Black Corporation: Joseon

Chapter 296

As the ship’s hull was being thoroughly maintained and the equipment necessary for a safe voyage was being finalized, Mansur’s merchant ships arrived.

As always, they arrived at the Jeolla Right Naval Station, underwent a simple inspection, and took a rest. During this time, the challenger-class warships caught Mansur’s eye.

“Have the Catholics finally reached Joseon?”

Startled, Mansur sought out the captain of his fleet’s flagship.

“Hey! We have a big problem!”

“A big problem, you say? There were no issues with the ships or cargo, though.”

“That’s not the issue! The Catholics are here! The Catholics!”

“Pardon?”

“Come over here! Let’s go and check together! You guys come too!”

“Hmm…”

“Oh my…”

Observing the expressions of the captains as they looked at the ships in question, Mansur spoke again.

“It’s them, right? They’re definitely the Catholics’ ships, aren’t they?”

“It does seem that way…”

“Hmm…”

As they were examining the ships with grave expressions, the flagship’s captain spoke up.

“They’re not the Catholics’ ships. I’m certain of it.”

“Huh?”

The flagship’s captain explained in detail to Mansur.

“They may look similar, but there are slight differences in many aspects. The biggest difference is the number of gun ports. Among the Catholics’ ships I’ve seen, none had as many gun ports as these. In my experience, there’s only one insane country that would load such a crazy amount of cannons.”

“And where is that?”

The flagship’s captain answered briefly to Mansur’s question.

“Right here, Joseon.”

“Huh?”

Hearing the answer, Mansur tried to recall his memories.

‘Indeed!’

The Joseon warships he had encountered when he first came to Joseon were also equipped with more than 20 cannons.

Seeing Mansur’s face as he pondered whether it was possible or not, the captain added.

“And look at the bow. The shape of the bow is sloped, right? If you look at the ships of those Spanish or Portuguese bastards, it’s almost vertical. And judging by the shape, the bow and stern are not as high as the Iberian bastards’ ships. Considering these various characteristics…”

The captain paused for a moment and carefully examined the ship in question once more. Convinced that his conclusion was correct even after a second look, the captain shared his conclusion with Mansur.

“It’s definitely a ship made by Joseon.”

At that answer, Mansur looked at the ships in question with eyes full of doubt.

“The country at the eastern end is making ships similar in shape to the countries at the western end? Without any exchange? How?”

As Mansur pondered over the unsolvable question, the words of Hassan, who worked as an official in Joseon, came to his mind.

‘The Crown Prince of Joseon is no ordinary person. Since he stepped forward, Joseon has been changing in unbelievable ways. The King of Joseon is a fearsome individual, but the Crown Prince is even more terrifying.’

Recalling Hassan’s words, Mansur shook his head.

“No matter how much of a genius he is…”

***

Having completed their maintenance at the Jeolla Right Naval Station, Mansur’s fleet headed north towards Jemulpo.

“It would be nice if we could just go straight up.”

In response to Mansur’s complaint, the captain immediately replied.

“If we were moving with just one ship like when we first came to Joseon, we could go straight. But moving as a fleet like this and going straight? We’d become fish food halfway through.”

“…”

At the captain’s words, Mansur fell silent.

***

As Mansur continued to trade with Joseon, he made efforts to gather information about Joseon and its neighboring countries.

“Among various businesses, the most profitable one is the weapons trade. Not only are the weapons themselves profitable, but brokering weapon craftsmen also yields significant profits.”

In search of profitable items, Mansur diligently collected information.

Among them, he stumbled upon the ‘Japanese pirates’ and ‘Jurchen.’ He learned that these two entities had caused Kitai (China) and Joseon to develop a paranoid wariness towards foreigners.

“The problem is that there are no weapons to sell.”

During this period, Kitai and Joseon possessed the world’s best weapon-making technologies. Especially in the case of Joseon, they had given up on any attempts at replication.

“Should I try selling to Cipangu (Japan)?”

When Mansur brought this up, Hassan was startled and dissuaded him.

“Cipangu is full of damn thieves! The moment you sell weapons or craftsmen to Cipangu, our trade with Joseon will be over!”

Due to this situation, Mansur had no choice but to focus on trade with Joseon. And to maintain a good relationship, he repeatedly went through the Jeolla Right Naval Station and up to Jemulpo.

***

Upon arriving at Jemulpo, Mansur handed over the goods ordered by Joseon to the officials from the Ministry of Finance and settled the payment.

“In three days, enter the palace at Gyeongbokgung.”

“Understood.”

Mansur politely replied to the official’s message.

As promised, three days later, Mansur entered Gyeongbokgung Palace.

After a simple inspection and guided by a eunuch, Mansur entered Geunjeongjeon Hall and, upon seeing Sejong, offered a deep bow according to Joseon etiquette.

“The humble merchant Mansur is honored to be in Your Majesty’s presence.”

“You must have had a tiring journey. Seeing you safe and sound is truly reassuring.”

“I am unworthy of Your Majesty’s concern and benevolence.”

With the formal greetings concluded, they finally moved on to the main topic.

