Black Corporation: Joseon

Chapter 623

Episode 623: Their Choice (3)

While the state affairs of the new Korean Federal Empire are busy with ‘overtime work yesterday and today’ under the leadership of Hyang, a challenger-level battle line enters the Mokpo quarantine waiting area. Jang’s official letter was quickly sent up to Hanseong.

“your majesty. “This time, the front line that returned from Aden has received an urgent alert.”

When Hyang became emperor, Han Myeong-hoe, who became a monk, reported to Hyang.

* * *

When Hyang became emperor, all four members became members of the Seungjeongyuan. Not only did his affiliation change, but his rank also became that of Do Seungji, Left and Right Deputy Seungji, and Dongseungji. Thanks to this, his rank was also promoted very quickly from secretary to director.

“If it were originally, the appropriate rank for the position should be a manager. Since I still lack experience, being a director is a good fit. “Afterwards, the rank will be adjusted again considering performance.”

As shown above, the four people had to run around until their soles were on fire due to the scented carrots, whips, and another carrot.

There was a lot of talk about this unconventional greeting, but Hyang was easily ignored.

“After using it for a while, it works well. In particular, they understand what I want to say very well, so they are the best people to take charge of the work of the Seungjeongwon.”

Those who opposed Hyang’s answer had no choice but to back down. Seungjeongwon were the people closest to the emperor who assisted him. Naturally, it was right for those who had to get along well with the emperor to enter.

And the four people in question were people who had been well trained by Hyang since the days of Seunghwadang.

Meanwhile, the scent had a reason to keep them nearby.

“We need to prevent getting involved with Jinpyeong in advance. This is better than leaving it somewhere out of sight and giving yourself a headache. It’s even better that the four of them are cooperating with each other. Besides… you’re good at your job, right?”

The last reason was the most important scent.

* * *

“What kind of emergency is this?”

“It is said that on his way back, he encountered envoys from the West who were heading from Malacca to Aden.”

There was a Joseon naval base in Temasek (Temasek Singapore’s old name), but Joseon ships in charge of trade passed through Melaka. The reason is that it was the largest trade port through which trade ships from other countries passed through, making it the best place for rest and exchange of information on supply of goods.

“so?”

In response to Hyang’s question, Han Myeong-hoe immediately gave an explanation.

“It is said that Mehmed II sent a personal letter there requesting urgent assistance.”

“Urgent assistance?”

“I asked them to send as many bullets as possible for Eulsik Long Guns and freight cars as quickly as possible.”

“Hmm…”

After receiving the report, Hyang-hyang stroked her chin and fell into thought, and Myeong-hoe Han handed over a tray containing a letter written by a captain at the front to the eunuch.

After opening the letter he received from the eunuch and checking its contents, Hyang thought for a moment and gave an order to the eunuch and Han Myeong-hoe.

“Tell the Prime Minister and the left and right deputy prime ministers to come. “Get ready for the meeting.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

* * *

After a while, Hyang, Hwanghee, Kim Jeom, and Hayeon were together at Geunjeongjeon.

“Did you hear the contents?”

Hwang Hee nodded in response to Hyang’s question.

“yes. “That’s right.”

“So what do you think?”

Hwang Hee answered Hyang’s question.

“I think it’s jade.”

Hyang smiled at Hwang Hee’s answer.

* * *

When they heard Mehmet II’s proposal, the ministers and government officials looked perplexed.

“Your confidence is great, but I’m not sure if your abilities are as great as your confidence.”

“First of all, it is clear that you have eyes to see. Seeing that there is no hesitation in making decisions, it is clear that he is the king. However, it is clear that his competitors also have royal wealth, so I think it is absolutely necessary to identify the best.”

In a situation where no conclusion could be easily reached, Hyang suggested one thing.

“How about throwing some bait?”

“You mean bait?”

“yes.”

Hyang explained the ‘bait’ he thought of. The ministers who heard the explanation of the scent all clapped their knees in admiration.

“What a good bait!”

The ministers unanimously accepted Hyang’s proposal.

Sejong, who saw that, muttered to himself.

‘That guy… I don’t know if I’ll be able to hear the sound of a villain shaking the world in his hands later in the dark.’

The bait presented by the incense was a gift to Mehmet II.

– 4,000 rifles and 50,000 first generation bullets, 5 freight cars and 30,000 second generation bullets.

If you look at it simply as a number, it was a huge number. But anyone who thinks can see how inadequate this number is.

Even with 50,000 first-generation bullets, it was only enough to fire 12 rounds in a single-style long gun. And the 30,000 rounds of second-generation bullets were only enough to fire 6,000 rounds per freight car.

‘You won’t be able to find the answer just by looking at the Japanese style rifle. If you train it properly, it will be used up during training, and even if you save it, it will be enough for a sudden assault. ‘Is it possible for a freight car to fight once?’

In a war movie seen in the 21st century, there was a scene where each of the two Soviet soldiers charging towards the German army in Stalingrad was assigned one 5-round clip.

The same was true for freight cars. Even if it was a manually fired machine gun, 6,000 rounds would be consumed in an instant.

In other words, Joseon planned to decide the future by seeing how Mehmet II would deal with this ‘trap of numbers’.

* * *

Hwang Hee explained her thoughts to Hyang.

