Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 515

515. Distance and Proximity (8)

As soon as the word “rampart” was mentioned, Minister Hyang and the other officials immediately thought of the same entity.

‘Ming.’

This shared thought caused a heavy silence to fall over the room.

‘What should we do about this?’ someone finally wondered.

‘The Oirat could take those cannons and use them against the bandits, but they could also turn them against the Ming Dynasty.’

‘If we mess this up, won’t we be the ones to take the blame?’

Amidst the silence, thick with apprehension, Hyang spoke, breaking the tension.

“It seems that not only I, but also the ministers, have many concerns. However, shouldn’t we avoid making hasty conclusions without knowing the full story?”

“That’s right. Then, what would be the best course of action?” Hwang Hee inquired.

Hyang responded to Hwang Hee’s question by sharing his thoughts.

“First, we need to question the envoy further. We need to know exactly what kind of cannons the Oirat desire. Is it a toy version specifically for the Bigyeokjincheonle [a type of firework or ceremonial display], or is it a real cannon? If it’s a cannon, we need to determine what size they want, and how many they want. And most importantly, they said they would pay a fair price, so we need to ascertain what means they will use to pay.”

At Hyang’s last words, Kim Jeom nodded his head vigorously.

“Of course! We must first find out what means they will use to pay! Yes, indeed!”

At Kim Jeom’s resolute agreement, the surrounding officials subtly shook their heads.

‘He’s changed too much….’

However, Hyang smiled and responded to Kim Jeom’s words.

“The Vice Prime Minister is right. The most valuable things the Oirat possess may not be worth much to us.”

“Things that are only valuable to the Oirat….”

At Hyang’s words, the officials immediately began to speculate.

‘Horses?’

‘It must be horses, right? But horses aren’t very useful to us right now….’

‘It’s not the horses themselves, but the breed that’s the problem….’

* * *

As Gyeongjang [economic reform policy] progressed and the economy grew significantly, the demand for horses increased greatly.

However, the horses that Joseon people preferred were not the small ponies like the existing Joseon horses or Mongolian horses, but large horses bred in large numbers using stallions imported from Arabia.

“If we’re going to buy expensive horses, we should buy impressive ones!”

“Of course! Of course!”

Those who could afford to buy and manage horses did not hesitate to purchase large Arabian breeds. Large horses were useful and also served as status symbols.

“Is the preference for big cars in the 21st century in our genes?” Hyang mused, overhearing the conversation.

People preferred large Arabian horses to the point that Hyang muttered this after hearing the story.

In addition, Joseon horses had a serious disadvantage. Although they were small, they were strong, had good endurance, and were smart, they had terrible tempers.

For example, to change the horseshoes, all the horse’s legs had to be tied up and forcibly laid down before the horseshoes could be changed.

However, the horses that came from Arabia, if properly trained, were intelligent and obedient to their owners.

And the reason why this preference for Western horses was inevitable was that the height of Joseon people, whose nutritional status had improved through Gyeongjang, had increased.

People who had become relatively larger were riding small horses, which were called Gwahama (果下馬) [small, pony-sized horses] from before, making it difficult for both horses and people.

* * *

In the end, Heo Hu had to meet the Oirat envoy again to discuss the matter in more detail.

“…So, what kind of cannons does the Oirat want?”

“We want siege cannons.”

“Siege cannons?”

Heo Hu’s expression sharpened at the envoy’s answer.

“I may be ignorant of military affairs, but I know that siege cannons are not suitable weapons against bandits. Why siege cannons?”

At Heo Hu’s question, the Oirat envoy replied with a troubled expression.

“It’s a little embarrassing to say this to you, but most of the places where the bandits have nests are earthen fortresses….”

According to the envoy’s explanation, the reasons why siege cannons were needed were as follows:

-The places where the bandits have nests are important trade routes. Horses and sheep to be sold to Ming, and goods obtained from Ming, pass through these trade routes.

-These trade routes have been used as trade routes since ancient times.

