Joseon Needs a Coup - Chapter 137



Only Noblemtl

#137. Nobody Wants (1)

Just before 1901, I withdrew with the greater part of the expeditionary force.

The main force of the expeditionary force, including the assault infantry battalion and the guards, left Tianjin in an orderly manner, leaving the demonstration infantry battalion led by Lieutenant Lee Gi-pyo to remain in the area.

Originally, it would have been right to remain until the new treaty was signed, but the home country wanted a quick withdrawal of troops.

It was only natural that the longer the troop presence there was, the more burdensome it would become to secure funding and supplies.

Moreover, it was true that a long-term expedition was difficult for a newly formed army in many ways.

Just before Christmas, I boarded a steamer bound for Jemulpo.

Everyone cheered at the news that they were all going home.

Having been stationed overseas for almost half a year, I was physically and mentally exhausted.

“It’s such a shame to leave my inspiration behind in a cave like this.”

“Fighting for the country in the gap between the great powers was originally the job of the main office. You’ve worked hard all this time.”

Kim Ga-jin, the special envoy who came all the way to Tianjin to greet me, patted my shoulder and said:

The result of several months of hard work wasn’t bad, so I guess I should say that it was fortunate.

“I hope that the Qing imperial envoy will be well taken care of on his way without any inconvenience.”

“Let’s do that.”

There was also a party heading back to the homeland with the expeditionary force. Imperial Commissioner Xu Shu-bung, who was to be the first minister and deliver an apology in accordance with the Korea-Qing Treaty of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, also accompanied them.

The Qing Dynasty, which had fled to Xi’an, was furious at our demands, but in the end had no choice but to follow the trend.

Jang Bae-ryun was crying that Joseon should have been incorporated into the Qing dynasty long ago, but it was already too late. No, Li Hongzhang had no intention of doing so in the first place.

As soon as they returned to their home country, they would head straight to Seoul, where they would read an apology and formally receive the Emperor’s ratification of the Korea-Qing Treaty of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations.

There is no greater humiliation, but at least it ended at this level through lobbying. If things had gone as they were, Emperor Gaozong, who was furious at being demoted from a prince to an imperial minister, would have taken a hardline stance, demanding that he pay tribute to the three great deeds of the Three Graces and the Nine Great Deeds, but thanks to the tearful lobbying of the Beiyang Minister Li Hongzhang and his subordinates to the imperial family and ministers, they were able to reduce it to reading an apology.

“and···.”

After about three days, when we headed to Jemulpo, it seemed like there were already crowds of people welcoming us from all over the port.

Despite the bone-chilling sea breeze blowing, they were huddled together, holding the Taegeukgi in both hands.

“Gentlemen! Today we will land proudly as victors, so march proudly!”

The officers were already pacifying the excited soldiers and disciplined them. As the day was getting closer, they were dressed in their fancy uniforms and had their hats trimmed to make them look as stylish as possible.

The military band was equally busy. They had to keep in tune with the music from the time they got off at Jemulpo Port until they boarded the train heading to Hansung.

Finally, cheers rang out as the ship docked in the harbor, held its ground, and began to disembark.

They gave the victors the courtesy and praise they deserved, and the regiment responded by greeting the crowd with the greatest possible pomp.

Judging by the flashes going off here and there, it seemed like there were a lot of reporters there.

The police officers stationed in Jemulpo and the military police company dispatched from the central government were busy controlling the crowds. They barely managed to control the half-excited crowds and kept the marching route clear.

“Regimental Commander, below! The 1st Assault Infantry Battalion, the 1st Guards Infantry Battalion, the 1st Independent Cavalry Battalion, and the 1st Field Artillery Company, a total of 3,200 men, have disembarked!”

“Good. All personnel will return to Hansung. Units will be moved in the order of construction.”

“practice!”

After some time had passed, the port, which seemed to have some space, was now filled with our troops who had landed.

I nodded and ordered them to return to Hansung, and with that the march towards Jemulpo Station continued.

“Wow!”

The spiked military boots made a clear sound, and the crowd responded with even louder cheers as they watched them.

“It’s really noisy.”

“The public is naturally swayed by one big victory.”

Lieutenant Colonel Posch was riding beside me, looking troubled as if he was quite confused by the current situation.

