Black Corporation: Joseon

“Insanjin? Why there?”

At Zhu Qizhen’s question, Zhao Bingde pointed to the Yalu River on the map and answered.

“It’s one of the narrowest points of the river. The width between our bank and the Joseon bank is only about 450 jang (approximately 1.35km). The same goes for the depth. During spring, our planned time of action, it’s quite shallow, enough for horses to wade across.”

“That may be true, but…”

Though nodding at Zhao Bingde’s explanation, Zhu Qizhen showed slight unease.

“Wouldn’t the Joseon people, who have suffered from the Jurchen, know this too? Isn’t that why they established a garrison there?”

“That’s correct.”

Zhao Bingde readily nodded at Zhu Qizhen’s point.

In fact, this was one of the places where Jurchen from Liaodong frequently crossed for plundering. Of course, that route had been blocked after Joseon’s firepower strengthened thanks to King reformation and Hyang’s meddling.

“While we talked about breakthrough through concentration at a single point, shouldn’t we reconsider attacking a place that’s already heavily fortified? We might need to prepare for more casualties than necessary.”

To Zhu Qizhen’s request to reconsider the crossing point, Zhao Bingde answered firmly.

“It’s not possible. This is the optimal location. Let me explain why.”

Zhao Bingde explained why they had to choose Insanjin.

-The biggest reason is the terrain.

While there are several narrow points upstream on the Yalu River, those places have issues with depth and current speed.

Also, after passing through Insanjin, continuous plains allow cavalry to demonstrate their maximum capability.

Other areas require passing through Joseon’s treacherous mountain ranges. This means risking ambush.

-Secondly, about 300 li (120km) south of Insanjin in Anju is Joseon’s largest ironworks.

If we capture this as quickly as possible, Joseon will face major disruption in steel supply, while we can acquire large amounts of quality steel.

-Finally, we can maximize support from the Fire Dragon Cannon and other artillery.

Looking at the records of the Fire Dragon Cannon sent by the court, its maximum range is about 5 li (2km). (Note 1)

Casualties are unavoidable when attacking solid fortress walls. However, artillery support is essential to minimize these losses, which is why we need the Fire Dragon Cannon.

But the Fire Dragon Cannon’s sheer size makes it time-consuming to move. Therefore, Insanjin is most suitable for maximizing its effectiveness.

“Hmm…”

At Zhao Bingde’s explanation, Zhu Qizhen stroked his chin in deep thought.

Seeing Zhu Qizhen’s continued contemplation, Zhao Bingde added:

“Looking carefully at the terrain around Insanjin, it’s possible to perform a flanking maneuver while containing the garrison.”

“Is that so…”

After continued deliberation while listening to Zhao Bingde’s explanation, Zhu Qizhen finally made his decision.

“We’ll attack Insanjin. Proceed as planned.”

“Yes, sir!”

With Zhu Qizhen’s decision, the invasion of Joseon crossed a point of no return.

***

At the same time, Joseon’s General Staff Office was also racking their brains.

“The most likely location is indeed Insanjin.”

At Lee Jing-ok’s report, Choi Yoon-deok asked with a serious expression.

“Your basis?”

Choi Yoon-deok, who would have died two years ago in the history before Hyang’s intervention, was still vigorously demonstrating his elder’s valor. Thanks to his experience participating in all of Joseon’s foreign wars, including the subjugation of Tsushima, he earned nicknames like ‘Living History of the Joseon Military’ and ‘Hidden Monster of the Defense Ministry’ as a bonus.

He was supposed to go to New Frontier with King Sejong due to his experience gained while subduing the Jurchen, but in the end, Sejong decided to have Choi Yoon-deok remain in Joseon.

-In case something happens, an experienced elder general is absolutely necessary to assist the Crown Prince.

This was the reason for his remaining in Joseon, and now that decision was proving its worth.

Facing the question from the veteran with his vast experience, Lee Jing-ok answered with a tense expression.

“Because it’s the optimal location for crossing between Liaodong and Joseon or vice versa.”

Lee Jing-ok’s subsequent explanation was largely similar to what Zhao Bingde had told Zhu Qizhen.

“… Therefore, Insanjin is considered the most likely location.”

“I see… But tell me this. What if the enemy merely contains Insanjin while attempting a flanking maneuver?”

At Choi Yoon-deok’s point, Lee Jing-ok immediately explained while pointing at the map with his command baton.

“For the enemy’s main force of cavalry to demonstrate their maximum capability, they need well-maintained roads. And if they advance south along those roads, they must pass through Seoncheon-bu here. We’ll establish our second defensive line there.”

“The distance from Insanjin?”

“About 150 li (60km).”

“That’s quite far south… The civilians living in between could suffer heavy casualties. What’s the countermeasure?”

“We’ll guide civilian evacuation as quickly as possible as soon as war breaks out. We’ve already coordinated with the Railway Bureau on the operational plan for this.”

“It won’t interfere with troop mobilization?”

“We’ve coordinated that aspect as well.”

“Good…”

As Choi Yoon-deok nodded in satisfaction, Lee Jing-ok let out a small sigh of relief.

Choi Yoon-deok continued checking the situation.

“When the weather warms, the Flying Sphere^[1] will be officially operational. Are the preparations proceeding properly?”

“Yes.”

While the military had shown enthusiasm for introducing the Flying Sphere, various limitations were discovered when actually operating it in the field.

