Black Corporation: Joseon

Xuande continued his monologue while examining the map.

“Though I said Qizhen’s character suits founding enterprises, even that’s being generous. His nature is only suitable for breaking through battle lines when placed at the vanguard. But he’s not stupid enough to attempt something with just 150,000 troops. He’ll do his utmost to gather the Jurchens in Liaodong. That way, we can deal with the troublesome Jurchens up to an appropriate point without lifting a finger while they clash with Joseon.”

Throughout long history, nomadic peoples, especially the Jurchens, were objects of terror. This fear was so profound that there existed a representative saying about the Jurchens:

“Ten thousand Jurchen troops cannot be withstood by all under heaven.”

Therefore, Ming used divide-and-rule tactics to control the Jurchens.

They sowed discord between Jurchen tribes to make them hostile to each other and induced them to show loyalty to Ming.

However, the Jurchen population began growing again, and meanwhile, Joseon started slowly infiltrating.

Thus, Xuande devised a plan to use Zhu Qizhen to weaken the Jurchens to an appropriate degree.

“Not too strong, not too weak. Just enough to check the Mongols’ movements.”

“I wonder how much damage Qizhen can inflict on Joseon. I’ve already stationed 50,000 troops in reserve just in case… Should I prepare another 50,000?”

Xuande had already prepared a reserve force of 50,000 in case Zhu Qizhen hesitated due to insufficient troops. However, thinking even that might not be enough, Xuande firmly decided to add another 50,000.

“Even then, it’s only 250,000 to 350,000. With Ming’s total forces at 3 million and 1.5 million troops stationed at and behind the Great Wall, that fellow can’t entertain any strange ideas. In the end, his only target can be Joseon.”

Xuande calculated carefully.

“If he uses what I’ve prepared well, 350,000 is possible. The people I’ve assigned to Qizhen can certainly manage it. And given their circumstances, they’ll do everything to make the plan succeed.”

The commanders Xuande had assigned to Zhu Qizhen were capable individuals who had been pushed aside from advancement for various reasons. They would certainly give their all for their own advancement.

And the more effort they put in, the deeper the wounds Joseon would suffer.

Additionally, Xuande had planted another hidden card.

Having the phrase “obtain Joseon and be permitted to declare yourself emperor” deliberately delivered verbally rather than written in the edict was also part of Xuande’s strategy.

This was a hidden card aimed at both success and failure scenarios.

“Even if it fails, Joseon can’t challenge us. There’s no physical evidence.”

-This tragedy was created by the vain ambitions of Zhu Qizhen, who was demoted to Eastern King. It was his unilateral action unrelated to our Ming.

Even if the instigated action through Zhu Qizhen failed, Ming—or rather Xuande—would make such claims.

“Conversely, success also provides useful justification.”

If Zhu Qizhen’s attempt succeeded in severely damaging Joseon, Xuande would intervene immediately.

In case of Zhu Qizhen’s success, Xuande had prepared a plan to move as follows:

• If Zhu Qizhen’s attempt succeeds as Xuande predicts, Ming will immediately intervene in the situation.
• The justification for intervention will be ‘holding him accountable for the discord between Joseon and Ming caused by Zhu Qizhen’s reckless actions.’
• Though Zhu Qizhen might resist, subdue him by pressuring and persuading the surrounding generals.
• Afterward, involve ourselves in Joseon’s politics under the pretext of helping them.

“I’d like to replace Joseon’s king and crown prince entirely, but the disadvantages would outweigh the benefits.”

Currently, Joseon’s people showed absolute support for Sejong and Hyang. In such a situation, replacing Sejong and his son would clearly lead to an uprising by the Joseon people.

Therefore, Xuande targeted Joseon’s ministers rather than Sejong and his son for replacement.

“Fortunately, there are suitable candidates. Those involved in what Joseon people call the ‘Giyu-noblemen’ rebellion. They could be very useful.”

Xuande had learned of their existence through Ming merchants frequenting Joseon.

Those doing hard labor in mines like Aoji would certainly harbor strong hostility toward Sejong and his son. If such people were restored to politics, especially to the core of central politics, they would actively check Sejong and his son. Of course, Sejong and his son would try to remove them again, but then Ming would step in to protect them. In that case, Joseon’s new ruling class would certainly respond actively to his—or Ming’s—commands.

After checking all this, Xuande muttered while thinking of his son.

“If you have minimal sense, you’ll be content as Eastern King. But if you can’t control your greed, succeeding would still be better for your later years.”

Having “obtain Joseon and be permitted to declare yourself emperor” delivered verbally was intended both to leave no physical evidence and to serve as a final safety pin for Zhu Qizhen.

If Zhu Qizhen complied with the imperial command, Wang Chong had been ordered not to speak the above phrase. Even after speaking it, he had additional orders to give one more chance.

If Zhu Qizhen was satisfied with the position of “Eastern King” bestowed upon him, he could live relatively peacefully in Liaodong. The things sent along with Wang Chong would be of great help in establishing himself in Liaodong. Especially if he utilized his position between Ming and Joseon well, he could enjoy considerable wealth and glory.

However, if he couldn’t control his nature and took the bait, Zhu Qizhen’s fate would be purge regardless of success or failure.

And Zhu Qizhen took the bait.

