Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 882

882. Generational Shift (13)

It was quite unusual for Jang Hang-sun to become the Senior Vice Premier.

Since the establishment of the Premier system during the Gyeongjang era, the Senior Vice Premier position had primarily been filled by the Ministers of the Ministry of General Affairs and the Ministry of Justice, while the Junior Vice Premier position was exclusively held by the Ministry of Finance and Economy.

Given this context, Jang Hang-sun’s appointment as Senior Vice Premier was quite unconventional.

Therefore, Wan had to deliberate considerably before settling on Jang Hang-sun.

“It was easier to decide on the Premier and Junior Vice Premier positions, though….”

No officials voiced opposition to the selection of Han Myung-hoi as Premier and Im Soon-wook as Junior Vice Premier.

The prevailing assessment was that both individuals lacked connections, achievements, and strong interpersonal relationships.

“Well, maybe not Han Myung-hoi?”

There was some discussion regarding Han Myung-hoi, almost as if Wan was speaking to himself.

* * *

Since his days as the Minister of General Affairs, Han Myung-hoi’s nickname had been ‘The Emperor’s Weathervane.’

This was because he discerned the Emperor’s intentions faster and more accurately than anyone else, and directed affairs accordingly.

“But he’s not exactly a treacherous sycophant….”

“That’s what makes it more problematic….”

“He does occasionally voice opposition, though….”

“That’s why it’s a problem. If he just blindly followed the Emperor’s will, he would just be a power-hungry traitor….”

“Wasn’t his initial entry into public service unconventional from the start?”

As the rumors surrounding Han Myung-hoi suggested, he was ‘The Emperor’s Yes-Man.’ However, he didn’t blindly obey; he occasionally voiced opposition or proposed adjustments. And because these were all reasonable, Wan would withdraw his proposals or accept the compromises.

Therefore, officials had much to say about Han Myung-hoi.

‘Is he a once-in-a-lifetime treacherous subject who is good at finding ways to survive, or a capable minister who can properly guide the Emperor’s intentions?’

It was the retired Kim Jong-seo who quelled this controversy.

“Han Myung-hoi’s ability is precisely what is needed for the Prime Minister. To grasp His Majesty’s intentions first and most accurately, to mobilize the officials, or to identify what is wrong and guide him to the right path. That is the ability needed for the Prime Minister.”

Kim Jong-seo’s words calmed the controversy, and Han Myung-hoi was able to ascend to the position of Prime Minister without much trouble.

On the day he was appointed Prime Minister and returned home, Han Myung-hoi gazed at the night sky with eyes full of complex emotions.

“Finally….”

His life had been dedicated to achieving fame and fortune and the position ‘second to none.’ He had climbed to this position by accumulating achievements and experience through ingenious strategies and orthodox methods.

As he gazed at the night sky with a face full of mixed emotions, Han Myung-hoi realized the reality and frowned.

“Finally, my ass! It’s just one mountain after another!”

The current Emperor, Wan, was not someone to be underestimated. Although he hadn’t acted as Regent, he was more skilled than anyone in handling officials.

He had already been operating Area 51 [a secret research and development facility] and the research institute, formulating plans, prioritizing projects, and allocating budgets. He had perfectly mastered the practical aspects of governance through prior education and practice.

The same was true for Hyun, who was slated to be the next Emperor.

Watching Wan and Hyun, the officials understood why Sejong and Hyang had entrusted the operation of Area 51 and the research institute to the Crown Prince.

They had completely transformed the lessons of imperial studies, which had previously been theoretical until the Regency, into practical training.

By operating Area 51 and the research institute, the Crown Prince was being transformed into an individual well-versed in administration.

“I thought it would be okay since he is still young, but the problem is that he is coming back.”

For Han Myung-hoi, Hyang, his natural enemy, was returning.

Of course, as the Supreme Emperor, he couldn’t directly interfere in politics, but by summoning Hyun to Sugang Palace [a royal palace] and dropping a word or two, he could easily sway the entire court.

Therefore, Han Myung-hoi frowned.

Unlike Han Myung-hoi, who ascended to the position of Prime Minister amidst controversy, Im Soon-wook ascended to the position of Junior Vice Premier without much opposition.

In fact, there were quite a few who welcomed Im Soon-wook’s inauguration as Junior Vice Premier.

Those who welcomed Im Soon-wook’s inauguration included not only officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economy but also ordinary people engaged in commerce and industry.

“If it’s Grand Master Im, he has been engaged in commerce for a long time, so he will be able to solve economic problems well!”

“Of course, he will!”

People had high expectations for Im Soon-wook, who had a solid background as a manager of a merchant group and extensive experience in the Ministry of Finance and Economy.

* * *

In any case, after much deliberation, Wan appointed Jang Hang-sun as Senior Vice Premier.

This unusual decision sparked discussion, and Han Myung-hoi stepped forward on behalf of Wan to provide explanations and persuade.

“His Majesty believes that the war in Italy will have a significant impact on the Empire’s safety.”

“How significant does he think the war will be?”

“Isn’t the preparation period at least 10 years, and the countries we will be facing are France, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire? Spain aside, France and the Holy Roman Empire are among the strongest in Europe. If we underestimate this and fail to prepare properly, the Empire will suffer great losses and humiliation.”

“Even when we fought against Ming in Liaodong [a region in China], risking the fate of the nation, we did not appoint the Minister of National Defense to the position of Vice Premier?”

