There Is No Sejong In My Joseon [EN]: Chapter 371

372. Forming Alliances (1)

The Ming dynasty, which rose after driving out the Yuan, ruled the former masters who had been pushed back to the steppes with a simple but effective method:

The carrot and the stick.

If they were obedient, they would be appeased with titles, money, and goods.

If they resisted, they would be mercilessly whipped and crushed.

The Ming was virtually the only country that could supply goods to the Mongol tribes, and the Ming army’s fist was always near.

Therefore, they had no choice but to move as they were divided. However, the trade routes that Joseon had opened up in the meantime created a common interest for them.

That was why the Oirat’s invasion of Jiayuguan [a major pass of the Great Wall, located in present-day Gansu province] was such a painful fact.

Jiayuguan did not fall despite the Oirat’s large-scale offensive, and the Oirat also withdrew without hesitation when the Ming dynasty reinforced its troops, but that did not mean that the shock would easily subside.

When the news of the ‘Oath of Jinju’ arrived in Nanjing, the Ming officials’ concerns deepened even further.

“An oath…”

“Whose permission did he get…”

The officials were afraid that the Emperor’s wrath would pour out, but the Xuande Emperor was surprisingly calm.

He had already branded Yi Je, the King of Joseon, as a traitor, so it would be ridiculous to get angry that he didn’t ask for his permission to call himself Emperor or hold an oath.

What could not be overlooked more than the oath itself was the list of countries in the alliance.

“I heard that even the Wokou [Japanese pirates] from the south have joined.”

“The Wokou have always been a concern since the beginning of the dynasty. Although their numbers have decreased recently, it would be a big problem if they become rampant again under the pretext of the so-called oath.”

The Wokou had temporarily stopped piracy thanks to pressure (mainly from Joseon) and the promising alternative occupation of mercenaries.

However, now that Joseon had turned its blade, there was a high possibility that the Wokou would swarm again.

While the officials were all prostrate, a sharp voice was heard from the throne.

“I heard that Emperor Taejo had Tang He raise 60,000 troops and build 300 warships to stop the Wokou. Zhu Ying, can I entrust this project to you?”

“I will do my best with all my loyalty!”

This was not the late Ming dynasty, which was plagued by corruption and foreign invasions.

In the original history, the Ming dynasty entered its golden age of the Rule of Ren and Xuan at this time.

Although the butterfly effect caused by a certain modern person has slightly faded its light, it is no exaggeration to say that now is the time when the Ming dynasty’s national power is at its peak.

Raising tens of thousands of troops to stop the Wokou is as easy as breathing.

“Order Zhili, Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, and Guangdong to build warships to stop the Wokou. The Wokou must never be allowed to invade our territory.”

The voice that came down this time was directed to another side.

“Zheng He, can you subjugate Ryukyu [an island chain in East Asia, now part of Japan]?”

Zheng He paused for a moment to sort out his thoughts, then lowered his voice so as not to upset the Emperor.

“It is possible, but the practical benefits will not be great.”

Ryukyu is far away from Ming.

If Ryukyu is invaded, Joseon will immediately intervene, so even if they succeed in occupying it by surprise, it will be difficult to maintain.

In the first place, it was difficult to call Ryukyu the main enemy.

“Although Ryukyu is friendly with Joseon, we do not know if they have really joined the oath.

First, send an envoy to sternly rebuke them and find out their true intentions. Mobilizing troops is the next step.”

“The Grand Eunuch is absolutely right. In addition, I have a plan as well.”

Yang Shiqi stepped forward without hesitation and said.

“The reason why Joseon convened the so-called oath is to attract the northern and southern barbarians and make them allies. If that really happens, the Celestial Dynasty will have to make enemies on all sides, so we must never let that happen.”

Yang Shiqi’s words were meant to create a breach in the pressure that Joseon was exerting on Ming.

“As for the Wokou, the King of Japan, Minamoto no Yoshimitsu (足利義満, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the 3rd shogun of the Muromachi shogunate) has already promised that it was not his country’s intention and that he would strictly control them.”

Since Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the shogun who was appointed King of Japan by the Yongle Emperor, died, the tributary relationship between the two countries has broken down.

Yang Shiqi suggested that the current cold relationship between Ming and Japan should be renewed.

“However, I heard that the inside of Japan is chaotic, so they will want to be friendly with other countries.

Furthermore, it would be a great concern for them if the Wokou were to act on the orders of the King of Joseon rather than their own king, so if we can bring their court into the fold, we can naturally suppress the rise of the Wokou.”

Once the floodgates were opened, similar suggestions followed one after another.

“There are many among the northern barbarians who do not follow Joseon.

Most of them remember the majesty of the Celestial Dynasty, so greatly expand the markets and make them border guards (藩屛) [vassal states].”

“I heard that the Muslims among the southern barbarians have been loyal thanks to the grace of the Yongle Emperor, and they do not get along well with the Kingdom of Java, which is Joseon’s ally.

Although their power has declined due to the monks, there are still countries that have preserved their dynasties, so raise them up to confront the Kingdom of Java.”

“Annam [historical name for Vietnam] will also become a great concern if we turn our backs on them. Fortunately, the Le family has already accepted the appointment and is obedient, but appease them so that they do not join Joseon.”

The aftermath of Yi Je’s declaration of the oath was shaking even the Ming dynasty and spreading throughout Asia.

Finally, on the stage of the world, a huge alliance (合從連橫) [a strategy of forming alliances] was about to begin.

