Joseon Needs a Coup - Chapter 134



Only Noblemtl

#134. Settlement (1)

The judgment against the Qing was extremely harsh. It was extremely miserable to dare to join hands with pagan fanatics and fight against the great powers without even knowing the subject.

Whenever he had a chance, Marshal Baldur would send expeditions to the outskirts of Beijing and even beyond Shanhaiguan to suppress the remaining Boxers, carrying out massacres and looting under the pretense of suppression.

Li Hongzhang, newly appointed Minister of the North Sea, protested such actions, but to no avail.

The bottom line was to pay a fair price.

After a month of boring, but certainly interesting, exchanges, the great powers signed a treaty.

Russia was already on the verge of taking over almost all of Manchuria. Before September, the Qing army, whose strength in Manchuria was cut in half, was unable to defend any place.

Immediately after the fall of Beijing, a Russian army of 100,000 men advanced south from Harbin, capturing Xianyang before September and putting pressure on the Qing.

Japan, surprised by this Russian action, attempted to expand its occupied territory by sending troops to Fujian in response, but failed due to strong opposition from Germany and France. Instead, Britain and Russia reached a sort of agreement regarding the Gyeongbong Railway, which prevented further southward expansion.

As each country continued to take such risky actions and adventures, it was eventually agreed that negotiations with Qing had to proceed quickly.

The receipt given to Qing was truly harsh. No, harsh is not enough. It would be more appropriate to say that the purpose was the destruction of the Qing Empire.

“Brother, what song are you playing?”

“Just a requiem for the collapsing Qing Empire.”

I played a melody I could barely remember on my harmonica in a government office originally used by a Qing official, where no one was present.

It was the OST of The Last Emperor that I had heard before. It would have been a more perfect melody if I had played the violin, but unfortunately, I can’t play the violin.

On the land that will become the ruins of the Qing Dynasty, it could be said to be a cultural entertainment that only the people of the future can fully enjoy.

As always, the words of a great empire were a lonely one.

“Inspiration, did you have a good meeting today?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. This is a total mess.”

Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Kim Ga-jin shook his head. The conference room where the ambassadors from each country gathered seemed to be no different from a battle of wits.

It was good that they came together under the pretext of fighting the ‘evil’ known as the Boxer Rebellion, but the resentment that had been buried for so long began to surface again as a result of the aftermath.

“The biggest problem is handling the compensation.”

The Qing Dynasty had to pay a total of 1 billion taels, including 450 million taels in capital, to 12 countries, including the nine countries that participated in the war and the three countries that actually suffered damage, over 40 years until 1940.

That too, including an interest rate of 4% per annum.

Holding customs duties and taxes from the Hubu Office as collateral until the indemnity was fully paid was tantamount to destroying the last shreds of pride the Qing had.

For reference, 20% of this went to Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

“Britain and Japan want to pay as little reparations as possible, while Russia and France want to pay as much as possible. This is where the conflict of opinions gets worse, so this is it.”

In fact, the issue of dividends was so difficult because the opinions of each country were so different. There was no disagreement about demanding compensation from the Qing, but everyone had different opinions on how much, how, and in what manner it should be paid.

While Russia, France and Germany were keen to squeeze out as much cash as possible to invest in the Trans-Siberian Railway and their own fleets, Britain, Japan and the United States had different views.

They were concerned that if too much compensation was paid, the purchasing power of the Qing would decline and the market itself would die.

“Actually, this is something we just say among ourselves, but I don’t think there’s any need to tear it down more than necessary.”

“Wouldn’t it be better if we could collect more compensation?”

“What good is there in tearing too much apart? As the old saying goes, when chasing a thief, you should look for a corner where he can run away and chase him.”

We were allocated about 30 million nyang of compensation. This amounted to 7% of the total compensation. It was a compensation allocation similar to that of the United States and Japan, and a larger amount than Italy. The reason we were able to receive such a large amount of compensation by sending only one regiment was because of our considerable achievements in the conquest of Tianjin and the conquest of Beijing. We also had the benefit of the consideration given to us to receive various supplies from the nearby Korean Empire.

Japan and Britain argued that the dividend we received was excessive compared to the scale of the troops dispatched, and instead of the existing 30 million nyang, we should provide 10 million nyang. This was understandable. In a situation where Japan received 34 million nyang and Britain received 50 million nyang, 30 million nyang was a considerable amount for us.

Instead of reducing the total amount of compensation, they offered us the right to station troops in Qing and various business interests, but Kim Ga-jin refused. The interests they offered had no practical benefits at all.

Who would believe that China, a market dominated by Japan and Britain, would be willing to allow our companies to enter and do business there?

In the end, our delegation stubbornly refused, and thanks to the strong support of Russia and France, we were able to keep the pie.

“But the compensation is too excessive. The amount we have been allocated for 40 years is 30 million nyang. If we roughly calculate it, it comes to 750,000 nyang paid every year. If we convert the total compensation into our currency, it is roughly 60 million won…”

“That’s six times our annual budget. If we’re not careful, it could spell disaster for our finances.”

“That’s right. Prince Eo Yoon-joong’s hair will turn even whiter.”