“If we think about the moment of encounter in Malacca City, Mehmed II would have headed towards Malacca City at full speed. This means that we immediately recognized the ‘trap’ we had set ourselves. However, the fact that they did not turn back and stopped at Dongbu Island or Temasek on the way, but waited for the return ship in Melaka may have been their intention to avoid diplomatic problems. In addition, the fact that he asked for bullets before long guns or freight cars suggests that he had an outstanding ability to understand what was important and make decisions. In other words, the conclusion is that there is a very high possibility of winning in gambling.”

Kim Jeom and Hayeon also nodded at Hwang Hee’s words.

Even if the weapons were destined for retirement, their value was considerable. Therefore, one should avoid betting on bad cards.

And looking at the situation so far, Mehmet II was a pretty good loser.

Hyang, who nodded to Hwang Hee’s answer, immediately gave an order.

“Then let’s get the ship ready right away and send him what he wants.”

“yes. your majesty.”

Hyang, who was watching Hwang Hee answer like that, looked like she suddenly had an idea and added.

“ah! “This time, tell them to make a little more noise when loading and moving things.”

“yes?”

“I need to tell this to those who are still just looking at it. ‘If it’s late, you can’t buy it even if you want to.’”

Hwang Hee and Hayeon Kim, who were momentarily confused by Hyang’s words, soon realized the meaning and burst into laughter.

“ha ha ha! “You are amazing!”

“ha ha ha!”

“ha ha ha! “It is indeed so!”

* * *

After the meeting, Han Myeong-hoe delivered the contents of the Hyang’s order to the Seungjeongwon to write it down as an official document.

“Isn’t this dangerous?”

Hawiji, who was arranging the contents in a formal manner, tilted his head and looked at Han Myeong-hoe.

“What is dangerous?”

“It is not a rule to transport supplies secretly. That way, you can avoid the impure people who are looking for your supplies. “But orders to the contrary are coming.”

Han Myeong-hoe responded with a chuckle to the criticism that was typical of a principled person.

“Are there still big guys left to mess with our empire’s battle lines?”

“Isn’t it possible to disguise yourself as a thief and carry out affairs in a country where greed cannot be overcome?”

Kwon Ram, who was next to him, countered Hawiji’s point.

“If something like that happens, whether intentionally or accidentally, that country should not even think about going to sea. Because the empire’s navy, no, will not leave it alone. “Is there any other reason to build a base in the ocean so far away?”

Han Myeong-hoe and Seong Sam-moon nodded at Kwon Ram’s words.

* * *

This was precisely why the imperial navy was notorious in the seas east of Africa.

The power of the empire’s ships themselves moving along the trade routes was no match for them.

There were imperial naval bases at each major strategic point along the route.

If attacked by pirates, merchant ships, regardless of nationality, attempted a desperate escape toward this naval base. In this way, if they safely entered the imperial naval base or encountered the imperial front line nearby and the situation became known, the pirates had to abandon their base and make a desperate escape.

This was because the persistent imperial navy invaded the base and turned it into a wasteland. And once the pirates’ base was known, the imperial navy regularly visited and presented cannonballs.

As a result, most pirates around Malacca City and Malay Luzon had to choose other occupations – fishermen or sailors on trading ships.

* * *

“Hmm… I guess that’s what I heard.”

When Hawiji stepped away with a shy expression on his face, Kwon Ram spoke this time.

“I’m not worried about the transportation issue, but to be honest, I’m worried about whether it’s really okay to make such a fuss.”

“what?”

“The quantity our empire announced to sell includes 50,000 Japanese rifles, as well as a significant amount of freight cars and artillery pieces. My guess is that they thought that if they made such a noisy move, those who were just paying attention would use the situation in their country as an excuse to move quickly. It seems like we don’t have much time left, so we need to move quickly. And as you live like that, you will want to buy more.”

Han Myeong-hoe nodded at Kwon Ram’s words.

“Your majesty and the captains also thought so.”

In response to Han Myeong-hoe, Kwon Ram pointed out the problem.

“What will we do if the countries that decided to purchase rifles from us find out? The number of long guns we sell is well over 50,000. Rather, wouldn’t they ask for a reduction in the price since there is too much volume?”

As soon as Kwon Ram finished speaking, Seong Sam-Moon received the message.

“How will they know about it? Don’t you know that you don’t know how many bags other countries are buying unless you sit on the dock and open the lid and count them? And that’s something you can’t do even if you want to. Because it is a serious diplomatic discourtesy. In other words, unless we tell them, they don’t know even if they want to know.”

“Mae Jukheon is right.”

As soon as Seong Sam-moon finished speaking, Han Myeong-hoe nodded and continued speaking.

“They don’t know how much we sell unless our empire announces it. All you know is ‘50,000 bags’ and what you will know is that the country called Ottoman bought a huge amount. Then, as you said, Sohandang will be busy taking care of their share within the limited quantity. “The payment will be made right away.”

Kwon Ram shook his head at Han Myeong-hoe’s words.

“I understand that too. “But what worries me is whether they really don’t know that fact.”

Han Myeong-hoe snorted at Kwon Ram’s words.

“joy! “What will you do if you find out?”

“Wouldn’t they ask for a price reduction?”

“It’s okay if you don’t sell it. Isn’t that what we asked you to buy? And if I don’t like the price, should I buy something from Myeongguk? Neighboring countries are all trying to arm themselves with weapons from our empire, but what about weapons that are clearly inferior in performance? Just because it’s cheap?”

“….”

Kwon Ram kept his mouth shut at Han Myeong-hoe’s words.