1592 The Empire We All Dreamed of - Chapter 344



Only Krnovel

1592 The Empire Everyone Dreamed of (344)

True colors

The May (June in the solar calendar) assembly began with a shout from the commanding officer.

“Absolutely not.”

“I cannot consent even if a knife is put to my throat.”

“Yes. You might as well cut down the people.”

Jiwoo sat with his arms crossed and his eyes half-open in front of the commanding officer who was raising his voice. His mouth was tightly shut, as if he had his eyes and ears closed.

“Where in the world is there a war led by a king?”

“Please do not forget that Your Majesty is the founding king of Goryeo.”

“Please take the changes in earth and wood as a negative example.”

Prime Minister Han Chang-geun mentioned the story of the Ming Dynasty’s Jeongtongje Emperor Zhu Qiu Jin being taken prisoner by the Oirat. It was somewhat rude.

“Have you ever blocked Your Majesty like this before?”

“Rather, order me to go on an expedition, and I will serve you with my life.”

“Your Majesty, you must guard the center of Goryeo.”

The wave of opposition was strong.

Most of those who condemned Jiwoo were those who had been with him since Hamgyeong Province, and the young officials simply held their breath and watched the situation unfold.

“Now, let’s all join forces to put Goryeo on a solid foundation… … .”

“Thank you.”

When Jiwoo broke the silence, everyone in the audience fell silent.

“I know your hearts. And I also know that you are right. But please also know that the reason I am going on an expedition is to put Goryeo on a solid foundation.”

“There are many who will wage war.”

“But there are few who fight as well as I do.”

“The Beast Captain can also be considered a great general. If that is not enough, then summon Captain Gaarab or Governor Ulanggeuk.”

Jiwoo narrowed his eyes.

‘Is a constitutional monarchy possible with these people?’

He shook his head inwardly. Just because he is a constitutional monarch does not mean he is free to act, especially when it comes to war.

“Prime Minister, do you remember what I said before? The Prime Minister will have internal affairs, while the King will have military and foreign affairs powers.”

“If that means Your Majesty will lead the battlefield.”

The rest of the story was omitted, but the message was clear.

Jiwoo shook his head.

“Goryeo is still in the process of being established. Seogyeong (Beijing) is in conflict with Nammyeong, and the assimilation of Mukden (Shenyang) is still far away. Above all, it has a long way to go before it can peacefully become one with Joseon.”

“So, Your Majesty, please guard the center.”

“Are you telling me to just stay in that position for that long? How is that any different from the Joseon kings or Ming puppet emperors who fight over political power in the palace?”

“Your Majesty… … .”

“I tell you again, I know what you mean. I know you are right. But listen to me.”

Jiwoo continued to persuade calmly.

“Let’s each do what we are good at. After beheading a bandit who invaded my village at the age of fifteen, I have been fighting wars for nearly twenty years to reach where I am today.”

His gaze turned to Prime Minister Han Chang-geun.

“From the time I settled here with 600 people until now, it was you, Han Chang-geun, who led the internal affairs.”

“I am so grateful.”

Then, where Jiwoo’s gaze stopped, there was Jeon Soo-gil.

“It was you, Jeon Su-gil, who transported the refugees of Joseon who were suffering from starvation. Thanks to you, we were able to open the sea route along the east coast of Joseon and establish close ties with the local leaders.”

“It has been a truly rewarding and happy journey.”

Jeon Soo-gil’s eyes sparkled with a smile on his face.

“I would like to express my gratitude to anyone who is not present but is working hard to build the country.”

“I will definitely tell this to my brother.”

Oh Jong-seok answered loudly.

“The result of everyone taking on a field they can excel in and dedicating themselves to it is what Goryeo is today. Is there anyone who would deny this?”

Jiwoo looked at the young officials in the back row and the newly recruited Joseon natives one by one.

“We need a lot of silver to create a reserve currency that encompasses Goryeo, Joseon, and the colonies. This is the reason why we are trying to subjugate the Iwami Silver Mine even if it means breaking the balance of Honshu.”

Since he had so much power, he didn’t need any balance.

“So, I beg you, do not bind me. If I should be killed in battle or captured, you shall elect a new king by your agreement. I recommend the prime minister.”

“Your Majesty.”

Han Chang-geun was taken aback by the sudden nomination of successor.

Jiwoo raised his voice one last time.

“Those who are good at fighting, fight; those who are good at politics, politics. This is my belief, Go Ji-woo.”

“… … .”

“So, comrades, follow me as you have always done.”

