Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 873

873. Generational Shift (4)

The Imperial Embassy in Florence was to be staffed by three ambassadors.

The ambassadors, designated First, Second, and Third, held equal rank.

-A single ambassador could wield excessive power, potentially harming the Empire’s interests.

-Two ambassadors might become embroiled in disagreements, leading to prolonged conflicts and missed opportunities.

-Therefore, the decision was made to appoint three ambassadors, with decisions determined by majority vote. This approach minimized the risk of both power abuse and missed opportunities.

-Of course, ‘minimized’ is the key word here…

This rationale dictated the number of ambassadors assigned to Florence.

Wan proceeded to announce the ambassadorial appointments.

“Therefore, I appoint Shin Suk-ju as First Ambassador, Seong Sam-mun, the First Vice Minister of Education, as Second Ambassador, and Yu Eung-bu as Third Ambassador. If anyone believes there are more suitable candidates, speak now.”

Wan’s statement was met with silence from the ministers.

The power of appointment was among the Emperor’s most significant prerogatives. It was customary to accept the Emperor’s selections unless a nominee presented a clear and substantial problem.

And Wan’s choices were undeniably well-suited for their respective roles.

-Shin Suk-ju

A self-proclaimed linguistic genius. Beginning with Ming Chinese, he demonstrated an exceptional aptitude for languages, achieving fluency in Japanese, Latin, the Tuscan dialect, and several indigenous Shinji dialects.

Furthermore, he possessed a comprehensive understanding of administration, having overseen various administrative tasks during Shinji’s development.

His ambition for power was his primary drawback. In this instance, his excessive zeal to surpass expectations had ultimately backfired.

-Seong Sam-mun

Currently the First Vice Minister of Education, he was widely expected to become the Minister of Education in the near future.

As one of the ‘Four Musketeers of Hyang’ [referring to a group of talented individuals who rose to prominence under Hyang’s patronage], he had endured considerable hardship alongside Han Myung-hoi.

Conversely, this also signified that he was among the most capable, rivaling Han Myung-hoi.

Thanks to the trials he faced under Hyang, Seong Sam-mun’s administrative skills were exceptional. Moreover, his scholarly depth impressed Jo Gye-saeng, the then-Minister of Education, who immediately mentored him upon his entry into public service.

Finally, Seong Sam-mun was known as a man of principle, yet surprisingly adaptable when necessary.

A prime example was Seong Sam-mun’s role in restraining Duke Jinpyeong’s recklessness during the Bukji railway construction.

-Yu Eung-bu

A natural soldier who had steadily accumulated experience and expertise within the military.

He was the most reliable choice to command the Imperial Army’s training corps being dispatched to Florence and to assess the surrounding military landscape.

Should a full deployment of the Imperial Army become necessary, he would likely assume command on the ground, wielding significant authority.

The ministers, reviewing the backgrounds of Wan’s nominees, nodded in agreement.

‘If Shin Suk-ju proves stubborn or causes trouble in Florence, Seong Sam-mun will be well-equipped to manage the situation.’

‘As expected of His Majesty. These appointments perfectly embody the principle of “the right person in the right place.”

Hwangbo-in, representing the ministers who concurred with the selections, stepped forward and bowed.

“These individuals truly exemplify the saying, ‘the right person in the right place.'”

“Then, may we finalize these appointments?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Then, so be it.”

At Wan’s decree, the ministers bowed in unison.

Shin Suk-ju gritted his teeth as he bowed.

‘This is clearly a demotion!’

According to Wan’s plan, the ambassadors stationed in Florence held the same rank as ministers. This was because they were empowered to exercise full authority on Wan’s behalf, as Emperor.

However, Shin Suk-ju perceived it as a demotion due to the presence of Seong Sam-mun and Yu Eung-bu.

They were regarded as ‘the next Minister of Education’ and ‘the next Chief of Staff,’ respectively, but their current ranks were lower than his.

This assignment represented a promotion for them.

‘If they avoid major blunders in Florence, they will be appointed Minister and Chief of Staff upon their return. But me…’

Shin Suk-ju, like Han Myung-hoi and others, aspired to the position of Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister.

-Shouldn’t the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister now be selected from departments other than the Ministry of General Affairs and the Ministry of Finance and Economy?

Shin Suk-ju openly expressed such sentiments in private.

* * *

As Shin Suk-ju observed, previous Prime Ministers and Deputy Prime Ministers had predominantly come from the Ministry of General Affairs and the Ministry of Finance and Economy.

This trend stemmed from emperors prioritizing efficiency and the Empire’s economic stability.

The sole exception was the current Prime Minister, Hwangbo-in. Hwangbo-in, from the Ministry of Justice, excelled at mediating conflicts of interest between departments. His personality was principled yet diplomatic, enabling him to effectively lead the ministers.

However, the likely candidates for the next Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister were once again emerging from the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Ministry of General Affairs.

* * *

Shin Suk-ju was confident that his experience and abilities qualified him for the position of Deputy Prime Minister.

However, whether due to excessive confidence or an overzealous desire to distinguish himself, he repeatedly erred, ultimately drawing the Emperor’s disapproval.

‘Considering the age of the current Prime Minister and the two Deputy Prime Ministers, there’s a high probability they will be replaced while I’m in Florence! Then, even if I return, I’ll only be the Minister of Foreign Affairs again!’

Shin Suk-ju glanced sideways at Han Myung-hoi and Seong Sam-mun.

‘If only they weren’t there…’

Many of those expected to become the next ministers and chiefs, including Seong Sam-mun and Han Myung-hoi, were individuals who had shared hardships together in the old lodging room.

Those who once considered each other brothers were now obstacles in his path.

