Black Corporation: Joseon
Chapter 208

July, Gyeongsul year (1430 AD).

A large fleet entered Jemulpo.^[1]

The fleet consisted of two extra-large dhows and three regular large dhows.

Escorted by Joseon Navy’s panokseon^[2], the foreign ships carefully docked at the port of Jemulpo.

As the gangplanks were laid out on the ships that had docked, people began to disembark, with Joseon individuals at the forefront.

Those who had left for Aden in the Musin year (1428) had finally returned.

***

Just like last time, the fleet approaching Joseon encountered Joseon’s panokseon midway.

“It seems their patrol range has expanded compared to when we left.”

“Indeed, sir.”

At the question of Oh Ha-seok, a josangwan (military captain) and officer-in-charge[3], Seon Dong-jin, the chogwan^[3] standing beside him, nodded in agreement.

Seeing the panokseon turn their bows to maintain the effective range of their firearms while maximizing their firepower, Oh Ha-seok ordered Seon Dong-jin.

“They’re extremely tense. Tell the captain not to act rashly under any circumstances.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Also, tell him to raise a white flag if possible.”

“Aye, sir!”

Thus, the fleet that encountered the panokseon headed towards Jeolla Right Naval Station.

Just like last time, the Right Naval Station immediately dispatched an express messenger to Hanseong. A few days later, the messenger returned from Hanseong. As expected, the returning messenger brought an order to send the fleet to Jemulpo.

And so, Mansur’s fleet arrived at Jemulpo. Escorted by the Joseon Navy, the fleet sailed north through the Yellow Sea and safely reached Jemulpo.

***

Soldiers who had been waiting in advance were standing guard at the pier where the fleet was docking.

Seeing Oh Ha-seok’s party disembarking with Oh Ha-seok at the lead, an official approached them first.

“I am Byeon Gang-seok, an official of the Ministry of Taxation. Welcome back, and I’m glad you’ve returned safely.”

“I am Oh Ha-seok, a captain of the Navy. Nice to meet you.”

“But the number of people…”

As Byeon Gang-seok carefully spoke after checking the number of people in the party, Oh Ha-seok replied in a bitter voice.

“We lost five. Two encountered pirates on the way, and three to tropical diseases.”

“Ah… May the deceased rest in peace.”

“Thank you on behalf of the bereaved families.”

After a brief conversation, the officials from the Ministry of Taxation, including Byeon Gang-seok, quickly got to work.

They confirmed the number of crew members in the fleet, advised them not to carelessly leave the Hui[8] residential area, and recorded the types and quantities of the goods brought to create an inventory.

“The work has become even more efficient.”

In response to Oh Ha-seok’s remark, Byeon Gang-seok gave a wry smile.

“You know how the court is, don’t you? If you don’t want to be scolded instead of being fed, you have to be diligent.”

“Ah… Right.”

Nodding his head, Oh Ha-seok unknowingly muttered to himself.

“I’ve finally come back.”

***

The Joseon individuals led by Oh Ha-seok immediately headed to Hanseong.

Passing through Gwanghwamun and entering Geunjeongjeon, Oh Ha-seok’s party respectfully bowed deeply to Sejong, who was seated on the throne.

“The seven individuals, including Captain Oh Ha-seok, have returned after completing the mission!”

In response to Oh Ha-seok’s report, Sejong replied.

“It was a long and arduous journey to a distant and perilous place. Seeing you return safely, I am truly grateful. Well done.”

“Your grace is boundless, Your Majesty.”

“Well… I heard that you lost five. Are the others all unharmed?”

“By the grace of Heaven, the others are all safe and sound.”

“That is fortunate. Deputy State Councillor, listen.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Sejong gave an order to the Deputy State Councillor.

“In accordance with the newly established regulations, send an official from the Royal Secretariat to inform the families of the deceased about their passing and offer condolences in my name. Also, support the bereaved families as stipulated by the law.”

“I shall follow your command.”

