1592 The Empire We All Dreamed of - Chapter 329



Only Krnovel

1592 The Empire Everyone Dreamed of (329)

Admiral Lee

The citizen scratched his head.

‘Your greed for talent is similar to your lord’s.’

Slurp.

He filled the empty glass in front of Yi Sun-sin with palm sap.

“I am the 35th generation of the Kyushu Hyuga clan, the lord of 300 koku of gyeok.”

“Are you someone who seeks to shake off obscurity in these troubled times?”

Gukmin Seo frowned for a moment, looking thoughtful.

“I haven’t seen any such moves. I guess they want to expand their territory but are lacking in strength, so they are trying to amass wealth by becoming mercenaries.”

“How was it when you tried it?”

“You led the mercenaries well during the landing at Shanhaiguan. You also completed your mission cleanly during the fall of Beijing.”

“The evaluation is generous.”

Yi Sun-sin sat back in his chair, seemingly relieved of his curiosity.

“Is there anything I can say after reading this? This is just my impressions after using it.”

“I’m going to write this time. Is that okay?”

“It doesn’t matter. Since the ones who are widespread are swordsmen, it won’t be difficult to get them again.”

Yi Sun-sin nodded his head as if satisfied.

“I needed someone to stir up central Kyushu, so this is a good thing.”

By attacking Osaka, he gained the right to collect taxes in Kyushu, but the territories, except for some coastal areas, did not respond readily. It was understandable, as the South Sea naval base did not have a land force.

It wasn’t difficult to use mercenaries, but they needed someone who was reasonably trustworthy.

Yi Sun-sin’s gaze turned again to the mercenaries carrying the spoils.

Spain paid for its defeat with 1,000 pounds (600 kg) of gunpowder, 100 crowns (375 kg) of gold bullion, and some silver coins. In addition, 30 galleons were seized.

It was a quantity comparable to the loot captured from Fort Valant.

“When I run a naval base, the things I regret the most are rice and money. No, food is ultimately money. Conquering Kyushu is part of that, and if I continue like this, I’ll become very rich.”

“You needed someone who could handle it properly.”

“I found it thanks to you.”

A strange light appeared in the eyes of the citizen holding the glass.

‘Kyushu’s stabilization benefits both Taiwan and the upper echelons.’

If Kyushu is cut off from Honshu, then Shikoku Island will be next.

“If you don’t mind, may I recommend one more person?”

“I dare not ask for your unshakable wish.”

“I have no surname, my first name is Ishinori, and I am 30 years old. I have no fief, but I am known by name among wandering warriors.”

“How are your skills compared to that guy earlier?”

“The roles are different. If Maenojo commands 1,000 men, Ishinori leads 100 men and takes the lead.”

“Is it a superior-subordinate relationship?”

Gukmin Seo frowned again, looking thoughtful.

“I don’t think that’s necessarily the case. They are people who will check each other whenever necessary.”

“That’s a good recommendation. I like you very much.”

Gukmin Seo blinked at the unexpected compliment and bowed.

“Thank you, but I already serve my lord.”

“Heh heh heh.”

Yi Sun-sin’s refreshing laughter echoed across the beach.

Bae Heung-rip, who was secretly drinking alone nearby, felt a pang.

“Tsk tsk, Assistant Commander, why are you drinking in broad daylight?”

“Shh, the battle is probably over. What fun would an old soldier have? Give him a break.”

He made excuses and glanced at Yi Sun-sin.

“Hey, even if you’re a thief, you wouldn’t accuse me of stealing a bottle of liquor when it’s not even a wartime.”

“Hehe, hehe, alcohol that you drink secretly is actually delicious.”

“Phew.”

Song Hee-rip sighed and shook his head.

The southern sea was calm.

It was a landscape with pure white clouds across the blue sky and the horizon.

In June 1605 (July in the solar calendar), Yi Sun-sin, who had defeated the Spanish fleet in Manila, prepared to withdraw. Fortunately, he had time before the rainy season, so he was able to leisurely collect the spoils.

At the victory conference the day before, the Kookmin Ilbo suggested moving to the Portuguese Fortress of Valante.

Yi Sun-sin readily agreed.

‘You helped to attack Spain, so let’s end it there.’

‘How about handing Macau over to Holland, who fought with us from beginning to end?’

‘Do as you wish.’

What interest would there be in a place that is not even Joseon territory and is nearly a month away by boat?

Yi Sun-sin’s interest lay elsewhere.

Portugal, thoroughly subdued, had no choice but to sign obediently, which gave the Dutch a base closer to the continent and gave Taiwan the fortress of Zeelandia.

