Part 1: Ming's Flattery Toward Joseon
The close aides to Ming Emperor Jianwen all shared the same view on Joseon. They absolutely could not allow Joseon to tilt toward the Prince of Yan. They believed that although Zhu Di had landed a blow on the emperor, he could still be defeated once they regrouped. After all, the might of the Great Ming was formidable.
But if Joseon intervened, the equation changed. Jianwen's aides lacked trust in Zhu Di and feared he might approach Joseon, offering substantial rewards to pull them in. Normally, they wouldn't worry much about Joseon mobilizing, but right now, Joseon was planning to dispatch a large army to subdue the Jurchens. And that detail was right there in the memorial brought by the latest tributary envoy.
That was why they were concerned—Joseon could redirect that army toward Ming territory. Moreover, the prowess Joseon had demonstrated in the recent conquests of Tsushima and Iki was more than worrisome enough.
If Joseon allied with the Prince of Yan and seized the Shandong Peninsula, it would be a disaster in itself, but it would also swell Yan's ranks, dragging the civil war on far longer. In the worst case, it could revive the chaos of the War of the Eight Princes from the Western Jin era, followed by the Uprising of the Eternal Peace—especially with Waribu and the Northern Yuan still lurking in the north. That was the fear gnawing at Jianwen's inner circle.
Thus, they resolved to woo Joseon as best they could. Some aides even suggested reviving the marriage alliance with Joseon that the Hongwu Emperor had once considered but abandoned. Since Jianwen had no daughters, they proposed putting forward Princess Boking, Hongwu's youngest daughter. She was the same age as Crown Prince Yi Bang-won's eldest son, making it worth considering.
But Je Tae shot it down. He argued it held little weight unless it was Jianwen's own daughter. Princess Boking was also Zhu Di's half-sister, diluting its value.
Jianwen partly agreed. Without his own child involved, it meant little to him. Still, he thought it might be worthwhile if he had a daughter someday. He dispatched Je Tae to negotiate alternatives but instructed him to subtly hint at the possibility of a marriage alliance, per Hwang Ja-jing's advice. By leaking talk of marriage talks, they could block Yan from approaching Joseon—flaunting their close ties while keeping the option open if Jianwen later had a daughter. He made sure Je Tae conveyed that nuance.
In the end, Je Tae promptly received his orders and began discussions with Min Mu-jil—the real power in the envoy delegation and potential uncle to the marriage prospect.
Min Mu-jil listened with a profoundly meaningful expression.
Good news and bad, all mixed together.
First, they'll grant Joseon every courtesy to keep relations friendly. They're beating around the bush, but that's the gist. Whether it's investiture issues or gifts, they'll give us what we want—just don't side with Yan.
This is proof my buildup worked. I knew they'd fear Joseon joining Yan. That's why I pushed Yi Bang-won to move fast on the Jurchens—not for nothing. To show we're mobilizing troops. And to remind them those blades could point Ming's way.
Tsushima and Iki must've left a bigger impression than I thought. But this is probably Hwang Ja-jing's idea. He's desperate if Zhu Di wins. He's openly marked as an enemy, and his feud with Zhu Di is vicious. This is him thrashing to escape doom.
But the next part's the problem. Marriage alliance? Yangnyeong with Hongwu's daughter? Hate even thinking about it. That'd make deposing Yangnyeong impossible—a catastrophe for Joseon.
Still, it's a bluff. Just to deter Yan from us. My heart dropped at first, but thinking it over, that's clear. Not Jianwen's daughter, just Hongwu's. And Boking's Zhu Di's half-sister—not a strong card. It's to block Yan and flaunt our bonds.
But if Jianwen has a daughter, they might actually pursue it. That's the nuance.
"I'll convey it well."
"Good. How about you and I share some drinks? No refusing this time."
Outright trying to pry info from me. I let slip I talk too much when drinking and avoid it—that's paying off now. He'll use the drinks to probe Yan sympathizers.
He knows I'm obsessively gathering and analyzing intel. That's what he wants to extract. Fine by me. Perfect timing to insert myself into the Jingnan Rebellion.
"Yes, understood."
Days of negotiations followed. One evening, Je Tae invited me to a high-end brothel, and I attended. He'd spent a fortune—numerous courtesans played instruments and attended us. Je Tae reveled in their service.
"A man must enjoy places like this, no?"
"Yes, my lord."
First time in a spot like this. Not bad. Won't get flak back home. Yi Bang-won’s lenient on this—he’ll just ask if I had fun.
