Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 225

225. The Distant Seas Fleet (5)

The court was embroiled in a heated debate regarding the proposal to allow people to reside on Mureungdo (Ulleungdo Island).

“To overturn a policy enacted by the late king after such careful consideration is unfilial! To make His Majesty commit an unfilial act is disloyal!”

Some opposed the idea, arguing that reversing Taejong’s policy would be an act of disrespect to the late king. However, rebuttals quickly followed.

“The late king implemented the evacuation policy for the benefit of Joseon! As time has passed and circumstances have changed, it is only natural to adapt the policy!”

Losing ground in their initial justification, the opposition shifted their resistance by raising other concerns.

“If people are allowed to live on Mureungdo, soldiers must also be stationed there for defense! It’s a waste of resources!”

“It’s not a waste of resources! It’s for national defense!”

“We must consider the financial implications!”

When the opposition brought up finances, Sejong silently turned his gaze towards Kim Jeom.

Sensing the unspoken question, Kim Jeom offered a somewhat unexpected response.

“Finances… unless we immediately launch a war to conquer all of Waegu [historical Japanese term for Japan, often used to refer to Japanese pirates], and unless we try to accomplish everything at once on Mureungdo, we can manage it.”

“Are you certain?”

To Sejong’s direct question, Kim Jeom replied with conviction.

“Our Joseon, though still developing, has grown significantly.”

With Kim Jeom’s assurance as the deciding factor, Sejong made his decision.

“Establish a naval garrison on Mureungdo. Once the garrison is properly established, relocate residents there.”

At Sejong’s decree, the officials bowed in unison and responded.

“We shall obey the command!”

* * *

Because Sejong had made a decision, things progressed rapidly thereafter.

‘Is it the lingering effect of the purges that still remains? Or is it that the reforms have fundamentally changed the system?’

As Hyang observed the officials with a renewed perspective, they were diligently coordinating the necessary arrangements.

“Is there a suitable location to build a port on Mureungdo?”

At Lee Jik’s question, Jo Mal-saeng unfolded a map and replied.

“Before the evacuation order was implemented, an inspector was dispatched to the island. This map was created by those who accompanied him at that time.”

After providing a brief explanation of the map’s origins, Jo Mal-saeng pointed to the east side of the island and began to speak.

“The most suitable area is this small bay on the east side. There is a larger bay to the south of it, but it faces a steep hillside, making construction difficult. Furthermore, the entire bay is directly exposed to the open sea, leaving it vulnerable to high waves during storms.”

The officials nodded in agreement with Jo Mal-saeng’s assessment.

Meng Sa-seong, who had been listening attentively, pointed out the next challenge.

“That location seems promising. Then, what type of warship do you think would be best to deploy? Still a Panokseon [a sturdy, oar-and-sail powered Korean warship]?”

When Meng Sa-seong mentioned the Panokseon, Jo Mal-saeng shook his head.

“Panokseons will not suffice. Panokseons cannot match the speed of Waegu ships. And while the hull design of the Panokseon is excellent for inland seas like the West Sea or the South Sea, it becomes unstable when navigating the open ocean.”

“Then a Jungseon (medium ship) or Daejungseon (large medium ship)?”

“Those are also not suitable for the open sea. And they cannot carry a sufficient number of cannons either.”

“Then what kind of warship…? Surely not a new type of ship?”

When Meng Sa-seong mentioned ‘new type of ship,’ Kim Jeom frowned. As if anticipating Kim Jeom’s reaction, Jo Mal-saeng shook his head.

“A completely new type of ship is too ambitious at this stage.”

Jo Mal-saeng, having dismissed the idea of a completely new ship, bowed to Sejong and spoke.

“Your Majesty, may I consult with the Crown Prince?”

“You may.”

Having received Sejong’s permission, Jo Mal-saeng turned to Hyang and asked.

“How long would it take to design and build a ship with a hull shape similar to the new type of ship, but slightly smaller in size?”

Hyang answered Jo Mal-saeng’s question without hesitation.

“Please provide specific criteria. How many cannons will it carry, what will be the overall size, and how long should it be able to remain at sea once it sets sail, etc.”

At Hyang’s request for specifics, Jo Mal-saeng stepped back and began consulting with the officials from the Ministry of War and the naval officers from the General Staff Headquarters.

Although voices were raised several times during the discussion, Jo Mal-saeng quickly synthesized the various opinions and returned to Hyang with an answer.