···Well, compared to 1895, it’s a happy worry. Back then, we didn’t really have a budget, so we desperately registered everything we could get our hands on as property. We survived by selling everything from chestnuts to weapons that were almost ready to be destroyed as scrap metal. Compared to those days, things have improved tremendously now.

“They say that even the 2 million nyang of silver seized in Tianjin caused chaos.”

“Huh? Two million nyang?”

“What’s the problem?”

“···no.”

[Special cargo delivery from Tianjin to Shanghai]

I had a hunch, but only then did the meaning of the telegram the old man had sent become clear.

Someone had stolen a million nyang. I was furious inside, but there was nothing I could do about it in Beijing.

Later, I should come up with a plan to make it into a card that I can use after I return home.

“···Well, let’s leave it at that. This is a problem that the bureaucrats in charge of the economy should solve, not us. I’m the one who deals with them through diplomacy, and you’re the one who deals with them through weapons, right?”

“I think things will be quite complicated.”

“I’ll think about it later, then I guess we should go somewhere together.”

“Where?”

“I’ve decided to meet with the Minister of the North. There’s a lot to talk about, including diplomatic relations and border issues. I’d like you to help me out.”

Then he showed me a telegram from his home country, which was a kind of diplomatic guide.

It was written down in detail what the home country wanted, and what exactly the Special Minister Plenipotentiary Kim Ga-jin and I, as the commander of the expeditionary force, had to achieve.

It was something that combined the will of the Marshal, the outside world, and the Emperor. The Emperor’s demands were quite harsh, and were enough to cause unnecessary harm to the Qing.

“A visit by a delegation of apology from a person of royal rank···.”

“This is too much. It may be enough to put pressure on them, but as a formal request···.”

There was a time when Prussia, victorious in the Franco-Prussian War, tried to hold a parade in Paris under the pretext of teabagging, but Bismarck stopped them.

This is because I was worried that I would provoke the other person more than necessary and the relationship would become irreversible.

Emperor Gojong’s request to send this apology mission was a matter close to teabagging.

“But the atmosphere in the country is still tense. We escaped to the embassy area in time and survived, but dozens of Koreans were killed by them. We must definitely receive compensation for that.”

It is true that the sacrifices of Koreans who advanced into Beijing and Tianjin during the Boxer Rebellion were considerable.

Because exactly 80 people were killed and 200 were injured or went missing. But sending an apology delegation, and one of the prince’s caliber at that, was a completely different matter.

However, it was clear that forcing the Qing imperial family to send a prince to apologize would be a huge blow to their pride.

Moreover, it was a very different position from that of Germany, where its ambassador was murdered, or Japan, where its secretary was shot to death.

Nevertheless, the emperor specifically ordered that a person of princely rank be sent as the head of the apology delegation. It occurred to me that he had in mind Prince Dan, the main culprit of the Boxer Rebellion.

“It would be difficult to send a prince-level delegation to apologize. If we’re not careful, we might end up stirring up a hornet’s nest.”

“Well, I think so too. But if we show that we’ve made some effort, His Majesty will be less upset.”

At the same time, I saw other conditions. It was full of contents such as recognition of the area currently occupied by our military, recognition of our right to send troops to defend the railway since we invested in Russia’s Eastern Railway, and demands for an unequal treaty in the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and China.

To be honest, if I were Li Hongzhang, I would have thought that the country would have really fallen apart.

“Then shall we start going?”

I nodded. It would be fun to see what I could force on them, but I also wanted to see their expressions as they were humiliated by Joseon, their former vassal state.

Dressed in stately attire, Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Kim Ga-jin and I, escorted by cavalry and assault infantry battalions, headed toward the Chonglia Gate, where we encountered Li Hongzhang, the last pillar of the Qing Dynasty.

***

“Thank you for your hard work on coming such a long way.”

“May your country and you be blessed with endless glory.”

After a brief and heartless greeting, negotiations with Li Hongzhang began in earnest. As expected, his expression was extremely stiff.

Five years after their defeat by Japan, whom they considered inferior, they now seemed to have difficulty accepting the fact that Joseon, which had been their vassal state, was sending troops to the capital under the false pretense of being an empire.

“His Majesty the Emperor is very angry about this situation. If your country does not respond appropriately, I am afraid that this very unfortunate time will continue.”

From the beginning, Kim Ga-jin came out strong. Now, it was our side that was taking the initiative.

“Unhappy hour? Are you threatening us?”

“Do not forget that there is a large army of 50,000 troops stationed on the Han-Manchu border, and 4,000 troops stationed in your capital. Even now, large and small skirmishes continue on the border, but thanks to the will of His merciful Emperor, an all-out war has been avoided.”

It wasn’t true. It was close to losing the ability to advance. The army in the West Gando area commanded by Lieutenant General Lee Gyu-tae seemed to be deliberately not advancing, but the North Gando area commanded by Lieutenant General Lee Geun-taek was in fact a mess.

But Li Hongzhang could not have known that. All he could see was the 54,000 troops of the Korean Empire stationed at the border and the capital, putting great pressure on them. Those who are being oppressed can only see a narrow field of vision.

