OBS Chapter 228
Chapter 228
Chapter 228
With the decision to mass-produce the Haeung-class high-speed ships, the allocation of the budget and the expansion of the shipyards began.
That meant the Ministry of Taxation was going to suffer.
Seriously Even if we only carry out the plans made at the beginning of the year, the finances will be in a hole, so why do unexpected situations keep arising?
In the conference room of the State Council, Kim Jeom exploded with frustration. At Kim Jeoms anger, Lee Jik and Maeng Sa-seong comforted him.
What can we do when the situation flows that way? If we could know everything in advance, wed be immortals, not humans.
The shipyards are still under construction, so if we expand them a bit more while were at it
At Maeng Sa-seongs words, Kim Jeoms eyes rolled back.
Do you think expanding the shipyards doesnt cost money? Do you think its a feast that ends with adding just one spoon?
M-Minister, calm down! Calm down!
Aaaah!
Bring the calming tea! Bring the calming tea!
***
Although he had erupted in the State Council, Kim Jeom couldnt overturn a decision that had already received final approval.
In the end, to create a budget for the expansion of the shipyards, Kim Jeom had to rack his brains with his subordinates.
At least we have the gold and silver mines to save us
At Kim Jeoms words, a subordinate official who was calculating with an abacus responded.
Didnt those fools who rebelled and went utterly broke also help us?
Kim Jeom grinned and nodded at his subordinates remark.
Those fools did help indeed.
***
Joseons economy was continuously growing in size, and tax revenue was steadily increasing.
However, the governments budget was always in deficit.
Firstly, money was continuously being spent on flood control projects, and large-scale construction projects such as the maintenance of the road network were underway.
Lastly, an enormous budget was being consumed on the reorganization of the administrative network and the military.
Even the local clerks, who were unpaid until the Gyeongjang Reforms, began receiving official ranks and salaries, and various irregular positions in the government were converted into official positions.
As a result, the loyalty of the local clerks and irregular officials, who were treated poorly, increased towards the government.
Consequently, government expenditures rose significantly.
The conversion of local clerks and irregular positions into official positions seems a bit excessive.
At Kim Jeoms words, King Sejong glared at Kim Jeom.
Then, how was it possible in the previous dynasty?
At King Sejongs point, Kim Jeom had to shut his mouth.
In the case of the previous dynasty, not only the royal family but also the officials received higher salaries compared to Joseon. (Note 1) Of course, during the chaotic period at the end of Goryeo, it became a mess, but when Goryeo was functioning properly, the salary system also worked well.
In any case, what resolved the crisis of deficit, where expenditures exceeded tax revenue, was the gold and silver mined from the mines.
The gold and silver from the mines secretly mined, apart from the publicly known mines, provided a lifeline for the finances.
However, they had to avoid attracting the attention of Ming. Therefore, they couldnt actively use the gold and silver mined from the mines, and Joseons development was not proceeding at a fast pace.
Of course, this assessment of being slow was entirely from Hyangs perspective.
In the 21st century, or rather the 20th century, they would have used foreign debt to get it done quickly But now, we have to spend cautiously even with what we have
Whenever he was alone, Hyang grumbled while reviewing the reports. However, Hyang soon changed his mind.
No? Isnt this gold and silver the foreign debt of this era?
In such a situation, the Giyu Rebellion had taken place.
After the rebellion was suppressed, the government confiscated all the property of the local scholars who participated in the rebellion and launched an investigation.
Oh my goodness
The confiscated property amounted to a staggering quantity, equivalent to 15 years worth of the Joseon governments budget.
While the common people are suffering from hunger, they have accumulated such enormous wealth! Severely punish those who participated in the rebellion!
Following the decision of the enraged King Sejong, the members of the families who participated in the rebellion had to face merciless punishment. However, the government, especially the Ministry of Taxation and the Ministry of Military Affairs, cheered in joy.
Glancing at King Sejong, Hyang muttered inwardly.
Did this gentleman lay out a mat or something?
King Sejongs remarks actually came to pass. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who ended Japans Sengoku period, launched the Japanese invasions of Korea, and in the 19th century, self-proclaimed shishi (men of purpose) who rose up in the name of Sonn ji (Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians) toppled the Tokugawa Bakufu.
Men of integrity, my foot
Grumbling inwardly, Hyang listened attentively to King Sejongs words.
