There Is No Sejong In My Joseon [EN]: Chapter 280

Francisco’s idea wasn’t exactly groundbreaking, even for that time.

Attempts to dig the Suez Canal had been proposed since the Gojoseon period [ancient Korean kingdom, roughly 2333-108 BCE].

Though currently blocked, reviving the idea wasn’t particularly novel, considering that Persia, after conquering Egypt, had initially opened the canal and used it for transporting goods and manpower for a thousand years.

Especially since Venice was a city renowned for its canals. Venice is synonymous with canals, and canals with Venice, right?

Historically, when Portugal rounded the Cape of Good Hope and accessed the spice trade, a concerned Venice approached the Mamluks [a medieval Egyptian dynasty] to construct the Suez Canal.

So, Francisco’s idea to dig a canal was very much in the Venetian spirit.

His colleagues, however, thought he was just spouting wishful thinking after finally arriving in Joseon [historical Korean kingdom, 1392-1897] following such a difficult journey.

“You’re going to try to persuade the council with that?”

“Why not? We’ve confirmed the product’s effectiveness, haven’t we? If the council believes us and we can persuade those Mamluks, the profits from Indian spices won’t even compare!”

It wasn’t a terrible plan.

The problem was that it was too ambitious for mere merchants under the Sorancho Company to realistically pursue.

“You’re crazy.”

“If you’re elected as a journeyman, I’ll support your plan.”

Their immediate concern was acquiring Biak [a valuable medicinal product] and selling it in Venice, not the grand scheme of digging a canal to facilitate that.

In reality, they were just merchants who had lost their entire investment and were now essentially beggars.

Disappointed by his colleagues’ lack of vision, Francisco decided he needed to secure the backing of a powerful figure.

Specifically, from Joseon, the source of Biak.

Of course, his colleagues scoffed at how he would convince people who didn’t even know where Suez was, but—

“That’s a good idea. Let’s do it immediately.”

There was only one person in Joseon who truly understood the potential value of the Suez Canal.

===

The “barbarians” from the Office of Guest Affairs requested an audience, claiming to have important information, but naturally, their request was denied.

The King doesn’t grant audiences to foreign merchants simply because they ask.

The previous meeting? That was merely an interrogation, a judgment of captured criminals.

But naturally, reports still reached me, including the ‘outrageous remarks made by these barbarians while requesting an audience.’

‘Dig a canal in Suez?’

Was that even feasible with current technology?

‘Well, our neighbors are constructing a grand canal from north to south, so why not Suez?’

I know that Venice is a beautiful city because of its canals.

Considering that, it seems Venetians share a passion for canals with the Chinese.

No one appreciates the value of the Suez Canal as much as I do, a person from the modern era.

While cargo traffic isn’t as heavy as in modern times, who knows what might happen once the canal is operational?

‘Possibilities aside, they have more audacity than I initially thought.’

I had assumed they were just con artists, but they’re simply merchants with a bold business plan.

They must possess this level of daring to travel halfway around the world to Joseon.

And forging national letters along the way.

“Bring those Baenaeguk [assumed name for Venice] merchants back.”

“Your Majesty?”

The officials’ faces paled.

They probably think I’m channeling the spirit of Emperor Yang of Sui [infamous for his grand canal project and subsequent downfall].

Don’t worry.

I’m the one who initiated offshore navigation because the Gulpo Canal [a smaller, less successful canal project] didn’t yield sufficient returns.

The faces of the men being dragged back were different this time.

They were still trembling with fear, but there was a glimmer of hope in their eyes because I had summoned them personally.

I looked at Francisco and asked.

“You’re not suggesting we dig the canal ourselves, so what is it you want?”

“Great ruler of Joseon, we request that you send an envoy to Venice.”

I knew it.

Even if you’ve verified the effectiveness of Biak, you’ll be dismissed as liars trying to perpetrate a scam since you’re penniless.

A more credible guarantee is needed to undertake a massive national project like the Suez Canal.

“You want us to send an envoy to officially establish relations with Baenaeguk?”

“Yes.”

“And, incidentally, vouch for your claims?”

Look at these guys.

Trying to leverage a diplomatic mission as a business guarantee?

“Of course not. If the monarch of the East sends an envoy to Venice, we will take the lead in assisting. Our Venice is a powerful country in Europe and maintains friendly relations with the Mamluks. If the three countries collaborate, that mysterious medicine from Joseon will become incredibly popular in Europe.”

They don’t even have enough money to return home, yet their words are so persuasive.

Our envoys can’t deny the existence of Biak, so they will eventually achieve their objective.

I said solemnly.

“Our Joseon communicates with the countries of Nanyang [Southeast Asia] as a Baekguji [tributary state] because they have already received the mandate and calendar from the Ming Emperor [Chinese dynasty, 1368-1644]. Your Baenaeguk has no prior connection with our country, so why should we initiate communication?”

So, what’s in it for us?

If you look closely, there are potential benefits.

Venice and the Mamluks can dig the canal, and if successful, we can access the European market without exerting much effort.

‘But?’

Biak is selling as quickly as it’s produced.