After Jiwoo finished speaking, there was a long silence.

As time passed, it was Han Chang-geun who got up from his chair. He came forward and prostrated himself.

“Your Majesty has always been at the forefront guiding us through the countless days that have passed. As a result of our following your will and devoting ourselves to it, we were able to achieve the great feat of founding Goryeo.”

“I’m trying to get consent first, without denying that commitment.”

“If you think about it, Your Majesty has always been right. But now it’s different.”

“A lot has changed, I admit.”

“There is a difference in meaning between a local war waged by a single general and an all-out war waged by the king. This is an act of revealing Goryeo’s identity to the world.”

It was not the case that Goryeo had the power to overwhelm the cause at the moment. It was difficult to pursue diplomacy and trade while keeping the world as an enemy.

“Hmm.”

Jiwoo inwardly accepted the decision.

‘I guess I’ll have to do it around here’

In fact, what I was worried about was the negative reaction to the war of aggression.

Ironically, a significant portion of Solbin’s leadership is from the corrupt aristocracy. It would have been a headache if they had objected by citing justification, but fortunately, it ended with Jiwoo taking a step back.

“The Prime Minister is right. The shame I will bring upon myself is no different from bringing shame upon Goryeo, so it is even more impossible to pursue only self-interest or show off my pride as I did in the past.”

“I am very sorry. Please rebuke me for my rudeness.”

“Thank you for your advice. Get up.”

Jiwoo personally grabbed Hanchanggeun’s shoulder and helped him up.

“Listen up, everyone. If you have a conviction, speak it out without fear. Think of the criticism and insults you will have to endure as the honor of a public official. With that determination, approach state affairs.”

“I will carry out Your Majesty’s will.”

“I, the old man, will follow Your Majesty’s will.”

“Shin Kim Jong-sun, according to His Majesty’s will… … .”

One by one, those who stood up got out of their chairs and knelt down.

Among them, there were some people, including Yoon Geun-soo, but it was not clear whether they were sincere or just swept up in the atmosphere.

That’s how Goryeo began to reveal its true colors.

* * *

“I see the harbor over there.”

Ten days after leaving Solbin, the national army arrived at the Namhae naval base.

“Purify yourself. Raise the white flag.”

As the Panokseon anchored outside the harbor, the heavy ships approached and surrounded it. Afterwards, they tied thick ropes to both sides of the bow.

The appearance of the Namhae naval base had changed a lot in the meantime. Above all, the scaffolding that had once been filled with panokseons was now filled with galleons.

“That large fleet is used solely for combat purposes.”

“With this, the Joseon navy succeeded in replacing the ship types in one go. In particular, the majesty of those three-tiered gunboats is truly amazing.”

At the adjutant Kim Deok-yoon’s admiration, Gukmin Seo nodded.

“We are finally operating the Panokseon, so it feels like times have changed.”

While the two were talking, the Panokseon gently landed on the scaffolding.

thud.

“Drop anchor.”

with a splash.

After the Panokseon was secured with ropes, the citizens disembarked.

The person I encountered at the dock was Jo Gyu-sun, who I had seen before in the previous battle, and who was now a confident general managing the port.

‘It looks like the Namhae naval base is operating without any personnel delays.’

The people’s book pretended to know first.

“Nice to meet you.”

“I had a rough idea by looking at the familiar lines, nice to meet you.”

“Congratulations on your ride.”

“Thank you. The court has recognized your merits in the previous battle.”

“This is truly a fair appointment. It is not an exaggeration to say that the thief treasures talented people.”

“Hahaha, the general often praises you too.”

When he was mentioned out of nowhere, Gukmin Seo blinked.

“Are you talking about me?”

“Yes. He said that he was intelligent and that his loyalty to his lord was admirable.”

“I am truly embarrassed and grateful.”

It could simply be a favor to the fact that he gave up 80 galleons without a second thought. Even if he had taken the 60 panokseons offered in return, the Namhae naval camp would have had more than enough to cover its war expenses.

“Hehehe, what brings you here? Is there anything I can help you with?”

“Can I see the thief?”

“General?”

“I have some business to discuss with you regarding Honshu.”

Jo Gyu-sun nodded and scanned the harbor before assessing the sun.

“It’s almost time to finish work. Let’s go together.”

“Oh my, thank you.”

Having the commander of the headquarters guide us was a great consideration as it meant that many procedures could be omitted.

“Just wait a moment. Hey, check if there are any vacancies in the guest house. They are comrades from last year’s battle. Take special care to ensure that they are not inconvenienced.”

