1592 The Empire We All Dreamed of - Chapter 332



Only Krnovel

1592 The Empire Everyone Dreamed of (332)

First East India Treaty

The second floor of Solbin’s main store was busy with employees’ work. The moderate noise masked the conversation between the two people.

“How is it?”

In some ways, Dolsoe’s explanation was groundbreaking and therefore seemed dangerous.

“Your Majesty always used to say, ‘There is no help without a price.’”

He got up and walked towards the railing.

Knock knock.

As I lowered the window sill on the railing, the noise from downstairs was cut off.

“Are you saying we should get paid for supporting grain?”

Dolsoe Uncle Im Pan-seok sighed as he sat down again.

“Your Majesty, the reason we work hard is not to feed Joseon.”

“If we look a little further, we will become one country in the future.”

“If that is the case, Joseon should suffer instead. Because the prosperous Joseon will never try to unite with us.”

Dolsoe uncle shook his head and Jiwoo smacked his lips.

“Tell me more specifically what you think.”

“It’s literally true. You can’t give rice away for free.”

Jiwoo frowned.

“I don’t really like the lending format.”

“I understand your Majesty’s intentions. Then grant it in the name of the King of Goryeo. Just like the Wanli Emperor.”

Uncle Dolsoe’s voice grew louder.

“I was excited. Please forgive my rudeness.”

“What about being rude? But it will backfire. After the Imjin year, Joseon society became steeped in Sinocentrism thanks to the support of Emperor Wanli.”

“That’s right. So, wouldn’t it be possible for us to gain favor by supporting them?”

Jiwoo laughed.

“Are you unaware of the deep-rooted contempt for savages? If they weren’t starving to death, they wouldn’t have even considered our aid.”

“Aren’t we from Joseon?”

“… … ?!”

“Besides, he is a former military officer of Joseon.”

“It’s refreshing.”

“If Taejo of Joseon made a name for himself by subduing the barbarians, Jeon Ha crossed the Tuman River with refugees and established a country.”

“It’s interesting to compare like that.”

“It’s a story that the people will find quite interesting.”

Jiwoo stroked his chin.

“Becoming a street hero? Not bad.”

“The name ‘Go Ji-woo’ will be known at the market drinking party and the laundry place by the stream. Although it may be ridiculed and humorously belittled at times, it will become an opportunity to be recognized with favor.”

“Are you expanding and reproducing that favor to this country, Goryeo?”

“That’s for later. You can’t get full on the first drink.”

“Yes. That will be a matter for when we get there.”

As Jiwoo showed interest, the discussion became more concrete.

“First, the answer to the question, ‘Where did this rice come from?’ is ‘Goryeo.’ Second, the answer to the question, ‘Why Goryeo?’ is because the Goryeo king was ‘from Joseon.’”

“Would that pique your curiosity?”

“It’s enough as a topic of conversation at a drinking party.”

“That’s where the real story begins.”

Mr. Dolsoe nodded.

“It is a story of friendship, struggle, and growth between the human Go Ji-woo and his friends.”

“My hands and feet are shriveled up.”

Jiwoo raised his head and closed his eyes.

“Well, the gossip about the street is bound to be childish.”

“Yes. It should end with just a bit of interesting trivia. In addition, only the people who are excited can add things like the founding of the nation and the nation.”

Concerns about risks and side effects have also been raised.

“You might easily offend the nobles.”

“It is something that will be passed down from mouth to mouth among the people. It is not something that should be taken care of by a nobleman who makes up less than a penny of the population.”

Jiwoo closed his eyes and tapped the table with his fingers.

“Do it.”

“I obey your orders.”

Dolsoe Uncle Im Pan-seok bowed his head.

“We will launch the operation codenamed ‘Inmang (人望)’.”

“No, there is no operation name. Leave no traces.”

“… … .”

“I’m embarrassed to say such self-praise. I would have been better off facing a million enemies.”

Lim Pan-seok burst into laughter when he saw Ji-woo rubbing his forehead.

“If you hide it, it’s no problem.”

“Is everything done? I’ll go. You should hurry up and get off work too.”

As Jiwoo stood up, Im Pan-seok handed him a basket.

“These are peaches from the Western Capital. Please give them to the Queen.”

“Thank you. I am always indebted to you.”

“No.”