After heavy drinking, Je Tae dismissed the girls and suggested quiet drinks. I knew his game: Keep holding power, or I lose my Ming ties and influence. Cooperate fully. That's why you bribed envoys for all that ginseng, right?
Spot on. Ties to Ming power players shield against purges, and I can't stomach Zhu Di winning. Pure win-win.
Soon, Je Tae probed my view of Yan and his circle. I laid it all out, even slipping predictions of their moves—straight from original history.
Je Tae nodded. "I've always thought so, but your analytical skill is remarkable. I'll consider it carefully."
"Yes, my lord. I know nothing of it."
He laughed. Quick on the uptake. Good for both sides—that's why we're whispering in this brothel.
We spent the night there, then resumed practical talks. They conceded nearly everything we wanted. On the Jurchen campaign, they said handle it as we pleased—no interference. All other matters bent our way.
We received Jianwen's edict and vast gifts. Even valued our tribute horses higher.
Jianwen makes it easy.
With affairs wrapped, we boarded ships for Joseon. Less intervention than planned, but the first button's fastened. Too much help, and Jianwen crushes the rebellion fast—better to nudge gradually.
Bribes revealed Jin troops repositioning: Peace and O-geol's forces wait at Jeongju, then envelop and annihilate at Dongchang when Zhu Di comes. Cheol Hyeon handles southern defenses.
Just as I tipped Je Tae. Original history had Dongchang as Zhu Di's big loss, but this'll be worse—deliberate encirclement.
Zhu Di won't die, though. Jianwen idiotically orders mercy every time. What a moron—kill him and it's over. Suits me fine.
If things go my way, Yan's main force shatters, Nanjing assault hangs by a thread.
Tea troops, though... Je Tae's negative, but Hwang Ja-jing's gung-ho. He even approached me directly. Desperation to offset recommending Yi Kyung-ryong. Need to discuss with Yi Bang-won. Not opposed to sending troops myself.
Lost in such thoughts, I sailed home.
Soon, Joseon. I briefed Yi Bang-won on the delegation's gains; he was pleased. After reports, I requested a private audience.
Alone, Yi Bang-won asked, "What prompted this private talk?"
"Ming passed a confidential message."
"What is it?"
"They raised a marriage alliance."
"With our son, perhaps?"
"Yes."
I relayed details. He nodded. "Jianwen fears we'll truly back Yan. Marriage isn't bad. Our eldest wedding Ming royalty boosts prestige immensely."
Why's Yi Bang-won positive?
"But from what you say, it's show—only real if Jianwen has a daughter."
Spot on.
"We'll keep it secret. I'll discuss with the crown princess separately. Mu-jil, not a word."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Wise to tell only me. Now, Mu-jil—what's your read on this civil war? Better ties if Zhu Di wins?"
"I judge Jianwen's side preferable."
"Why?"
I repeated my pitch to Yi Cheom: aggressive expansionism would crush Joseon. Plus, "If Yan wins, he'll shift capital to Beiping. Liaodong grows vital, Jurchen control tightens—disastrous for us."
Yi Bang-won mused, "Makes sense. Yan's the type. But current fronts favor him?"
I countered with secret intel—Jianwen's counteroffensive, generals' traits. He beamed. "Thorough work. Eunuchs spilled that much? Impressive."
Bribed eunuchs, especially Korean ones. Hongwu era empowered them, but now? Jianwen favors scholars who despise eunuchs. Je Tae and Hwang Ja-jing shrink their power. That's why eunuchs later back Zhu Di, aiding Nanjing's fall—and wreak havoc under Yongle, spilling over to us. Can't let that happen.
Used them for intel—right by the emperor.
"You suffered for this. We can decide post-outcome. Tea troops then."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"How were Ming brothels? The girls?"
Knew it'd come. He envied my tales. "Lucky you, enjoying solo."
No words.
"Kidding. Enjoy it. Life's for that—not just work."
Classic Yi Bang-won on women—lenient beyond all. He loves them himself... that'll explode with Min Da-yeon later.
"Rest at home. You make sweets with sugar? Looking forward."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Yi Seong-gye praised my food; he's hooked too.
I left the palace for home. His expression soured at Hongwu's daughter—won't happen, as feared. But Jianwen's? He eyes it. Jianwen sires no daughter till 1402—too late, age gap kills it.
Right, Yangnyeong. You're fit for deposed prince. Hand the seat to Chungnyeong. I despise you.