“The public’s choice is not always right. When people are excited like they are now, they tend to push for more than is necessary.”

His expression was stiff. Was it because of the memories of the Franco-Prussian War?

At that time, France was finally moving towards destruction due to the masses who wanted war, and Napoleon III. He seemed to be concerned about that.

The people who realized their identity were no different from a runaway locomotive.

“I just hope that this victory today won’t turn into poison later.”

“When that time comes, I will have to stop them. I don’t know if they will accept the gap between us standing in the public’s ideal and the harsh reality.”

It seemed like something like that would happen soon. When that time came, would I have the courage to shout the truth to them? Honestly, I wasn’t sure. As I said in the Peninsula War Theory, the people were like water.

Water is calm and necessary for the formation of all things.

When it gets angry, it will become like an unstoppable wave.

At that time, I didn’t know if I would be able to control them.

Anyway, now was the time to enjoy myself. I was waving to the crowd and leading the parade like a triumphant general.

At that time, I was given a beautiful white horse to ride, and it seemed that the Marshal’s Office had really intended for me to do so.

It is certain that a single photo of a ‘hero’ riding a magnificent white horse will have a greater impact than a single line of text or promotional copy.

When we arrived in Hansung by taking the Gyeongin Line, something incomparable to Jemulpo was prepared.

When Yeongeunmun was demolished and Independence Gate was built, not only were high-ranking government officials there to greet them, but even the Emperor and the Crown Prince came out to greet them in person.

I chuckled.

If you know what kind of place Yeongeunmun is, it was also an interesting composition.

The place where the Joseon kings personally went out to greet the Qing envoys is now the place where they face the expeditionary force.

Many things in the world have changed: location, status, and history.

Officially, I hereby return the sword bestowed by the Emperor, and declare the expedition at an end.

The emperor responded by saying that he would award us with medals and silver.

The event ended as dusk began to fall, and the main stage began.

A rather splendid banquet, presided over by the emperor himself at Gyeongungung Palace, has begun.

***

In fact, it was fitting for a ceremony to award medals under the guise of a banquet hall.

Of course, after the battle ended, I instructed officers of the rank of company commander and above to submit reports on soldiers who had distinguished themselves during the battle, and accordingly, I made every effort to ensure that medals and awards were given to those who had distinguished themselves during the operation.

If food is what allows soldiers to advance on the battlefield, it is honor that allows them to continue fighting after the war as before.

And for them, a medal of merit was established around April 1900 to award soldiers who had performed outstanding military service, and the first ceremony for the award was held today.

“Those whose names are being called, please step forward three steps. First, the 3rd Platoon Leader of the 1st Company, 1st Assault Infantry Battalion, Army Lieutenant Kim Si-jin!”

Among them, the highlight was my younger brother. He had a very tense expression and was sweating profusely. It was strangely different from how I had seen him on the battlefield. His fancy uniform somehow looked much bigger than his body.

“Lieutenant Kim Si-jin bravely led his platoon in the previous battle at Langfang, and created the first breakthrough during the all-out offensive of the Qing army and the Boxer Rebellion. He effectively commanded his platoon, making a decisive contribution to completely breaking the enemy’s will to defend. In Tianjin and Beijing, he spared no expense in leading the charge….”

It was a crazy feat. Even the senior officers and directors of other units couldn’t hide their surprise. The confirmed kills alone were 300, and if you add the estimated number, it would be over 700? It was a monstrous feat.

The 5th to 8th ranks of the Self-Employment Corps were mainly composed of the Assault Battalions and Cavalry Squadrons, most of whom had impressive records. It was certainly a well-trained force.

Third and fourth places were awarded mainly to those who died in battle, sacrificing themselves to help the advance of friendly forces in the Battle of Mengjing, while second place went to the commanding staff, including Lieutenant General Lee Gyu-tae, who successfully helped to pacify the Gando region.

“You should go out next time, Colonel.”

“Okay.”

And I was supposed to receive the highest award, the Order of Merit, First Class.

Even within the Supreme Court, an almost absolute majority was in favor of the award, and public opinion in the country also wanted it. Now, all the spotlight and the love of the public was focused on me, so I couldn’t ignore it.

“Next! Commander of the Expeditionary Force and Spirit of the 1st Mixed Independent Regiment, Kim Si-hyeok!”

