Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 492

492. Alliance (1)

“A mess?”

Huhuh’s head swirled with various Chinese characters upon hearing Mansur’s words.

‘改版? 開板? 介阪?’ (gǎi bǎn? kāi bǎn? jiè bǎn?) [Revision? Opening? Intervention?]

Realizing Huhuh didn’t understand, Mansur clarified.

“A pandemonium has unfolded.”

“Ah! Is that what you meant?”

Seeing Huhuh nod in understanding, Mansur recalled the rumors about him.

‘They say he’s a typical scholar… and it’s true.’

“Just how dire is the situation that you call it a pandemonium?”

Mansur responded to Huhuh’s question.

“It’s not obvious enough for even a child to recognize, but an ominous atmosphere permeates the air.”

“Is that enough to say ‘the clouds of war are rising’?”

“Saying it’s obvious enough for a child is only true once the war has already begun.”

“Hmm….”

At Mansur’s reply, Huhuh groaned and fell into thought.

‘It’s definitely not nonsense. Not just this guy’s answer, but the reports from the captains and merchants who went to Alexandria all contain similar information.’

Judging the situation was serious, Huhuh asked one last question.

“In all disputes, from wars to street fights, there must be opposing sides. Which factions have turned against each other? Could it be that Alexandria is trying to become independent from the Mamluks, as the rumors suggest?”

* * *

As considerable time passed since the beginning of trade, the Mamluk dynasty began to show signs of strain.

Many of the Joseon-made products that earned Joseon the title ‘Land of Flowers’ were expensive luxury goods.

Alexandria, the distribution and sales hub for these goods, soon accumulated significant wealth.

And this wealth flowed to the Mamluk royalty and nobles who sponsored the merchants.

As enormous wealth poured in, the Mamluk royalty and nobles indulged in extravagance.

The problem was that, over time, they began using Joseon’s luxury goods for personal display rather than for sale.

Naturally, profits decreased, and to compensate, the Mamluk royalty and nobles began to exploit the merchants and people of Alexandria.

Unable to withstand this economic exploitation, the people of Alexandria slowly began to discuss independence.

“Let’s protect our wealth and our freedom!”

“Protect it!”

This situation led Huhuh to suspect Alexandria itself as the primary instigator.

* * *

Mansur shook his head at Huhuh’s question.

“If it were only that, I wouldn’t call it a pandemonium. According to rumors carried by the wind, the Ottomans, Portugal, Spain, Byzantium, France, England, and even the Italian city-states are all mobilizing. In short, all the countries you’d recognize are making moves.”

At Mansur’s words, Huhuh muttered to himself.

“It’s a real mess.”

After dismissing Mansur, Huhuh sank into deep thought.

After pondering for a while, he spread out a blank sheet of paper, grabbed a gold pen, and muttered.

“I can’t simply ignore this as something happening in a faraway land.”

* * *

Hyang, after receiving Huhuh’s report, headed straight to Gangnyeongjeon [the King’s living quarters] to find Sejong.

“This is a report that something strange is happening in Alexandria.”

“Have our Joseon people been attacked?”

“That is not the case, but a war seems likely to break out.”

“I understand.”

At Hyang’s reply, Sejong called for a court meeting.

“Inform the chief councilors and ministers to convene at Geunjeongjeon [the main hall of the palace].”

“Yes.”

Before long, starting with Hwanghee, the Left and Right Vice-Premiers, and the ministers gathered in Geunjeongjeon.

Seated on the throne, receiving the officials’ greetings, Sejong explained the reason for summoning them.

“According to the report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the atmosphere in Alexandria is unusual. Therefore, I would like to hear your opinions.”

Hwanghee was the first to speak.

“I have reviewed the report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is true that the atmosphere in Alexandria is indeed unusual. However, Alexandria’s location is too far from Joseon, and there is nothing related to Joseon other than our trading post. Therefore, I believe there is no need for Joseon to take any proactive measures.”

Jo Malsaeng supported Hwanghee’s statement.

“That’s right. The places Joseon should be most concerned about now are Waeguk [Japanese pirates] and then Ming [China]. And the routes we must protect are the routes to Cheonchuk [India] and Shinji [a strategic island].”

Sejong nodded at Hwanghee and Jo Malsaeng’s words.

Looking at the current situation, the West was too distant.

According to reports from the captains and shipowners traveling to and from Alexandria, disputes and wars were constantly erupting in those Western countries. However, these conflicts had little impact on Joseon. Joseon’s merchant ships, Mansur’s merchant ships, and Spanish merchant ships were still diligently traversing the seas, selling Joseon’s goods and bringing in necessary items.

Therefore, most of the officials reacted with a sense of detachment.

‘Something doesn’t seem right, but so what?’

‘A war is breaking out in a place that doesn’t even border us, so why should Joseon worry?’

Confirming the officials’ reactions, Sejong looked at Huhuh, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Receiving a silent inquiry, Huhuh immediately explained his reasons for submitting the report.

“Of course, the distance between those Western lands and Joseon is vast. However, since a significant portion of Joseon’s wealth comes from trading with those Westerners, I believe we should maintain vigilance.”

“There is nothing wrong with the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ actions. Rather, I think he deserves praise for being diligent in his duties.”

