There Is No Sejong In My Joseon [EN]: Chapter 45

“The matchlocks must be taken back to the mainland, no matter what,” Hwang-eom declared upon returning to the state guest house.

“Even if it weren’t the case that the newly enthroned Emperor is paying special attention to national defense, imagine the great service we would be doing by bringing matchlocks from Joseon!”

He says ‘we,’ but in reality, it’s all about Envoy Hwang-eom’s achievement. However, the delegation did not bother to point that out.

“If there’s anything that bothers me, it’s that their description is slightly different from what we heard about the matchlocks before.”

“Those guys only saw it once from a distance half a year ago. So, they can’t be sure. They said they reduced cannons to make matchlocks, and the principles we heard are similar, so it must be matchlocks.”

“But will the Joseon people give them up easily?”

Lee Bang-won said he would give the matchlocks but kept delaying it. He used the Crown Prince’s opposition as an excuse.

Hwang-eom glared.

“What if they don’t give them?”

The Yongle Emperor had set a minimum tribute but gave Hwang-eom broad discretion. Hwang-eom took it as how much he could squeeze out of Joseon, but the real issue was what to squeeze out. Hwang-eom had inflated the bill he presented to Joseon considerably, but after seeing the matchlocks, he didn’t want to maintain it.

‘It is my responsibility to appropriately adjust based on Joseon’s circumstances.’

Made of bronze castings, so the quantity is small? Even better. If we sweep up all the matchlocks as they are made, it won’t be a threat to the Great Ming.

“They also call it Seungja Chongtong [a type of Joseon-era firearm], so shouldn’t we make sure they can’t use it within Joseon? This aligns with taking horses from Joseon.”

Ming relentlessly took warhorses from Joseon. It was because they were wary of Joseon’s military power. Of course, they gave corresponding gifts, but both Joseon and Ming knew that the purpose was to keep Joseon in check.

“More than anything, if I take that, I’m sure to win the Emperor’s favor.”

As expected of an emperor from a military background, he was quite enthusiastic about the manufacture of gunpowder weapons. There were rumors that he would soon conquer Mongolia, so those who received orders were spurring them on even more. Those matchlocks were essential for his advancement.

“The rumored matchlocks… Tell them to reward those who informed us handsomely.”

Thanks to them, he achieved remarkable results. Hwang-eom repeatedly calculated what he had to cut to get the matchlocks.

===

“We pretend to give them, but we don’t, so the envoy seems anxious.”

“I suppose so. I was genuinely impressed when I first saw the Seungja Chongtong demonstration.”

What Choi Hae-san made was an improved version from the Seonjo era, so of course, it would be. Using buckshot makes it look eerie. If you were to use this in actual combat, question marks would follow except in limited situations, but at least the performance was certain.

“It will be even more disadvantageous if the imperial order comes down. We must hand it over appropriately when Hwang-eom is completely taken [deceived].”

“I suppose so.”

Lee Bang-won nodded.

“And… has there been any progress in finding those who informed the envoy about the existence of matchlocks this time?”

Fishing Hwang-eom is one thing, but those traitorous bastards had to be found no matter what.

“Because the envoy has eyes, we can’t openly search them out, so the work is slow. There will probably be results after the envoy returns.”

Dare to grab my ankle, my father’s ankle?

I gritted my teeth.

===

“Most of the horses in Joseon now are packhorses, and most of them are being used for the construction of the new capital in Hanyang. It seems difficult to present horses now…”

“Hmm.”

The horses in Joseon are not all warhorses but packhorses. Hwang-eom knew that the statement was an exaggeration, but he had no choice but to listen to the dying sound [feigned complaints]. It was also true that large-scale construction was underway in Hanyang.

“You said you would reduce the number of horses the envoy is requesting.”

“Oh my, how can I ever thank you enough.”

The number of warhorses Ming demanded was reduced to half, but I feigned a troubled expression.

“But matchlocks are made of bronze, so the cost is too high, but giving 1,000 nyang [currency unit] of gold and silver is…”

Of course, it’s not the actual matchlock but the Seungja Chongtong story.

“…If you just increase the supply of white porcelain, we can somehow solve that part.”

“Haha, I heard that the Emperor specially ordered to bring white porcelain, so how can we neglect the tribute? We will pick out special products and offer them, so don’t worry.”

There was a commotion among the concubines, so it seems that’s really the case. But I couldn’t be satisfied with that yet.

“Now, let’s discuss the tribute of matchlocks…”

“Oh my, these Ming bastards take horses from Joseon and now they’re trying to take matchlocks too!”

Hwang-eom tried to advance the discussion, but this time my grandfather stepped in.

“…The situation is that the King Emeritus is bedridden, so it’s a bit difficult to give a definite answer right now.”

“No, the King Emeritus is bedridden?”

Hwang-eom asked in disbelief, but what can he do when my grandfather really collapsed?

“The King Emeritus is old and has severe mood swings. I hope the envoy will understand.”

“Oh, the King Emeritus is stingy with the matchlocks to be offered to the Great Ming. With this, Joseon’s loyalty is doubtful!”

“The King Emeritus is no longer involved in state affairs. Our Majesty’s will to offer matchlocks is firm, so please wait a little longer until we persuade the King Emeritus.”

It was natural for Hwang-eom to be frustrated.

