Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 27

Extracurricular 27. 1592 Southern Sea Battle. (27)

Upon hearing Park Hong’s answer, Yi Ju immediately posed a question.

“What is the reason?”

“The reason Won Gyun is not suitable for that position is…”

-Naval commanders have a considerably wide range of independent decision-making authority.

This is due to the nature of warships as weapons and the sea as a location.

-However, having a wide range does not mean doing as one pleases.

-In the case of Yi Sun-sin, he exercised the maximum discretion within the limits prescribed by military law.

-However, Won Gyun’s actions this time are illegal acts that go beyond that scope.

-Because he ignored the chain of command.”

Listening to Park Hong’s explanation, Yi Ju chuckled inwardly.

‘He’s sulking because he was left out and bypassed. But, he’s not wrong.’

Park Hong’s explanation continued.

“Another reason is Won Gyun’s behavior during the surprise attack on Jeju Island.

-Whenever Yi Sun-sin sent information related to Japan at that time, there is a record that the Naval Headquarters delivered this information to other naval fleets stationed in the mainland, according to regulations.

-Examining the situation of the West Sea Fleet and the South Sea Fleet at the time, the commander and vice-commander took turns standing guard at the headquarters in preparation for any possible events.

The same was true for the fleet’s captains and vice-captains.

Also, even when off duty, they would report their location. This was to ensure they could be immediately found and informed of any emergencies.

And this is a measure prescribed by military regulations.

-However, Won Gyun did not take any of these measures.

No, to make matters worse, Won Gyun himself did not report his location, so he could not be found when the surprise attack occurred.

-This is a clear violation of military regulations.

-Considering all of this, Won Gyun can never replace Yi Sun-sin.”

“But above all, the biggest mistake is…”

Park Hong told Yi Ju the biggest reason why Won Gyun should not be the one.

“The biggest mistake Won Gyun made was disturbing His Majesty the Emperor’s mind. The fact that Yi Sun-sin became the commander of the Japanese invasion was already decided by His Majesty the Emperor. However, Won Gyun committed illegal acts to pursue his own selfish interests, which is a sin that a subject should never commit. If I were the commander, I would have reprimanded him first.”

“Well said!”

Yi Ju clapped his knees in admiration at Park Hong’s last words.

‘Park Hong, they say his qualities as a general are mediocre, but all other aspects are excellent, and indeed, that is the case! He presented the best justification!’

Park Hong presented Yi Ju, who was looking for a suitable justification to present to those who subtly supported Won Gyun, with the best answer.

To be precise, Yi Ju also knew this. However, if Yi Ju had said it first, it would have been distorted into political pressure and would have made Won Gyun an innocent victim for sure.

However, with Park Hong saying it, Yi Ju was freed from political burden.

Won Gyun’s naval affiliation, and Won Gyun’s superior officer, presented the reason why Won Gyun should not be the commander, and Yi Ju only had to accept it.

Yi Ju was very satisfied and praised Park Hong.

“The Admiral’s clear explanation has cleared my mind! I have been blind and frustrated for a while, but the Admiral has relieved it, so I am truly grateful! The Admiral’s contribution is great!”

“Your Majesty’s grace is boundless!”

“Then go back and help Yi Sun-sin to prepare thoroughly.”

“I obey your command!”

* * *

After Park Hong returned, a storm swept through the court.

“I called Park Hong and asked about this personnel matter. The reason I called Park Hong is because he is the one who knows the navy best.”

Yi Ju paused and looked around at the ministers and vice-ministers. None of the officials raised any objections. Park Hong’s position was Chief of Naval Operations, in other words, Park Hong was the one who knew the navy best.

Yi Ju, having observed the reactions of the officials, continued.

“When I asked about this commotion, Park Hong’s answer was this. The Chief Secretary will read what Park Hong said.”

Upon Yi Ju’s order, the Chief Secretary began reading Park Hong’s answer copied from the Seungjeongwon Diary [Royal Secretariat Diary].

