Black Corporation: Joseon

Not only was it Sejong’s order, but the reasoning was sound enough for ships to be assigned for communication exchange.

Of course, some grumbling during the process was inevitable.

“Isn’t it rather inefficient to dedicate all those precious steam-sailships for communication?”

“With steam-sailships being faster than regular sailboats, what choice do we have?”

“And the steam-sailships have reduced cargo capacity due to the space needed for fuel and freshwater. The efficiency isn’t great.”

“Even with reduced capacity, it’s still a considerable amount!”

“Should we assign the existing Challenger-class warships for communication duties then? We’d only get an earful from the ministers about carrying officials instead of cargo.”

As these heated debates continued, Hyang had to step in to sort things out.

“For communication purposes, steam-sailships are indeed more useful than the existing Challenger-class warships. However, dedicating steam-sailships permanently isn’t the best solution either. Therefore, we’ll proceed with developing dedicated vessels as quickly as possible.”

When Jo Mal-saeng tried to object, worried that warship construction might be delayed, Hyang raised a hand to stop him.

“There’s plenty of time, considering both design and construction will take a while. We’ll build one test vessel here, then construct the rest at the shipyard we’ll establish in New Territory. By the time the designs are transferred, Area 51 in New Territory should have sufficient capabilities.”

“However…”

As Jo Mal-saeng tried to persist, Hyang delivered the killing blow.

“Then perhaps you’d like to go to New Territory yourself and convince His Majesty?”

The moment Hyang’s words fell, Jo Mal-saeng changed his tune.

“Your Highness’s proposal is most excellent!”

After that, Jo Mal-saeng’s mouth remained firmly shut.

Having sorted out the matter, Hyang picked up his ruler and compass again that night.

Hmm… For speed, naturally… If I scale up the Haeung-class to its original size and add a steam engine… That should be the answer.

However, before long, Hyang had to revise his plans.

***

“A letter from His Majesty the King, Your Highness.”

“I understand.”

Maintaining proper etiquette, Hyang sat upright and respectfully received Sejong’s letter.

Breaking the seal on the envelope, he removed the letter and carefully read its contents.

After thoroughly examining the letter for quite some time, Hyang set it down and let out a long sigh.

“Whew~”

Sighing repeatedly while reviewing the letter’s contents again, Hyang ordered the eunuch.

“Summon the Prime Minister and Left Deputy Prime Minister.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Shortly after, Hwang Hui and Kim Jeom arrived at Seunghwadang in response to the summons.

“You called for us, Your Highness?”

“Yes. Father has sent a letter.”

“Perhaps…”

When Hyang mentioned Sejong, Kim Jeom’s face turned pale. Seeing his expression, Hyang spoke.

“I’ll get straight to the point. We need to open the treasury.”

With these words, Hyang handed over Sejong’s letter, and Hwang Hui received it with trembling hands.

“Whew~”

“Haah~”

After taking turns reading Sejong’s letter, Hwang Hui and Kim Jeom both let out long sighs.

The content of Sejong’s letter could be summarized as follows:

-I hear money has come in? I need this and that, those and these, so pack them up and send them. Send them quickly.

The three of them kept sighing, but the outcome was already determined.

“Since Father has commanded it, we must send them.”

“Indeed.”

“I’ll make the preparations.”

“I appreciate your help.”

“Not at all. It’s simply our duty as loyal subjects.”

***

“Whew~”

“Haah~”

After leaving Seunghwadang, Hwang Hui and Kim Jeom let out another long sigh.

“Just when I thought we’d only have to worry about prices instead of expenditures for once…”

Hwang Hui silently patted Kim Jeom’s shoulder in response to his tearful complaint.

***

At this time, if one were to name the finest group of expert bureaucrats regarding balanced finance, it would undoubtedly be the Joseon court, particularly the officials of the Ministry of Finance and Economy.

These were the individuals who had been constantly pushed by Hyang since the early days of the Reforms, shouldering the crucial task of transforming Joseon’s economic structure from an agricultural to an industrial nation. They had gained experience points and leveled up through all sorts of trial and error during the Reform process.

These seasoned officials trained newcomers, earning the Ministry of Finance officials a reputation as the cream of the crop among talented individuals. Of course, there was always an additional comment that followed.

Their personalities are as nasty as their abilities are impressive.

Nevertheless, thanks to their rigorous training, they were doing their utmost to ensure stable growth in Joseon’s economic situation.

For these officials, the current influx of funds from Japan was an unexpected variable and a matter of serious concern.

If we don’t manage this properly, it’ll all go to hell!

***

“Still, isn’t it a relief? We were worried about prices with too much silver coming in.”

Kim Jeom nodded at Hwang Hui’s words.

“That’s true. Since most of the items His Majesty requested are produced in Area 51 or the Royal Workshop, we can prevent excessive currency from circulating in the market. The problem is… why call me instead of just summoning the Minister of Finance?”

Hwang Hui gave a bitter smile at Kim Jeom’s complaint.

“If we did that, wouldn’t the Prime Minister’s Office become as useful as a borrowed sack of barley? Following the chain of command prevents complications later.”

“I know that, but I feel like I’m the only one taking the blame.”

“That’s the fate of being caught in the middle, what can you do? By the way…”

Hwang Hui paused momentarily, his expression becoming uneasy.

“The last part of the letter still bothers me, no matter how I think about it.”

Kim Jeom nodded at Hwang Hui’s words.

