Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 623

623. Their Choice (3)

While the administration of the newly formed Korean Federal Empire, under Hyang’s leadership, was consumed with the endless cycle of tasks, a formal document was urgently dispatched from the challenger-class warship that had entered the quarantine anchorage in Mokpo, addressed to Hanseong [modern-day Seoul].

“Your Majesty, the warship returning from Aden has sent an urgent report,” Han Myeong-hoe, now Chief Royal Secretary, informed Hyang, his voice laced with urgency, since Hyang’s ascension to Emperor.

* * *

With Hyang’s coronation, the Fab Four [a nickname for a group of Hyang’s close aides] were all appointed to the Royal Secretariat. Their roles shifted dramatically, encompassing positions such as Chief Royal Secretary, Senior and Junior Deputy Royal Secretaries, and Eastern Deputy Royal Secretary. This meteoric rise propelled them from mere scribes to influential directors.

“While the rank typically associated with these positions is administrator, your relative inexperience necessitates starting as directors. Your performance will dictate future adjustments to your ranks,” Hyang had declared.

Fueled by Hyang’s blend of incentives and pressure, the Fab Four found themselves working tirelessly.

These unconventional appointments sparked debate, but Hyang dismissed the concerns.

“Having worked with them extensively, I can attest to their competence. Crucially, they possess an intuitive understanding of my intentions, making them ideal for managing the Royal Secretariat’s affairs.”

Faced with Hyang’s unwavering conviction, his detractors were forced to concede. The Royal Secretariat, entrusted with assisting the Emperor, demanded individuals who resonated with his vision.

The Fab Four, meticulously trained by Hyang since their days in Seunghwa Hall [likely a reference to a specific office or department], were undoubtedly qualified.

Hyang harbored his own strategic reasons for keeping them close.

“I must preemptively shield them from Jinpyeong’s influence. Keeping them within my sight is preferable to allowing them to stray and become a source of trouble. The fact that they are constantly bickering with each other is an added bonus. Besides… they are good at their jobs, aren’t they?”

This final point held the most weight for Hyang.

* * *

“What’s the urgent report?” Hyang inquired.

“En route, they encountered Western envoys heading to Aden from Malacca,” Han Myeong-hoe explained.

Despite the presence of a Joseon naval base in Temasek (the old name for Singapore), Joseon trading vessels favored the Malacca Strait. Its prominence as a major trading hub, attracting merchant ships from various nations, made it an ideal location for rest, resupply, and information exchange.

“So?” Hyang prompted.

“They report that Mehmed II sent a personal letter, urgently requesting support,” Han Myeong-hoe continued without delay.

“Urgent support?”

“He’s requesting a swift and substantial supply of matchlock rifles and bullets for Hwachas [Korean rocket artillery],” Han Myeong-hoe clarified.

“Hmm…” Hyang stroked his chin thoughtfully as he absorbed the report. Han Myeong-hoe directed a eunuch to present a tray bearing the captain’s letter.

After reviewing the letter, Hyang paused before issuing instructions to the eunuch and Han Myeong-hoe.

“Summon the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Ministers. Prepare for a meeting.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

* * *

Shortly thereafter, Hyang, Hwang Hee, Kim Jeom, and Ha Yeon convened in Geunjeongjeon Hall.

“You are all familiar with the report’s contents, correct?” Hyang asked.

Hwang Hee nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“What are your thoughts?”

Hwang Hee responded, “I believe it is a gem (玉) [a metaphor for something valuable and promising].”

Hyang smiled at Hwang Hee’s assessment.

* * *

The officials exchanged perplexed glances upon hearing Mehmed II’s proposal.

“His confidence is admirable, but I question whether his abilities match his ambition.”

“He certainly possesses an eye for talent. His decisiveness suggests royal qualities (王才) [qualities befitting a king]. However, his rivals undoubtedly possess similar traits, necessitating a careful discernment between the genuine and the imitation (玉石) [distinguishing true talent from mere appearance].”

As the discussion stalled, Hyang offered a suggestion.

“What if we offer bait?”

“Bait, you say?”

“Yes.” Hyang elaborated on his plan. The officials listened intently, their eyes widening in admiration.

“That is truly enticing bait!” they exclaimed in unison.

The officials unanimously endorsed Hyang’s proposal.

Sejong muttered to himself, ‘That guy… I wonder if he’ll later be known as a villain who secretly holds the world in his hands and shakes it up.’

The ‘bait’ Hyang offered to Mehmed II consisted of:

– 4,000 matchlock rifles, 50,000 first-generation bullets, 5 Hwachas, and 30,000 second-generation bullets.

Superficially, this appeared to be a substantial offering. However, a closer examination revealed its limitations.

The 50,000 first-generation bullets provided a mere 12 rounds per matchlock rifle. Similarly, the 30,000 second-generation bullets allowed for only 6,000 rounds per Hwacha.

‘The matchlock rifles alone reveal the inadequacy of this offering. Even with rigorous training, the ammunition would be depleted quickly. Even if they conserved ammo, they could only do a human wave attack. I wonder if the Hwachas can even last one battle?’

Hyang recalled a scene from a 21st-century war movie where Soviet soldiers charging German positions in Stalingrad were rationed a single five-round clip for every two men.

