Chapter 167
Chapter 167
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 167
Chapter Title: Continents and Continents (1)
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Truth be told, Russia wasn't in a particularly comfortable position at this time either.
Europe was currently engulfed in the flames of the Seven Years' War, often called the prelude to the World War.
This war was fought across the globe, but focusing on the European mainland, it was undoubtedly the war-mad utopia of Prussia that played the leading role.
The Prussian monarch, Frederick II—better known as Frederick the Great—was, in a word, the hopeful edition of Crown Prince Sado.
If Yeongjo, the "kinship reverser" of the mental realm, was the master of abusing his son, then in the physical realm, there was "Bat-King" Frederick William I.
However, he died at the remarkably young age of 51 by Yeongjo's standards, leaving behind regrets for not beating his child to death first (the current Yi Geum would probably envy him for successfully executing his son's young favorite instead).
Having survived, Frederick the Great was now facing off against three women at once.
These were three of the noblest ladies in Europe, known to all: the Marquise de Pompadour Jeanne Antoinette of France, Maria Theresa, Empress of Austria and more, and Empress Elizabeth Petrovna of all Russia.
But one mustn't mistake Frederick for a playboy.
The bed held no interest for Frederick the Great, who only cared for men there; his battleground with women was solely the field of war.
Among the "Triple Alliance" opposing Prussia, the main continental force was Elizabeth's Russian army. Contrary to later images, Prussia suffered crushing defeats against Russia frequently during the Seven Years' War.
This stemmed largely from the monarchs' abilities.
If Frederick the Great was the hopeful Sado edition, Elizabeth Petrovna was the female Yeongseo.
She hadn't used an iron mace only because she wasn't from the Jeonju Yi clan; otherwise, just like Yeongseo, she staged a coup to eliminate nobles plotting against her using a young nephew as a figurehead, seizing the throne for herself—a ruler brimming with ambition and without flaw.
Even in the Imperial Guard, Elizabeth enjoyed immense popularity. Of course, it was due to her beauty and intellect, hailed as Europe's finest, not because she granted military posts to her lovers.
Lieutenant Ivan Ivanovich Kropotov of the Guard was one who revered the Empress.
Thus, attending the Empress's regular "Metamorphoses" masquerade balls was not a humiliation but an honor.
Dressed in women's clothing as per the ball's rules, Kropotov had the glory of dancing with the Empress in male attire. The 180cm-tall Empress skillfully led him.
In the midst of it, Kropotov heard the Empress whisper softly.
"Lieutenant Ivan Ivanovich. You must go to China in secret."
Kropotov didn't flinch or freeze. Had he, the Empress would have been disappointed and chosen another.
It was only natural for the order to come to him. As a young, brilliant officer elite in diplomacy and languages—especially a "China expert" in modern terms—Kropotov had effectively led Russia's China diplomacy on-site from his brief discharge due to injury this year until the war's end in 1762.
Kropotov pulled the Empress's hand closer and replied.
"I shall obey your command."
"Just listen. The Khontaysha (контайша, Khan Taiji—the Mongol title for the Dzungar leader) has fled to Semipalatinsk with a considerable force. The Chinese Emperor will demand them under the treaty (Treaty of Kyakhta)."
The Empress spoke in a voice so dry it was hard to believe they were dancing.
"Don't even hand over their corpses. Use this chance to settle all border issues with China. And above all, this must remain absolutely secret. Don't give Frederick, crushed at Kolín, any openings. Silence him before he can spread rumors of troubles in Russia's rear."
The Russia-China border, between continents, was a matter of natural geography, not mere military lines. "Border issues" operated on that scale. Tension rose on Kropotov's face.
The Empress then pushed him away forcefully, only to catch his arching waist with one hand. She said,
"You understand that's not an order to hole up in a fortress. I'll soon provide credentials and letters. Once Semipalatinsk's defenses are complete, head to Beijing. If the priests are right and China is hostile, local military pressure is authorized."
Since she'd said just listen, Kropotov replied only with his eyes. The Empress kissed him and switched partners.
Though he didn't make it to the Empress's bed, Kropotov, now border guard commander, threw himself passionately into his mission.
He transferred only those Dzungars seemingly infected by Chinese disease attacks to Tobolsk, treating the rest lavishly as guests.
As the Empress said, Russia had numerous petty border disputes with China.
At this point, Russia's concerns were mainly tariffs and Amur River navigation.
Russia wanted its ships on the Amur, while resisting China's demand for duty-free trade (yes, China's demand, not Britain's) to maintain tariff protections.
