Joseon Needs a Coup - Chapter 135



Only Noblemtl

#135. Settlement (2)

“This is the greatest celebration since the founding of the Empire!”

“I am truly grateful, Your Majesty!”

The cabinet was in a frenzy of excitement. Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Kim Ga-jin, who was in Beijing for talks, sent a very encouraging telegram.

He succeeded in securing the rights including 30 million nyang in compensation.

Because of this, the entire Hanseongbu was turned upside down.

The media outlets, without exception, published sensational articles about the unprecedented success, and there were even rumors that Seo Jae-pil, the president of the Independent Newspaper, had fainted for a moment.

If they could just get a few million nyang in compensation, it would be considered a success, but this was an unexpected achievement.

Paying in installments over 40 years would amount to 30 million nyang, so it wouldn’t be a huge sum coming in all at once, but roughly calculated, it would come to 750,000 nyang per year, so just thinking about it made my mouth water.

For the first time in a long time, Gojong was able to reflect on how dependable his subjects were.

“Give special rewards to the soldiers who have worked hard.”

“Your kindness is truly infinite!”

Emperor Gojong, feeling elated, ordered his soldiers to receive bonuses. They deserved it and more.

Although there were about 3,000 casualties during the battles in the northwest and northeast, it was a good thing. In the course of the war, such a number of casualties were a tolerable investment cost to some extent.

From now on, I’ll have to think carefully about what to do with this money.

“Your Majesty, we have discussed how to manage the expanded territory.”

Cho Byeong-sik, who was newly appointed to replace Lee Wan-yong, the Minister of the Interior who recently left his post as the Jeolla-do governor, recited the poem respectfully.

“Okay, go ahead.”

“The newly acquired territory is called Gando, and its population and territory are so large that it is difficult for the governors of Pyeongan and Hamgyeong to manage them all. Because of the rivers called Amnok and Duman, the movement of goods and officials is difficult, and it is also a difficult area to collect taxes.”

The natural borders of the Amnok and Duman rivers were still difficult to overcome, as the expeditionary force had suffered greatly because of those rivers.

I already knew about it after receiving reports. Lee Gyu-tae’s northwestern army, which had prepared thoroughly, did not experience any major difficulties, but Lee Geun-taek’s northeastern army, which had crossed the river too hastily, suffered great losses.

“But isn’t that also our territory?”

“Yes, that’s right. However, since the climate and the foundation are completely different for dispatching an inspector, I request that you first dispatch an administrator to control administration, public security, and the judiciary. Also, since collecting taxes and sending them to the central government is difficult right now, please refer to the old system of peace and taxation in Hamgyeong Province…”

“I understand what you are saying. Then, have you discussed who to send there?”

Then, this time, instead of the Ministry of Finance, Eo Yun-jung stepped forward. As he had once been the Northwest Strategy Commander and had participated in negotiations to establish the border with the Qing, he had some basic knowledge of the region. And there were also people who were just right for the job.

“Your Majesty, please dispatch Seo Sang-mu and Lee Beom-yun to the West and North Gando respectively. They will be able to rally the scattered popular sentiments there and protect themselves from the raids of the Qing guerrillas.”

“Good. Let that happen. Also, establish border guard offices in Hoeryong and Uiju to assist their work.”

“Your kindness is truly infinite.”

Is this what it feels like to go to war?

Gojong tried to calm his excited mind and thought about the newly annexed territories.

He thought that this would be an even greater achievement than the development of the four armies and six garrisons established by King Sejong. He smiled even more at the thought that perhaps he would be recorded in history as an even greater monarch.

At the same time, I now clearly understand why Japan began to gain success after the Sino-Japanese War.

If they could just win the war, they could monopolize everything.

He raised his hand and looked at the ministers and lower-ranking officials below him who were cheering for him three times.

Now, it seemed that no one would question or challenge his authority.

Because all those who could do that were out of the country.

If they come back… I don’t know yet.

Still, they were loyal and useful. It would be interesting to see what to do with them going forward.

No matter how loyal he was, he could not completely trust those who held powerful military power by his side.

At least, that’s what the subjects he saw were like.

Especially the spirit of the young soldier Kim Si-hyeok… there were times when I couldn’t help but feel goosebumps.

Up until now, most people had listened to his words politely, and had even declared themselves to be the emperor’s subjects, showing their loyalty.

