Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 898

898. The Imperial March (1)

Switzerland was currently engaged in a war of independence against the Holy Roman Empire, specifically the Habsburgs.

Since the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were consistently drawn from the Habsburg family, Switzerland’s autonomy steadily eroded, intensifying their fight for independence.

It was in this context that France intervened, offering the following terms:

– Recognition of Swiss independence.

– Hiring of 10,000 Swiss mercenaries.

So far, the conditions seemed highly favorable for Switzerland. However, the subsequent conditions presented a problem.

– Conclusion of an alliance with France.

– Agreement to provide mercenaries under very ‘friendly’ conditions at France’s request.

Even as they were already embroiled in a war of independence against the Habsburgs, accepting these conditions would effectively make Switzerland an enemy of the Habsburgs.

For Switzerland, with its limited national power, confronting the Habsburgs was ‘like throwing an egg against a rock’ [an idiom meaning attempting something futile].

France, as an ally, would presumably offer support, but France’s intentions were transparent.

– To exploit Switzerland to weaken the Habsburgs.

“The scheme is too obvious…”

“But, considering the Habsburgs…”

While the leaders of the Swiss Confederation deliberated over France’s proposal, the Habsburgs also dispatched an envoy to Switzerland.

The Habsburgs’ counter-proposal can be summarized as follows:

– Guaranteeing greater autonomy for the cantons [Swiss administrative divisions] within the Swiss Confederation.

– Reducing various taxes and lowering tax rates imposed on the Swiss Confederation.

– Prioritizing the Habsburgs and the Holy Roman Empire for all mercenary contracts.

– Allowing the Habsburgs and the Holy Roman Empire to intervene in mercenary contracts between Switzerland and other countries, if necessary.

The leaders of the Swiss Confederation were exasperated by the Habsburgs’ proposal, which, like France’s, clearly offered both incentives and threats (carrots and sticks).

“I’d like to reject it outright, but…”

“They are oppressors, but also one of our biggest employers…”

This was the crux of the issue.

Although they were fighting for independence from the Habsburgs and the Holy Roman Empire, it wasn’t a full-blown war. Consequently, many Swiss mercenaries were regularly hired and participated in the Holy Roman Empire’s wars.

In other words, while they were in conflict over independence, the Habsburgs remained a long-standing and significant client.

Of course, the Habsburgs were fully aware of this situation.

– We currently have a slight advantage, but it’s limited as long as France remains a factor.

– Therefore, we need an alternative.

– The best alternative is a standing army, but the cost is prohibitive. We need to cultivate other mercenary groups.

This was the situation: both France and the Habsburgs were dangling carrots and wielding sticks over Switzerland.

Neither France nor the Habsburgs were willing to relinquish control over Switzerland.

This was because control of Switzerland meant control of the path to Italy.

To secure Switzerland, both France and the Habsburgs sought to sway influential Swiss figures while simultaneously engaging in shows of force.

This created an increasingly ominous atmosphere among the Swiss people.

“Is there no future for us…”

As the Swiss people sank into despair, the Empire intervened.

* * *

News of the competition between France and the Habsburgs over Switzerland, both confirmed and rumored, reached Seoul.

“Analyzing it here is a waste of time, given how long it takes to reach Seoul! Filter it appropriately and send it!”

The embassy officials, understanding Shin Suk-ju’s blend of practical concerns and inflexibility, complied with his order.

Consequently, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense faced considerable difficulty analyzing the documents sent to Seoul.

Hyeon, after reviewing the report, pondered it and rose from his seat.

“I have an idea, but I don’t know if it will work.”

As Hyeon left, muttering to himself (or perhaps intending to be overheard), the ministers gathered around Han Myung-hoi.

“What do you think His Majesty is planning?”

In response to the ministers’ questions, Han Myung-hoi turned to Im Soon-wook.

“I believe he’s considering mercenaries, isn’t he?”

“I agree that mercenaries are the right choice. But…”

Im Soon-wook trailed off, sighed, and turned to the Minister of Finance.

“The Ministry of Finance’s coffers will be significantly depleted, so be prepared.”

“Oh dear…”

At Im Soon-wook’s words, the Minister of Finance paled.

* * *

Hyeon, having left Geunjeongjeon Hall, headed to Sugang Palace, where Hyang resided.

Hyang, who had been examining various blueprints, quickly concealed them upon hearing of Hyeon’s arrival and stood to greet him.

“You must be busy with state affairs. Why have you come here?”

“I came to seek advice from the Supreme Emperor [Retired Emperor with significant influence].”

“You are surrounded by excellent talents, including the Prime Minister. Would the advice of an old woman in the back room be helpful?”

“If they object, I have to engage in a debate, but if the Supreme Emperor objects, I can understand the reasoning and naturally reconsider.”

Hyang nodded at Hyeon’s words.

* * *

Unlike the period leading up to the Gyeongjang [political reform], the Empire now enjoyed a harmonious relationship between the Emperor and his subjects. In fact, the Emperor’s authority held slightly more sway than that of his subjects.

The primary reasons for this were Sejong’s major purge just before the Gyeongjang, which eliminated veteran subjects of the Shin Kwon faction [supporters of the previous regime], and his suppression of the Giyu Rebellion [political uprising], which eliminated the principled Sadaebu [Confucian scholars].

Since then, most monarchs, starting with Sejong, had refrained from wielding their power recklessly, and the subjects, in turn, anticipated the monarch’s intentions and offered reasonable alternatives, maintaining their peaceful coexistence.

However, the potential for a fierce conflict of opinion between the Emperor and his subjects always existed. The more unconventional the Emperor’s idea, the greater the likelihood of conflict.

