Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 551

551. Ignition (1)

It was January of the 30th year of Sejong’s reign (1448, Year of Mujin).

In the conference room of the Liaodong Garrison, Zhu Qizhen looked around at the generals.

“Is everything mostly ready?”

At Zhu Qizhen’s question, Zhao Bingde stepped forward and answered.

“Yes, Your Highness. The training of the 350,000 troops is complete, and the integration of the 50,000 troops additionally sent from Beijing is almost finished.”

“What about the Hwaryongpo cannons?”

“We have prepared a total of 200 cannons, including 3 Hwaryongpo [large cannons capable of launching massive projectiles] and other large and small cannons.”

At Zhao Bingde’s answer, Zhu Qizhen immediately asked a question.

“Isn’t the number of Hwaryongpo too small? Since there is still time, what about manufacturing more?”

There was a reason why Zhu Qizhen wanted to increase the number of Hwaryongpo.

* * *

Despite several failures in the early stages of development, Wang Chung and the artisans finally managed to complete the Hwaryongpo.

The reason they were able to create the Hwaryongpo in such a short time was that they had already made one before.

Rather, the fact that they experienced failure again despite having that experience was proof of how difficult the Hwaryongpo was to make.

In any case, the Hwaryongpo that was created demonstrated its powerful force to Zhu Qizhen and the generals, befitting its size.

The Hwaryongpo, properly mounted on a fixed facility, sent a 400-geun (approximately 240kg) steel cannonball nearly 5 li (approximately 2 kilometers).

The cannonball that flew that far created a pit about 4 cheok (approximately 1.2 meters) deep in the ground, bounced up, and rolled away.

Seeing the pit created by the cannonball, Zhao Bingde greatly admired it and reported to Zhu Qizhen.

“It is truly amazing! It is so powerful that it can create a 4-cheok-deep pit in the firmly frozen ground and still have the strength to bounce up! It is truly amazing!”

“Is it that powerful that even the general is so impressed?”

At Zhu Qizhen’s question, who had little knowledge of cannons, Zhao Bingde nodded greatly.

“It is exceptionally powerful! If the ground were not frozen, it would have created a pit at least 1 jang (approximately 3 meters) deep! At that level, it would be able to destroy even the rumored Joseon fortress walls!”

* * *

That was why Zhu Qizhen suggested increasing the number of Hwaryongpo.

At Zhu Qizhen’s suggestion, Zhao Bingde could not hide his hesitation and immediately replied.

“As the saying goes, the more the better, so more would be even better. However, there is a shortage of time for manufacturing and training the soldiers who will be in charge of operating them. Furthermore, there are not enough artisans to handle repairs on the battlefield.”

“Is that so? That’s a shame.”

Zhu Qizhen also could not hide his disappointment at Zhao Bingde’s answer.

* * *

The Hwaryongpo was not only difficult to make but also difficult to handle.

The barrel, nearly 3 jang (approximately 9 meters) long and 1 cheok (approximately 30 centimeters) thick, was likely to bend downwards under its own weight.

Therefore, the barrel of the Hwaryongpo was divided into two parts and was to be assembled and used upon arrival at the battlefield.

To ensure a solid connection, the joint of the barrel was threaded. Around the joint, there was a thick node, and grooves were carved at regular intervals in the node. Upon arrival at the installation site, workers would insert sturdy steel rods into the grooves and turn them like a water mill to join the barrels.

This complex disassembly and assembly process, as well as the installation of a support to withstand the enormous recoil generated during firing and the weight of the Hwaryongpo, which amounted to 4,800 gwan (approximately 18 tons), required a minimum of 400 personnel.

In addition, it was natural for problems to occur in the barrel during the process of launching an incredibly heavy iron ball more than 5 li using only the power of gunpowder, so artisans had to constantly check its condition.

In the end, in Zhu Qizhen’s situation, 3 Hwaryongpo was the best and the maximum.

* * *

“It can’t be helped. It’s a shame, but let’s move on from this. How much gunpowder have we secured?”

At Zhu Qizhen’s question, Zhao Bingde checked the documents and immediately answered.

“2,400 gwan (approximately 9 tons).”

