Chapter 177
Chapter 177
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 177
Chapter Title: Three Years Later, in the Southern Sea (2)
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In Joseon, the sector that underwent the most drastic changes over those three years was, as before, the navy.
Originally named the Liberation Brigade as a separate unit distinct from the regular navy, it had already begun comprising the bulk of the naval forces even before Yi Hwon's ascension.
This was essentially the same phenomenon as the transformation of the original Joseon army, where soldiers were turning into miners, forced laborers, and military farmhands. It was simply because this side made money.
As a result, the colloquial term "Marines"—what the common folk called the Liberation Brigade—somehow solidified into the official terminology, replacing "navy."
Organizational changes followed. Since it was all about the money in the end, once two ports were opened on Jeju Island, the brigade's center of gravity shifted there in an instant.
This naturally muddied the jurisdiction of the Three Provinces Naval Commander, who oversaw the navies of Chungcheong, Jeolla, and Gyeongsang Provinces.
The naval stations in the southern regions (including Jeju), which survived mainly on plunder and trade, were fundamentally different in nature from those in the capital region and the central-southern areas, which lived off cargo and mail transport. It made more sense to group them separately.
Gangwon and Hamgyong Provinces had scarcely any navy to speak of, while Hwanghae and Pyeongan Provinces were still just waiting for the next illegal Chinese fishing vessel to show up. Thus, King Yi Hwon decided to reorganize the south first.
The Chungcheong naval stations, which had been under both the Three Provinces Naval Command and the Three Provinces Naval Control Camp (Chungcheong + Gyeonggi + Hwanghae naval stations)—in other words, getting squeezed for money twice over—wanted out of the old system.
Accordingly, the Chungcheong navy was formally separated from the Three Provinces Naval Command and formed into the Gyeongho Marine Control Camp, while the remaining Hwanghae and Pyeongan were split off into the West Sea Marine Control Camp.
Here, "West Sea" didn't refer to the western ocean per se, but was a combination of "seo" (short for Pyeongan) and "hae" (short for Hwanghae). It followed the same pattern as the Gyeongho Marine Control Camp.
The military officers sent their support to the new king Yi Hwon, thrilled at the creation of yet another junior second-rank commander position.
But Joseon never named things carelessly. The reason the newest and strongest command overseeing the south was called the South Sea Marine Control Camp—and not Yeongho Marine Control Camp—was deliberate.
It meant they were to dominate not just the "coast of Yeongho-nam," but the "southern seas" proper.
Han Jung-ryang was fully confident in their ability to do so.
King Yi Hwon, whom the old scholars dismissed as ignorant of the past, was well-versed in military history. Adopting the slogan of emulating "King Seonjo's wisdom in promoting the low-born Admiral Yi Sun-sin," he backed the Liberation Brigade.
In contrast, Kim Unhaeng grew concerned watching the brigade's trade operations expand relentlessly.
He wanted to maintain the status quo until 1762. He truly had no desire for reform, not even in the smallest matters.
To that end, Kim Unhaeng painstakingly gathered the isolationist scholars several times. The shifting national mood made it incredibly difficult.
He then voiced the traditional view that rash contact with foreigners would lead to disaster.
But Park Mun-su, who needed to scrape together copper coins, deftly blocked Kim Unhaeng. The other high officials, well aware that without the brigade's earnings the Equal Tax Bureau would collapse, held their tongues.
Kim Unhaeng's influence didn't carry the day this time.
After all, his power stemmed from Yi Hwon's favor. When the king and Kim Unhaeng disagreed, siding with the king was the politically savvy choice.
In the end, Kim Unhaeng simply inserted Jae Yi-seong into the mix to profit as well. If the seas had already turned into a free-for-all, it was more practical to establish oversight rather than attempt a futile reset.
Once even Kim Chunsik was persuaded, Yi Hwon's momentum became unstoppable.
Soon, excluding Gustaf Willem and Denis Velt, the South Sea Marine Control Camp boasted nearly twenty Western-style warships.
Most had been under construction beforehand, and Gustaf Willem remained the largest battleship, but the establishment of mass production was the key achievement.
Thus, there was no fear at the news of the English ship's arrival.
Han Jung-ryang turned to Kim Eung-seok, his long-time aide who had just been appointed Jeju Port Commander—a key post.
"What I'm hoping is that these English bring a massive flagship this time."
"Pardon? Bigger than the Haran Great Battleship (Gustaf Willem)? That would make it harder to capture, sir."
The English hadn't wronged Joseon yet. If anything, they'd been the victims.
Yet the Joseon navy already viewed them as enemies—a notion that would drive the East India Company mad with injustice if they heard it.
But to these two, it was a given. Kim Chunsik's words had never been wrong.
Just look around Jeju: this barren, impoverished land, once plagued by annual famines since opening, had been transformed into bustling prosperity solely thanks to Kim Chunsik's Three Policies for Governance.
So Kim Eung-seok responded on the premise of battle.