Mr. Dolsoe shook his head.

“The people of Goryeo owe Your Majesty a great debt of gratitude.”

“Your face keeps getting hotter today. I’m leaving.”

“Take a look.”

Lim Pan-seok’s back did not straighten until Ji-woo’s figure disappeared.

The next day, messengers departed for each point on the top of Solbin.

Afterwards, 100,000 seok from Mukden (Seonyang) to Uiju via Andong (Dandong), 400,000 seok from Gungnaeseong to Anju, and 100,000 seok from Haeranbu and Solbin headed to Ulsan by ship.

Rice delivered to local government offices was distributed under the supervision of the superiors.

This saved the displaced people from starvation and gave Joseon time to buy time until Yi Sun-sin imported rice from Annam (Vietnam).

And the story of ‘a military officer who left for the north’ spread throughout Joseon a long time ago.

* * *

The southern seas after the typhoon passed were calm.

The pure white sandy beach, palm leaves swaying in the wind, and jade-colored waves gently rolling in were a landscape painting.

Malacca has been under Portuguese rule since 1511.

After a series of continuous resistances, they were finally able to oust Portugal by forming an alliance with the Dutch. That was just a month ago.

This key point of exchange between the East and the West was still just a small port.

In August 1605, dozens of galleons anchored in the Strait of Malacca.

“Put down the carriage that the Governor will ride in.”

“I’m sorry to have to bring you to such a shabby place.”

The Dutch admiral, Baron Rohan Rubastin, felt sorry.

After taking possession of Macau, the Dutch treated Jan as a benefactor, seemingly crediting him with gaining the continental stronghold that the Portuguese had built up over half a century.

“Thanks to you, we were able to wipe out the Portuguese forces, but this side still needs development.”

“It was just according to the contract. You just took the opportunity.”

After a while, Jan and Baron Rohan climbed down the rope ladder.

“Let’s go.”

“Please.”

Soon the sailors rowed towards the shore.

The Macau port was already full with dozens of ships. Yan judged that it would be faster to land on a boat than to disembark the ship.

“Is the Macau side sorted out?”

“The conversation with the person called Jibu Daein (知府大人) ended well. Your Excellency’s advice was of great help.”

Jan chuckled.

“Gold is a universal language.”

“I will make sure to convey the Governor-General’s consideration to my home country.”

“I don’t know if you could call it consideration, but I have never forgotten my homeland, Holland.”

Of course, it was a blatant lie. Yan’s mind was filled with loyalty to Jiwoo, who had given him the territory.

Meanwhile, the landing craft arrived at the scaffolding.

thud.

A Dutch East India Company representative was waiting at the port.

“Come on in. If you had called me in advance, I would have taken your boat.”

“Okay. Just assign one scaffolding per company.”

“Yes, I understand. Would you like to take a look around the conference room first?”

Baron Rohan Rubastin turned his gaze to Jan.

“Your Majesty, what will you do?”

“Let’s do it roughly. It’s their fault, not ours.”

“Guide me to a place to rest.”

“Yes. Then I will take you to your lodgings.”

That evening, a man from the Dutch East India Company arrived first.

“Hello, Baron Rohan. Thank you for your hard work.”

“I just did what I had to do. Let me introduce you. This person here is the Governor-General of Taiwan.”

“Oh, is this the one?”

The old gentleman extended his hand.

“Nice to meet you. I am Baron Johan Gullit of the East India Company.”

“I am Baron Yan Taiwan Belzef, Governor-General of Goryeo-ryeong, Taiwan.”

“Korea? I have heard of the ancient kingdom that the Ottoman merchants talk about.”

Jan formalized the name of Goryeo by not specifically denying it.

“You must be tired from your trip. Please have a seat.”

“Thank you. As I get older, each day becomes different.”

“Is that so? I heard that the Baron’s womanizing is famous in Goa Port.”

“Hahaha. That is truly an honor.”

The two lightened the mood by talking about social issues.

Gulp gulp.

The Baron, having taken a sip of cool palm sap, got down to business.

“The companies that have notified us of their participation in the talks are England, Spain and Portugal.”

Jan chuckled.

“This time, the parties involved were hit once each.”

“Also, most of the East India Companies.”

Baron Rohan Rubastin asked sarcastically.