The Japanese in the south and the Jurchen in the north are the greatest calamities for our Joseon. I have only heard stories, but I was told that there was an incident where our Joseon nearly lost its sovereignty due to the Japanese pirates and the Jurchen.
At King Sejongs mention, Heo Jo promptly replied.
Are you referring to the Conquest of Japan Theory, jeongwaeron and the Northern Conquest Theory, bukjeongron?
Thats right.
At King Sejongs answer, Lee Jik let out a long sigh.
Phew~. Just thinking about it is devastating.
At Lee Jiks answer, King Sejong glanced at Hyang and ordered Lee Jik.
I dont know the details well since I was young, and the Crown Prince must be hearing about it for the first time, so please explain in detail. One must know the past well to prepare for the future.
Yes, I shall obey your command.
Lee Jik began to recount the events of that time.
***
In the 17th year of King Gongmins reign (1368), Zhu Yuanzhang ascended the throne as the Hongwu Emperor of Ming and issued the Imperial Ming Ancestral Instructions.
The content of the Imperial Ming Ancestral Instructions was simple.
International relations will be built around a tributary system centered on the Ming Dynasty, and there will be no tolerance for countries that do not comply!
In other words, countries that paid tribute to Ming through the tributary system would receive economic and cultural benefits, while those that refused would be punished with military force.
Having declared this national policy, when the raids of the Japanese pirates intensified, the Hongwu Emperor sent an envoy to Japan with a diplomatic letter requesting to stop the piracy.
However, both the Northern and Southern Courts of Japan rejected Mings request.
In response, Emperor Yongle sent a diplomatic letter to Joseon in the 13th year of King Taejongs reign (1413). The content of the letter can be summarized simply.
Im going to attack Japan, so Joseon should be aware of that!
Upon receiving the letter, the Joseon court immediately went on high alert.
The reasons for the Joseon courts high alert were as follows:
If Ming attacks Japan, they will definitely pass through Joseon. If Mings troops stay on Joseons territory, it may be revealed that Joseon has a friendly relationship with Japan!
At that time, Ming prohibited having a friendly relationship with Japan, so it could definitely become a problem.
The next problem pointed out was even more serious.
The Japanese pirates are the enemies of our Joseon, so it would be good if Ming gets rid of them. However, if they use the conquest of Japan as an excuse for a long-term stay, the burden on Joseon will become too great, and Joseon may lose its sovereignty due to Mings military.
In the end, Joseon delivered information through Tsushima Island and requested the control of Japanese pirates.
As Joseon stalled for time in this way, Ming raised the Northern Conquest Theory.
We will conquer the barbarians in the north!
Joseon had no choice but to go on high alert again.
If the Northern Conquest were to be actually implemented, the barbarians pushed back by Ming would cross Joseons borders. Then, Ming would use the justification of conquering them to send troops into Joseon.
As Ming pressured with the Conquest of Japan Theory and the Northern Conquest Theory, the ministers, unable to endure it any longer, rose up.
The ministers, led by Left Prime Minister Ha Ryun, advocated for a Joseon-Japan Alliance to King Taejong.
Lets rather form an alliance with Japan and engage in a decisive battle against Ming!
However, their argument was rejected by King Taejong. King Taejong sent an envoy to Ming, offering to annihilate the Japanese pirates on the west coast and provide information on the Japanese pirates passing through the west coast to Ming, temporarily resolving the situation.
However, as the degree of Japanese pirate invasions became excessive, the conquest of Tsushima Island was carried out in the first year of King Sejongs reign. (Note 2)
***
As Hyang listened to Lee Jiks explanation, his expression gradually crumpled.
The Conquest of Japan Theory is the Conquest of Ming Passage Theory when reversed Whether its the 21st century or now Being pressured from all sides
In the end, Hyang let out a long sigh and muttered.
Phew~. Of all places to set up base, it had to be such a filthy Gasp!
Startled by the words that inadvertently slipped out, Hyang covered his mouth and looked at King Sejong.
King Sejong, who received Hyangs gaze, also showed a bitter smile.
Crown Prince, it is truly so. How did we end up establishing our base in such a filthy place?
***
Note 1) Encyclopedia of Korean Culture, Nokbong (Official Salary) section.
http://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Contents/Item/E0012978
Note 2) Military Strategies of the Joseon Dynasty. Institute for Military History Compilation.