Joseon Military Officer, Establishing Balhae - Chapter 337



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Episode 337

Joseon’s noble family (2)

The flagship of the 21st Squadron of the 2nd Fleet, Bukcheong, and the Aoji-class ship Pungsan entered the center of the Piyaka Strait in pairs. The center of the strait refers to the section immediately west of Cape Nani, which is the narrowest part of the strait.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been here.”

Commander of the 2nd Fleet, Ko Kyung-bong, standing on the command post at Sunmiru, spoke while looking at Nani Cape.

“Oh my! How busy have you been?”

Hamgyul answered in a loud voice.

“Isn’t our 2nd fleet a bit like that?”

Go Kyung-bong took into account the commander’s feelings.

Compared to the 1st Fleet active in the northern part of the West Sea and the Bohai Bay and the 3rd Fleet in charge of the South Sea, the 2nd Fleet had little to show for its merits. However, it was not easy to just perform patrol duties. They had to constantly transport immigrants to the North Sea and Hongjebu. In particular, the number of people wishing to move to Hongjebu increased rapidly because it was located relatively farther south.

Compared to the Japanese who lived in warm regions, the Korean people, who could withstand the cold of the north, had no difficulty adapting to the climate of Hokkaido and northern Honshu. Thanks to this, Hongjebu soon became a proper Balhae territory.

With two new bases designated on the west coast of Saharan Island, the mission of transporting Marines to serve there since last year has kept us even busier.

The two bases currently being built in Saharan were Jangjin, which was selected last year, and Maijin, located to the north of it. It was a place called Kholmsk in the future Russia, famous for its abundant marine resources and high-quality coal deposits, making it quite a bustling place. Maijin was named after the first two letters of the local Ainu name, Maika. Of course, the sea here also did not freeze over in winter, meaning it was a place where a floating port could be built and utilized.

After going north for a while from Nani Cape, we finally reached our first destination, the mouth of the Heilongjiang River.

The Bukcheong and Pungsan entered the great Heilongjiang River estuary and continued to sail up the river. Because the Heilongjiang River estuary is so wide, it was a section close to the bay rather than the lower reaches of the river.

“We arrived at Taepho.”

The place was Nikolaevsk-on-Amur in the future Russia, where troops from the 2nd Army Division were on duty guarding the trading post.

When the Bukcheong and Pungsan ships arrived, the company troops stationed here were jumping for joy. These ships brought not only supplies and letters, but also new soldiers. Of course, the number of new recruits was the same as the number of discharged soldiers, so they were scheduled to board these ships and return.

“I really like it.”

“I would do the same. What would I do in this wilderness?”

“Why are there so many things to do? Hunting and fishing whenever I have time. That’s what I heard when I interviewed the soldiers who were discharged last time.”

“In winter?”

“Well, that’s a bit like that. Hehe! Everyone said it was like living in a prison cell. They had to stockpile supplies as much as possible so they wouldn’t have to send a supply team in the winter, so they had to live completely isolated from the outside world. Oh, but they also said that the Piyaka people would visit them from time to time, so it was less boring.”

The Piyakkha (Nivkh) people were an ethnic group living mainly in the lower reaches of the Heilongjiang River and the northern Sakhalin region.

“I heard that too. They seem to be on very good terms.”

“That’s what they said. They come here even in the winter and trade the meat they hunt for our military provisions. Of course, when merchant ships start coming and going, they bring furs to the trading post.”

After taking a quick look at the approaching Taepo Port, Hamgyeol raised his head and turned his gaze to the mountainous area north of the port.

“By the way, I’m looking forward to the next voyage. Isn’t that going to a place I’ve never been to before?”

“I know.”

Their next destination was the Uda River estuary, located at the northeastern end of Balhae’s newly established border. It was the place where the Solon Mountains and the Sea of ​​Okhotsk met, the future Russian ‘Chumikan.’ The ships of the 21st Squadron were scheduled to head to Chumikan with army troops in two weeks.

The army troops were expected to carry out tasks such as scouting out potential border strongholds and establishing garrisons there.

* * *

The next day, the Joseon delegation entered Geonheung Palace, met with Taegeon and paid their respects, then left the palace and headed to the government complex, Uijeongbu Office.

Jeong In-hong smiled brightly when he saw Lee Ha-ryun waiting at the entrance of the building.

“You didn’t drink too much last night, did you?”

“It’s okay. Did you take a look around the palace?”

“No. I just met with the King and came out. In fact, I wanted to look around, but I was more curious about this Phoenix Square.”

“Haha! Then take a look around to your heart’s content.”

What caught the attention of the Joseon envoys was not the huge government complex building or the wide plaza, but the clock tower. They spent a long time looking at the clock tower and learning about its working principles. They also walked slowly around the plaza as if they were taking a stroll.

“Now, let’s go in and have a discussion.”

Lee Ha-ryun guided them to the council meeting room.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the atmosphere changed as the meeting began. Lee Ha-ryun displayed a very cold attitude, and the Joseon envoys looked gloomy.

“Since Joseon will become a territory of Balhae, wouldn’t it be okay if you at least recognize the southern part of Chungcheong Province and the northern part of Jeolla Province as Joseon territory?”

Kijaheon earnestly requested.

First of all, Joseon’s submission to Balhae was a prerequisite for the negotiations. In the negotiations, Joseon wanted the area currently occupied by the Joseon government to be recognized as its territory.

“Then, does that mean that it is a place beyond the reach of Balhae’s rule?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

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“Then what kind of noble thing is that?”

“If you don’t have permission from your country to interact with other countries, isn’t that no different from being a traitor?”

