Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 226

226. The Distant Seas Fleet (6)

As the development and mass production of a new warship, distinct from the Challenger-class, was approved, Sejong raised another issue.

“Earlier, the Ministry of War indicated that Kyushu Island should be brought into Joseon’s sphere of influence. Is this intended as a full annexation, or something else?”

At Sejong’s question, Jo Malsaeng stepped forward.

“I believe a full annexation would be ill-advised. While the Ouchi clan, who govern the northern part of Kyushu Island, and the Kyushu Commissioner, who oversees other areas, maintain friendly relations with Joseon, they are still *Wae* [Japanese] clans. A full annexation would likely lead to armed conflict or require us to guarantee their interests, potentially leading to instability.”

Heo Jo challenged Jo Malsaeng’s statement.

“Given the nature of the *Wae* people, they yield to strength and exploit weakness. If Joseon demonstrates its power militarily, wouldn’t they immediately submit?”

Jo Malsaeng immediately shook his head.

“We do not possess sufficient power.”

“Huh?”

“Eh?”

Sejong and the ministers voiced their disbelief at Jo Malsaeng’s response.

Observing their reaction, Hyang muttered to himself.

‘Are these people serious…? Have they forgotten the difficulties of the past, or are they blinded by superficial numbers?’

Jo Malsaeng, sharing Hyang’s sentiment, explained the reality with a touch of exasperation.

“How much did we struggle to prepare for the conquest of Tsushima Island back then?”

“But hasn’t our military strength significantly increased since then?”

Jo Malsaeng responded simply to Heo Jo’s question.

“And haven’t our military responsibilities also greatly increased?”

“Ah….”

Heo Jo, understanding Jo Malsaeng’s point, let out a small groan and fell silent. ‘Our power has increased, but so have the areas we need to protect.’ This was the ‘magic of numbers’ Hyang had alluded to. Seeing this, Jo Malsaeng bowed to Sejong and continued.

“A full integration is a poor choice. I, Jo Malsaeng, am ready to lead the charge against the *Wae* enemies if Your Majesty commands it. However, I implore you, it is too early to confront the *Wae* with force.”

“Too early… What is the reason?”

“Firstly, Joseon is smaller in land area and population compared to the *Wae*. Smaller land means lower yields, making it difficult to secure war funds. Fewer people means difficulty replenishing troops. Regardless of our advanced weaponry, troop losses are inevitable in war.

Secondly, the ruling power in the *Wae* Kingdom is strong. Unlike during the Hongwu era [referring to the early Ming Dynasty when Japan was divided], the Japanese Emperor’s power is now consolidated, allowing the *Wae* to act as a unified entity.”

“The Minister of War is correct! The merchants who travel between the *Waegwan* [Japanese trading post in Joseon] and Kyushu Island report similar conditions!”

The Minister of Rites also supported Jo Malsaeng’s argument. Emboldened by this support, Jo Malsaeng spoke with even greater conviction.

“Lastly, even limiting the conflict to Kyushu Island will be challenging. While the Ouchi clan and the Kyushu Commissioner, of the Minamoto clan, are powerful, they do not have complete control of Kyushu Island. Many clans oppose them.

Therefore, I implore you once more: a forceful and substantial annexation using military force must be avoided.”

“Hmm….”

Sejong stroked his beard thoughtfully.

‘The expansion of territory is a monarch’s greatest achievement. Wouldn’t annexing Kyushu Island be a valuable opportunity? But the Minister of War’s concerns are valid….’

Hyang, noticing Sejong’s troubled expression, sensed a potential crisis.

‘Not yet! Military adventurism is not the answer!’

Feeling the danger, Hyang immediately interjected.

“Father, with all due respect, I believe the Minister of War’s arguments are extremely sound.”

“Sound? Explain.”

At Sejong’s request, Hyang calmly explained his reasoning.

“Generally, a country must secure its rear before engaging in war with another. For example, why did Emperor Wu of Wei attack Goguryeo in the past? It was to ensure the safety of his rear before conquering Shu and Wu. The situation is similar here. To deal with the *Wae*, we must first stabilize the Jurchens in the north, but the situation in Liaodong remains unstable. Conversely, if we were to completely subdue the Jurchens, the Ming and the *Wae* would become obstacles. Setting aside the Ming, we must address the *Wae*, but it is an overreach given Joseon’s current capabilities.”

“An overreach….”

As Sejong’s expression darkened, Hyang replied firmly.

“It is an overreach. The navy’s strength is not yet fully developed, both in terms of numbers and technology. Furthermore, the ultimate goal of war is for Joseon’s soldiers to occupy the enemy territory, but our land defense forces are insufficient. We risk robbing Peter to pay Paul.”

“That’s right.”

Nodding in agreement with Hyang’s point, Sejong let out a long sigh.

“The Crown Prince and the Minister of War are correct. I was blinded by immediate gains and failed to consider the long-term risks. This is my failing.”

At Sejong’s self-reproach, the ministers prostrated themselves and replied in unison.

“No! It is our fault for failing to properly advise Your Majesty. Please punish us!”

“Please punish us!”

Seeing the ministers seeking punishment, Sejong said calmly.

“Rise.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Let us learn from this and strive for greater diligence in the future.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

* * *

With the immediate crisis averted, Sejong turned to Hyang.

“Earlier, you mentioned that making the *Wae* Kingdom’s market our own would be akin to subjugating them. Joseon’s goods are already so popular in the *Wae* Kingdom that they can’t keep them in stock. Isn’t subjugation already underway?”