The same principle applied to the Hwachas. Despite their manual operation, 6,000 rounds would be expended in moments.

In essence, Joseon intended to gauge Mehmed II’s response to this numerical ‘trap’ before committing further resources.

* * *

Hwang Hee shared his analysis with Hyang.

“Given the timing of the encounter in Malacca, Mehmed II likely traveled there at great speed. This suggests he immediately recognized our ‘trap.’ However, his decision to proceed, bypassing Dongbeon or Temasek, and waiting for the returning ship in Malacca, indicates a desire to avoid diplomatic complications. Furthermore, his request for bullets before matchlock rifles or Hwachas demonstrates an ability to prioritize and make critical decisions. In conclusion, I believe the odds of our gamble succeeding are high.”

Kim Jeom and Ha Yeon concurred with Hwang Hee’s assessment.

Even weapons slated for retirement retained significant value. Therefore, it was crucial to avoid investing in unfavorable prospects.

Based on the available information, Mehmed II appeared to be a promising candidate.

Hyang, having listened attentively to Hwang Hee’s explanation, issued an immediate order.

“Prepare a ship and send him what he desires.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

As Hyang watched Hwang Hee respond, an idea struck him. “Ah! This time, make a spectacle of the loading and transportation process.”

“Yes?”

“We need to signal those who are still hesitant. ‘If you delay, you’ll miss your chance.'”

Hwang Hee, Kim Jeom, and Ha Yeon, initially puzzled, quickly grasped Hyang’s intent and erupted in laughter.

“Hahaha! You are amazing!”

“Hahaha!”

“Hahaha! Indeed!”

* * *

Following the meeting, Han Myeong-hoe instructed the Royal Secretariat to formalize Hyang’s order into an official document.

“Isn’t this risky?” Hawiji, meticulously organizing the document, questioned Han Myeong-hoe.

“What’s risky?”

“The standard practice for transporting supplies is secrecy, to deter those with malicious intent. This order contradicts that principle.”

Han Myeong-hoe smiled at Hawiji’s adherence to protocol.

“Are there any major powers left who would dare to challenge our Empire’s warships?”

“A nation consumed by greed might resort to piracy,” Hawiji countered.

Kwon Ram dismissed Hawiji’s concern. “If such an event occurs, whether intentional or accidental, that nation will face dire consequences at sea. The Empire’s navy will not tolerate it. Is there any other reason why we established bases across distant oceans?”

Han Myeong-hoe and Seong Sam-mun nodded in agreement.

* * *

The Empire’s navy had earned a formidable reputation in the seas east of Africa for good reason.

The power of the Empire’s ships traversing the trade routes was unmatched.

Furthermore, the Empire maintained naval bases at strategic locations along these routes.

Merchant ships, regardless of their origin, would desperately seek refuge at these naval bases when threatened by pirates. If they successfully reached an Empire’s naval base or encountered an Empire’s warship, the pirates would be forced to abandon their operations and flee.

The relentless Empire’s navy would then raid their bases, leaving them in ruins. Once identified, these pirate havens would become regular targets for the Empire’s naval bombardments.

Consequently, most pirates operating near Malacca, Malay, and Luzon were compelled to seek alternative livelihoods – fishing or joining the crews of merchant ships.

* * *

“Hmm… I understand your point,” Hawiji conceded, looking slightly embarrassed. Kwon Ram continued the discussion.

“While transportation security isn’t a concern, I’m worried about the wisdom of such a public display.”

“What?”

“The Empire has publicly announced the sale of a substantial quantity of weapons, including 50,000 matchlock rifles, Hwachas, and mountain guns. I suspect the intention is to spur those who have been hesitant into action, fearing that supplies are dwindling. They will rush to purchase more while they still can.”

Han Myeong-hoe nodded. “His Majesty and the ministers share that view.”

Kwon Ram identified a potential issue. “What if the countries already committed to purchasing matchlock rifles from us discover that we’re selling far more than 50,000? Might they demand a discount, citing the increased availability?”

Seong Sam-mun interjected, “How would they ascertain that information? They would have to monitor the port docks, meticulously counting the rifles being loaded onto other countries’ ships, which is impossible. Such actions would constitute a grave diplomatic offense. Unless we disclose the information, they will remain unaware.”

“Maejukheon [Seong Sam-mun’s pen name] is correct.”

Han Myeong-hoe concurred. “Unless the Empire reveals the total sales figures, they will only know about the ‘50,000 rifles’ and Ottoman’s large purchase. As you suggested, Sohandang [likely referring to a specific country or group] will be preoccupied with securing their share within the perceived limited supply, and they will pay without delay.”

Kwon Ram remained unconvinced. “I understand that. My concern is whether they will truly remain ignorant of the actual sales figures.”

Han Myeong-hoe scoffed. “Humph! So what if they do find out?”

“Wouldn’t they request a discount?”

“We can simply refuse to sell. We didn’t solicit their business, did we? If they dislike the price, will they turn to the Ming Dynasty? Our neighboring countries are eager to equip themselves with our Empire’s weaponry. Would they opt for inferior Ming products simply because they are cheaper?”

“…” Kwon Ram fell silent, acknowledging the validity of Han Myeong-hoe’s argument.