Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 427

427. Expected and Unexpected (4)

Serving the great [maintaining diplomatic relations with powerful nations] was a fundamental diplomatic policy of the early Joseon Dynasty.

However, in its early days, this wasn’t about unconditional submission. It was more about establishing a working relationship with powerful countries by understanding boundaries, as confrontation would be troublesome for everyone involved.

Therefore, when the Ming Dynasty proposed subjugating Japan and launching a northern expedition, pressuring Joseon, some senior officials, including Ha Ryun, suggested uniting with Japan to strike Ming. However, King Taejong rejected this idea. (Note 1)

To put it simply, the situation went something like this:

“Those Ming bastards… trying to use Joseon as a shield! I say we join hands with the Japs and slaughter them!”

“Is this old man crazy?”

Taejong and Ha Ryun had disputes like this because of Joseon’s situation and Ming’s intentions at the time.

Back then, Joseon hadn’t fully established itself. While acknowledging the need to suppress Japanese pirates, Joseon’s national power and military weren’t ready for a full-scale war with Japan, as Ming demanded.

Regarding the Jurchen [nomadic tribes north of Joseon] issue, it was clear that if Ming used force, the Jurchens would retaliate by attacking Joseon.

In other words, following Ming’s suggestions would undo all of Joseon’s appeasement policies, and both Japan and the Jurchens would turn against Joseon.

* * *

Thus, the relationship of serving the great in the early Joseon Dynasty wasn’t about absolute dominance by Ming.

Moreover, as Joseon’s capabilities grew through reforms, the ruling class’s sense of subservience diminished.

In particular, as areas east of the Duman River [border between Joseon and Manchuria], Daeseol Island, Jongjang Island, and even islands further east were explored, and as more Jurchen and indigenous people returned, the Joseon ruling class started saying things like:

“Damn! It’s not like we lack money or land! We just need more people! If we had enough people, who cares if Ming is the suzerain [dominant] state!”

Amidst this atmosphere, when the ministers saw King Sejong’s childcare leave system for government slaves, they began exploring ways to expand it to all classes, not just government slaves.

“Above all, we must increase the population!”

“To steadily increase the population, fewer children must die!”

“If the population increases, the market will grow too! We won’t have to rely solely on Ming!”

“If done right, we can create new, stable jobs!”

To increase Joseon’s population, the ministers began researching and implementing all sorts of policies.

Thanks to this, rudimentary welfare systems were created and put into practice.

These changes were so drastic that Hyang was starting to get confused.

“Is this really the 15th century? Are these guys really Confucian scholars?”

Watching the changing ministers and assessing the situation, Hyang muttered to himself.

“As expected, the allure of money in capitalism….”

However, it wasn’t just about money; Confucian ideals also played a role. Confucius taught that supporting the people so they could live peacefully and have stable occupations was the virtue of a ruler.

What the early Confucian scholars dreamed of was a return to the era of Yao and Shun [legendary sage kings known for their benevolent rule].

“What use is the power of the emperor to me!”

The ideal of the Confucian scholars was to recreate the era of Yao and Shun, when even a simple farmer could sing praises, such was the peace and prosperity.

* * *

In this environment, Lee Maeng-gyun became a master of acting.

In front of Emperor Xuande, he would appear flustered and lose his composure at the slightest raised voice, but as soon as he left, he would command his subordinates with a cold demeanor.

He gathered information and rumors from Beijing officials and merchants he had secretly connected with, compiling them into analytical reports.

And spitting out phlegm with all his might before boarding the ship back to Joseon from Beijing became a new habit.

* * *

As Lee Maeng-gyun was spitting and returning to Joseon, Emperor Xuande was holding a meeting with anticipation.

“Well, the five days you requested have passed. Have you found an alternative?”

“I have found what I believe to be the best alternative.”

“Really? What is it?”

At Emperor Xuande’s slightly excited question, Gunbo took out a thick scroll and raised it respectfully.

“Bring it here.”

“Yes.”

At Emperor Xuande’s command, a eunuch placed the scroll on a silver tray and presented it to him.

“Hmm….”

Holding the scroll on the tray, Emperor Xuande examined the title.

“‘A Treatise on Urgent Measures Regarding the Development of Imperial Land Transportation’….”

Emperor Xuande untied the scroll and began to read the contents.

After reading it several times, Emperor Xuande looked up at the Senior Grand Secretary [chief advisor].

“The Senior Grand Secretary must have read this as well, correct?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Does that mean the Senior Grand Secretary also agrees with this proposal?”

At Emperor Xuande’s question, the Senior Grand Secretary replied in a trembling voice.

“I believe it is the best alternative.”

‘In this situation, any answer could be dangerous! It’s like riding a tiger! Since I’m on the tiger’s back, I’ll go all the way!’

“Hmm….”

Emperor Xuande, with an ambiguous expression, turned to the others.

“Have the ministers read it as well?”

“Not yet, Your Majesty.”

“Then read it. It’s quite a good proposal.”

The ministers received the scroll through the eunuch and began reading it in turn. Emperor Xuande, glancing at their faces, turned to the Senior Grand Secretary.

“Maintaining secrecy was a wise choice. The more people who interfere, the more complicated it becomes. Truly worthy of the Senior Grand Secretary.”

The Senior Grand Secretary’s face brightened at the praise, and he responded.

“How could it be my merit? Everything is due to Your Majesty’s virtue. Long live, long live, long long live!”

“And, Gunbo…. What is your name?”

“I am Yeong Ho-gwan, Your Majesty.”

“From now on, you will work as the Deputy Assistant.”