“Can you really interact with other countries while maintaining that much territory? The very idea of ​​diplomatic rights is meaningless. Do you think I would accept it if you offered it to me as a gift? Also, there are people who are steeped in servility, and you don’t know what they might do by colluding with the Ming, so you want me to treat you like an independent country?”

“So, after receiving permission to return to your country…….”

“As time goes by, thoughts tend to change.”

Lee Ha-ryun’s expression hardened even more. His speech also became more intense.

“If that’s the proposal, then let’s just maintain the status quo. In that case, there’s no need to hold a meeting like this. Isn’t Joseon the kind of country that would just watch without having to move its military? Also, since all of its people would want to become part of Balhae, the people will rise up soon.”

“Eeeee…….”

Lee Yi-cheom clenched his teeth. Lee Ha-ryun’s words stabbed his lungs.

“Then is there really no way to preserve Joseon? If we cannot protect the royal shrine and the royal family, will Your Majesty accept the results of this meeting?”

Kijaheon spoke again, pleading.

“Just give up your foolishness. As you know, Balhae is a country that respects private property. It even recognizes the land that the hyangban acquired through unfair means. Because there is a larger and better land in the north, we can provide that land to the victims. In addition, it also matches our population dispersion policy.”

“What that means is…….”

“This means that the property of Joseon officials will not be confiscated but will be recognized as is. Therefore, naturally, all lands owned by the Joseon royal family and the assets of the Naesusa will be returned to the Joseon royal family.”

It was something that the Joseon vassals who remained in the princess’s temporary residence would have been delighted to hear. However, it was difficult to accept the fact that Joseon’s lifeline was being cut off and that it was ultimately heading towards ruin.

“Your Majesty, as you said, Balhae’s territory is infinitely large, isn’t it? So please preserve even a small piece of land so that we can continue the lineage of Joseon.”

Jeong In-hong, who had been just watching, also said something.

Lee Ha-ryun pretended to think for a moment, then presented the negotiation proposal he had prepared.

“You want to preserve the ancestral shrine? That’s important, right?”

“Of course.”

“Then there is only one way. I will recognize the area inside the Hanyang capital as an autonomous territory of Joseon, a vassal state of Balhae. Of course, I will guarantee the succession of the throne, and I can also give the right to appoint officials to the Joseon royal family.”

When Lee Ha-ryun proposed a somewhat retreating plan, the faces of the messengers brightened. So they appealed to Injeong again to get more.

“Doesn’t the Prime Minister know how narrow the area inside the capital city is? Even if it is a vassal territory, can it be called an autonomous territory of the King of Joseon with that much? Therefore, please acknowledge the 10-ri area of ​​the castle as is customary.”

Seongjeo 10-ri refers to the area within a 4km radius surrounding the capital city of Hanyang. The area within the capital city and this belt-shaped land were collectively called Hanseongbu. In other words, the intention was to make the existing Hanseongbu area an autonomous territory of Joseon.

“I think I will need to get Giha’s permission on this matter. In any case, I will report the Left State Councillor’s opinion to Giha and receive an answer.”

“Oh, thank you.”

“However, please keep in mind that Joseon can never become an independent nation. In other words, it has no diplomatic rights and must abide by the Balhae Constitution. Also, regarding the property of the Joseon royal family and officials scattered outside the autonomous territory, their ownership is recognized, but taxes must be paid to Balhae. If such restrictions are not imposed, the land there will also be considered part of Joseon’s autonomous territory.”

When the topic of the Balhae constitution came up, the expressions of the ministers became very dark. However, they could not come out and oppose it. Joseon was now clearly nothing more than an autonomous territory of Balhae.

* * *

Lee Ha-ryun went to see Tae-geon and his wife late at night with the results of the meeting.

Tae-geon nodded after hearing Lee Ha-ryun’s explanation.

“The meeting went well.”

“Is that okay? Even if I acknowledge up to 10 ri of Seongjeo?”

“It doesn’t matter. What do you think, Your Majesty?”

“I agree. Even if the throne is inherited, it doesn’t matter if it’s an autonomous territory. Moreover, Balhae is an empire. Since there may be more vassal states or autonomous territory in the future, wouldn’t it be okay to at least keep the Joseon royal family alive?”

“That’s right. The original purpose of this plan was to preserve Hanyang’s cultural heritage. Provide financial support so that palaces like Gyeongbokgung can be renovated, and various ceremonies and unique cultures can be preserved. I want the entire city of Hanyang to be passed down to the future as a museum. Of course, development should be minimized. That’s why I proposed maintaining the Joseon royal family.”

This idea was actually agreed upon by these three from the beginning.

“Brother. But you know that you must definitely follow the accompanying rituals, right?”

Lee Ha-ryun spoke to Tae-geon in a strong tone.

“Of course it should be like that.”

The ceremony they were talking about was for the King of Joseon to personally visit Taegeon and express his intention to surrender, and as the king of an autonomous territory, to pay proper respects to the Taewang of the suzerain state. Balhae had already been granting the title of king, as befitting a country that declared itself an empire. First, his younger brother Taewon became Prince Gyeongchin, and Lee Ha-ryun was also scheduled to receive the title of King Gyeonghye.

“And I’ll postpone my visit to Hanyang for a long time. Do you understand?”

Lee Ha-ryun placed another order.

“Okay, I got it.”

“Brother, you must keep that in mind. Do not go to Hanyang or the southern part of the Korean Peninsula until security is stabilized.”

Hong also spoke in an earnest tone. It was because the security in southern Joseon was not good. It was not only bandits, but also people from noble families who were blindly loyal to Joseon and obsessed with servility could have caused trouble.

With Taegeon accepting the results of the negotiations, the fate of Joseon was decided. Now, the independent nation of Joseon would disappear into the back alleys of history, leaving behind only a small autonomous territory.

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