1592 The Empire We All Dreamed of - Chapter 330



Only Krnovel

1592 The Empire Everyone Dreamed of (330)

One step

The leadership was summoned to the Solbin Central Office.

It had been about a year since Jiwoo attended a meeting, and the conference room was now filled with about 100 people, including heads of departments and working-level officials.

Prime Minister Han Chang-keun asked the question with a somewhat deflated expression.

“Your Majesty, do you mean that administrative unification has not yet been achieved?”

“There’s no need to rush to show off the founding of a nation or anything. It’s not worth risking destroying the system you’ve built up.”

“I heard that the capital (Beijing) will be under a colonial system, and the areas of Mukden and Yohwa will be under a fief system.”

“It won’t be complicated. For the time being, Seogyeong will just walk the three valleys like in the case of northern Honshu. And we will speed up the incorporation of Haeranbu into the Solbin system.”

Although he secured territory and people with great force, domination was another realm.

“Just because they are high school graduates doesn’t mean they are omnipotent. We need to turn those who are accustomed to their old ways into the people of Goryeo. That is the war you must wage from now on.”

“Then it’s education.”

Jiwoo looked satisfied as Han Chang-geun pointed out the key point.

“We need to show that educated people can succeed. After completing six years of elementary school, they will be hired as low-level officials. Of course, there will also be cases where smart people graduate early.”

“If we look at past cases, it would be at least three years.”

“It coincides with the completion of the domestic construction.”

The Q&A session with Han Chang-geun also helped attendees understand the policy keynote.

“Then I will report. The order is construction, industry, administration, and education.”

“This is Vice Minister of Construction Oh Jong-seok. Now that the railroad has been opened to Chahohan, I propose the construction of a logistics warehouse. We will expand the existing ferry port into a port and share the cargo volume of Solbin.”

“What’s the budget?”

Jiwoo glanced at Prime Minister Han Chang-geun.

“There is no problem as the three songs will arrive in three months.”

“Do it right away.”

With the founding of Goryeo, Solbin was revealed to the world. Not only was there a land route connecting Joseon and Beijing, but logistics at ports that would be opened to the upper reaches of Ryukyu and Kyushu were also a concern.

The story changed when the railroad opened and Cha Ho-han and Sol-bin became close enough to eat together.

“We won’t have to worry about overdevelopment of the port any longer.”

“One more thing, please approve the development of the wharf on the South Island.”

‘They say he’s Jong-gil Oh’s younger brother. He must be very motivated.’

Jiwoo scratched his chin.

“The second inland wharf is already reaching capacity. Therefore, we propose to build wharf facilities and accommodation in the South Island.”

“The second pier was a visionary vision of the future. I approve.”

Because there are limits to expanding the old city center, some kind of new city development was necessary.

“Pay special attention to accidents. Also, plan to build a new logistics complex along the coast from Chahohan to Puhai.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

At that time, the document was delivered to Adjutant Kim Myeong-seop.

“Information from above. The situation in Taiwan has arrived.”

“I forgot. There are clouds of war in Taiwan.”

“Come to think of it, I was completely preoccupied with the war with Ming.”

The officials were in an uproar here and there.

“Read it out loud.”

When Jiwoo gestured, Kim Myeongseop coughed and read the document.

“On May 1, the fleet of Yeonggili was defeated for the first time in the West Sea of ​​Taiwan, and four days later, the base on Hainan Island was raided and destroyed in one fell swoop. On May 10, Macau was occupied, and on May 15, they headed to Manila.”

“Oh.”

“They say there is Yi Sun-sin in the Joseon sea, and is that true?”

The officials present were relieved when they heard the news of victory.

Jiwoo nodded.

“Well, I guess Spain won’t be a problem either.”

“I heard that there are many variables in the battlefield.”

“The Southern Sea guerrilla is capable of handling even that variable.”

As Jiwoo, who was laughing, stood up and went up to the stage, Han Chang-geun bowed and went down to his seat.

“Are you surprised? It’s a natural result, since we supported the great general with battleships and armor plates.”

All eyes were on Jiwoo.

“He is old now, and it is fortunate that the Joseon government has no territorial ambitions.”

“Yes. It seems like you’re only focused on internal affairs.”

“Let me summarize. While Joseon’s navy was guarding the seas, we took control of the colonies around Beijing and established our own country.”

The young officials nodded, understanding the meaning.

“With this, we have secured 2,000,000 seok of tax per year.”

“Oh.”

