Black Corporation: Joseon

Chapter 245

Chapter 245

The retainer who finished reporting to Morimi asked his fellow retainers about something he was curious about.

Kim Jong-seo, was it? Was the secret envoy from Joseon really that remarkable? This is the first time Ive seen our lord covet someone so much.

At the question about Kim Jong-seo, the fellow retainers who had interacted with him nodded in unison.

He was extraordinary. He seemed like the reincarnation of a hero from the heroic tales.

Indeed, indeed. He always acted boldly without losing his smile, but he never suffered a loss.

He seemed to gloss over things, but he never missed a thing.

He appeared to have sufficient ability to run a nation.

He seemed to enjoy drinking, indulging in the arts, and being extravagant, but his loyalty was firmer than a rock.

Huh There was such a person?

When the questioning retainer showed a look of disbelief, another retainer spoke up.

The day before that Kim Jong-seo returned to Joseon, our lord hosted a banquet.

***

The day before Kim Jong-seo, who had successfully concluded negotiations with Ouchi Morimi, was to return, Morimi held a grand banquet. Morimi, Mochiyo, the posthumous son of Morimis deceased brother and designated heir, and even the retainers who had not gone to Kyoto all attended the grand banquet.

Officially, it was to bid farewell to Kim Jong-seo, who was returning to Joseon, but internally, it was a banquet to entice Kim Jong-seo.

Therefore, renowned beauties and talented women from the domain were gathered and seated around Kim Jong-seo.

As the banquet was in full swing and everyone began to feel the effects of alcohol, Morimi casually brought up the topic.

Arent they truly beautiful women?

Indeed, they are. It feels like I have become a butterfly fluttering in a flower garden.

Hahaha! A butterfly fluttering in a flower garden! What a splendid expression!

Morimi, who had burst into laughter at Kim Jong-seos words, spoke again.

Lord Kims literary talent is truly remarkable. May I request a poem?

My skills are too trivial to boast about.

After declining a couple of times, Kim Jong-seo finally had to recite a poem.

Although my skills are trivial, please enjoy it lightly.

Kim Jong-seo, who lightly sang the tune, turned his head and looked outside. Gazing at the moon visible through the window, Kim Jong-seo began to speak.

Is the round moon in the sky the same in Hanseong?

Why does the singing voice of the beautiful lady sound so sorrowful?

Is it because she cannot forget the sincere love in Jongno?

Ah

Morimi was left speechless by the poem recited by Kim Jong-seo. Although it was a short poem, it was filled with unwavering loyalty towards the King of Joseon.

I should give up

Forcibly hiding his disappointment, Morimi unleashed a series of exclamations.

Truly! It was truly a magnificent poem! Lord Kims literary talent is indeed extraordinary.

You flatter me. I am ashamed to have tainted your ears with my trivial skills.

As Kim Jong-seo replied humbly, Morimi shook his head.

No! No! Although my learning is shallow, I have ears to listen! It was a truly outstanding poem! It can be called the best under the heavens!

To Morimis words, Kim Jong-seo responded modestly.

There are many in Joseon who surpass me.

As Kim Jong-seo continued to express humility, one of the retainers chimed in.

Did you say there are many in Joseon who are even more outstanding than you?

Thats right. Its embarrassing, but my rank in the civil service examination was 13th.

At Kim Jong-seos words, Morimi and the retainers were left speechless.

Meanwhile, the Joseon officials who had accompanied Kim Jong-seo to assist him had to pinch their thighs and desperately manage their expressions.

They say dream interpretation is more important than the dream itself! Look at their faces! They definitely misunderstood!

That damned Hanseong addiction! Even in a situation like this!

Its a severe case, a severe case!

As a side note, the poem recited by Kim Jong-seo at this banquet was later included in a Korean middle school Korean language textbook. And the commentary on this poem was as follows:

• Using the round moon and sincere love, it is a masterpiece that expresses ones loyalty to the king with restrained expression.