“Is that enough?”

“It is sufficient.”

Zhao Bingde answered confidently. Even in a situation where gunpowder weapons had become the mainstay of war thanks to Hyang’s intervention, this amount was enormous.

Converting the ‘2,400 gwan’ that Zhao Bingde mentioned into geun was 15,000 geun.

In the history before Hyang’s intervention, the report from the Military Supplies Department in the first year of Sejong’s reign was as follows:

-The amount of gunpowder needed per year is 4,000 geun, but we only have 3,300 geun now.

In other words, Zhu Qizhen, having come to Liaodong, had secured five times the amount of gunpowder that Joseon had in the first year of Sejong’s reign – the history before Hyang’s intervention – in just a few months.

That was why Zhao Bingde answered Zhu Qizhen with confidence.

As an aside, during the Imjin War, Admiral Yi Sun-sin used over 1,000 geun of gunpowder in a single battle.

After checking several more supply issues, Zhu Qizhen nodded.

“It’s good. We won’t miss the opportunity.”

“That is correct.”

At Zhao Bingde’s answer, Zhu Qizhen got up from his seat and issued a new order.

“Then prepare an envoy to send to Joseon.”

“An envoy, Your Highness?”

At Zhao Bingde’s question, Zhu Qizhen smiled wryly and replied.

“The Emperor of Great Ming’s son has opened a royal residence right next door, and they haven’t even come to greet us. Shouldn’t we demand an explanation? And also, take a look at the road on the way.”

At Zhu Qizhen’s words, Zhao Bingde immediately bowed his head.

“I will prepare it immediately.”

* * *

Fifteen days later, Insan Garrison on the Yalu River.

Ding-ding-ding!

“A large cavalry force has appeared across the river!”

Along with the loud ringing of the bell, the sentry shouted at the top of his lungs. At the sentry’s cry, soldiers jumped out of their quarters and ran to their positions.

Camp Commander Yi Hwideo, who was in charge of the Insan Garrison, hurriedly climbed onto the ramparts, adjusting his helmet strap.

“Where are they?”

“Over there!”

At the soldier’s pointing, Yi Hwideo pulled out the handle of the monocle he was wearing and put it to his eye.

“They’re not Jurchens, and they’re wearing Ming uniforms… Are they the soldiers of that Dongwang Residence that everyone’s talking about?”

Examining the appearance of the soldiers visible through the monocle, Yi Hwideo muttered in a very nervous voice.

Not long ago, information had come down from above.

-Ming has established a royal residence in Liaodong.

-The problem is that the purpose of establishing this royal residence is very likely to be to attack our Joseon.

He had already received such a warning, and in addition to the soldiers already stationed there, one company (司, approximately 3,200 men) of soldiers was added to the Insan Garrison.

“Since my current force is 3 companies…”

Yi Hwideo, counting his forces including the added troops, counted the cavalry visible in the distance.

“At best, it’s about 1 detachment (哨, 625 men). Is it reconnaissance?”

While he was wondering what the mission of those gathered across the river was, five Ming cavalrymen crossed the river with white flags.

The Ming cavalrymen who crossed the river stood in front of the Insan Garrison’s gate and raised their voices.

“We are envoys sent by His Highness the Prince of Dong! Open the gate!”

At the Ming soldiers’ cry, Yi Hwideo called for an interpreter. After a while, the interpreter who had run over conveyed Yi Hwideo’s words.

“Show your credentials!”

After the credentials were confirmed, a ferry carrying the envoys crossed the Yalu River.

“He says he is Han Samnam, sent by His Highness the Prince of Dong.”

“I am Yi Hwideo, the Camp Commander of Insan Garrison. Welcome to Joseon.”

“Thank you.”

During the brief exchange of greetings, Yi Hwideo was immediately able to discern one thing.

‘He’s not a civil official, he’s a military officer!’

Yi Hwideo, realizing that Han Samnam was a military officer, moved quickly.

“There is a guest house on the east side of the garrison. Stay there for a while. I will inform Hanyang [the capital of Joseon] as soon as possible.”

“Am I not allowed to stay inside the garrison?”

“It is not allowed.”

