Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 567

567. Severance (6)

As Kim Jeom desperately emphasized the importance of Musun, the ministers and Hyang became increasingly interested.

“Hmm…”

“Hoo…”

The ministers, after reviewing the intelligence gathered from interrogating the prisoners, wore expressions of avarice.

“Your Highness…”

Though Hwang Hee’s voice trailed off, Hyang understood his unspoken point.

“Since it’s located near Liaodong Fortress, its value will significantly impact the strategic importance of Liaodong Fortress.”

“That is correct.”

* * *

The operational plan for this battle was rooted in the grand strategy of ‘Eastward Advance (東進),’ conceived during the Gyeongjang era [a period of significant reform and development].

The ultimate territorial goal of Joseon’s Eastward Advance was to reclaim the former lands of Balhae [an ancient kingdom in Northeast Asia].

However, recognizing that Joseon’s current capabilities couldn’t sustain the occupation of the entire region in this campaign, the operation was limited to advancing as far as Liaodong Fortress.

The primary objective was to seize Liaodong Fortress and the Liaodong Peninsula, effectively transforming the West Sea into Joseon’s strategic domain.

However, the initial assessment prioritized the Liaodong Peninsula over the fortress itself.

-Occupying Liaodong Fortress would be advantageous, but if it proves impossible, prioritize its destruction before retreating.

This caveat addressed the potential repercussions of aggression beyond the Amnok River.

-However, the Liaodong Peninsula must be secured at all costs.

For Joseon, the Liaodong Peninsula, with its control over the West Sea, held greater strategic value than Liaodong Fortress situated inland.

This decision stemmed from the fact that Joseon hadn’t initiated this war deliberately.

It wasn’t a conflict Joseon had meticulously planned, choosing the opportune moment and location. Therefore, a cautious approach was paramount.

-Given the potential for unexpected escalation, maintaining a substantial reserve force was crucial.

However, the discovery of Musun necessitated a revision of the existing plan.

They couldn’t simply abandon a region teeming with mineral resources capable of equipping hundreds of thousands of soldiers within months.

* * *

Subsequently, Kim Jeom and the Minister of Finance and Economy persistently advocated for ‘occupying Musun’.

Heo Hu’s return with a justification only amplified their fervor.

“This is an unparalleled opportunity! The Emperor’s pronouncements are tantamount to a declaration of war!”

“I share the concern about escalating the conflict! However, we mustn’t merely demand accountability; we must seize this chance and secure it definitively for ourselves!”

“The military assures us that reaching Liaodong is within our capabilities!”

As Kim Jeom and the Minister of Finance and Economy relentlessly pushed for the ‘permanent occupation of Liaodong,’ Hyang began to harbor secret anxieties.

‘Aren’t these individuals starting to resemble someone… somewhere?’

* * *

The ‘someone somewhere’ Hyang alluded to were the Japanese politicians and military leaders who instigated the Sino-Japanese War and World War II.

They offered justifications like ‘the government was inherently militaristic, and a few civilian politicians were coerced into supporting the war due to the military’s overbearing influence,’ but the majority of cabinet members were politicians, not soldiers. And it was these politicians who ultimately decided on war.

Indeed, historically, it was politicians who championed the invasion of Joseon and meticulously planned and executed the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese Wars.

“The Imperial Army’s capabilities are more than sufficient!”

“Given the Imperial Army’s confidence, we should provide our full support. Their track record speaks for itself.”

“Our Empire now possesses ample potential.”

“It may be challenging initially, but with a bit of perseverance, we can reap rewards many times greater.”

‘Winner takes all’ – the politicians and soldiers of Imperial Japan were seduced by the intoxicating allure of ‘repay with interest (따갚되) [a mindset of aggressive investment for disproportionate returns],’ leading to countless tragedies.

* * *

“Hmm… According to the reports, the expenditure on war expenses is considerable. Is it truly feasible?”

‘If anyone dares utter ‘repay with interest (따갚되),’ I’ll personally intervene.’

Kim Jeom responded immediately to Hyang’s inquiry.