Han Jung-ryang's reply went further, presupposing victory.
"That's precisely so we can seize it and build something even bigger than the Haran Great Battleship!"
In Joseon ten years prior, such madness would have been dismissed outright.
But now, Kim Eung-seok was moved by the grand ambition.
And that reaction was typical across the South Sea Naval Camp.
Regrettably, James Cook hadn't brought a massive ship.
It stood to reason. A vessel conspicuously larger than Gustaf Willem would be a first- to third-rate ship of the line, needed now to fight the French worldwide.
Cook's mission was research and charting, not combat. Though armed, it sufficed for escorting against French privateers.
Still, Flint's letter and 1,000 pounds hadn't been wasted. Unlike history, the research vessel HMS Endeavour was launched three years early.
A small bark under 400 tons, it couldn't be judged merely by guns and tonnage. This was the world's first vessel dedicated to "scientific purposes."
Considering its captain James Cook and the elite multinational scientists aboard, the metaphysical weight of that ship was incalculable.
Captain Cook, docking at Gwangjeo Bay, shook hands with Flint waiting at Wolhae Pass. Flint smiled and offered praise.
"You've had a hard journey. No pirates on the way?"
"As you warned, we encountered a French ship near Sumatra, but they fled at the sight of our naval ensign. I knew in London you had foresight."
"It's the captain's experience and wisdom. With such a modern vessel, you'll surely succeed."
Flint tossed in some flattery to bridge the gap, then smoothly continued.
"I heard you're heading to the South Pacific. En route, there's a fascinating observation site. The savages there are a bit dangerous, but I'm certain it holds unique specimens isolated from the rest of the world."
HMS Endeavour's role extended beyond Venus transit observations to collecting rare flora and fauna worldwide. Swedish scholar Daniel Solander, a protégé of Linnaeus, led that effort.
But Cook snorted at Flint's pretext.
"No need for excuses. You've got connections in the Navy, haven't you? Hmph. I'm not interested in such deals, but orders are orders. Joseon ships are vanishing?"
"Indeed."
Flint freely cited David Volun's testimony, which he'd never once believed himself.
"The Dutch say Joseon indiscriminately seizes passing European vessels in these waters. I was skeptical, but given the Qianlong Emperor's anti-European stance, I suspect this vassal is colluding to drive out the VOC and EIC."
This was grave. As an Englishman, even James Cook felt a chill at the prospect of tea shortages.
"Checked with China?"
"Couldn't, so we probe Joseon first. Their navy must be negligible."
"Even so, one research vessel won't do. If they've captured multiple European ships despite being merchantmen, they have some naval force."
Flint smiled meaningfully.
"But what if it's not merchant or research ships, but two 'warships'?"
Captain Cook grimaced.
He knew this man had pulled strings to deploy the fourth-rate ship of the line HMS Panther and sixth-rate frigate HMS Argo, then in the Philippines. It grated that the military was dancing to a mere merchant's tune.
Cook replied curtly.
"Obviously. You're hoping Panther scares the Chinese too, right? We'll rest the crews, then sail together when they reach Gwangjeo."
"I fully endorse the captain's wise judgment. Might you share the approximate route? For 'company operations.'"
Cook considered stonewalling with "military secret." But as a non-aristocrat, even he found it undignified.
So James Cook tapped the map on the Wolhae Pass table.
"That's obvious too. We'll stop at that island off Formosa first. No military op ignoring rear security is worth discussing."
As he said, it was the point closest (presumed) to Jeju among those charted with seas and islands.
The locals called their land Ryukyu.
The report of "Englishmen targeting Joseon" reaching Gwangju prompted the crown prince—no, now the king—to summon me.
"As you said, the English have come again. Their persistence means this must benefit them."
True. And what benefited England was surely harmful to universal humanity.
"If one side profits illicitly, the other must suffer. Their intentions are clearly not benign."
Yet our new king seemed to see hope even in the English. Strange—they didn't have porn or anything.
"But we don't know them well yet. Didn't you say before that when Western ships arrive, we should discuss trade at the Myeongdang? You're the foremost expert on the West, so go assess. Talk before arresting or sinking blindly."
I held back "Forgot we're a tributary? Who decides diplomacy?" I'd said it countless times.
Fortunately, the king wasn't advocating formal diplomacy.
"A vassal cannot conduct foreign affairs [For a minister of another, no diplomacy—Book of Rites]. I understand your fear of Qing wrath. But was our ancestors' will to enslave us to barbarians? Better to tread cautiously, wielding the subtle arts of adaptation unseen."
Hmm. Right. Use England as bait against the Qing?
Don't outright antagonize them? Hearing "caution" from you—position really changes a man.
I thought it a good idea. If not for the quest.
Sorry, but I can't endorse anything risking his throne. Just be a quiet king in Joseon. For the people (me).
Then the king said,
"This also elevates you to grand councilor rank. You'll remain my closest aide, but that's not enough. Greater merits will convince the court."
Prime minister? Junior second rank?
