There Is No Sejong In My Joseon [EN]: Chapter 370

371. The Oath Alliance (2)

Thanks to the officials’ diligent efforts and close collaboration with Zhu Chi and the others, I was able to formulate a conclusion that would satisfy most of those attending the Oath Alliance.

In simple terms, the core agreements were as follows:

– The signatory nations shall ally against a common enemy.

The common enemy was, of course, understood to be the Ming Dynasty.

– If an enemy invades a signatory nation, they shall jointly respond at the summons of the alliance leader.

This was, in fact, the primary reason for convening the Oath Alliance.

It might seem like an automatic entry into war based on the alliance, but the reality was more nuanced.

The meaning of the signatory nations’ “joint response” was ultimately up to me, the alliance leader.

At its most minimal, it could simply involve Joseon and the signatory nations jointly issuing a statement of condemnation, right?

Most would interpret this as Joseon providing military assistance, and to maintain the Oath Alliance’s credibility, we would indeed have to offer some level of support.

Truly, it’s a matter of perspective, like a nose ring or an earring.

‘The Mongolians, in particular, seem to prefer this ambiguous stance.’

They clearly didn’t want to be dragged into a full-scale war with the Ming simply because a neighboring area was being punished for raiding the Ming border.

However, they also didn’t want to be abandoned if they were being crushed, so they seemed inclined to participate only when Joseon did.

If Joseon chose not to confront the Ming, then from their perspective, there was virtually no chance of winning anyway.

My authority as the alliance leader wasn’t limited to this.

– The Oath Alliance shall mediate disputes between the signatory nations.

It’s written that we’ll mediate disputes, but in reality, stopping conflicts with words alone is nearly impossible.

‘Smooth dispute resolution?’

That’s hardly my concern.

How can I possibly prevent them from fighting amongst themselves on that remote Mongolian plateau?

The ‘mediation’ stipulated in this clause will likely only serve to legitimize the victor.

‘And that’s the key.’

The Oath Alliance having the authority to recognize the winner.

This isn’t a significant loss for the winners either.

Rather than being ambushed in their sleep or constantly challenged by rivals seeking to usurp their power, it’s better to appease the Oath Alliance and receive official recognition.

Those aspiring to expand their influence would readily agree to this point.

What if they refuse? The Oath Alliance forces will be deployed under the guise of ‘mediation’.

Conversely, those who would be helplessly overwhelmed if a power struggle erupted also agreed to this clause.

“We’re just trying to make a living raising sheep anyway……”

“It’s better to have somewhere to seek refuge if someone threatens us.”

They would likely flee to us, trusting in the Oath Alliance’s mediation clause if they were losing a conflict.

The Oath Alliance would accept them under the pretense of protection, and in doing so, they would fall completely under the influence of the Oath Alliance, or rather, Joseon, just like the current Ta寧 Guard.

Recognizing the victor or absorbing the vanquished.

Either way, the authority of the Oath Alliance and Joseon will be further enhanced.

‘If there are gains, there must be concessions.’

Of course, if I only exercised these powers as the alliance leader without offering anything in return, this Oath Alliance would collapse like a sandcastle under the persuasion and pressure of the Ming.

To prevent such an unfortunate outcome, I decided to generously provide incentives as well.

That’s how this clause was added.

– The Oath Alliance shall provide weapons and other supplies for the security of the signatory nations.

It’s framed as support from the Oath Alliance, but since Joseon is the financier, it’s essentially coming out of my own pocket.

We’ve already accumulated considerable expertise in weapons support and military power enhancement projects through the Seongchung Project.

‘If we just distribute gunpowder weapons, the Ming will be driven to distraction, right?’

There’s no need to worry about a Yuan Dynasty [a dynasty established by Mongol Empire] 2.0 being born if we recklessly spread gunpowder weapons.

After all, our overwhelming advantage lies in firepower versus firepower.

If we lose to a handful of nomads, especially those who keep splitting like planarians [flatworms known for their ability to regenerate], we should just die of embarrassment.

