Black Corporation: Joseon - Chapter 492
Episode 492: Alliance (1)
“What a mess?”
At Mansour’s words, all kinds of Chinese characters swirled in Hu Hu’s mind.
‘Reform? Open table?介阪?’
When it became clear that Hehu did not understand properly, Mansour added.
“A mess has unfolded.”
“ah! “Is that what you meant?”
Only then did Mansour recall the rumors about Hu Hu as he nodded as if he understood.
‘They said he was a typical saennim, but really….’
“What is the situation? Are you calling me a mess?”
Mansour answered Hu Hu’s question.
“It’s not so obvious that even a child can recognize it, but there’s an evil atmosphere everywhere.”
“Is it really enough to say ‘war clouds are high’?”
“It is only when a war has already broken out that it is said that even children can recognize it.”
“Hmm…”
In response to Mansour, Heohu groaned and fell into thought.
‘It’s definitely not bullshit. Not only is this person’s answer, but the reports prepared and submitted by the captains who went to Alexandria and the upper management all contain similar content.’
Heo Hu, who judged that the situation was getting more serious, asked the last question.
“Every fight, from war to street fights, takes place when there is an opponent. Where is the difference between where and where? Is it really possible that Alexandria is trying to become independent from the Mamluks as rumored?”
* * *
As time passed from the beginning of trade, the Mamluk dynasty began to falter.
Many of the Joseon-made products that made Joseon called the ‘Land of Flowers’ were expensive luxury goods.
Alexandria, where these goods were unpacked and sold, soon became very wealthy.
And the accumulated wealth flowed to the Mamluk royals and nobles who were the sponsors of the merchants.
As enormous wealth came in, the Mamluk royal family and nobles indulged in luxury.
The problem was that, as time went by, they used Joseon’s luxury goods not to sell them but to show off.
Naturally, profits decreased, and in order to make up for the decreased profits, the Mamluk royal family and nobles began to squeeze out the merchants and people of Alexandria.
In Alexandria, which could not endure such economic exploitation, people slowly began to talk about independence.
“Let us protect our wealth and our freedom!”
“Let’s protect it!”
Because of this situation, Heohu pointed to Alexandria itself as the first suspect.
* * *
In response to Heo Hu’s question, Mansour shook his head.
“If only that were the case, there would be no need to say it was a mess. According to rumors on the wind, the city-states of Ottoman Portugal, Spain, Byzantine France, England, and Italy. One way or another, all the countries that are in the know are saying that they are moving.”
Heo Hu muttered involuntarily at Mansour’s words.
“It’s a real mess.”
After sending Mansour away, Hu Hu fell into deep thought.
Heo Hu, who had been thinking for a while, unfolded a blank piece of paper, grabbed a gold pen, and muttered.
“This is something we shouldn’t just pass over as something happening in a distant country.”
* * *
After receiving Heo Hu’s report, Hyang immediately headed to Gangnyeongjeon to visit King Sejong.
“This is a report that something went wrong in Alexandria.”
“Have we Koreans been attacked?”
“No, but it looks like war will break out.”
“i get it.”
In response to Hyang’s response, King Sejong called a merchant ship.
“Tell the prime ministers and ministers to come to Geunjeongjeon.”
“yes.”
Soon after, starting with Hwang Hee, left and right deputy prime ministers and ministers gathered at Geunjeongjeon.
King Sejong, who sat in the party hall while receiving courtesy from the ministers, explained the reason for convening the ministers.
“According to a report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the atmosphere in Alexandria is unusual. So, I would like to hear the opinions of the officials.”
Hwang Hee spoke first in response to Sejong’s words.
“I have confirmed the report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is certainly true that the atmosphere in Alexandria is unusual. However, the location of Alexandria is too far away from Korea, and there is no one related to Alexandria other than our superiors in Korea. So, I am here to say that there is no need for Joseon to take the first step and do something.”
In response to Hwang Hee’s words, Jo Mal Saeng stepped forward to help.
“I’ll buy it back. Now, the place that Joseon needs to pay the most attention to is the Japanese Empire, followed by the Ming Dynasty. And the route that must be followed is the route of Heaven and Earth.”
King Sejong nodded at the words of Hwang Hee and Jo Mal Saeng.
Looking at the current situation, that western region was too far away.
According to reports submitted by captains and captains of ships traveling to and from Alexandria, conflicts and wars were constantly taking place in that country. Although there were many small and large disputes and wars going on, they had little effect on Joseon. Joseon’s merchant ships, Mansour’s merchant ships, and Spanish merchant ships were still traveling diligently across the sea, selling Joseon goods and obtaining necessary items.
Therefore, most of the ministers’ reactions were as follows.
‘Something doesn’t seem serious, so what?’
‘Why should we, Joseon, be worried when a war is taking place in a place that is not even close to the border?’
After seeing the reactions of the ministers, King Sejong looked at Heo Hu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. After receiving an unspoken question, Heo Hu immediately explained the reason for posting the report.
“Of course, the distance between those western regions and our Joseon is far. However, since many of the goods that Joseon obtains are obtained from these people, I thought that we must not be negligent in our vigilance.”
“There is nothing wrong with the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ actions. On the contrary, I think he deserves praise for being faithful to his duties.”