Listening to Park Hong’s answer, the officials could understand Yi Ju’s intentions.

‘He intends to keep Yi Sun-sin in charge.’

‘If you don’t want to get involved and see blood, keep your mouth shut.’

‘In the end, Won Gyun is finished.’

‘Wait a minute? If this goes wrong, Shin Rip might be in danger too?’

Those who had connections with Shin Rip realized that Shin Rip was also in danger, but they could not open their mouths carelessly. If they made a mistake, they could be implicated and ruined together.

As the Chief Secretary finished reading, Yi Ju announced his decision.

“I think Park Hong’s words are very reasonable. Therefore, I intend to keep Yi Sun-sin in charge of the Japanese invasion. What do you think, gentlemen?”

The Prime Minister stepped forward and answered Yi Ju’s question disguised as an order.

“The military affairs are best known by the military, so Park Hong’s answer is the most accurate. Therefore, please do as Your Majesty wishes.”

“Any other opinions?”

At Yi Ju’s question, the officials answered in unison.

“Please do as you wish!”

Having confirmed Yi Sun-sin’s retention, Yi Ju moved on to the next topic.

“As you can see from Park Hong’s answer, Won Gyun’s actions this time cannot be simply overlooked. Failing to guard the border and allowing a surprise attack is a great crime, and to make matters worse, he tried to cover the Emperor’s eyes and ears. Therefore, the Judiciary will question Won Gyun’s crime. Any objections?”

“Of course, he must be held accountable!”

“That’s right. He must be held accountable!”

The officials actively agreed with Yi Ju’s decision.

Having obtained the officials’ agreement, Yi Ju concluded.

“Good. Won Gyun will be sent to the Judiciary to be questioned. The Minister of National Defense will inform the Chief of Staff of my decision and have him carry out his assigned task.”

“I obey your command!”

In this way, Won Gyun’s plan fell through.

* * *

Meanwhile, Shin Rip, who heard Yi Ju’s decision through the Minister of National Defense, found Park Hong with an angry face.

“Hey, Park Hong! You rascal!”

At Shin Rip’s roar, Park Hong retorted sharply.

“Watch your words! You rascal, you say!”

“How dare you interfere with my decision!”

“Dare? Interfere? Listen, General Shin Rip! Even though you are the Chief of Staff, I am of the same rank and grade as you! So, why are you treating me like a subordinate!”

“What!”

Shin Rip shouted, but the justification was on Park Hong’s side.

-The Chief of Staff of the Imperial Army is responsible for conveying the Emperor’s orders to each army and coordinating them according to the circumstances of each army.

This was the duty of the Chief of Staff written in the Imperial Army Military Law. In other words, he was a link connecting the Emperor and the army, and a coordinator between the army and the navy, not a superior.

Park Hong’s attack continued.

“Did I say anything wrong to His Majesty? Do you know where Won Gyun was when the surprise attack on Jeju Island occurred? He was not in the commander’s quarters, but in a brothel! Moreover, he was passed out drunk in the arms of a courtesan! Are you going to make such a person the commander of the Japanese invasion? Do you have any sense!”

“Men can do that! And no one expected Japan to launch a surprise attack!”

“Yi Sun-sin did! And so did the commanders of the West Sea and South Sea Fleets!”

“Ahem!”

Shin Rip, at a loss for words at Park Hong’s words, coughed dryly.

“I, a member of the Navy, know the Navy’s situation best! But why are you, General, meddling in it! Moreover, you are trying to overturn what His Majesty the Emperor has already decided, are you in your right mind!”

“…”

Shin Rip had no choice but to remain silent at Park Hong’s continued words.

“I don’t even have time to carry out the tasks His Majesty has given me! Do you have anything more to say!”

“Ahem! I’ll be going!”

Hiding his discomfort with a loud cough, Shin Rip returned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

As soon as Shin Rip arrived at his office, an officer who had been waiting rushed to Shin Rip and whispered.