***

The next day, after seeing off the Koreans, including Kim Jong-seo, and returning to his residence, Morimi became speechless.

Morimis face, gazing at the well-manicured garden, was more hardened than ever before. Seeing Morimi like this, Mochiyo and the retainers had unusually tense expressions.

Whats going on? The negotiations went well, though?

Why on earth?

As Mochiyo and the retainers were anxiously observing the situation, Morimi spoke.

Frogs

Morimi, who suddenly uttered an incomprehensible word, turned around and looked at Mochiyo and the retainers.

What do you think of the secret envoy sent by Joseon this time?

In response to Morimis question, Mochiyo stepped forward and answered.

He was a remarkable talent.

Indeed, he was a remarkable talent. But do you know whats truly frightening? That such a talent ranked 13th in the civil service examination. Simply put, it means there are 12 more talented individuals above him.

Ah

At Morimis words, Mochiyo and the retainers nodded their heads. They also knew about the civil service examinations conducted in Ming and Joseon through rumors.

However, they looked down on the civil service examination system itself.

Literature is weak! The world is dominated solely by military power!

It was a thought befitting those who had lived through the era of turmoil, the division of the Northern and Southern Dynasties.

Of course, military power is the most important for aspiring to rule the world. But!

Morimi paused for a moment and clenched his fist.

With military power alone, even if you gain the world, its nothing more than a fleeting dream! To become the true master of the world, not just a momentary dream, what is absolutely necessary is literature!

Despite Morimis impassioned speech, Mochiyo and the retainers showed signs of not readily agreeing.

Seeing this, Morimi shouted angrily.

Thats why you are frogs! Frogs in a well! Look at Joseon now! Who holds dominion over the sea, not only the Tsushima Strait but also the sea leading to Ming?

Its Joseon.

What do you think is the reason for Joseons rapid growth?

Mochiyo, who pondered for a moment at Morimis words, asked in return.

Is it the power of literature?

Yes! Its clear that strengthening military power is the most important task! However, it is literatures role to foster and maintain that military power! Look at Joseon! Its because individuals like that Kim Jong-seo support them that they could grow so quickly! Mochiyo!

Yes, my lord!

Why did Ouchi Yoshihiro, your father, my brother, and the previous lord, have to pass away?

It was because of the scheme of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the previous shogun!

Why did he fall for the scheme? It was because there was no one who could see through the scheme. There were those skilled in military strategy but none skilled in political strategy!

Morimi passionately lectured Mochiyo and the retainers.

It is said that defending a castle is more difficult than attacking one. Governing a nation is more difficult than founding one! To become the true master of the world, the dream of our clan, we need the power of literature! I will issue an order! Gather not only your children but also the children with literary talent from across the domain! Send the gathered children to study in Joseon!

There may be financial issues!

When one of the retainers pointed out the problem, Morimi shouted angrily.

Have you forgotten about the trading post to be established in Nagato and the Iwami silver mine?

I am ashamed!

This is why I call you frogs! While its important to nurture children with military talent, literature must not be neglected! To become the true master of the world, marching to the capital is not everything! We must thoroughly prepare for what comes after as well!

At Morimis cry, Mochiyo and the retainers bowed their heads in unison and replied.

Yes, my lord!

It was a moment when another turning point in history was created.

***

The panokseon carrying Kim Jong-seo, who had successfully completed his mission, did not head towards Tsushima but instead took a detour towards Jeju Island and arrived at the Left Naval Station of Jeolla Province.

As the mission itself was secret, the panokseon belonging to the Left Naval Station of Jeolla Province moved instead of Dongnae, where there were many Japanese eyes.

Kim Jong-seo, who had safely arrived at the Left Naval Station of Jeolla Province, immediately mounted a horse and headed to Hanseong.

What a diligent fellow! He could have rested for a day, but hes going straight up!

The Commander of the Left Naval Station of Jeolla Province saw off Kim Jong-seos group with a pleased expression. However, Kim Jong-seos entourage glared at him with narrowed eyes.

Diligent, my ass!

