Chapter 125
Chapter 125
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 125
Chapter Title: Ganghwa Island Triangular Zone (2)
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Even so, they couldn't just outright ignore the operation commander appointed by the king himself.
In the end, under Park Mun-su's supervision, it was decided to detach portions of the frontline forces from the Jeolla Left Naval Command and the Chungcheong Naval Command and hand them over to Commander Sinmin.
It didn't really matter much. After all, military merit wasn't determined by how you fought, but by how you crafted the reports. That was the lesson from First-Class Meritorious Retainer and Three Provinces Naval Commander-in-Chief.
Even after all this, Commander Sinmin of the Dragon Guard Fleet still seemed to harbor ill feelings toward me.
During the strategy meeting, he spoke with eyes like those of Guo Kai, who envied others' attention.
"Fine. So how do we catch this Red-Haired Pirate? Why don't you share some wisdom on naval warfare, oh knowledgeable Vice Commander?"
I've already gathered nearly 40 warships for you— what more do you want? Isn't the rest up to the officers? This was ridiculous.
I glanced at Park Mun-su, but the acting provincial military commander was leisurely picking his teeth. Why on earth did Park Mun-su dislike me so much?
I turned away with a deeply contemplative expression, as if pondering profound strategies.
"Know thyself and know thy enemy, and you shall win a hundred battles. First, we need to assess our own situation."
Sinmin's face crumpled—he'd suffered a humiliating defeat precisely because he hadn't known himself or the enemy. Ignoring him, I asked,
"They've been sailing for a long time, so they must be hungry and thirsty. Did they attempt to raid Ganghwa Island?"
Ganghwa Magistrate Shin Sajeon, who had rushed over at Park Mun-su's summons and was attending the meeting, replied.
"Ganghwa has over fifty coastal forts. They only had one large ship with a couple of patrol boats attached, so there's no worry of the island falling."
Of course, how many of those forts were actually operational was questionable, but as polite gentlemen scholars, none of us voiced that.
"However... They seemed intimidated by the forts and sent small boats to coastal villages to beg for water and food. Some ignorant villagers, unaware they were pirates, gave them things like glass beads. We caught and punished them belatedly, but the pirates still have plenty of time before starvation sets in."
Park Mun-su clicked his tongue.
"These days, people don't hesitate to trade with foreigners—truly the end times! Where did this all start?"
I gripped my chin and lowered my gaze, pretending not to notice Park Mun-su's slander. It seemed necessary.
But striking that "thinker" pose sparked a good idea in reverse.
From Ganghwa Magistrate Shin Sajeon's words and Chungcheong Naval Commander Yi Juguk's testimony, the Dutch fleet hadn't launched any significant attacks on Joseon yet.
The only incident was sinking one Dragon Guard Fleet ship, which even a narrow-minded colonialist like me would call self-defense.
Thus, the Dutch wanted something from Joseon. I had a rough guess what it was.
I had no real countermeasures for naval battle, but if we avoided fighting, it was my turn as Apostle Kim Chunsik of Love and Peace.
I raised my head.
"I have a plan that won't injure our troops much."
The happiest would be the two naval commanders for whom sailors and warships meant profit (the unhappiest being Sinmin, whose troops had already suffered heavy losses).
Chungcheong Naval Commander Yi Juguk and Jeolla Left Naval Commander Park Jaeha nodded.
"If it's Chunsik's plan, it's worth trusting. We'll lend our strength."
"Here we get to witness the divine ingenuity of the famed Hundred-Strategy Chunsik from the capital!"
I steelily ignored Park Mun-su's disdainful glare and declared,
"In three days, all those Red-Haired Pirates will be captured."
If you're attentive enough, you'd notice something odd in our meeting.
Where was the Gyeonggi Naval Commander, responsible for these waters?
Unfortunately, Gyeonggi Naval Commander Yi Eonseop couldn't join this operation.
His ships had been stripped by the Han River Liberation Detachment, the Rapid Response Force, and even the Dragon Guard Fleet and recruit squadrons—he had almost no warships left.
For a general who, six years ago as Gyeonggi Left Naval Commander, had defied the king for turtle ship funds because "we need badass warships too" (King Yeongjo didn't release his emergency funds), this was harsh.
But heaven gave Yi Eonseop Dutch ships instead of turtle ships.
As Gyeonggi commander, it wasn't odd for him to join Minister of War Park Pilgyun's Dutch ship replication project. With the old man busy in Seoul, Yi Eonseop handled most of the later stages.
And throughout the year, Park Jiwon had stayed on Ganghwa as liaison and proxy between Park Pilgyun and Yi Eonseop.
Park Jiwon, who visited the camp upon hearing I'd been dispatched to Ganghwa, said,
"The commander (Yi Eonseop) is very knowledgeable about ship blueprints. It's a bit larger than a panokseon now, but in a few years, he'll definitely replicate the originals."
"Hm. Exactly the talent I need."
To be precise, I needed the ship itself.
"Little brother, do me a favor. I need you to make a trip to Seoul."
