Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 485

“Then why do you think we should prevent a conflict from breaking out in Waeguk (Japan)?”

Hyang immediately countered Sejong’s question.

“It is natural for a conflict to erupt in Waeguk. It would be unwise for Joseon to intervene and try to prevent it.”

“Are you saying that a conflict in Waeguk is heaven’s will?”

“Yes, that is correct. The previous Japanese king died before the oligarchy could solidify its power. This oligarchy began by placing a child on the throne under the guise of a regency. To reiterate, the constraints are now gone.”

Sejong and the ministers all nodded at Hyang’s explanation.

* * *

The Waeguk’s shogunate was very similar to the military regime of the previous Goryeo dynasty.

The shogun of the shogunate effectively ruled Japan, with the emperor as a mere figurehead. For this political system to function, the shogun, as head of the shogunate, needed to maintain control over his subordinates.

This was properly maintained up until the previous shogun, Ashikaga Yoshinori.

Therefore, Ming and Joseon recognized and treated the shogun as the leader of Japan, using the title ‘King of Japan’.

However, if the head of the regime was not an adult who had learned the art of kingship and proven their abilities, but a child, the very foundation of the regime would be unstable. Of course, regents often existed to maintain the system in such situations.

The problem arose if the regent, acting as a proxy for power, turned the monarch into a figurehead, or if nobles or vassals under him held too much power. A power struggle would ensue to seize the supreme power that had no clear owner.

The most obvious example was the period of chaos in Goryeo after the Musin Rebellion [a period of military rule]. Looking further back, there was the power struggle of the powerful clans at the end of the Later Han Dynasty.

Because of these historical precedents, Sejong and his ministers agreed with Hyang’s statement that it was ‘impossible to stop’.

* * *

“‘It is unavoidable that the lords of Waeguk will revolt against the shogunate. The problem is that the conflict will turn into a long-term war.’ Is this what concerns you?”

Hyang bowed his head at Sejong’s question.

“Yes, that is correct.”

Sejong stroked his beard and pondered Hyang’s firm answer.

“Hmm….”

After a moment of quiet contemplation, Sejong asked Hyang, having organized his thoughts.

“I will ask the Crown Prince.”

“Please do so.”

“If we synthesize the situation according to your opinion and devise a plan, it would be: ‘Since conflict is unavoidable, the best plan is to end it as quickly as possible.’ Is that correct?”

“It’s also a problem if it ends too quickly. If the conflict is resolved too rapidly, the victor may overestimate their capabilities and act rashly.”

“Rashly? Invading Joseon?”

“Yes. Everyone recognizes Ming as a great power, so they won’t recklessly attack it. But Joseon is not viewed the same way.”

“That’s true.”

Sejong nodded at Hyang’s answer. At that moment, Hwang Hee joined the conversation.

“Considering the capabilities of the Ouchi clan, I don’t believe the short-term resolution the Crown Prince is worried about is possible.”

As Hwang Hee finished, Hyang pointed out what Hwang Hee had overlooked.

“That is true. Although the Ouchi clan controls almost 1/3 of Kyushu and 1/4 of Honshu, they lack strong relationships with most Waeguk lords, except for the Kyushu 탐제 [regional lords]. My concern is the Ouchi clan’s arquebus [early firearm] and artillery units. Compared to Joseon, they are insignificant, but within Waeguk, they could produce unexpected results.”

Huhou, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke up.

“Then, how about supporting the shogunate with a strategy of using barbarians to control barbarians?”

Hyang shook his head at Heo Hoo’s suggestion.

“That is not a good idea. It would strain our relationship with the Ouchi clan, and we would lose the bridgehead we’ve painstakingly built in Waeguk. Of course, we will support them secretly, but we must assume it will be discovered. That plan could lead to a long-term war with even the slightest mistake. Besides, even without our support, others will come forward to support the shogunate.”

Sejong interjected.

“Are you talking about Ming?”

Hyang answered briefly.

“Yes.”

Sejong, having summarized the situation, nodded.

“I see. The current shogunate is friendly with Ming, while the Ouchi clan is closer to Joseon. It would be natural for Ming to support the shogunate to keep Waeguk in check against Joseon.”

“That is correct.”

* * *

Looking at the current situation of Waeguk, Ming, and Joseon, Ming and Joseon were fiercely competing for the Waeguk market. The shogunate leaned more towards Ming. While the Waeguk people preferred Joseon products, the shogunate’s closeness to Ming was influenced by the Ouchi clan’s relationship with Joseon.

“Since Joseon’s founding, Ming has been keeping us in check. We have followed the example of serving the great power and avoiding disputes, which has worked so far, but I’m not sure if that will continue. Therefore, Joseon cannot easily let go of the Ouchi clan’s hand. We lack the capacity to fight on two fronts simultaneously. While Joseon’s soldiers are superior in quality, they are outnumbered.”

Sejong and the ministers’ expressions became complicated as Hyang pointed out the reality.

