At Heo Hu’s resolute answer, Hyang looked at the other ministers’ faces. Seeing similar expressions on all the ministers – even Lee Sachul – not just Minister of Defense Jo Mal-saeng, Hyang muttered internally.
I’ve felt this several times, but these gentlemen seem to have many grievances.
As Hyang thought, the ministers who occupied the core of the current court indeed harbored many grievances against Ming.
When they were handling practical affairs under the senior founding meritorious subjects, it was during Emperor Yongle’s rule of Ming.
To weaken Joseon’s power and force submission to Ming, Emperor Yongle had pressured Joseon under all sorts of pretexts.
Unable to endure such pressure, the ministers, starting with Ha Ryun, had proposed the “Alliance with Japan Theory” to King Taejong.
“Damn! This is too filthy to stomach! Let’s join hands with Japan and attack Ming instead!”
Of course, upon hearing this proposal, Taejong immediately rejected it.
“Have these old men gone senile!”
Having witnessed all these events firsthand, the ministers were firmly resolved even for an all-out war with Ming.
But they say even a stone bridge should be tapped before crossing.
Hyang wanted to reconfirm the ministers’ determination.
“If things continue this way, it’s crystal clear our relationship with Ming will become worst possible. In that case, we will no longer practice the tributary relationship that has been the core of our diplomacy. If things deteriorate further, we may have to wage a decisive war with Ming that could determine our nation’s fate. We must be prepared for many sacrifices and the people’s resentment. Are you ready for this?”
The ministers couldn’t answer immediately to Hyang’s question. Starting with Hwang Hui, all ministers fell into deep contemplation, while Hyang, the court historians, and scribes quietly waited for their answer.
Hwang Hui was the first to speak.
“We must certainly endure difficult times and be prepared for many sacrifices. However, this is a gateway we must pass through. It is an entrance examination we must pass for our Joseon to advance as a great nation capable of self-respect, self-strengthening, and self-reliance.”
“Entrance examination…”
“Hmm…”
Everyone gathered there pondered the word “entrance examination” that Hwang Hui had mentioned.
After a moment, Kim Jeom burst into loud laughter.
“Hahaha! Entrance examination! What a perfectly fitting description for our current situation! Hahaha! It feels like a weight has been lifted from my chest!”
Not just in words but with an expression that truly showed relief, Kim Jeom bowed his head to Hyang and spoke.
“Your Highness, Lord Hwang Hui’s words are correct. It is time for our Joseon to emerge from Ming’s shadow and stand proudly. Of course, Ming certainly won’t just stand by and watch this. However, if we give up on breaking free because of that, Joseon will never escape Ming’s shadow until either Ming falls or Joseon falls.”
Following Hwang Hui and Kim Jeom, other ministers made similar statements. Finally, Lee Sachul spoke up.
“I still believe peaceful neighborly relations are best. However, I have no intention of insisting on peaceful relations with those who have abandoned proper principles.”
After Lee Sachul’s statement, Hyang drew a conclusion.
“May I assume you are all prepared?”
“Yes.”
“Then let’s all do our best.”
At Hyang’s decision, the ministers all quietly nodded.
Thus, the decisive battle against Ming, which had been discussed in roundabout ways hiding subjects and objects, officially emerged.
***
While Hyang and the ministers were making their resolution, a military officer rushed breathlessly into Seunghwadang.
“Urgent report from Insan Fortress!”
Along with his words, the officer held out a thick bundle of papers, which a court eunuch on duty received and distributed to Hyang and the ministers.
“Enemy’s first offensive, defense successful. Whew~, that’s fortunate.”
“Whew~. We’ve safely passed the first hurdle.”
Hyang and the ministers simultaneously sighed in relief after reading the report’s opening.
Enemy’s first offensive, defense successful. Estimated enemy casualties about 50,000. Our casualties about 2,000. Enemy retreated to bridgehead and holding position. Enemy’s fighting spirit still strong.
As it was an urgent report transmitted via light signaling device, the content was extremely concise. However, it was enough to understand the important facts.
Examining the urgent report’s contents, Hyang looked at Jo Mal-saeng with a questioning expression.
“Minister of Defense. I have a question.”
“Please ask, Your Highness. I will answer to the best of my ability.”
“Is it really possible that they would neither retreat nor lose fighting spirit after losing 50,000 troops in a single battle?”
To Hyang’s question, Jo Mal-saeng answered briefly.
“It’s possible because their core forces and commanders are all from Ming.”
“Ah~”
At Jo Mal-saeng’s answer, Hwang Hui and the other ministers all nodded with understanding expressions. However, seeing that Hyang still looked puzzled, Jo Mal-saeng added an explanation.
“Looking at the wars waged by those Central Plains nations, their strongest weapon is numbers.”
“Ah!”
Only then did Hyang show an expression of understanding.
***
Since the time of Emperor Wu of Han, China’s greatest weapon had been its massive armies. In wars against foreign enemies, even if two or three of their soldiers died for each enemy killed, China could replenish those losses while their opponents usually could not.
In the end, China was always the final victor.
This was also true in Emperor Yongle’s northern expedition against the Northern Yuan. In five campaigns, Emperor Yongle mobilized over a million troops each time. Though further campaigns eventually ceased due to military expenditure issues, the Northern Yuan also became unable to threaten the Central Plains.
***
“This makes it even more certain. This war absolutely cannot be Zhu Qizhen’s independent action.”
After confirming the urgent report, Jo Mal-saeng drew his conclusion with full conviction.
