Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 835

835. The European Pursuit (2)

-Imperial Army Geographical Information Research Institute.

This was the name of the Imperial Army’s intelligence organization.

-To create maps and analyze geographical information for the Imperial Army and Navy.

This was the stated purpose of the ‘Imperial Army Geographical Information Research Institute.’

And, in reality, they carried out these tasks.

* * *

Around the time they had almost seized control of the seas east of Suez, the Empire formally sent envoys to countries along its trade routes, including Ming [China under the Ming Dynasty], Japan, and Ryukyu [an island kingdom that is now part of Japan], requesting cooperation.

-We will investigate coastlines, the presence of any potential reefs, and changes in depth and coastline due to tidal movements.

Initially, the countries that received the Empire’s request expressed reluctance. Maps and geography, especially maps, held immense military value.

Furthermore, the coastlines and connected areas that the Empire wanted to investigate were also problematic.

This was because all the items the Empire wanted to investigate were related to amphibious landings.

The Empire was well aware of this, so it immediately offered alternatives and compensation.

-We will not venture more than 10 li (approximately 4 kilometers) inland from the coastline.

-We will allow officials and scholars from the respective countries to participate in the investigation as much as they desire. The Empire will bear all costs.

-We will share the investigation results with the countries involved without any concealment. We will also provide maps.

“Hmm… this is… oh….”

The countries involved, having received the Empire’s alternatives and compensation, had no choice but to deliberate.

Creating maps and acquiring geographical information was a costly and labor-intensive task.

Purchasing expensive Imperial-made precision surveying equipment was costly, and training personnel also required significant time and money.

Moreover, despite their initial reluctance, most of the countries involved did not possess proper maps and geographical information of their own coastlines.

If an incident occurred, they would resort to conscripting fishermen who knew the local coasts well to serve as human maps.

Even the Ming Dynasty was in a similar situation.

Detailed maps were made around major naval ports, but other areas relied on maps that were decades old, or even over a century old, or they had to summon local fishermen.

However, according to rumors from merchants who had boarded Imperial merchant ships, the Empire’s maps were incredibly precise.

The fact that the Empire, with its precise map-making capabilities, would create and hand over maps was an enormous temptation.

-If we can observe the Empire’s map-making process and learn the methods, we can produce our own precise maps!

-If we receive the Empire’s precise maps, we can properly identify military strongholds and strengthen our defenses!

In the end, all countries except Ming accepted the Empire’s proposal.

In Ming’s case, rejection was a given during the reign of Emperor Jingtai, and Emperor Chenghua, who was nicknamed ‘Joseon Emperor’ [a derogatory nickname implying weakness or excessive reliance on others], had to refuse, expressing reluctance.

“Even if it is my will, accepting this would immediately cause a rebellion.”

The members of Jamryonghoe [likely a political or advisory group within the Ming court] all nodded in response to Emperor Chenghua’s words.

* * *

With most of the countries around the trade routes accepting the proposal, the Empire began dispatching people.

Not only personnel from the Imperial Army and the Ministry of Land Development but also a significant number of people from the railway construction company were mobilized, and the Imperial Army accompanied them to provide protection.

Another hidden card was concealed within this Imperial Army.

Surveying for map-making and geographical information gathering was not something that could be completed in a day or two.

Naturally, they had to find open spaces and water sources near the survey area where many people could stay, and the Imperial Army officers who participated in this process carefully remembered this information and secretly recorded it.

Moreover, a large amount of food was needed to feed the large number of people staying there, and the Imperial Army transport unit headed to nearby towns to purchase this food. And, similarly, the Imperial Army officers carefully remembered these routes and secretly recorded them.

They were taking everything they could while adhering to the condition of ‘not entering more than 10 li inland from the coastline.’

This was not the only thing the Imperial Army’s hidden card was aiming for.

When the Empire began its work, officials and soldiers from the countries involved also participated.

As they spent a considerable amount of time together, friendships began to form between the people on both sides, and this was the Empire’s aim.

The participating officials and soldiers, especially the military commanders, were either competent military officers or generals trusted by the monarch, or they were nobles.

In other words, they were either at the core of power or would become so in the future.

The aim was to build friendships with them to create pro-Imperial factions or to find out the military trends of the countries involved.

Interestingly, the countries cooperating with the Empire also had similar aims.

-The Imperial personnel dispatched for map-making are talented individuals from the Empire.

-Therefore, the commanders of the Imperial Army dispatched to protect them must also be competent individuals.

-If they are competent commanders, they are likely to rise in the ranks in the future, so we should build connections with them!

-And, if possible, we should find out about the Imperial Army’s movements, especially future weapon development, deployment, and changes in strategies and tactics!

The countries involved, especially Japan, harboring such intentions, treated the Imperial Army commanders with utmost courtesy.

On days off from work, they invited the Imperial personnel—especially the Imperial Army commanders—to banquets.

At these banquets, beautiful women were always seated next to the high-ranking Imperial officials, tempting them.

It was a banquet where they laughed and enjoyed themselves while concealing their true intentions, a literal embodiment of the saying ‘a dagger hidden in a smile.’

* * *

While such espionage was taking place on one side, traditional espionage was unfolding on the other side.