At Yi Hwideo’s firm answer, Han Samnam headed to the guest house with his party.

Watching Han Samnam’s party disappear into the guest house, Yi Hwideo gave orders to his subordinates.

“Report to Hanyang immediately via light communication. And have a messenger ready to take a report with a detailed account.”

“Yes, sir!”

“And raise the garrison’s alert status to Level 1! The period will last until they leave!”

“Yes, sir!”

* * *

Two days later, Yi Hwideo met Han Samnam again.

“A reply has come from Hanyang. In two days, troops to escort the envoy will arrive. You can go to Hanyang with them.”

At Yi Hwideo’s words, Han Samnam’s eyes sparkled.

“The reply has already come? That’s very fast!”

At Han Samnam’s words, Yi Hwideo replied with an expression that it was nothing special.

“Our Joseon people like speed.”

“Is that so?”

Two days later, a cavalry unit to escort Han Samnam’s party arrived at the Insan Garrison.

“It’s strict…”

Han Samnam, seeing the Joseon cavalry surrounding them in a way that was closer to detention than escort, frowned slightly at the strictness of the military discipline. However, Han Samnam, quickly straightening his expression, asked the commander of the cavalry unit in a calm voice.

“Which places will we be passing through on our way to Hanyang? I’ve heard rumors that there are famous pleasure districts along the way. Will we be stopping there?”

At Han Samnam’s question, the cavalry unit commander replied in a dry voice.

“We will take the iron horse [a fast transport, likely a train or advanced carriage] from Uiju and go straight to Hanyang.”

“Is that so? That’s a shame. Tsk.”

Han Samnam smacked his lips, openly expressing his disappointment. He was genuinely disappointed.

‘It was the best opportunity to confirm the invasion route… I’ll have to settle for just figuring out the route to Uiju.’

* * *

Thanks to riding the iron horse, Han Samnam’s party was able to arrive in Hanyang immediately.

Han Samnam, after paying respects to Hyang at Seungwhadang [a royal building or hall], politely took out Zhu Qizhen’s personal letter contained in a silver tray and presented it.

“This is a personal letter sent by His Highness the Prince of Dong.”

“I will receive it on behalf of Father.”

Hyang, receiving Zhu Qizhen’s personal letter through a eunuch, tore open the seal and checked the contents.

After checking the contents of the personal letter, Hyang looked at Han Samnam with a strange expression. Hyang, looking at Han Samnam with an expression mixed with displeasure and contempt, opened his mouth.

“I have checked the personal letter well. I will write a reply soon, so please rest at the envoy’s quarters.”

“Yes.”

As Han Samnam disappeared, Hyang once again checked the contents of the personal letter and made an expression as if he was dumbfounded.

“Oh my! Everyone, please read it.”

The ministers, receiving Zhu Qizhen’s personal letter through a eunuch, passed it around and checked the contents.

“Huh…”

The expressions of the ministers who checked the contents of the personal letter were no different from Hyang’s.

“What do you think?”

At Hyang’s question, Hwang Hee answered on behalf of the ministers.

“He wrote a bunch of nonsense in great detail.”

At the expletive that came out in an official setting, the historians and scribes looked at Hwang Hee with surprised eyes.

However, Hyang immediately nodded.

“Is that so? I think it’s been a long time since I’ve seen such nonsense.”

At Hyang’s words, Kim Jongseo opened his mouth.

“It’s a writing skill that’s not even worth throwing into the archives.”

“It’s not just rude, it’s full of impropriety. I wonder who he learned it from… Tsk!”

The contents of the personal letter that Zhu Qizhen sent to Joseon were as follows:

-By the order of His Majesty the Emperor, I have established a royal residence in Liaodong.

-I am the eldest son of His Majesty the Emperor and will be responsible for the defense of this Liaodong.

-But why doesn’t Joseon send an envoy to greet me? Does Joseon look down on me, who will be responsible for the safety of the northern part of Joseon? If not, send an envoy immediately.

-As I am the eldest son of His Majesty the Emperor, I believe it is appropriate for the Crown Prince of Joseon to come.

It was because of these contents that not only Hyang but also all the ministers stepped forward and called it ‘nonsense’.