There Is No Sejong In My Joseon [EN]: Chapter 341

342. The Treaty of Amity and Commerce Between Joseon and Japan (2)

The reason for saying this was simple.

‘Hokkaido is now under our protection, so don’t interfere.’

It would be troublesome if someone else tried to get involved in developing the northern sea route to the Pacific.

The shogunate’s envoy, upon hearing my stern warning, bowed deeply and said,

“The Ezo people [Ainu people, the indigenous people of Hokkaido] are fierce and difficult to govern, but it is fortunate that they have respectfully submitted to the King.

I hope you will spread the King’s benevolence far and wide.”

‘I wonder if they’re genuinely okay with it, or just pretending.’

If both Ryukyu [Okinawa] and Hokkaido come under our influence, the north and south of Japan will be bordered by Joseon’s territory.

However, from the perspective of this era, it might look different.

‘Are they thinking that a group who can’t even effectively use iron poses no threat to us, even if they become our vassals?’

Since the shogunate is in Kyoto, even the Kanto region, the modern center of Japan, is currently being treated as a kind of backwater.

In the midst of all that, they probably don’t want to provoke a few Ainu tribes living far away in Hokkaido who are submitting to us, and risk breaking off friendly relations with Joseon.

Well, my own officials think the same thing.

I decided to take the opportunity to emphasize Ryukyu’s independence to the shogunate’s envoy.

“Ryukyu is also a place that has been formally invested by the Ming Emperor. It also has a great friendship with Joseon, so I hope there will be no conflicts that disrupt our friendly relations.”

“Ryukyu is a country with a long history, but it is a small land in the south, and our Shogun does not pay much attention to it. There will be nothing to worry about, Your Majesty.”

“Hmm.”

I nodded in satisfaction at their expression of ‘Do whatever you want, whether you plant your flag or not.’

In fact, I was going to do whatever I wanted regardless of what the shogunate said, but it’s better not to have anyone pointlessly interfering.

With this, Hokkaido and Ryukyu, the bases for venturing out into their respective seas, came completely under our influence with Japan’s tacit consent.

Well, if they interfere, it means they’re willing to fight the Ming clan, which would be difficult for the shogunate.

The issue of Tsushima Island, which is a bit sensitive for the shogunate, also went similarly.

Even though Tsushima Island is a remote island that is out of the central government’s interest, ceding it to Joseon altogether could escalate into a political problem.

However, since they can’t directly clash with Joseon, the shogunate seemed to have decided to gloss over it.

“The Shugo [Military governor] of Tsushima has conveyed that as long as he continues to be loyal to the shogunate by continuing the ancestral rites, the Shogun will respect the special relationship with Joseon.”

A condition is attached that the Tsushima Shugo, that is, the lord of Tsushima, must be loyal to Japan, but the lord of Tsushima already has no real power.

Saying that they will respect the special relationship with Joseon means that they won’t care whether we ‘grill or boil’ [do whatever we want with] the lord of Tsushima, who is formally a Japanese vassal, as long as he keeps his life.

I have no intention of cutting off the So clan’s ancestral rites either. Let them diligently perform ancestral rites in a corner of their castle.

“In fact, it is common in our country for a powerful subject to wield great power on behalf of the lord if the lord has difficulty ruling. The situation in Tsushima seems to be of this kind, so we have not bothered to make an issue of it until now.”

Right, isn’t your Shogun ruling under such a pretext?

I will continue to rule by proxy as you wish.

After the shogunate’s envoy accepted most of our demands, they now presented their own.

“Rather, what do you think about our Shogun sending tribute ships directly to inquire about your well-being once or twice a year? Our envoys have been docking at Dongnae and traveling overland to Hanseong, but please consider moving it to Byeongnando.”

What the shogunate wanted was a form of trade similar to tributary trade [a system of trade and diplomacy where other states acknowledge China’s supremacy].

Is it natural since tributary trade is the East Asian standard?

Of course, it doesn’t mean they will pay tribute to us, but rather that they want to exchange envoys more frequently and regularly.

Of course, those envoys would board tribute ships and engage in trade in addition to diplomatic affairs.

“Open Byeongnando?”