“You feel that way too? So do I. Just like the previous letter…”

The final portion of Sejong’s letter read:

-Though the situation in Japan and Europe is unstable, my body may be in distant New Territory, but my heart remains in Hanseong. While this isn’t due to lack of trust in you, Crown Prince, it’s the unavoidable fate of a ruler, so please understand. I emphasize again, please report everything without omission.

This was the part that bothered both Hwang Hui and Kim Jeom.

“It’s actually the constant emphasis that concerns me. It seems excessive for mere concern…”

“I agree completely.”

Inside Seunghwadang, Hyang wore a similar expression, tilting his head thoughtfully.

“Something’s fishy about this.”

And when the communication vessels began operating on schedule, Sejong’s true intentions were revealed.

***

“A letter from His Majesty, Your Highness.”

Unfolding the received letter, Hyang muttered quietly.

“He’s really stuck his straw in deep.”

-I received your previous report well. After reviewing it, I realized some of the planned policies could be scaled down. This would reduce the budget by such and such amount, so take that saved budget and some of the profits from Japan…

And those extracted funds…

-Looking at the previous report, I see the profits from Japan are quite substantial. To avoid potential diplomatic disputes, how about releasing a significant portion of those funds? As it happens, New Territory currently needs considerable amounts of cotton cloth for clothing and grain… (continued below)

Sejong’s letter began with concern and praise, but most of its content was a list of demands.

While thoroughly examining ‘Sejong’s shopping list,’ Hyang couldn’t help but laugh.

“They say experience never goes away…”

***

True to the saying, Sejong’s purchasing list showed the finesse of someone who had managed state affairs for well over twenty years.

Sejong was using New Territory as a roundabout means to both avoid straining the court and private sector’s supply capabilities while simultaneously mitigating the impact of funds flowing in from Japan.

Particularly apt was the final paragraph he added to the letter requesting cotton cloth for clothing and grain:

-Purchasing cotton for cloth and grain from Japan will not only appease any potential Japanese discontent over excessive expenditure but also create an opportunity for our Joseon to control Japan’s economy.

After confirming this final paragraph, Hyang nodded.

“This part would have been difficult for me to push through alone, so this works out well.”

***

Making Japan’s economy dependent on our Joseon.

This had been steadily progressing since the early days of the Reform. However, with Japan falling into civil war, debates had begun arising among court officials.

“This civil war in Japan is a heaven-sent opportunity! We must subjugate them thoroughly!”

“That may be true, but wouldn’t it be morally problematic? While we needn’t concern ourselves with Japanese lords fighting each other, it feels like we’re sucking the lifeblood of their people…”

“Morality? What morality? And the people, you say? Have you forgotten that those wokou who troubled us since the end of the previous dynasty were also these precious Japanese people?”

“Still, stooping to their level seems a bit…”

“I’ve never seen such a stubborn old fool!”

Given this situation, Sejong’s letter was the perfect card to play.

“This way we can secure both justification and practical benefit.”

***

Having gained Sejong’s support, Hyang immediately summoned the ministers.

“Father has sent this letter, and I share his thoughts.”

After taking turns reading Sejong’s letter, the ministers nodded at Hyang’s words.

“This is truly an exquisite strategy.”

“Indeed. This way we can secure both justification and practical benefit.”

While the previously divided ministers all responded positively, Kim Jeom shared his thoughts with Hyang.

“To facilitate this plan, it would be best to utilize the Otomo clan and the Kyushu Deputy. What are your thoughts?”

Hyang nodded at Kim Jeom’s words.

“I think so too. And I don’t think the Otomo will dislike it either.”

“Indeed, Your Highness.”

***

Looking at the current relationship between Joseon, the Ouchi, and other Japanese lords, the Ouchi served as a stepping stone connecting Joseon with the Japanese lords.

This situation originated from Joseon’s demand for ‘Ouchi’s guarantee.’

-We will only sell weapons to lords with Ouchi’s guarantee!

Through this decision by Joseon, lords wanting to purchase Joseon weapons had no choice but to submit to Ouchi.

In this process, Ouchi became not just a credit guarantor but also a payment guarantor.

Guns, artillery, and most importantly gunpowder were all expensive items. As a result, small and medium-sized domains struggled with purchases, and that’s when Ouchi stepped in.

“I’ll pay the cost on your behalf.”

“I’m truly grateful! My domain and I pledge our loyalty to you, my lord!”

Through this method, Ouchi brought small and medium-sized domains under their shadow, while Joseon strengthened its influence through Ouchi as an intermediary.

***

However, regardless of the intermediate process, it was ultimately the Japanese people who bore the burden. Naturally, complaints about Joseon began to surface among the common people.

Then, Han Myeong-hoe visited Ouchi.

“It’s been a while.”

“Oh, Lord Han! Welcome!”

Though Mochiyoshi welcomed Han Myeong-hoe warmly, internally he was full of concern.

How much more are they going to take? This is getting excessive…

As if aware of Mochiyoshi’s feelings, Han Myeong-hoe deliberately put on an apologetic expression.

“I deeply regret having to make this request when you’re busy with great endeavors.”

“It’s fine. What’s the matter?”

“Yes, there are some items we need in Joseon, and we’d like you to sell them to us. We will ensure proper payment.”

Mochiyoshi’s face brightened at Han Myeong-hoe’s words.

“Is that so? What might they be? Do tell!”