“Someone has come from Gyeongbok Palace [main royal palace of Korea].”

“What!”

Shin Rip, startled, hurried inside, and the eunuch who had been waiting inside stood up from his seat and bowed politely.

“General, how do you do? His Majesty has sent a letter.”

“I, is that so?”

Shin Rip, having hastily straightened his clothes at the eunuch’s words, received Yi Ju’s letter from the eunuch.

Carefully unfolded, Yi Ju’s letter contained only one sentence.

-Is the General my superior?

“Gasp!”

Shin Rip’s face turned pale as he checked the sentence. Because he realized the hidden meaning of the sentence.

-When I’m being nice, shut up and do your job properly. If you keep acting up, I won’t let you off easily.

“Te, tell His Majesty that I will keep that in mind and do my best.”

“Understood.”

As the eunuch left, Shin Rip sat down in his chair and sighed deeply.

“Hoo~. It’s over.”

This Japanese invasion was a guaranteed success. Therefore, he was greedy, but instead of fortune, misfortune came.

After that, Shin Rip never stepped forward.

* * *

Yi Sun-sin, who received Yi Ju’s absolute support, meticulously planned and reviewed it repeatedly.

Thanks to this, the naval and army staff who participated in the planning were groaning.

Military simulations (mock battles or war games) considering all kinds of variables were frequently conducted, and accordingly, revisions were repeated.

“There is a saying that too much is as bad as too little.”

In the end, Yi Sun-sin’s senior staff took the lead and complained to Yi Sun-sin. Yi Sun-sin’s answer was simple and clear.

“There is also a saying that the more the better. No matter how good a plan is, there are holes. The more you reduce the number of holes, the higher the probability of success.”

“…”

In this way, the final plan was established after grinding the staff.

Yi Sun-sin, having completed the plan, reported it to Park Hong, and Park Hong informed Shin Rip of this.

Yi Ju, having received Shin Rip’s report, immediately ordered.

“Have him come to Geunjeongjeon [main hall of Gyeongbok Palace] and explain.”

* * *

Yi Sun-sin’s report was given in a place where the heads and vice-heads of each department and high-ranking generals of the military were all gathered.

“Now, I will explain Operation ‘Monkey Hunt’.”

At Yi Sun-sin’s words, Yi Ju almost burst out laughing without realizing it.

This was because Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s nickname was ‘Monkey’.

Yi Sun-sin’s summarized operational plan was as follows.

-First, as a preliminary operation, flying machines and submarines will be mobilized to strike Japan.

-Flying machines will destroy Japan’s flying machine bases, fuel depots, and railroads and roads connected to military bases.

-Submarines will paralyze Japan’s commercial routes and ports.

-However, avoid Japanese naval ports.

“What is the reason?”

“Because a considerable number of destroyers still remain in Japanese naval ports.”

“Avoid unnecessary risks?”

“That’s also true, but it’s also to lure the remaining Japanese destroyers out.”

-The biggest enemies of submarines are flying machines and destroyers.

-Since the flying machines of the Japanese are being dealt with by the flying machines of the Empire, what remains are the Japanese destroyers.

-According to the information received so far, Japan is hiding its remaining naval power in and around various naval ports and is not moving at all.

-If the commercial routes in and out of Japan are paralyzed, Japanese destroyers will have no choice but to come out. At that time, intercept them.

-If anti-submarine forces and commercial routes are paralyzed, the morale of the Japanese army and the Japanese people will drop sharply.

-The lower the morale of the Japanese, the more surely and easily our forces will be able to strike Japan.

“…Already, our Empire’s flying machines and submarines are carrying out operations.”

Yi Ju nodded repeatedly at Yi Sun-sin’s report.

As Yi Sun-sin’s report ended, Yi Ju said to Yi Sun-sin with a very satisfied expression.

“Good, very good. I look forward to catching the monkey properly. Ah! You don’t have to bring him back alive.”

“I will do my best.”