.

“I will explain that part.”

“Go ahead.”

“We obtained and investigated ships from Ming [China] and Waegu for research to build new ships.”

“I remember. I saw the one that was disassembled in Nanyang.”

“Yes. In this process, I learned the characteristics of Waegu ships. Unlike our ships, the planks that make up the hull are very thin, and the crossbeams and bulkheads that support the hull are also weak. Therefore, even the impact that our Panokseon (板屋船, Korean Warship) [a sturdy, oar-and-sail powered warship] and new ships can withstand can have a fatal effect on Waegu ships. However, our Panokseon cannot keep up with their speed.”

“They chose speed over durability?”

“That is correct.”

Sejong, nodding at Hyang’s answer, looked at Hyang with surprised eyes.

“The Waegu abandoned durability to gain speed, and our navy’s main ship, the Panokseon, abandoned speed to gain durability. But the new ship is fast enough to catch up with and even overtake the fleeing Waegu ships, and it is said to be sturdier than the Panokseon. What on earth did you make?”

As Hyang was about to answer Sejong’s question, Kim Jeom muttered without realizing it.

“A budget-eating monster…. Heup!”

Surprised, Kim Jeom covered his mouth, but it was too late.

In the end, Hyang had no choice but to answer with a bitter smile.

“As the Minister of Finance said, I made something expensive.”

There was a reason why Kim Jeom said that. The size of the new ship was a little more than twice the size of the Panokseon. However, when it came to the production cost alone, it cost enough to build five Panokseon.

Of course, it was not the pure production cost, but the loss incurred in the process of processing wood according to the hull shape that accounted for a large part. In addition, the production cost of large equipment required for the construction process was also considerable.

“…Therefore, as the artisans’ experience accumulates and errors can be reduced, and the large equipment is already completed, the budget can be greatly reduced.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

‘Maybe.’

Although he answered, Hyang’s gaze was looking elsewhere.

Sejong, squinting and looking at Hyang, cleared his throat and changed the subject.

“Ahem! Yes…. If it is necessary to protect the country’s territory (疆域, border), we must bear the necessary expenses. I have heard the report from the Ministry of War well. Oh Ha-seok, the captain of the Challenger, and the sailors should be rewarded according to their ranks. They have done something worthy of reward.”

“I will obey the order!”

Jo Mal-saeng’s face, answering in a loud voice, was full of joy. If he had made a mistake, or if it had been before the Gyeongjang (更張, Reform) [a period of political and social reform], it would have been something he would have been rebuked for causing unnecessary conflict.

However, as the Gyeongjang progressed, Joseon’s economy gradually grew, and as trade with external forces progressed, Joseon was becoming more proactive, aggressive, and offensive.

* * *

“Then let’s talk about what our Joseon should do.”

At Sejong’s words, the Minister of Rites immediately stepped forward.

“We must return the captured fishermen and strongly protest to the King of Japan – the Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate; at that time, Joseon called the Shogun the King of Japan.(Note 3)-”

“That is a matter of course. I am talking about the defense of the East Sea [Sea of Japan].”

At Sejong’s words, Jo Mal-saeng immediately answered.

“We must deploy troops to Mureung Island. In addition, to make it clear that it is our Joseon’s territory, we must have people live on Mureung Island and erect a stele on Usan Island.”

At Jo Mal-saeng’s words, Maeng Sa-seong widened his eyes and asked.

“Residents of Mureung Island? Are you suggesting abolishing the Swehwan (쇄환, Empty Island Policy) [policy of forcibly evacuating islands] ?”

“That is correct.”

“Heo~.”

At Jo Mal-saeng’s remarks, the officials wore perplexed expressions.

* * *

In the 3rd year of King Taejong (1404), Taejong decided to bring the residents of Mureung Island to the mainland.

At that time, many people fled to Mureung Island to avoid military service. If there were many people living there, the Waegu who targeted them would be more likely to target Gangwon-do.

However, Ulleungdo was too far to deploy soldiers.

In such a situation, Taejong created a policy to return the residents living in Mureung Island to the mainland.

However, due to various circumstances, this policy was not implemented immediately.

Then, in the 6th year of King Taejong (1407), an incident occurred.

Tsushima Island’s Governor (守護) Jong Sadamori (宗貞茂, So Sadashige) sent an envoy. The envoy conveyed the following message.

“I want to live on Mureung Island with the residents of Tsushima Island!”

Taejong, having received this proposal, shared his opinions with the officials.

“If we allow this, won’t the King of Japan create a gap by saying that I have brought in rebels (叛人, traitors) [political dissidents]?”

At Taejong’s concern, Nam Jae immediately answered.

“The Waegu always follow others when they rebel (叛). This is something that always happens, so they cannot be forbidden. Who would dare to come up with such a plan?”

Even with Nam Jae’s answer, Taejong shook his head.

“Even if it is something that always happens within Waegu, crossing the border is different. They will definitely say something.”

Taejong, worried about it escalating into an international issue, rejected Jong Sadamori’s proposal.

Then, as time passed, in the 19th year of King Taejong (1416), the Swehwan policy was actually implemented.(Note 4)

* * *

And now, 14 years later, Jo Mal-saeng was proposing the abolition of the Swehwan policy.

“Looking at the books of those Westerners, we can claim territorial rights only if there are people. When I think back, isn’t this the most natural thing?”

“Mureung Island is still our Joseon’s land. Who would deny that?”

At Maeng Sa-seong’s pointed question, Jo Mal-saeng immediately answered.

“The Waegu would deny it. They are such beings.”

At Jo Mal-saeng’s answer, Hyang nodded without realizing it.

‘Correct!’

* * *

Note 1) This material was referenced as the basis for referring to Usan Island as Dokdo.

The Truth of Dokdo. Sejong University Dokdo Comprehensive Research Institute.

http://www.dokdoandeastasia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/%EB%8F%85%EB%8F%84%EC%9D%98-%EC%A7%84%EC%8B%A4-1_%EC%9A%B0%EC%82%B0%EA%B5%AD%EA%B3%BC-%EC%9A%B0%EC%82%B0%EB%8F%84.pdf

Note 2) Korea Creative Content Agency.

http://www.culturecontent.com/content/contentView.do?search_div=CP_THE&search_div_id=CP_THE010&cp_code=cp0232&index_id=cp02320048&content_id=cp023200480001&search_left_menu=2

Note 3) While establishing diplomatic relations with Ming, the Shogun obtained the title of King of Japan.

https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EC%9D%BC%EB%B3%B8%EA%B5%AD%EC%99%95

Note 4) Sejong University Dokdo Research Institute

http://www.dokdoandeastasia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/%EB%8F%85%EB%8F%84%EC%9D%98-%EC%A7%84%EC%8B%A4-2_%EC%A1%B0%EC%84%A0%EC%9D%98-%EC%9A%B8%EB%A6%89%EB%8F%84-%EC%87%84%ED%99%98%EC%A0%95%EC%B1%85.pdf