The Deputy State Councillor bowed and answered in response to Sejong’s order. Hearing Sejong’s command, Oh Ha-seok deeply expressed his gratitude and bowed.

“Your grace is immeasurable. Long live the King! Long live the King! Long live the King for a thousand years!”

***

As a side note, Hyang’s influence was strong in the procedures and support measures for soldiers and officials who died in battle or while performing other official duties.

The “Law of Rewarding Merit, Bohunbeop^[4]” was one of the first laws to be revised when the reform began. As the reform progressed and Sejong’s royal authority strengthened, it became one of the laws that were further reinforced.

“Since ancient times, it has been said that there is righteousness between the ruler and his subjects. Are the subjects only those who wear official robes and work in the government offices? They have died and been injured while working for the country, so it is only right for the country to uphold that righteousness!”

As Sejong’s will was so strong, the officials had to follow his intentions.

“His Majesty’s will is so strong…”

“Is it only His Majesty? Don’t you see the Crown Prince behind him?”

They remembered Hyang, who had strongly advocated for measures to support and reward meritorious subjects when presenting his policy views.

However, Hyang went a step further.

“If the King does not value the people, will the people value me? The people are the children of the King. Therefore, it is proper to show them courtesy.”

“I see. Well, tell me what you wish to do.”

Hyang shared his thoughts. After listening to Hyang’s words for a while, Sejong nodded.

“Your words are correct.”

Thereafter, it was codified into law that for those who died while serving in the military away from their hometowns or those who died in accidents or from overwork while performing official duties, at least a Pachong (lieutenant colonel or officials with the rank of Jangnyeong (4th-rank) or higher would visit to inform the family of the death and offer condolences. If the deceased had only young children or elderly parents to conduct the funeral, the visiting official would remain to oversee the funeral proceedings.

This was applied equally to the surrendered Jurchen and Wako who had submitted to Joseon. As a result, the Jurchen and Wako fought even more fiercely in battles than Joseon soldiers.

And the valiant efforts of the Jurchen and Japanese pirates had a chain effect, further igniting the fighting spirit of Joseon soldiers.

***

Having finished reporting to Sejong at Geunjeongjeon, Oh Ha-seok’s party was granted a three-day leave.

When they returned to the Ministry of Military Affairs and an interpreter to report their return and inform them of the three-day leave, their colleagues at both institutions gave the same response.

“Rest for three days! Rest unconditionally! Don’t even dream of going to gisaeng houses[16] and just rest! Whether you develop bed sores or not, just lie down and rest, and sleep!”

“Huh? But we’ve returned after two years, so how about a drink at least…”

“Shut up and rest!”

Three days later, Oh Ha-seok’s party understood the reason behind their colleagues’ words.

***

Three days later, as soon as they reported for duty, the first to seek them out were the royal physicians from the Royal Clinic.

“Let’s go to the Royal Clinic for a moment!”

“Pardon? Pardon?”

“It’s a royal command.”

Oh Ha-seok’s party, who were dragged to the Royal Clinic, were thoroughly examined from head to toe.

They checked their complexion, whether their eyes were yellowish, and even whether they had gained or lost weight.

After completing the examination by having them stick out their tongues to check for white coating and taking their pulses, the royal physicians immediately delved into the most important issue.

“You mentioned that there were individuals who died from tropical diseases, correct?”

“That’s right.”

“May they rest in peace.”

“Thank you.”

“What symptoms did the tropical diseases present? And what were the treatments?”

“Well… That is…”

And so, Oh Ha-seok’s party was thoroughly questioned at the Royal Clinic from the moment they reported for duty until they left for the day.

***

Their work did not end there.

The interpreters of the interpreter had to write lengthy reports on the Arabic and local languages they had learned in the Aden region.

The reports did not stop there. Following that, they had to write detailed reports on the geographical environment, customs, and the dispositions of the residents in the Aden region.

“You said you went to a place called Alexandria?”

“Yes. To sell the goods we brought from Joseon at an auction…”

“Write a report and bring it to me. Especially, don’t forget to include the prices at which they were sold and the reactions of the Westerners.”

