While Hyang was quietly preparing for a stable transfer of power, information about a newly constructed mega-warship from Ming began coming in through various channels.

“Is this information accurate?”

At Hyang’s question, Min Shin immediately bowed his head and answered.

“We have repeatedly verified it, and it is certainly true.”

“Is that so? Hmm…”

Examining the report in his hand, Hyang muttered inwardly.

‘Indeed, something of this size would be difficult to hide. We were able to conceal the existence of our Assault Turtle Ships because we had the East Sea, but…’

***

Operating a new warship was no simple task.

Even when building a new vessel of a previously operated type, its characteristics would be subtly different. Thus, it took time from a warship’s launch to its commissioning. The crew needed time to become familiar with the ship’s unique personality.

Given this reality, building an entirely new type of vessel naturally consumed even more time before commissioning.

This was unavoidable, regardless of how skilled the sailors might be.

The Assault Turtle Ships could maintain their secrecy during this period because Joseon had completely dominated the sea routes in the West Sea and South Sea at that time.

No ships from Ming or Japan had managed to penetrate Joseon’s naval surveillance network to reach the East Sea, where the Assault Turtle Ships were actively training.

They were either forcibly captured by the Joseon navy or disappeared beneath the waves.

In contrast, Ming faced an inescapable situation. With the empire completely controlling the Southwestern Islands—what Ming called Dongfan and what is now Taiwan—it wasn’t easy to evade imperial eyes in the Yellow Sea and South Sea.

No, it wasn’t just the imperial eyes that were the issue. The Yellow Sea and South Sea were home to merchant shipping routes. It was impossible to avoid the eyes of trading vessels passing through daily.

That’s why rumors about Ming’s massive warship began circulating at some point, and as soon as the information was verified through various channels, it was reported to Hyang.

***

“But the information is more detailed than expected?”

After reading the report thoroughly, Hyang pointed out the suspicious aspect to Min Shin.

While critical secrets—firepower, sailing ability, defensive capabilities, etc.—were absent, details like approximate size, number of mounted cannons, propulsion method, and maximum speed were quite thoroughly documented.

To Hyang’s observation, Min Shin bowed his head and replied.

“The navy’s analysis team was also surprised by this aspect. To be cautious about potential misinformation, we sent spy ships disguised as merchant vessels to verify, and most of the information proved accurate.”

“Hmm…”

Stroking his chin thoughtfully at Min Shin’s answer, Hyang shook his head slightly.

“Although the truly critical secrets are missing, this seems too careless…”

Seeing Hyang’s uneasiness, Foreign Minister Heo Hu shared his thoughts.

“I believe they deliberately leaked it.”

“Deliberately leaked? For what purpose?”

“Yes. Firstly, to subtly hint that the performance of their new mega-warship is formidable, serving as a warning to our empire. Secondly, to widely publicize the existence of a powerful warship rivaling our Assault Turtle Ships, boosting the morale of their citizens and soldiers.”

“That seems plausible. Prime Minister, what do you think?”

At Hyang’s question, Kim Jeom nodded and replied.

“I also find the Foreign Minister’s reasoning sound.”

“I agree as well.”

Concurring with Kim Jeom’s statement, Hyang asked another question.

“Is this the only ship of this new type?”

Min Shin answered Hyang’s question again.

“From what we’ve gathered through various sources, they are constructing one more.”

“How many do you expect them to build?”

As Min Shin was about to respond to Hyang’s question, Kim Jeom spoke first.

“The military estimates a minimum of three to a maximum of five ships, but I and the Foreign Ministry believe they’ll have at most two, or at maximum three.”

At Kim Jeom’s answer, Hyang’s eyes sparkled.

“Oh? What’s the basis for such a difference?”

“The reason is…”

Kim Jeom explained the basis for his and the Foreign Ministry’s judgment.

-According to reports, Ming’s new warship, like our Assault Turtle Ships, is armored and powered by steam engines.

-Armoring a warship of that size is extremely costly.

-The same goes for steam engines. To move such an enormous armored mass requires large, powerful steam engines, and manufacturing such engines is expensive.

-Not only are the production costs high, but the operational costs are also substantial.

-All this becomes a burden on the people. But looking at Ming’s current situation, recovery is still incomplete.

-In such circumstances, hasty tax increases could provoke public backlash.

“…That is why I estimate at most two ships, maximum three.”

“Hmm… That’s reasonable thinking.”

As Hyang nodded and showed a positive response, Min Shin raised his voice.

“However, Your Majesty, Ming’s open display of such a warship indicates they still harbor hostility toward our empire. Having suffered great humiliation in the last war, wanting revenge is only human nature! The Prime Minister is right that building five ships would be excessive! But consider our empire’s case! They might think they can extract massive compensation from us just as we did from them!”

“See here!”

As soon as Min Shin’s counterargument ended, Kim Jeom raised his voice.

“The Defense Minister’s opinion seems reasonable, but it’s sophistry! Since the end of the last war, the navy has continuously demanded additional construction of Assault Turtle Ships! Even though two have already been completed! Speak honestly! Isn’t the military exaggerating Ming’s threat to secure additional production of Assault Turtle Ships?”

