Black Corporation: Joseon

Episode 1017: The name of the firewood is the arms race (10)

When Shin Sook-ju mentioned England, Jang Hang-seon expressed doubt.

“It is well known that England is France’s archenemy, but not everything goes as expected, does it?”

In response to Jang Hang-seon’s point, Shin Sook-ju spoke again.

“Of course, that’s a possibility. But England has a reason to defeat France. That reason is Terra and Gloria.”

When Shin Suk-ju mentioned Terra and Gloria, all the ministers, including Jang Hang-seon, kept their mouths shut and considered the situation. Shin Suk-ju, encouraged by the silence of the other ministers, raised her voice more.

“From my experience as an ambassador in Italy, I know that Europeans do not like it when others get ahead of them. I am certain that they will turn their swords on our empire. I do not know when that will happen, but for the same reason. “They regard each other as enemies and never stop fighting. Isn’t that why the Great Emperor also used the precept of Iijei (以吏制吏)?”

Shin Suk-ju, who had spoken up to this point, bowed her head to Hyeon and continued.

“Your Majesty! What is the reason for handing over Taera to them during the reign of Emperor Wen and Tai Shang, and Gloria to them during the War of Italian Unification? Isn’t our empire trying to further solidify Xinji’s rule while they are biting each other over those lands? Are you coming? This is the same thing. Considering their personalities, it is difficult to trust either Portugal or Italy to the end. In that case, the best solution would be to maintain a reasonable balance of power between them. That way, they can keep each other in check. They won’t be able to pay attention to us. No, they will bite each other even more fiercely. If that happens, our empire will be able to take care of its well-being without spending a lot of effort. Also, with the power saved, we will be able to protect our people even more. I can give you peace.”

No sooner had Shin Suk-ju finished speaking than Jang Hang-seon began to argue.

“Minister of Foreign Affairs! Have you forgotten why the Song Dynasty collapsed? They said that diplomacy using tax money was cheaper than spending money on military expenses to strengthen the military, so they only focused on diplomacy and neglected national defense. No! I also believe that excessive military expenditures should be avoided! But I think the Roman adage, ‘If you want peace, prepare for war’ is truly a golden rule!”

In response to Jang Hang-seon’s words, Shin Sook-ju raised her voice again.

“I am not saying that we should use the same method that Song took! However, I am saying that it is the worst way to think of all other countries except our empire as enemies and find a way! Of course, I think that the Roman proverb that the captain mentioned is correct. Hao! But it’s foolish to ignore the parts that can be saved!”

“What! Idiot! This person!”

As Jang Hang-seon and Shin Sook-ju’s voices became increasingly louder, Hyeon intervened.

“Stop! Both of you, stay in moderation! You’ve forgotten which sanctuary this is!”

“I’m sorry!”

“Tsk tsk!”

When Hyeon clicked his tongue, the two became silent and fell silent. Hyeon, who was glaring at the two people, opened his mouth.

“I do not know that the reason the two admirals are having a war of words is for the well-being of the empire. I acknowledge that both sides are right. However, it is also true that the results are slightly different. In that case, it is normal to coordinate. Is it normal to raise ? Please keep in mind that this is a place to find the best path through discussion and coordination, not a battlefield to determine victory or defeat.”

The ministers, including Han Myeong-hoe, bowed their heads in unison at the prefect’s warning.

“I will keep this in mind!”

‘Still, I’m glad I stopped clicking my tongue twice! If it happened three times, it would have been bloody!’

The emperors who succeeded Xiang all listened to their subjects and placed importance on harmony between the military and the people. But the blood didn’t go anywhere. After summarizing the situation, Hyeon continued.

“Among the teachings given by Tae Sang-taeng, there is this: ‘When continuing relationships with other countries, keep this in mind. Tell the truth, but do not tell the whole truth. Trust the other person, but do not trust them completely. And always keep the worst in mind, but do not be tied down to the worst. ‘. As the Minister of Foreign Affairs said, assuming all other countries, excluding the empire, as enemies is the worst possible solution. However, relying only on IJ is also an inferior solution. Be sure to keep this in mind.”

“I will keep this in mind!”

“Okay. Then let’s meet the French messenger. Let’s hear what France is thinking.”

“I follow your orders!”

Meanwhile, Hyang had a strange look on her face after hearing about the war of words between Soo-ju and Jang Hang-seon.

‘Isn’t the plan that Shin Suk-ju came up with similar to the method used by a country nicknamed ‘a hateful country’ to take over India in a previous life?’

The method used by Britain, led by the East India Company, to colonize India was similar to this. After understanding the situation in India, where India was divided into large and small emirates and were fighting against each other, they used a policy of discord with weapons support.

‘At least there is an indulgence that the goal is efficient national defense rather than colonial acquisition…’

“Whew~”

Hyang sighed and muttered to herself without realizing it.

“Is that where all people think?”

And this self-talk created another rumor.

– Tae Sang-tae was already thinking of the strategy that Admiral Shin Suk-ju had thought of. The eunuch and the maid official nearby were the start of the rumor, and everyone who heard the rumor nodded and said: .