As a result, after various improvements were made, it was finally beginning official combat deployment.

Choi Yoon-deok continued his inspection with Lee Jing-ok and the staff.

“Mass supply of the wire mesh?”

Lee Jing-ok immediately answered Choi Yoon-deok’s point.

“It’s optimal for tripping up the enemy. Don’t you agree?”

“That’s true.”

The wire mesh Lee Jing-ok mentioned was also something that bore Hyang’s influence.

***

When Hyang heard about the wire mesh made by Il-cheol, who had created the ‘Japanese-American style,’ he quietly licked his lips.

“Barbed wire…”

However, Hyang didn’t immediately attempt to produce barbed wire.

“Surprisingly, barbed wire needs automation…”

Weaving wire to make barbs was unexpectedly labor-intensive.

This was also true in the history before Hyang’s intervention.

“We’re already short on people, and the production of quality wire is low…”

After taking this step back, Hyang became interested in barbed wire again when Joseon’s steel production greatly increased and steam engines became established.

“Let’s try making it without the barbs first…”

Using steam engines to twist two or three strands of thick wire of one pun (about 3mm) thickness like rope, Hyang created wire mesh and immediately called King Sejong and the ministers to introduce its usage method.

And the military immediately opened their wallet.

Though it lacked barbs, the wire mesh was certainly an excellent defensive measure.

***

“The defense plan is good. The rest can be handled with improvisation on the front lines. Well done.”

“Thank you.”

After praising Lee Jing-ok and the staff, Choi Yoon-deok presented another assignment.

“Now let’s examine the counterattack plan.”

“Has His Majesty finally made his decision?”

To Lee Jing-ok’s question, Choi Yoon-deok nodded.

“He sent his answer in the last mail ship. The Crown Prince worked hard for this.”

As soon as the countermeasures for the problem in Liaodong took shape, Hyang immediately sent a report to Sejong.

-We cannot avoid conflict. Therefore, we must use this opportunity to secure Liaodong.

Sejong immediately replied to Hyang’s proposal.

-Ming.

Well aware that although Joseon had grown much stronger, it was still weaker than Ming, Sejong couldn’t make a decision easily.

From this point, courier ships began moving busily between New Frontier and Joseon. Steam ships carrying only Sejong’s letters pointing out possible problems in detail and Hyang’s letters containing answers to these traveled at full speed between New Frontier and Joseon. And these voyages continued until just before the Arctic Ocean froze.

As time passed, Sejong also had to acknowledge the inevitability.

-The Emperor starting trouble in Liaodong shows his intent to break our Joseon. Then, we cannot simply take it.

Finally, Sejong sent a brief reply to Hyang.

-Permitted.

Upon receiving Sejong’s permission, Hyang immediately sent him a letter.

-I am glad to finally be able to keep my promise.

After obtaining Sejong’s permission, Hyang immediately summoned the ministers.

“His Majesty has approved.”

***

The moment Hyang’s words fell, the air in the conference room changed. The Four, observing from one side, startled at the sudden change in atmosphere.

What’s this? The air has changed!

There’s a scent of blood from somewhere…

It’s hard to breathe…

Amidst their confusion at the suddenly changed atmosphere, Han Myeong-hoe muttered quietly.

“So this is what those who have experienced war are like…”

The others nodded at Han Myeong-hoe’s muttering.

The ministers seated in the conference room now were those who had experienced everything from the subjugation of Tsushima to the Manchu invasion caused by Yi Manchu and Mengtemu, and the Giyu Rebellion.

***

After announcing Sejong’s decision, Hyang immediately continued:

“If what we’ve anticipated happens, we’ll immediately launch a counterattack. Please adjust the plans accordingly.”

“Understood.”

Following Hwang Hui’s answer, Heo Hu spoke up.

“When we advance into Liaodong, the Forbidden City may immediately raise objections. I will prepare counterarguments.”

Hyang nodded at Heo Hu’s words.

“Yes. Please prepare definitive counterarguments that will silence the Forbidden City.”

“Sending a prince to Liaodong along with a large army already shows their determination to start a conflict. We will press this point. The justification is on our Joseon’s side.”

All the other ministers nodded at Heo Hu’s words.

Watching the ministers’ reactions, Hyang concluded:

“With Ming using such underhanded methods, there will be no more serving the great from now on. Only neighborly relations will be possible. And even that only if our Joseon is willing.”

Hwang Hui followed Hyang’s words:

“Indeed. Even though we are a nation that declares ourselves subjects, there are proper ways that must be maintained between nations. Yet they use such underhanded methods? I see no reason to continue serving the great.”

Thus, the formal decision to end the relationship of serving the great was made.

***

Choi Yoon-deok asked Lee Jing-ok again.

“When we advance into Liaodong, Ming might respond militarily. Let’s establish countermeasures for this.”

“Yes. I’ll prepare immediately. But there’s one thought that comes first.”

“What is it?”

“At the very least, Ming forces should not think of crossing the Yellow Sea.”

At Lee Jing-ok’s words, all the naval officers present wore sly smiles.

At least on the sea, there existed no one who could face Joseon.

Lee Jing-ok spoke to Choi Yoon-deok on their behalf:

“If Ming tries military intervention, they won’t be able to use sea routes. No, I wonder if they’ll have any ships or ports left.”

***

Note 1) Slightly exaggerated based on the performance of the Basilica cannon.

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