1592 The Empire We All Dreamed of - Chapter 321



Only Krnovel

1592 The Empire Everyone Dreamed of (321)

Dongsha Islands

Joseon was peaceful.

We were cooperating with Goryeo, which was founded in the north, through the development of Gando, and the south was guarded like an iron wall by Yi Sun-sin.

Smallpox, which had been rampant for years, was also eradicated when the king came forward and administered cowpox vaccination.

The spring breeze was warm in Jeongneung Palace, where worries had disappeared.

“How are you preparing for this year’s spring famine?”

“12,000 seok of white rice arrived at Mapo Ferry yesterday.”

When Heo Gyun nodded, a clerk at the Royal Secretariat presented a tray.

“This is a report from the Southern Sea commander who arrived with us.”

“Read it.”

Heo Gyun lifted the scroll from the tray and unfolded it.

“I humbly submit. I will dispose of the red ginseng and the porcelain from the Ungcheon kiln that you have given me to the merchants, and I will prepare Annam rice and send 5,000 seok to Busanpo and 12,000 seok to Hanyang. Furthermore, about 80 Nanman ships have appeared in Taiwan and are threatening our merchants, so I intend to lead a fleet to respond. I will cherish Your Majesty’s soldiers as if they were my own, and I will fight them cautiously and resolutely. I will pay tribute to the commander of the Southern Sea, Yi Sun-sin, on the 15th day of the 3rd month of the Eulsa year.”

When Heo Gyun folded the scroll and stepped back, the ministers were in an uproar.

“Huh, it seems the Namman people are very extreme.”

“It’s been about ten years since their actions became known. I think some fundamental measures are needed.”

“Instead of shedding blood, why don’t we just communicate?”

“Yes. Yi Sun-sin is too radical.”

Jeong Hyeon-ryong frowned at the opinions of some of the ministers.

“Wasn’t it your common opinion that we shouldn’t deal with each other because words and rules are different? How can you go back on your own words just because the year has changed?”

“Ahem, as a leader of a country, shouldn’t you be a little more flexible?”

“Yes, we must follow the law, but we must be flexible in our thinking.”

“Tsk.”

When Jeong Hyeon-ryong closed his mouth as if he didn’t want to deal with him, Yoon Du-su chuckled at the sight.

“Minister of War, please don’t keep your mouth shut like that. Isn’t it the job of an old minister like us to broaden the horizons of the young ministers?”

“What the Left State Councillor said is correct. I ask my Minister of War for guidance.”

Jeong Hyeon-ryong glared at Yoon Du-su and stepped forward to bow.

“As I have seen, when their opponents are strong, they ask for deals and make a profit, and when they are weak, they suppress them and make them their colony. This is very similar to the behavior of other countries.”

“I hear you, that’s true.”

King Gwanghae and some of his ministers nodded.

“Hani should first show his strength and prevent the opponent from making any reckless moves. This is the realm of the general, and the court should look at the results and hand out rewards and punishments.”

“I completely agree with you. What do you think, your Excellencies?”

“I report that the Minister of War’s opinion is correct.”

“The Minister of War’s opinion is indeed sound.”

From some point on, the atmosphere of the court was led by the king. Gwanghae led the court by asking for and coordinating the opinions of the ministers.

Gwanghae’s divorce went one step further.

“While I’m at it, I’d like to discuss the affairs of the North. I’ve heard that some of the senior officials have differing opinions on the development of Gando. Please speak frankly here.”

“I hereby report to the new Minister of Public Works, Heo Jeong.”

Putting the brakes on something that the ministers had agreed upon and the king had accepted was dangerous because it meant turning the court into an enemy. However, the Joseon literati managed to do just that.

“Since Taejo pacified the northeast and established the country, the northern numbers have been obedient to our country. However, recently, the Ming has invaded and established a country, and its power has reached a point where it cannot be tolerated. Your Majesty, please make a wise judgment and set the country’s grand plan right.”

“Indeed, a life-threatening remonstrance is what awakens the king and sounds an alarm in the court. Who would give their opinion on this?”

“I, the new Prime Minister Heo Gyun, would like to speak.”

“Tell me.”

“According to historical records, Joseon’s roots were in Liaodong. Before Emperor Wu of Han invaded, our ancestors farmed on the grasslands, raised horses, and socialized with the northerners.”

This was the beginning of a long and tedious argument.

Although it was a frustrating and boring task at first glance, they were great men and philosophers who had the will to benefit the world.

Perhaps this was the iron-man politics that Joseon had implemented.

