Black Corporation: Joseon - Chapter 487
Episode 487 Ouchi, Giant Soldier (5)
“That’s right.”
“The Japanese are cunning and shady by nature, and they often take away what others have through violence. “If you let your guard down even a little, you will immediately reveal your evil nature.”
“The problem is that as the current era of peace continues for generations, the boundaries of our Joseon Dynasty are loosening.”
“I’ll buy it back. “We must not forget Yubi, Muhwan, and legislate that Sangmu (the martial arts) is as important as Sangmun (尙文).”
As soon as King Sejong finished speaking, the ministers criticized the Japanese as if they had been waiting and even came up with their own measures.
* * *
Hyang, who saw all of this, once again made a bewildered expression.
‘what? What is this incredible analytical power? What is this quick judgment about?’
Hyang cried out inwardly as he saw the situation where various measures were suddenly taken.
‘no! The previous era was going so well, but why is it like this in the year of Imjin? ‘Why is that so?’
It was a scent that made me angry as I recalled the actions taken by Joseon on the eve of the Japanese invasions of Korea in the history I learned in the 21st century.
* * *
But there was something the scent overlooked.
First, unlike the Japanese Invasion of Korea during the Japanese invasions of Korea, the threat from the Japanese nation now is a fatal threat that can be felt with the body.
Until the end of the Goryeo Dynasty and the early Joseon Dynasty, Japanese pirates, to be precise, were a feared entity.
Not only the coastal areas of the Korean peninsula but also the inland areas were robbed by Japanese pirates, resulting in enormous loss of life and economic loss.
It was through victory over Japanese pirates that Yi Seong-gye, who founded Joseon, established his position.
The people who were born and raised during this period of suffering from Japanese pirates were the ministers who now sit in the government.
Because of this, their wariness toward the Japanese nation never dulled. This was the reason why Hyang supported the idea of installing a superior in the Japanese government.
In addition to the economic aspect, it is possible to understand the Japanese situation more quickly and accurately.
Second, the Joseon Dynasty government did not just sit back and do nothing during the Japanese invasions of Korea.
King Seonjo’s government also sensed the threat of invasion by the Japanese Empire and was constantly preparing for it.
However, the military crisis that King Seonjo’s court faced was not only the Japanese kingdom.
At that time, Nurhaci was rapidly increasing his power in the north. According to Ijei’s plan, Nurhachi, who received support from Yi Seong-ryang of the Ming Dynasty, was gradually expanding its power.
From Joseon’s perspective, two front lines were suddenly created, and Joseon had to choose which side to place more weight on.
Here, Joseon’s choice was the north.
Until the Sampo Invasion and the Eulmyo Invasion, the Japanese invasions were intermittent and the damage was only tolerable. Of course, this was the court’s decision, and the people who were directly affected shed tears of blood.
However, the Jurchen tribe in the north constantly harassed Joseon. In such a situation, a powerful being named Nurhaci appeared.
In this situation, Joseon placed its weight on the north. The Japanese country had a natural great castle called the sea, but the north had nothing like that.
Of course, the focus was on the north, but the south was not forgotten.
-The best way to stop the Japanese army is to stop them at sea.
According to this decision, new generals whose abilities were recognized were appointed as commanders of the naval forces in the Samnam region.
The problem was that one of the generals was the best cheat key, but the other one was a self-destruct key that was more than enough to ruin all the boards.
Lastly, what Hyang overlooked were the people currently running the court.
It was true that everyone, starting with the monarch, Sejong, and all the ministers were fraudsters with unprecedented abilities.
Even in history before the intervention of Hyang, this was a time when so many talented people were gathered that the King Yeongjo and Jeongjo eras, which led the Joseon Dynasty’s Renaissance era, were evaluated to pale in comparison.
* * *
King Sejong, who was in the middle of discussing measures with the ministers, cleared his throat when he saw that the scent was just blinking.
“greatness! Huh! I will ask the crown prince. “Is this father’s opinion wrong?”
In response to Sejong’s question, Hyang immediately bowed her head and answered.
“no! On the contrary, I felt keenly that the depth of Xiao Tzu’s thoughts was shallow!”
Sejong smiled slightly at Hyang’s words and began to hint.
“I know your abilities, but it’s absurd that you’re shallow. Please tell me what you think. “I want to hear it.”
The ministers grumbled inwardly at Sejong’s words.
‘It’s started again! ‘Proud of your child!’
‘It’s surprising that John Wang found the problem with just one person, but bragging about your child is a bit…’
‘If you make a mistake, you’ll have to listen to Zen questions between father and son again.’
Hyang, perhaps knowing the inner thoughts of the ministers, took a breath and opened his mouth.
“Abamama has already said most of what Soja thought of. However, there are a few things that are slightly different, one of which is the issue of handling feudal lords. Those of us who studied Neo-Confucianism and public administration in Joseon would regard that feudal dynasty as the first thing to be eliminated or tied down.”
“Do you think we will proceed with the same thing as the private army revolution that our previous kings promoted? “If we do something wrong, there will be a backlash and a civil war will break out again.”
Hyang immediately agreed to Sejong’s point.
“That’s right. Therefore, from now on, I will refer to them as the study abroad group. The Confucian faction will actively try to operate the Gin system in order to solidify the power of the Daenae clan. Of course, we are already operating a system called attendance shift, but it will be operated in a more compulsory manner. And we will try to make the monarchs of each province and the warriors under them into scholars rather than warriors. And for this purpose, we will actively utilize Neo-Confucianism. And in the end….”
“Abandonment of the clan?”
