Black Corporation: Joseon

Chapter 224

Chapter 224

When the news of the captured Japanese fishermen from the Challenger and the report written by Oh Ha-seok reached Hanseong, the court was put on high alert. As a result, even Hyang had to attend the meeting.

Seated in Geunjeongjeon, King Sejong issued an order to Jo Mal-saeng.

The Ministry of Military Affairs shall explain to the ministers the report sent by Oh Ha-seok and the findings of the investigation thus far.

Yes, Your Majesty.

At King Sejongs command, Jo Mal-saeng gestured to an official standing behind him.

The Chief of the Ministry of Military Affairs, who stepped forward, bowed respectfully to King Sejong and then turned to the ministers, offering a slight bow.

After paying his respects, the Chief of the Ministry of Military Affairs explained the situation.

During the capture attempt by the Challenger, a total of 14 Japanese fishermen were taken prisoner. At the time of capture and upon arrival in Wonsan, they were not in their right minds, but after about three days, they regained their senses, and we proceeded with the interrogation. According to the interrogation, these fishermen are from the Oki Islands of Japan.

Where are the Oki Islands located?

In response to King Sejongs question, the official promptly answered.

It is a group of Japanese islands located approximately 400 ri (about 160 km) southeast of Usando (Dokdo). (Note 1)

Upon hearing the officials answer, King Sejong tapped his armrest with his finger and muttered.

400 ri Thats quite far. Then, who governs the Oki Islands?

The Kygoku clan^[1].

Hmm

King Sejong fell into thought, making a humming sound at the officials answer. As King Sejong remained silent, the Minister of Rites took the opportunity to ask a question.

What is the size of the fishing boats?

According to Oh Ha-seoks report, the largest boat is about the size of a medium-sized ship.

How many people can fit on a boat of that size?

Based on our naval organization, 30 men. (Note 2)

Then, how many fishing boats did the Challenger sink?

Four boats.

The officials answer filled Geunjeongjeon with the murmurs of the officials.

Even with a simple calculation, thats 120 people

Usando is right next to Mureungdo (Ulleungdo). And Mureungdo is just a stones throw away from Gangwon Province. This is not a matter to be taken lightly.

For many of the ministers gathered in Geunjeongjeon, the Japanese pirates were not unfamiliar.

Amidst the commotion, Chief State Councillor Lee Jik spoke up.

The Ministry of Military Affairs used the term capture instead of sink. And the number of Japanese brought in is a mere 14. A simple calculation suggests that only one-tenth survived. Something doesnt add up. Lets hear a more detailed explanation.

At Lee Jiks words, the murmuring subsided, and the Chief of the Ministry of Military Affairs was able to continue his explanation.

To be precise, among the boats the Japanese arrived in, only one was as large as a medium-sized ship. The remaining three were about the size of a fast boat. According to the fishermens statements, a total of 32 men were together, and 14 of them were captured.

Upon hearing the officials words, those who had been anxious just moments ago showed signs of relief. However, they simultaneously had the same thought.

You should have said that from the beginning!

As they were grumbling, King Sejong spoke.

Then, did Oh Ha-seok attack not Japanese pirates but mere fishermen?

At King Sejongs remark, the faces of those who had shown relief turned grave.

On behalf of them, the Minister of Rites opened his mouth.

This must be clarified! If they attacked unarmed fishermen, it will be problematic! Those cunning Japanese will use this against us to cause trouble! If necessary, we must behead Oh Ha-seok!

Minister of Rites! Lets not get ahead of ourselves! The explanation isnt over yet!

The Minister of Rites, who had even mentioned Oh Ha-seoks execution, closed his mouth at Jo Mal-saengs words.

The Minister of Military Affairs is right. It is proper to listen to the report without prejudging. Continue the explanation.

Yes, Your Majesty.

The Chief bowed slightly and cleared his throat before continuing.

First of all, they were indeed fishermen, but they were not unarmed. Bring it here.

At the Chiefs order, two officials waiting in the back came forward, carrying a small table.

On the table covered with a white cloth lay three Japanese swords (wato) with their sheaths.

According to Oh Ha-seoks report, after the rescue of the fishermen was completed, as a precaution, crew members skilled in diving were selected to investigate the capsized fishing boats. During this process, these Japanese swords were found in the cabin of the largest fishing boat.

There were Japanese swords on a fishing boat?

Yes.