“Yes…”

“But how should we write Alexandria in Idu script?”

“Well…”

Both the superior giving the orders and the subordinate carrying them out could only ponder with troubled expressions. In particular, the person in charge of writing the report had to turn pale and break out in a cold sweat.

“It’s not just Alexandria. There are many other place names, starting with Aden…”

“Damn it.”

The superior unknowingly cursed.

***

Something similar happened at the Ministry of Military Affairs.

“Did you call for us?”

“Yes, I did.”

The military officials of 4th-rank, who had gathered those who had participated in the voyage, starting with Oh Ha-seok, got straight to the point.

“You must have kept proper records during the voyage, right?”

“Yes.”

“Write a report. Include the duration of the voyage, the ports you visited, changes in wind direction, and so on.”

“Yes.”

Oh Ha-seok’s party answered calmly.

They had already anticipated that they would have to write a report on the voyage.

However, as the official continued to speak, the faces of the party began to turn pale.

“What I’ve mentioned so far are the basic things you need to include in the report. There are additional reports that need to be written separately. First, write a detailed report on the defense status of the ports you stopped at during the journey. Also, write a report on the temperament of the residents living in those ports and their reactions to foreigners. You encountered pirates along the way, right? Include in the report whether the pirates you encountered were Chinese, Japanese, or from other regions. Write about their armaments, the size of their pirate ships, whether they had firearms installed, and how vicious they were.”

“Yes, understood.”

“Also, there’s a massive ship among the ones that arrived this time, right? Write a detailed report on that as well.”

“Yes, understood.”

“There are many people waiting at the top, so make sure to write the reports properly.”

At the military official’s words, Oh Ha-seok’s party swallowed nervously. Seeing their expressions, the military official added.

“Ah, the deadline is six days.”

“That’s too short. We need at least ten days…”

Oh Ha-seok stepped forward to protest, but the military official shook his head.

“You know about the records of the voyages by the eunuch Zheng He from Ming China that arrived before, right? You need to write separate reports comparing your voyage with those. And you’re going to delay? The Minister of Military Affairs will be scolded by His Majesty, and do you think the Minister and your immediate superiors will leave you alone then?”

“…Still.”

“You rested well for three days, didn’t you? Now it’s time to work. Go and write the reports.”

After leaving the military official’s room, Oh Ha-seok’s party blankly looked up at the sky.

Oh Ha-seok let out a long sigh as he gazed at the sky.

“Sigh~. So there was a reason why they told us to rest unconditionally.”

***

Meanwhile, the officials from the Ministry of Taxation, who were organizing the inventory of the goods brought by Mansur, paid attention to one particular item.

“Has black tea arrived?”

“Black tea…”

An official from the Ministry of Taxation who was searching through the inventory list exclaimed.

“It’s here! It has arrived!”

At his colleague’s shout, the surrounding officials gathered around.

“Is it here? How much is the quantity?”

They were the officials who had been suffering from withdrawal symptoms since the latter half of the Giyu year[20] when the coffee ran out.

***

Meanwhile, in the residential area for the Hui people, Mansur gathered those working in the government, including Hassan, separately.

“I have a favor to ask of you.”

“What is the favor?”

“Help me acquire bigger and more powerful firearms.”

At Mansur’s words, the faces of the officials in the room, including Hassan, turned pale.

“Firearms! Are you in your right mind?”

“I have no choice.”

Mansur continued with a desperate expression.

“To ensure the safety of the trade routes and to protect our family in Aden, we need firearms. And rifles^[5] as well.”

“Oh my…”

Mansur summed up the current situation briefly.

“Right now, our family is in a situation where we are walking a tightrope across a cliff. To protect our family, we absolutely need Joseon’s firearms.”

1. A port located in present-day Incheon, South Korea[↩]
2. A type of large Korean warship used by the Joseon Navy[↩]
3. A military officer rank in Joseon, lower than jongsagwan[↩]
4. 報勳法[↩]
5. A type of firearm used in the 15th and 16th centuries.[↩]

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