Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 380

Three days later, a presentation hosted by the Ministry of National Defense was held in Geunjeongjeon Hall.

The presenter, after bowing to Sejong, began.

“Please, direct your attention to the map.”

At the presenter’s words, the assembled military officers turned to the large-scale map before them.

The map, more than twice the size of a typical one, depicted the Korean Peninsula and its eastern regions.

“First, I will report on the geographical information we have confirmed. This information was verified through cross-referencing and actual measurements, based on the records from the year of Sinhae (1431) and subsequent data.”

The presenter, beginning with a summary, used a long pointer to indicate various locations, referencing the document on the podium.

“This is Dongbing Port. And this island to the east of Joseon is Daeseol Island. These two northern locations, whose status as islands or mainland was uncertain in the year of Sinhae, are now confirmed through continuous exploration. One is an island close to the coastline, and the other is a peninsula.”

The presenter indicated Sakhalin Island and the Kamchatka Peninsula, continuing his explanation. (Note 1)

“According to historical records, the Yuan Dynasty invaded this island in the 8th year of King Chungnyeol’s reign (1282). The Yuan forces conquered this area at the request of the indigenous tribes of what is now provisionally called the Primorsky Krai [a region in southeastern Russia]. After the conquest, people from the Southern Song Dynasty were relocated to the area near the Heilongjiang River [also known as the Amur River], facing the island, to establish military farms.”

Sejong’s interest piqued upon hearing that the Yuan Dynasty had mobilized Southern Song citizens for military farming.

“Are those military farms and the people of Southern Song still present?”

Sejong asked, his mind focused on the potential of these farms.

*If the military farms are still viable, could we potentially repatriate the Chinese in that area back to Ming and utilize them for Joseon’s benefit?*

However, the presenter’s answer was negative.

“Our investigation only revealed traces of their existence.”

“The Chinese people have a strong connection to the land. Even though it was 200 years ago, it’s difficult to believe that only traces remain.”

At Sejong’s remark, the presenter shuffled through his papers, seeking an explanation.

“The primary reason is the Nayan rebellion in the 13th year of King Chungnyeol’s reign.”

“Hmm….”

Sejong nodded, understanding the presenter’s point.

The easiest way to secure military control over newly acquired territory was through military farms.

However, military farms required careful management, much like farming itself.

They needed reliable supplies until the secured farmland yielded crops, as well as robust defense facilities and rapid response units in case of conflict.

Without these elements, the military farms would quickly collapse.

*If a rebellion occurred, the military force would have been diverted, leading to the farms’ collapse. Besides, it’s been over 200 years… Still, it’s a bit disappointing.*

Having reached a conclusion, Sejong continued his line of questioning.

“Then, has the Primorsky Krai region been isolated since then?”

“Unfortunately, no.”

The presenter, sounding regretful, answered Sejong.

“In the 11th year of the Yongle Emperor’s reign [of the Ming Dynasty], we learned from the indigenous tribes that an expedition led by the Ming eunuch Yishiha visited the area. We also discovered a stone monument called ‘Imperial Construction of Yongning Temple Stele Record’ at the site of Yongning Temple.”

After finishing his explanation, the presenter gestured to the military officers beside the hanging scroll. They responded by hanging another map.

“This is a rubbing of the inscription on the stele. As you can see, it states, ‘Under the Emperor’s command, the Nurgan Regional Military Commission was established, and Yishiha’s expedition erected this stele.’”

At the presenter’s report, Sejong and his ministers grew even more serious.

If Ming still held influence in that area, Joseon’s expansionist ambitions could be thwarted.

Sejong continued his questions, his face grave.

“Does Ming still exert influence in that area?”

“According to the military’s investigation, they haven’t visited since the stele was erected.”

“Why?”

At Sejong’s question, the ministers nodded in agreement. Why go to the trouble of erecting a stele only to abandon the area? It was perplexing.

The presenter immediately answered Sejong’s question.

“The natural environment is harsh, the population is small, and productivity is low. The military believes its value is primarily symbolic, much like the Yuan Dynasty’s presence.”

“Symbolic meaning….”

Sejong, nodding at the presenter’s answer, paused, a question forming.

“But why am I unaware of this….”

Sejong stopped mid-sentence.

He realized that even a slight misstep could be interpreted as public criticism of his father.

* * *

The Ming Dynasty’s expedition occurred during the reign of his father, Taejong.

During Taejong’s reign, Joseon’s relationship with the northern regions was characterized by ‘disconnection’.

Taejong, who ascended to the throne through two ‘Princes’ Revolts’ [violent power struggles among princes], had little time to focus on external affairs, needing to consolidate his power base.

Taking advantage of this, Ming began to strengthen its control over the Jurchens [a Tungistic people who were the ancestors of the Manchus] of Liaodong [a province in Northeast China].

While Taejong attempted to maintain Joseon’s influence, he had to prioritize internal affairs.

As a result, the Jurchens largely shifted away from Joseon’s influence, and Joseon’s access to information about the northern regions was blocked. Not only information, but even physical access was limited.

It was the ‘Great Strategy of Eastern Advance’ that was created and implemented to remedy this situation. However, various complications arose, leading to the revolts of Yi Man-ju and Meonteo-mu, which took a negative turn.

