Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 232

232. Waeguk (5)

Sejong and his ministers were disgusted by Hyang’s audacity, yet they conceded that his approach might be the most effective.

Hyang elaborated further.

“In recruiting workers for the mines and cotton fields from Waeguk [historical term for Japan], we will endeavor to bypass the Waeguk lords as much as possible.”

Meng Sasung immediately questioned Hyang.

“Does bypassing the Waeguk lords imply that Joseon will directly solicit laborers?”

“Ideally, yes. With the Waeguk lord’s consent, Joseon will then formalize a contract.”

Sejong voiced his skepticism.

“Would the lords even permit such a thing?”

“We can offer a compelling rationale: ‘We seek to directly select diligent workers.’ Is that not a worthy cause? Furthermore, the lords would benefit from the tax revenue generated from the wages we provide.”

“That is a valid point.”

Sejong nodded, and Hyang added pointedly.

“A lord with vision will prosper, while a petty one will hasten their own demise.”

Sejong and his ministers exchanged thoughtful glances, pondering the implications of Hyang’s words before shaking their heads.

‘So cunning, so cunning!’

‘So ruthless, so ruthless!’

As they murmured, the Minister of Rites raised a concern.

“But wouldn’t this grant excessive power to the Daenai clan? A misstep could prove disastrous…”

Hyang swiftly addressed the Minister of Rites’ apprehension.

“I have no intention of solely relying on the Daenai clan.”

“Then who else?”

“What about Kyushu Tandai [military commissioner], Minamoto Dojin?”

Sejong and his ministers exclaimed in unison.

“Aha!”

* * *

Hyang justified his choice of Minamoto Dojin as the second lord to be brought under Joseon’s influence.

“Firstly, Minamoto Dojin was directly appointed and dispatched by the shogunate [military government of Japan]. By incorporating such a figure, Joseon can amplify its influence against the shogunate.”

Sejong requested further explanation.

“What manner of man is Minamoto Dojin?”

The Minister of Rites stepped forward to answer.

“According to our intelligence, his original surname is Shibukawa. He initially governed Bitchu and Aki provinces but was later appointed as Kyushu Tandai. Following his appointment, the shogunate commanded him to govern Hizen province, and he is currently based in Chikuzen and Hakata (modern-day Fukuoka).”

“What are his relationships with those around him?”

“The shogunate dispatched Minamoto Dojin to consolidate its control over Kyushu. In recognition of his services, it was decreed that the Shibukawa clan would inherit the position of Kyushu Tandai.”

Sejong immediately grasped the significance of the Minister of Rites’ words.

“So, their relationships are strained.”

“Precisely. He is in constant conflict with the Shoni clan, who traditionally held sway over Hizen and the surrounding territories. Furthermore, it is believed that this Shoni clan is the power behind the Wae pirates who have plagued us since the late Goryeo dynasty. (Note 1)”

“Is that so? Is that the situation?”

Sejong’s tone turned icy upon hearing the Minister of Rites’ words.

The Ministry of Rites’ suspicion that the Shoni family was backing the Wae pirates was supported by substantial evidence.

The most compelling evidence was that the Todo family, the lord of Tsushima Island, was under the Shoni clan’s control.

The second piece of evidence was that the Wae pirate activity intensified when the Muromachi shogunate began to fully exert its authority over Kyushu, leading to clashes with the Shoni clan.

The mere mention of ‘Wae pirates’ prompted Sejong to make a swift decision.

“It would benefit Joseon to bolster the Minamoto clan’s power.”

Hyang immediately responded.

“If we can secure the allegiance of both the Daenai and Minamoto clans, we can effectively control the regions of Kyushu and Honshu Islands closest to Joseon.”

“Hmm….”

At Hyang’s words, Sejong turned his gaze to the map on the wall. Connecting the areas mentioned by Hyang and the Minister of Rites would create a defensive barrier blocking the sea route to Joseon.

Having made up his mind, Sejong addressed his ministers.