“As Your Highness noted, the consumption of war expenses is significant. However, it can be adequately covered by the current national treasury.”

“Precisely. Gold and silver continue to be extracted from the Joseon mainland, as well as Daeseol Island, Jongjang Peninsula, and the gold and silver mines in the northeastern forest region. Provided we exercise caution in releasing vast sums of wealth simultaneously, the nation’s economy can remain robust.”

“Robust management… Are you alluding to bonds?”

“Yes.”

Kim Jeom’s response was concise.

* * *

In preparing for this war, the volume of supplies needed for the soldiers increased dramatically. To ensure proper distribution, the Joseon court actively engaged private merchant groups.

This proved beneficial for the merchant groups as well.

Many were teetering on the brink of collapse due to disrupted trade routes caused by the war in Europe. Consequently, they eagerly embraced the opportunity to supply the military.

The Joseon court compensated these merchant groups largely with bonds. This wasn’t a blanket replacement of payments with bonds, but rather a system where 30% to 60% of the payment was issued in bonds, depending on the size of the merchant group. The maturity period of these bonds ranged from six months to five years.

The purpose was to prevent runaway inflation caused by a sudden influx of cash into the economy.

Interestingly, this concept didn’t originate with Hyang, but with the officials of the Ministry of Finance and Economy.

Hyang shook his head after reviewing the proposal, which had been endorsed by the Minister of Finance and Economy, Kim Jeom, and Hwang Hee.

“The Sadaebu [scholar-officials] have already become the vanguard of a modified form of capitalism…”

* * *

“Economic considerations aside, how will we secure the minerals essential for the war effort?”

“Primarily, we will strive to maximize production from existing mines. Secondly, we will recycle as much of the captured enemy weaponry as possible. Simply melting down the captured Hwaryongpo [a type of cannon] will yield a substantial quantity of cartridge cases and shell casings.”

“Ah…”

Hyang nodded involuntarily at Kim Jeom’s response, recognizing the immense value of the Hwaryongpo.

Kim Jeom continued.

“The Liaodong army’s cannons are primarily bronze, making them highly reusable. The iron used in the barrels of their long guns, known as iron guns, as well as their swords and armor, is of inferior quality compared to Joseon’s, but it can be melted down and refined for further use. Finally, we will collect and recycle as many spent cartridge cases as possible from the battlefield.”

Hyang’s expression turned serious at Kim Jeom’s words.

“Are you planning to mobilize soldiers for this collection effort?”

Kim Jeom seemed puzzled by Hyang’s question.

“Why would we divert soldiers who are needed on the front lines for such a task? We should utilize the prisoners. We’ve captured 30,000 of them; we can’t simply let them idle, can we?”

“Ah…”

Hyang blushed, realizing his oversight.

‘I was thinking with a 21st-century mindset!’

After a brief moment of self-reproach, Hyang continued his line of questioning.

“Will the prisoners perform their duties adequately?”

Kim Jeom smiled and answered Hyang’s question.

“We need to dangle a carrot.”

“A carrot?”

-The prisoners are organized into units of five, with one designated as the leader.

-The food rations provided to the prisoners are slightly reduced. However, the leader receives a slightly larger portion than the other members.

-Additional food is awarded for each meal, based on the amount of material collected from the battlefield. Each evening, the ten best-performing groups are selected and given a small amount of meat and alcohol. Naturally, the leader receives a slightly larger share.

-If a group’s performance is consistently poor, the leader is replaced.

Hyang muttered involuntarily after listening to Kim Jeom’s explanation.

“They will work with desperate zeal. Especially the leaders.”

“That is correct.”

“Considering the size of the Insan camp and the number of prisoners, the cleanup will be completed swiftly. Is there a plan to utilize the prisoners afterward?”

“We will employ them in ironworks and mines. Ah! I’m also considering paying them a wage – approximately one-quarter of the salary a newly hired worker receives.”

“What if some complain about the low wages or initiate a strike?”

