Chapter 624

Episode 624: Their Choice (4)

After seeing the potential in Mehmet II, the empire decided to make a solid investment – a solid inventory disposal.

According to this decision, 2 million rounds of first generation bullets, 1 million rounds of second generation bullets, and 5 freight cars were loaded onto the front line and departed Mokpo.

“Even if we say 2 million rounds, considering the 4,000 sacks of rifles we have already received, 500 rounds per sack is a vaguely high number.”

After receiving the report, Hyang looked at the numbers and muttered softly. Immediately afterwards, Hyang smiled a fishy smile.

“Then you’ll soon want more guns, which in turn will make you want more ammo. “Especially since we have to think about the presidential race.”

According to rumors that came through Mansu, Murat II, who was leading the war, was very weak.

This meant that it was certain that a fierce competition for the presidency would soon break out within the Ottoman Empire. As it was a truly bloody race for the presidency, it was certain that Mehmet II, who had already tasted the sweetness of power once, would do his best.

This meant that the shadow of the empire could be cast heavily on the Ottoman Empire, an emerging power in the Mediterranean and Middle East regions.

“The moment a clear transportation route is established in Suez, whether it is a railroad or a waterway, the empire will receive a share of the fire and water. And... we can also deal with other complexes.”

The amul complexes that Hyang spoke of were talking about first-generation and second-generation bullets that had previously been produced in large quantities.

* * *

No matter what material the cartridges were made of, the propellant for all bullets was black gunpowder. Thanks to this, it was not possible to use it on the Imperial Army’s new generation individual firearms, the infantry rifles and infantry wagons – the name armored machine gun was renamed the infantry wagon due to a flood of complaints that it only complicated the index of the supply list and increased work.

To be more precise, it was usable. But the harm was greater than the benefit.

In order to adapt to the existing bullets, major design changes were required for both the automatic rifle and the automatic rifle. However, instead of large-diameter bullets – until now, all bullets had a diameter of half an inch (about 1.5 cm 15 mm) – medium-diameter bullets – the amount of black powder was adjusted to match the new bullets and cartridges with a caliber of 20% (about 7.5 mm). If reduced, the probability of the side-by-side freight car malfunctioning was very high.

For this reason, the existing bullets that withdrew from the first line became a problem.

The biggest reason they became a problem was because of the black gunpowder contained in them.

The black gunpowder inside required much more care in storage than Deokgap style gunpowder. This was because saltpeter, the main material, absorbed moisture very well. Of course, Deokgap-style gunpowder was not free from this problem, but black gunpowder was even more severe.

Of course, it was possible to extract only the gunpowder and use it in private civil engineering sites or mines, but that was difficult because it was as difficult to handle and manage as heavy oil (nitroglycerin).

Therefore, while I was considering an appropriate way to dispose of it, an opportunity arose to easily shake it off.

Envoys from all over the world who came to celebrate the proclamation of the empire were all paying attention.

* * *

Within a couple of months after the ship loaded with a huge amount of bullets left Mokpo at the request of Mehmed II, the situation went as expected.

Captains from various countries who saw a huge amount of bullets and additional freight cars being loaded onto the ship reported the situation as soon as they returned home, and rumors spread widely at the ports they visited.

“If it’s too late, you might not be able to save it!”

“If you’re going to buy it already, you have to buy a lot!”

The countries that had sent envoys quickly packed up Korean currency and other goods and began heading to Mokpo.

Among them, those who moved the fastest were the Oirat, the Japanese, and the Ryukyus.

The reason why the Oirat moved so quickly was because they failed to take advantage of the opportunity during the last war between Joseon and Ming.

Oirat, who noticed that the Ming Dynasty, which had been pushed back by Joseon, had left out the elite soldiers stationed at Jangseong, began to move, aiming for fishermen’s territory.

However, the war between Joseon and Ming ended sooner than expected, and the defense posture of the general was strong.

Now it was Oirat who was in trouble.

Rather than inflicting a fatal blow on the wounded beast, the situation ended up only inflaming its anger.

The moment Myung recovered from his wounds, it became clear that they would not be left alone.

Therefore, Oirat gathered as much money as possible and regained the empire.

“Taishi wants to purchase at least 7,000 bags. “I also hope that you purchase about 1,000 rounds of ammunition per bag.”

Heohu responded to the order given by Oirat’s messenger with a perplexed expression.

“It is difficult to exceed the 5,000 bags promised at first.”

“Why!”

“This is something that definitely requires Your Majesty’s approval, so I will report it to Your Majesty first.”

“Please consider the difficulties of our kingdom.”

“I will do my best.”

* * *

“What do you think?”

After receiving Heo Hu’s report, Hyang immediately summoned the ministers and asked for their opinions.

“It seems okay. Although the Japanese are currently in contact with our empire, there is a high possibility that they will turn into enemies at any time. “I think it would be a good idea to put at least one shackle on him so he can’t act recklessly.”

The other ministers also nodded in response to Hwang Hee’s answer.

Although Ouchi was now in power and was making peace with the empire, the ministers did not completely trust him.

In particular, alertness was heightened after confirming information that Ouchi soldiers who participated in the last war with the Ming had taken away a large number of Chinese people from the Ming country.

After thinking for a while while watching the reactions of the ministers, Hyang came up with a plan.

“Hmm... how about doing it this way?”

* * *

Two days later, Heo Hu faced the Ryukyu envoy and delivered Hyang’s answer.

“Your Majesty told me to tell you this. ‘10,000 Japanese-style rifles and 50 Japanese-style freight cars. And give them plenty of bullets.’ In addition, he also told me to only accept the amount of money that was initially promised.”

“What a terrible thing!”

The envoy of Ryukyu was truly moved by Heo Hu’s answer, so he stood up and bowed deeply toward Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The Ryukyu envoy who bowed so deeply bowed several times to Heohu and expressed his gratitude.

“Thank you. Captain. Thank you so much!”

“It was nothing. “I merely relayed the decision His Majesty made.”

“Thank you, though!”

“Instead, I have a suggestion.”

“yes?”

The Ryukyuan Minister’s face became very tense at the word ‘suggestion’.

‘It wasn’t free after all!’

“What did you get?”

‘Territory cession? Or a hostage?’

Seeing the Ryukyu envoy swallowing dry saliva, Heohu conveyed Hyang’s suggestion.

“I want to start a candy business when I return to your country.”

After candy was imported in large quantities from the Ming Dynasty, candy consumption in Joseon increased rapidly.

In this situation, as soon as the war between Joseon and Ming broke out, the first thing to show signs of hoarding was candy. Fortunately, candy was a national monopoly business, so the subversive movement was able to be curbed, but it was still a problem after the war.

Although it is not possible to confirm whether it was an order from the Ming imperial family or not, Ming candy merchants began playing around with prices.

Therefore, the empire needed a stable supply source, and the township wanted to use the Ryukyus as that supply source.

“It’s a joint venture...”

The Ryukyu envoy, who pondered Heo Hu’s words for a moment, immediately nodded.

‘It’s not a bad thing for our kingdom either. Rather, if the Joseon army, or even the imperial army, takes this opportunity to station itself, safety can be secured! There are also economic benefits!’

“I will report this to His Majesty the King and get an answer. However, since it is beneficial to both countries, there will definitely be a good answer.”

Heo Hu smiled and responded to the envoy’s words.

“I look forward to it.”