“Thus, those living in the territory of the old Joseon Dynasty should be considered as being of the same blood.”

Although the ministers partially agreed with Heo Gyun’s concept of ‘nation’, there were certainly those who were not convinced. They strongly opposed it.

“Those uncivilized people are my blood relatives? I don’t agree.”

“Yes. We should no longer have any dealings with those who detain His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Ming.”

“Cooperate with Nammyeong immediately.”

“for a moment.”

Gwanghae stopped the discussion.

“The one who bestowed grace on Joseon was Emperor Wanli. Nammyeong unjustly deposed His Majesty the Emperor and installed a new emperor. Is your cause Nammyeong?”

“That, that is… … .”

“I am sorry. This requires more public discussion, so please give me a little more time.”

“It is true that establishing the grand plan of a nation requires careful consideration.”

“Your kindness is truly infinite.”

“Listen. The reason many people meet is to come up with a better idea. If you can’t persuade the court, how can you persuade the world?”

Gwanghae’s words struck a chord with some ministers.

“Keep this in mind and do not create something that will make future generations laugh at you.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I will keep this in mind.”

A king who enforces only his own will is called a tyrant.

Gwanghae respected the agreement and did not enforce it unless he could persuade people. Those who knew this well continued their sharp opposition today under the pretext of advice.

Jeong Hyeon-ryong’s indifferent eyes watched them.

* * *

The morning dawned at Daedong Port.

“Aren’t you awake? I’ll throw you in the sea if you’re still half asleep.”

“Who’s that guy hanging around there? Run quickly.”

The dock square was full of sailors. Those who had finished their meals early stood in long lines to find their affiliations.

“Board the scaffolding, numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11! Even numbers stand by.”

“Keep calm. It’s the same as always.”

Experienced sailors boarded the ship with great ease.

“General, we are ready.”

“Let’s set sail.”

The order was transmitted in the dazzling morning sunlight.

“Let’s set sail! Raise anchor!”

Ding ding.

As the lump of iron hanging from thick iron chains was lifted onto the deck, the huge hull that had been secured to the scaffolding rocked.

“Unfurl the sails.”

“One, two, pull!”

“Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey.”

Flutter.

As the sails rose in the wind, the ropes attached to the scaffolding became taut.

Bam.

As the axe cut the rope, the ship tilted and there was a sound like twisting wood. Then the heavy hull slowly pushed away.

Creak, squeak.

The same process was repeated afterwards.

It was not until 1:00 PM (1:00 to 3:00 PM) that the 12 ships of the line, 15 galleons, 100 panokseons, and 20 privateer ships were lined up at sea.

A fleet of 147 ships formed a first line in front of the port.

“I can’t see the end.”

“The entire sea is filled with fleets. At this rate, victory will not be difficult.”

Yan clenched his fist at the admiration of the people.

“It will absolutely happen. The Taiwan that the Master gave us will never be taken away from us.”

“The director will also do his best.”

Im Ji-ryong also made a pledge with a determined face.

Then an officer passed them and went up to the bridge.

“General, the formation is complete.”

Yi Sun-sin swept away his own fleet and put on his helmet.

“Let’s go.”

“yes.”

The adjutant turned around and shouted.

“Let’s go. Strike the drum.”

Ding, ding, ding.

With the sound of the drum, the sails were raised again and bulged out.

Im Ji-ryong came and said.

“The captain will take charge of the scouting.”

“Please.”

As soon as permission was granted, Im Ji-ryong went down to the bow and waited.

After a while, when the ships approached, he grabbed the rope and went down. Then, he led 20 ships ahead of the fleet.

“It’s past daytime. Give the soldiers some beef jerky.”

“I will convey the order.”

The spring sea was calm, but the sunlight was strong. The taut sails provided shade.

Clang, thud.

The waves cut by the function broke into silver pieces.

The fleet, which had sailed south along the coast, was able to bypass the southern tip of Taiwan the following afternoon.

The watchman’s shout broke the quiet afternoon.

“26 galleons, looks like the fleet of Zealandia.”

“Slow down for a moment.”

Yi Sun-sin glanced at Admiral Rohan, who was looking at his telescope with envious eyes.

“Do you have any spare telescopes?”

“I’m sorry. I can lend it to you.”

Yi Sun-sin nodded, understanding that Gukmin Seo’s stubborn attitude meant, ‘I cannot give it to anyone but Joseon.’

“I have no complaints about the owner’s rights.”

A moment later, Admiral Rohan Rubastin received the telescope and pointed the lens out to sea.

“That face is Andrew. That’s my fleet.”