Overall, it seemed like the great powers were taking a step back.

The results of this battle turned the international situation upside down.

England, which had been on a roll after defeating the Spanish Armada, fell into despair after losing the Eastern Fleet.

The East India Companies were alerted to information about Admiral Lee in the East, but were relieved to learn that his fleet had no intention of sailing west.

Encountering strong resistance for the first time since their advance into the East, the great powers turned their attention to the Atlantic.

Choaak.

The waves crashed and sank into the sand.

The regular sounds and consistent scenery brought peace.

“by the way…….”

Yi Sun-sin, who had taken a sip of cool palm sap, put down his glass.

“The captured galleons are 58 English and 30 Spanish. Can I really take them all?”

“yes.”

Yi Sun-sin frowned at Gukmin Seo’s cool answer.

This has already been confirmed several times.

“Is that your lord’s will?”

“My lord advised me to give positive advice, but to follow the general’s wishes.”

“hmm.”

Yi Sun-sin stroked his beard once.

“What is that unwavering trust? Explain. If you have other thoughts.”

The citizen frowned. It was clearly a silent expression of, ‘Are you dissatisfied even if I do it?’

For a moment, he felt that it was too much and took a step back.

“Ahem. I hope you just think of it as the worry of an old man.”

“The general has obtained the ships, and the merchants have obtained safety and monetary compensation for their voyage. Taiwan.”

Yi Sun-sin’s eyes lit up.

“What about Taiwan?”

“I took over Fort Zealandia and consolidated my rule.”

Slurp.

The people’s book filled their empty cup.

“The safety of the nearby waters is a bonus. As always, thank you for your protection. For the endless development of the Namhae Navy.”

“… … .”

Yi Sun-sin was cold. Even if we interpret his calmness, the words of the national letter were reasonable.

“Let’s continue our good relationship in the future.”

When he held out his glass, Gukmin Seo clinked it politely.

The palm sap I drank all at once was exceptionally sweet and refreshing.

“I will sell the old Panokseon.”

“Thank you. Is there anything else you would like?”

There is no such thing as a free gift. A deal is a deal.

“Iron Tai-Gong. And I would like additional supplies of armor plates.”

“I have about 300 iron bows, so I will give you all of them. As for the armor plates, it is not my place to decide, so I will deliver them to the home country.”

After collecting his thoughts for a moment, Gukmin Seo continued speaking.

“I don’t think there will be a problem since there has never been a precedent for refusing a general’s request before.”

“Good. I’ll leave 60 panokseons in Taiwan.”

“I will also give you the Iron Palace then.”

As the deal was nearing completion, Yan and Lim Ji-ryong approached.

“Oh my, it’s hot. The shipment is finished.”

“There was an accident where one of the gunpowder boxes got wet, but it was quickly replaced and there were no casualties.”

“Thank you for your effort.”

“You’re at a good time. I have something to tell you about Taiwan’s defense.”

Afterwards, there was talk of Taiwan’s reconnaissance range and dispatching a fleet.

The season was already summer and the days in the southern countries were long.

On one side nearby, Bae Heung-rip was emptying a bottle of alcohol with a regretful expression on his face, and Song Hee-rip clicked his tongue when he saw him.

The breeze was cool under the sunshade.

* * *

An iron horse ran across the grasslands along the west coast of the Solbin Peninsula.

Beep, beep. Choo-choo-choo.

Rattle rattle.

At first, it seemed like the horse was walking slowly, but soon it reached a galloping speed, and the scenery outside the window passed by in a flash.

“Wow, that’s fast. For a heavy carriage to move like this.”

“That’s amazing speed. But you really didn’t say anything?”

“Oh, well, I told you, I went to the front room. When I opened the door, it was full of black charcoal.”

The old men who had put down their family affairs each shared their thoughts.

At that moment, Mindol, who had taken on the role of deputy manager, came in pushing a small cart.

“Have some steamed eggs. And here’s a salt paper, too.”

“Hmm? Will eggs be enough to fill your stomach?”

“We’ll arrive at Solbin in about 30 minutes, so please fill your mouth with a snack.”

“Wow. Now that I hear it, I can feel the speed. Hmm, slurp. Isn’t this a delicacy?”

“It’s light and has a lot of flavor. Can you give me some water?”

Mindol greeted him with a welcoming smile.

“Yes, here is a pitcher of water and a bowl. Please drink slowly.”

Gulp gulp.

“Ah, it’s refreshing. It’s really sweet to the mouth and a feast for the eyes.”