Hmm

At the officials answer, King Sejongs face hardened. Seeing this, Jo Mal-saeng stepped forward.

Considering the past behavior of the Japanese pirates, it is understandable. Most of the boats used by the Japanese pirates who have targeted our land have been similar in size to medium-sized ships. Moreover, a boat is not something that just anyone can operate. In other words, it is reasonable to view those Japanese fishermen as Japanese pirates ready to take up arms and engage in plundering at any moment.

That seems to be the case.

King Sejong, the ministers, and Hyang nodded at Jo Mal-saengs explanation.

Even in the 21st century, operating a boat, especially venturing out to distant seas, was a task only qualified individuals could undertake. This held true even in the 21st century, where boats were equipped with all sorts of advanced devices, starting with GPS.

As Hyang nodded in agreement, he asked Jo Mal-saeng.

In that case, there is only one issue to verify. Where were those Japanese ships located?

In place of Jo Mal-saeng, the Chief answered Hyangs question.

According to the report, they were 30 ri (about 12 km) southeast of Usando.

Upon hearing the Chiefs answer, King Sejong called for the Minister of Rites.

Minister of Rites, in this matter, it is not Japan who should question us, but we who should question Japan.

That is correct, Your Majesty.

Lets discuss this part in a moment. For now, lets hear more of the explanation. Ive read the report, but theres something I dont understand. It says that with mere warning shots, the boats capsized and broke apart? Is that possible?

It is possible, Your Majesty.

Oh?

According to Oh Ha-seoks report, he ordered the cannon fire to land as close as possible to the Japanese fishing boats without directly hitting them. With the 25 eul-class general cannons mounted on the Challenger, it is entirely possible.

Hmm Even if we accept that they capsized, what is the reason for them breaking apart?

At King Sejongs question, Hyang stepped forward.

I will explain that part, Your Majesty.

Go ahead.

To research the construction of new ships, I procured and examined boats from Ming and Japan.

I remember. I saw them being disassembled in Namyang.

Yes. During this process, I learned about the characteristics of Japanese ships. Unlike our ships, the planks that make up the hull are extremely thin. Moreover, the crossbeams and bulkheads supporting the hull are subpar. Therefore, even impacts that our Turtle Ships and new warships can easily withstand can have a devastating effect on Japanese ships. However, their speed is something our Turtle Ships cannot match.

They chose speed over durability?

That is correct.

King Sejong, who had been nodding at Hyangs answer, looked at Hyang with surprised eyes.

You said the Japanese sacrificed durability for speed. And our navys main ships, the Turtle Ships, sacrificed speed for durability. However, the new warships are fast enough to not only catch up to fleeing Japanese ships but even overtake them, and they are sturdier than the Turtle Ships. What on earth have you created?

As Hyang was about to answer King Sejongs question, Kim Jeom unconsciously muttered.

A budget-devouring monster Gasp!

Kim Jeom covered his mouth in surprise, but it was too late.

In the end, Hyang had no choice but to answer with a bitter smile.

As the Minister of Taxation said, I have created an expensive one.

There was a reason for Kim Jeoms remark. The size of the new warships was slightly more than twice that of the Turtle Ships. However, considering only the construction costs, it was enough to generously build five Turtle Ships.

Of course, a significant portion of the cost was not purely from construction but from the losses incurred in processing the timber to fit the ships design. In addition, the cost of manufacturing the large-scale equipment required for the construction process was not insignificant.

Therefore, as the craftsmen gain experience and reduce trial and error, and since the large-scale equipment is already completed, we can significantly reduce the budget.

Are you certain?

Yes.

Probably.

Although Hyang answered, his gaze was directed elsewhere.

King Sejong, who had been looking at Hyang with narrowed eyes, cleared his throat and changed the subject.

Ahem! Well For the sake of protecting the nations borders, we must endure the necessary expenditures. I have heard the report from the Ministry of Military Affairs well. Reward the captain of the Challenger, Oh Ha-seok, and the crew members according to their ranks. They have done deeds worthy of commendation.

We shall obey your command!

Jo Mal-saengs face was filled with joy as he answered in a loud voice. In the past, before the Gyeongjang, he would have been reprimanded for causing unnecessary disturbances.

However, as the reform progressed, Joseons economy grew, and trade with external forces expanded, Joseon was becoming increasingly proactive, active, and aggressive.

***

Now, lets discuss what our Joseon should do.