“Hoo~.”

Shin Suk-ju sighed softly and mentally braced himself.

‘There’s only one path now! Turn misfortune into opportunity! I’ll bet everything on Florence! I can’t compete with Han Myung-hoi, but I will definitely surpass Seong Sam-mun!’

Han Myung-hoi, the most prominent of the ‘Four Musketeers of Hyang,’ had garnered attention even before the group’s rise to prominence. Consequently, Shin Suk-ju viewed Han Myung-hoi as an object of envy, not a rival to be overtaken.

However, Seong Sam-mun was different.

‘Seong Sam-mun is within reach!’

Meanwhile, Wan quietly observed the situation from the throne.

‘The throne is advantageous at times like this.’

Seated on the throne atop the dais, also known as the canopy, he could survey the ministers.

Conversely, the ministers had to look up to address the Emperor.

This disparity prevented the ministers from accurately gauging the Emperor’s expression, while the Emperor could directly observe theirs.

Therefore, Wan, from his vantage point on the throne, could discern Shin Suk-ju’s emotions.

‘The secret report indicated his great ambition. Indeed…’

Upon hearing the order to ‘go to Florence as an ambassador,’ Shin Suk-ju’s expression underwent a series of changes.

By observing these shifting expressions, Wan could glean insights into Shin Suk-ju’s inner thoughts.

‘He won’t give up easily because of his ambition. I’ll need to meet with Seong Sam-mun and Yu Eung-bu separately later.’

Shin Suk-ju, who consistently stirred discord among ministers from other departments, had been retained as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. However, this decision wasn’t driven by the Empire’s interests or his personal character.

Rather, it was motivated by his desire to showcase his abilities and capture the Emperor’s attention.

-I understand his ambition stems from his capabilities. However, those who excessively flaunt themselves or act recklessly pose a significant problem.

According to Hyang’s teachings, Shin Suk-ju was a problematic individual. During the recent negotiation, he nearly jeopardized the situation by pressuring the other party to demonstrate his own prowess.

‘The previous evaluation described him as generous and suited for grand tasks, but why?’

In fact, pre-Hyang historical accounts portrayed Shin Suk-ju positively:

-A versatile and wise statesman.

-A master of diplomacy, instrumental in the Gyehae Treaty [a trade agreement between Joseon and Japan].

-A pioneer who championed the promotion of private commerce.

Even after Hyang’s intervention, Shin Suk-ju received favorable evaluations. He particularly excelled during the Shinji development process.

Had he not caused the recent mishap during negotiations, he might have genuinely contended for the position of Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister.

Shin Suk-ju’s evaluation was reversed because of Hyang.

More specifically, it was due to the ‘Four Musketeers of Hyang’ and Shin Suk-ju’s language skills.

In the process of discovering and developing Shinji, effective communication was a critical challenge.

Therefore, Shin Suk-ju, possessing both linguistic proficiency and exceptional administrative skills, was compelled to remain in Shinji for an extended period.

This experience in Shinji proved to be a double-edged sword.

The outstanding performance he delivered in Shinji elevated his profile, but the prolonged absence from the capital fostered a sense of being marginalized.

The ‘mainstream’ Shin Suk-ju envisioned was the ‘Four Musketeers of Hyang.’ Those who had shared hardships and considered each other brothers during their rise had already secured prominent positions in key departments.

The ambition he had always harbored, coupled with the urgency to compensate for his perceived marginalization, fueled a series of minor and major missteps.

And Wan resolved to remove Shin Suk-ju from the capital early.

* * *

With the ambassadorial appointments settled according to Wan’s wishes, the remaining tasks proceeded smoothly.

“Well, most of the remaining work involves selecting personnel….”

As Hwangbo-in remarked with a wry smile, this endeavor ‘began with people and ended with people.’

The ministers and vice ministers of each department meticulously reviewed performance reports, sacrificing sleep to identify suitable candidates.

-The highest rank is department head.

-Exclude those who are either too old or too young.

-Those with a mild personality.

“This is… the criteria are rather vague….”

“Work proficiency is a given, so there’s no need to emphasize it.”

Consequently, the ministers and vice ministers, after scouring evaluation reports and shortlisting potential candidates, summoned them for interviews.

“…In this situation, we require individuals who can represent His Majesty’s will while stationed in Florence.”

The candidates, upon hearing the ministers’ and vice ministers’ words, glanced at their peers and carefully weighed the pros and cons.

‘No matter how I analyze it, the disadvantages seem to outweigh the advantages….’

“Are there no volunteers?”

“….”

When virtually no one stepped forward despite repeated encouragement, the ministers and vice ministers invoked their authority.

“You will have to go. His Majesty has high expectations. Will you accept the role?”

Those who heard the directive ‘You go to Florence’ responded with a somber expression.

“…Yes. I will do my best.”

“Thank you. Then, commence your duties immediately.”

“If you mean duties….”

“You must select the personnel who will serve under you.”

“….”

Thus, the ‘passing the buck’ commenced.

Through this process of delegation, the individuals who would staff the Florence Embassy were ultimately chosen.

Meanwhile, the opposite scenario unfolded within the military.

“I will go!”

“No, I will go!”

Volunteers eagerly sought the positions of instructor to train the Florentine army and military attaché to the embassy.

The volunteers’ motivations were straightforward.

-Given the Empire’s current geopolitical landscape, a major war is unlikely to erupt.

-However, war is inevitable in Florence and Italy. A significant war at that.

-The Empire will intervene when the time is right.

-Therefore, those intimately familiar with the situation in Florence and Italy will be reassigned to key roles.

-It’s the perfect opportunity to accumulate military achievements and secure promotions!