Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 866

866. Imperial Form, Imperial Style (3)

Turning Florence into an empire didn’t just mean making it a powerful nation worthy of the title.

It meant reshaping Florence’s administrative structure, national policy, and even the mindset of its people to mirror the ‘Great Joseon Federal Empire’.

Wan was the originator of this ambitious idea.

“I may have conceived it, but it definitely won’t be easy. The ministers are notoriously stubborn. I need someone to grant me more authority—specifically, someone who can kick those ministers’ heavy asses. And someone who won’t be vilified for doing so… There’s really only one person who fits that bill.”

Wan immediately began drafting a letter.

Hyang, having grasped the general concept through Wan’s sealed letter, promptly issued an order.

“Are there any Chosie [Joseon-style] ships ready? Tell them to prepare for immediate departure.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

“I should visit Seoul for the first time in quite a while. Inform the Grand Empress Dowager as well.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Observing the eunuchs and officials carrying out his commands, Hyang murmured to himself.

“So, we’re adopting the ‘American style’ now, are we? I’m relieved the southern regions are progressing smoothly.”

As everyone was already accustomed to Hyang’s decisiveness, the preparations were completed swiftly.

Thanks to the officials’ efficiency, Hyang was able to return to Seoul in short order.

Wan, who greeted Hyang upon his arrival, summoned Crown Prince Hyun and the assembled ministers.

“The reason I have requested the Emperor Emeritus [retired emperor] to attend this gathering is because we have a matter of significant importance to discuss together.”

Wan’s words immediately caused the ministers to tense up.

‘Those fathers and sons are masters at catching people off guard! We can’t afford to let our guard down for even a moment!’

‘The fact that His Majesty has even summoned the Emperor Emeritus indicates he wants me to learn this lesson thoroughly! I can’t miss a single detail! When I ascend the throne, I must not allow the ministers to look down on me!’

Hyun and the ministers, acutely aware of the gravity of the situation, focused intently on Wan, determined not to overlook anything.

“Ahem. Ahem!”

Wan cleared his throat and finally began to speak.

“I’ve been considering whether we should transform Florence into an empire.”

Instantly, the hushed hall erupted in a cacophony of voices.

“Surely, you don’t propose annexing Florence into the empire’s territory? That’s simply impossible…”

“Are you suggesting we elevate Florence to a status akin to our own empire? That, too, presents significant problems…”

Wan’s statement, far exceeding their expectations, caused the ministers to momentarily forget decorum and engage in animated chatter. Hyang, meanwhile, simply placed a hand on his forehead.

‘You rascal! Why would you phrase it like that from the outset! I’d be taken aback too.’

As the commotion showed no signs of abating, Hyang stepped forward.

“Silence! Be quiet! This is a place where His Majesty is present! What disgraceful behavior is this! Are you even worthy of being called ministers of this great empire!”

Hyang’s rebuke instantly silenced the hall.

“Tsk!”

At the sound of Hyang clicking his tongue, the ministers cautiously craned their necks, glancing around nervously. Even Wan was carefully observing Hyang’s reaction. Hyang, suppressing another click of his tongue, turned to Wan.

“Please continue.”

However, Hyang’s eyes held a fierce glint.

‘You’re dead meat after this!’

* * *

To summarize Wan’s subsequent explanation:

-Again, transforming Florence into an empire means making Florence *like* an empire.

-It entails aligning Florence’s administrative structure, national policy, and the mindset of its people with those of the empire.

-Based on the information we’ve gathered, the situation in Italy resembles the ancient Spring and Autumn period’s Five Hegemons [powerful states vying for dominance in ancient China].

The difference lies in the fact that the Spring and Autumn Five Hegemons rose to power in succession, whereas the Italian hegemons are currently coexisting.

-However, even among them, a hierarchy is gradually emerging, and among the educated elite, there are discussions and movements concerning the unification of Italy.

-This situation bears a striking resemblance to the unification process of Japan.

-Japan also had a complex system of emperors who could be considered the Son of Heaven, shogunates [military dictatorships] who acted as hegemons, and numerous large and small lords who resembled feudal states.

-The individual who unified this chaotic Japan, received abdication from the emperor, and became the king of Japan was Ouchi Norihiro.

-Norihiro was able to ascend to the throne because he commanded an army armed and trained with the empire’s weaponry, and he was supported by officials who had studied and mastered governance within the empire and subsequently returned to Japan.

-As these individuals who had learned and mastered within the empire assumed positions of power, Japan implemented policies such as abolishing feudal domains and establishing prefectures, promoting Confucianism while suppressing Buddhism, and striving for greater social equality.

Looking at Japan today, it can be regarded as another empire in its own right.

-Furthermore, those who had studied and mastered within the empire seized power, bringing peace to the southern coastline of the empire’s mainland.

This is attributable not only to the empire’s formidable national power but also to the influence of those who admire and seek to emulate the empire.

-This model of Japan is now being transplanted to Europe.

-While Florence’s power is currently significant, it is insufficient to achieve the complete unification of Italy.

-Our empire must not let this opportunity pass.

-To facilitate the unification of Italy, we must convince them that adopting and adapting the empire’s administrative and military systems is the most advantageous path. We must persuade Florence to embrace this approach.

-Accepting the system requires more than simply adopting its superficial form. One must understand the underlying principles and live in accordance with them.

-This means that everyone in Florence, from its most influential figures to its intellectuals and the general public, must think and act in accordance with the empire’s national policy of benefiting all mankind.

-In essence, Florence will become another empire within Italy.

-Moreover, if Florence succeeds in unifying Italy, it will admire the empire in the same way as Japan, and it will widely promote the empire’s virtues throughout Europe.

-In addition to this, it offers significant military advantages.