“This war could not possibly happen without the Emperor’s backing. The evidence is…”
Jo Mal-saeng explained his reasoning.
-The enemy force deployed in this war is estimated at about 400,000.
-To repeat, considering the time since Zhu Qizhen arrived in Liaodong, it’s impossible to train an army of this scale.
-Therefore, most of them are certainly troops sent by Ming.
-Even for Zhu Qizhen, deploying an army of this scale cannot be done independently. The Emperor’s approval would absolutely be necessary.
-Their vigorous fighting spirit becomes even more understandable if we consider they’re not guarding against the Oirat but are disguised vanguards for attacking Joseon. Because the main force will arrive soon.
“In other words, this war is certainly planned by the Emperor.”
Hyang and the ministers all nodded at Jo Mal-saeng’s explanation.
***
Ironically, this was the same conclusion reached by Zhao Bingde and the Liaodong army command.
Though demoted from Crown Prince to King of Liaodong, the additional clause attached afterward turned their suspicion into certainty.
-If you obtain Joseon, you will be permitted to declare yourself emperor.
“Probably means he’ll permit external kingship and internal emperorship. Once the great endeavor begins, there will certainly be support.”
What led Zhu Qizhen, the Liaodong army command, and Joseon to all make the same misjudgment was that the bait Emperor Xuande had dangled before Zhu Qizhen was too powerful.
-Military funds equal to Ming court’s annual budget.
-100,000 additional troops following the initial 150,000.
-Large numbers of craftsmen to make various weapons including Fire Dragon Cannons, artillery, matchlocks, and other armaments.
No one would think these enormous resources were mere consumables.
Except Emperor Xuande alone.
Keeping his true intentions secret out of concern that Zhu Qizhen would change his mind or rebel upon learning them had created this misjudgment.
After nodding at Jo Mal-saeng’s explanation, Hyang looked at Heo Hu.
“Minister of Foreign Affairs, can you depart tomorrow?”
“I will head to the naval base at Jemulpo as soon as day breaks. With Haeeung, we can cross the West Sea faster than anyone.”
“Go to Beijing as quickly as possible and confront the Emperor. However, don’t let on that we’ve figured out his intentions, only strongly protest the provocations of those stationed in Liaodong.”
“Should I just obtain justification?”
Hyang nodded at Heo Hu’s question. Confirming Hyang’s answer, Heo Hu spoke with a grave expression.
“I will obtain justification even if it costs my life.”
“I’ll say it again, please return safely.”
“I am deeply moved by your concern.”
After issuing orders to Heo Hu, Hyang turned to Kim Jeom and the Finance Minister.
“How far has the transition to total war footing progressed?”
“Almost complete except for artillery and gunpowder.”
“I will issue the general mobilization order as soon as matters are settled at the Yalu River. Please be ready.”
“We will do our utmost.”
The current mobilized reserves were limited to the northern regions. But the moment Hyang issued the general mobilization order, all reserves across Joseon would be mobilized.
After issuing orders to Kim Jeom and the Finance Minister, Hyang turned to Jo Mal-saeng.
“Has there been contact from the left and right wings?”
“Yes. According to reports received via light signals, they will arrive at Insan Fortress within four days at the latest.”
“Order them to arrive as quickly as possible. Also, relay orders to General Choi Yoon-deok. Tell him to advance north from the offensive preparation line as soon as the left and right wings arrive and operations begin. We must not give Ming time to move first.”
“Yes, I will relay it clearly.”
After organizing the situation, Hyang turned to the ministers.
“Well then, let’s try crossing this entrance examination.”
The ministers responded in unison to Hyang’s words.
“We will certainly make our Joseon ascend as a Yellow Dragon!”
The Yellow Dragon was the symbol of an emperor.
***
After the meeting ended, Hyang remained alone in thought and called a eunuch.
“Go call Han Myeong-hoe.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Shortly after, Han Myeong-hoe entered Hyang’s office and respectfully paid his respects.
“You called for me?”
“We need to go to Japan.”
“Japan, you say?”
“Yes.”
At Hyang’s brief answer, Han Myeong-hoe began carefully considering the reasons for going to Japan.
After pondering for a while, Han Myeong-hoe carefully spoke.
“Are you thinking about the Japanese pirates?”
“Correct.”
“Will the Ōuchi clan agree easily?”
“They’ll realize it’s the best opportunity to deal with their troublesome elements.”
“We might need more bait.”
“Tell them we’ll provide certain escort on the way there, but they must give advance notice for the return journey. Is more needed?”
After calculating various factors at Hyang’s question, Han Myeong-hoe answered.
“That should be sufficient.”
“Depart tomorrow.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
***
The next morning, before departing for Ming, Heo Hu visited Seunghwadang to pay his respects.
“Please value your life.”
“Though I go with resolution to die, I will try to avoid death.”
After answering calmly, Heo Hu left Seunghwadang. The ministers who followed out with Hyang took turns bidding farewell to Heo Hu.
“Please return safely.”
“Return safely.”
After exchanging what might be final farewells, Heo Hu left the palace. Watching Heo Hu’s departing figure, Hyang and the ministers turned to head back to Seunghwadang.
At that moment, a Defense Ministry official approached Jo Mal-saeng with a report.
“What is it?”
“A military report arrived from Insan Fortress at dawn.”
“Make copies and submit them.”
“Copies are already being made.”
“Then what’s this?”
“This is a report on supplies consumed in the recent battle.”
At the official’s words, Jo Mal-saeng quickly opened the report and tightly closed his eyes upon seeing the total at the very end.
“Lord Kim Jeom is going to eat me alive.”