At King Sejongs words, the Minister of Rites immediately stepped forward.

We must strongly protest to the Japanese kingthe shogun of the Muromachi bakufu^[2], whom Joseon referred to as the king of Japan at the time (Note 3)while returning the captured fishermen.

That goes without saying. Im talking about the defense of the East Sea.

At King Sejongs words, Jo Mal-saeng promptly replied.

We must station troops on Mureungdo. Additionally, to make it clear that it is the territory of our Joseon, we should have people live on Mureungdo and erect a monument on Usando.

At Jo Mal-saengs words, Maeng Sa-seong asked with wide eyes.

The residents of Mureungdo? Are you suggesting abolishing the repatriation policy?

That is correct.

Oh my~.

The ministers showed troubled expressions at Jo Mal-saengs statement.

***

In the third year of King Taejongs reign (1404), Taejong decided to summon the residents of Mureungdo to the mainland.

At that time, many people had fled to Mureungdo to avoid military service. As the number of residents increased, there was a high probability that Japanese pirates targeting them would also target Gangwon Province.

However, Ulleungdo was too far to station soldiers.

In such a situation, Taejong created a policy to repatriate the residents of Mureungdo to the mainland.

However, due to various circumstances, this policy could not be implemented immediately.

Then, in the sixth year of King Taejongs reign (1407), an incident occurred.

So Sadashige, the protector (shugo) of Tsushima Island, sent an envoy. The envoy conveyed the following message:

I wish to live on Mureungdo together with the residents of Tsushima Island!

Upon receiving this proposal, Taejong discussed it with his ministers.

If we allow this, wont it create an opportunity for the king of Japan to accuse me of harboring rebels?

In response to Taejongs concern, Nam Jae immediately replied.

When the Japanese rebel, they always follow someone else. This happens all the time, so they cannot prevent it. Who would dare to devise such a scheme?

Despite Nam Jaes answer, Taejong shook his head.

Even if it is a common occurrence within Japan, crossing the border is different. They will surely say something about it.

Worried about the issue escalating into an international problem, Taejong rejected So Sadashiges proposal.

And as time passed, in the 19th year of King Taejongs reign (1416), the repatriation policy was actually implemented. (Note 4)

***

Now, 14 years later, Jo Mal-saeng proposed the abolition of the repatriation policy.

According to the books from the West, territorial rights can only be claimed if there are people. In hindsight, isnt this a matter of course?

In response to Maeng Sa-seongs point, Jo Mal-saeng promptly replied.

The Japanese would deny it. They are that kind of people.

At Jo Mal-saengs answer, Hyang unconsciously nodded.

Correct!

***

Note 1) The basis for referring to Usando as Dokdo is referenced from this material:

The Truth of Dokdo. Sejong University Dokdo Research /wp-content/uploads/2015/04/%EB%8F%85%EB%8F%84%EC%9D%98-%EC%A7%84%EC%8B%A4-1_%EC%9A%B0%EC%82%B0%EA%B5%AD%EA%B3%BC-%EC%9A%B0%EC%82%B0%EB%8F%84.pdf

Note 2) Korea Creative Content Agency.

/content/contentView.do?search_div=CP_THE&search_div_id=CP_THE010&cp_code=cp0232&index_id=cp02320048&content_id=cp023200480001&search_left_menu=2

Note 3) As the shogun established a tributary relationship with Ming, he gained the title of King of Japan.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_of_Japan

Note 4) Sejong University Dokdo Research /wp-content/uploads/2015/04/%EB%8F%85%EB%8F%84%EC%9D%98-%EC%A7%84%EC%8B%A4-2_%EC%A1%B0%EC%84%A0%EC%9D%98-%EC%9A%B8%EB%A6%89%EB%8F%84-%EC%87%84%ED%99%98%EC%A0%95%EC%B1%85.pdf

1. The Kygoku clan (, Kygoku-shi) were a Japanese daimy clan which rose to prominence during the Sengoku and Edo periods. The clan descend from the Uda Genji through the Sasaki clan. The name derives from the Kygoku quarter of Kyoto during the Heian period. The Kygoku acted as shugo (governors) of mi, Hida, Izumo and Oki Provinces in the period before the nin War.[]
2. Bakufu were governments which ruled Japan from 1185 until 1868. Also called shogunate, a bakufu was technically limited in authority to the feudal overlords domains and the men who owed close allegiance to him.[]