“Additional production is necessary! Just two ships aren’t enough to properly protect the trade routes in the Yellow Sea and South Sea!”

“Everyone knows Challenger-class warships are sufficient for the South Sea! Do you realize how much money goes into building a single Assault Turtle Ship? And what about maintenance costs?”

“I know! But there are times when we must spend despite knowing the cost, for the empire’s security!”

The atmosphere inside Geunjeongjeon heated up with the verbal sparring between Kim Jeom and Min Shin. As tensions escalated, Hyang intervened.

“Enough.”

Though his voice was low, the two men closed their mouths as soon as Hyang finished speaking. Looking at them, Hyang continued.

“Both of you make valid points. However, the discussion is becoming heated. Watching silently, I stepped in before you started inquiring about each other’s parents’ well-being. You haven’t forgotten that His Majesty, the Emperor Emeritus forbids such behavior?”

At Hyang’s pointed remark, Kim Jeom and Min Shin immediately bowed their heads.

“We apologize.”

“We apologize.”

Having calmed the overheated atmosphere, Hyang reached a conclusion.

“I will make a decision. Looking at the deployment plan for the Assault Turtle Ships, one was to be stationed in the West Sea and the other at the Southwestern Islands. I will modify this plan. Station both ships in the West Sea. I believe Challenger-class and Haeeung-class vessels are sufficient to defend the trade routes at the Southwestern Islands.”

Hyang’s speech had shifted to the hao form. This indicated he would push through with his own decision. Nevertheless, Min Shin raised an objection.

“But if Ming deploys their new warship to the South Sea, we’d face difficulties.”

“That could be true. However, if the appearance of the new warship in the report is accurate, that ship cannot venture into the open sea.”

“Pardon?”

Hyang explained the reason to Min Shin.

• According to the report, the new warship is essentially two large warships bound together.
• Looking at past history, such vessels have appeared occasionally, but most operated in rivers. They are difficult to operate properly at sea.
• If sea conditions deteriorate even slightly, this massive warship will likely become impossible to operate effectively.

‘Why weren’t large catamarans or multi-hulled vessels widely built even in the 21st century!’

As Hyang noted, even in the 21st century with advanced shipbuilding technology, large catamarans were rare. Military versions were even rarer. The US Navy’s Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport was practically the symbol of military large catamarans.

After explaining why Ming’s new warship couldn’t venture into deep waters, Hyang added:

“If Ming’s vessel truly posed a threat, I would have been the first to propose building new warships.”

‘Why would I miss the perfect opportunity to indulge my hobby openly!’

“Ah!”

As Hyang finished speaking, not only Min Shin but all the ministers simultaneously exclaimed.

‘We forgot who the Emperor is!’

The Hyang they knew never missed an opportunity. If there was a justification, he would use it to create all manner of things. The fact that Hyang had rejected Min Shin’s argument sent a clear message.

-Ming’s new warship is all show!

Looking down at the ministers, Hyang continued.

“Of course, since the Yellow Sea is calm, their new warship could pose a threat there. However, if our imperial navy maintains its composure and responds properly, it cannot be a significant threat. Ah! Naturally, it seems necessary to improve the performance of the fire shells used by the Assault Turtle Ships and other vessels. Regarding this matter, prepare a proposal as quickly as possible and submit it to the Crown Prince.”

“We receive your command.”

***

As the meeting concluded, ministers began leaving Geunjeongjeon one by one.

However, Min Shin and Kim Jeom continued bickering even during this process.

“See here, Minister Min! I clearly said additional Assault Turtle Ships were not possible, so why did you bring it up and cause trouble!”

“That’s because you declared it impossible without even listening properly!”

“Of course it’s impossible! We already have two ships, and without knowing how many the Chinese will build, we can’t blindly make more! We have to consider the budget!”

“Budget, budget, always the budget! We understand its importance too, which is why we only proposed building one more!”

“That hunk of iron isn’t cheap!”

“Stop going on about money! This is exactly why I made a direct appeal to His Majesty!”

“And His Majesty’s conclusion was also that it’s not possible!”

At Kim Jeom’s final remark, Min Shin closed his mouth, and Kim Jeom wore the expression of a victor.

In the end, upon returning to the Defense Ministry, Min Shin shouted furiously from the entrance.

“Everyone under me, assemble! Especially those in planning and analysis—not a single one should be missing! Anyone who fails to show up will be sent to the records office!”

***

Meanwhile, with all the ministers gone, Hyang and Wan remained in the empty Geunjeongjeon, continuing their conversation with serious faces.

“I’m concerned about Ming.”

“Do you also believe Ming will provoke our empire?”

At Wan’s question, Hyang nodded.

“Until our empire rose, Ming was the dominant power in the region. But having lost that position to us, they’ve surely suffered a severe blow to their pride. They’ll definitely aim for a comeback. Sigh~.”

After a long sigh, Hyang turned to Wan with a worried expression.

“The question is when. Wasn’t the idiom ‘sleeping on firewood and tasting gall’ born in the Central Plains? Having already tasted bitterness once, they’ll endure and wait for the perfect opportunity.”

“Indeed. We cannot relax our defenses for even a moment.”

Nodding at Wan’s response, Hyang inwardly muttered.

‘Perhaps I should create an opening for them?’