When King Sejong praised the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the faces of Hwang Hee and Jo Mal-saeng hardened. This was because the actions of the previous Minister of Foreign Affairs were viewed as unfounded.
King Sejong continued speaking, as if he knew how Hwang Hee and Jo Mal Saeng felt.
“And what the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense said are not wrong. “Those people’s river areas are so far away from our Joseon that even if something big happens, the impact on our Joseon will be minimal.”
Hyang muttered to herself at Sejong’s words.
‘Considering the amount of goods coming from Alexandria, it’s not just a story from a far away country, is it?’
However, Hyang could also understand the reactions of King Sejong and the ministers.
‘Well, if you look at the current situation, Europe has almost no value other than the market for selling goods. Compared to the Japanese or Ming countries, where even the slightest disruption can immediately shake the country’s security, it is a level that can be ignored. Still, I shouldn’t disrespect it like that… I’m doing this again…’
Just as Hyang was about to open his mouth, Kim Jeom came forward.
“I’m sorry to report this, but it seems like the Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense are taking the situation too lightly.”
“Looking at it too lightly? “I want to hear your thoughts.”
When Sejong showed interest, Kim Jeom strengthened his voice.
“Please think about the goods we are currently earning through trade with those people. If trade were to stop due to their strife, our Joseon Dynasty would suffer a great shock. Of course, the ominous atmosphere still continues, but since trade continues to take place, you may think that this is unfounded. But isn’t it still just a gloomy atmosphere? If something really happened, would those ships be able to move around properly? “If trade stops like that, Joseon’s income will decrease by nearly 40%.”
“If it’s about 40%….”
Jo Mal-saeng tried to retort with something, but Kim Jeom shot back right away.
“It seems ridiculous that 40% of the goods coming into Joseon are decreasing! Then we will have to reduce the budget, and then we will stop making artillery right away!”
“No artillery!”
Leaving Jo Mal-saeng’s scream-like answer behind, Kim Jeom continued his explanation.
“If we have to make immediate cuts in the current government budget, we have no choice but to start with the defense sector. Next comes education.”
“If that happens, won’t the country’s security and future be shaken?”
Kim Jeom responded to Sejong’s point with a stern expression.
“I have no choice. Fortunately, national defense and education have been stockpiled, so even if cuts are made, they have the stamina to endure for a while, but other areas are not in the same situation. In particular, considering the budget being spent on new resources, we have no choice but to reduce national defense and education. step!”
Kim Jeom paused for a moment, took a breath, and continued speaking.
“This will only happen if trade routes are completely closed due to conflict between the two countries. “If it is open to some extent, a fatal blow can be avoided, and the government will have to plan in advance for this.”
“Right.”
Sejong nodded at Kim Jeom’s words and turned to Hwang Hee.
“Do you think the Left Deputy Prime Minister’s words are reasonable? “What do you think, Prime Minister?”
“God’s opinion was shallow.”
As Hwang Hee waved the white flag, King Sejong settled the situation.
“Please discuss with the Crown Prince and come up with appropriate measures.”
“I follow your orders!”
* * *
After receiving King Sejong’s order, Hyang and the ministers who left Geunjeongjeon moved to the conference room of Seunghwadang.
The local government officials who took their seats in the conference room began to exchange opinions about this incident.
“Anyway, what you said was a bit harsh. “Are you saying you’re going to block the production of artillery pieces?”
Kim Jeom snorted at Jo Mal-saeng’s complaints.
“joy! “What are you going to use for making so many guns when there is no gunpowder to fire them and the soldiers are starving and can’t even lift the guns?”
“It can’t be that bad….”
“No way, that’s the way to catch people!”
“Keuung….”
It was Jo Mal-saeng, who finished groaning and waving a white flag.
* * *
When Kim Jeom and Jo Mal-saeng’s skit ended, Hyang presided over the meeting.
“Actually, just considering the distance, it is certain that even if a conflict were to break out in Alexandria, it would be far away for us. But if you think about profit, it becomes a crisis of wind power.”
The ministers nodded at Hyang’s words. When the ministers all agreed, Hyang moved on to the next step.
“First of all, I would like to predict how the game will play out based on the information gathered so far. “What materials are needed for that?”
In response to Hyang’s question, the ministers immediately thought about what they needed and answered. After a while, officials and eavesdroppers working at Seunghwadang rushed to Yukjo Street and the Record Office.
* * *
While the eunuchs and officials were moving diligently, Hyang opened his mouth to the ministers.
“This is my shallow opinion, but it is certain that the person who ignited the conflict was Henry of Portugal.”
In response to Hyang’s words, Kim Jeom immediately asked a question.
“If you are Henry… do you mean the great Portuguese army?”
“yes.”
Kim Jeom, who had been pondering for a moment in response to Hyang’s answer, nodded.
“It’s definitely a possibility if it’s him. I can tell you that my behavior when I first came to Joseon was unusual. I said I wanted to buy an iron horse and a railroad. ah! Later, I even proposed a partnership and it worked out well.”
Hwang Hee intervened in Kim Jeom’s words.
“ah! I remember! “You said something absurd like building a railroad across the huge African continent, right?”
“yes.”
Heo Hu opened his mouth in response to Hwang Hee and Kim Jeom’s answers.
“If he has that kind of history, he will definitely be the one to ignite the spark.”
While Joseon was pushing Henry as the prime suspect, the true arsonist was busy.