* * *

Mount Mona (母納山), located in a corner of Inner Mongolia.

Adai Khan, who had been holed up here and barely breathing since Arugtai’s downfall, belatedly heard the contents of the oath.

“Everyone, they all decided to participate in the oath?”

“Yes, Great Khan. Not only the Mongols, but also the Jurchens and tribes from all over that I have never heard of have gathered and sworn to uphold the King of Joseon as their leader.”

“Why didn’t anyone tell me!”

No matter how ruined he was, he was the Great Khan of the Mongols.

Moreover, now that Eseku, who had competed with him for the throne, had fallen, he was the one and only Great Khan of the Mongols!

But why didn’t they ask for his permission and go to Jinju to bow down to the King of Joseon?

“…….”

However, no answer came back even if he resentfully got angry.

Rather, the person he had sent to Jinju looked around and then said this.

“Great Khan, shouldn’t we put our name on the oath even now?”

“What? Why?”

Adai had already heard the news that Yi Je, the King of Joseon, was holding an oath in Jinju.

However, he could not bring himself to attend.

No matter what anyone said, he was the Great Khan of the Mongols.

He could not stand under the stage himself and help the King of Joseon’s vassals uphold him as their leader, especially since all he had left was his dignity as the Great Khan.

He had no regrets about that, but when the envoy he had sent to find out about the contents of the oath said this, his brow furrowed greatly.

“In the Oath of Jinju, it was said that if a dispute arises between the allied groups, the oath will take charge of mediating it.”

In the meantime, Adai showed a relieved expression, saying it was a fortunate thing.

“That’s good news. Now they won’t be able to bite each other easily, so we’ll be able to take a breather.”

“That’s not true. Mediation will only be provided for disputes between the signatory countries, so where will the blades of those who have lost their opponents to rampage be directed?”

Then, Adai’s mind clearly pictured what would happen in the future.

Mediation is a right guaranteed only to the signatory countries of the oath, so those who are not included will not receive any protection.

No, birds of a feather flock together.

Beyond not being protected, it is obvious that even if he suddenly falls down and dies by the sword of the guys who invaded, the oath will take their side.

“Hmm……!”

Adai’s eyes widened.

He didn’t want to believe that there would be so many who would directly point a sword at him, the Great Khan, but unfortunately, there were already many precedents.

Even if he only counted the Great Khans who had ascended the throne before him, how many of them had lived out their natural lives and died?

If he had known this would happen, he would have had someone sign the oath on his behalf.

“It’s not too late yet. Send someone to express your intention to participate in the Oath of Jinju, even belatedly.”

“But, I, the Great Khan, am equal to the leaders of the various tribes……?”

Even in name only, he is the Great Khan of all Mongols.

Although the scattered Mongol tribes are joining and separating, so he doesn’t have much say, isn’t he being told to put his name on the oath in the same position as his vassals?

“The King of Joseon also participated in the oath together with the Jurchen leaders under his command.”

“But isn’t he the leader?”

Adai was still worried, but earnest requests from those around him continued.

“The forces of the world are already divided and attached to each other. Those who do not participate in the oath will be regarded as attached to the Ming dynasty and will be attacked first.”

“…….”

“If not, there is no choice but to surrender to the Ming dynasty.”

Adai clenched his fist tightly.

“If I surrender to Ming, they will give me a royal title and help me restore my power.”

As someone who had been chased away by the Ming’s attack and holed up in Mount Mona, it was quite an enticing offer.

It was not uncommon for influential figures in Mongolia to be appointed by the Ming.

Immediately, Arugtai, who had enthroned him, had been appointed Prince Hwaryeong by the Ming, and Mahamud of the Oirat had been appointed Prince Sunnyeong.

However, that is only because they are vassals.

He, the Great Khan, could not choose such a path.

No matter who denies it, he is the Great Khan of the Mongols.

Even if he has to bow his head to Joseon for a while, he cannot become a vassal of the Ming dynasty altogether.

Adai had no choice but to make a decision.

“Send…… an envoy to Joseon.”

In this way, the name of the Great Khan of Mongolia was added to the Oath of Jinju.

* * *

However, unlike Adai’s choice, there were many who accepted the Ming’s appeasement in the divided Mongolia.

They were mainly those who were tempted by the carrots offered by the Ming, such as Toghto Bukha (脫脫不花).

In the original history, he is a figure who joins hands with Toghon of the Oirat and ascends to the throne as Taisun Khan. He had already expressed his intention to surrender to the Ming in 1409, but then withdrew his intention and returned.

“The one that Taejong could not obtain has surrendered to me!”

The Xuande Emperor welcomed him and appointed him Prince of Beining (北寧王), while at the same time, he tried to dilute the repercussions of the oath by promoting this extensively.

On the other hand, there were also those who did not like him, of course.

Toghon, the leader of the Oirat, and his son Esen were such people.

“Toghto Bukha has finally joined the Ming.”

“What a foolish man.”

Toghon clicked his tongue.

Toghon, who had been secretly considering linking up with Toghto Bukha, could not help but be disappointed by his betrayal.

Toghon had originally been drawing a big picture of enthroning him, defeating Adai, and seizing hegemony over Mongolia, but it seems that Toghto Bukha thought differently.

Now that Adai Khan has sided with Joseon, it seems that he has judged that it is more realistic to join the Ming dynasty and become the Ming’s candidate for Great Khan.