Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 941

941. Using Barbarians to Control Barbarians – Regionalism (1)

The Spanish army, having entered the territory of the Republic of Genoa via the coastal road of the Duchy of Savoy, was soon subjected to bombardment by the Imperial Navy.

Initially, the bombardment wasn’t severe, leading the Spanish commanders to an optimistic conclusion.

“This is manageable. Rather, we should use this wide and flat coastal road to strike Genoa as quickly as possible!”

However, this was a trap set by the Imperial Army.

Once the Spanish army advanced to a point where a reasonable detour was impossible, the Imperial Navy began to pound them in earnest.

The Imperial Navy was diligently reapplying what they had learned from the war against the Ming Dynasty.

-The larger the enemy, the more limited their movement options become.

-Once a certain point is passed, retreat becomes impossible, and finding a suitable detour for a large army becomes difficult.

-In such a situation, the enemy is left with only two choices.

-Advance as quickly as possible to minimize the time exposed to damage. Or, divide the forces into smaller units and move using multiple detours.

-Choosing the first option will make them an easy target, and choosing the second will also make them an easy target.

“…Ideally, they would choose the second option.”

Yu Eung-bu concluded his explanation of the plan to Hyang with the above statement.

Hyang nodded at Yu Eung-bu’s words, which were a mix of jest and seriousness.

‘In a situation without proper communication, dividing the troops for movement is the worst possible move.’

Even in the 21st century, with radios, cell phones, and satellite communication, such dispersed movement would be a risky operation.

In this era, where messengers on foot or horseback are the best options, dispersed movement is a choice only possible in the most dire circumstances.

“If the Spanish army chooses the second option, how will you respond?”

Yu Eung-bu answered Hyang’s question without hesitation.

“First, we will use mountain warfare to harass them as much as possible.”

“Mountain warfare is not easy. Is it possible?”

At Hyang’s remark, Yu Eung-bu smiled more deeply.

“We can mobilize the Imperial soldiers from Bonji [a region known for its mountainous terrain] and the Swiss soldiers among the troops stationed in the Genoa area.”

“Ah, they were there.”

For the Swiss, who lived in the Alps, and the Imperial soldiers from Bonji, where mountains blocked the view as soon as they stepped out the door, any mountain warfare was possible.

Hyang nodded, thinking Yu Eung-bu’s plan was reasonable.

“I believe the Commander-in-Chief’s strategy is sound. I trust you and leave everything in your hands.”

“I will do my best!”

Yu Eung-bu, having received Hyang’s full support, confidently proceeded with his plan.

As a result, the Spanish army, having passed the ‘point of no return,’ was thoroughly battered by the Imperial Navy.

The Spanish command, having suffered far more damage than expected, was forced to make a choice.

The Spanish command could only choose between two options, as Yu Eung-bu had predicted.

“‘Since we can’t avoid the rain, we should move as quickly as possible to reduce the time we’re exposed,’ or ‘chop ourselves up like firewood and slip away to the side.’ Neither option is appealing….”

“There’s also the option of ‘packing up and going home.'”

“That might be the best answer, but what about the impeachment we’d face in Toledo [the historical capital of Spain]?”

“The impeachment in Toledo is a problem, but having to put up with the French arrogance is also a problem.”

Due to the limitations of communication, communication between the Spanish and French armies was limited. Moreover, despite being allies, past grievances and national interests prevented proper information exchange.

As a result, the Spanish command, not knowing the situation in France and Italy properly, had to find the best option with limited information.

After a long and fierce debate, the Spanish command reached an agreement.

“Let’s give up on going straight to Genoa.”

“I agree. In the current situation, we’ll be annihilated before we even arrive.”

“Instead, let’s occupy the Alexandria Fortress. That will be our starting point.”

The fortress named after Pope Alexander III, built in 1168, was the Alexandria Fortress.

“Alexandria….”

The Spanish commanders, looking at the map, all nodded.

“Not bad.”

Alexandria was a transportation hub. If they could secure this place, they could control all traffic routes between Turin, Milan, and Genoa.

As a result, although there was only a fortress when it was first built in 1168, a fairly bustling city had developed by now.

If the Spanish army could seize Alexandria, they could cut off the Imperial Army’s supply lines between Milan and Genoa, as well as stand strong against the French army coming from Turin.

“If we’re a little luckier, we might be able to move along the Apennine Mountains and take Bologna. Of course, we’d have to coordinate with those arrogant Frenchmen.”

“Let’s think about that after we take Alexandria.”

The Spanish command, having reached an agreement, soon began to divide and redeploy their forces.

“It seems like we’re dividing them too much….”

One of the commanders pointed out with a worried face, but another commander insisted that it was unavoidable.

“It can’t be helped. Unless those guys are idiots, they wouldn’t have left Alexandria empty. Therefore, we must move as many troops as possible in the shortest amount of time to secure numerical superiority.”

