Episode 567: Disconnection. (6)
As Kim Jeom desperately emphasized the importance of musun, local officials and ministers took interest in musun.
“Hmm….”
“Hoo….”
The ministers who read the information obtained by interrogating the prisoners all had expressions full of greed.
“Sir…”
Hwanghee’s words were slurred, but he understood the scent right away.
“Because it is located near Liaodong Province, the value of Liaodong Province will change.”
“That’s right.”
* * *
The operational plan established to fight this battle was based on the grand strategy ‘Eastward Advance’ created during the Gyeongjang period.
The northern territory that Joseon would ultimately secure in Dongjin was the forr territory of Balhae.
However, under the judgnt that Joseon’s current capabilities were not enough to occupy all of that territory through this battle, a strategy was established to advance only as far as Liaodong Province.
The goal of this operation was to occupy Liaodong Province and the Liaodong Peninsula from the Yalu River and completely turn the West Sea into Joseon’s front yard.
However, in this process, the value of Liaodong Province was pushed below that of the Liaodong Peninsula.
-It would be nice to occupy Liaodong Castle, but if this is too much, we will burn it to the ground and retreat.
It was to hold them accountable for attacking across the Yalu River.
-However, the Liaodong Peninsula must be occupied.
For Joseon, the Liaodong Peninsula, which could encompass the West Sea, was more important than Liaodong Castle in the middle of the plain.
The reason why we had no choice but to make this choice was because this war was not sothing that Joseon wanted to start.
It was not a war that started with full preparations, with Joseon choosing the desired location at the desired ti. Therefore, Joseon had to move carefully.
-The war may escalate at an unexpected mont, so you must leave as much room as possible.
However, due to the existence of Fusun, modification of the plan beca inevitable.
The land that yielded minerals that could arm hundreds of thousands of soldiers in just a few months could not be left alone.
* * *
From then on, Kim Jeom and the Minister of Finance and Economy continued to talk about ‘occupation of Fusun.’
And when Heo Hu returned with justification, he raised his voice even more.
“This is an opportunity! The emperor’s words are tantamount to a declaration of war!”
“I also do not want an escalation of war! However, rather than simply holding people responsible, we must not miss the opportunity and make it ours for sure!”
“I said it was possible to reach Liaodong Island!”
As Kim Jeom and the Minister of Finance and Economy continued to insist on ‘permanent occupation of Liaodong,’ the village began to secretly beco worried.
‘Aren’t these gentlen too similar to soone else sowhere?’
* * *
The people Hyang thought of sowhere were the Japanese politicians and soldiers who caused the Sino-Japanese War and World War II.
The excuse was that ‘the regi itself was a military regi, and a small number of civilian politicians could not withstand the military’s violent threats and cooperated with the war.’ However, most of the cabinet mbers were politicians, not soldiers. And those politicians decided on war.
No, to go back further, those who actively advocated the invasion of Joseon and planned and executed the Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War were also politicians.
“With the Emperor’s capabilities, it is possible!”
“Since the Emperor is so confident, we should support him. “Because we have achievents so far.”
“With our current empire, there is a good chance.”
“It may be a struggle right now, but if you hold on a little longer, you will be rewarded many tis over.”
The politicians and soldiers of imperialist Japan were the ones who created all the tragedies by becoming addicted to the sweet drug called ‘winner takes all’, also known as ‘pay for it’.
* * *
“Hmm… Looking at the report just uploaded, the cost of war effort is quite high. Is this possible?”
‘Just tell them to pay back. ‘I’ll crush you.’
Kim Jeom answered Hyang’s question right away.
“As you said, the cost of war effort is considerable. However, we can fully cover it with the treasury we have currently accumulated.”
“I’ll buy it back. Gold and silver continue to be mined not only in this Joseon headquarters but also in gold and silver mines in the forests of Daeseol Island and the northeastern Jongjang Peninsula. “If we are careful to release enormous amounts of wealth all at once, the country’s governance can be managed in a sufficiently sound manner.”
“By sound operation… are you talking about bonds?”
“yes.”
Kim Jeom answered Hyang’s question simply and clearly.
* * *
In the process of preparing for this war, the amount of various materials to be supplied to soldiers increased significantly. In order to properly supply it, the Joseon Dynasty governnt actively utilized private rchants.
This was good news for the top as well.
This was because, as the war broke out in Europe, many rchants were on the verge of going out of business due to blocked sales channels. In the end, the top companies actively participated in military supply.
The Joseon Dynasty governnt used bonds to fill a significant portion of the money paid to military rchants. Also, instead of unconditionally replacing a certain amount with bonds, 30% to 60% of the price was paid with bonds based on the size at the top. Additionally, the bond paynt period varied from 6 months to 5 years.
This was done to prevent an explosive rise in prices due to an explosion in the money supply by releasing cash over ti.
What is interesting is that it was not the township that ca up with this idea, but officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
Hyang shook her head after reading the plan that had been approved by the Minister of Finance and Economy and Hwanghee Kim.
“The nobles have suddenly beco the vanguard of modified capitalism…”
* * *
“Putting things aside, what will you do to supply and demand the minerals needed for war?”
“Basically, we will do our best to increase the mine’s production, and next, we will recycle the captured enemy weapons as much as possible. Just by lting down the Hwaryong cannon we captured this ti, we can make a huge amount of bullet casings and artillery casings.”
“Ah…”
In response to Kim Jeom’s answer, Hyang nodded without realizing it. To that extent, the Hwaryongpo was an enormous item.
Kim Jeom continued speaking.