“Approximately 10 Mun [a unit of weight, referring to the size of the cannonball] of General Eul-sik’s cannons and about 20 Mun of grape shot cannons. Also, considering that patrolling near Mureungdo and Usando [a nearby island] will be the primary mission, food and water should be sufficient for a maximum of 3 to 5 days. However, the more fire arrows and gunpowder it can carry, the better.”

“How many ships are needed?”

“At least 6 ships. They will operate in pairs for patrolling, standby, and maintenance.”

“Hmm…. Just a moment.”

While Hyang was calculating in his head, Sejong interjected.

“Isn’t 10 Mun of General Hulsik’s cannons too few? What about increasing it a bit more?”

Sejong, who was deeply fascinated by cannons, was concerned about the relatively small number of cannons. However, Jo Mal-saeng politely declined Sejong’s suggestion.

“Considering the capabilities of Waegu ships, 10 Mun is sufficient.”

“Still….”

“The combination of General Eul-sik’s cannons, grape shot cannons, and rifles will be more than adequate to deal with the Waegu.”

“Is that so? Hmm…. I’ll trust your judgment.”

While Sejong was subtly concealing his disappointment, Hyang was excitedly indulging in his personal interests.

‘Considering the number of cannons and the operational period, a two-deck ship is unnecessary. Then a clipper? A sloop? If speed is the priority, a clipper would be ideal, but perhaps a mini clipper? Yes! Let’s go with a clipper!’

Having indulged his passion in his mind and reached a decision, Hyang answered Jo Mal-saeng.

“It will take approximately four months for design, experimentation through models, and construction of a test ship. If the performance is satisfactory, we can provide 6 ships within two years.”

“Isn’t that too long?”

“There are already several new ships awaiting completion in the shipyard.”

“Ah… then…. So you’re saying we can receive 3 ships within a year?”

“One year and four months.”

Jo Mal-saeng nodded at Hyang’s response.

“That’s acceptable.”

‘It’s a bit disappointing, but if they perform as expected, 3 ships will be enough to ensure our safety for the time being.’

“Wait!”

Just then, Kim Jeom interjected.

“Building new ships is expensive! Are you suggesting we develop yet another new ship? Let’s just proceed with the Panokseon! With the Panokseon! Or simply utilize the existing new ships!”

Hyang immediately countered Kim Jeom’s argument.

“It’s a smaller ship than the Challenger-class, so it won’t be that costly.”

“Still…. Isn’t it wasteful to build a new ship when we’re only producing 6 ships?”

Kim Jeom’s point was valid.

As Jo Mal-saeng, feeling cornered, was contemplating a response, one of the officers who had been discussing opinions in the back approached Jo Mal-saeng and whispered in his ear.

“Huh? Hmm…. I see…. Yes…. That’s right.”

Jo Mal-saeng, who had been nodding as he listened to the officer’s words, looked at Kim Jeom with a noticeably brighter expression.

“It may not end with 6 ships.”

“What kind of refreshing 개솔 [a Korean slang term for nonsense]….헙!”

After glancing at Kim Jeom, who was preventing the unfiltered words from escaping his lips, Jo Mal-saeng bowed to Sejong and said.

“Your Majesty, if the performance of the newly designed ship is satisfactory, at the very least, the Waegu will not be able to freely venture out to sea!”

“Explain in detail.”

“Yes.”

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

The officer who stepped forward at Jo Mal-saeng’s signal paid his respects to Sejong.

“Loyalty! I am Son Yi-seop, a naval Manho (종4품) [a military rank in Joseon Dynasty]!”

“Yes. Explain.”

At Sejong’s instruction, Son Yi-seop gestured to his colleagues. After a brief pause, a large map was unfurled and displayed.

“This map depicts our Joseon, Waegu, and Ming [China].”

Son Yi-seop began his explanation, pointing to Waegu with a pointer.

“These three islands here constitute Waegu. According to the Waesang (倭商) [Japanese merchants] who frequent the Waegwan [Japanese trading post in Joseon], there is a large island to the north, but it is not yet part of Waegu territory.”

At Son Yi-seop’s explanation, Hyang muttered inwardly.

‘Hokkaido is not yet Japanese territory? I need to seize it quickly!’

At this time, Hokkaido was still considered a foreign land even by Japan.

Hokkaido came under Japanese control during the Warring States period. However, it was formally recognized as Japanese territory after the Meiji Restoration.

