Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 640

640. Wild Wild North (6)

“Now that the trade name is settled, let’s move on…”

Hyang, reviewing the report, slightly frowned at the next item.

“Mobilizing manpower is proving to be a problem.”

At Hyang’s remark, one of the aides stepped forward to explain.

“It’s unavoidable, Your Majesty. Liaodong Fortress is the most bustling place in all of Liaodong and Liaoxi. Of course, there are even more bustling places, but they are all located west of the Great Wall.”

“I know that. But that doesn’t justify drawing ten individuals from those with kill permits. Aren’t Jemulpo, Dongnae, and Mokpo already noisy enough at night?”

* * *

After the incident of punishing the remnants who had fled during the attempted coup and the clash with those sent by the Dongchang [a powerful eunuch agency of the Ming Dynasty], there were no large-scale movements of the Milwi [Hyang’s secret intelligence agency].

However, small-scale movements of the Milwi’s operatives continued.

This was to block those approaching the artisans managing and manufacturing gunpowder for the military, those in charge of managing long rifles and cannons, and the artisans in Area 51.

The individuals approaching them were diverse.

There were merchants from the Ming Dynasty, retainers of the shogunate [the military government of Japan] or anti-shogunate forces, and those secretly sent by foreign merchants based in trading ports.

And since Emperor Jingtai had taken over the throne, the Dongchang was also subtly making moves.

Thanks to this, blood was constantly flowing in Jemulpo, Dongnae, and Mokpo. However, the Milwi’s cleanup teams moved to ensure that nothing was outwardly visible.

It was because of this situation that Hyang was blocking the large-scale extraction of operatives with kill permits.

* * *

“It seems that we can use the Special Defense Unit for that part.”

“The Special Defense Unit (秘臺衛)?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Milwi’s aides suggested the operation of the Special Defense Unit.

The Milwi’s kill permits were of two main types.

One was a permit issued personally to Class A operatives who had undergone strict screening and were recognized for their loyalty and martial prowess. These were the elite among the elite, operating alone or in groups of two or three to handle reconnaissance and elimination.

The total number of these Class A operatives was 25.

The other was the permit held by the ‘Special Defense Unit.’

During the attempted coup and the conflict with the Dongchang, the Milwi shone, but the Milwi was a double-edged sword.

It was an intelligence and military organization that only the monarch knew about and could mobilize, but this meant that the monarch could be swayed by the Milwi’s excesses. Therefore, Sejong created the Special Defense Unit as a means to check it.

Composed of carefully selected individuals from the Naegeumwi [royal bodyguards], their duty was to liaise with the Milwi in peacetime, but to assist the Milwi and mobilize force if necessary. Of course, their mission was also to secretly monitor the Milwi and, in an emergency, suppress them.

* * *

“Mobilizing the Special Defense Unit is overkill. What is the reason for sending ten individuals with kill permits?”

At Hyang’s question, the aide explained the reason.

“Liaodong Fortress is a bustling place. Naturally, there are courtesan houses and red-light districts, and thugs who supply them with alcohol and women. To properly establish ourselves in Liaodong Fortress, we must eliminate or subdue them. To do that, we need at least ten people.”

“Impossible (不可).”

Hyang, firmly stating that it was impossible, explained the reason.

“If I listen to you, quite a few violent incidents will occur day and night. Then, naturally, we will be monitored by the security agencies in Liaodong Fortress. Then, there will be problems with our movements. Those who need to move secretly will instead become the object of attention, so it is impossible.”

“Those in charge of security will only see it as a dispute between street gangs.”

“So they will monitor even more diligently to prevent troublesome things from happening. Hmm….”

Saying that much, Hyang paused and fell into thought.

‘In a way, it’s quite a ruthless decision, but it can’t be helped.’

Having made a decision, Hyang shared his thoughts.

“There are Geomgye [local thugs] or street gangs that were left out because their qualifications were problematic for acceptance into the Milwi, right?”