“The Liaodong army’s artillery is all made of bronze, so it is very useful. The quality of the iron they used to make the iron barrels of long guns, spears, and armor is inferior to that made in Joseon, but it can be useful if lted and slted again. Lastly, we will collect and recycle as many shell casings discarded on the battlefield as possible.”
Hyang’s expression beca sharp at Kim Jeom’s words.
“Are you planning on mobilizing soldiers for collection work?”
Kim Jeom looked rather puzzled at Hyang’s words.
“Why are soldiers who are not good enough to be sent to the front line sent there? We have to use prisoners. “We caught 30,000 people, but we can’t just make fun of them, right?”
“Ah…”
Hyang blushed at Kim Jeom’s words.
‘I was just thinking about the 21st century!’
After a mont of self-criticism, Hyang imdiately continued asking questions.
“Will the prisoners do their job properly?”
Kim Jeom smiled and answered Hyang’s question.
“You have to shake the bait.”
“bait?”
-Group the prisoners into groups of 5 and appoint one of them as leader.
-Slightly less food is provided to prisoners. However, the team leader is paid a little more than other team mbers.
-Additional food is provided for each al depending on the amount of supplies collected from the battlefield. Every evening, the 10 best groups are selected and given a small amount of at and alcohol. Of course, the leader is paid a little more.
-if. For groups with poor performance, the team leader is replaced.
After hearing Kim Jeom’s explanation, Hyang muttered without realizing it.
“You will work desperately. Especially the leaders.”
“That’s right.”
“Considering the size of the Insan camp and the number of prisoners, the cleanup work will be completed quickly. “Is there any plan to use the prisoners in the future?”
“It will be used in steel mills and mines. ah! I’m thinking of giving him a salary as well. “It’s about 1/4 of the salary that a new worker receives.”
“What will you do if people complain or slow down because they are underpaid?”
“If you don’t want to live as a slave in Japan or Daewol, you have to work hard.”
Kim Jeom’s cold answer made Hyang realize once again that this was the Joseon Dynasty.
‘It was a ti when things like the Geneva Convention didn’t even exist yet.’
After hearing the answer up to that point, Hyang had to make a decision.
‘It’s a little close, but it’s still inside the safety line. No, I have to believe it’s inside the safety line. The value of radish is too great to just refuse.’
“All right. Then, I ask that the military revise its operational plan accordingly. “As soon as the revisions are complete, I will review it and deliver it to General Choi Yun-deok.”
“I follow your orders!”
Thus, it was decided to modify the operation.
* * *
anwhile, the loot acquired from the Insan camp gradually flowed into Hanseong.
“Please transport it along Bell Tower Street so that the people of Hanseong can see it as much as possible.”
“I follow your orders!”
According to the order of the township, the armor worn by the Liaodong army and various weapons were placed on a cart and paraded through Bell Tower Street.
“wow! Look at that! Look at that!”
“It’s huge!”
However, it was Hwaryongpo that attracted the people’s attention the most.
The soldiers used all kinds of thods to bring the enormous Hwaryongpo into the fortress.
And it was crowded with Hanseong residents who ca to see Hwaryongpo.
The next thing that caught the people’s attention was the captured prisoners. These prisoners were officers captured during the battle. Ordinary soldiers and lower-ranking officers were mobilized for all kinds of work, including clearing the battlefield, but high-ranking officers were tied to gun carriages and sent to Hanseong on ships.
The prisoners brought to Hanseong had to go through hardships.
“These killers!”
“There’s nothing else to do, so co invade soone else’s country!”
“Woo~.”
Angry residents threw rocks at the prisoners.
“Stop! “These people need to receive the national seal, so they shouldn’t be hard!”
“Do not throw stones!”
“Ah! “Don’t throw stones there!”
After going through such a difficult process, the prisoners headed to the interrogation center.
anwhile, other trophies attracted the attention of Hyang and ministers.
“This is the enemy’s standard captured this ti. But…”
The officer who was reporting to the local governnt and ministers unfolded one of the largest military flags.
“Great Yeon (大燕)?”
“Among those taken prisoner, there was soone who served on the enemy’s staff. After interrogating him, it is said that the King of Dong declared the founding of a nation. “Yes…”
After hearing the officer’s continued words, Hyang looked back at the ministers.
“This looks like things are going to be interesting.”
Hwang Hee responded to Hyang’s words.
“By now, news that our army has crossed the Yalu River must have reached Beijing. “The ssenger is waiting for this.”
The ministers all nodded at Hwang Hee’s words.
* * *
Three days later, a report arrived at Gyeongbokgung Palace that a ssenger sent from the Ming had arrived in Jemulpo.
“I heard that they have requested that an iron horse be assigned to co to Hanseong right away.”
After receiving the report, Hyang looked at Heo Hu.
“The last ti you went to Ming, were you assigned an iron horse?”
“Not at all.”
After hearing Heo Hu’s answer, Hyang ordered the official.
“I couldn’t prepare because I wasn’t notified in advance. “Please provide the convenience of freeing up one carriage for the envoys so that they can tell them to wait for the regular flight and co on board.”
“I follow your orders.”
When the official who received the order withdrew, the governor gave an order to the eunuch.
“Tell the internal dicine clinic to prepare Woohwang Cheongsimhwan. “Because there will be people who fall down with vases.”
“I follow your orders.”
As the eunuch who had received Hyang’s orders disappeared, the ministers all shuddered slightly as they rembered similar thoughts.
‘The crown prince’s harsh words are also very harsh.’ ‘
Even the harsh words are a curse word ….’
‘Just thinking about it gives a headache!’
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