While Hyang was lost in thought, Son Yi-seop continued his explanation.

“As you can see on the map, the merchant ships of the Huihui people [likely referring to Muslim traders] who come for trade turn north near Jeju Island. And the trade route with Waegu starts from Dongnae, goes to Tsushima Island, or goes to Kyushu.”

“That’s correct.”

Sejong nodded in agreement with Son Yi-seop’s explanation. Son Yi-seop continued his presentation, pointing to Jeju Island with the pointer.

“If the ships that we are currently trying to develop are deployed to Jeju Island, we can ensure the safety of the maritime trade route.”

“Hoo?”

“Furthermore….”

Son Yi-seop paused momentarily and pointed to Tsushima Island and Kyushu with the pointer.

“If we incorporate Tsushima Island and Kyushu Island into Joseon’s sphere of influence, the Waegu will not be able to easily threaten our Joseon.”

“That’s right.”

“That is true.”

Sejong and the officials nodded in agreement with Son Yi-seop’s explanation.

Son Yi-seop continued, pointing to Mureungdo and drawing an imaginary straight line to the northeast.

“The existing Dongjin strategy [Eastern Advancement Policy] is not only important on land but also at sea. If we secure Wonsan and Mureungdo, and the islands that may lie to the north, and establish naval bases, the sea east of Ming will be under Joseon’s control. If that happens, Joseon will require Challenger-class ships and newly developed ships even more than Panokseons.”

“Then doesn’t that endanger the defense of the coast?”

When Chief State Councilor Lee Jik, who had been listening to the presentation, raised this concern, Son Yi-seop immediately responded.

“We can shift the standard of naval warship operation from defensive to offensive.”

“Offensive defense?”

“Instead of waiting for them to attack, we proactively intercept them. To make this possible, a fast and powerful ship is essential.”

“Hmm….”

After pondering for a moment, Sejong turned to Hyang.

“What are your thoughts?”

Hyang answered Sejong’s question without delay.

“The problem with the shipyard can be resolved by expanding the shipyard in Wonsan and hiring more manpower. However, the most significant challenge is the supply of timber. If we rely solely on timber from Joseon, all the mountains in Joseon will become barren.”

Unlike the late Joseon period, Joseon at this time did not suffer from a lack of forest resources. However, competition for straight timber, which was essential for building warships, was intense.

Timber with straight and hard wood was used not only for ships but also for construction.

And trees do not grow quickly.

The trees used as materials for ships or construction were at least 10 to 20 years old.

That meant that if they indiscriminately cut down trees without a sustainable plan, they would deplete their resources and be unable to continue their shipbuilding efforts.

Hyang, having highlighted this issue, continued immediately.

“We should begin exploring east of the Tumen River this year. If we locate the forest areas that we have only read about in books, we can immediately resolve the timber problem.”

“That seems like the right approach. I need to send an order to Hwang Hee. If the timber problem is solved, will everything else fall into place?”

At Sejong’s question, Hyang looked at Kim Jeom and answered.

“90% will be resolved. Building a large number of warships means that artisans will be constantly employed. The more work they have, the more skilled they will become, which will allow us to reduce unnecessary budget waste.”

“I see. What do you think, Minister of Taxation?”

At Sejong’s question, Kim Jeom answered with a resigned expression.

“If Joseon’s commerce and industry can continue to grow as they are now, you will achieve your goal.”

“I will trust in you, Minister.”

“I will do my best, even if it costs me my life.”

As Kim Jeom effectively waved the white flag, Sejong concluded the discussion.

“Proceed according to the Ministry of War’s plan. If we can deter the enemies threatening Joseon at sea, we can prevent harm to our territory, so how can it not be a beneficial endeavor?”

Although he had made a decision, Sejong did not forget to issue a warning.

“However! If you cannot control your ambition and become excessive, the people will suffer, and the reforms will fail. You must engrave this in your hearts and act accordingly.”

At Sejong’s instructions, the officials replied in unison.

“We will keep it in mind and carry it out!”

The historian who recorded all of this added the following.

-…According to the Sang’s [Crown Prince’s] decision, the development and mass construction of new warships were approved.

The historian argues.

It is natural to protect the royal ancestral shrine and strive for defense for the sake of the people’s well-being. However, as the Sang also stated, we must avoid harming other sectors for the sake of defense.

I should avoid the Ministry of Taxation for the time being.

The Minister of War seems destined to live a long life.