Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 960

960. The South, the North, and the Middle (7)

While the Imperial Army and the Italian Allied Forces were engaged in fierce battles, the officials of the Empire were not idle. The spies dispatched by the Medici family scoured the Italian peninsula, gathering all sorts of information and bringing it back to Florence. This information ranged from highly reliable intelligence to plausible theories and even outright absurd rumors.

The officials in Florence and the Empire meticulously categorized the information brought by the spies, verifying its credibility and piecing it together. It was a painstaking task that the Imperial officials called ‘patchwork.’ The result of this arduous work was the observation of the Kingdom of Naples’ movements, specifically the:

-Possibility of the Kingdom of Naples advancing north.

Seong Sam-mun, Shin Suk-ju, and Han Myeong-hoi each reacted differently upon receiving the thick report detailing this conclusion and its basis. Seong Sam-mun was the first to express a negative view.

“I believe a northern advance is impossible.”

His reasoning was based on the following points:

-King Ferdinand I of Naples is a man of great valor, but he has yet to fully control the nobles of the kingdom.

-The number of cannons and musketeers is insufficient for a northern advance.

-It is also difficult to keep the Spanish navy stationed in the port of Naples in check.

“And above all,” Seong Sam-mun added, “Ferdinand I is not only a bastard [illegitimate child] but also someone who lived in Barcelona before returning. He is not a suitable figure for the cause of ‘Italian unification by Italians.'”

On the other hand, Han Myeong-hoi believed the possibility was very high. His counter-arguments included:

-Despite the flaw of being born out of wedlock, he ascended to the throne.

-Although he has not fully grasped all the nobles of the Kingdom of Naples, his ability to influence the entire kingdom shows his outstanding capabilities.

-The number of cannons and musketeers may be insufficient, but the same is true for the Papal States located in the middle. In terms of overall strength, they are stronger than the Papal States.

-The Spanish fleet holed up in the port of Naples was devastated by the Imperial Navy’s attack, and most of the surviving fleet has fled to Sicily.

“Therefore, I believe the possibility of the Kingdom of Naples advancing north is very high,” Han Myeong-hoi concluded.

Finally, Shin Suk-ju remained ‘reserved.’

“A person’s heart changes from yesterday to today. And since most of the evidence is inferred from rumors, I believe it is not appropriate to make hasty predictions.”

As the three men failed to reach an agreement, Han Myeong-hoi recorded their differing opinions and submitted the report to Hyang. After receiving and reading the report, Hyang smirked and looked at Han Myeong-hoi.

“To record even unresolved matters and bring them to me, you must be confident that your opinion is correct, aren’t you?”

“It is not that I am confident, but that I know Your Majesty well. Is not Your Majesty the one who knows me best?”

“Hahaha!”

At Han Myeong-hoi’s answer, Hyang burst into hearty laughter for the first time in a while. Wiping the tears from his eyes, Hyang responded.

“That is true. It has not been just a year or two since I have known you. Hmm…”

Hyang reviewed the report again, muttering to himself.

‘The personalities of the three men are clearly revealed.’

Seong Sam-mun, who is conservative and prioritizes justification. Han Myeong-hoi, who prefers practicality over justification and proactive response over passive measures. Unlike the two, Shin Suk-ju seeks the most optimal move by observing the flow of the situation. This single report contained the personality differences of the three men.

“Hmm…”

Hyang put down the report he was examining and ordered the eunuch.

“Summon Shin Suk-ju and Seong Sam-mun.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

* * *

Once Shin Suk-ju and Seong Sam-mun were present, Hyang began to speak.

“I have read your reports well. I believe a quick decision is necessary. However, we must avoid the mistake of ruining things with hasty judgment. That is why I have called you here.”

At Hyang’s words, the three men, including Han Myeong-hoi, straightened their posture and composed themselves. Seeing that the three men were ready, Hyang began to ask questions.

