Chapter 98

Chapter 98

The military finally completed the new “Advancing Eastward” plan and presented it before King Sejong and his ministers.

The person who stepped forward to announce the plan was Lee Jing-ok.

Dressed in a red iron helmet, Lee Jing-ok formally saluted and began speaking.

“I am military officerLee Jing-ok, honored to present this plan. I will now brief you on the grand strategy called ‘Advancing Eastward’ that has been devised by the General Staff of the Joseon Army.”

Although the audience was filled with the king, the crown prince, high-ranking officials, and ministers, Lee Jing-ok commenced his announcement with a composed voice.

“Firstly, the plan for advancing eastward is divided into two major phases. The first phase will begin with securing Baekdu Mountain and the Tumen River as starting points.”

According to Lee Jing-ok, the strategy would start with securing areas south of Baekdu Mountain and the Tumen River.

The objective was to assimilate or eliminate the residing Jurchens tribe in these regions, and to solidify control by relocating Joseon citizens there.

Next, they would annex the entirety of the Orangkhai tribes and advance further eastward.

“Why continue advancing eastward?” asked King Sejong.

Lee Jing-ok immediately replied, “First, the goal is to avoid provoking Ming. Second, according to records, if we advance a bit more eastward from the Tumen River, we would encounter the Great Forest region. We plan to secure essential resources like timber from this area. Also, the connected coasts and nearby islands are abundant in valuable animals like seals. These would be utilized for trade.”

“The Great Forest region, huh...”

As Sejong mulled over this, Hyang quickly interjected.

“Your Majesty, we may have trees standing tall in the forests of Joseon, but not in abundance.”

“True,” nodded Sejong. Wood was the most commonly used material in almost every aspect of life for the citizens.

“But the Great Forest region has ancient trees that have grown for hundreds of years. These are ideal for construction, naval ships for the military, and trade vessels, all requiring straight and dense timber.”

‘Of course, afforestation will also be essential,’ thought Sejong as he nodded.

“I see, I understand why we’re advancing eastward then. What’s next?”

“Once we assimilate the Orangkhai region and the Great Forest area east of the Tumen River into our territory, we will enter the second phase,” said Lee Jing-ok, pointing at the map.

“Using the Great Forest as a base, we’ll start encroaching upon the Udiha tribal lands from the east.”

Pausing briefly, Lee Jing-ok signaled to an aide who flipped the map. The newly revealed map showed some Jurchen areas and all of Joseon colored in green.

“Slowly but steadily, we aim to annex at least half, if not all, of the Udiha tribal lands into our territory. This concludes the brief overview.”

“Hmm...”

Sejong contemplated while stroking his beard and staring at the map.

During this time, Lee Jik asked, “The military should know that Orangkhai lives both to the east and west of the Tumen River and Baekdu Mountain. There’s also the Odoli tribe in between. How do you plan to deal with them? Will you only target eastern Orangkhai?”

“We will target both sides. This will exert pressure on the Odoli tribe, forcing them to make a choice: either pledge allegiance to Joseon or leave for either the sea or Jianzhou Jurchen areas. It’s one or the other.”

Lee Jing-ok’s answer left Lee Jik with a regretful expression.

“It’s a shame, the Odoli tribe was once loyal to us...”

* * *

The Odoli tribe, which controlled the upper regions of Baekdu Mountain and the Tumen River, was once a steadfast Jurchen tribe that had sworn allegiance to Lee Seong-gye (King Taejo, Founder of Joseon) and had acted as a strong defense for Joseon.

When Lee Seong-gye was alive, the Odoli tribe was a powerful ally that protected the northern border of Joseon.

However, the relationship between Joseon and the Odoli changed as the Emperor ascended to the throne of the Ming Empire, and Taejong (Sejong’s father) seized power in Joseon.

Ahachu, who was a high-ranking official in the Guanzhou Guard Command and also Emperor’s father-in-law, introduced Odoli’s chieftain, Dong Menngetemur1, as his relative.

Consequently, Emperor sent emissaries to Dong Menngetemur, insisting he join the Ming court.

In response, Taejong attempted various measures to win over Dong Menngetemur, leading to disputes with the Emperor.

Caught between Ming and Joseon, Dong Menngetemur chose the Ming.

It was at this point that issues arose between Taejong and him.

* * *

“It has been over 20 years since we served King Taejo. We will continue to follow Joseon.”

Although he said this to Taejong, Menngetemur had joined Ming and taken an official position.

Sejong nodded his head at Hyang’s words. Not just Sejong, the ministers also nodded in agreement. The Minister of Taxation especially nodded quite strongly.

Hyang continued, “Looking at our Eastern history, and even the history of the Central Plains, and even further, the history of the West, they all have the same result. If an arms race occurs, the small country will reach its limit first. In such a situation, small countries easily make extreme choices. They trust in the strength they have accumulated, but if they wage war relying solely on hope, ignoring the absolute difference in capabilities, they’ll meet defeat in despair.”

“That’s true.”

“So, even though 30 years seems long, it is better than hastily proceeding.”

“Hmm...”

Hearing Hyang’s words, Sejong stroked his beard and became lost in thought.

’30 years, huh... Will I be able to see it before I die?’

Looking up at Hyang who was looking down at him, Sejong chuckled to himself.

‘Yes! I have a child who worries so much about my health! I’m going to live a long life! Even if I can’t live long, that child will make Joseon stronger than it is now!’

Firm in his resolve, Sejong looked at the ministers.

“I command my ministers.”

“We are all ears!”

“We will proceed with the grand strategy ‘Eastward Advancement’ for the growth of Joseon. However, do not act hastily and move cautiously.”

“We accept your command!”

***

Sejong’s determination led to the implementation of the grand strategy of Advancing Eastward, and the topic shifted to the finer details of the policy.

“What is most needed to succeed in this strategy?”

Choi Yoon-deok answered Sejong’s question.

“People and budget.”

“Ugh!”

As soon as the word ‘budget’ came out, Kim Jeom, the Minister of Taxation, reflexively gagged and received glares from the other ministers.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk... The Minister of Taxation seems quite weak. I will inform the royal physician.”

“Your grace is boundless!”

Although Kim Jeom expressed gratitude, his expression was the opposite; he looked unhappy.

‘Tsk, tsk, tsk... To save on medicine, he’s putting in more energy at work.’

‘He has to be healthy... It’s dangerous if the Minister of Taxation’s position becomes vacant.’

‘We have to send some medicine to the Minister’s house.’

The ministers around him had the same thought.

***

While the reform was progressing, all the ministers worked hard. However, the ones suffering the most were the people working in the Ministry of Taxation.

Ironically, the strongest supporters of Sejong’s reform were the officials of the Ministry of Taxation. Their thoughts were simple.

‘If the reform goes as planned, the Ministry of Taxation will be divided into several departments! That means promotions are certain! Just wait and see! You’re all dead!’

If the officials endured thinking of the future, the higher-ups relied on ‘medicine’ to get by.

It’s not a metaphor; it was real.

The houses of the senior officials in the Ministry of Taxation were filled with medicines, not only from the king but also from other ministers.

“Dear, not only the King but also other ministers seem to care about you.”

At his wife’s words, Kim Jeom chuckled dryly.

‘The medicine from the King is to save on medicine costs, and the medicine from other ministers is saying, endure and don’t transfer the workload to us!’

***

[TL/N: Locations of Tumen River, Yalu River (Amnok River), and Baekdu Mountains]

Left Guard of Jianzhou Guard[↩]