* * *

Sejong, quickly changing the subject, said,

“Minister of Foreign Affairs.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Have you heard anything about the ‘Nurgan Regional Military Commission’ while interacting with Ming and the Jurchens?”

At Sejong’s words, Yi Maeng-gyun bowed his head and answered.

“I regret to report that I have never heard of it. Please forgive my incompetence.”

“Don’t be concerned. However, I am curious whether that organization actually holds any real power.”

Yi Maeng-gyun, after a moment of thought, answered.

“I believe it is largely nominal.”

“What leads you to that conclusion?”

“Although the area is distant, it is connected by land, and expeditions have traveled there. If the Nurgan Regional Military Commission had any real authority, there would have been constant communication, which would have come to my attention. However, since that is not the case, I believe the organization is merely a symbol without substance.”

Sejong nodded at Yi Maeng-gyun’s explanation. Unlike the early days of his reign, the information network in the northern region was now well-established. If the commission were operating effectively, some indication would have surfaced.

However, Sejong did not neglect to issue a warning.

“However, we must not allow even the slightest oversight.”

“I will keep that firmly in mind!”

However, there was something that Sejong and his ministers were unaware of.

This was one of the butterfly effects caused by Hyang.

* * *

Yishiha’s expedition occurred not only in the 11th year of Yongle.

In the history before Hyang’s intervention, Yishiha visited Yongning Temple again in the 8th year of the Xuande Emperor’s reign (1433) and erected the ‘Record of Reconstruction of Yongning Temple in Xuande’ to solidify Ming’s territorial claims.

At that time, Sejong had ordered Choi Yun-deok to conquer the Jurchens in the Yalu River area and strengthen Joseon’s control.

Ming, wary of Joseon’s northward expansion, revisited Primorsky Krai and, by erecting a stele, officially declared its sovereignty over Manchuria.

However, this history was altered by Hyang’s actions.

Hyang’s success in influencing Emperor Xuande and establishing a joint merchant group secured not only trademark rights and stable trade but also resolved the Jonggye Byeonmu [border disputes], a long-standing issue between Ming and Joseon. He was also recognized for his advancement into the Tumen River area [border between Korea, China and Russia] under the guise of being the ‘origin of the royal family’.

In particular, this recognition of his advance into the Tumen River area rendered the Nurgan Regional Military Commission largely symbolic.

This decision was primarily due to Emperor Xuande’s impromptu decision, which subsequently drew a flood of opposition and concern from the Ming court.

Emperor Xuande challenged his ministers.

“Does that desolate land at the eastern end benefit the empire’s finances? Does it aid in defending against the Northern Yuan [Mongol remnants]? Or does it help defend against the Wokou [Japanese pirates]?”

The ministers fell silent at Emperor Xuande’s questions.

Emperor Xuande concluded, observing their silence.

“Further discussion of this decision is prohibited. This is an imperial order.”

The background to Emperor Xuande’s decision was the Ming Empire’s struggling finances.

* * *

Emperor Yongle, who ascended to the throne through a rebellion like Taejong of Joseon, needed to demonstrate the empire’s power to solidify his authority.

Therefore, he launched five expeditions against the Northern Yuan and organized a large fleet under Zheng He’s command for maritime voyages.

While this solidified his power, it also resulted in enormous financial expenditures.

Consequently, Emperor Xuande, who succeeded Emperor Hongxi after his brief one-year reign, had to implement repeated austerity measures to restore the depleted finances.

He withdrew a significant number of guard posts that had been widely dispersed in Manchuria back to the interior of the Great Wall and shifted the military strategy from offensive to defensive.

To Emperor Xuande, the Primorsky Krai region, with its small population and limited resources, was nothing more than a ‘showy but useless thing’. This is why he largely overlooked Joseon’s intentions.

Later, Chinese scholars studying the history of the Ming Empire during this period would cite Emperor Xuande’s decision as one of his worst misjudgments.

* * *

Sejong, summarizing the discussion on Ming’s influence in the Primorsky Krai region, gestured to the presenter.

“Continue.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The presenter pointed to Sakhalin Island on the map with his pointer and continued his explanation.

“The military has provisionally named this island Jongjang Island [Long General Island]. As you can see, it has a long shape from north to south. And the peninsula next to it is named Eonwol Peninsula [Crescent Moon Peninsula], because it resembles an eonwoldo [crescent moon knife].”

The presenter paused to drink some water before continuing.

“And between this Eonwol Peninsula and Daeseol Island, there is an archipelago like stepping stones. A report on the utility of these archipelagos will follow. With that, I will conclude the report on the information that the Navy has confirmed so far.”

“I understand.”

As Sejong nodded, the presenter took a brief breath and pointed to the east coast of the Eonwol Peninsula – the Kamchatka Peninsula.

“And through Gilrim Ham’s exploration voyage, we learned about the possibility of an archipelago extending east from this Eonwol Peninsula.”

“How did you find out?”

At Sejong’s question, the presenter answered simply.

“It was a bit of luck.”

* * *

Note 1) I referred to the article in Atlas News.

‘Why did Mongolia attack Sakhalin Island?’. 2019.08.16.

http://www.atlasnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=780