Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 563

563. Severance (2)

Huhuh arrived in Jemulpo [modern-day Incheon, South Korea] and boarded the Haegeup-class warship awaiting him. With the assistance of tugboats, the warship departed the pier and immediately hoisted its sails upon reaching the open sea, commencing its voyage.

“Hmm~. It feels like my chest is opening up!”

Huhuh relished the speed of the warship slicing through the waves, his expression refreshed.

“This Haegeup-class warship is unmatched in speed.”

“Is that so….”

Huhuh nodded at the captain’s proud statement and turned to him.

“The Crown Prince designed this warship, didn’t he?”

“That is correct.”

Huhuh muttered quietly in response to the captain’s confirmation.

“It’s truly fortunate for us vassals that both father and son are so outstanding… but sometimes I worry about the future. It is said that where the light is bright, the darkness is also deep.”

* * *

Few disputed the excellence of King Sejong, the current monarch of Joseon, and his heir, Hyang. It was because of these two that Joseon dared to dream of ‘ascension’.

However, among many officials in the court, anxieties about the future were whispered.

Fortunately, the qualities of the King’s grandson, Wan, were promising, mitigating serious concerns, but the unease lingered.

Consequently, the physicians of the Royal Clinic found themselves working harder than ever. Officials of Dang Sang Kwan rank [high-ranking officials] and above visited frequently, peppering them with questions.

“Are you diligently monitoring His Highness’s health?”

“Are you properly checking the health of the King’s grandson as well?”

It wasn’t just questions; precious medicinal ingredients were constantly being delivered to the Royal Clinic.

“This is said to be beneficial for a young man’s growth….”

“It is said that consuming this regularly will eliminate worries about minor ailments….”

The royal physicians, inundated with medicinal ingredients, exchanged bewildered glances.

“This is a medicinal ingredient I’ve only encountered in medical texts; where did they obtain this?”

“Where are these people sourcing these medicinal ingredients?”

The royal physicians were increasingly curious about the supply chains fueling the officials’ generous contributions.

And in Joseon, a profession once considered a lowly chore was transforming into a lucrative, high-income occupation.

It was the wild ginseng digger.

* * *

Observing Huhuh’s troubled expression, the captain cautiously inquired.

“I’ve heard rumors that this mission is exceptionally dangerous. Are you alright?”

“The situation is dire, so what choice do we have? If we must risk our lives, we must….”

He spoke with forced calm, but a slight tremor betrayed Huhuh’s anxiety. Perhaps seeking to deflect his unease, Huhuh abruptly changed the subject.

“By the way… I heard that the Ming Dynasty’s warships are also increasing in size these days?”

At Huhuh’s question, the captain nodded.

“Yes, the number of large ships called Daefukseon [large treasure ships] is gradually increasing.”

* * *

The changes in history wrought by Hyang’s intervention were not confined to Joseon.

In the timeline preceding Hyang’s involvement, Ming’s shipbuilding technology stagnated or even declined after Zheng He’s grand voyages.

The primary cause was the Haijin policy [sea ban policy].

The Haijin policy, enforced since the early Ming Dynasty, was further intensified after the Xuande Emperor. Consequently, the development of Chinese ships stalled. Zheng He’s treasure ships became mere historical footnotes, subjects of debate.

While advanced technologies like watertight compartments, sails designed for navigating against headwinds, and stern-mounted rudders existed, innovation largely ceased.

However, Hyang’s intervention dramatically altered the landscape.

Active trade, modeled after Joseon, flourished, necessitating larger and more numerous ships.

This spurred the preservation and continuation of the technologies and expertise employed in constructing the treasure ships of Zheng He’s expeditions.

Furthermore, when Joseon commenced production of large warships, exemplified by the Challenger-class battleships, Ming responded by initiating the construction of comparable vessels.

A 15th-century version of the ‘naval arms race’ had commenced.

* * *

This ‘naval arms race’ triggered a significant chain reaction throughout Asia.

Witnessing Joseon and Ming construct and operate large warships and transport ships, neighboring countries also entered the naval competition.

Beginning with Dai Viet [historical name for Vietnam], countries with established national structures, such as Siam [modern-day Thailand] and Malacca [historical port city in Malaysia], all invested in building large ships.

They had little choice, having observed firsthand the military advantages and economic benefits that Ming and Joseon derived from their large warships and merchant vessels.

The challenge lay in the substantial funds required to build and operate these large ships.

Consequently, they aggressively pursued foreign trade. Ships from various Asian nations crisscrossed the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, and the East China Sea.

Paradoxically, this surge in maritime trade ushered in an ‘era of suffering for pirates’.

Initially, pirates indiscriminately targeted these merchant ships. Only Joseon and Ming were largely immune to pirate attacks.

However, Asian countries that had suffered losses from piracy began actively suppressing them, utilizing their newly acquired large ships.

While some pirates possessed large vessels comparable to the warships of these nations, a crucial difference existed.

The widespread deployment of cannons.

Countries that had observed Ming and Joseon’s warships decimate pirates with massed cannons adopted and deployed cannons through various channels. This proved difficult for the pirates to counter.

This decisive advantage plunged the pirates into a period of hardship.

* * *

The Asian countries’ participation in the ‘naval arms race’ between Joseon and Ming soon precipitated political transformations.

The power afforded by large warships and the profits generated through trade could not be easily shared. Consequently, Asian countries began to consolidate their central government systems. This process involved rebellions and dynastic changes, but ultimately resulted in the emergence of highly centralized states akin to Ming or Joseon.

This created an unexpected situation when European countries later ventured into Asia. The outcome diverged significantly from the history preceding Hyang’s intervention.

