Chapter 549

Episode 549: The Night Before the War (2)

“Insanjin? why?”

Jo Byeong-deok answered Joo Ki-jin’s question by pointing to the Yalu River on the map.

“It is one of the narrowest rivers. The width between this riverside and the Korean-Chinese riverside is only about 450 jang (approximately 1.35km). The same goes for water depth. “In the case of spring, which was chosen as the time to decide, it is quite shallow enough to cross on horseback.”

“That’s true, but...”

Joo Joo-jin looked slightly uneasy while nodding his head at Jo Byeong-deok’s explanation.

“The Korean people who have been suffering from the Jurchen people for so long don’t know this, right? “Isn’t that why they set up a camp there?”

“you’re right.”

Jo Byeong-deok nodded his head in response to Joo Ji-jin’s point.

In fact, this was one of the places where the Jurchen people of Liaodong often crossed the border to loot. Of course, the path was blocked as Joseon’s firepower became stronger thanks to the virtues of Joseon’s sutras and incense.

“You said you would focus on one point to break through, but if you attack an area that is already well-defended, you might have to be prepared for more losses than necessary. Why not reconsider?”

Jo Byeong-deok responded firmly to Joo Ji-jin’s request to reconsider the Doha branch.

“It’s impossible. This is the best place. “Let me explain why.”

Jo Byeong-deok explained why he had no choice but to choose Insanjin.

-The biggest reason is the problem of terrain.

There are several places in the upper part of the Yalu River where the river is narrow, but there are problems with water depth and flow speed.

Next, after passing through Insanjin, the plains continue, so the cavalry can demonstrate its best capabilities.

Other areas require passage through the rugged Korean mountain ranges. This comes with the risk of ambush.

-Secondly, Anju, about 300 ri south of Insanjin, has the largest steel mill in Joseon.

If we occupy this place as quickly as possible, Joseon will face a major obstacle in the supply of steel, and conversely, we will be able to acquire large quantities of high-quality steel.

-Lastly, you can make the most of the support of Hwaryong cannon and other artillery.

Looking at the records of the Hwaryong gun sent by the government, the maximum range is about 5 ri (2 km). (Note 1)

Soldier losses are inevitable in the process of attacking a strong castle wall. However, in order to reduce this loss as much as possible, support from artillery is essential, and Hwaryong artillery is necessary for this purpose.

However, the Hwaryongpo takes a lot of time to move due to its size. Therefore, Insanjin is the best option to get the maximum effect.

“Hmm....”

Joo Joo-jin stroked his chin and thought hard about Jo Byeong-deok’s explanation.

Jo Byeong-deok, seeing Joo Joo-jin’s repeated worries, added.

“If you look closely at the terrain around Insanjin, it is a place where you can surround and check Insanjin while making a detour.”

“I see...”

Joo Ji-jin, who continued to ponder while listening to Jo Byeong-deok’s explanation, finally made a decision.

“Let’s attack Insanjin. Let’s proceed like this.”

“ancient!”

As Joo Ji-jin made his decision, the invasion of Joseon crossed a river of no return.

* * *

At the same time, the Joseon General Staff Headquarters was also racking its brains.

“The most likely place is, of course, Insanjin.”

In response to Lee Jing-ok’s report, Choi Yun-deok asked with a serious face.

“What is the basis?”

In history before Hyang intervened, Choi Yun-deok, who would have died two years ago, was still actively showing off his skills. Thanks to his experience of participating in all kinds of foreign wars of Joseon, including the conquest of Tsushima Island, it was a bonus to be given nicknames such as ‘the living history of the Joseon army’ and ‘the monster hidden in the Ministry of National Defense’.

Thanks to the experience gained in the process of subjugating the Jurchen people, he was scheduled to go to Shinji with King Sejong, but in the end, King Sejong decided that Choi Yun-deok should remain in Joseon.

-An experienced veteran is absolutely necessary to assist the Crown Prince in case of an emergency.

This was the reason he decided to stay in Joseon, and now that decision is paying off.

Lee Jing-ok answered the question from a veteran with extensive experience with a very nervous expression.

“Because it is the best place to cross from Liaodong to Joseon or from Joseon to Liaodong.”

Lee Jing-ok’s explanation that followed was very similar to the explanation Jo Byeong-deok gave to Joo Jin-jin.

“... Because of this, Insanjin is considered the most likely.”

Joseon had become much stronger but was still weaker than Ming, could not make a decision easily.

From this time on, ferry boats were busy between Shinji and Joseon. Steamships carrying only King Sejong’s letter, which meticulously pointed out possible problems, and Hyang’s letter containing his response, traveled between Shinji and Joseon at full speed. And the voyage continued until just before the Arctic Ocean froze.

As time passed, Sejong also had to admit that there was nothing he could do.

-The emperor’s actions in Liaodong meant that he would defeat Joseon. If that’s the case, we can’t just suffer.

In the end, King Sejong sent a short reply to Hyang.

-Huh.

After receiving permission from King Sejong, Hyang immediately sent a letter to King Sejong.

-I am glad that I finally kept my promise.

After receiving permission from King Sejong, Hyang immediately summoned the ministers.

“Abama has given permission.”

* * *

As soon as Hyang’s words fell, the air in the conference room changed. The four people who were observing the meeting from one side were startled by the sudden change in atmosphere.

‘what? The air has changed!’

‘There’s a bloody smell from somewhere...’

‘It’s hard to breathe...’

Han Myeong-hoe muttered quietly as he was confused by the sudden change in atmosphere.

“After all, they are people who have experienced war...”

The others also nodded as Han Myeong-hoe muttered.

The ministers currently sitting around the conference room were those who had experienced everything from the conquest of Tsushima Island to the rebellion caused by Lee Man-ju and Muntemu and the Giyu Rebellion.

* * *

After informing King Sejong of his decision, Hyang immediately continued speaking.

“If what we think happens happens, we will immediately launch a counterattack. Please adjust your plans accordingly.”

“I understand.”

Following Hwang Hee’s answer, Heo Hu opened his mouth.

“If we advance into Liaodong, we can immediately raise the issue in the Forbidden City. “I will prepare a rebuttal to this.”

Hyang nodded at Heo Hu’s words.

“yes. “Please prepare a clear counterargument that will shut the Forbidden City’s mouth.”

“From the fact that he has already sent the prince and a large army to Liaodong, he has decided to start a war. I will discuss this part. “The cause lies with our Joseon.”

The other ministers all nodded at Heo Hu’s words.

Looking at the reactions of the ministers, Hyang came to a conclusion.

“Now that the Ming has used this kind of male and female, there are no longer any great events. Only liaison will be possible. “But that is only possible if we, Joseon, put our minds to it.”

Hwang Hee responded to Hyang’s words.

“Of course. No matter how much we claim to be a nation, there are duties that must be maintained between nations. But using a male and female like this? “I don’t think there is any reason to be harsher than this.”

In this way, the liquidation of the Sadae was officially decided.

* * *

Choi Yun-deok asked Lee Jing-ok again.

“When we advance into Liaodong, Ming may take a military response. “Let’s establish measures regarding this.”

“yes. I will prepare right away. But the first thing that comes to mind is:

“Something?”

“At least the Ming army should not think about crossing the Yellow Sea.”

At Lee Jing-ok’s words, the naval officers present all smiled bitterly.

At least there were no people who could deal with Joseon at sea.

Lee Jing-ok spoke to Choi Yun-deok on their behalf.

“If Ming wants to intervene militarily, they will not be able to use sea routes. No, I don’t know if there will be any ships or ports left in the sea.”

* * *

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