-Starting with the Suez Canal, the interests of various European countries and the empire are increasingly clashing in a growing number of areas.

-This suggests that a military conflict between European countries and the empire is inevitable at some point.

-Given the current situation, our understanding of Europe’s military strength remains inadequate, despite our diligent intelligence gathering.

-If the anticipated military conflict escalates beyond a local skirmish into a full-scale war, we must assess in advance whether the Joseon army’s military system, strategy, and tactics are also effective against European armies.

-To this end, Florence must be transformed into a mirror image of the Joseon Empire.

-The impending battle in Italy represents both a local conflict and a full-scale war.

To external observers, including the empire, it may appear as a localized conflict between small Italian city-states, but to the participants, it is a total war with their very survival at stake.

-By transforming Florence into a reflection of the empire and then observing a war of unification, we can gain valuable insights into the potential conflict between the empire and Europe.

-Furthermore, if the war intensifies, foreign powers will undoubtedly intervene. By carefully analyzing their intervention, we can gain advance knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the European armies that may become our future adversaries.

“…The reason we are undertaking such an elaborate endeavor is because Europe and the empire are geographically distant. Regardless of how quickly a ship is dispatched, it takes half a year to receive a report on events in Europe, deliberate on the matter, and send back a response. If we venture into Europe without prior assessment and encounter unforeseen variables, it would be akin to locking the stable door after the horse has bolted, potentially leading to significant and avoidable losses for the empire. Therefore, I ask you, what are your thoughts on this approach?”

Even after Wan concluded his explanation, the ministers remained silent, not out of fear of speaking out of turn, but because they were meticulously weighing the potential advantages and disadvantages.

Observing the ministers’ reactions, Hyang spoke.

“The Emperor’s idea has merit. However, if European armies encounter a Florentine army trained in the Joseon style and perceive it as unexpectedly strong, they will adapt accordingly. Aren’t we potentially creating a situation that ultimately benefits Europe?”

Wan immediately responded to Hyang’s concern.

“All Europeans are already aware of our empire’s power. That’s why they are evolving even now. It’s just that the changes are not readily apparent. If we were to lose Italy, the foreign powers would also suffer significant losses, prompting them to intervene in the conflict unfolding in Italy. The moment they intervene, we can observe firsthand how they have adapted and even anticipate their future adaptations.”

Hyang silently nodded in response to Wan’s explanation, effectively signaling his agreement.

After a brief pause, Hwangbo-in addressed Wan.

“Your Majesty, this is a truly grand and admirable plan. Spreading the empire’s noble national policy and ideals is undeniably commendable. Furthermore, it is a remarkably ingenious plan, as it can both enhance the empire’s reputation and safeguard its interests.”

“You flatter me.”

Wan responded to Hwangbo-in’s praise with a slightly embarrassed expression. However, Hyang, Wan, and Hwangbo-in all shared a knowing look that belied their outward demeanor.

‘Politics, you know, is always about gilding the lily before delivering the blow.’

“However…”

As Hyang anticipated, Hwangbo-in’s critique was forthcoming.

“However, Your Majesty, humans are creatures driven by self-interest, even in life-or-death situations. This holds true for Florence’s influential figures as well. Regardless of how noble the empire’s national policy may be, and regardless of how beneficial its various systems are, they will not embrace them without the prospect of personal gain. Consequently, the empire will have to offer them substantial incentives. We will have to support them with considerable wealth and even provide them with valuable talent. If we were to lose them in the war they wage, the empire would suffer a significant loss.”

Hyang nodded in agreement with Hwangbo-in’s point, muttering inwardly.

‘There’s a reason why the camps were divided during the Cold War. Was it just about ideology? It was a war of dollars and rubles.’

Following World War II, numerous countries that gained independence from their former colonies aligned themselves with either the free world or the communist bloc.

While ideology played a role in their alignment, the dollars and rubles that lined the pockets of powerful individuals also exerted a significant influence.

Wan acknowledged Hwangbo-in’s concern.

“The Prime Minister’s point is well-taken. Florence will undoubtedly demand a great deal from our empire. They will seek assistance with everything from minor matters like weaponry to major issues like personnel and financial resources. However, if we are miserly in our support and forfeit the opportunity to conduct advance assessments, wouldn’t that be penny-wise and pound-foolish?”

Hwangbo-in fell silent and stepped back in response to Wan’s answer.

Subsequently, there were several rounds of questions and answers. However, the conclusion had already been reached.

“Then we will proceed with preparations in accordance with the plan that His Majesty has proposed.”

“Do so.”

Thus, the ‘Patchwork Operation,’ the execution plan, was formally established.

However, there were also those who vehemently opposed it until the very end.

These were the cautious faction, represented by Im Sun-wook.

“His Majesty’s strategy is ingenious, but it is fraught with danger. If we err, the empire will not only suffer disgrace but also become entangled in a quagmire. We must request a reconsideration, even at the cost of our lives.”

Hwangbo-in stroked his beard and replied to Im Sun-wook’s concern.

“It is a strategy that can only be implemented if Florence makes a request. Only if Florence makes a request.”

“But surely the Florence guys are the ones who will definitely ask!”

“…”

Consequently, when the actual request from Florence arrived, Im Sun-wook actively opposed it.

Meanwhile, on the ship returning to Shinji, Hyang smiled contentedly and muttered.

“It would be nice to make that and send it.”

——

Hello?

This is Gukbbong, the author of ‘Black Company Joseon’.

Finally, it’s the last day of 2022.

Of course, there’s one more day left tomorrow, but psychologically, today is the last day.

This year was also a tumultuous year for me.

I was out of my mind with all sorts of problems.

Still, as the year draws to a close and a new year begins, I will pull myself together and do my best.

I wish you all a good end to the year and a happy new year.

Sincerely,
Gukbbong.