Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 533

533. Rolling, Rolling… (14)

“The ‘self-production and self-purchase (自産自買)’ movement gaining traction in Ming cannot be ignored. As the data shows, sales are decreasing, except for high-end luxury goods and certain types of ironware (鐵器) where Joseon has a clear quality advantage. Consumable goods like cotton cloth, which wear out quickly and require constant replacement, are experiencing a significant drop in sales.

The problem is that this movement isn’t limited to Ming; it could also emerge in Waeguk (Japan) or the Western Regions. Unless it’s a product where Joseon is undeniably superior, they will prioritize goods produced in their own country, even if the quality is slightly inferior.”

Kim Jeom’s words caused the ministers to adopt serious expressions. In that atmosphere, Hyang added,

“You must remember that the sale of luxury goods could be blocked at any time.”

“But aren’t we selling everything we can get our hands on right now?” Jo Mal-saeng pointed out, and Heo Hu answered on behalf of Hyang.

“They can block it in the name of their god. They simply declare, ‘Using things made by heathens is heresy,’ and that’s the end of it.”

“Surely….”

At Heo Hu’s words, the ministers looked doubtful. However, Heo Hu’s subsequent explanation clarified the situation.

“Why do you all say ‘surely’? Can’t you understand by considering our own Joseon? Have you forgotten the court’s efforts since the founding of the country? How much effort have we invested in preventing the people from believing in Buddhism (佛氏) or offering wealth to shamans and *mudang* [Korean female shamans] who worship monstrous forces and gods (怪力亂神)? And have we succeeded?”

“Ah….”

At Heo Hu’s remark, the ministers fell silent. Even Queen Soheon, currently in Shinji but residing in the Junggungjeon (Queen’s Residence), and the women there frequently invite Buddhist monks to listen to sermons. The women in the Donggungjeon (Crown Prince’s Residence) were the same.

“Minister of Foreign Affairs.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Hyang, who had been listening to Heo Hu and the ministers’ conversation, asked Heo Hu a question.

“I recall you mentioning this briefly before Father went to Shinji, but has the situation worsened?”

At Hyang’s question, Heo Hu shook his head slightly.

“So far, it is only being discussed among those living in the northern part of the land of the *Seoi* [Westerners], called Europe.”

Listening to Heo Hu’s explanation, the ministers examined the world map hanging on the wall of Seungwhadang.

While looking at the map and analyzing the state of Europe as described by Heo Hu, Kim Jeom asked Heo Hu.

“That northern land… are you referring to the northern territory of the country called the Holy Roman Empire?”

“That’s right.”

Listening to Kim Jeom and Heo Hu’s conversation, the ministers who were examining the territory of the ‘Holy Roman Empire’ all frowned.

“Troublesome.”

“What kind of country is that… it’s like a patchwork….”

“What good is it if it’s only big….”

The size of the Holy Roman Empire marked on the map was enormous. However, its internal structure was fragmented into small states.

Heo Hu, who had walked to the front of the map, continued his explanation.

“Thanks to this complicated situation, I didn’t pay much attention when I first heard the rumors. There weren’t many sales in those northern territories, except for the cities that had formed commercial alliances. But the real problem lies here: France.”

Heo Hu pointed to France and continued his explanation.

“In terms of size, it is second only to the Holy Roman Empire, but it is the largest unified country in Europe. And unlike the Holy Roman Empire, which is like a patchwork, the monarch’s power is quite strong. If such a country prohibits trade with Joseon for the reason I just mentioned, the impact will be significant. It is likely that surrounding small countries will follow suit, mirroring the actions of the great power.”

“Hmm….”

Among the ministers who were seriously considering the situation based on Heo Hu’s words, Kim Jong-seo asked Heo Hu.

“Given the situation, why didn’t the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pay closer attention?”

At Kim Jong-seo’s criticism, Heo Hu answered with a slightly embarrassed face.

“Until Lord Euichon spoke up this time, we dismissed it as a simple religious matter.”

At that, the ministers all nodded and ceased further criticism. It was understandable that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had made such a judgment. It was a religious issue believed by Westerners, and while it could have been considered in connection with politics, it wasn’t easy to foresee the economic implications.

Meanwhile, Hyang, who was sitting at the head table listening to the ministers’ conversation, nodded slightly.

‘Was it simply a problem of information after all?’

The Joseon officials he observed were far from unintelligent. In particular, their ability to debate based on Neo-Confucianism was admirable.

These individuals, trained in this manner, had evolved by learning to accept and process a vast amount of information through *Gyeongjang* [economic reform].

And those who had evolved in that way often made sharp analyses and judgments that sometimes made Hyang wince.

And the pinnacle of such people was, of course, the ‘out of standard’ Sejong.

‘But there is a problem.’

The problem Hyang was thinking about was ‘excessive speculation.’ Because they were used to contemplating and discussing ‘metaphysics,’ they sometimes showed a tendency to overthink things.

‘Just like now.’

“Minister of Foreign Affairs, may I ask you a question?”

“Yes, I will answer to the best of my ability.”

“Did the religious movement you are concerned about originate from the Vatican?”

“No, it is mainly circulating in the northern region of the Holy Roman Empire.”

“Are the Western monks in that area friendly with the Vatican?”

“No, they are quite hostile.”

“What is the reaction in other regions, including France?”

“I don’t know that well yet. There are considerable restrictions on obtaining information. What I am telling you now is based on rumors from Alexandria and Portuguese merchants.”