As Emperor Xuande promoted him, Yeong Ho-gwan bowed deeply.

“Your Majesty’s grace is boundless! Long live! Long live! Long long live!”

As Yeong Ho-gwan was promoted, the ministers muttered inwardly.

‘It seems His Majesty has made up his mind.’

‘I shouldn’t oppose it.’

‘Then what’s the point of reading this scroll?’

Whether he knew what the ministers were thinking, Emperor Xuande asked.

“Have you all finished reading?”

“Not yet….”

“Tsk!”

Emperor Xuande clicked his tongue, displeased.

“The Joseon officials are said to read and discuss even a large amount of documents in about an hour (approximately 20 minutes)…. Tsk!”

As Emperor Xuande clicked his tongue again, the ministers immediately prostrated themselves.

“Our abilities are insufficient, causing Your Majesty concern! Please have mercy!”

“Please have mercy!”

The ministers, tired of Emperor Xuande’s reign of terror, automatically begged for mercy.

“Everyone, stand up. Strive harder in the future.”

“We obey Your Majesty’s command!”

“We will engrave it in our bones!”

Listening to the ministers’ answers, Emperor Xuande ordered Yeong Ho-gwan.

“The Deputy Assistant should come forward and explain orally.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Yeong Ho-gwan bowed lightly to the ministers and began.

“The alternative I have considered is to use the merchant guilds.”

Yeong Ho-gwan’s explanation was as follows:

-Considering its usefulness, the railway must be laid throughout the empire, and iron horses [trains] must run to realize its effectiveness.

-However, this will be a huge construction project. If mismanaged, it could burden the people and lead to a loss of public support.

-It may be risky for the country to directly undertake this. Therefore, a merchant guild is established to carry out the construction, with the empire only supervising the construction status.

-This way, if something goes wrong, it’s the fault of the merchant guild, not the country. The empire can punish the problematic guild and replace it with a new one.

“…In short, it’s a strategy of using barbarians to control barbarians. And it is through this merchant guild that we obtain the iron horses.”

Yeong Ho-gwan elaborated on this part.

-First, Your Majesty gathers the merchant guilds throughout the empire and orders:

‘There is a need for a way for the people of the empire to travel more comfortably. The merchant guild that comes up with a good answer will be entrusted with the task.’

-Then, one of the guilds proposes railways and iron horses, and the court contracts with that guild as the prime contractor.

-The prime contractor then selects subcontractors to proceed with the construction and simultaneously enters into a contract with Joseon regarding iron horses and railways.

“…In this way, it is not a tribute because it is not a requirement of the Emperor and the Empire. All subsequent processes are commercial transactions, not tribute or gifts.”

The ministers nodded at Yeong Ho-gwan’s explanation. It was a transaction between the merchant guild and Joseon. This would avoid damaging the pride of Emperor Xuande and the Empire and prevent unnecessary expenditures.

“Hmm….”

“Not bad….”

While the ministers were nodding in agreement, the Minister of Revenue pointed out a problem.

“Considering the price of iron horses, wouldn’t Joseon doubt the financial capacity of the merchant guild and refuse?”

“That’s right!”

At the Minister of Revenue’s point, the ministers nodded again and looked at Yeong Ho-gwan.

Yeong Ho-gwan immediately replied.

“That can be resolved by having our court issue a written guarantee of payment.”

“A guarantee of payment….”

“If Joseon questions the authenticity of the document, Your Majesty can send an envoy once.”

Hearing Yeong Ho-gwan’s answer, the Minister of Revenue looked at Emperor Xuande.

“I believe it is a good plan that does not damage the honor of Your Majesty and the Empire while also reducing unnecessary financial consumption.”

“Is that so? What does the Minister of Rites think?”

“The merchant guild has chosen the best method for the Empire, and since the merchant guild is coming forward to contact Joseon…. It does not tarnish the honor of Your Majesty and the Empire. I believe it is the best course of action.”

“What is the opinion of the Junior Secretary of the Ministry of Rites?”

Emperor Xuande pointed out So Pyeong-sul, who had been the cause of the incident. So Pyeong-sul immediately bowed and replied.

“It is the choice of the merchant guild, and it is the merchant guild’s transaction, so it does not tarnish Your Majesty’s prestige. I believe it is the best course of action.”

When the Ministry of Rites did not object, Emperor Xuande immediately made a decision.

“Then let’s adopt this plan, but the prime contractor should be a joint venture merchant guild.”

“Your Majesty, there are Joseon people in the joint venture merchant guild.”

The Senior Grand Secretary stepped forward to object, but Emperor Xuande asked back.

“Should I choose a merchant guild that only thinks about filling its own belly?”

Through the corruption cases, Emperor Xuande distrusted his own merchants.

However, selecting a joint venture merchant guild as the prime contractor was unacceptable. There were many Joseon people in the joint venture merchant guild, and it was only a matter of time before Joseon found out through them.

In the end, the Senior Grand Secretary had to risk his neck again.

“Your Majesty, I am well aware of Your Majesty’s concerns, but a joint venture merchant guild will not do. It would be better to create a government-patronized merchant guild.”

“A government-patronized merchant guild? Minister of Revenue?”

At Emperor Xuande’s question, the Minister of Revenue immediately replied.

“I also think that is the best option.”

“Hmm….”

When the Minister of Revenue agreed, Emperor Xuande fell into thought. Tapping his armrest, he soon made a decision.

“Let’s follow that plan. However, keep in mind that surveillance must be thorough.”

“We will engrave it in our bones!”

* * *

Note 1) Military strategy during the Joseon Dynasty. Military History Research Institute, Ministry of National Defense.