Moreover, recently the Russian legation in Beijing had been evicted from lodgings, and priests persecuted—a grave insult by European diplomatic standards.
For Russia, harboring grudges against China over these issues, Dzungar leader Amursana could flip all humiliations at once.
And Amursana insisted he was the joker they sought.
"The Mongol Khalkha and Shoqot departments (near modern Qinghai) have already risen against oppression. Come winter, the weak central plains soldiers will freeze in the vast desert. Aid us, and unlike China, we'll accept all Rus' trade terms. Your Empress (Elizabeth) will rejoice at gaining a sturdy shield and ally against China."
Had they eagerly accepted, the Empress wouldn't have sent Kropotov. He replied awkwardly,
"We won't hand over a guest who sought us, but asking us to fight alongside you is unreasonable."
Amursana hastily played his prepared card.
"You know of your eastern war over Manchuria (Toyotomi's Korean invasion). Remember the 'big-headed soldiers' (distorted tale of Joseon's black-lacquered helmets) that halted your army?"
Kropotov recalled the anecdote after a moment.
Their marksmanship was impressive, but fame came more from the bizarrely large helmets than invincible special forces.
"And?"
"That land is Joseon, across the sea east of China. They ride well, master bows and guns. I have deep ties with Joseon; I can connect you there from Manchuria."
True to his romance-fantasy Russian court familiarity, Kropotov respected royalty and nobility, so he held back from calling it nonsense.
But seeing his expression, Amursana added proof.
"Qianlong split his army to Joseon because we coordinated. Check; you'll find eight banners went east. That's evidence. Isn't it a golden chance for your Empress to gain an ice-free port?"
Ice-free port.
It was a Russian genetic destiny, akin to French adultery or Belgian wrists. Kropotov's heart raced, hairs standing on end.
Moreover, pre-mission intel included Joseon. No army details, though.
Qianlong had Joseon's tributary thugs (Joseon envoy servants appeared so—truly sad) brutalize priests, but the Joseon diplomat smuggled back the stolen cross, signaling no hostility to Russia.
Kropotov decided to hear Amursana seriously.
Looking around, the court now brimmed with loyal retainers and sages.
Time to rev the engine.
My scheme was simple.
Show Qianlong pro-Qing gestures to withdraw his army, while bribing Dalai Lama Incarnate Hong Yeom like Jungjong to offset Qianlong's demands.
But bribes mean nothing to Qianlong. The whole earth is his.
Instead, I'd confess demolishing Namhansanseong.
Ch'ing, twitchy at Joseon building one fortress, would see it as huge diplomatic goodwill.
Namhansanseong was Injo's steel trauma for the banners—like the U.S. President hearing Iran scrapped nukes.
As proof, I'd sneak Yeongjo's old Mumangnu plaque (reminding of Bingja humiliation). It's a replica I gave Yi Hwan to pawn at Zhangdong antiques next century.
So now, secure budget for Hong Yeom.
I contacted Gwangju Governor Hong Gyehui to re-register disbanded Royal Guard soldiers.
They were freed from soldiering, not all duties—that's yangban privilege like mine.
Converted to stipendiaries, Royal Guard costs zeroed, taxpayer numbers up 30%—Joseon's first black-ink military budget.
Why pay military tax sans unit?
They know their unit's gone, not the whole Guard.
Did we post on Changdeokgung website? Pre-modern perks.
I converted the entire Royal Guard budget to gold, silver, and ginseng.
Outsourced exchange/transport to Samhwadae; some fees lost, but standard business cost. On modern honor, Hojo would've leaked tenfold.
Gather funds thus. Probe Qianlong and Hong Yeom per situation.
Lately, Park Mun-su doubted his own character.
Kim Unhaeng's monthly ginseng stopped; he felt regret.
But he couldn't beg more, mouth torn or not.
Feeling he'd die young sans ginseng, Park headed to Zhangdong's Chunbae Pharmacy to buy properly.
Kim Jeokhaeng, inheriting Kim clan secrets as eldest, welcomed ex-Prime Minister Park.
"Had you summoned, I'd have brought it."
"How, when I'm no minister now."
As he replied, Park sensed oddity and asked,
"They say exam-skippers seek your brother Chun-sik first. Why pharmacy here? Your siblings mostly high officials. Preserving family secrets?"
Kim exploded. Park said he wasn't minister, so fair game.
"Don't mention that heartless, virtue-lack wretch! All true, but he ignores his one brother."
Park wasn't surprised. Kim Unhaeng would commit near-unfilial "Sibling Neglect Crime."
Kim's tearful plea continued.
