Chapter 567

Episode 567: Disconnection. (6)

As Kim Jeom desperately emphasized the importance of musun, local officials and ministers took interest in musun.

“Hmm....”

“Hoo....”

The ministers who read the information obtained by interrogating the prisoners all had expressions full of greed.

“Sir...”

Hwanghee’s words were slurred, but he understood the scent right away.

“Because it is located near Liaodong Province, the value of Liaodong Province will change.”

“That’s right.”

* * *

The operational plan established to fight this battle was based on the grand strategy ‘Eastward Advance’ created during the Gyeongjang period.

The northern territory that Joseon would ultimately secure in Dongjin was the former territory of Balhae.

However, under the judgment that Joseon’s current capabilities were not enough to occupy all of that territory through this battle, a strategy was established to advance only as far as Liaodong Province.

The goal of this operation was to occupy Liaodong Province and the Liaodong Peninsula from the Yalu River and completely turn the West Sea into Joseon’s front yard.

However, in this process, the value of Liaodong Province was pushed below that of the Liaodong Peninsula.

-It would be nice to occupy Liaodong Castle, but if this is too much, we will burn it to the ground and retreat.

It was to hold them accountable for attacking across the Yalu River.

-However, the Liaodong Peninsula must be occupied.

For Joseon, the Liaodong Peninsula, which could encompass the West Sea, was more important than Liaodong Castle in the middle of the plain.

The reason why we had no choice but to make this choice was because this war was not something that Joseon wanted to start.

It was not a war that started with full preparations, with Joseon choosing the desired location at the desired time. Therefore, Joseon had to move carefully.

-The war may escalate at an unexpected moment, so you must leave as much room as possible.

However, due to the existence of Fusun, modification of the plan became inevitable.

The land that yielded minerals that could arm hundreds of thousands of soldiers in just a few months could not be left alone.

* * *

From then on, Kim Jeom and the Minister of Finance and Economy continued to talk about ‘occupation of Fusun.’

And when Heo Hu returned with justification, he raised his voice even more.

“This is an opportunity! The emperor’s words are tantamount to a declaration of war!”

“I also do not want an escalation of war! However, rather than simply holding people responsible, we must not miss the opportunity and make it ours for sure!”

“I said it was possible to reach Liaodong Island!”

As Kim Jeom and the Minister of Finance and Economy continued to insist on ‘permanent occupation of Liaodong,’ the village began to secretly become worried.

‘Aren’t these gentlemen too similar to someone else somewhere?’

* * *

The people Hyang thought of somewhere were the Japanese politicians and soldiers who caused the Sino-Japanese War and World War II.

The excuse was that ‘the regime itself was a military regime, and a small number of civilian politicians could not withstand the military’s violent threats and cooperated with the war.’ However, most of the cabinet members were politicians, not soldiers. And those politicians decided on war.

No, to go back further, those who actively advocated the invasion of Joseon and planned and executed the Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War were also politicians.

“With the Emperor’s capabilities, it is possible!”

“Since the Emperor is so confident, we should support him. “Because we have achievements so far.”

“With our current empire, there is a good chance.”

“It may be a struggle right now, but if you hold on a little longer, you will be rewarded many times over.”

The politicians and soldiers of imperialist Japan were the ones who created all the tragedies by becoming addicted to the sweet drug called ‘winner takes all’, also known as ‘pay for it’.

* * *

“Hmm... Looking at the report just uploaded, the cost of war effort is quite high. Is this possible?”

‘Just tell them to pay back. ‘I’ll crush you.’

Kim Jeom answered Hyang’s question right away.

“As you said, the cost of war effort is considerable. However, we can fully cover it with the treasury we have currently accumulated.”

“I’ll buy it back. Gold and silver continue to be mined not only in this Joseon headquarters but also in gold and silver mines in the forests of Daeseol Island and the northeastern Jongjang Peninsula. “If we are careful to release enormous amounts of wealth all at once, the country’s governance can be managed in a sufficiently sound manner.”

Thus, it was decided to modify the operation.

* * *

Meanwhile, the loot acquired from the Insan camp gradually flowed into Hanseong.

“Please transport it along Bell Tower Street so that the people of Hanseong can see it as much as possible.”

“I follow your orders!”

According to the order of the township, the armor worn by the Liaodong army and various weapons were placed on a cart and paraded through Bell Tower Street.

“wow! Look at that! Look at that!”

“It’s huge!”

However, it was Hwaryongpo that attracted the people’s attention the most.

The soldiers used all kinds of methods to bring the enormous Hwaryongpo into the fortress.

And it was crowded with Hanseong residents who came to see Hwaryongpo.

The next thing that caught the people’s attention was the captured prisoners. These prisoners were officers captured during the battle. Ordinary soldiers and lower-ranking officers were mobilized for all kinds of work, including clearing the battlefield, but high-ranking officers were tied to gun carriages and sent to Hanseong on ships.

The prisoners brought to Hanseong had to go through hardships.

“These killers!”

“There’s nothing else to do, so come invade someone else’s country!”

“Woo~.”

Angry residents threw rocks at the prisoners.

“Stop! “These people need to receive the national seal, so they shouldn’t be harmed!”

“Do not throw stones!”

“Ah! “Don’t throw stones there!”

After going through such a difficult process, the prisoners headed to the interrogation center.

Meanwhile, other trophies attracted the attention of Hyang and ministers.

“This is the enemy’s standard captured this time. But...”

The officer who was reporting to the local government and ministers unfolded one of the largest military flags.

“Great Yeon (大燕)?”

“Among those taken prisoner, there was someone who served on the enemy’s staff. After interrogating him, it is said that the King of Dong declared the founding of a nation. “Yes...”

After hearing the officer’s continued words, Hyang looked back at the ministers.

“This looks like things are going to be interesting.”

Hwang Hee responded to Hyang’s words.

“By now, news that our army has crossed the Yalu River must have reached Beijing. “The messenger is waiting for this.”

The ministers all nodded at Hwang Hee’s words.

* * *

Three days later, a report arrived at Gyeongbokgung Palace that a messenger sent from the Ming had arrived in Jemulpo.

“I heard that they have requested that an iron horse be assigned to come to Hanseong right away.”

After receiving the report, Hyang looked at Heo Hu.

“The last time you went to Ming, were you assigned an iron horse?”

“Not at all.”

After hearing Heo Hu’s answer, Hyang ordered the official.

“I couldn’t prepare because I wasn’t notified in advance. “Please provide the convenience of freeing up one carriage for the envoys so that they can tell them to wait for the regular flight and come on board.”

“I follow your orders.”

When the official who received the order withdrew, the governor gave an order to the eunuch.

“Tell the internal medicine clinic to prepare Woohwang Cheongsimhwan. “Because there will be people who fall down with vases.”

“I follow your orders.”

As the eunuch who had received Hyang’s orders disappeared, the ministers all shuddered slightly as they remembered similar thoughts.

‘The crown prince’s harsh words are also very harsh.’ ‘

Even the harsh words are a curse word ....’

‘Just thinking about it gives me a headache!’