Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 546

546. All-Out War (4)

As Hyang spoke, a scene from a Japanese movie he had seen in the 21st century came to mind.

It was a scene glorifying a commander of the Japanese Navy during World War II. People, exhausted by the Great Depression, were hoping for a war in a bar, remembering the profits they had made during World War I.

Therefore, Hyang was worried about this aspect.

‘The real problem is when the entire nation desires war.’

Hyang addressed the Gang of Four.

“I’ve considered the plan you’ve devised. I guarantee the Ministry of Economy and Finance will submit a similar report. So, if you truly aspire to be called ‘Great Ministers,’ figure out how to prevent the populace from descending into ‘belligerence’ and present it to me.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The Gang of Four accepted the report and left the room. Watching them depart, Hyang muttered to himself.

“Indeed… they possess the ability….”

* * *

In the history before Hyang’s intervention, Han Myeong-hoe and Kwon Ram were central figures of power during the reigns of Sejo and Seongjong. While they benefited from being Sejo’s most trusted confidants, they maintained their long-term influence due to their own capabilities.

Ha Wi-ji and Seong Sam-mun were entrusted by King Sejong to care for the young Danjong.

Sejong judged that, despite their youth, they would be the successors after Hwangbo-in and Kim Jong-seo retired, and made his decision accordingly.

* * *

Three days later, in the conference room of Seungwhadang, the Ministry of National Defense, represented by Jo Mal-saeng, delivered its presentation.

The presentation was led by Lee Jing-ok, who had been promoted to Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“First, I will explain the current state of our Joseon army.”

According to Lee Jing-ok’s explanation, the current situation of the Joseon army was as follows:

-The total number of Joseon soldiers is 250,000.

Of these, 150,000 are in the army and 100,000 are in the navy.

-Looking at the army’s composition, there are 45,000 cavalry, 45,000 musketeers, 40,000 artillerymen, 10,000 engineers, and 10,000 in other branches.

-Regarding army deployment, 80,000 are stationed in the north, with 50,000 in the northeast region and 30,000 in the Amnok River region (Yalu River region).

-In the navy, 40,000 are working on ships, and 30,000 are defending the mainland and outer naval bases. There are also 15,000 engineers and 15,000 personnel handling miscellaneous tasks such as administration, supply, and maintenance.

-Of particular note, among the engineers serving in the navy, 10,000 combat soldiers and 5,000 support personnel are currently active in Shinji [a strategic island].

Additionally, a long-range reconnaissance unit of one division is operating in Shinji.

At this point in the report, Kim Jeom spoke up.

“The ratio of artillerymen is quite high?”

Jo Mal-saeng stepped forward to answer Kim Jeom.

“It can’t be helped. Artillery is the core of our military power.”

* * *

At this time, the countries bordering Joseon, or rather, those with some knowledge of the Joseon army, shared similar opinions.

‘Humans obsessed with cannons.’

Wherever the Joseon army was stationed, even in small outposts, artillery was deployed.

To what extent? At every checkpoint between forts and garrisons defending the north, even a squad-sized unit was equipped with two fire squads and two cannons.

The cannons used were not large Wan’gu cannons that fired explosive shells or siege cannons, but small shrapnel cannons.

The shrapnel cannon was also Hyang’s creation. This cannon, which fired over 30 bird egg pellets at once, was the first in the world to adopt a breech-loading mechanism. This allowed for a very fast firing rate compared to other cannons.

Of course, some argued that shrapnel cannons were unnecessary given the existence of Eulshik Hwacha [multiple rocket launcher] – called Gatling in the history before Hyang intervened – and explosive shells. Many felt that shrapnel cannons, effective only within 20 *jangs* (about 60 meters), were useless.

However, the Eulshik Hwacha and Daewangu were quite large and required many skilled soldiers to operate. For example, explosive shells had to be filled with gunpowder just before use, requiring skilled personnel in urgent combat situations.

Shrapnel cannons, on the other hand, were very small. The operating method was also simple: open the breech, insert the cartridge containing the bird egg pellets and the medicine container with gunpowder, close the breech, and pull the trigger. Therefore, it was adopted for its ease of operation with basic training and its fast firing rate.

Deployed at checkpoints, the shrapnel cannon effectively acted as a machine gun.

Even after the proper machine gun was invented in later history, the Joseon army’s obsession with artillery did not disappear.

* * *

“I reiterate, artillery is the core of our military power. Artillery is essential to compensate for the insufficient number of soldiers.”

Kim Jeom fell silent at Jo Mal-saeng’s response.

Lee Jing-ok’s explanation continued.

“I will now explain the reserve forces.”

-If men aged 14 to 35 are conscripted, the Joseon army can mobilize approximately 2.8 million reservists.

At Lee Jing-ok’s explanation, Hyang muttered to himself.

‘14 years old… now we count age by full years, so counting by calendar years, it’s 15 to 16 years old. In the 21st century, this would be criticized as mobilizing child soldiers.’

* * *

In Joseon at this time, 14 years old was generally considered adulthood. For commoners, adult certification involved lifting a large stone called ‘Deulddol’ placed in the village and providing food for their neighbors.

Interestingly, the method of adult certification changed as Samin Hakdang [private schools] and Junghakdang [government-funded secondary schools] spread widely.

Graduation from Samin Hakdang and entrance into Junghakdang became a natural path to being recognized as an adult.

“Hey, you….”

It was not strange for boys and girls wearing the Junghakdang’s uniform (*dangbok*) to use such a tone with serious faces.

Hyang, on a secret mission, saw the scene, smiled slightly, and muttered to himself.

‘Was my grandfather’s time like that?’