Byeongnando is becoming the most prosperous trading port in East Asia, so it is natural that they want to participate.

However, there are pros and cons to this.

If Japanese envoys come overland through Dongnae, they will inevitably become familiar with the road conditions in Joseon.

The added anxiety is that a large Japanese army might come along that road later.

Although the Imjin War [Japanese invasions of Korea in the late 16th century] may not happen since I ascended the throne and history has been twisted.

However, since Byeongnando is close to Hanseong, my officials will likely oppose it.

‘It’s not like Byeongnando’s defenses will be breached by a ship launched by the shogunate.’

More than anything, if we open Byeongnando, wouldn’t our ships be able to enter Kyoto via Akamagaseki?

Considering the difference in naval power, who would feel more threatened in an emergency?

Despite the opposition from my officials, I readily accepted it.

Thus, the agreed-upon contents were as follows:

1. Both countries will exchange envoys and tribute ships twice a year as a sign of friendship.

2. Japan will not interfere with Ryukyu, a tributary state of the Ming Dynasty, and Ezo, a vassal of Joseon.

3. Joseon will preserve the family and position of the lord of Tsushima. Instead, the shogunate will not interfere at all with the actual rule of Tsushima and the special relationship between Joseon and Tsushima.

“Is this enough?”

“I will have to report to our Shogun and receive a reply, but he will probably agree willingly.”

The Shogun would have no reason to refuse.

Ryukyu and Hokkaido are not their lands, and Tsushima is a troublesome island that is difficult to reclaim.

How happy would they be to give those up and open trade with Joseon?

However, I also gave up something insignificant and got what I wanted.

Since we were both satisfied, it’s fair to say it was a win-win situation.

Even Yi Je, the guardian of this fair trade, feels warm inside.

* * *

Our court and the shogunate were both satisfied, but the Ouchi clan took it seriously.

Whether he had made many connections to deliver such news while staying in Joseon, Ouchi Mitsuyo rushed over immediately.

“We have been a family with the Upper Kingdom [Joseon] and have maintained a long friendship, but I am afraid that we have done something to displease the Upper Kingdom by opening Byeongnando to the shogunate.”

“It’s just exchanging tribute ships twice a year. Besides, aren’t you also vassals of the shogunate?”

He calls himself a vassal in front of us and pays tribute, but Ouchi and his territory strictly belong to Japan.

It would take a great deal of resolve for Ouchi to openly express dissatisfaction with the shogunate’s decision.

However, Ouchi, who has staked his life on his relationship with Joseon, must be uneasy.

‘The army that Joseon created, the silver mine that Joseon owns, the silk that Joseon exports.’

The money and army that Ouchi has are virtually from Joseon.

I’m sure he believes that we wouldn’t give that to the shogunate, but he must be uneasy.

“Our court has been trading with the Ouchi clan for a long time, but if we refuse to trade with the shogunate altogether, wouldn’t their suspicion be directed at the Ouchi clan?”

Besides, you guys have a lot to feel guilty about.

Like gunpowder and Jurchen mercenaries.

“The shogunate is temporarily in charge of governing, but we are vassals of the Emperor, not vassals of the Shogun.”

Then Ouchi Mitsuyo made a meaningful remark.

“Someday, we will have to clear up our current ambiguous position.”

Is he saying that he will go to Kyoto, take the Emperor, and fight the shogunate?

“Can we borrow the power of Joseon when the time comes?”

“Aren’t we family? We should help each other if there is anything we can do to help.”

Ouchi Mitsuyo smiled brightly as if he had taken it as a sign of approval, but I was only speaking in principle.

“It is truly fortunate that you still consider us family. After all, the royal family’s clan is Jeonju, and Jeonju is none other than Wansan of old Baekje [an ancient Korean kingdom], isn’t it?”

If we were to trace the origins of the royal family, it would go back to Yi Han, a central figure in Silla [another ancient Korean kingdom], but I didn’t particularly mention that point.

Originally, friendship is built by grandly exaggerating even weak ties and appropriately ignoring the problematic parts.

However, Ouchi Mitsuyo seemed to have gained courage from my lip service and decided to take it a step further.