I was the highlight of the ceremony. To thunderous applause, the Emperor himself placed the first-class suit on my right shoulder.

“You must have had a hard time in a foreign land.”

“I am so grateful, Your Majesty.”

“I look forward to your continued dedication and hard work for the country.”

Even though the day when I would have to go through all the hardships, no, the hardships of the struggle, was not far off, I said I understood and gave a moderate salute, conscious of my surroundings.

As there were so many people, the ceremony ended after more than two hours, and it was almost 9 p.m. at this point.

“Hahaha! That’s when I said, kill all these motherfuckers!”

“It’s been quite a sight since the fall of Tianjin. These guys are rushing in after taking opium, and you can’t subdue them with one or two bullets. Even if you stab them in the stomach with a bayonet, they’ll swing their swords and spears at you. That’s it.”

Surrounded by reporters, the honorees began to brag about their military exploits and raise their voices, while on the other side, quite sumptuous food was served to the soldiers to reward their hard work.

I had no idea how much money had been spent on preparing this, but I decided not to think about it when I heard that Eo Yoon-joong, instead of the Ministry of Finance, took the lead without saying a word.

“Hehehe, the long picnic is over.”

“Ah, Colonel Puchata. No, you are a general now.”

Colonel Puchata, no, in recognition of his merits during this expedition, was promoted to brigadier general by the Russian government as soon as he returned to Seoul.

He was now the de facto head of the Russian military instructor corps in the Korean Empire, and was able to have decision-making authority over the Russian Empire’s military policy toward Korea.

In other words, he had gained the authority to control both the Russian Army and Navy on the Korean Peninsula. Of course, there were concerns that there might be problems with his future command authority, as he was under the direct control of the Asian Commander of the Russian home country, separate from the Governor-General of the Far East, Admiral Alexeev.

“I must say that it was a very successful campaign. Thanks to you, I too have become a general.”

“The friendship between our two countries will deepen even more in the future.”

“It’s going to get fucking deep though.”

He handed me a glass of vodka. It seemed as if he was going to let out all the alcohol he had been holding back during his military service.

“Admiral Alexeev was very complimentary of you. If you caught the fancy of that picky gentleman, you must have been extraordinary.”

“They tricked us at the last minute, but it wasn’t so bad.”

“I hope you will teach us your tactics and strategies later.”

“If I get the chance.”

Brigadier General Putacha raised his glass. Then he gestured for me to be the first to give a toast.

I said with a smile.

“For the Tsar of the Great Russian Empire.”

Then he answered me too.

“For the glory of the Emperor and Imperial Family of the Korean Empire.”

Something more than just sweetness ran down my throat.

It felt like something more than alcohol was entering my body.

It was like a glass of wine passed on to those who lost their lives in battle over the past six months.

I poured myself another glass of wine.

“Finally, for those who fought bravely and fell.”

“For the dead.”

And he placed the glass on the table. He thought it would at least be enough to offer them some wine.

After chatting with Brigadier General Puchata for a while, he gestured for me to go first when he heard reporters calling for me.

I noticed it and went to a quiet part of the banquet hall. I felt a little drunk, but I was still sane.

“We are the spears and swords of His Majesty the Emperor, so let us sing His wrath!”

Far away, my younger brother was singing along with his men, holding a medal and drunk. It seemed like they were singing a military song they had made up themselves. After hearing it, King Gojong praised their patriotic spirit and gave them another gift.

The gifts were whiskeys that had been imported from the US, and my brother and his subordinates who received them screamed. It was a shame to watch these scenes alone. If I had a smartphone, I could have taken pictures of everything and made it a bad memory.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Posch appeared to be having a complicated conversation with Brigadier General Dai over a drink in a corner of the banquet hall.

Advisor Harcourt was drinking and chatting with other American journalists who had been invited to the banquet. He was a man who couldn’t be stopped.

And to my right, the Japanese ambassador and the military attaché, Major Nozu, were pretending to pour a drink and gathering stories from around them.

Those sly bastards. Lately, they’ve been pretending to be friendly with us, but they’ve been really into gathering information and circumstances within us.

Watching them from the quiet of the banquet hall for a while was starting to get boring.

The banquet will probably continue until dawn.

At that moment, I was yawning and blankly staring at the magnificently built stone temple.

“What are you doing there?”