Hyang pointed out the problem with Heo Hu’s answer.

“That’s the issue. Most of the information we have secured about the Western Regions is based on rumors. Exaggeration is inherent in rumors. Therefore, I think it is best to pay attention, but avoid making premature predictions.”

Heo Hu bowed his head at Hyang’s criticism.

“I will take that to heart.”

With Heo Hu’s answer, Hyang wrapped up the situation.

“Well! It seems like we’ve gotten quite off track, so let’s return to the original topic. The ‘self-production and self-purchase’ movement in Ming is a problem, but there was another issue, right?”

At Hyang’s words, Kim Jong-seo stepped forward and answered.

“Yes, that’s right. It is what Lord Euichon said: ‘Our Joseon’s goal is Ming.’”

At Kim Jong-seo’s statement, Kim Jeom stepped forward and answered.

“Surely you didn’t think we would actually try to conquer Ming?”

At Kim Jeom’s question, Kim Jong-seo immediately denied it.

“Surely, everyone knows that actually trying to conquer Ming is penny-wise and pound-foolish. But I’m worried because you say our goal is Ming.”

At Kim Jong-seo’s answer, the other ministers nodded. Among those ministers, there was an unexpected presence: Minister of National Defense Jo Mal-saeng.

When the other ministers showed surprised expressions, Jo Mal-saeng immediately answered.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“No, I’m just surprised that you’re reacting this way….”

“The military conducts not only tabletop exercises but also all kinds of research against neighboring countries, including Ming, every day. If you were to pick those who feel the difference with Ming the most, it would be our military. The problem is that it’s not something to be proud of….”

“Are you confident in our defense?”

At Hwang Hee’s question, Jo Mal-saeng immediately answered.

“I am confident in our defense!”

Hwang Hee nodded at Jo Mal-saeng’s answer and looked at Kim Jeom.

“Then that’s enough. Lord Euichon.”

“Yes. Ahem!”

Kim Jeom cleared his throat and continued.

“What Joseon aims for is not Ming’s territory or people, but Ming’s economic management capabilities.”

“Economic management capabilities?”

“Let’s assume that all the countries in the world ban trade with other countries and enter into isolation. Even in such a situation, Ming is the only country that can continue to develop with its own resources.”

At Kim Jeom’s words, Minister of Education Lee Sa-cheol asked a question.

“Isn’t our Joseon also capable of self-reliance? Even in the worst case? If all the people farm and weave at home, what is there to worry about regarding isolation?”

At that moment, everyone except Lee Sa-cheol, starting with Hyang, clicked their tongues in unison.

“Tsk!”

Startled by the reaction around him, Lee Sa-cheol hurriedly added.

“The worst case, the worst case! I too know that not only scholars and farmers (士農) but also artisans and merchants (工商) are important! I too am a minister of this country! I know that much!”

Despite Lee Sa-cheol’s protest, the other ministers shook their heads slightly and turned their gaze away. Kim Jeom, who had been glaring at Lee Sa-cheol as if to devour him, glared at him one last time and continued his explanation.

“The biggest reasons why Ming can thrive on its own even if all countries are isolated are twofold: One is its incomparably vast territory, and the other is its equally incomparable population. Do you know how many people there are in Ming now?”

At Kim Jeom’s question, Heo Hu immediately answered.

“I heard it exceeded 70 million three years ago.”

Kim Jeom nodded at Heo Hu’s words.

“That’s right. And we expect it will take less than 10 years to reach 80 million.”

“80 million….”

“It’s not like a chicken laying eggs….”

“We’re working so hard, but we’re barely over 15 million….”

The ministers shook their heads at the enormous numbers. Looking at those ministers, Kim Jeom continued.

“The current emperor is the biggest contributor to making this possible. Unlike his grandfather, Emperor Yongle, the current emperor is not conducting large-scale expeditions.”

This was exactly as Kim Jeom said. Seondeokje (Xuande Emperor), the current emperor of Ming, never carried out external conquests.

“Looking at the conquests during Emperor Yongle’s time, he mobilized 1 million troops for each conquest. He did that five times. Now, let’s think about it. Most of the men who are selected as soldiers are the most energetic young people. But since he didn’t go on conquests, millions of young men formed families and had children, so the population grew like that.”

At Kim Jeom’s explanation, Kim Jong-seo muttered to himself without realizing it.

“Even if a grain of millet rolls a hundred times, it can’t catch up with a pumpkin rolling once….”

The ministers all nodded at Kim Jong-seo’s words. Looking at those ministers, Kim Jeom continued.

“It’s not just that the current emperor doesn’t go on conquests that this result has come about. The current emperor is the one who did not hesitate to introduce Joseon’s systems and technologies when necessary. That’s why we are focusing all our efforts on integrating Shinji now.”

Kim Jeom walked in front of the world map hanging on the wall and swept his hand between Joseon and Shinji.

“This long sea route between Joseon’s mainland and Shinji! If we properly utilize this long sea route and properly build railroads inside Shinji, those who make a living by moving people and goods can continue to thrive! And with Shinji’s vast land, the problem of food self-sufficiency can be solved! If we have resources such as iron, copper, and coal that are still being discovered, industry can continue to grow! Above all, if we assimilate those living in Shinji as our people, we can increase the population even faster!”

Kim Jeom stopped talking there. However, none of the ministers readily opened their mouths. They were too busy reviewing and analyzing the information they had just heard.