However, it remained to be seen how he would change after gaining nationwide popularity through this expedition.

Perhaps, it was time for him to start doing what he had been doing best with the Marshal’s Office as well.

Division and checks were the only strategies to suppress those in power.

Gojong thought for a moment. Who should he choose as his opponent? Perhaps the answer was closest.

***

The marathon talks lasted for nearly 12 hours. The war of nerves and words between Li Hongzhang, who tried to protect his rights as much as possible, and our side, who tried to take as much as possible from them, continued fiercely. However, they could not turn the tide.

No, I would say it is a settlement for what we have directly oppressed for the past several decades. The settlement we brought upon the Qing Dynasty, who had been intoxicated by the opium of past glory and had slumped helplessly, once again awakened them to the reality of modern times.

They had no choice but to accept our terms. Just as the Treaty of Shimonoseki had brought down the traditional Chinese empire, this treaty would bring down their worldview.

By taking over the administrative, judicial, and police powers over the Korean villages along the Korea-Manchuria border, it was only the beginning that they were able to obtain the basis for territorializing West Gando and North Gando.

Immediately after, a hors d’oeuvre was also imposed, containing sensitive content such as the establishment of a consulate in Beijing, the stationing of guards, and the dispatch of a line-laying unit and gendarmerie to defend communication lines.

They had to swallow, reluctantly, one by one, the splendid course meal prepared by their former vassal state.

“Well, that’s fortunate that things have been sorted out to some extent. Even though there were some differences of opinion.”

Kim Ga-jin smiled and took out the last remaining document.

In fact, I thought that rather than saying that there was a big difference in opinions, it would be more correct to say that there was a big difference in power. To that extent, the direction of the talks continued to lean heavily in our favor.

Now all that remained was for both sides to stamp their seals on the treaty.

“···Do you really have to do that?”

“If we just pressure you, it won’t look good. Alright. We will return the imperial properties you seized from Ihwawon and the Forbidden City.”

“Are you really going to return the imperial property?”

“Yes. Let’s just say that it was for the sake of friendship between the two countries right before the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and China.”

Kim Ga-jin asked me next to him if I could do that as I pleased, but I shook my head.

“I don’t want to commit a sin against future generations.”

The stigma of ‘filling our storage with looted cultural assets’, like the British Museum, will be passed on to future generations.

“What does that mean for now?”

“Well, filling our warehouse with their cultural assets doesn’t mean they will become completely ours. Besides, it would be a headache to take away things that aren’t even compensation. It would be better to show goodwill and return them, and have them sign a definite agreement.”

One day, nationalism would emerge in these countries as well, and when that happened, it was obvious where the arrow would turn.

It was also the reason why he did not want to provoke him unnecessarily. In any case, when he said that he would return some of the imperial property, Li Hongzhang’s expression softened a little.

“I must thank you for your decision on that matter.”

“Instead, if you send an envoy to the palace and send an apology, we will be saved.”

Since the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Xu Shu-bung, had been exiled since the outbreak of the war, it was a natural matter to open a diplomatic mission through him. Well, it might be humiliating to think that the first task of the first Qing ambassador to Korea was to submit an apology to the Korean emperor.

“···Okay, I understand.”

“Then let’s sign now.”

An artist painting a documentary painting next to him was working hard on his brush, and at the table in the large royal palace, the ministers from both sides began signing the nine-article Korea-Qing Treaty of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations.

Officials from each country read the articles of the treaty in their own languages, and Li Hongzhang and Kim Jiajin acknowledged them one by one, stating that they were correct.

“···Article 9. The existing treaties between Korea and Qing are automatically abolished by this treaty. The new trade treaties between the two countries will take as their model the treaties between Qing and Western powers. This concludes the reading of the treaty.”

I was standing next to them, arms crossed, holding a sword and a revolver, looking down at them.

It was also a moment when one empire rose and another empire fell. This was how we entered the international community.

“I hope that in the future, there will be no more unpleasant incidents like this, and that the friendship between Korea and China will continue.”

Kim Ga-jin handed over the original treaty to his subordinates and told them to immediately make copies and send them to the home country. He then smiled at Li Hongzhang and offered him a Western-style handshake.

Li Hongzhang shook hands with a stern expression and said:

“Please, no more wars.”

Kim Ga-jin smiled without answering.

I could tell what that smile meant.