“I shall inform you all of my decision.”

“We are listening attentively.”

“Tsushima Island will be dealt with as planned, and the Kyushu strategy will proceed according to the Crown Prince’s proposal.”

“We obey your command!”

“If this plan succeeds, Joseon will not only be free from the Wae pirate threat but will also be able to subjugate Waeguk, the pirates’ base of operations. Therefore, we must ensure its success.”

“We will engrave it in our hearts!”

Thus began the operation known as ‘Smiling Diplomacy (hiding a knife behind a smile).’

* * *

Once Sejong made his decision, events unfolded rapidly.

“I believe that strengthening our naval power is paramount for the success of this operation. I will consult with the Crown Prince. How is the production of the Haeung-class fast battleships progressing?”

Hyang promptly replied.

“We are currently constructing the third battleship. We are expanding the shipyard, and our artisans are gaining proficiency, allowing us to complete approximately eight ships by the end of this year.”

Sejong quickly calculated based on Hyang’s information.

‘The battleships to be deployed in Mureungdo…. And the training of the sailors who will man them…. The time required to construct the naval base and port in Mureungdo….’

“Will it take at least three years for the facilities in Mureungdo to become fully operational?”

“Yes.”

Sejong turned to Jo Malsaeng.

“Can the Panokseon [Korean warship] adequately patrol the South Sea until the Haeung ships are deployed?”

“It will be sufficient, provided we effectively address the situation on Tsushima Island.”

Jo Malsaeng answered without hesitation.

Jo Malsaeng’s confidence stemmed from the General Staff Headquarters’ war games and contingency plans for military action against Waegu.

With favorable winds, one could sail from Dongnae to Tsushima Island in a single day. Therefore, the Panokseon alone would provide a credible deterrent.

Sejong appeared relieved by Jo Malsaeng’s response.

“Hoo~. That is a relief. A great relief. Then, we can initiate the operations against Tsushima Island and Kyushu without delay. The Ministry of Rites should select envoys to dispatch to Tsushima Island, the Daenai clan, and the Minamoto clan.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I trust you are fully aware of the gravity of this matter.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Sejong made sure to emphasize this to the Minister of Rites.

* * *

Sejong paid particular attention to the selection of envoys, causing the Minister of Rites considerable distress, which in turn created a downward spiral.

“You have been rejected twice already! Are you deliberately neglecting your duties!”

“I, I am deeply sorry.”

The officials of the Ministry of Rites offered their apologies, shrinking under the Minister’s reprimands.

They compiled a list of suitable candidates, along with their performance evaluations, and submitted it to Sejong.

“Here is a list of individuals whom I believe are qualified to serve as envoys for this mission. Please make your selections.”

Sejong placed the list aside on his desk and replied.

“I will attend to it as soon as possible.”

“Yes?”

The Minister of Rites, who had been so insistent, looked up in surprise at Sejong’s unexpected response, given his previous urgency.

Sejong, noticing the Minister’s reaction, explained, gesturing to the documents piled on his desk.

“As you can see, Minister, there are numerous pressing matters that require my immediate attention. And given the importance of this envoy mission, I wish to examine the candidates with the utmost care.”

“Ah, yes…. I understand.”

With those words, the Minister of Rites bowed and departed from Gangnyeongjeon [Sejong’s residence].

Five days later, Sejong summoned the Minister of Rites.

“They have all been rejected.”

“Yes?”

Sejong proceeded to explain his reasons for disqualifying each candidate.

“They all possess commendable skills, but their tongues are far too loose.”

“Yes?”

“Rumors are rife in the alleys of Hanseong [old name for Seoul]. It is said that after a few drinks, the entire city knows the affairs of the court.”

“Ah….”

“What is the most crucial aspect of this mission? Is it not to conceal our true intentions as much as possible?”

At Sejong’s rebuke, the Minister of Rites lowered his head.

“I will select new candidates.”

“Very well.”

