Black Corporation: Joseon

Chapter 882

Episode 882: Generation Change (13)

It was quite unusual for Jang Hang-seon to become Deputy Prime Minister.

After the Prime Minister system was established during the Gyeongjang era, the right deputy prime minister was mainly held by the ministers of the Ministry of General Affairs and the Ministry of Justice, while the left deputy prime minister was monopolized by the Ministry of Finance and Economy.

Under these circumstances, Jang Hang-seon’s appointment of Deputy Prime Minister Woo was quite unconventional.

Therefore, Wan had to give considerable thought before selecting the Janghang ship.

“On the contrary, it was easy to select Prime Minister or Left Deputy Prime Minister…”

There were no ministers who expressed opposition to the selection of Han Myeong-hoe as Prime Minister and Lim Soon-wook as Left Deputy Prime Minister.

The prevailing assessment was that both people had no experience, performance, or personal relationships.

“Oh, isn’t it Hanmyeonghoe?”

As Wan said to himself, there was something to say about Han Myeong-hoe.

* * *

Since his time as Minister of General Affairs, Han Myeong-hoe’s nickname has been ‘The Emperor’s Weathervane.’

This was because he understood the emperor’s true feelings faster and more accurately than anyone else and proceeded with his work in that direction.

“But that doesn’t mean they’re treacherous profiteers…”

“That’s more of a problem…”

“Because they sometimes oppose it…”

“That’s why it’s a problem. As long as he follows the emperor’s will, he is a treacherous traitor who only greedies for power…”

“Wasn’t he the standard from the first time he entered the service?”

As the saying goes, Han Myeong-hoe was ‘the emperor’s yes man.’ However, this does not mean that they will follow it unconditionally, and in some cases, they have expressed opposition or proposed coordination plans. And since it all made sense, Wan either withdrew his offer or accepted the arbitration offer.

That’s why officials had a lot to say about Han Myeong-hoe.

‘Are you a rare traitor who is good at finding a way to survive, or a powerful god who knows how to lead the world properly?’

The person who put this controversy to rest was retired Kim Jong-seo.

“Han Myeong-hoe’s ability is exactly what a Prime Minister needs. The first and most accurate way to understand His Majesty’s will is to move his subjects or find out what is wrong and guide them to the right path. “That is the skill a prime minister needs.”

With Kim Jong-seo’s words, the controversy died down, and Han Myeong-hoe was able to become Prime Minister without any trouble.

On the day he returned after being appointed Prime Minister, Han Myeong-hoe looked at the night sky with eyes full of all kinds of emotions.

“Finally….”

It was a life lived with the goal of achieving success, fame, and becoming ‘the top of all people.’ It was a position in which he had accumulated performance and experience, sometimes through ingenious strategies, and sometimes through routine.

Han Myeong-hoe, who was looking at the night sky with mixed emotions, frowned when he realized the reality.

“Finally, shit! “It’s a mountain beyond a mountain!”

Emperor Wan of Tangjin was someone who could never be underestimated. Wan didn’t just act as a proxy, but he was more skilled than anyone else in dealing with ministers.

Already operating Area 51 and the research institute, making plans, determining business priorities, setting budgets, etc. He had mastered all aspects of government affairs through prior education and practical training.

This was the same for Hyeon, who was scheduled to be the next emperor.

Watching Wan and Hyeon, the ministers learned well why King Sejong and Hyang made the crown prince responsible for the operation of Area 51 and the research institute.

Before the proxy administration, the King’s Studies class, which had been limited to theory, was completely changed to focus on practice.

While running Area 51 and the research institute, the Crown Prince became a worn-out figure in administration.

“Still, he still has Yeon-chi, but the problem is that he’s coming back.”

For Han Myeong-hoe, Hyang, his natural enemy, was returning.

Of course, as Tae Sang-tae, he could not directly interfere in politics, but it was possible to control and sway the entire government just by calling Hyeon to Sugang Palace and saying a hint or two.

That’s why Han Myeong-hoe had a frown on his face.

Unlike Han Myeong-hoe, who became prime minister amid controversy, Lim Soon-wook became left deputy prime minister without much opposition.

No, on the contrary, there were quite a few people who welcomed Lim Soon-wook’s inauguration as left deputy prime minister.

Those who welcomed Lim Soon-wook’s inauguration were not only Ministry of Finance and Economy officials, but also many ordinary people working in commerce and industry.

“If you’re Director Lim, you’ve been involved in commerce for a long time, so you’ll be able to solve management problems well!”

“Nothing like cancer!”

People had high expectations for Lim Sun-wook, who had a solid career as a top-ranking official and had extensive experience in the Ministry of Finance and Economy.

* * *

Anyway, after much deliberation, Wan appointed Jang Hang-seon as Deputy Prime Minister.

There was talk about the unusual decision, and Han Myeong-hoe stepped forward on Wan’s behalf to explain and persuade.

“Your Majesty believes that the war taking place in Italy will have a great impact on the safety of the empire.”

“How big of a war do you think it is?”

“Isn’t France, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire the countries that will be dealing with at least 10 years of preparation? Even if Spain is like that, France and the Holy Roman Empire are among the most powerful powers in Europe. “You probably think that if you look at this in vain and do not prepare properly, the empire will suffer great loss and disgrace.”

“In the past, even when fighting against the Ming in Liaodong, risking the survival of the country, they did not appoint the Minister of National Defense to the position of Deputy Prime Minister?”

“Isn’t the name just around the corner? But the war that will take place in Italy is different. For the first time in the history of the empire, we will be entering a war taking place in a distant, foreign land. It also has to go across Shinji. It’s a daunting task, starting with war expenses. That’s why they thought Captain Jang Hang-seon was the right candidate. What is Captain Jang’s theory? He claims to be ‘iron-blooded’, but isn’t his philosophy that ‘national defense should not eat up the people’s livelihood’? “I guess Captain Jang thought that we would prepare properly for 10 years.”