-Along these trade routes, the rise and fall of many countries have continued since ancient times, and there are many abandoned earthen and stone fortresses around these trade routes.

-If it weren’t for those fortresses, suppressing the bandits would not be a big problem, but the fortresses make it difficult to suppress them.

-Therefore, siege cannons are needed to destroy the walls of those fortresses.

“Hmm….”

‘It sounds plausible, but….’

Heo Hu, still looking at the envoy with suspicion, continued.

“Then how many cannons does the Oirat want?”

“200 cannons.”

“200 cannons? The price won’t be cheap, you know?”

“Our Oirat can afford to pay. We can pay with horses, and we can pay with Ming currency or Joseon currency.”

When the Oirat envoy mentioned Joseon currency, Heo Hu’s eyes widened.

“Ming currency or Joseon currency? Has our Joseon currency gained that much traction?”

At Heo Hu’s surprised question, the Oirat envoy smiled and replied.

“The usefulness of Joseon currency is widely known.”

“Is that so? Hmm….”

Heo Hu, whose face brightened slightly, organized the documents, handed them to his subordinate, and said to the envoy.

“I have heard the Oirat’s request. I will report it to the higher-ups and give you an answer as soon as a conclusion is reached.”

At Heo Hu’s words, the Oirat envoy bowed politely and requested.

“Please let us know the good results.”

“I hope it will be a direction that benefits both countries.”

* * *

“Paying with Ming currency or Joseon currency?”

Hyang and the officials’ eyes all turned to Kim Jeom and the Minister of Finance after receiving Heo Hu’s report.

“Has Joseon currency circulated so widely that the Oirat will pay for the sale of cannons with our Joseon currency?”

At Hyang’s question, Kim Jeom asked back with a puzzled face.

“Since the beginning of the issuance, a steady amount has been going abroad every year, and reports related to it have been submitted every year, but?”

“I’ve heard that, but I’m surprised that so much Joseon currency has gone in that the Oirat will pay for the purchase of cannons with Joseon currency.”

All the other officials nodded at Hyang’s explanation.

Joseon and Oirat had no direct trade until now. Therefore, the Oirat envoy’s statement that they would pay for the purchase of 200 cannons with Joseon currency was surprising in itself.

At Hyang’s words, Kim Jeom shared his thoughts.

“You know that when Joseon currency goes out to the battlefield, especially abroad, it can only go out after being exchanged for actual silver. The problem is that we don’t know where that currency that has gone abroad is circulating. The most reasonable reason is that it flowed into the process of trading in Mashi [border trade with Jurchens].”

“That’s the most likely reason, but the amount is so surprising. The amount we have set is 80 gold coins per cannon. 200 cannons would be 16,000 gold coins, so it’s no wonder we’re surprised.”

The Minister of Finance took over Hwang Hee’s words.

“It’s been well over 10 years since we issued currency. Considering that time and the amount that has gone abroad, it’s not impossible. And since they said Ming currency and Joseon currency, there may be more Ming currency.”

As soon as the Minister of Finance finished speaking, Hyang opened his mouth.

“If there is a lot of Ming currency, we must not forget to adjust the amount by calculating the exchange rate with actual silver.”

“That’s right!”

“We must keep that in mind! People from the Ministry of Finance must be present at the next meeting.”

As soon as Hyang finished speaking, Kim Jeom and the Minister of Finance answered in loud voices.

* * *

During this period, silver was the most popular means of payment. However, the exchange rate between gold and silver varied between Ming, the largest consumer of silver, and other countries.

This was the same in the history before Hyang intervened. Thanks to this, European merchants made profits by exchanging large amounts of silver and gold while traveling between Japan, Ming, and Europe.

And after Hyang intervened, Joseon was diligently making exchange profits between Ming and Japan.

* * *

After organizing the matters related to the sales price, Hyang moved on to the next topic.

“Now let’s move on to the most important issue: 200 siege cannons. Although they are called siege cannons, they are smaller than the Ming’s Eulshik General Hwatong [a type of cannon].”

At Hyang’s words, Jo Mal-saeng immediately added.