As an aside, Japanese historians studying this period lamented Japan’s situation at the time.

-Due to internal constraints, they failed to capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities in time.

Although the Ouchi clan gained prominence, powerful lords in the provinces continued to exert influence, checking the Ouchi clan’s power.

The Ouchi clan expended considerable time and resources in managing these internal challenges, hindering their ability to adapt to the rapidly changing dynamics across the Asian region, causing them to fall behind.

* * *

“How large is this ‘large ship’?”

“It’s slightly larger than the Challenger-class.”

“Then it must carry a significant number of cannons?”

“I haven’t been able to confirm precisely, but it’s rumored to carry 80 cannons.”

“80 cannons! How many cannons does the Challenger-class warship carry?”

“50 newly improved Eulshik Janggunhwatong cannons [Korean cannons], 10 scattershot cannons, and 10 Eulshik Hwacha [Korean rocket launchers].”

At the captain’s response, Huhuh sighed, his face etched with worry.

“Heo~. When the Challenger-class warship was first introduced, I heard that many ministers were astonished to learn that it would carry 50 cannons. But 80 cannons is a serious concern. There’s no time to construct a new warship.”

At Huhuh’s anxious words, the captain smiled reassuringly.

“Trust the navy. While the Daefukseon is large, it’s rumored to be less sturdy than the Challenger-class warship. Also, although it carries more cannons, Ming’s cannons have a shorter range and weaker power than our Joseon’s cannons. Furthermore, all our naval soldiers are elite.”

“That’s true, but….”

Seeing that Huhuh remained unconvinced, the captain lowered his voice and asked.

“Have you heard the rumors about Gabbinik [classified weapon]?”

At the captain’s question, Huhuh quickly glanced around before responding in a hushed tone.

“Is the rumor really true?”

“Yes.”

“I’ve only heard that ‘it can change the landscape of naval warfare.’ Is it a cannon? Or a warship?”

At Huhuh’s inquiry, the captain replied in a low voice.

“You will be able to see it soon.”

“Heo~. Are you just going to tease me with vague words?”

“Isn’t it classified? That’s all I’ve heard.”

“Then let me ask one more thing. If it’s Gabbinik, can we make all of Ming’s sea Joseon’s?”

At Huhuh’s question, the captain nodded emphatically.

“I’ve heard that it’s definitely possible.”

“Is that so? Then that’s enough for me.”

With those words, Huhuh ended the conversation and turned his gaze towards the horizon.

The worry had vanished from Huhuh’s face as he contemplated the tranquil expanse.

Huhuh looked in the direction of the Ming Dynasty beyond the horizon and muttered softly.

“If it works out that way, it’s worth risking my life.”

* * *

Upon arriving at the Shandong Peninsula [peninsula in northeastern China], Huhuh and his party immediately boarded the Iron Horse [train] and headed towards Beijing.

“Still slow. So slow. It’s like an old donkey.”

Huhuh, complaining about the Iron Horse’s slower speed compared to Joseon’s, despite its having been in operation for several years, turned to his accompanying subordinate.

“By now, the news from the Yalu River [river on the border between North Korea and China] must have reached the Forbidden City [Chinese imperial palace], right?”

“It must have reached them.”

“I wonder what they will say.”

At Huhuh’s words, the group nodded in agreement. Huhuh, turning his head to gaze out the window, continued to grumble.

“By the way, I have to take a boat again!”

Huhuh and his party were now traveling to Beijing via the Grand Canal [ancient canal in China].

* * *

Arriving in Beijing, Huhuh and his party unpacked their luggage at the Hoedongguan [guesthouse for foreign envoys] and immediately proceeded to the Forbidden City.

“Greetings to His Majesty the Emperor!”

The Xuande Emperor [Ming Dynasty emperor], appearing visibly unwell, acknowledged the greetings of Huhuh and his party with a slight gesture and spoke.

“It’s not the scheduled time for the envoy to arrive; what brings you here?”

“A tragic event has occurred at the Yalu River, and I have come to inform Your Majesty.”

“The Yalu River? A tragic event? What is it?”

At the Xuande Emperor’s words, Huhuh immediately responded.

“The Yodong King’s army crossed the Yalu River and invaded our Joseon! How can you say it is not a tragic event! How could this happen!”

“Yodong King?”

The Xuande Emperor tilted his head in confusion, and the Senior Grand Secretary [high-ranking official] present immediately clarified.

“It seems he is referring to the Dong King.”

“Hmm… I see. But they crossed Joseon’s border at the Yalu River? I have never heard of this?”

“No reports related to that have been submitted yet.”

“Is that so…”

The Xuande Emperor nodded slightly and turned to Huhuh.

“I will order an investigation into the whole story. But, is there currently a conflict at the Yalu River?”

“That is correct.”

“Then immediately halt the fighting and retreat. How dare the soldiers of a vassal state oppose my celestial army (天兵) [imperial army]? This is not proper etiquette.”

“That is not possible!”

Huhuh raised his voice in response to the Xuande Emperor’s command.

Finally, Huhuh’s life-or-death debate with the Xuande Emperor had begun.

* * *

“Not possible? Are you telling me that is not possible?”

The Xuande Emperor’s voice sharpened, but Huhuh answered confidently.

“That is correct! Although our Joseon serves Ming, we are a country with independent self-defense rights! Even if it is Your Majesty, this is unfair!”

“Insolent! I am the Emperor! Joseon must follow my orders!”

“I repeat, that is not possible! No matter how celestial the army is, we cannot give up Joseon’s border!”

“I am only saying to retreat temporarily while I investigate the whole story!”

“It is the celestial army that must retreat! Our Joseon cannot retreat even an inch!”