“Yes, there are quite a few.”

* * *

Not all Geomgye or street gangs located throughout Joseon belonged to the Milwi. Individuals and organizations with only brute strength and otherwise flawed individuals or those with problematic personalities were all excluded. Among those excluded, the lucky ones simply lived as Geomgye or street gangs in small towns or cities, but those deemed truly serious were secretly reported by the Naegeumwi to the Pocheong [police bureau] and rounded up.

Nevertheless, such violent organizations continued to emerge, and it became the Milwi’s job to monitor them.

* * *

“Put those Geomgye and street gangs forward. If you say, ‘You can make a lot of money in Liaodong,’ there will be more than a few who will jump at the chance, right?”

“There will be many.”

“They are perfect for being consumed in the mud of Liaodong. And if you put them forward as pawns, it will be easier for you to move around, and you can avoid unnecessary sacrifices. You are carefully selected individuals, how can I carelessly lose you?”

At Hyang’s last words, the Milwi’s officers and aides all shed tears and prostrated themselves on the floor.

“흑! Your Majesty! Your grace is boundless!”

“To value us, mere pillars of a courtesan house, so highly, even if we die and become bones, we will dedicate everything to Your Majesty and the country!”

“Your grace is boundless!”

Moved by Hyang’s words, the Milwi’s officers and aides pledged their loyalty to Hyang in earnest voices.

Listening to the Milwi’s officers and aides pledging their loyalty, Hyang smiled and replied.

“How can I take lightly the blood, sweat, and tears that you shed, which I know so well?”

“흑! Your grace is boundless!”

“Even if only our spirits remain after death, we will repay your kindness!”

“Then the Empire and I will be grateful.”

The Naegeumwi commander, watching the scene from the side, muttered inwardly.

‘The blood, sweat, and tears that His Majesty speaks of don’t seem to have that meaning?’

* * *

When Hyang and Sejong first organized the Milwi, the organization’s members were full of troublemakers. Most were from illegitimate descent, and they were dissatisfied because their path to advancement was blocked despite their abilities.

Therefore, Sejong had ordered the Naegeumwi commander at the time.

“They are good raw stones, but they have many flaws. You have become the head of the Milwi, so refine them well and make them into treasures.”

“I will do my best!”

Again, the Naegeumwi commander’s nickname was ‘The Greatest Swordsman of the Three Hans.’ He was a self-proclaimed and publicly recognized Joseon’s best martial artist.

After that, the floors and pillars of the Milwi’s secret houses became soaked with the blood, sweat, and tears of those who came to belong to the Milwi.

After the Naegeumwi commander had them rolling around, Sejong would step in and subtly soothe them, and Hyang would hand over high-quality weapons while soothing them again. As this coaxing and appeasement were repeated, the founding members of the Milwi developed an almost religious loyalty to Sejong and Hyang.

Later, as the Milwi expanded, they took on the role of the villain that the Naegeumwi commander had played and rolled the new recruits. And as a similar process continued, the new recruits became similar people to their seniors.

It didn’t end there. Sejong, as well as Hyang, supported the Milwi’s agents so that they would not feel impoverished. And when there were casualties during operations, they would personally visit the Milwi to offer condolences or send letters of condolence.

-We may work in the shadows, but His Majesty does not forget us!

Because Sejong and Hyang did not betray this belief, the Milwi did not spare their lives.

* * *

Unable to contain his emotions, Hyang muttered inwardly at the sight of those shedding tears and pledging their loyalty.

‘This… somehow feels like the leader of a pseudo-religion?’

“Now, we don’t have much time, so let’s proceed quickly. Let’s have those pawns dominate the nights of Liaodong Fortress. Any objections?”

“None, Your Majesty!”

“Rather, it may be a good opportunity. There were some who were excessively growing their power these days, so it seems we can reduce our worries.”

When even targets to be used as expendables appeared, Hyang nodded.

“Is that so? That’s good.”

‘This time, is it a national-level gang boss….’