“As expected, it is the situation….”

* * *

According to the order of the prefecture, the French envoys came to Seoul immediately after the quarantine period ended.

“….. Prepare well as His Majesty wants to talk to him in person. Please do so.”

“I understand.”

Louis, Duke of Orléans, who responded to the message from the Imperial Foreign Ministry official, looked back at his aides and smiled bitterly.

“How come I always end up meeting emperors? Is this good luck or bad luck?”

When he went as a messenger regarding the unification of Italy, he met Hyang, and this time he met Hyeon. Louis soon adjusted his expression and ordered his aides.

“What questions will the Emperor of the Empire ask? Then let’s think again about what answer is best.”

“Yes.”

“I thought I could just say hello to the Emperor and have a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, but the matter has escalated. It has grown.”

* * *

After unpacking his luggage at the guesthouse in Seoul, Louis visited Gyeongbokgung Palace as soon as daybreak the next day and offered his greetings to Hyeon. Hyeon politely responded to Louis’ greeting. It was Louis who was most likely, or almost certain, to be the next King of France. It was because,

“You had a hard time coming this long way. We will let you know the date of the meeting today, so let’s talk honestly about what France means then.”

“I will do my best.”

Two days later, a meeting took place at Gyeonghoeru in Gyeongbokgung Palace.

“The scenery near Gyeonghoeru is really nice this time of year. It puts my mind at ease.”

“That’s right with the palm.”

The meeting started in a slightly relaxed atmosphere, but Hyeon got straight to the point.

“The Empire and France aimed their guns at each other in the last Italian unification war. But what is France thinking about coming to buy the emergency front, one of the empire’s main military forces?”

Louis smiled and answered Hyeon’s question.

“Of course, I admit that there is such a heartbreaking past between the two countries. . But wasn’t that war fought because of resentment towards each other? It just happened because we had different thoughts. Therefore, at the end of the war, France clearly admitted its mistakes.”

As Louis answered, in the end-of-war agreement that was concluded at the time, France clearly admitted defeat and was able to end the issue of compensation by adjusting it to an appropriate level.

“And even while the war was going on. Didn’t you settle the Suez-related settlement neatly? Whether it’s our France or our empire. If we think about that, wouldn’t it be possible to say that the Empire is in the same position as France? Since this is a large empire, wouldn’t it be better to be interested in the healthy future of both countries rather than dwelling on the past?”

Louis’ words, which continued like a stream of clear water, were flawless, and the prefects and ministers smiled slightly bitterly.

‘It’s not that easy. .’

‘They say he is indeed the next King of France…’

But Hyeon was no slouch either.

“‘Rather than dwelling on the past, we should be interested in a healthy future.’… Those are good words. But these words would have been empty if France had not followed suit. I am here because France has shown it through its actions.”

“I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s decision.” After

exchanging light jabs with each other, the two people continued speaking again.

“France is responding to the emergency situation . I said I wanted to, but if France agrees to the conditions I mentioned, it will be acceptable.”

“What conditions?”

“I want to sign a non-aggression pact with Portugal, Italy and Switzerland.”

Louis, who had been thinking for a moment about Hyun’s words, thought about France’s position. “If Switzerland

remains neutral as promised to the Empire, France will not use force against Switzerland. However, this is not possible in Italy and Portugal. ah! of course! France also maintains good relations with Portugal and Italy. However, if there is a problem of national interest, we will use all possible methods.”

“It is a matter of national interest… Is it Gloria?”

“Yes.”

In response to Louis’s answer, Hyeon immediately followed up with a question.

“If it is Gloria, then I think the empire should side with Portugal and Italy?’

“Your Majesty didn’t give you territory, but just a map, didn’t you?”

For a moment, Hyun was speechless.

‘I made a mistake! ‘I’m going to get scolded by Halbamama for this!’

Hyeon’s ears seemed to hear Hyang’s scolding.

‘You bastard! ‘I can’t do business properly!’

Louis’ question really delved into Hyeon’s blind spot. What the incense delivered to Portugal and Italy was ‘a map containing the route to the unidentified area south of Shinji.’ In other words, ‘information’ was handed over, not ‘imperial territory’.

If only information was provided, the Empire had no reason to pay attention to the competition between the great powers taking place in Gloria. However, if the territory was handed over, it would have dealt a fatal blow to the authority of the township and county. This was because historically there was no case in which a monarch who lost territory was evaluated favorably.

Since France had already been defeated by Hyang and Empire once in Italy, Hyeon, who had been caught off guard, was dealt a serious blow. But Hyun was no easy feat either.

“Of course, I only gave you a map. But that’s it. The empire is an alliance between Portugal and Italy. Of course, shouldn’t we think about the safety of our allies?’

“That’s obvious. France can also have a conflict with Italy and Portugal, but it does not want war.”

“That’s an ambiguous expression. I don’t like puns.”

“Then I’ll tell you right away. Please acknowledge that the Gloria Continent is landless.”

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