Hyang remembered his grandfather’s story that even when there was a middle school entrance exam in the history before Hyang intervened, entering middle school meant half the battle in being recognized as an adult.

* * *

Kim Jeom questioned Lee Jing-ok’s remarks again.

“Don’t tell me you’re thinking of conscripting all 2.8 million of them? If you do that, Joseon will be ruined regardless of victory or defeat!”

Lee Jing-ok answered Kim Jeom immediately.

“This is the second worst case (次惡).”

“The second worst? Then what is the worst? Are you going to drag in every man in Joseon?”

“If necessary, we must.”

“Huh….”

Kim Jeom felt frustrated and beat his chest at Lee Jing-ok’s calm answer.

It wasn’t just Kim Jeom whose face turned pale at Lee Jing-ok’s answer. Other ministers also looked similarly dismayed. Seeing this, Choi Yun-deok hurriedly joined the conversation.

“What you just said is the worst and second worst case. We have been working hard so far to avoid such cases, and aren’t we putting our heads together like this now?”

Following Choi Yun-deok’s remarks, an elder (*wonro*) of the military, Hyang intervened.

“That’s right. Isn’t the announcement made by the military now talking about the second worst case? I hope you don’t get too ahead of yourself.”

Kim Jeom bowed his head and answered at Hyang’s criticism.

“I apologize. I lost my mind for a moment because of the larger than expected number.”

“I will take it as you valuing human life that much.”

Kim Jeom bowed his head again at Hyang’s words.

“I am truly grateful that you see it so favorably.”

After settling the situation, Hyang asked Lee Jing-ok.

“If something happens, you have to stop a maximum of 300,000 with 30,000, which is certain to be impossible even with the help of firepower and terrain, so what is the response plan?”

At Hyang’s question, Lee Jing-ok pointed to various places on the map hanging next to him with a pointer and answered.

“First of all, according to the operation plan, troops will be sent up immediately from the Giho [area around Seoul] and Samnam [southern provinces] regions. Fortunately, there is a railroad, so the travel time will be reduced to less than half of what it used to be. At the same time, about 10,000 people will be moved from the Northeast region to harass the rear of Liaodong [region in China]. However, this is only an emergency measure, and the mobilization of reservists is necessary. According to the military’s calculations, at least 500,000 must be mobilized immediately to minimize damage to our forces.”

“Hmm….”

The ministers nodded at Lee Jing-ok’s explanation. It was basic military strategy that the stronger the friendly forces, the less damage they would take.

“About 500,000….”

While Kim Jeom was nodding and muttering, Lee Jing-ok continued.

“The problem is that the muskets of the current musketeers are divided into two types. The units deployed in the north have been completely replaced with Eulshik muskets, but only about half of the units in the Giho region have been replaced. The remaining half of the Giho region, the Samnam region, and the muskets allocated for reservists are still Gapsik muskets.”

As soon as Lee Jing-ok’s words came out, the Minister of Economy and Finance took over.

“I will submit a proposal regarding budget execution immediately.”

Hyang responded to the Minister of Economy and Finance’s words.

“I will approve it as soon as it comes up.”

As one hill was crossed, another hill appeared.

“There is another problem. There are only enough supplies for 100,000 reservists.”

At Lee Jing-ok’s statement, Kim Jeom looked back at the Minister of Economy and Finance, who immediately spoke.

“I will also prepare and submit a proposal for this part.”

Lee Jing-ok pointed out the problem again at the Minister of Economy and Finance’s words.

“The budget is important, but time is also an issue. In the worst case, something could happen next spring.”

Hwang Hee asked for the basis for Lee Jing-ok’s statement.

“What is the basis?”

“The Jurchen people [nomadic tribes north of Joseon] are skilled in magic, but they are weak in moving their troops according to military orders and fighting. Considering the time to train that part, the time to train how to operate guns and artillery, and the time when it is easy to cross the river, it is next spring.”

The ministers nodded at Lee Jing-ok’s answer.

Spring was the time when the dry season of winter had just ended. At this time, it would be possible to cross the Amnok River with less effort than expected.

Kim Jeom looked back at the Minister of Economy and Finance at Lee Jing-ok’s statement, and the Minister of Economy and Finance opened his mouth.

“This issue has also been discussed at the Ministry of Economy and Finance. So, the alternative that came out was to actively utilize the merchants. We entrust the production of goods such as swords and clothing, excluding guns and artillery that cannot be made arbitrarily by civilians, to the merchants.”

“Can the merchants meet the deadline?”

Kim Jeom answered instead of Hwang Hee’s question.

“There are many merchants who have spare manpower because the trade route to Europe is blocked. They will be able to do it sufficiently.”

The ministers nodded at Kim Jeom’s answer. However, Hwang Hee frowned slightly.

‘It’s definitely a good alternative, but there’s something bothering me. What is it?’

While Hwang Hee was frowning, feeling uneasy, Hyang spoke.

“I have already received a similar proposal, but there is a problem.”

Hyang repeated the criticism he had made to the Gang of Four. Kim Jeom and the Minister of Economy and Finance made an ‘ah’ expression at Hyang’s statement, and Hwang Hee joined in with a brightened face.

“Indeed! I thought there was something bothering me, and that was exactly it!”

Hwang Hee articulated the problem with a bright face.

“In the current situation, borrowing the hands of the merchants is the only answer! However, we must also prepare in advance for the problem that Your Highness mentioned. Only then can we prevent ourselves from falling into the wrong path!”

At Hwang Hee’s words, the ministers looked at Hyang and muttered inwardly.

‘The Crown Prince is being the Crown Prince again.’