Come to think, my endgame was Chief State Councillor anyway. As vital as not offending the Qianlong Emperor was following our king's will.
Accepting the South Sea Pacification Officer post—akin to the interim role Park Mun-su held—I hurried to Tongyeong.
Ships were now commonplace transport. The crown prince urged me aboard one loaded with extra cannons and arms, but I sent only Eoji and Jangbok, going overland ahead myself.
Safer on firm ground, but mainly a hunch I needed to hurry.
At Wangsimni's Chunsik Ranch, I boarded a double litter alone. Then, for the first time in ages, activated a skill.
Despite "honor for civil, disdain for martial," my post as Governor of the Capital was senior third rank, while South Sea Marine Commander Han Jung-ryang was junior second.
I'd outranked him before. Same with Park Mun-su, Hong Gye-hui, Hong Bong-han—somehow I just boost southern careers.
Fortunately, Han treated me as an old friend.
"Petition approved days ago, and you're here already. Faster than a ship—your riding is peerless."
Hong Yak-su, Jeolla-right Marine Brigade Commander (formerly Jeolla-right Naval Commander) and my wife's kin, was comfortable too. The other commanders were mostly acquaintances.
Suddenly it clicked why the crown prince sent me. I created these money-makers; now the navy's mine.
Hong Yak-su's report was straightforward, needing little attention.
"If English come—and with a big ship—they can't bypass Ryukyu without madness. No one in England knows northern routes yet."
"Couldn't they sail with Chinese escort straight to Jeju?"
"They would have first time if possible."
Ah, right. Sneaking past Qianlong? Something's clicking.
"Do our Marines traffic with Ryukyu?"
Han Jung-ryang chuckled wryly at my question.
"How could a king's servant do so privately? During pirate hunts, yes—but no envoys to Ryukyu. We just know they tribute to Satsuma. Sugar prices up, so squeezing harder."
Jeju relay trade fallout. Who knew.
Musing that, "no foreign diplomacy for vassals" and Ryukyu tangled in my mind.
"Wait—doesn't Ryukyu tribute to China too? I saw it."
Saw our interpreter kicked. Han tilted his head.
"True. Japan retains feudal customs, maybe?"
"No. As you said: no foreign diplomacy. Do dozens of Japanese states all tribute separately to Qing? No."
Chilling no one knew. Qing guaranteeing Ryukyu's double-shuttle as favor?
Unlikely— it'd just breed resentment elsewhere, making Qing bow to Satsuma.
Conclusion: Satsuma blackmails Ryukyu.
"Don't screw China or die."
Classic "closed-country info control"—intuitive from my knowledge. A pure modernite never would've guessed. Hidden for centuries? Insane.
To confirm, I turned to Hong Yak-su.
"Does Satsuma block Ryukyu ships... arbitrarily?"
Hong pondered, then replied.
"Come to think, among 'pirates' we crushed were Satsuma men flashing red-seal passes, claiming legit. Suggests they regulate internally usually."
Whoa, these guys act just like Portuguese?
Oh, sugar exploitation Belgian-style? No need to speculate—they'd already ditched Asia.
Perfect. Now I see how to execute the royal order.
I—and likely Qianlong—can't allow official Anglo-Joseon ties. No embassy.
But our king wants England as anti-Qing card.
Openly begging Qing aid to block them? Out—undermines his politics, defies his will.
Our forces alone? Uncertain success, heavy losses. Tarnishes my record.
Must rig for England to flee voluntarily. Satsuma handed us the tool.
These punks fooling the Chinese emperor for small-time bullying?
As "First Tributary" and "Oriental Land of Propriety," we can't tolerate such breach.
We'll tattle to Qing instead.
Right now.
Author's Notes
1. Kim Eung-seok first appeared in Chapter 98's "Ginseng War" arc and has popped up occasionally as Han Jung-ryang's aide. Quite the promotions.
2. HMS Endeavour launched in 1764; originally, James Cook sailed her in 1769, so impossible here timeline-wise. Slight historical acceleration for plot—forgive me.
Originally, Cook commanded the smaller HMS Grenville in 1761. Doubt it could've circumnavigated for science.
3. In real history, Endeavour collected 30,000 specimens worldwide, 1,300+ new to Europe. HMS Panther and HMS Argo, next year in Seven Years' War's Manila ops, captured the Santísima Trinidad (not the Napoleonic giant) with $1.5M cargo. Captains earned 30,000 pounds.
4. Gogung means mere aide but often kin-linked arms of the king. Kim Unhaeng, unaware of prior events, takes the former.
5. Qing unaware of Japanese rule over Ryukyu until late 19th century. Satsuma and shogunate hid it meticulously: premodern Ryukyuans barred Japanese dress/language, especially for Chinese envoys—like a Truman Show. Red-seal passes controlled their shipping, akin to Portuguese cartazes (passes for non-piracy). Portugal got similar formal tribute; rumor ties to Manuel I's Jerusalem crusade for "emperor" title.