“I was curious anyway. What’s the atmosphere like over there?”

“Before that, is this amazing feat true? It’s hard to believe that the fleets of the two countries that were considered the strongest forces in the Mediterranean were destroyed.”

“That is as I have already conveyed.”

Baron Rohan Rubastin now looked bored.

“The English fleet was destroyed and over 3,000 men were taken prisoner. The Spanish surrendered after sinking over 20 galleons and capturing 30 more.”

“Oh, so that was true.”

The devastation of England and Spain may have been a tragedy for the parties involved, but it was good news for other companies.

“It seems like they’ve already finished calculating.”

“Does that mean you’re leaning toward concession?”

Baron Johann shrugged.

“Not only is there no money to reassemble the fleet, but even if we fight again, there’s no guarantee that we’ll win.”

“I was hoping so, but luckily it turned out okay.”

“It would be best for those companies to choose the practical option.”

The three of them drank tea and discussed information and countermeasures for Goa Port.

And so the day came to an end.

The next day, a group of people disembarked from the galleon that had arrived.

The sight of them laughing and chatting amidst the silvery waters of the afternoon was harmonious. Normally, they would have been in fierce conflict while promoting the interests of the company.

‘So you’re admitting that you’re at a disadvantage and want to unite? That’s interesting.’

That must be proof that they were cornered. Yan nodded inwardly and greeted the envoys of the East India Company of the three countries.

“This is Benjamin Lord of England.”

“My name is Jose Flamengo. I work for a Spanish company.”

“This is Anthony Cavallier from the Portuguese company.”

Their gaze turned to the stranger, Jan.

“I am Jan Da-Wan Belzef, Governor-General of Goryeo-ruled Taiwan.”

“Oh, I heard he was a self-made man who started out as a sailor.”

Baron Johan Gullit intervened appropriately.

“Well, you’ve come a long way, so why don’t you eat first?”

“Thank you, I was already out and about.”

“Then excuse me.”

The envoys of the East India Companies of the three countries were very polite and had no trace of their usual arrogance.

‘Those who can give up everything for the company are truly professionals.’

A dozen years ago, he was a big shot that Yan would not have dared meet. Now that he had become a bigger shot and was receiving their attention, it was something he would have to live long to see.

The official residence we arrived at by carriage was a palace of the old Malacca Sultanate and was quite splendid.

There was a brief pause in conversation as the meal was served, accompanied by music.

“It was a truly wonderful meal.”

“I was able to fully enjoy the flavor of the South.”

Slurp.

Portuguese Antoni Cavallier took a sip of tea and turned his gaze to the harbor.

“I visited here earlier this year.”

“Oh, I see. How is it? How was your visit?”

Antoni Cavallier did not answer. The logic of power was what changed from Portuguese territory to Dutch territory in just one month.

His eyes caught sight of a port under expansion and the land across the sea. It was the island of Sumatra.

“I suggested a rubber tree plantation in this area.”

“Rubber tree?”

“It was a land dominated by vast jungles and wild beasts, but the plan was to boost the colonial economy by providing jobs for the natives. It fell through due to funding issues.”

A strange light appeared in Jan’s eyes.

‘That’s okay. There was already a limit to the rubber imported from southern India.’

He filled Anthony’s cup himself.

Slurp.

“I heard you well. If you need to change jobs, please contact me.”

“I will remember your kind words.”

Anthony Cavallier expressed his gratitude politely. No one knows how the world will turn out. Merchants know this better than anyone.

The full-scale meeting began, but the content was brief.

“Taiwan has imposed a 3% protective tariff on the Nanming waters.”

“Ugh, there are too many.”

“Yes, we also need to realize the interests of our shareholders.”

“It is reciprocal, considering the price of defeat.”

“… … .”

There was a moment of silence following Baron Johann’s remarks.

“I would like to make exceptions when encountering pirates or typhoons.”

“I will leave that to coordination between practitioners.”

The three countries’ officials seemed to be doing their best to add at least one more exception clause while agreeing on the basic outline.

Jan was relaxed as if it was someone else’s business.

‘It largely matches the information provided by Baron Johan Gullit.’

I hear that shareholders’ attention is turning to the New World.

‘In the end, it’s about profit. The power is in making that happen.’

Jan enjoyed the afternoon mood while drinking cold tea.