The lazybones instantly looked reluctant.
"I need to study ships here..."
"Tsk. If the plan fails, the Red-Haired Pirates will destroy those ships too... No helping it."
I basically controlled Ganghwa's military authority. Turning that evil merchant Yang Yi's contraptions into firewood would be instant.
I soothed Park Jiwon, whose lips protruded like a duck's.
"Cooperate, and I'll arrange an official post for you—a fine one suiting a child prodigy graduate. Isn't it time you hit the official road like your peers?"
I'm absolutely not some power-wielding regent manipulating court appointments. I'd love to be one, though.
Just recommending the historical luminary Park Jiwon was my temporal duty, knowing the future.
Before Gangnam University, he'd spout nonsense like "scholars have no interest in glory," but now even Park Jiwon was different.
Human hearts are cunning; even those content with work-life balance until retirement get anxious when peers rise higher.
So Park Jiwon set off with my letter. I even lent him a pony.
It was a high-difficulty quest for Jangbok, who couldn't read, so Park Jiwon was perfect. Even AI can't do everything.
Now, just wait.
Gustav Wilhelm's first mate, Yohem Hendrick, decided it was time to speak to the captain.
"The crew's discontent has reached its limit."
"Why?"
"Do you really not know? If it were the open ocean, maybe, but staring at land without landing, unable to enjoy a decent meal..."
"And unable to plunder native villages or rape women?"
Captain Jan van Ingen wasn't being sarcastic.
That was the purpose and desire of the Age of Exploration— what all Europeans sailed for. His question was mere confirmation.
First Mate Hendrick readily admitted it.
"Yes. Complaints reaching even me is a bad sign. Mutiny could erupt anytime. Why hesitate?"
"Well, you've seen those coastal batteries (forts). They call it an outer port, but it's covered only in defenses, no proper facilities. Tricky. And lately, the Joseon navy main force appeared. Weren't there over 30 ships like our escorts, per the scouts?"
"Java has those too. Considering our victory two days ago, the difference between them and canoe-riding Javanese is just more cannons."
Indeed, the Dragon Guard outer ships Sinmin used were riverine, lacking cannons—only drums, flutes, and flags.
"I've been with the VOC a long time. Surviving ten voyages means twenty times a normal sailor's lifespan. So I know corrupt absolutist kingdoms in Asia and Africa well.
I swear on the Lord, those coastal forts are hollow shells. Our 300 armed sailors are enough. Didn't you say you'd recreate Admiral Michiel de Ruyter's glory?"
If Kim Unhaeng or Joseon's military heard that insight, their blood would run cold.
Hendrick, previously cautious, turned fervent imperialist because onboard mutiny threatened far more than any Joseon army.
But Captain van Ingen still wouldn't nod.
"That assumes mutiny in Joseon. But this island (Ganghwa) and the Joseon navy show no chaos. That traitor's envoy hasn't returned."
The purpose of buying water and food—called begging by the Ganghwa magistrate—was this.
Sin Chiun aboard the Gustav Wilhelm gave a letter to a servant. The loyal servant blended into the distracted fishing folk at the coast and bolted toward Seoul.
Of course, he wouldn't return.
With Training Guard manipulation under Kim Unhaeng, rebel leaders were all captured; Sin Chiun's name now rivaled the king's— in that one wrong word meant death.
They didn't know the capital's details, but something was wrong— even the Dutch could tell.
Thus, exploiting rebellion required major revisions.
"Don't misunderstand. Our goal is reclaiming De Dunisbelt and opening trade. War is just one means. If unfeasible, consider others. Needless aggression against Joseon eliminates negotiation."
"So what will you do? Give the crew a timeline at least. Can't suppress them forever."
The captain smiled faintly, then asked about Sin Chiun.
"Did he say anything else?"
"Same useless plans as before."
With the servant gone, Sin Chiun desperately proposed blockading the maritime grain route (Joseon grain ships).
But impossible with this fleet—not due to weakness, but numbers. You can't "blockade" many with few, unless some siege tactic.
Plus, locals said rivers freeze soon.
And though future knowledge, Dutch once breached dikes in winter to stop foes, only for French revolutionaries to cross the ice—dooming the nation.
Joseon lacked land grain transport, but Dutch would see even sea blockade advantages vanishing.
"Maybe we fell for that traitor's words. He's utterly useless."
Captain van Ingen yawned.
"No. He's useful enough—because he's a traitor."
"Pardon?"
"I think I know what the Joseon navy commander wants. If battle, they'd attack. I suspect he wants negotiation too. Probably offering De Dunisbelt. We prepare trade goods then."
"Ah, if so..."
Given circumstances, Sin Chiun's boasted rebellion likely failed or didn't happen.
Thus, Joseon leadership likely identified and hunted Sin Chiun actively.
"Contact will come from there. Capture the traitor alive. No need for escorts. With land close, ensure they can't jump overboard."
"Understood."
The Dutch ship appeared exactly at noon on the third day.