The commander arguing for inevitability made the following points:

-As we’ve experienced coming here, the Imperial Army’s firepower is very strong.

-However, their weakness is that they are few in number.

-The number of detours we’ve confirmed so far is five. If we find the easiest routes to move, it’s reduced to three.

-If we only use these three routes, the troops will be stretched out longer than necessary.

-In the worst case, we might make the mistake of feeding troops piecemeal in the process of occupying Alexandria.

-Therefore, we should divide the troops into smaller units and use all five detours. This way, we can mobilize as many troops as possible in the shortest amount of time for the occupation battle.”

“That’s true, but….”

The commander who heard the explanation understood but couldn’t shake his worries.

‘For such divided movement to work well, smooth communication and a solid chain of command must be secured….’

However, he eventually closed his mouth.

Because he didn’t have a better plan than the current one.

Also, it was a problem to keep nagging and give his colleagues a bad impression.

Even if things went well, he would be ridiculed as a ‘coward,’ and if things went wrong, he might be scapegoated.

‘It’s best to stop at the right time and quietly bury myself.’

The divided Spanish army soon entered the detours.

* * *

The detours chosen by the Spanish army were located where the Alps and the Apennine Mountains met.

Although it was where the ends of the two mountain ranges met, they were quite rugged mountain paths.

Passing through these mountain paths was not easy.

To move the heavy cannons, which were the core of their power, they had to reassign even the reserve horses of the cavalry to the artillery unit, in addition to the horses already assigned.

Even so, it wasn’t easy for the heavy cannons to pass through the mountain paths, and eventually, even the artillerymen had to stick to pushing and pulling the cannons.

Even after suffering like this, the speed didn’t increase, and the Spanish commanders outpaced the infantry that followed.

Of course, they left a guard unit in preparation for a possible ambush, but as these things were repeated, the already divided units became even more divided.

And at some point, there were those who smiled with satisfaction as they watched the Spanish army struggling and advancing.

They were Imperial and Swiss scouts ambushed in the forests on either side of the passage.

The scouts, recording the movements of the Spanish army on a map taken from their pockets, quietly began to retreat.

The scouts, having retreated, quickly returned to the main camp.

“How is it?”

At the commander’s question, the scouts smiled bitterly and answered.

“The plump sheep are coming with firewood and pots [a metaphor for a vulnerable, burdened enemy].”

The scouts, answering with meaningful words, took out a map from their pockets and reported to the commander.

“The Spanish army is moving along this passage and that passage. The scale is….”

The commander, having received the scout’s report, looked at the map hanging on the tent wall. The map on the wall showed the area assigned to him and the areas assigned to other units.

* * *

While planning the mountain interception, Yu Eung-bu implemented two ‘surefire’ tactics.

One was ‘clear area division,’ and the other was ‘clear autonomy.’

-Clearly distinguish between the area assigned to you and the area assigned to other units. Avoiding ‘friendly fire’ is the most important thing.

-Once the operation begins, the unit commander has full authority from that moment on. From deciding to fight to deciding to move and retreat, everything is decided by the field commander.

Yu Eung-bu made these decisions because of the ‘absence of reliable means of communication,’ just like the Spanish army.

“Mountain lords do not enter the territory of other mountain lords without permission. The same goes for you. Keep this in mind.”

“Yes, sir!”

“And I will guarantee in writing that all decision-making power is in your hands once the operation begins. Instead, do not be unnecessarily greedy. I will hold myself accountable for this part first.”

“We will keep that in mind!”

* * *

Remembering Yu Eung-bu’s guarantee and warning, the commander, looking at the map, stroked his chin.

“Hmm… let’s see… the vanguard of the Spanish guys has already passed a long time ago, and about half of the main force has passed too, right? What’s left now is the artillery and supply unit… hmm….”

After pondering for a moment, the commander turned to the scout and smiled.

“If there are no cannons and no food, will they be in the mood to fight?”

At the commander’s question, the scout immediately answered.

“Not at all!”

“Then let’s move. Gather the kids.”

“Yes, sir!”

Soon, the Imperial Army mountain guerrilla unit departed from the ambush position.

* * *

Heeheeing!

“Giddy up! Giddy up!”

“Push! Push!”

A small mountain road near Asti [a town in the Piedmont region of Italy].

The horses and soldiers were sweating and struggling to climb the hill, pulling the gun carriage with the cannon on it.

What used to be pulled by four horses was now being pulled by eight horses, and even the soldiers were clinging to it, but climbing the slope was a difficult task.

The Spanish commander, who was on horseback on one side of the road, watching the situation, sighed deeply.

“Damn it… at this rate, will we be able to make it on time? Frustrating.”

To relieve his frustration, the commander reached for the canteen attached to the saddle.

At that moment.

“Keuk!”

Taah-aahng.

The commander fell from his horse as a hole was pierced through his breastplate. And the gunshot echoed long.

“Sniper!”

“Ambush!”