Muttering inwardly, Hyang wrapped up the agenda.

“Then, summarize the changes so far and calculate the estimated funds and resubmit. It will be done within two days, right?”

“We will make it happen!”

Pausing briefly at the resounding answer, Hyang soon smiled and nodded.

“Reliable!”

“Please don’t worry!”

* * *

As Hyang, having resolved a matter unknown to the officials in the light, was reviewing state affairs again, Seong Sam-mun came to find Hyang.

“Huh? Why are you here when you should be next to Jin-pyeong?”

Hyang, after receiving Seong Sam-mun’s greeting, asked the reason for his visit, and Seong Sam-mun immediately got to the point.

“I request Your Majesty’s approval to prevent mishaps that may occur in the railroad construction with Duke Jin-pyeong.”

“Mishaps? Approval? Tell me in detail.”

According to Seong Sam-mun’s explanation, the situation was as follows:

– As the construction of the Yalu River railroad bridge progressed smoothly, Jin-pyeong formed several survey teams and began large-scale surveying work.

– These scattered survey teams caused accidents. No, they were attacked. Due to overzealousness to increase the progress of the surveying work, they left the escort troops behind and went too far ahead, resulting in attacks.

“Like attracts like?”

At Hyang’s words, Seong Sam-mun answered firmly.

“It’s a case of being influenced by one’s surroundings. The survey team members I personally met were all gentle and kind-hearted, but they turned into madmen when the topic of railroads and surveying came up.”

At Seong Sam-mun’s answer, Hyang put his hand on his forehead and nodded.

“Indeed, it’s a case of being influenced by one’s surroundings… Continue.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

– Accordingly, Duke Jin-pyeong demanded more escort troops, and the military is expressing reluctance.

– The military is also continuously reinforcing troops, but the speed at which Duke Jin-pyeong and the survey team members are advancing is too fast compared to the speed at which the military is reinforcing troops.

At Seong Sam-mun’s explanation, Hyang nodded.

“I see. If we unconditionally prioritize Jin-pyeong, the balance of the entire Yoha region could be disrupted.”

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

“Jin-pyeong won’t stay still.”

“Therefore, I decided to find an answer.”

“It’s a race against time. So, did you find an answer?”

At Hyang’s question, Seong Sam-mun swallowed hard and answered.

“I heard that when the late King Taejo pioneered the northeastern region, he provided the dispatched civil officials with long rifles and horse-mounted rifles and trained them. I believe it would be good to take similar measures for the survey team members.”

“Arming the survey team members?”

As Hyang’s expression and voice changed ominously, Seong Sam-mun immediately continued.

“Yes. However, there will be restrictions. The firearms provided to the survey team members will be limited to Type B long rifles and horse-mounted rifles, and the amount of ammunition will also be limited. The accompanying military unit will be in charge of managing the entry and exit of guns and ammunition. Only those going out for work will be allowed to arm themselves, and they will return them immediately upon their return, and the military officer in charge will record all of this in writing. In addition, a signal-use Singijeon [rocket arrow] will be provided to the person in charge of directing the surveying work to prepare for emergencies.”

“So, arm them only enough to hold out until the military arrives?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

At Seong Sam-mun’s words, Hyang nodded.

“Not bad… Jin-pyeong will be satisfied with that much. Good! Then, write it up in a proper document and submit it. I will review it and approve it if it’s okay.”

“Your grace is boundless!”

Seong Sam-mun, having obtained half of Hyang’s permission, retreated, and Hyang, left alone, fell into contemplation.

‘Let’s see… this isn’t unfamiliar.’

– Survey team members attacked by mounted Jurchens defend themselves desperately with guns, while the cavalry rushes in to rescue them. Meanwhile, conflicts break out over interests in the night streets of Liaodong Fortress, and the Pocheong’s constables and military officers struggle to resolve them.

‘How many Western movies did they mix together? It’s completely Wild Wild West, no, Wild Wild North?’