The Minister of Rites, having been rebuffed by Sejong, once again compiled a list of candidates and presented it to the king.

And once again, he was rejected. To make matters worse, there were allegations of bribery among those nominated.

“I warned you previously, yet someone has accepted bribes again! And you recommended such a person to me? Minister of Rites! Do you have such a poor eye for character!”

“Please, punish me!”

The Minister of Rites, having endured severe criticism, now turned to scold his own subordinates.

“Where were your eyes and ears when you selected a bribe-taker as a candidate! Do you realize how much I was reprimanded by His Majesty! Must I endure such scolding at my age!”

“I, I am deeply sorry!”

“Select new candidates immediately!”

“Yes, yes!”

“Someone with exceptional skills, a tight mouth, and an impeccable record!”

“Yes!”

As the officials emerged from the Minister of Rites’ office, they sighed deeply. After a moment of respite, they began to discuss the criteria.

“He wants someone with exceptional skills, a tight mouth, and an impeccable record? Does such a person even exist?”

“There are quite a few with clean records, given that we already weeded out those involved in bribery, but the first two criteria are problematic….”

“No, there are many with good skills, but finding someone with a tight mouth is the real challenge. Are there any discreet individuals left in the court these days?”

At his colleague’s words, the officials quietly nodded.

* * *

The reason for the loose tongues in the court was alcohol. The overworked officials sought relief from their stress by indulging in strong liquor at the gibang [traditional Korean tavern].

As they consumed potent drinks, becoming quickly and thoroughly intoxicated, their innermost thoughts and secrets would spill out.

Starting with minor complaints about the hardships of their work and escalating to exaggerated accounts of their responsibilities.

The real issue was that much of what they revealed was confidential information.

Even those who would never utter a word while sober became as light as feathers after a bottle of Hongju [strong Korean liquor], a renowned potent spirit.

All of this was reported to Sejong by the Geomgye [secret agents], who were compiling their own personnel evaluation reports.

* * *

As the officials grumbled, they noticed the military officers from the Uigeumbu [royal police] rushing in and clicked their tongues.

“Another human stake will be added to the record office.”

“I know, right. How could they be so foolish as to accept bribes?”

“Stupid guys….”

Their grumbling was interrupted by the Minister of Rites’ booming voice from behind them.

“Why aren’t you working diligently! Do you wish to become stakes yourselves!”

“Yes, yes! We are working, we are working!”

In this manner, the Ministry of Rites selected a new slate of envoy candidates and submitted them to Sejong.

“This is the third time…. Are you confident?”

The Minister of Rites, his face drenched in sweat, replied to Sejong’s skeptical inquiry.

“I have done my utmost!”

‘It is the third time! Please!’

“Hmm…. Leave it with me.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Five days later, Sejong summoned the Minister of Rites.

“Form an envoy group with those who have been selected.”

“I obey your command!”

The Minister of Rites’ steps were as light as if he were floating on air as he left after receiving Sejong’s order.

Fifteen days later, Cheongjin [city in North Hamgyong Province].

As the development of the Northeast region progressed, Hwang Hee’s headquarters also relocated to Cheongjin.

“Jongseo~.”

“Yes, sir.”

“You will be going on a business trip to Kyushu.”

“Kyushu?”

At Hwang Hee’s words, Kim Jongseo turned to the map hanging on the wall.

“I have heard of the place name Kyushu….”

“Not here, but Kyushu across the sea.”

Kim Jongseo asked with a pale face.

“Kyushu across the sea? Don’t tell me…. Are you referring to Kyushu in Waeguk?”

“That is correct.”

“If I am exposed to different water, I suffer from severe seasickness….”

“Do not worry. The royal physicians will accompany you.”

“Even if the waves are slightly rough, I experience severe seasickness….”

“What about that fishing trip you took with me last time? Was the East Sea a lake?”

“Sir….”

“Silence! Pack your bags immediately!”

* * *

Note 1) https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EC%87%BC%EB%8B%88%EC%94%A8