“…I have heard your thoughts well. Then, I will ask the Prime Minister [Han Myeong-hoi] one last question. I believe that the biggest shackle on the Kingdom of Naples is its king, Ferdinand I. Is there a solution to this? A solution that is not force.”

After pondering for a moment at Hyang’s question, Han Myeong-hoi immediately answered.

“His eldest son, Alfonso. He is not a bastard but a legitimate son, born and raised in Naples. There will be no issue with justification. Moreover, he is already of mature age, so I believe it would be sufficient to put Alfonso forward.”

“Alfonso is said to have a cruel nature. Would he be a viable alternative?”

“Most of that assessment comes from his actions on the battlefield and what his rivals have spread. Rather, it may be a personality suited to the current turbulent times.”

Seong Sam-mun frowned at Han Myeong-hoi’s answer. Seeing this, Hyang muttered to himself.

‘Indeed, that is the answer a key figure in the Gyeyu Jeongnan [a historical coup] would give, and the reaction the Six Martyred Ministers [officials executed for opposing the coup] would show. Anyway…’

After hearing Han Myeong-hoi’s answer, Hyang closed his mouth and went into contemplation. While Hyang was organizing his thoughts, the three men swallowed hard and looked at Hyang.

“I will make a decision. I believe the Kingdom of Naples will advance north.”

At Hyang’s decision, Han Myeong-hoi’s face brightened, and Seong Sam-mun could not hide his disappointment. However, Seong Sam-mun soon concealed his disappointment and composed his expression.

‘It is His Majesty’s decision. A subject’s duty is loyalty!’

Having steeled his heart, Seong Sam-mun bowed his head to Hyang and said.

“What is our task?”

* * *

With Seong Sam-mun’s words, the situation was settled. After hearing Seong Sam-mun’s answer, Hyang moved to the map of Italy hanging on the wall.

“According to the report’s analysis and the Prime Minister’s opinion, the Kingdom of Naples’ limit of advance is the Papal States. I also agree with this. Then, wouldn’t the most important thing be to preempt Rome? What do you think?”

At Hyang’s question, the three answered in unison.

“Rome is the beginning and the end.”

“That is correct.”

Nodding at the three men’s answers, Hyang asked another question.

“Then, who should be the first to enter Rome? Our Empire? Florence? Or Naples?”

At Hyang’s question, the three men simultaneously went into contemplation. Watching them, Hyang muttered to himself.

‘This is the most important issue. Looking at World War II, Britain and the United States bickered over who would enter Rome first, and thinking about the Korean War, it’s the same. The photo of the Taegeukgi [South Korean flag] being raised at the Central Government Building is famous, but think about the Pyongyang race too [referring to the competition to capture Pyongyang during the Korean War].’

After a while, Han Myeong-hoi was the first to speak.

“Considering the status and importance of the Empire in this war, it is reasonable for the Empire to enter first. However, considering the politics that will unfold afterward, this is not a good method.”

Following Han Myeong-hoi, Seong Sam-mun added.

“That is correct. Whatever the circumstances, the justification for this war is ‘Italian unification by Italians.’ If our Empire enters Rome first, there will be a problem with justification.”

“That’s right. That’s right.”

Hyang nodded in agreement with Han Myeong-hoi and Seong Sam-mun’s answers. Seeing this, Shin Suk-ju seized the opportunity to speak.

“But if the Empire yields, the Empire will do all the hard work, and they will take all the credit. But if the Empire takes a step back and puts them in the lead, they will criticize us for using them as shields. Of course, that is somewhat true…”

“It’s not something you can say outright.”

Even though it was a slightly dangerous remark, Hyang did not give any particular warning, so Shin Suk-ju continued.

“The best course of action is for their symbol to be the first to publicly enter.”

At Shin Suk-ju’s words, Hyang’s eyes gleamed fiercely.

“Symbol? Are you talking about the flag?”

“That is correct. We just need to make a piece of cloth worth ten thousand gold.”

“Good!”