It was a different feeling to hear the information I had vaguely received from the King himself. Furthermore, it was even more impactful because Jiwoo had never exaggerated or lied before.

“Of course, this excludes Shandong, Henan, and Shaanxi, which are the front lines of the Southern Ming, so it can increase at any time in the future.”

“All three regions are vast lands. Among them, Shandong is as vast as Liaoxi and Liaodong combined.”

The person who raised his hand was an official I had never seen before and he looked quite young.

It probably meant, ‘Why did you give that precious land to Nurhachi?’

“Your name.”

“This is Han Young-soo, 5th grade, Economic Department.”

“I graduated from high school early this year.”

Jiwoo nodded with a satisfied face at Hanchanggeun’s whispered words.

“Let me explain it simply. He is a man whose loyalty is lacking and whose abilities are too good to be thrown away. I needed something to satisfy his greed. A vast piece of land right in front of Nammyeong’s capital. How about it?”

“I understand. Thank you for explaining.”

“You are the core of the new Goryeo, so you need to know for sure. Ask anything.”

The number of officials increased and there were quite a few unfamiliar faces.

“This is Sung Chan-geon, a fifth-grade official from the Ministry of Education. The command center for the war has remained in Beijing. In addition, the Fuhai Manho family has completely moved to Beijing. I am curious about Your Majesty’s future arrangements.”

“I gave the battlefield to those who wanted to fight, and I gave power to those who wanted to rule. They deserve it.”

Here and there, officials nodded their heads.

“I see. With this, Goryeo has a vast territory and a population no less than Joseon’s… … .”

“Don’t distinguish between Goryeo and Joseon!”

Jiwoo stopped speaking loudly.

“We should not divide Goryeo and Joseon in any way. Because they will become one someday. I hope that we will face the true meaning of the development of Gando.”

“Unification without force? Is that possible?”

It was a somewhat provocative question, but Jiwoo was happy to accept it. He felt passion, not rudeness, in their eyes.

“I did not say that force was ruled out.”

“… … !”

“Ah, so Your Majesty’s words are to refrain from using force as much as possible, but not to be swayed by peace… … .”

The young bureaucrat racked his brain to sort things out.

“Hoo hoo hoo.”

Jiwoo just laughed and didn’t say anything.

This was followed by reports on Solbin’s population situation, urban reorganization, and education. In particular, there was talk about increasing the number of schools in Puhai and Usuri and establishing a university.

The festive atmosphere that had been in place for a while as the founding king returned to his homeland.

The industrial complex spewed out black smoke, and warehouses were built in the railroad-connected carport. Fishermen dried their catches in the sun, and farmers harvested the soybeans they had planted in the spring.

And then came the short rainy season in the north.

* * *

In July 1605 (August in the solar calendar), Joseon was submerged in water.

Heavy rains poured down across the country for more than ten days, flooding fields, swelled streams, and caused flooding in villages.

The same was true for the Yaean-myeon area in Andong, Gyeongbuk.

The zelkova trees were uprooted and houses were swept away by the torrent. Those who had fled to higher ground could only stamp their feet as they watched their houses float away.

“Ugh, what should we do with our little punk?”

“Cheer up, old man. If it’s cow dung, I’m sure it can survive even if it holds onto a tree branch.”

Lee Hyeop, a landowner from Yean-myeon, barely managed to escape with his body.

“Tsk, you worry about the dead instead of taking care of your own life.”

“Me, Nari. Say something.”

The janitor standing nearby was startled and tried to stop him.

“Isn’t the rain letting up? But look, you’re not thinking about repairing anything, you’re just crying. Aww.”

“Oh my, how can the heavens be so indifferent?”

Mrs. Choi of Gamnamugol sat down on the ground and cried.

“Tsk tsk tsk, are you only good at blaming the heavens?”

“Nari, all my wealth has been washed away. More than one person has lost a family member, so how can you tell me not to cry?”

“You guys, think about living first.”

At first glance, it seemed correct.

However, now that the rain has thinned, the noble landowner Lee Hyeop, who must save the people, sees timber floating across the river.

The beautiful pine tree cannot be cut down without permission from the government. So, it was expensive to call it a pine tree.

‘We have to take care of it quickly before that bastard takes care of it.’

Mr. Park Jin-sa from the village across the river was also a person to watch out for. He had to move quickly before they saw him.

‘With those timbers, we can easily make ends meet this year’s rent.’