“Isn’t Ming right in front of us? But the war in Italy is different. It is the first time in the Empire’s history that we are entering a war in a distant foreign land. We also have to go across Shinji. The war expenses alone will be enormous. Therefore, he thought Grand Master Jang Hang-sun was the right person. What is Grand Master Jang’s motto? He advocates ‘iron and blood,’ but his motto is ‘Defense should not devour the livelihood of the people.’ He thought Grand Master Jang would prepare properly during the 10-year period.”

Many officials nodded at Han Myung-hoi’s words. However, there were those who continued to point out problems.

“France and the Holy Roman Empire are said to be strong countries in Europe, but compared to Ming, they are insignificant. Aren’t you overestimating them too much?”

“It is true that they are insignificant. However, during the Liaodong War, Ming underestimated us and did not prepare properly, while we were thoroughly prepared. That was what determined the victory or defeat. Isn’t that so?”

“That is true.”

“The problem is Suez. In Suez, France saw the strength of our Imperial Army. Now that they know we have joined hands with Florence, it is natural that they will try to prepare thoroughly. And the Holy Roman Empire and Spain, which are wary of France, will also strengthen their military power. We have to face such people.”

“…”

No further objections were raised to Han Myung-hoi’s explanation. This was because Han Myung-hoi’s words were reasonable.

Thanks to Han Myung-hoi’s efforts, there was no further talk about Jang Hang-sun’s inauguration as Vice Premier.

And Wan, who learned about the situation through various channels, muttered with a satisfied expression.

“Han Myung-hoi is certainly useful. He can be swayed if you’re not careful, but Hyun is no pushover either, so there won’t be any major problems.”

While operating Area 51 and the research institute, Hyun had become adept at all sorts of orthodox and underhanded tactics, especially while developing the ‘high-speed armor-piercing steam-powered battleship.’

“And when Hyun ascends to the throne, the Supreme Emperor will also return….”

Wan reassured himself, thinking of Hyang, the most powerful safety device.

However, Wan was slightly worried when he saw Hyun, who was mesmerized by the Sohwacha [a type of rocket arrow cart] and cavalry carbines that Hyang had brought.

“Will it really be okay? Won’t it be like adding fuel to the fire?”

* * *

Given this background, Jang Hang-sun was deep in thought.

Based on the contents of the report and the demonstration, it was a weapon that was truly suitable for the Imperial Army’s circumstances.

‘The problem is the cost….’

As if knowing Jang Hang-sun’s thoughts, Im Soon-wook spoke first.

“According to the report, the exclusive production of the weapon provisionally named ‘Sohwacha’ and the new model cavalry carbine in Shinji would greatly help Shinji’s independence. I believe this is problematic. If Shinji can become independent by producing Sohwacha, the new model cavalry carbine, and the new ammunition that goes into it, how much quantity would they have to produce? And to digest that quantity, 50% of the Imperial Army would have to carry Sohwacha and cavalry carbines. I don’t know much about military strategy, but I have heard that every weapon has its own specific use. If you bring the wrong weapon to the wrong place, you can lose the battle and lose many lives.”

At Im Soon-wook’s criticism, the officials’ gazes focused on Jang Hang-sun.

Receiving a silent question, Jang Hang-sun cleared his throat lightly and opened his mouth.

“Ahem! Ahem! The Junior Vice Premier is right. Both the Sohwacha and the cavalry carbine are very powerful in close combat, but they will not be able to show their power if the distance is far.”

Hyang intervened at Jang Hang-sun’s criticism.

“Your Majesty, may I speak as a person involved in this matter?”

“Please do.”

Having received Hyun’s permission, Hyang immediately asked Jang Hang-sun.

“The cities in Italy are densely packed with buildings made of thick stone. Wouldn’t it be useful in such places?”

Jang Hang-sun immediately replied to Hyang’s question.

“Of course, that is true. However, not all battles are urban warfare. And if the enemy uses thick stone buildings as shields, why should we respond with long rifles and Hwachas [fire arrows]? We should naturally use artillery.”

Hyun and the officials all nodded at Jang Hang-sun’s answer. Seeing that, Hyang shouted inwardly.

‘Hey! You cannon enthusiasts!’

However, Hyang had forgotten. All the cannons that had addicted them had passed through Hyang’s hands.

“Ahem! Ahem!”

As even Jang Hang-sun showed a negative reaction, Hyang cleared his throat and continued.

“I myself do not intend to promote Shinji’s independence with only Sohwacha and cavalry carbines. I just hope that the Imperial Army will recognize its usefulness and introduce an appropriate quantity.”

At Hyang’s words, Hyun turned his head and looked at Im Soon-wook and Jang Hang-sun.

“What do the Vice Premiers think?”

“It would be good to introduce an appropriate quantity.”

Following Jang Hang-sun’s answer, Im Soon-wook also took the words.

“I also think the same.”

When the most fastidious Im Soon-wook agreed, Hyun looked at Han Myung-hoi with a bright face.

“The Premier and Vice Premiers should work together with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Finance and Economy to create and submit a report on the optimal quantity, budget, and introduction period.”

“I obey the order.”

On one side, Hyang was preparing to bring up another story, seeing Im Soon-wook’s expression.

‘I have to unpack another bundle for our Grand Master Im Soon-wook. Otherwise, he will cry.’

“Ahem. Ahem! Your Majesty. I have something to talk about, is that okay?”

“Of course!”

Hyang, who obtained the right to speak from Hyun, looked at Im Soon-wook and opened his mouth.

“I found something quite good in the territory acquired in the last Mesica expedition. It is called ‘Chicle’ by the natives.”

“Is that so?”

Im Soon-wook’s eyes began to sparkle at Hyang’s words.

‘He said it was definitely good! Then that means it’s a money-making item!’

According to Im Soon-wook’s memory, when Hyang started talking like that, things that would bring in a lot of money soon popped out.