Many officials nodded at Han Myeong-hoe’s words. However, there were people who continued to point out the problem.

“France and the Holy Roman Empire are considered to be the greatest powers in Europe, but compared to the Ming Dynasty, they pale in comparison. “Aren’t you overestimating it?”

“Hemostasis of blood in the joints is not correct. However, during the Liaodong War, the Ming looked down on us and did not prepare properly, while we were well prepared. That was the difference between victory and defeat. “Isn’t that right?”

“I guess so.”

“The problem is Suez. At Suez, France saw the capabilities of our imperial army. Now that they know that we have joined hands with Florence, wouldn’t it be natural for them to make strong preparations? And the Holy Roman Empire and Spain, which are wary of France, will also strengthen their military power. “You have to deal with people like that.”

“….”

There were no further counterarguments to Han Myeong-hoe’s explanation. This was because what Han Myeong-hoe said was reasonable.

Thanks to Han Myeong-hoe’s actions, there was no longer any talk about Jang Hang-seon’s inauguration as deputy prime minister.

And Wan, who learned of the situation through various channels, muttered with a satisfied expression.

“Han Myeong-hoe is definitely worth using. “If you do something wrong, you might be swayed, but that won’t be a big problem because Hyeon is a formidable guy.”

He was a prefecture who was well versed in all sorts of tricks and tricks while running Area 51 and the research center, especially in developing the ‘high-speed armored steam engine battleship’.

“And when Hyeon ascends to the throne, the situation will also come back…”

Wan felt reassured, remembering the most powerful safety device, incense.

However, Wan later became a little worried when he saw Hyeon mesmerized by the fire truck and cavalry gun that Hyang brought.

“Is it really okay? “Wouldn’t it be like fanning the flames of a house on fire?”

* * *

Because of this background, Jang Hang-seon was deeply troubled.

After looking at the contents of the report and the demonstration, it was a weapon truly suited to the circumstances of the imperial army.

‘The problem is the cost…’

Im Sun-wook was the first to speak, as if he knew Jang Hang-seon’s feelings.

“According to the report, the exclusive production of weapons tentatively named ‘fire trucks’ and new cavalry rifles in Shinji would be a great help to Shinji’s independence. In my opinion, I think this is a problem. If we can become self-sufficient by producing fire trucks, new cavalry guns, and new bullets for them, how much quantity would we need to produce? And to extinguish that volume, 50% of the Imperial Army would need fire trucks and cavalry rifles. I don’t know much about Sosin’s military strategy, but I heard that he knows that every weapon has a designated use. If you go to the wrong place with the wrong weapon, you could not only lose the war but also lose many lives.”

Im Sun-wook’s comments focused the attention of the ministers on Jang Hang-seon.

After receiving the silent question, Jang Hang-seo cleared his voice with a light cough and opened his mouth.

“greatness! Huh! What the Left Deputy Prime Minister said is correct. “Both fire trucks and cavalry guns are very powerful in close combat, but they lose their power when the distance is far away.”

Hyang intervened in Jang Hang-seon’s comment.

“Your Majesty, as someone involved in this matter, do you mind if I speak?”

“You can do it.”

After receiving Hyang’s permission, Hyang immediately asked Jang Hang-seon.

“Italian cities are densely packed with buildings made of thick stone. “Wouldn’t it be useful in a place like that?”

Jang Hang-seon immediately responded to Hyang’s point.

“Of course it is. But not all battles are street fighting. And if the enemy uses thick stone buildings as shields, why should he respond with rifles and freight cars? Of course, we have to use artillery.”

The prefect and ministers all nodded at Jang Hang-seon’s answer. Hyang shouted inwardly at that sight.

‘hey! ‘You cannon lovers!’

But I forgot about the scent. That the canvases that poisoned them were all made by Hyang.

“greatness! “Keuhum!”

When even Jang Hang-seon showed a negative reaction, Hyang cleared his throat, cleared his voice, and continued speaking.

“I also have no intention of promoting Shinji’s self-reliance with only fire trucks and cavalry guns. “I just hope that the Imperial Army recognizes its usefulness and introduces it in appropriate quantities.”

Hearing Hyang’s words, Hyeon turned his head and looked at Lim Sun-wook and Jang Hang-seon.

“What do the Deputy Prime Ministers think?”

“It would be good to introduce it in an appropriate amount.”

Following Jang Hang-seon’s answer, Lim Sun-wook also received a speech.

“I also have the same thoughts.”

When Lim Sun-wook, who was the most strict, agreed, Hyun looked at Han Myeong-hoe with a bright face.

“The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister should join forces with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Finance and Economy to prepare and submit a report on the optimal quantity, budget, and introduction period.”

“I follow your orders.”

Looking at Lim Soon-wook’s expression on one side, he slowly prepared to bring up another story.

‘We have to unpack one more bundle for our Captain Im Soon-wook. ‘Otherwise I’ll cry.’

“greatness. Huh! your majesty. “I have something to tell you. Do you mind?”

“Of course!”

Hyang, who received the right to speak from Hyeon, looked at Im Sun-wook and opened his mouth.

“I found something quite nice in the territory acquired during the last Messika conquest. “It is called ‘chicle’ by the natives.”

“Is that so?”

Lim Soon-wook’s eyes began to sparkle as Hyang said those words.

‘He said it was definitely okay! ‘Then it means it’s something that makes money!’

According to Lim Sun-wook’s memory, when Hyang started talking like that, things that brought in a lot of money soon started coming out.