These agreements were put to a vote and awaited approval.

It was decided by majority vote, but I wasn’t concerned about it being rejected in the first place.

The reason was simple.

Even the Jurchen chieftains under Joseon’s control, such as MeonTeoMu and Imanju, cast their votes separately.

As long as Joseon controls the Jurchens, there’s almost no chance of losing a vote, but it’s better to secure the consent of the majority to minimize opposition.

Fortunately, it passed unanimously without any issues and could be announced in my name as the alliance leader.

‘We launched the Oath Alliance with great fanfare, so we can’t start off on a sour note.’

Now that the Oath Alliance regulations had been finalized, it seemed like it was time to return.

However, it appeared the work wasn’t quite finished.

* * *

Ōuchi Mitsuyo had been radiating an odd intensity since he was summoned from Buyeo.

‘This is why I didn’t want to meet him.’

He was looking at me with burning eyes even while proclaiming the launch of the Oath Alliance to the heavens, which was quite unnerving.

However, Ōuchi Mitsuyo couldn’t read my mind, so he spoke with an excited expression.

“Your Majesty! I believe I understand the reason for my summons. Please, tell me quickly.”

I was rather taken aback by Mitsuyo’s eagerness.

‘The business is already concluded.’

My expected role was to provide validation by demonstrating to other countries that Ouchi was our subordinate.

Ōuchi Mitsuyo performed that role admirably, but now it seemed he had arrived believing he had other purposes.

He seemed impatient and brought up the main point without delay.

“I have heard the story of the man Your Majesty sent.

The late Daieoso originally intended to make his eldest grandson, Kashikomaru, his successor, but Gien and Sanboin Mansai forged the will and enthroned the current Shogun.”

“That man?”

The only exile I sent to Buyeo recently was a refugee who had smuggled himself out of Kyoto.

I sent him there to live quietly, but did he stir up the Ouchi clan?

Mitsuyo’s reaction suggests that’s the case.

“I have already conveyed the message to the main family. If my uncle learns of this fact, he will be greatly angered by Gien’s tyranny and raise a righteous army.”

Now, Mitsuyo’s face was filled with ambition, having found the justification to overthrow Kyoto.

‘Come to think of it, weren’t you the ones who started a rebellion and then botched it?’

As expected, the descendants of rebels are rebels.

It’s not quite on par with my family, who betrayed Goryeo [ancient Korean kingdom] three times and ultimately changed the dynasty, but the Ouchi clan deserves recognition for their tenacity.

I frowned slightly and asked.

“Isn’t that all just empty rhetoric?”

Then Ōuchi Mitsuyo said, feigning nonchalance.

“But isn’t it also possible that Gien’s claims are false? If so, I have chosen to believe that man’s words.”

This guy… Is he suggesting that the winning side dictates the truth?

Well, that’s often the case, but.

“I have deeply considered the meaning of Your Majesty sending that man to Buyeo.”

“Huh?”

“If we have the support of Joseon, achieving the main family’s ambition of conquering the world is by no means an impossible dream!”

Ōuchi Mitsuyo rattled off the concessions he could guarantee to Joseon if he succeeded in overthrowing Gien.

Of course, they weren’t proposals that particularly appealed to me.

‘This guy.’

We might be facing a full-scale war with the Ming Dynasty soon, and he wants me to turn Japan into an enemy?

It’s clear that it would be throwing away the advantage gained from the Oath Alliance, so why would I do that?

“Isn’t the evidence rather flimsy?”

“The man Your Majesty sent is a descendant of the prestigious Hosokawa family, who serve the Shogun.

Many will believe such a man’s words.”

Rather than those who believe, it means there are many who want to believe.

Compared to the unexpectedly smooth seizure of power, there seems to be a considerable undercurrent of discontent.

At best, it’s only simmering beneath the surface, but if there’s a compelling ‘testimony,’ it wouldn’t be impossible to bring it into the open.

“The regent seized power by suddenly mobilizing troops, so even if they don’t voice it, there must be many who are dissatisfied.”