“These Joseon bastards are desperately trying to block the export, so there must be something!”

The more Hwang-eom did, the more determined he seemed to be to take the Seungja Chongtong from us.

‘Anyway, these guys can’t stand to see Joseon doing well.’

They demand warhorses in case we aim for Manchuria, keep in check the subjugation of the Jurchens, and block all the elements that would allow Joseon to ascend. But this time, Ming’s paranoid obsession helped us.

“Due to material supply issues, Joseon can only produce a little over 100 Seungja Chongtong a year. How can the King Emeritus not worry when you try to take them all?

Please leave some for us to use in Joseon.”

“Hmm, our Great Ming is a large country, so even that is not enough to give to the soldiers of the Great Wall. It is by no means for any other reason.”

Ming’s purpose is not only to obtain new weapons but also to prevent Joseon from using them, but they cannot openly admit it.

Hwang-eom, who was hit on the spot, coughed and said.

“Joseon is only in contact with a few Jurchen tribes, so there is no concern about protecting the country. The great country can send a large army to protect you in case of emergency, so what are you worried about?

I hope you will manage internal troubles rather than external threats.”

“Your words are correct. Thanks to the shade cast by the suzerain state [Ming Dynasty], the small country does not worry about external threats and lives. However, as you said, the interior is still unstable as it has not been long since the founding of the country, and the people are still uneasy because we have no choice but to drag women from the common people to offer as Gungnyeo [palace women] and eunuchs.”

I said, matching Hwang-eom’s mood. When I subtly brought up that story, Hwang-eom’s face hardened. Did he notice the build-up?

“So, what does the Crown Prince want to say?”

“I would appreciate it if you could also reduce the number of Gungnyeo and eunuchs.”

It’s called tribute, but it’s national human trafficking. It’s a bad habit that has been going on since the Yuan Dynasty.

‘We must put an end to the act of selling people to please Ming.’

I made up my mind. Isn’t each person who leaves precious labor?

“Hmm, offering people to show sincerity is an example of serving the great country that has been going on since the previous dynasty. Why are you trying to save mere women and eunuchs?”

At Hwang-eom’s words, I threw the final bet.

“If the envoy solves this problem, I will definitely offer the matchlocks.”

Hwang-eom’s eyes changed at the words that this was the last request. However, the issue of Gungnyeo and eunuchs was also difficult for him to touch.

Hwang-eom pondered and said.

“I’ll think about it for a while.”

“I look forward to a good answer.”

After Hwang-eom left, the officials in charge of the work asked suspiciously.

“Your Highness, offering excessive tribute should be prevented for the sake of the country’s finances, but people are not. Why are you so attached to this issue?”

“Rather, isn’t it fortunate that we can fulfill the duty of serving the great country by offering a few people? If the offering of Gungnyeo and eunuchs is abolished, it will return as another burden…”

As the officials said such things nonchalantly, the veins on my forehead bulged.

“Shut up!”

I looked at the officials and shouted. “What scriptures have you read? You preach that the people are the most precious while reciting those great scriptures, and now you’re saying that we should just pay the Gungnyeo because you’re stingy with money?”

I will definitely solve the Gungnyeo problem. Rather, gold and silver are limited in means that can be used domestically, but aren’t Gungnyeo and eunuchs our people?

“Your Highness…”

At my words, the eyes of some officials changed. Among them was Heo Jo, who had worked with me for several months at the Hanyang Construction Office.

“Your Highness’s words are right! How can we call ourselves scholars if we seek the peace of the country by offering the people!”

Heo Jo stood up and shouted indignantly. Then, the young officials sitting next to him also nodded in agreement.

Lee Bang-won, who was watching the scene, quietly whispered in my ear.

“They are your subjects.”

“Yes.”

Until now, I had many conflicts with the officials after coming to Joseon. The issue of moving the capital to Hanyang was also the same, and most of the things I was doing would have been recognized as eccentric by the officials. So, I vaguely thought that all the officials would oppose my actions. However, seeing these young officials agree, I realized that was not the case.

The things I had done in the meantime could have been viewed unfavorably by some, but they were winning the hearts of others. That was enough.

===

The delegation, who had been holed up inside the state guest house and whispering among themselves for a long time, requested another audience the next day. Lee Bang-won and I welcomed them.

“What has been decided about the Gungnyeo issue?” Lee Bang-won asked, and Hwang-eom bowed his head and said.

“Offering people is the duty of serving the great country. Completely abolishing this is beyond my authority.”

“…”

“However, considering Joseon’s difficult internal circumstances, I think I can ask the Emperor for a temporary suspension.”

I smiled brightly at Hwang-eom’s words. Completely abolishing it is beyond his authority, but he asks Yongle Emperor to withdraw the order to offer Gungnyeo and eunuchs for a few years.

“That’s really fortunate. I will offer the matchlocks without any setbacks as promised.”

But Hwang-eom’s words were not over yet.

“However, if the Emperor shows such mercy, Joseon should also uphold the Emperor’s dignity.”

If we give Yongle Emperor some face, Hwang-eom’s compromise will be possible.

“So, I propose…” Hwang-eom said.

“How about the Crown Prince visiting our Ming Dynasty?”

Lee Bang-won and the officials’ expressions instantly soured. But I didn’t get angry. No, I was desperately trying to hold back my laughter.

‘That’s all?’

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