At Shin Suk-ju’s answer, Hyang clapped his knees in admiration and reflection at the same time.

‘That’s right! But to miss this even though I thought of the photo of the Taegeukgi being raised at the Central Government Building!’

In any case, Hyang, whose face had brightened, looked at Han Myeong-hoi and Seong Sam-mun.

“It seems like it would be okay for the Empire’s flag to enter the entrance of Rome first, but their flag to enter the Vatican first, what do you think?”

At Hyang’s question, Seong Sam-mun answered.

“Wouldn’t it be better to enter the Vatican together?”

“That is not the case. When entering an enemy city, looting will inevitably follow. If the Vatican is looted, there will definitely be repercussions. It is better to take a step back from the Vatican.”

“The Prime Minister’s words seem reasonable.”

Han Myeong-hoi opposed Seong Sam-mun’s suggestion, and Hyang sided with Han Myeong-hoi.

“Well, then it seems like we can proceed like this… Come to think of it, does Italy have a flag?”

“Ah!”

“We need to tell them to make a flag first.”

* * *

“…Looking at the movements of the Kingdom of Naples, it is certain that they will advance north. Therefore, I believe it is best for us to start advancing south as well.”

At Hyang’s words, Lorenzo de Medici’s face brightened.

“Is it finally the southern advance? Is it the entry into Rome?”

“Isn’t that something you should decide? I am just offering suggestions and advice.”

At Hyang’s words, Lorenzo immediately made a decision.

“Then we will start the southern advance! I will inform the alliance and tell them to prepare!”

“It seems that unification is finally in sight.”

“That’s right! All of this was possible thanks to the Empire’s help. Our Florence, no, Italy will never forget that help!”

“I only hope that the good relations between the two countries will continue for a long time. By the way…”

As Hyang trailed off slightly, Lorenzo quickly calmed his excitement and looked at Hyang. Seeing that Lorenzo was ready to listen, Hyang brought up the main point.

“To widely publicize the entry into Rome and the Vatican and the unification of Italy, I believe a symbol is needed.”

“If it’s a symbol, I will erect a sculpture that will remain in history!”

“There is something that needs to be made even before a sculpture. A flag.”

“A flag? We have flags with the emblems of the cities?”

“That is the symbol of the city, not the symbol of a unified Italy. Shouldn’t there be a flag that symbolizes a unified Italy? Like the Empire’s flag.”

“Ah!”

While preparing for the southern advance, the work of creating a flag also began. However, it was not an easy task at all. It was thanks to the stubbornness of Milan, Genoa, and Venice, who had become allies.

“It seems like the alliance will break apart at this rate.”

Shin Suk-ju, who was in charge of coordination, reported with an exhausted face, and Hyang stood up from his seat.

“This is just too much…”

And two days later, Shin Suk-ju presented a flag to the representatives of the alliance.

“His Majesty the Supreme Emperor asked what you think of this flag.”

“Huh?”

At Shin Suk-ju’s words, the representatives focused their attention on the flag.

“Green symbolizes the plains and forests of Italy, white symbolizes the eternal snow of the Alps, and red symbolizes the blood of those who fell for unification. And the four emblems engraved in the center symbolize the allied cities that participated in the unification.”

Listening to Shin Suk-ju’s explanation and examining the flag, the representatives answered in unison.

“It’s the best!”

“Then shall we adopt this flag?”

“Right now!”

In this way, the overheated atmosphere calmed down too easily. Meanwhile, Hyang, who received the report, looked out the window and grumbled.

“To have to spoon-feed them even this…?”

On the other hand, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who were sketching Hyang’s appearance from one side, repeatedly admired him.

“Indeed, he is a sage of the East!”

“He is not hindered by any problem! The title of sage is not enough!”

* * *

The Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Naples.

Alfonso II knelt on one knee before his father, King Ferdinand I, and reported.

“All preparations are complete, Your Majesty.”

“Then set out. For the glory of the kingdom and your future.”

“Yes!”