Lee Hyeop couldn’t resist the temptation before his eyes.

“You guys. You ruined the crop this year. Not only are you not paying rent, but you’re also not going to pay back the barley you borrowed this spring.”

“Your Majesty, when Heaven is angry, even the King must offer sacrifices. Why do you persecute people when you cannot comfort them?”

“Oh, you rascal. How dare you talk about law in front of me?”

“No, that’s not it.”

“I made those starving bastards work as tenant farmers to keep them alive, and now you’re so arrogant. I’m going to fix your bad hair today. Listen.”

“Yes, yes. Nari.”

“Tie him to the tree.”

Lee Hyeop shouted at the hesitating servants.

“Come to think of it, you guys are going to have to get hit by Chidogon too. Do you really want to be next after this guy?”

“Look, Geunsoe, I’m sorry.”

Soon the servants tied the young man to the zelkova tree.

“This can’t be happening. What did I do wrong?”

“Let’s see if he can hold his head up stiffly after getting beaten up.”

“What the hell am I, ugh, ugh.”

Thud, thud, thud.

The Code of Law of Joseon did not give the yangban the right to punish the commoners. However, it was a timeless truth that the law was far away and the fist was close.

“Ugh, uh, save me.”

Thud, thud.

“stop.”

The young man who had been appealing with tears hung his head covered in blood.

“If anyone talks back again, come out.”

“… … .”

The refugees averted their gaze at the icy sight of Lee Hyeop catching a living person.

“Where is Musol’s father? Is he dead?”

“Father, did you call?”

A man with a head full of gray hair stood up hesitantly.

“Go and get the boat.”

“Yes? Your Majesty. To set sail against this current is to ask for death. Please spare my life.”

Lee Hyeop pointed to the bloody young man.

“If you don’t want to end up like this, then hurry and bring it. Show me your skills as a rower who has been around for generations.”

“Ugh.”

The boatman Mussol Abi closed his eyes towards the sky and walked away slowly.

The raindrops, which seemed to be subsiding, became heavier again.

“Go and get the rope.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“All you guys with topknots, get up. Let’s cancel your debts while we’re at it.”

Among the refugees, men stood up one by one.

“Tsk, they’re lowly guys so they have to be beaten to listen.”

Eventually, about 10 slaves and tenant farmers were mobilized. People had no choice but to comply, either because of the fear of the enemy or for the safety of their families.

“Tie the rope to the tree. Pull him out.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“You have to tie it next to the other. It’s one tree per piece of wood.”

The movements were quite coordinated according to the detailed instructions.

As a nobleman, he abandoned his duty to help the displaced people and became meticulous about immediate gain. If that was an ability, it was an ability.

“Whew, whoosh. Pull it there.”

“Okay. Here comes the boat. Load the rope.”

As the ropes were loaded onto the boat, the boatman tied one of them tightly to the keel.

“Okay. Five people get on and five people stay behind and slowly untie the rope. Anyone who falls into the water will survive if they grab the rope first.”

“One by one. One, two, zero, one, two, zero.”

The boat sailed forward, cutting through the rolling waves. Perhaps it was just drifting away.

“Huh? It’s dangerous.”

“Okay. You rode well. As expected from Musol’s father.”

But rowing for generations was no guarantee of victory over nature.

“Once we get to the other side, let’s tie up a tree and rest.”

“Will we just let that greedy guy do this?”

“What can I do? I’m glad the raindrops are getting heavier at times like this.”

As the boatman Musol’s father had said, the rain became heavier and the current became faster. This led to the predicted disaster.

“Everyone, center yourselves. Head towards the boat. Argh!”

with a splash.

As the boat capsized in the strong current, nothing could be seen on the surface of the water for a while. Then, after a while, heads began to rise above the surface one by one.

“Phuhu, wooweek.”

“Eww, eww, save me.”

Those on board the boat were helplessly swept away by the rough waters.

“Oh my, Changgeuk.”

The refugees who were watching this anxiously screamed.

“Ugh. Someone please save our Mansu Abuja.”

“Ugh, what should I do with this?”

Lee Hyeop, a greedy nobleman and landowner, furrowed his brow.

“Damn.”

The raindrops grew heavier.

The nobles of the early Joseon Dynasty practiced what they learned from books to guide the people and considered it an honor.

The society of the yangban was narrow. If you did something against morality, you were pointed at and buried. The yangban society, where people lived and died for their reputation, was in some ways a healthy society that could purify itself.

It was falling apart.