Hwanghee and Jo Malsaeng’s faces hardened at Sejong’s praise. They had just dismissed Huhuh’s actions as unnecessary worry.

Aware of their thoughts, Sejong continued.

“And the words of the Chief Councilor and the Minister of National Defense are not wrong either. The Western lands are too far from Joseon, so even if something significant happens, the impact on Joseon will be minimal.”

Hyang muttered inwardly.

‘Considering the amount of wealth coming in from Alexandria, it’s not just a story from a faraway land, is it?’

However, Hyang could also understand Sejong and the officials’ reactions.

‘Well, looking at the current situation, Europe has almost no value other than as a market for selling goods. Compared to Waeguk or Ming, where the country’s safety is immediately threatened by even the slightest misstep, it’s at a level that can be ignored. Still, we shouldn’t underestimate it like this…. Here I go again….’

Just as Hyang was about to speak, Kim Jeom stepped forward.

“I apologize, but it seems that the Chief Councilor and the Minister of National Defense are taking the situation too lightly.”

“Taking it too lightly? I would like to hear your reasoning.”

As Sejong showed interest, Kim Jeom spoke with conviction.

“Please consider the wealth we are currently earning from trading with those Westerners. If trade ceases due to their conflicts, Joseon’s economy will be greatly impacted. Of course, trade is still ongoing despite the ominous atmosphere, so you may think it’s unnecessary worry. However, isn’t it just an ominous atmosphere right now? If something actually happens, will those ships be able to travel safely? If trade stops, Joseon’s income will decrease by nearly 40%.”

“If it’s about 40%….”

As Jo Malsaeng tried to refute, Kim Jeom immediately retorted.

“Does it seem insignificant that 40% of the wealth coming into Joseon is decreasing! Then we’ll have to reduce the budget, and we’ll immediately halt the production of cannons!”

“Cannons must not be stopped!”

Following Jo Malsaeng’s near-scream, Kim Jeom continued his explanation.

“If we have to make immediate cuts to the court’s budget, we will have no choice but to start with the defense sector. Next is education.”

“Wouldn’t that jeopardize the country’s safety and future?”

At Sejong’s concern, Kim Jeom replied with a firm expression.

“It can’t be helped. However, defense and education have some reserves that have been accumulated over time, so even if we cut them, we have the physical strength to endure for a while, but other parts are not in that situation. In particular, considering the budget being allocated to Shinji, we have no choice but to reduce defense and education. But!”

Kim Jeom paused, took a breath, and continued.

“This will only happen if the trade routes are completely closed due to the conflict between the Westerners. If trade remains partially open, we can avoid fatal blows, and the court should make plans in advance for this.”

“I see.”

Sejong, nodding at Kim Jeom’s words, turned to Hwanghee.

“Do you think the Left Vice-Premier’s words are reasonable? What do you think, Chief Councilor?”

“My opinion was shortsighted.”

As Hwanghee conceded, Sejong wrapped up the discussion.

“You and the Crown Prince should deliberate and devise appropriate measures.”

“We shall obey the command!”

* * *

Hyang and the officials, having received Sejong’s order, moved from Geunjeongjeon to the conference room of Seunghwadang [a building in the palace complex].

Having taken their seats, they began to share their opinions on the matter.

“By the way, Minister Kim, your words were a bit harsh. You said you would stop the production of cannons?”

Kim Jeom scoffed at Jo Malsaeng’s complaint.

“Humph! What are you going to use the cannons for when there’s no gunpowder to shoot fire bombs and the soldiers are too hungry to even lift the cannons?”

“Surely it won’t be that bad….”

“You never know what might happen!”

“Ugh….”

Jo Malsaeng, ending with a groan, waved the white flag.

* * *

As Kim Jeom and Jo Malsaeng’s farce ended, Hyang presided over the meeting.

“In fact, if we only consider the distance, it is certain that even if a conflict breaks out in Alexandria, it is a distant story for us. However, if we consider the profits, it becomes a crisis on the verge of collapse.”

The officials nodded in agreement. As they all concurred, Hyang moved on to the next topic.

“First, I would like to start by predicting how the situation will unfold based on the information we have gathered so far. To do that, what necessary materials do we need?”

At Hyang’s question, the officials considered what was needed and answered. Soon after, the administrators and eunuchs working in Seunghwadang rushed to Yukjogeori [the Six Ministries Street] and the Archives.

* * *

While the eunuchs and administrators were diligently moving, Hyang addressed the officials.

“This is just my personal opinion, but it is certain that Henrique of Portugal ignited the spark of conflict.”

Kim Jeom immediately asked.

“Henrique…. Are you talking about the Grand Duke of Portugal?”

“Yes.”

Kim Jeom, recalling his memories, nodded.

“Certainly, he is likely. His actions from when he first came to Joseon were unusual. He said he wanted to buy iron horses [trains] and railroads. Ah! Later, he even proposed a partnership.”

Hwanghee interjected.

“Ah! I remember! He made that absurd statement about laying a railroad that would cross the entire vast African continent, didn’t he?”

“Yes.”

Huhuh added.

“If he has such a track record, he would certainly be the one to ignite the spark.”

While Joseon was pointing to Henrique as the most likely suspect, the real arsonist was moving busily.