Therefore, the presence of the Retired Emperor or the Supreme Emperor became even more crucial. They served as the best and most powerful mediators.

“If that’s what that person said…”

When the words of the Retired Emperor or the Supreme Emperor were conveyed, both the Emperor and his subjects would acknowledge them and accept the decision.

Of course, this required the Retired Emperor or the Supreme Emperor to have a solid track record. Sejong and Hyang possessed more than enough achievements, and Wan, their successor, also had considerable accomplishments.

Furthermore, the Retired Emperors who would follow them in the future would also boast significant achievements.

This was due to Shinji [unspecified organization or system].

As long as the Retired Emperor oversaw the operation of Shinji, there would be no grounds to criticize their performance.

* * *

“Alright. Then let’s hear what our Emperor has in mind.”

“Yes.”

At Hyang’s invitation, Hyeon began to outline his plan.

Hyang listened intently, her expression serious.

“Hmm…”

After Hyeon finished, Hyang stroked her chin thoughtfully, performed some mental calculations, and reached a conclusion.

“I think it’s a good idea. But I’d like to add some flesh to it…”

“…Is that possible? In that case…”

The two grandchildren put their heads together, revising and coordinating the plan.

The scribes and clerks recording the discussion typed furiously on their keyboards, their faces pale.

“How is it now?”

“I think it’s perfect. I’m so grateful to have the Supreme Emperor’s input.”

“You flatter me.”

“If you come up with a blueprint for an interesting device, please show it to me. Don’t keep it to yourself.”

“…I’ll try.”

Hyeon, his heart lighter, rose from his seat.

Meanwhile, the scribes added the following note to their records:

– Is this even possible? Only in our Empire?

The next day, Hyeon presented the plan he and Hyang had developed to the assembled ministers.

As Hyeon elaborated, the ministers’ faces grew increasingly blank.

Even the usually composed Han Myung-hoi couldn’t hide his astonishment, and the Minister of Finance’s face drained of all color. Looking like a corpse, the Minister of Finance turned to Im Soon-wook.

‘Did you foresee this?’

Im Soon-wook, understanding the silent question, shook his head, his own face ashen as the Minister of Finance’s.

“What do you all think?”

“…”

When Hyeon finished and asked for their opinions, no one could speak.

Hyeon patiently awaited their responses. Finally, Han Myung-hoi, summoning all his strength, spoke.

“…It could be seen as a surprise tactic, but it could also be called textbook. It is worth considering.”

Following Han Myung-hoi’s lead, Im Soon-wook added.

“However, please forgive my disloyalty for being unable to provide an immediate answer, as the plan that His Majesty has conceived far exceeds my comprehension.”

“Disloyalty… It’s simply that you thought in a different direction. I understand that this is no ordinary strategy. Therefore, consider it carefully and give me your answer by the day after tomorrow.”

“I will obey your command.”

For the next two days, the ministers spent sleepless nights debating the plan.

Two days later, Han Myung-hoi, looking exhausted, reported to Hyeon on behalf of the ministers.

“Considering the current situation of the Empire, I believe it is the best plan.”

“Then let’s proceed as planned.”

* * *

Several months later, a special envoy from the Empire arrived at the Imperial Embassy in Florence.

“Welcome. But, such a large delegation arriving suddenly… has something urgent occurred?”

The Minister of Finance, leading the special envoy, answered Shin Suk-ju’s question immediately.

“I’ve come because of urgent matters related to securing victory in the upcoming Italian War.”

“Urgent matters… Does this involve Switzerland?”

“That’s correct. Please make the necessary arrangements.”

Shortly thereafter, a meeting was hastily arranged in the embassy’s conference room.

With the three ambassadors and all high-ranking officials stationed in Italy present, an official from the home country began the briefing.

“From now on, I will explain the operation to be carried out against Switzerland. First…”

The official turned to the first page of the blueprint. On the second page, only two characters were written in large letters.

“Jeon-Tu (錢鬪)? A money fight?”

In response to Seong Sam-mun’s question, the official replied immediately.

“Yes, that is the name of the operation that will secure our Empire’s first victory in Europe.”

“Hoo~.”

“Hmm…”

The three ambassadors reacted with curiosity. The Minister of Finance, however, continued with a weary expression.

“Among ourselves, we call it ‘Donjiral’ (돈지랄) [spending money recklessly].”

“Huh?”

“What is that…?”

“You’ll understand when you hear the details.”

At the Minister of Finance’s words, the three ambassadors and officials listened to the report.

“…That’s all.”

“…”

When the explanation concluded, none of the three ambassadors or the officials stationed in Florence spoke.

“Heo…”

After a moment, Seong Sam-mun, regaining his composure, looked at the Minister of Finance.

“The only person who could conceive such a crazy… no, bold plan is the Supreme Emperor, isn’t it?”

At Seong Sam-mun’s words, all the officials stationed in Florence, including Shin Suk-ju and Yoo Eung-bu, nodded.

However, the Minister of Finance shook his head.

“No, it was His Majesty. The Supreme Emperor only offered advice.”

“Cough! Cough! Cough!”

Seong Sam-mun, momentarily breathless, coughed violently, and everyone around him silently echoed the same sentiment.

‘That bloodline is just too much!’

Author’s words.

This is a map uploaded to Premium Chosun in 2016. In the story, the situation in Florence is that its power has grown even more, occupying a significant portion of the northern region of the Papal States.

2. Please be careful of seasonal colds. Also, be careful of stress.

I have been suffering from a cold since the end of last year due to overlapping events and excessive stress.

It’s been over a week and it’s not getting better.

I would be very grateful if you would be generous even if there are frequent delays in updates.

Have a good weekend.

From Gukbbong.