***

The one fortunate thing for Zhu Qizhen was that he didn’t make the worst decision Xuande had anticipated—immediately striking into Joseon.

Still pointing his sword at Wang Chong, Zhu Qizhen verified the facts.

“That’s a fine offer, but is this truly His Majesty’s imperial command? Aren’t you lying to save your life?”

“It is truly His Majesty’s imperial command!”

However, Zhu Qizhen couldn’t accept it immediately.

“The Emperor I know is deeply cautious! And he shows great interest in Joseon! Are you saying such a person ordered me to attempt Joseon with mere 150,000 troops? Everyone knows that’s not enough to take Joseon!”

The generals around all nodded at Zhu Qizhen’s words.

According to what was known, Joseon maintained a standing army of 250,000. Of these, 100,000 belonged to the navy, and 150,000 to the army and marine forces. And of those 150,000, 80,000 were stationed in the north.

And it was a basic principle of military strategy that the attacking force needed more troops—at least triple—than the defending force.

To Zhu Qizhen’s point, Wang Chong answered again.

“Of course His Majesty knows this well! But what is Your Highness’s reason for coming to Liaodong? It was Liaodong’s stability! For that justification, more than 150,000 troops would be excessive!”

At Wang Chong’s answer, Zhu Qizhen looked at Zhao Bingde standing beside him. Receiving the silent question, Zhao Bingde calculated briefly before nodding.

“That is certainly true. With 50,000 Ming troops already stationed in Liaodong maintaining order, and considering the number of Jurchens loyal to Ming, more than 150,000 would raise suspicion.”

“Hmm…”

After contemplating briefly at Zhao Bingde’s answer, Zhu Qizhen withdrew his sword.

“Fine! I’ll believe your words for now!”

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude!”

“Don’t be too pleased! I’ll check the current situation once more before deciding whether to kill or spare you!”

Zhu Qizhen rechecked his army’s situation.

“Before departing, I was reported we had 30,000 gunners and 5,000 artillery troops. Is this correct?”

“It is.”

“You mean trained gunners, not just gun troops?”

“About 20 gun troops came as training instructors. Also, 20 Embroidered Uniform Guards from the Artillery Division came along.”

“Hah…”

Zhu Qizhen sighed at Zhao Bingde’s answer.

Gun troops referred to gunners belonging to the Embroidered Uniform Guards. Thanks to their accumulated proficiency and combat experience, they were elite enough to be called shi (士, soldier) rather than bing (兵, troops). The same applied to the Artillery Division.

After hearing Zhao Bingde’s answer, Zhu Qizhen turned to Wang Chong.

“We can fill the shortage of troops through recruitment and conscription. But weapons are the problem! Especially, what about gunners and artillery troops? Even with gun troops and artillery guards available for training, we don’t have guns and artillery to give them!”

At Zhu Qizhen’s words, Wang Chong smiled slightly and asked.

“Your Highness, have you forgotten my position?”

“Ah!”

At Wang Chong’s question, Zhu Qizhen’s face brightened as he let out an exclamation.

Wang Chong had worked at the Armory Office. Along with the Imperial Stables—originally managing horses, wagons, and pastures used by the military—under the Ministry of War, it was responsible for producing and managing weapons used by the Embroidered Uniform Guards and Ming army.

Wang Chong raised his arm pointing outside the tent and continued.

“Allow me to introduce.”

Zhu Qizhen and the generals followed Wang Chong out of the tent. Where they arrived, quite a few people and wagons were gathered.

“Weren’t these palace servants working at the court?”

To Zhu Qizhen’s question, Wang Chong answered still smiling.

“Some are, but some are not. Master Craftsman Zhang! Come forward!”

At Wang Chong’s call, a middle-aged man came forward, knelt before Zhu Qizhen and cupped his hands. Wang Chong explained about Master Craftsman Zhang to Zhu Qizhen.

“He is skilled in producing artillery and steel guns.”

“Is that so? What is your name?”

“I am called Zhang Yi!”

“I’ll be counting on you.”

“I shall do my utmost!”

Seeing Zhu Qizhen’s pleased expression, Wang Chong continued.

“Including Master Zhang and those under him, we have 40 craftsmen. If proper people are assigned to them, they can certainly handle the demand.”

“Hmm… I see…”

At Wang Chong’s answer, Zhu Qizhen’s face began gradually flushing. However, he didn’t take the bait immediately.

“Let’s say we have the craftsmen. But we need materials to make guns, and wages to pay both the workers and soldiers.”

As soon as Zhu Qizhen’s words fell, Wang Chong clapped his hands and shouted.

“Bring the secret boxes!”

As soon as Wang Chong’s words fell, people began unloading large boxes from the wagons.

Boxes so large and heavy that they required two people to carry began being placed neatly before Zhu Qizhen after being unloaded from the wagons.

“What is this?”

At Zhu Qizhen’s question, Wang Chong broke the seals on the boxes and unlocked them.

“Gasp!”

“Ooh!”

As the boxes’ lids opened, Zhu Qizhen and the generals couldn’t close their gaping mouths. Each box was filled with gold yuanbao, silver yuanbao, and Ming paper currency.

“His Majesty commanded this be delivered thus.”

Standing before the boxes, Wang Chong bowed his waist and conveyed Xuande’s words.

“The choice is yours.”