This… Is it more feasible than I initially thought?

‘No, no matter what, this isn’t right.’

I almost succumbed to Ouchi’s tempting proposition for a moment, but I shook my head.

There wouldn’t be much to gain by meddling in Japan’s civil war.

On the other hand, what if Ouchi starts a rebellion and fails?

I don’t care if everyone with the Ouchi surname throws themselves into the sea, but who will supply our silver and copper?

Iwami and Kyushu are Joseon’s core vested interests that must be protected.

But if Ouchi, who controls those regions, collapses, it means Joseon across the sea would have to directly take control.

It’s nearly impossible to defend those territories from the shogunate that emerges victorious from the civil war.

Especially in these critical times, I wanted to avoid getting involved with Japan even more.

‘Now is the time to warn them against any rash actions.’

“I’m making it clear, Joseon has no intention of supporting this.”

“Your Majesty!”

Ōuchi Mitsuyo exclaimed with a bewildered expression.

When did I ever say I would support you?

You’re the one who was swayed by the words of a refugee from the start; it’s your own fault.

However, as Ōuchi Mitsuyo’s fervor demonstrates, there’s no guarantee that Ōuchi will heed my words.

The temptation to overthrow the shogunate and control Japan must be incredibly strong.

Perhaps he intends to confront them head-on even without Joseon’s support.

But traditionally, the one who initiates a rebellion doesn’t get to claim all the spoils.

“When the mandate of heaven [the belief that the ruler is chosen by the heavens] shifts, there is always someone who rises before the ruler, preparing the groundwork for the imperial enterprise in advance.

Before Han Gaozu [founder of the Han dynasty], Chen Sheng rose, and before Ming Taizu [founder of the Ming dynasty], King Xiaoming (Han Lin’er, the leader of the Red Turbans) rose, all stemming from this principle.”

“Does that mean……?”

“Since your regent has seized control of the court and the shogunate, it is not a wise strategy to confront them immediately.

While you completely pacify Kyushu and build a strong foundation, how about seeking out those who will light the fuse first?”

The one who starts the rebellion will inevitably be the first to bear the brunt of the still-intact court’s offensive.

If the shogunate, exhausted from fighting the rebellion, falters, then Ouchi can rise up, or simply build up strength while consolidating Kyushu.

Mitsuyo’s eyes flickered at my words.

“After listening, Your Majesty’s words seem to be correct.”

Yes, yes, if you truly aspire to dominate the world, you have to use your head.

Of course, that’s not my real intention.

‘Don’t do anything unnecessary and focus on pacifying Kyushu.’

Kyushu is rich in not only copper but also various resources.

If it’s not an anti-shogunate struggle but a conquest of Kyushu, I’m willing to lend a hand.

While the Kyushu daimyos [feudal lords] are fighting with Ouchi, I’ll subtly undermine them.

‘Come to think of it, my daughter said she’s become quite close with the Ryukyu [island kingdom south of Japan] crown prince.’

It’s Dan-i’s one-sided account, but I believe she wouldn’t fabricate something like that.

The Ryukyu crown prince is here, so I should take a look at him later and inquire.

In addition, I decided to bestow one special privilege upon Ouchi.

I looked at Mitsuyo with a benevolent expression and asked.

“You must have suffered greatly for not being able to engage in piracy all this time, right?”

“That……! We have never participated in piracy, even against the vile Shoni clan!”

Who are you trying to fool?

Piracy isn’t governed by some kind of certification system; if there are members of your clan who wield swords and sail on ships, that’s piracy.

Ouchi had been acting as a piracy crackdown team, monitoring our every move, but now there’s no reason to suppress their piratical instincts.

“Now that you have pacified the So clan, those individuals must have joined your ranks, correct? Inform them that they can now resume their piracy.”

Of course, I’m not telling them to target Joseon.

Rather, there’s prey that’s much more abundant and has weaker defenses, isn’t there?

I was planning to usher in an era of rampant piracy along the Ming Dynasty’s coast.