“Britain and Japan won’t just sit by and watch that happen.”

Li Hongzhang will do whatever it takes to reduce what he can give to his former vassal states.

“Oh, of course. But Britain is concentrating its efforts on South Africa. Do you think Japan alone can deal with the Russian Empire, Your Majesty the North Sea?”

I threw a word to Li Hongzhang who was talking about Britain. The message was that they would not be able to help you.

Already in the late 19th century, Britain was reaching its limits. Her enemies were growing, and she was not strong enough. Her glorious isolation was becoming a thing of the past.

“But you officially declared war on us. Don’t you remember sending a declaration of war to the Qing?”

“Before that, your country declared war on all the great powers. Now we are negotiating to end the war. And let’s do this right away. The military operation we carried out was not an act of war, but a special military operation carried out when the diplomatic mission was attacked and the Korean villages along the border were not protected by the Qing. It is far from an act of war.”

Kim Ga-jin put a lot of pressure on Li Hongzhang. Moreover, since he gave them the excuse that it was a special military operation to maintain public order and protect important figures, rather than a war, they had no room to hang on.

“Didn’t we already agree to receive 30 million nyang in compensation? Isn’t that enough?”

“You have a long tongue for someone who has so valiantly started a war against all nations. Minister of the North Sea, this is not the Joseon you were shaking and shaking 20 years ago. You should start to face reality.”

“What?”

“His Majesty the Emperor has personally instructed us to dispatch a delegation to your country headed by a prince-level official.”

Furthermore, he was angry at them for showing them the traditional example of the three-legged scorpion. He didn’t really intend to go that far, but it was more than enough to pressure them. Not since the humiliation of Samjeondo have he looked down on them with such arrogance and pride.

The home country must be abuzz with excitement right now.

“We have had over 300 civilian casualties in the past two months, and about 200 casualties during the expedition. He strongly urged us to make an official apology to them in our home country.”

I threw out a bluff. It was a proposal they could never accept, and of course, as soon as Li Hongzhang heard the interpreter’s words, he spoke to me in an angry voice.

“This is a clear outrage! Send the prince!”

“We will decide whether it is an act of violence or not. And I am sure the Lord of the North Sea does not know. Our army has refrained from pillaging, has disobeyed the punitive order of Marshal Balderzee, and has tried to prevent indiscriminate massacre. We are currently doing everything we can to maintain order.”

“······.”

“We are the only ones who can communicate. We also have no intention of pressuring you to return to your country more than necessary.”

Li Hongzhang, who had been exploding with helpless anger, stood up abruptly and then sat down quietly at my words.

It was true. We were the ones who behaved most politely with the American troops. Well, the Boxers and the Qing army may have killed many, but it was true that they had at least a modicum of conscience outside of combat.

In addition, when the Forbidden City and the Yuanmingyuan were plundered, some of the supplies were moved to the barracks to protect them as much as possible.

I had intended to use it in negotiations later, but thanks to it, I ended up on the verge of a fight with the Japanese military.

However, the Balderdashian intervened and tried to cover it up by dividing the loot fairly in a 6 to 4 ratio.

“Yes, I cannot deny it. Your army has behaved somewhat in a gentlemanly manner. However, we can never tolerate an apology delegation led by the prince. Think about it, this is a matter of national pride. Until just five or six years ago, the Qing royal family, officials, and people considered you to be our vassal state. To demand this from you is the same as asking you to commit suicide.”

“How about thinking of it as the price Daecheong paid for threatening us all this time?”

“Have you forgotten that we also gave you a lot?”

“If what you took is greater than what you gave, it is difficult to say that you gave it away. Beiyang Minister, the current situation is completely different from what you said five or six years ago. Our army is on your territory, closest to the Forbidden City, and our cavalry and infantry are now outside the General Liamen Hall.”

I stepped forward to understand the situation. Separately from that, I understood to some extent the fear that Li Hongzhang harbored.

If Joseon, the last remaining region of Qing hegemony, were to be allowed to pretend to be an empire and act like a victorious nation, it would surely be a shock greater than the defeat by Japan that would sweep through the Qing government and society.

“Well, aside from that, I have a similar stance to the Beiyang Minister regarding the dispatch of the delegation. Our Emperor was so filled with rage that he went a bit too far.”

Applying strong pressure and then offering candy. This was the most common method used in pressuring and enticing.

He must have been mentally exhausted from the pressure he had already received from the diplomats of the great powers, but his face briefly brightened at my words.

“However, we cannot just return empty-handed. We also need something to appease His Majesty the Emperor’s wrath…”

“So, what do you want from us?”

“It’s simple. Since the compensation will be more than enough anyway, let’s put aside the financial issue.”

Then he brought up the real issues.

The issue of establishing diplomatic relations between Korea and Qing and the border issue, which had been a source of conflict between the two sides since 1895.

There had to be absolute certainty about these two things.

In fact, this was the main dish and the most decisive reason why the Cabinet and the Marshal’s Office decided to send troops.

“First, let’s talk about the problem of Korean villages along the border.”