Chapter 562

Episode 562: Disconnection. (1)

At Heo Hu’s firm answer, Hyang looked at the faces of the other ministers. Hyang muttered to himself when he saw that not only the Minister of National Defense, Jo Mal-saeng, but all the ministers – even Lee Sa-cheol – had similar facial expressions.

‘I’ve felt it many times, but it seems like these two people have a lot in common.’

As Hyang thought, the ministers who occupied the core of the current government had a lot to do with the Ming.

The time when they were working under the senior founding officials was the time when the Yongle Emperor ruled the Ming Dynasty.

In order to weaken Joseon’s power and force it to submit to the Ming, the Yongrak Emperor put pressure on Joseon under all kinds of excuses.

The ministers who could not withstand this pressure, starting with Ha Ryun, proposed the ‘Japanese invasion theory’ to King Taejong.

“Shit! I can’t eat it because it’s dirty! “Let’s join hands with Why and fight for good!”

Of course, when King Taejong heard this proposal, he immediately rejected it.

“Are these damn old people senile!”

Since they were ministers who had seen all of this happen on the spot, they were fully prepared to fight against Myeong.

‘But he also told me to pound on the stone bridge.’

Hyang wanted to reaffirm the decisions of the ministers.

“If things continue like this, the relationship with the Ming will be at its worst. If that happens, the four major issues that have been the core of diplomacy until now will not be carried out. If things get worse, we will have to engage in a decisive battle with the Ming that will determine the rise and fall of Joseon. We will have to endure the sacrifices of many people and the resentment of the people. “Are you prepared?”

The ministers could not answer Hyang’s question right away. Starting with Hwang Hui, all the ministers were deeply troubled, and the Hyang and the Four Officials quietly waited for their answers.

The first to speak was Hwang Hee.

“It is certain that we will have to endure very difficult times and be prepared to make many sacrifices. But this is a gateway that must be passed. “This is a gateway that our Joseon must pass through in order to become a great nation capable of self-reliance, self-reliance, and self-reliance.”

“It’s Deungyongmun...”

“Hmm...”

Everyone gathered there pondered the word ‘Deungyongmun’ mentioned by Hwang Hee.

After a while, Kim Jeom burst into laughter.

“ha ha ha! It’s the entrance gate! This is truly a perfect fit for the current situation! ha ha ha! “It feels like something has been cleared up!”

Kim Jeom, who showed an expression of relief not just in words but in reality, bowed his head to Hyang and opened his mouth.

“I agree with what Vice Admiral Hwang Hee said. Now is the time for our Joseon to break away from the shadow of Ming and stand proudly. Of course, it is certain that people will not just ignore this. However, if you give up on escaping, Joseon will not be able to escape from the shadow of Ming until Ming falls or Joseon falls.”

Following Hwang Hee and Kim Jeom, other ministers also continued to make similar remarks. And finally, Lee Sa-cheol opened his mouth.

“God still believes that a peaceful relationship is best. However, I have no intention of insisting on peace even with those who have abandoned their duties.”

After Lee Sa-cheol finished his remarks, Hyang came to a conclusion.

“I can assume that you are all prepared, right?”

“yes.”

“Then let’s all do our best.”

The ministers all nodded quietly at Hyang’s decision.

In this way, the decisive battle against the Great Ming Dynasty, which had been talked about in circles, hiding the subject and object, was officially revealed.

* * *

As the local government and ministers were making decisions, a military officer rushed into Seunghwadang in a huff.

“It’s coming quickly from Insanjin!”

As he spoke, the military officer held out a thick wad of paper, and the eunuch who was watching took the wad and handed it out to the local government officials.

“The enemy’s first offensive was successfully defended. Phew~ I’m glad.”

“Whoa~. “You have successfully overcome the first hurdle.”

After reading the first part of the report, the local government officials simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief.

Successfully defended the enemy’s first attack.

Enemy damage estimated at approximately 50,000. Damage to allies about 2,000.

The enemy has retreated to the beachhead and is staging a sit-in.

The enemy’s fighting spirit is still strong.

Because it was an urgent message delivered using a light-emitting communication device, the content was extremely concise. But that alone revealed an important fact.

Hyang, who was examining the contents of the urgent report, looked at Jo Mal-saeng with a face full of doubts.

“Minister of Defense. “I have a question.”

“Please ask your question. “I will do my best to answer.”

“Is it really possible that 50,000 troops were lost in a single battle, but they did not retreat and their fighting spirit remained?”

Jo Mal-saeng gave a short answer to Hyang’s question.

The reserve forces currently mobilized were limited to the northern region. However, the moment the township issued the general mobilization order, all reserve forces throughout Joseon would be mobilized.

After giving orders to Kim Jeom and the Minister of Finance and Economy, Hyang looked back at Jo Mal-saeng.

“Have you received any calls from the left or the right?”

“yes. According to the reports received through light communication, it will arrive at Insanjin within four days at the latest.”

“Order us to arrive as quickly as possible. Also, convey the order to General Choi Yun-deok. As soon as the left and right wings arrive and begin operations, they are to leave the offensive preparation line and advance north. “You shouldn’t give people time to make the first move.”

“Yes, I will definitely deliver.”

After organizing the situation, Hyang looked back at the ministers.

“Then, let’s go over the entrance gate.”

The ministers all responded with one voice to Hyang’s words.

“I will make sure that our Joseon ascends to the throne of the Yellow Dragon!”

The yellow dragon was the symbol of the emperor.

* * *

After the meeting, Hyang, who was left alone and lost in thought, called the eunuch.

“Go and call Myeonghoe Han.”

“Yes sir.”

After a while, Han Myeong-hoe entered Hyang’s office and politely bowed.

“Did you call me?”

“I have to go to Japan.”

“Why are you talking about it?”

“okay.”

In response to Hyang’s short answer, Han Myeong-hoe began to think carefully about why he should go to Japan.

After thinking for a while, Han Myeong-hoe cautiously opened his mouth.

“Are you thinking about Japanese pirates?”

“that’s right.”

“Do you think Daenae will respond easily?”

“He will realize that this is the best opportunity to sort out troublesome people.”

“I think we need more bait.”

“I will definitely escort you while you are on the way, but you can tell them that you must tell me in advance when you return. Do we need more?”

Han Myeong-hoe did some calculations and answered Hyang’s question.

“I think that’s possible.”

“Let’s leave right away tomorrow.”

“Yes sir.”

* * *

The next morning, before leaving for Ming, Heo Hu visited Seunghwadang and offered his greetings.

“Please take your life seriously.”

“I will fight with the determination to die, but I will try to avoid death.”

Heo Hu answered calmly and left Seunghwadang. The ministers who followed along with the incense took turns bidding farewell to Heo Hu.

“Please arrive safely.”

“Return safely.”

After saying goodbye that might be the last time, Heohu left the palace. The Hyang and the ministers who were watching Heo Hu leave the palace turned and headed toward Seunghwadang.

At that time, a Ministry of National Defense official approached Jo Mal-saeng and handed him a report.

“Something?”

“Jang Gye arrived from Insanjin at dawn.”

“Please copy it and upload it.”

“It’s already being transcribed.”

“Then what is this?”

“This is a report on the supplies consumed in the last battle.”

After hearing the official’s words, Jo Mal-saeng opened the report and closed his eyes when he saw the total written at the end.

“Captain Kim Jeom is going to try to eat me.”