“Most of the goods currently exported to the *Wae* Kingdom are luxury items. We need to make even the common people purchase Joseon’s products. We must make the common people of the *Wae* Kingdom admire Joseon to truly subjugate them.”

Hyang elaborated further.

-The goods currently being sold are expensive luxury goods.

-The primary buyers of these luxury goods are the *Wae* Kingdom’s clans. Their income is derived from taxes levied on the people, particularly farmers.

-To afford these luxury goods, the clans impose harsh taxes, leading to growing discontent among the farmers.

-This discontent is likely to be directed not at the clans who exploit them, but at Joseon.

“Why is that? Joseon only produces the goods, doesn’t it? The buyers are *Wae* merchants, and the ultimate payers are the *Wae* clans, correct?”

In response to Heo Jo’s question, the Minister of Rites answered on Hyang’s behalf.

“If Joseon didn’t produce such goods, wouldn’t they believe they wouldn’t have to suffer?”

“Ah….”

As Heo Jo nodded, Hyang added.

“The Minister of Rites is correct. If this dissatisfaction festers, the *Wae* Kingdom’s people will gradually become hostile to Joseon. If the clans’ control weakens, they will revert to *Wokou* [Japanese pirates]. Consider the *Wae* fishermen captured recently. Even they carry swords on their boats.”

Sejong and the ministers nodded in agreement.

“Then, Crown Prince, how do you propose to capture the *Wae* Kingdom’s market?”

Hyang immediately responded to Sejong’s question.

“We can employ the *Wae* Kingdom’s people.”

“Huh?”

Hyang elaborated.

-The *Wae* Kingdom produces resources that Joseon desperately needs, such as sulfur and copper.

-We should negotiate with the *Wae* Kingdom’s clans to lease mines or acquire mining rights.

-We can then hire the *Wae* Kingdom’s people to work in these mines and pay them wages.

-Finally, we can sell Joseon’s products to the *Wae* people who earn wages in this manner.

“Since they are commoners, purchasing expensive goods will be difficult. However, instead of selling expensive porcelain, we can sell earthenware, and instead of silk, we can sell cotton. If this happens….”

Sejong interrupted Hyang.

“They will desire better and better things! Joseon has already experienced this!”

“That is correct. Furthermore, we can alleviate the hostility the *Wae* Kingdom’s people harbor towards Joseon, as Joseon will be seen as the benefactor providing them with livelihoods.”

“If that happens, the dissatisfaction of the *Wae* Kingdom’s people will be directed at the clans who rule them! What a cunning strategy!”

“It would be even more advantageous to subtly favor clans that Joseon finds useful, such as the Ouchi clan or the Kyushu Commissioner, the Minamoto clan.”

“That’s right! Especially since the Ouchi clan openly claim descent from Baekje [an ancient Korean kingdom], making them ideal proxies!”

At Hyang’s explanation, Sejong clapped his knees in excitement.

Watching Sejong and Hyang’s exchange, the ministers grumbled inwardly.

‘Again! Again! It’s starting again! They only know how to solve problems themselves!’

‘It wasn’t planned, but how can they be so synchronized?’

‘Is it unfair for those of us with lesser intellect to live?’

Despite their grumbling, the ministers were not unintelligent and quickly grasped the plan’s implications.

Understanding the situation, the ministers looked at Hyang with newfound respect.

‘I sense it again. The Crown Prince is not just intelligent, he is cunning! Is he a reincarnation of Emperor Wu of Wei, as mentioned earlier?’

‘If the Crown Prince ascends the throne, those who serve him will face challenging times!’

‘Should I perhaps prescribe a tonic for the King? To ensure a long life….’

In any case, Sejong, greatly pleased with Hyang’s plan, turned to the ministers.

“I wish to proceed with the plan proposed by the Crown Prince. What are your thoughts?”

At Sejong’s question, the ministers eagerly responded.

“It is a truly brilliant idea!”

“It is a plan that achieves multiple objectives simultaneously, making it highly suitable for adoption!”

With the ministers in agreement, Sejong made his decision.

“Since you all concur, let us develop a detailed plan and execute it! To ensure the peace of Joseon, we must minimize external threats as much as possible.”

“We receive your command!”

The historian, recording these events, wrote the following.

-The historian reflects.

Why do I feel sympathy for the people of the *Wae* Kingdom?

* * *

After the meeting concluded and Hyang left Geunjeongjeon [the main hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace], his expression gradually darkened.

“Did I do the right thing?”

Muttering with a worried expression, Hyang let out a long sigh.

“Hoo~, to orchestrate ‘the most sophisticated imperialism’ with my own hands is a bitter pill to swallow.”

What Hyang proposed to Sejong and the ministers was a slightly modified version of the ‘Global Value Chain,’ a concept born from the ’21st-century neoliberalism’ craze, adapted to the current era.

* * *

Imperialism, in its classical form, ended with World War II.

To be precise, classical imperialism ended, and a new form of imperialism emerged and began to evolve.

The systems known as ‘colonial capitalism’ and ‘comprador capitalism’ during the Cold War era evolved once again after the Cold War’s conclusion.

While classical imperialism involved physical colonization and exploitation, the new imperialism is far more subtle.

It has evolved into a sophisticated system called the ‘international value chain,’ where components are manufactured using the labor and resources of developing countries, assembled in the home country or other developing countries, and then sold globally.

Under this system, politicians and workers in developing countries do not necessarily oppose the capitalists of developed countries, but often welcome them.

A situation vastly different from classical imperialism has emerged.