“I agree. How do you know my heart so well? Have you ever looked into my heart?”

“Hmph, I don’t care about the insides of old men.”

“Heh heh heh.”

People who had put aside their pride laughed, admired, and talked.

Jiwoo smirked at the sight.

‘There aren’t any children who came out for the picnic.’

Who would think of them now as those who have fought their way through the Sword Forest of Dosan? One thing was clear: they were people who would not hesitate to lay down everything for their clan.

The iron horse carrying them continued to gallop.

Beep, beep, beep.

Rattle rattle.

The sunset reflected on the water outside the car window sparkled.

The train that left Chahohan just as the sun was starting to set was able to arrive in Solbin before the sun set.

“We will arrive at Solbin shortly. There may be a sudden stop, so please grab anything.”

“Are you here already? It’s faster than I thought.”

“Yeah. If I remember correctly, it was about half a day’s journey by carriage.”

Beep, beep.

Rattle, rattle, squeak.

“Oh my, my body is moving forward.”

“Eek, this is like stopping a horse.”

As the train stopped, the passengers’ bodies were thrown forward and then back.

Profit.

As the steam escaped from the engine room, the outside of the window was filled with white steam. After a while, when the steam settled, the scenery outside the window finally came into view.

“Ha, it’s beautiful.”

“I wanted to come back before I die, and my wish came true like this.”

What unfolded before my eyes was the view of the harbor that had just begun to darken.

Far across the sea, on the southern island, the lighthouse was lit, and the port square and the restaurant district on the beach were also ablaze with sleep. Along the main street, the pine lights illuminated the official residence in the center of the city.

“It looks like the residents have come out to greet us. Let’s go, Your Majesty.”

“Okay. Everyone follow.”

As Cheonho stood up, Jiwoo took a deep breath and stood in front of the door.

Knock knock.

As the carriage door opened, a thunderous roar arose.

“Wow! The king has returned.”

“Long live His Majesty the King!”

“Long live! May Dangguriga protect Goryeo for eternity!”

Jiwoo complained with a smiling face.

“I’m still embarrassed. But I can bear it because it’s the last time.”

“At first, even the gods were thrilled, but after experiencing it a few times, they came to understand the hardships.”

“What can I do? This is fate.”

People want a strong ruler who will protect them. It is understandable that they are excited about the achievement of founding a nation in response to their wish.

A large Taegeukgi (Korean national flag) fluttered among the people gathered at the historical plaza.

“Wow, long live Daegoryeo.”

“We are one!”

A series of era names that reflected the identity of a multi-ethnic nation followed.

Jiwoo made eye contact with each person in the group, smiled, and waved.

“Congratulations on your victory. Thank you for your hard work, Elder.”

“The Prime Minister also worked hard in providing rear support.”

Just then, a light burst out from one side of the square.

Phiyouu.

Pfft, pfft.

“Oh.”

The light that rose into the sky burst out in five different colors.

‘Green has been added. The alchemists aren’t lazy, are they?’

Pee-ee-ew, pep-pee. Pfft.

The festival began with the sky and the earth filled with colorful lights. The people of Solbin welcomed the return of the king with one heart.

“Long live Solbin!”

“Hahaha, long live His Majesty!”

Some of the old comrades had drunken faces and some of the older ones were prostrating themselves on the floor.

That was when.

“Queen, drink it.”

For a moment there was silence, and then the crowd split in half.

“Mom, thank you for looking after my second child last time.”

“Hey, shh, I noticed.”

As the station square fell silent, Habur, holding Kangbo, walked out onto the path made by people.

Jiwoo also approached his wife as if he was being led by something.

“I returned victorious as promised. Habur.”

“Welcome back. I’m glad you came back safely.”

The couple finally met and turned their gaze to Kangbo.

The tiny baby was sleeping soundly despite the commotion.

“It’s your child.”

“Thank you for your hard work, Harbur. I wasn’t there to protect you.”

Harbur shook his head.

“Instead, you protected the country. The child will be proud.”

“She’s still as strong as ever. She’s my wife.”

“Of course. Besides, she is now a proper queen.”

Habur straightened his back and made an ‘ahem’ expression. It seemed like a silent expression that he was still feeling light after giving birth.

“Now we have one. There are nine left, so let’s do our best.”

At that moment, Jiwoo couldn’t hold it in any longer and hugged his wife.

“Oh my.”

“Wow, it’s a man.”

“As expected, Jeon Ha-da. He is our king.”

Jiwoo’s bold actions once again brought cheers from the crowd.

Piyuu, Purbuck.

Firecrackers exploded one after another in the sky.