With a voracious consumer like Ming next door, no matter how much we increase production, it’s never enough.

Even if Biak production eventually exceeds demand, it’s not a major concern.

Biak is a completely monopolized product from the outset, and we can simply convert any surplus into gunpowder.

I silently observed the Venetians.

In reality, since these individuals aren’t official diplomatic representatives of Venice but merely merchants seeking El Dorado, they can’t guarantee anything.

Any promises they make are likely empty.

Ultimately, we’ll have to travel to Venice ourselves and negotiate.

But this man’s idea had merit.

We need a guide regardless.

“Your Majesty, what are you planning to do?”

Hwang Hee [a high-ranking official] asked from the side.

This old man has served me for over 10 years, so he must have sensed that I’ve made a decision.

Though he doesn’t understand it.

Well, it’s understandable from the officials’ perspective.

The men who impersonated national envoys and were punished are now asking us to send an envoy so they can sell Biak in a place no one knows about.

Isn’t that absurd and deserving of immediate dismissal?

I would have thought the same if I hadn’t been contemplating contact with Europe.

‘But we must consider the long-term implications.’

Since I initiated the Age of Exploration led by Joseon.

Joseon has emerged as a significant player in the Indian Ocean trade thanks to Ming’s support, the acquisition of Singapore, and the availability of various popular products.

But it’s still not sufficient.

We need to connect the entire world and continuously introduce people, goods, ideas, and culture into Joseon.

India is already within our sphere of influence, so let’s extend our reach further.

If sending an envoy opens the door to Europe, wouldn’t that be advantageous?

‘And let’s get involved in the Suez project.’

The Suez Canal.

I doubt a canal will be dug in Suez solely because of Biak, but there’s nothing to lose by trying.

We didn’t anticipate Singapore’s success, so why can’t we participate here?

“While the Baenaeguk merchants are untrustworthy, it’s true that there are many countries beyond Cheonchuk [ancient name for India], each claiming to have kings and rulers.

How about we venture out and expand our influence?”

“Is this a region that even the great country [Ming] hasn’t explored yet?”

“That’s correct.”

We have been following in the footsteps of the Zheng He fleet [Ming dynasty naval expeditions].

It was beneficial to leverage Ming’s power and establish the justification for communication as friendship between vassal states.

But if we exchange envoys with Venice, which has no connection with Ming, it would be tantamount to declaring diplomatic independence.

I don’t intend to publicize this, but at least my court will understand my intentions.

“We will send an envoy with them as guides to visit the various rulers of the borderlands and discuss practical ways to communicate and trade.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty.”

It’s good to have achievements.

‘Why?’

Even the officials who are expressing reservations aren’t openly opposing it.

Communication with other countries has become commonplace for Joseon, so they must be accustomed to it.

Then there’s the issue of personnel.

When I looked at Min Mu-gu, he said with a determined expression.

“Your Majesty! Please kill me!”

“…I wasn’t considering sending my uncle.”

Even if I disregarded the glares that Queen Wongyeong, who had recently reconciled with her brother, would give me, wouldn’t it be a disaster to send such a racist uncle to handle diplomacy?

‘But he seems to have managed the Singapore administration effectively.’

People have their designated roles.

So please don’t look at me with that expression as if you’re about to commit suicide right now.

‘Then it’s Yoo Jeong-hyeon.’

When I looked at him, Yoo Jeong-hyeon’s soul seemed to leave his body.

But since he has been involved in everything from accompanying Zheng He’s expedition to managing the Jowa Communication Company and the Singapore Governor-General’s Office, there is no one more suitable than him.

“It won’t take long. Prepare a national letter and dispatch him on a ship waiting in Cheonghaejin.”

The Venetians, who had suddenly become guides, asked in surprise.

“It’s not easy to travel south now that it’s autumn. Wouldn’t it be better to spend the winter and depart later…?”

It takes months to reach their destination, so if they finish preparing and leave, they’ll probably spend the winter near the equator.

Anyway, it’s essentially the same near the equator, regardless of summer or winter.

You have to strike while the iron is hot, right?

===

Biak couldn’t be transported due to its expiration date, but the ship was filled with our popular products such as porcelain and ginseng.

The Venetians’ eyes widened at the sight of those items alone.

They must have realized that they could be used for trade, even if Biak wasn’t available.

The Europeans departed with the ship after a brief interaction.

Shortly after that, something much more significant happened to me personally.

The birth of Joo So-hwa.

I couldn’t be caught off guard by the birth process again, so I tried to remain calm this time, but can people truly control their emotions that easily?

While I was frantically pacing outside the delivery room, a piercing cry erupted from within, and the door opened slightly.

“How is it?”

I asked anxiously, and the midwife wiped away her sweat and said.

“Congratulations, Your Majesty.”

“The Queen? Is the baby alright?”

I don’t care if it’s a son or a daughter.

Dan is already there, and this is our second child.

As long as they are healthy, I wouldn’t be surprised either way.

“Yes, the Queen has given birth to a healthy princess…”

But the midwife’s answer exceeded my expectations.

“…twin daughters.”

Twins?