This was just the beginning. During the talks, the part related to territorial concessions was deliberately avoided to establish a border, foreshadowing the kind of mischief that could be waged in the future.

“I have truly gained a lot.”

“I would really like it in my home country.”

In one fell swoop, Japan received 10 percent of the total sum it had gained in the war with China, with relatively few casualties.

There was also a cession of territory along the border that could not be converted into money, and the right to station troops in the Beijing and Tianjin areas, so there could be no greater feat than this.

“Shouldn’t we start preparing to withdraw soon?”

“Of course. It’s been too long. Every day here is a battle, so I should prepare to go back.”

Now it was time to slowly prepare to withdraw the troops.

The four-month expedition from June to October resulted in the consumption of enormous supplies and war expenses. Now that we have achieved our goals, it is time to slowly withdraw.

“Be careful when you go back.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Your specialty is already great. Unlike the other commanders who died in the Gando area, yours is too flashy, which is a problem.”

So, it probably meant to be wary of checks and balances from the center. The emperor was afraid of his army, especially those who held military power, and the ministers were even more wary because the army, which had staged several coups and rebellions, would not be allowed to do so again.

“Since the year of Gap-o last year, I have never doubted your loyalty, but politics doesn’t care about that. To be precise, it doesn’t think about what’s in a person’s mind.”

“That sounds scary.”

“Be careful about every action you take. Not just you, but your subordinates, your friends, and even your acquaintances. To them, you are a target for caution, and perhaps even someone who should disappear.”

“But isn’t it up to Your Majesty’s will?”

“Think back to what happened before you staged the coup last year. How Park Yeong-hyo and Jo Hee-yeon were eliminated. His Majesty would be able to do that and still have more.”

“······.”

Well, he is still a sinister gentleman. I left him alone because he was the guardian of my power, but if someone powerful enough to threaten my authority appeared, it was obvious that I would do anything to get rid of him.

“Then I guess I’ll have to stay away from the center for a while.”

“That’s a good idea. I’m also planning to go out to work as a state employee.”

“What do you think will happen in the city?”

To my words, he simply smiled without answering. I could guess what that smile meant.

***

“Brigadier General, the 3rd Battalion of the 6th Brigade was attacked again today.”

“They are resisting us by linking up with the bandits.”

“You’re saying that even though you burned down a few villages as an example?”

Lee Geun-taek headed to the map next to his staff members who had worried expressions. He built forward bases, devised a defense strategy centered around them, and destroyed all the villages that resisted. They didn’t care if they were Han or Manchurian. They defined anyone who resisted them as an enemy, and accepted those who obeyed.

But these fools did not obey. The more they were trampled, the more they rebelled.

“Even though the Qing has practically surrendered, they are not disarming but rather continuing to resist. We need to show them a lesson.”

“Yes, Brigadier General. This is too much. The Korean trainees we recruited are also exhausted.”

If there is a reason why we cannot advance any further in the Hunchun area, it must be because of the indecisive staff officers and commanders, and the Korean cadets who promised to cooperate but were hesitant.

Lee Geun-taek, with an irritated expression, said that they had to set an example right away and even ordered them to cut off the heads of several bandits that had been captured as prisoners.

As time passed, he became more and more vicious.

Whether they knew it or not, the central government did not take any special measures, and there were also signs of unsettling movements in Bukcheong.

There were rumors that the residents of Bukcheong, tired of the conscription of soldiers and laborers, were preparing for a rebellion.

“That’s about it, Brigadier General.”

Meanwhile, someone entered the barracks that was being used as a command center.

Everyone was surprised to see that face.

This is because Lieutenant Jang Gi-ryeom, who had been expelled to Hamheung a few months ago due to a feud with Lee Geun-taek, came back this time wearing the rank of lieutenant and accompanied by someone.

“Lord Jang Gi-ryeong.”

“Now, I am the commander, below the brigade commander. And the person next to me is Lee Beom-yun, who was recently appointed as the governor of Bukgando. And I am here as the adjutant of the governor of Bukgando.”

“Nice to meet you, Brigade Commander. I am Lee Beom-yun, officially appointed by His Majesty as the administrative and inspector general of Bukgando. From now on, I will be in charge of all administrative, judicial, public security, and military operations in this region.”

He looked at Lee Geun-taek while wearing the uniform of an army general. Surprised, Lee Geun-taek quickly corrected his posture, but Lee Beom-yoon’s subsequent remark embarrassed him.