“The entertainment was long. Let’s start the meeting now.”

Song Hee-rip, who received Yi Sun-sin’s nod, spread out a map on the table.

“A circular reef colony with a diameter of 50 ri (20 km), this is our battlefield.”

“Should I go first and take my seat?”

He pointed to the west of the map with his hand.

“The Yeonggili base is located four days west of here, so the key is to lure them out somehow.”

“If it’s a four-day journey, it’ll probably be a well-known terrain on that side.”

Lieutenant General Kwon Jun stroked his beard.

“You intend to reveal that you are luring the enemies.”

“Even if you hide it, it won’t be hidden. The key to this naval battle is how quickly you encounter the enemy.”

“Is it speed? The old men are going to die.”

“That is the fate of the old men.”

Through the meeting, details were added and rough edges were smoothed out.

Four days after setting sail from Daedong Port, the fleet came into view of a large reef area.

“These are the Dongsha Islands.”

“It’s a really huge belt of reefs, and I can’t see the end of it.”

Yi Sun-sin lowered his telescope and looked back at Im Ji-ryong and Admiral Rohan Rubastin.

“Then thank you for your hard work.”

“I will definitely complete the mission and return.”

Soon, 41 galleons and 20 barques left the fleet. Then, a squadron of 10 panokseons, in pairs, were deployed nearby to reconnoiter.

Yi Sun-sin, who had been estimating the afternoon sun, gave instructions.

“It’s training. The commanders will return to their respective fleets and assume command.”

“Yes, General.”

One practice for every hundred training sessions – this was the long-standing tradition and secret to victory of the Namhae Navy.

“Strike the North. Form a line.”

Ding, ding, ding, ding.

The panokseons, which had turned in place, lined up in a line. Behind them, the battleships made a long turn and passed through the end of the line.

The training was repeated until sunset.

* * *

A crab washed up on the waves dug into the sand.

Choaaaah.

In contrast to the peaceful white sand beach, on one side, indigenous people were still being whipped and forced to work.

“Don’t dawdle.”

“If you don’t finish one scaffolding by evening, you’ll be whipped.”

Of course, the natives did not understand the language. They simply followed the hand gestures and cut down trees and moved stones.

The Balant Fortress at the southern tip of Haenam Island was still under construction.

The nobleman standing on the hill, looking out at the harbor with his pack on his back, had a very unpleasant expression on his face.

“There are now eight scaffoldings. It’s too slow.”

“This is the 16th one up to the wooden scaffolding.”

“A wooden scaffolding that breaks down after three or four dockings… … .”

Walter Haines, Admiral of the English Eastern Fleet, piped up.

“phew.”

The stuffy feeling dispersed along with the smoke.

“Is there any problem with the departure tomorrow?”

“The gunpowder and food have been loaded, so we just need to board the sailors in the morning.”

“What about the scout ship?”

“Before the sun sets, return… … .”

Suddenly, Adjutant Danny Gerrard’s eyes widened.

Admiral Walter’s eyes, which followed his gaze, also became as bright as lanterns.

“Uh, that one?”

On the horizon, familiar mastheads appeared, one by one, and soon there were dozens.

Five galleons were heading for the harbor, and a fleet of forty or more ships was rushing behind them. From the harbor hill, all of this could be clearly seen.

“The enemy. The enemy has appeared.”

Ding, ding, ding, ding.

Sailors who appeared from somewhere at the sound of the watchtower’s bell gathered at the dock. It was indeed a swift response worthy of an elite force.

Adjutant Danny Gerrard picked up Walter’s hat and handed it to him.

“The enemy’s movements are faster than I thought.”

“Those Dutch bastards, I guess the only way to survive is to strike first.”

The admiral, with his pipe tucked into his coat pocket, hurried down the hill.

The harbor square was busy, but order was maintained.

“Get on as soon as you arrive.”

“Those who missed the boat, stand by.”

“Get out of the way, it’s the Admiral.”

As Admiral Walter Haines reached the square, the path to the pier was cleared. He and his crew climbed the rope ladder, and the anchor was hoisted. Everything was done quickly and according to the manual.

“The squadron waiting along the coast has begun responding.”

Kkukkung, kkugukung.

“Oh, it’s a fire. The enemy ship has opened fire.”

“Not yet. Those bastards, they must be using old-fashioned cannons.”

As Admiral Walter had analyzed, the junk’s cannonballs did not even reach the battle group waiting on the coast, let alone the port.

“16 ships have left the port. Another 16 are preparing.”

“Slow.”

The admiral shook his head as if he was not satisfied.