Hyang, who paused for a moment at Sejong’s short question, immediately nodded.
“That’s right.”
The ministers looked dumbfounded at Hyang’s affirmation, but soon began to carefully consider the situation.
‘No, how can it get past the discontinued version?’
‘No, no. It’s quite possible. Didn’t our Joseon Dynasty also do various things, starting with the revolution of private armies, to kill the power of local barons that had continued since the old Three Han Dynasty? If the Confucian scholars follow our Joseon system, there is a good chance.’
Meanwhile, Hyang continued to explain.
“This is where Soja’s thoughts differ from Abamama’s regarding the ‘King John.’
If the Daenae clan comes to power, the Confucian faction will be active at the center of power.
The point is that they no longer have to worry about the Emperor. Rather, in order to make the Emperor a true symbol in name and reality, the Emperor’s court will be absorbed under the Daenai clan or eliminated.”
King Sejong and the ministers nodded at Hyang’s words. Because that was the ecology of politics.
Hwang Hee opened her mouth in response to Hyang’s remarks.
“If that happens, Neo-Confucianism spread through Confucian scholars will become a tool for new political struggle. The nobles and feudal lords who were pushed out in the power struggle will use Neo-Confucianism to attack Daenae Clan. “Of course, not right now, but I’m talking about it.”
Hyang nodded at Hwang Hee’s point.
“That’s right. And the Confucianists will come up with various correct opinions to block that attack.”
‘To put it simply, the clash between Hungu and Sarim will take place in Japan!’
* * *
Interestingly, something similar happened in history before the intervention of incense.
Neo-Confucianism, which was spread in earnest through Joseon writers such as Kang Hang, who was taken prisoner during the Japanese invasions of Korea, was the starting point of the incident.
Those who were opposed to the Tokugawa shogunate argued for the return of the government based on Neo-Confucian theory, while scholars who supported the shogunate refuted this by advocating the union of government and government.
Through a fierce struggle, the restoration of the throne and the monarchy were achieved, followed by the Meiji Restoration.
It was the birth of imperialist Japan and the beginning of Joseon’s tragedy.
* * *
“Ultimately, if this situation continues, it is certain that the political situation in the Japanese country will become unstable. In order to stabilize this situation or those newly in power will look outside to resolve their grievances, this will pose a threat to our Joseon. That’s why I said it was the worst outcome.”
When Hyang finished speaking, King Sejong and the ministers all nodded.
“I think the crown prince’s thoughts are reasonable, but what do you think?”
Hwang Hee came forward and answered King Sejong’s question.
“It is indeed so. “I understand why it is best to follow the old ways even if Mr. Daenae takes power.”
“But it seems easier to have the worst outcome than the best outcome. “Let’s discuss measures to address this.”
In response to King Sejong’s words, the ministers expressed various opinions.
There was a lot of debate, but the conclusion was surprisingly simple.
-Internally, we continue to pursue a strong national and strong military, and externally, we are constantly on guard.
After hearing the conclusion, King Sejong took a small sip of his appetite.
“Tsk. “It is the most standard answer, but I don’t think there is any other best answer.”
“That’s right.”
“This is the best method internally, but what should we do externally? “Ah, Myeong is a difficult opponent to deal with, so let’s just think about the country of Japan.”
Hwang Hee immediately answered King Sejong’s question.
“It is almost certain that Mr. Daenae will do something, so we must help Ms. Daenae to properly take power. Of course, in this regard, it is best to follow the policy decided earlier, and the problem is to ensure that Mr. Daenae, who has been chosen in this way, can maintain power for a long time.”
“Is there a better way?”
“They are taking advantage of those who studied abroad. The students who studied abroad in Hanseong and those who returned to Japan are taking advantage of the connection they have. Of course, practical help or interference may cause opposition from Ms. Daenae, so advice would be the best.”
Sejong’s eyes sparkled at Hwang Hee’s answer.
“advice? “What advice would you give?”
Hwang Hee answered King Sejong’s question right away.
“The best thing is ‘transferring the capital.’”
I was repeatedly amazed at Hwang Hee’s answer.
‘I heard that old ginger is spicy! Indeed, Captain Hwang Hee!’
* * *
While these concerns were going on in Joseon, a war of words was also taking place in the Ouchi family in Kyushu.
“My lord! “You have to raise troops!”
“No! It’s still too early! The time will soon come when those in Kyoto will be so blinded by greed that they will lose power! “You must come back for consultation by then!”
It had already been a while since the document was delivered that Ashikaga Yoshimasa, an 8-year-old child, had become shogun, succeeding Ashikaga Yoshikatsu, who had died of illness.
-All Shugo daimyos and lords must come to Kyoto immediately.
And not long ago, an order to attend Kyoto was delivered.
From this point on, a war of words began.
Those who advocated raising armies were mostly young officials who returned from studying abroad in Joseon and military officers of similar age.
-This appointment as shogun is the result of the merger of the seven families of Kyoto! It is impossible to accept this as it is an obscene act created by the greed for power and tyranny! We must immediately raise troops to drive them out and establish a proper shogun!
The political views advanced by the Geobyeong faction were gaining more and more strength, but the opposing faction continued to insist on the non-violence.
-I still don’t have enough strength!
-The justification is weak! We have to wait until they make an even bigger mistake!
This was the opposition’s argument.
In the end, Mochiyo Ouchi, who had been pondering over and over again, visited Morimi, the previous head of the family, and had a private chat.
Mochiyo, who returned after an all-night secret talk, declared to his vassals:
“Raise your sword!”
It was the beginning of a war.