“If they prefer not to live as slaves in Waeguk [Japan], Seomra [Tamna, Jeju Island], or Daewol [Ayutthaya, Thailand], they will have to work diligently.”

Hyang was once again reminded that this was the Joseon Dynasty, given Kim Jeom’s cold response.

‘The Geneva Convention is still centuries away.’

Hyang had to make a decision based on the information presented.

‘It’s somewhat risky, but still within acceptable boundaries. No, I must believe it’s within the safety parameters. The value of Musun is too significant to simply dismiss.’

“I understand. In that case, the military should revise the operational plan accordingly. I will review the revised plan as soon as it’s completed and forward it to General Choi Yun-deok.”

“I will follow your order!”

Thus, the revision of the operation was decided.

* * *

Meanwhile, the spoils of war seized from the Insan camp were accumulating in Hanseong [the capital city of Joseon].

“Transport them along Jongnu Street so that as many residents of Hanseong as possible can witness them.”

“I will follow your order!”

Following Hyang’s directive, the armor and various weapons captured from the Liaodong army were loaded onto carts and paraded along Jongnu Street.

“Wow! Look at that! Look at that!”

“It’s incredible!”

However, the Hwaryongpo attracted the most attention from the populace.

The soldiers employed various methods to maneuver the massive Hwaryongpo into the city.

The area was thronged with Hanseong residents eager to catch a glimpse of the captured cannon.

Next, the prisoners drew the attention of the people, Hyang, and the ministers. These prisoners were officers captured during the battle. Ordinary soldiers and lower-ranking officers were assigned to various tasks, including battlefield cleanup, while high-ranking officers were transported to Hanseong in palanquins bound with ropes.

The prisoners endured considerable hardship as they were paraded through Hanseong.

“You damned bastards!”

“Why did you invade our country when you had nothing else to do!”

“Boo!”

The enraged residents hurled stones at the prisoners.

“Stop! They must not be injured, as they need to be interrogated!”

“Don’t throw stones!”

“Ah, damn it! I told you not to throw stones there!”

After this arduous journey, the prisoners were led to the interrogation room.

Meanwhile, other spoils of war captured the attention of Hyang and the ministers.

“This is the enemy’s military flag captured during this campaign. But…”

The officer reporting to Hyang and the ministers unfurled one of the largest military flags.

“Daeyeon (大燕) [Great Yan]?”

“Among the captured was the chief of staff of the enemy general. During interrogation, he revealed that King Dong had declared the founding of a new country. And…”

Hyang turned to the ministers after hearing the officer’s report.

“I believe matters are becoming increasingly intriguing.”

Hwang Hee responded to Hyang’s statement.

“By now, news of our army crossing the Amnok River will have reached Beijing. I eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Ming envoy.”

The ministers nodded in agreement with Hwang Hee’s words.

* * *

Three days later, a report reached Gyeongbokgung [the main royal palace in Joseon] that an envoy dispatched by Ming had arrived in Jemulpo [present-day Incheon].

“He is requesting that a Cheolma [a high-speed train] be assigned to transport him to Hanseong immediately.”

Hyang looked at Heo Hu after receiving the report.

“When you traveled to Ming last time, were you assigned a Cheolma?”

“Not at all.”

Hyang issued an order to the official after hearing Heo Hu’s response.

“We were unable to prepare one due to the lack of prior notification. Inform him that he must wait for the regular train and board it. However, ensure that one compartment is reserved exclusively for the envoys.”

“I will follow your order.”

As the official who received the order departed, Hyang instructed the eunuch.

“Instruct the royal physician to prepare Woohwang Cheongsimhwan [a traditional Korean medicine used to calm the nerves]. Someone is likely to collapse from anger.”

“I will follow your order.”

As the eunuch who received Hyang’s order disappeared, the ministers shuddered slightly, sharing similar thoughts.

‘The Crown Prince’s sarcasm is truly biting.’

‘Sarcasm appears to be hereditary…’

‘Sarcasm aside… that tongue-clicking sound… Ugh! Just thinking about it makes the back of my neck tingle!’