"Won't arrange clerkship sans his exam. Makes me sell drugs here, takes earnings... This month, took ginseng as debt payment—sorry, nothing for you."
Unhaeng needs brother's pharmacy, calls top gambler Won Inson occasionally to play and rack debts—but avoid gambling.
Practical bureaucrat Park ignored whining, noted last bit.
"Took all ginseng? Just ginseng?"
"Yes. Here's Kim Family Rejuvenation Pills instead. Or take Chun-sik punches?"
"No. No ginseng, I'll return."
Park pondered.
No one hoards ginseng to gorge fatally. Needs money.
But Unhaeng lacks big domestic bribe needs now.
So foreign.
Quickly deducing Unhaeng's shallow plan, Park sighed in disgust.
"He won't even let me die."
Next day, Park ended seasonal strike, obeyed Crown Prince.
Atoning with bows, returning Chief Councillor lent new legitimacy to Crown Prince's regime. Noron unease from his and Jo Jaeho's absence stabilized.
Summoned to Bibi-sa two days post-return? Return's just to chew me out. Why won't this geezer die?
But Park skipped nagging, cut to chase.
"Grant eight provinces' ginseng to General Seong-gyeong fine. What for Emperor to withdraw army?"
I gaped. How'd he know my secret plan?
Weeks ago, I'd shoo civilian; now no. Hesitant under stern gaze, I spilled.
Park tsked.
"Drop it."
"Pardon? I know Chunju ethics, but otherwise high issue..."
"Your talent was bribery; now rusted? Bribes worthless unless profit exceeds recipient's easy gain. Royal Guard pittance? Laughable. Show money, they'll swarm like leeches thinking Joseon rich."
"Then the plaque..."
"Mad? Sure, Emperor pleased, broadcasts it. You'll die stabbed next day. Or I'll do it. I know the plaque's humiliation-slap, family-scorned trash—but offer to Jurchens?"
Yours to Yeongjo worse.
But logical. Especially stabbing. I bowed.
"Wise teaching. Near-fatal error."
Park softened.
"But Namhansanseong demolition true; mention that. Young man with days ahead, why rash? Watch situation calmly."
Tell me why rash? Scammed by your status window?
I sighed inwardly, rose to bow.
Lightning insight flashed.
No ginseng to Park last month. Dalai Lama priority over ex-Prime.
What if Park blocks my grand plan from greed?
I probed again.
Couldn't. Hong Daeyong from my Seungmunwon burst in.
"Brother—no, Inspector (Grade 4), what's wrong?"
Hong ignored Chief Councillor bows, panted,
"Qing army fully withdrawn!"
Park eyed me; I shook head frantically. Haven't sent anything.
What's happening? Park calmly asked,
"True? Source?"
"General Seong-gyeong lingers, but half forces returned. Pyeongan Governor's official report!"
Harder doubt official from governor (my plant Han Ikmo—not hysterical incompetent).
Huh.
Wait.
Then, terraformed court for throne recognition and Qing withdrawal, hoarded ginseng—for what?
Qing gone; military shift? Guarantee non-aggression, they'll rubber-stamp throne.
I and Park locked eyes, pondering.
First, peel ginseng for Park.
Author's Note
1. Frederick William I beheaded his son Frederick II's lover/chief minister Hans Hermann von Katte before son's eyes. Wanted son executed too, barely averted.
2. Metamorphoses masquerade not "pervert"—like English metamorphosis, means shape-changing (like huibi bian tai). Elizabeth's rule: men dress women, women men.
3. Pre-French Revolution, cm for convenience (Russia used arshin). Ivan Kropotov real; no personal Elizabeth tie. She avoided marriage/political rivals, had two lovers—one no military but got command.
4. Russia-Qing diplomacy scattered over vast borders; envoys separate. Actual Amur: then-Premier V.F. Bratishev; tariffs: Selenginsk commander V. Iyakov; Kropotov other issues—but condensed for story.
Interestingly, unlike common East-West treaty views, Russia imperialistic/shifty? Often barbaric backwater antics: violated tariff-free (they did), Amur navigation (not their territory per treaty, bullied). China headached plenty.
(Ref: Yanigisawa & Akira, 2005, 'Some Remarks on the “Addendum to the Treaty of Kyakhta” in 1768’.)
5. Sibling quarrels grave sin. Jeongjo era, Shin Yeo-cheok stopped neighbor brothers' fight, Yu-Confucius kicked killer in rage, forgiven for spirit—no exile, freed.
Later, parental-avenger freed praised. Joseon penalties prioritized "justice" per case over code. Easy lord-trial abuse...