“Since Your Majesty cherishes my family so much, I would like to say something, relying on your utmost favor. My uncle has a very beautiful and virtuous younger sister, and I have often heard him say that he cannot find a suitable match for her in the country.”

I get it.

The beauty trap always works.

Does he mean to bring in a concubine for me?

Ouchi Mitsuyo, glancing at my expression, changed his words while bowing his head.

“…However, my uncle has a daughter who is more beautiful than that, and when I went to the capital this time and saw His Highness the Crown Prince, who is so handsome, I couldn’t help but think of her and brought it up.

Since Your Majesty considers us as one family, wouldn’t it be a beautiful thing if the two royal descendants were united?”

I looked down at Ouchi Mitsuyo without answering.

His intentions are too obvious.

Now that the shogunate’s envoy has returned after concluding the trade treaty, voices of condemnation will surely erupt from the Ouchi main family, questioning what Ouchi Mitsuyo has been doing.

‘He’s probably trying to somehow create a connection with our royal family in preparation for that time.’

Even if it’s not a definite answer but just empty words, he can make up for it as long as he gets a positive response.

“Is this the intention of the head of the Ouchi clan?”

Ouchi Mitsuyo was sweating profusely.

“That is not the case. However, I believe that there is nothing better than this to deepen the friendship between the two families…”

“There is a king in the country, and there are elders in the family, so how can you bring up such a matter without permission?”

“I am sorry, Your Majesty!”

Ouchi Mitsuyo prostrated himself and apologized.

However, there was a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

My words could be interpreted as meaning that I might give a positive answer if he gets the approval of Ouchi Morimi, the head of the clan.

I subtly avoided his gaze and said.

“More than anything, the Crown Prince is not yet married. How can I bring in even a concubine before there is a princess?”

A faint look of disappointment briefly crossed Ouchi Mitsuyo’s face.

My words made it clear that I had no intention of bringing in a foreigner as the Crown Prince’s consort, even if it was a state marriage.

However, from his point of view, this would be more than enough.

“As Your Majesty said, it would be right to ask my uncle first. I apologize once again!”

* * *

The Ouchi’s marriage proposal seemed to end as a happening, but there are no secrets in the court.

“His Highness the Crown Prince is the one who has inherited all the precious blood of our royal family and the Ming imperial family, and he is the one who will be responsible for the succession of the country!”

“The Ouchi clan is merely a daimyo [feudal lord] of the Wa Emperor [Japanese Emperor], so how dare they presumptuously desire marriage with the foundation of the nation!”

“Didn’t you say that the story has already been rejected?”

‘To think they’d react like this to just hearing a proposal.’

If I ever find out which loose-lipped Seungji [Royal Secretariat] it was…

I don’t think the opposition was this fierce when I got married.

I’m sure that racist Min Mu-gu has tainted all the court officials.

“Wouldn’t they just be testing the waters?”

“Even if it is a probing remark, it is still disrespectful as it was said about the foundation of the nation! We must arrest and interrogate the Ouchi clan…”

“Oh, come on. It’s not something to think about so seriously!”

Only after I shouted at the top of my lungs did the officials finally calm down.

Well, the prestigious families of this country maintain their fame and power through marriage with the royal family.

I was marrying a Ming princess, so they couldn’t openly object, but if both generations are all international marriages, complaints will inevitably arise.

“Even if we bring in the daughter of the Ouchi clan, we will not bring her in as the consort.”

I have lived my whole life as a man of faith. Why don’t you believe me?

In fact, I didn’t particularly intend to bring in a foreigner as the Crown Princess either.

‘Well, if it’s a concubine…’

There’s no reason to object.

What was the reason why Emperor Yongle brought in not only Empress Xu, who was the consort, but also the daughters of meritorious subjects, and even Jurchens, as concubines?

It was to have many descendants, or because Emperor Yongle was a lecherous person, but basically, political considerations were underlying it.

Considering the relationship with Ouchi, it wouldn’t be bad to bring in one as Dan’s concubine.

My concubine?

Imagining Ju So-hwa holding her head and lying down makes my head throb, so that won’t work.

…She’s already lying down after hearing this story, though.