“Even though the size is small, the range and power are much better. Of course, the Byeongshik General Hwatong [another type of cannon], which is scheduled to replace the current Eulshik Hwatong, is even better.”

“I know that well.”

At Jo Mal-saeng’s comment, Hyang answered briefly and grumbled inwardly.

‘Who is the human who made that!’

The Byeongshik General Hwatong was a further improvement of the existing Eulshik General Hwatong. As higher quality steel was produced, the barrel itself was improved and rifling was added to ensure even greater range and accuracy.

And, true to the Joseon people who are ‘sincere about cannons,’ Sejong and the military made the decision to adopt it on the spot after seeing the demonstration. And Kim Jeom shed tears of blood.

“What I’m curious about is how threatening the number 200 is.”

At Hyang’s question, Jo Mal-saeng turned his head and looked at Yi Jing-ok. Yi Jing-ok, who received a silent order, stood up from his seat and answered.

“If the Oirat operate by imitating our Joseon cavalry, they will operate five long-range patrol teams at the same time. If that happens, it will be optimal for suppressing bandits scattered along the trade routes simultaneously.”

“What if they concentrate their use?”

“If someone who is knowledgeable in military tactics concentrates and uses them, they will be able to create a fairly large hole in the opponent’s defense line.”

Hwang Hee, who was listening to Yi Jing-ok’s explanation, asked a question on behalf of Hyang.

“If the opponent they are concentrating on breaking through is us, what will happen?”

Yi Jing-ok answered Hwang Hee’s question clearly.

“It is difficult for the Eulshik General Hwatong to destroy the walls of the Bo and Jin [fortified posts] built by our Joseon army. Do you know what those walls are made of?”

At Yi Jing-ok’s answer, the officials nodded. The Bo and Jin newly built in the north, and the fortresses that originally existed to the south of them, were built with Cheoliphwajuk [reinforced concrete] from the beginning through large-scale renovations. That too, as thick as possible.

Thanks to this, the defense power was enormous.

Yi Jing-ok, who boasted impregnable walls, continued his explanation in a confident voice.

“If they try to invade Joseon with 200 cannons, they will regret it greatly. If they fire one shot, we will answer with five shots. This is a figure that can be achieved even if only the artillery stationed on the northern border is mobilized.”

Yi Jing-ok’s voice was full of pride. At Yi Jing-ok’s words, Hyang muttered inwardly.

‘I also played a part, but indeed the Cannon Defense Department! The nation of cannons!’

“So. 200 cannons is a force that requires considerable attention, right? Ah! Excluding our Joseon, that is.”

“That’s right.”

“Hmm….”

Hyang, who heard Yi Jing-ok’s answer, closed his mouth and fell into thought. Hyang, who was nodding his head alone for a while and calculating something, looked at Hwang Hee.

“Prime Minister.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“The price of the cannons is definitely expensive, right?”

“That’s right. Are you perhaps thinking of a discount?”

At Hwang Hee’s words, Hyang shook his head.

“No. I plan to insist on the maximum unit price. If they really only plan to deal with bandits, they will reduce the quantity. If they have other thoughts, they will try to negotiate by offering other means of payment besides currency.”

At Hyang’s words, Hwang Hee’s eyes lit up.

“Ah! Are you planning to find out their intentions through that negotiation? That’s a really good plan!”

At Hwang Hee’s words, the other officials also nodded.

Hyang, who received Hwang Hee’s approval, continued.

“Even if the Oirat offers other means of payment, we will only accept currency unconditionally. And, as a result, if the number of cannons the Oirat takes exceeds 100, we will send an envoy to Ming. We will inform the Emperor that we have sold cannons.”

At Hyang’s words, Hwang Hee immediately took over.

“They said it was to be used to suppress bandits, but we were worried that the quantity was too large, so we reduced it as much as possible. However, if we say that we are informing them because we are worried about something, the justification is good. It’s very good because we can avoid the criticism that will be poured on us and at the same time divide Ming’s attention!”