As if youve only known him for a day or two! Hes definitely doing this to finish early and go to the pleasure house!

Although they grumbled inwardly, Kim Jong-seos entourage all agreed on one thing.

Still, he does his job thoroughly!

***

Kim Jong-seo, who arrived in Hanseong amidst numerous misunderstandings and prejudices, immediately went to Sejong.

Well done.

Sejong, who received the report through the eunuch, said to Kim Jong-seo.

Rest for two days and then report to me. I have many things to ask.

Just give me one more day.

Although grumbling inwardly, Kim Jong-seo bowed his head and replied.

Your grace is immeasurable.

You may leave.

After paying respects to Sejong and leaving, Kim Jong-seo counted his fingers and muttered.

If youre going to use me, use me thoroughly. Whats with two days, two days Where should I go first?

Kim Jong-seo continued to count his fingers, pondering where to go.

***

After two days of rest, Kim Jong-seo had to come before Sejong again.

In your opinion, what kind of person was the head of the Ouchi clan?

He seemed to be a very ambitious person.

Ambitious? Why?

As Sejong showed interest, Kim Jong-seo recounted his observations.

When he heard the proposal for joint mining of the Iwami silver mine, if he were loyal to the King of Japan, he would have first mentioned obtaining the Kings approval. However, until I left, he never mentioned such a thing even once, and there were no signs of him sending someone to the King of Japan.

Hmm I see.

Sejong nodded his head, stroking his beard at Kim Jong-seos explanation.

If he is that ambitious, he must be hostile to the King of Japan.

He did not show such an attitude in front of me, but he did not show more respect than necessary.

I see.

Kim Jong-seo had to answer Sejongs questions for a long time after that.

Having extracted enough information from Kim Jong-seo to his satisfaction, Sejong gave him an order.

Good work. There is someone waiting for you at the State Council, so go and see.

I shall heed your command.

As he left after paying respects to Sejong, Kim Jong-seo tilted his head.

Who is waiting for me?

Jong-seo!

Gasp!

Hearing the familiar voice calling him, Kim Jong-seos face turned pale as if he had seen a ghost. In the distance, Hwang Hui was walking towards him, waving his hand.

Why is the Minister here? Why here?

As Kim Jong-seo was muttering with a pale face, Hwang Hui, who had walked right up to him, spoke.

You finished reporting to His Majesty, right?

Pardon? Yes.

Then pack your bags. We need to get back to work soon.

Minister! It hasnt been long since I returned from the envoy mission

As Kim Jong-seo grumbled with a sorrowful expression, Hwang Hui shouted angrily.

Listen! In my days, I went back to work the very day I returned from an envoy mission! You had plenty of rest while on the mission!

Minister! I crossed the sea!

Listen! In my days, I passed through areas swarming with Jurchen tribes! Pack your bags now!

Minister

The more you resist, the further away your return to Hanseong will be. Choose. Do you want to lead the virgin land expedition team, or do you want to work with me and then return to Hanseong?

At Hwang Huis words, Kim Jong-seo replied with tears welling up in his eyes.

I will go home, change into my official robes, and return.

***

After that, Sejong continued to receive reports related to Japan.

After reading the reports from Hwangbo In, who had met with Won Do-jin, the Governor-General of Kyushu, following a secret order like Kim Jong-seo, and Nam Gi-jus group, who had met with Ashikaga Yoshinori as official envoys, as well as the analysis reports compiling these reports, Sejong looked at his ministers.

To reach a conclusion, the situation in Japan is like a lantern in the wind, right?

That is correct, Your Majesty.

Chief State Councilor Lee Jik immediately answered Sejongs question and added.

Judging from the fact that not only the head of the Ouchi clan but even the Governor-General of Kyushu, Won Do-jin, who is said to have the trust of the King of Japan, kept the contents of their meetings with the secret envoys confidential, it seems that although the King of Japans rule may appear strong on the surface, it is unstable on the inside.

I see. Then lets also establish a plan assuming the worst-case scenario.

We shall heed your command!