The Joseon army was the strongest since the country’s founding. The Joseon Navy dominated the sea between Ming, Joseon, and Waeguk, and the Joseon Army instilled fear in the Jurchens.

However, in terms of quantity, Ming was the strongest among the three countries.

‘The only country that could wage two fronts in a regular war and win, not just a border dispute, was the United States during World War II, right? Even with the time difference.’

Hyang grumbled inwardly.

‘That country was a cheat code!’

* * *

“Wouldn’t it be acceptable if Ming continues to set an example of serving the great power for Joseon’s sake?”

Hwang Hee retorted.

“What will you do when serving the great power becomes unnecessary for Joseon?”

Heo Hoo fell silent.

Heo Hoo understood the situation to some extent.

Joseon was constantly developing. Commerce and industry were growing in proportion to the expansion of the territory, and the number of foreign tribes naturalizing to Joseon was also increasing.

If this continued, it was believed that achieving 외왕내제(外王內帝) [nominal submission to a foreign power while maintaining internal autonomy] would soon be possible, even if completely ending the practice of serving the great power was not.

* * *

‘When serving the great power becomes unnecessary.’

When Hwang Hee’s remark was made, the Daejeon [royal court] was briefly agitated before calming down. Everyone was reaching a similar conclusion to Heo Hoo, and the focus shifted back to Waeguk.

In the end, Sejong stepped forward to resolve the situation.

“Hmm…. To summarize: One, the Ouchi clan may produce unexpected results. Two, if that happens, the Ouchi clan may overestimate themselves and make the wrong decision. Three, Ming will support the shogunate to prevent the Ouchi clan from seizing power in Waeguk. Is that correct?”

“That is correct.”

Sejong asked again.

“If the political situation in Waeguk unfolds like that, Joseon will have to support the Ouchi clan, right?”

“That is correct. However….”

“However, we can’t support them openly, and at best, it will only be gunpowder and medicine, right?”

Hyang nodded, agreeing with Sejong’s accurate assessment.

“That is correct. And, considering the emperor’s temperament, Ming will likely act similarly.”

Sejong and the ministers nodded. Emperor Seon Deok had endured hardships to restore the finances depleted by Emperor Yeong Rak’s frequent conquests. Therefore, Emperor Seon Deok would never provide direct military support.

Hyang continued.

“Joseon will only take direct action when trying to take over Tsushima Island. Of course, things will be different if Joseon citizens in Waeguk are harmed.”

Sejong nodded.

“That’s right. But, what if the Ouchi clan and the shogunate’s forces become equal due to various conditions, including Ming’s support, and the war becomes a long-term conflict, which we want to avoid?”

“If that happens, we need to provide more active support.”

“Actively? Are you suggesting we deploy Joseon soldiers?”

“No. We need to deploy mercenaries.”

The Daejeon was agitated again at the word ‘mercenary’.

“Mercenaries? Are you saying we should pay money to buy soldiers and give them to them?”

“That is correct. Of course, outwardly, it won’t be Joseon supplying them, but a Joseon merchant acting on behalf of the Ouchi clan’s request.”

“That seems like a good idea…. The problem is, where will we find these mercenaries?”

“There are Jurchens nearby, and further afield, there is the Western Regions.”

“The Western Regions?”

Sejong and the ministers’ eyes widened at the unexpected suggestion.

Hyang added with a slight smile.

“Yes, looking at the situation of those Westerners now called Europe, it seems possible enough.”

* * *

As the medieval feudal system collapsed, wars gradually expanded. As wars grew larger, more manpower was needed.

The problem was that forcibly conscripted soldiers were of poor quality.

In addition, the significant population decrease due to the Black Death was also a problem.

Conscripting men for war when there was a shortage of manpower to maintain one’s manor had more disadvantages than advantages.

In this situation, mercenaries became more prominent. The sons of nobles without inheritance rights, such as second and third sons, and the unemployed in the city became mercenaries and joined the battlefield. People from areas where it was difficult to make a living, such as the famous Swiss mercenaries, also chose this profession.

These mercenaries were making money throughout Europe, including Italy.

Hyang was paying attention to this.

* * *

“Mercenaries…. That’s good.”

Sejong made a decision after listening to Hyang’s explanation.

“The Prime Minister, the Minister of National Defense, and the Minister of Economy and Finance shall prepare for this.”

“We accept the order.”

Sejong, having organized the measures to be taken in case support for the Ouchi clan was needed, asked Hyang again.

“I will ask the Crown Prince again.”

“Yes, Father.”

“If the Ouchi clan seizes power in Waeguk as we expect, what will happen after that? More precisely, what impact will it have on Joseon?”

“There are several possibilities. However, the best outcome for Joseon is for the Ouchi clan, having seized power, to act like the shogunate has until now. Then, except for the change in leadership, almost nothing changes, and the Ouchi clan remains friendly with Joseon.”

Sejong, nodding, asked again.

“Then what is the next best thing?”

“There is no next best thing; they are all the worst. It’s difficult to rank them.”

“Huh?”