I leisurely fanned myself. Park Mun-su grumbled "tch" and tossed his self-drafted military warrant into the sea. I heard him mutter,
"One day later..."
That old man wanted me that badly? Using a nonexistent artifact from the Later Three Kingdoms era? Anyone knowledgeable knows military warrants were Romance of the Three Kingdoms fiction, for executions.
They had to come. The letter I sent via Jangbok on a skiff couldn't be ignored.
[Now, trade your ships and sailors for the Joseon traitor Sin Chiun aboard your vessel.]
But if not within three days, all nullified by "subtle misalignment with high government."
Park Mun-su grumbled regretfully.
"Are all Red-Haired Pirates idiots? Falling for such simple stratagems."
"What do you expect from uneducated barbarians? Anyway, let's begin. Only you can ensure troops prepare flawlessly, my lord. They won't heed my camp."
"If you can just talk..."
When I proposed the lure operation, Dragon Guard Commander Sinmin suggested stranding them using tidal differences.
Plausible, but I vetoed it.
The Dutch had lingered long on Joseon's west coast—they likely knew tides. No need for risks.
They were cautious too. Direct clash would hurt us, but doom them for sure.
Thus, the Joseon delegation led by me met the Dutch delegation with their captain midway between fleets.
Our skiff held about ten worthless Dutch POWs selected by Park Jiwon from the Training Guard; their rowboat had Sin Chiun bound. I recognized him from last year's exams.
Seeing his gag like the POWs, he thought the same as me.
You betrayed Sin Chiun? Fine. Now he's mute.
The Dutch captain introduced himself as Jan van Ingen.
Hmm. Reminds me of Ulleungdo's Pan Ari captain. Dutch Vans are all worthless.
Van Ingen smiled broadly.
"I was skeptical at first, but your trustworthiness is a relief. Joseon Navy Commander, Your Excellency. Where are the rest of the crew?"
After plenipotentiary ambassador, now impersonating office round two. Surprisingly fun.
I replied with "navy commander" dignity.
"Sorry, but that's the best we could save. Many died in prison on spy charges. Some beyond my authority."
The captain frowned.
"VOC has no reason for spying. If unfair trials, compensation is due."
"Compensation? Cannonballs suffice?"
At my European-style offer, he seemed homesick, face blank before straining a reply.
"If you want war, we won't flee. But Joseon will suffer heavy losses too."
"But you're a company; we're a nation. You number three-four hundred—we can bury you tenfold."
Public works mean absorbing losses for duty. Violence exemplifies that.
And you talk judicial fairness? Savages where quick draw makes right. Lawyer Jang is a thousand times fairer.
The captain fell silent. Ahh, refreshing. Venting grudges from Park Mun-su here.
"...Understood. Our goal is friendly trade—no need for excessive wariness. So, where's De Dunisbelt?"
"Behind me. Check with telescope. No crew on our side, so left as is. Send unarmed sailors to retrieve."
Captain eyed behind me like "these Orientals know telescopes?"
Yeah, without Guan Yu's patience skill, you can't distinguish fake from real back there.
As dispatched captain, he's a veteran from that brigantine—unfamiliar with De Dunisbelt details. Size differs greatly, so placed far off Gyodongdo coast.
That's why Park Jiwon was needed. Yi Eonseop eagerly brought it.
Sorry, Yi Eonseop, but no "glorious sea battle with badass new warship crushing barbarians." My way's different.
Captain lowered telescope, nodding.
"It's genuine. But 'unarmed' means entering your fleet midst—our sailors' safety..."
"Don't like it? Leave. Would you let armed British enter your ports?"
Captain van Ingen mildly protested we weren't British monsters, then yielded.
We exchanged POWs first and returned. Told Dutch POWs they'd be repatriated truly—no info leak worry.
Jeolla Left Naval Commander Park Jaeha marveled.
"Capturing a traitor without a single arrow—impressive!"
Sinmin roared in fury. But I had no time for him or even Sin Chiun.
No patience for Sin Chiun's excuses. Shoved him gagged into the cabin hold; soon, Dutch repair crew arrived.
Helmsmen, sailmakers, repairmen for emergencies, laborers—solid twenty-plus.
About fifty armed sailors too, exaggerating disarming but surely hiding daggers.
Knew it.
This meant Gustav Wilhelm lost many to move and fifty combatants—huge for small fleet.
Now smash piecemeal?
No. Too many deaths. Hurts my modern sensibilities.
As said, I avoid risks. Need one more move.
Author's Note
1. Briefly mentioned in chapter 116, but the in-story Joseon forces have already succeeded in scaled-down replication of Dutch brigs.
2. In 1748, Yi Eonseop emphasized turtle ship utility and petitioned Yeongjo for construction funds. This report is in his personal [Records of Scale and Shell], presumed a preserved copy. "Ingap" means scale armor, referring to turtle ship deck—one of rare detailed records on its performance and form.
But annals or Office of Royal Decrees lack clear records; only December approval for warship repairs. Given Park Mun-su's Yellow Sea days, unlikely Yeongjo funded turtle ships.