“Is it true that the brigade commander made a mistake in the riot in Bukcheong?”

“That, that is···.”

“Yes, it is true. Not only in Bukcheong, but also in Seongjin, Gyeongheung, Hamheung, and other places, there were complaints about excessive conscription of manpower and materials. Also, the Hamgyeongbuk-do governor pointed out that the villages in the Hunchun area were treated cruelly, resulting in significant losses.”

He read the documents that Jang Gi-ryeom had brought from the side, one by one. The governors of both South and North Hamgyong Provinces had protested, but Lee Geun-taek had ignored them, but it seemed that they had gritted their teeth and reported to the central government.

“Chief Lee Geun-taek, you must return to Hansung immediately. You are now in charge of this region.”

“But there is still war-”

“The war is already over? You brought this war upon yourself. Furthermore, in the West Gando region, Lieutenant General Lee Gyu-tae has already returned to Hansung after taking over his duties with General Seo Sang-mu. The right and wrong of this expedition will be judged by the Chief of the Inspection Bureau of the Marshal’s Office, Min Yeong-hwan, and the Chief of the Investigation Bureau, Jo Dong-yoon, so quietly lead your troops back.”

His face turned pale. It was scary enough just to be investigated by the Inspector General, but now the Inspector General is following him too.

He knew that the situation was serious and tried to complain to the governor of Bukgando, Lee Beom-yun, but he was cold-hearted.

“My mission is to stabilize this region and solidify it as part of Korean territory. It is not my job to judge your actions. Other than reporting to the Marshal’s Office about your evaluation of the operation you carried out.”

“Oh, Manager Inspiration. The director asked me to do this, so please do it nicely…”

“Get out of here. I’m already running out of patience with all the problems you’ve caused.”

After Lee Beom-yoon almost forcibly kicked out Lee Geun-taek, who had been whining, he began to sort out the unfolding situations one by one.

He was ready to do anything to make this place a true Korean territory.

But before that, the urgent tasks that Lee Geun-taek had started had to be taken care of.

This is the full text of the Han-Qing peace treaty that was not mentioned in the work. I’m uploading it for those who are curious. Thank you for watching with interest today.

[Korea-Qing Peace Treaty (Beijing Treaty)]

Article 1. The Qing reaffirms that the Korean Empire is a completely independent and self-reliant nation. The Korean Empire also confirms that the Qing is an independent and self-reliant nation.

Article 2. The Qing Dynasty transfers sovereignty over the lands listed below and the possessions of castles, government offices, etc. in the relevant regions to the Korean Empire.

1. The entire Korean residential area along the Amnok/Duman River.

2. Honchun and its affiliated areas.

Article 3. The Qing Dynasty promises to pay the Korean Empire 30 million nyang of pure silver as military compensation for the expenses incurred due to the Boxer Rebellion. Three million nyang shall be paid within six months after the ratification and exchange, and the remaining balance shall be paid in installments over a period of 40 years. The interest rate on the unpaid portion shall be set at 4% per annum.

Article 4. The Koreans who were harmed will be buried with a generous rite and held a funeral. In addition, the Qing will pay 100,000 nyang to compensate the Koreans who were harmed, their bereaved families, and the injured.

Article 5. From now on, within a period of 60 days, the Qing will arrest the bandits, interrogate their leaders, and punish them for serious crimes. The judicial personnel dispatched by the Korean Empire will jointly investigate and punish the case with the Qing. If the case is not dealt with within the period, the Korean Empire will take appropriate action.

Article 6. A small number of troops will be stationed at the newly established Korean Empire Embassy for defense. The cost of barracks establishment and maintenance will be borne by the Qing. If the Qing army and people keep the regulations for three years, negotiations for the withdrawal of troops can be held thereafter.

Article 7. The Qing Imperial Commissioner apologizes to the Korean Empire with a letter of state.

Article 8. Within two years after the exchange of instruments of ratification of this treaty, any of the people of the areas ceded by China to the Korean Empire who wish to move to areas other than the ceded areas shall be permitted to sell their property and leave. However, those who do not move even after the deadline shall be considered as subjects of the Korean Empire, and the administrative, judicial, and security powers shall be applied.

Article 9. The existing treaties between Korea and Qing are automatically abolished by this treaty. The new trade treaties between the two countries shall take as their model the treaties between Qing and the Western powers.