In areas bordering Mongolia, cavalry units and tiger hunters were secretly moving, observing Mongolian movements.

In the sea routes east of Suez, Imperial warships patrolled, monitoring the trends around the sea routes.

And, the Imperial Army and officials stationed in Sangguan [Imperial trade outposts or stations] regularly sent reports on the trends they observed.

The Empire’s Sangguan were located not only east of Suez but also in Suez, Alexandria, and Prince Henry’s Port [likely a historical port in Europe or Africa].

These were places that provided safe and convenient facilities for Imperial merchants, and the officials stationed there to resolve complaints also served as embassies.

It was only natural for the Imperial Army to be stationed to protect the merchants and officials staying in Sangguan.

However, the deployment of the Imperial Army was something that provoked the countries involved, so permission had to be obtained first.

Interestingly, the form of Sangguan varied.

In the areas east of Suez, they resembled large mansions where local dignitaries lived. Only the scale was slightly larger, and there were more warehouses.

However, the Sangguan located in Suez, Alexandria, and Prince Henry’s Port were small fortresses.

The most representative of these was the Sangguan connected to the Imperial Navy’s naval base in Suez.

Meanwhile, while the Imperial Army’s intelligence agency had not yet moved beyond the southern Mediterranean region, Milwi [likely a secret intelligence agency] was expanding its reach into the northern Mediterranean.

-Seoul Security Services.

It was through one of Milwi’s front companies that they began to advance into the heart of Europe.

* * *

As time passed, Milwi continued to undergo generational changes.

As generations changed, Milwi also suffered from the Empire’s chronic disease.

-Lack of talent.

The initial members of Milwi were mostly from the Geomgye [a group or organization, possibly with ties to martial arts or espionage].

Although most of them were from illegitimate backgrounds and joined the Geomgye, they were reasonably educated and skilled in martial arts.

However, the problem was that the ban on illegitimate children entering government service was lifted, and almost no one was joining the Geomgye anymore.

Those from illegitimate backgrounds who had the ability all entered government service or the military, and those who loitered around the Geomgye were all substandard.

No, they were not only substandard but also human trash at a level where ‘even beating them wouldn’t rehabilitate them.’

To solve the talent supply problem, Milwi traveled not only to the mainland and Bukji [likely regions or territories within the Empire] but also to Daeseol Island and Shinji [likely islands or regions within the Empire], attracting talent.

The people Milwi mainly targeted were young martial artists who had just finished their training and were preparing to enter society and junior and mid-level officers of the Imperial Army.

“The problem is that they are too proud. The young ones don’t know the ways of the world, and the officers have too much pride….”

In the end, after much deliberation, Milwi’s executives asked Hyang [likely a high-ranking figure, possibly the Emperor] for help through the Naegeumwijang [likely a palace guard or security force].

Hyang, having received Milwi’s request through the Naegeumwijang, readily nodded.

“It is for the safety of me and the Empire, so of course, I must help!”

In this way, Milwi mobilized its strongest card.

* * *

The method by which Milwi acquired talent was roughly as follows.

First, they would look at the personnel evaluation list obtained through the Naegeumwi, find suitable talent, and quietly approach them.

“Sir, would you like to work with us for the sake of the Empire and His Majesty?”

The reactions of the recruits who heard these words were all similar.

“What nonsense is this?”

“I won’t report you to the police for being crazy! Get lost!”

However, Milwi continued to approach, and the target’s reaction became more serious.

And, when it seemed ripe enough, Milwi’s agent handed him an invitation.

“There is someone who wants to see you, sir. Will you come with me?”

“…I will. If you are thinking of doing anything foolish, I will not let it go even if I die.”

“As you wish.”

Afterward, the person was blindfolded and moved to Milwi’s hideout, where he met Hyang.

“Y-Your Majesty, the Emperor!”

One of the Emperor’s duties was to tour the armies throughout the Empire or call units that had achieved meritorious service to Seoul to commend the meritorious individuals and comfort the soldiers.

Thanks to this, all officers with a certain rank and experience knew Hyang’s face, and thanks to this, they were horrified and prostrated themselves as they were now.

“You may sit comfortably.”

“Y-Yes, Your Majesty.”

As the target straightened his posture, Hyang got to the point.

“I have a favor to ask of you.”

“Just give the order! I will complete it even if I die!”

“I need you to abandon your honor for the safety of me and the Empire.”

“Yes?”

When the person showed a bewildered expression at Hyang’s words, a Milwi executive explained the existence and mission of Milwi on behalf of Hyang.

When the executive’s explanation was over, Hyang continued.

“Becoming a member of Milwi means that you have to give up the success you have dreamed of until now. You may even live the life of a pariah. Your comrades will laugh at you, and your family will disown you. Nevertheless, I have no choice but to ask you to help me. I can only promise that I and my descendants will not forget you. I beg you.”

No one refused Hyang’s request.

Who would refuse when the Emperor himself asked?

In this way, Milwi’s manpower shortage was somewhat resolved.

However, the faces of the new people who came in that way were not very good.

This was because they were glorious officers of the Imperial Army until just yesterday, but from today onwards, they had become pariahs who did chores in brothels.

They were prepared, but it was too hard to endure, and there were more than a few who complained about this.

The front company that Hyang created for them was ‘Seoul Security Services.’