“Yes, General.”

The officer who saluted went to the soldiers and gave them various instructions.

“Go.”

“I will follow.”

After walking about 1 ri (400 m) from the pier, the Namhae naval base’s main building appeared.

The sight of a stone foundation more than 10 feet (3 m) high built using the terrain and a pavilion erected on top of it was always magnificent to see.

“Chung, what’s wrong with you while you’re on duty?”

“Okay. Thanks for your hard work.”

Meeting the absolute being who controls the fleet of about 100 large ships required a complicated procedure, but thanks to Jo Gyu-sun, it was a breeze.

The office I arrived at that way had a cool window that opened onto the sea.

“Welcome. It’s already been a year. Time flies.”

“I greet you, Your Majesty. Have you been innocent all this time?”

As the Southern Sea admiral Yi Sun-sin put down the documents he had completed and stood up, his adjutant approached him and organized them.

“Time is a tough time for an old man. Your life is bright.”

“Thanks to the victory achieved by the thief, we were able to take a step forward.”

“Hahaha, it’s nice to see you so humble. Let’s have a cup of tea.”

Slurp.

The gentle scent of tea and the breeze from the east window wafted into the room.

The gaze of the national secretary, who was holding a teacup, turned to the map at the end of the table. It was a nautical chart that marked the distances of the central western part of Honshu, centered on Tsushima Island.

“Thanks to the general, the sea is always peaceful.”

“That’s a good thing. I needed some advice.”

Yi Sun-sin, who followed his gaze, pulled out a map and placed it down. A strange light appeared in Guk Min-seo’s eyes.

“Advice is out of the question. Ask.”

“The Osaka and Kanto guys are behind on their protection fees. The cost of maintaining ships is already skyrocketing, so it’s just difficult. In any case, they are a bunch of guys who have no sense of trust.”

“Oh, that’s a lesson that needs to be learned.”

The people’s book was secretly delighted.

‘If you do it well, you won’t need persuasion or anything.’

“But what do you think about that, since the three-way division that your lord arranged will collapse?”

“Hasn’t the division of the world into three already collapsed?”

“hmm.”

With the founding of Goryeo, only the name of Ming remained. At least that was what Gukmin Seo thought, but Yi Sun-sin shook his head.

“The Ming was divided into the Northern Ming, Southern Ming, and Shu. The world is still divided into Joseon, Goryeo, and Ming. His Majesty the King of Goryeo’s three-way division of the world is a more detailed one.”

‘He called me his lord.’

Although Gukmin Seo was secretly surprised, he listened silently without showing it.

“Goryeo is friendly to Joseon and has escaped its subordinate relationship with Ming, so it’s not bad. I’m just saying this now, but that investiture was really something I didn’t like.”

“His Majesty has always emphasized that point.”

Yi Sun-sin nodded his head.

“Your lord has foresight. That is why I am worried that the South Sea Naval Base’s military action will destroy the three-way division of the world.”

“The South Sea Navy has enough power to do that.”

“The current strength of the naval forces is on par with what your lord has created. So, give me some advice. What should I do?”

The citizen took on a serious expression.

“If I may say so, the power of the Namhae Naval Base is the result of the dedication of the soldiers, including the general. Please.”

The national leader raised his head and met the eyes of the great old man.

“His Majesty has always said to respect the wishes of the thief.”

“Respect my will?”

“Yes, that’s my advice.”

While Gukmin Seo was drinking tea, Yi Sun-sin was lost in thought.

“Thank you for the advice. I’ll think about it some more.”

“I may be presumptuous, but I have something to ask for your permission, General.”

“Your suggestions are always good. Tell me anything.”

The citizen’s secretary pointed to a spot on the map spread out on the table.

“I want to attack and occupy this place.”

“You? What do you have there?”

The national book recalled ten days ago. Jiwoo shook his head when asked whether he would participate in the war. He said that the command would resolutely oppose it and that it was the ‘king’s destiny.’

“The Iwami Silver Mine was once a source of funding for Toyotomi Hideyoshi. We plan to use the silver secured here to ensure currency stability.”

“Ah, currency.”

In the past, Yi Sun-sin also submitted a report on the need for currency.

“If it’s currency, there’s no objection. Even just the grain that comes in from Annam right now is quite troublesome to pay for.”

At that moment, a noise was heard outside the door.

“General, I will bring in the lower one.”

“Now that I think about it, you must be hungry. Let’s eat and continue.”

“I will eat it gratefully.”

It was a quiet afternoon with a cool breeze blowing among my classmates.