***

The reason Sejong summoned Mansur was to gather information about Tianzhu (India). Therefore, in principle, only the ministers of foreign affairs, national defense, and finance needed to stay, but all the ministers and even Hyang remained present.

“As you may have heard last time, this year, our Joseon will also dispatch a fleet. Your homeland is one of the destinations, but Tianzhu is also an important destination for our Joseon. Therefore, if there’s anything you know about Tianzhu, I’d like you to tell us everything.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Responding to Sejong’s order, Mansur cleared his throat and waited for questions.

The first to ask a question was Hyang.

“Based on the knowledge I’ve gained from books, I’ve heard that Tianzhu is a country with a vast territory. So, who is the ruler currently governing Tianzhu?”

In response to Hyang’s question, Mansur promptly answered.

“Currently, Indi… Tianzhu is in a state of division. Various large and small dynasties have emerged.”

At Mansur’s answer, Sejong and the ministers simultaneously muttered.

“Is it like the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period?”

Following Mansur’s answer, Hyang immediately asked another question.

“Then, among the numerous rulers who have emerged, which ruler’s country is suitable for our Joseon to trade with?”

Mansur pondered for a moment, trying to recall, and soon selected a suitable kingdom.

“In my humble opinion, I believe the Bengal Sultanate is the best choice. They have a good relationship with the Ming Dynasty, and they have a famous trading port called Chittagong.”

“Is that so? What about the route to get there?”

“The Malacca Sultanate (present-day Malaysia, Singapore, and parts of Indonesia) in the middle is making great efforts to ensure the safety of the sea routes.”

At Mansur’s answer, Jo Mal-saeng intervened.

“Is the rampancy of pirates severe?”

At Jo Mal-saeng’s question, Mansur fell silent for a moment to organize his thoughts. Once he had sorted them out to some extent, Mansur answered Jo Mal-saeng’s question.

“When encountering a fleet on the ocean, the types of fleets you usually come across are mostly one of two. One is the ships of Chinese merchants, and the other is pirates.”

When ‘pirates’ were mentioned, the atmosphere inside Geunjeongjeon Hall turned grave. Jo Mal-saeng hurriedly asked a follow-up question.

“How well-armed are the pirates? Are there pirates armed with firearms?”

“I have yet to encounter pirates armed with firearms. As for their military strength… Since receiving Your Majesty’s grace and equipping my ships with firearms, I haven’t encountered any threatening pirates.”

“Oh!”

At Mansur’s answer, the atmosphere inside Geunjeongjeon Hall brightened again.

As Jo Mal-saeng’s questions ended, Kim Jeom stepped forward and asked.

“What are the products favored by the rulers and people of Tianzhu?”

“Recently, mirrors made by the Catholics have been gaining popularity.”

At Mansur’s answer, Sejong and the ministers simultaneously had the same thought.

‘Is this the beginning of the competition the Crown Prince mentioned?’

***

Until recently, mirrors were always among the items Mansur purchased in large quantities. He used to buy mirrors of various price ranges and types, but during his last visit, he only purchased high-end products.

When Kim Jeom summoned Mansur and asked for the reason after receiving the report, Mansur provided the explanation.

“The Catholics have started producing mirrors. Of course, the quality is incomparably crude compared to Joseon’s mirrors, but the price is cheap.”

***

The question-and-answer session continued on various topics. The meeting finally ended in the evening. As the meeting was coming to a close, Sejong instructed Mansur.

“As I mentioned before, we desire to trade with Tianzhu. For this endeavor to succeed, your assistance is crucial. Therefore, I ask that you do your utmost. This is a matter that must succeed for the future of our Joseon and yours.”

At Sejong’s request, Mansur bowed his head.

“I will do my best.”

***

With the departure approaching, Mansur began selecting the goods to take and sell in Alexandria. However, Mansur was filled with worries.

“Joseon will also start trading in Alexandria from now on, right?”

“Most likely. Why? Are you worried that your trading group will go bankrupt?”

In response to Kim Jeom’s question, Mansur nodded. Seeing Mansur’s face full of concern, Kim Jeom promptly replied.

“In that case, focus on purchasing small and expensive items. We will take care of ceramics, cotton cloth, and gold leaf.”

“As for ceramics…”

When Mansur expressed his regret, as ceramics were one of the items the ‘damn Catholics’ bought on sight, Kim Jeom smiled slightly and answered.

“We also need to make a profit, don’t we?”

“That’s true, but…”

“If you’re that worried, go outside and take a look. There are many items sold in the market that aren’t available here.”

“Is that so?”

“Indeed.”

“I understand.”

Taking Kim Jeom’s advice, Mansur went to the market with an interpreter.

Coincidentally, construction was in full swing on the streets to lay tracks for trains to run on.

“What are the iron pillars laid in the ground used for?”

“They’re the tracks for trains to run on.”

“And what are trains?”

“They use water and fire to pull the wagons.”

Tilting his head at the interpreter’s explanation, Mansur asked again.

“They use water and fire? How do they do that?”

In response to Mansur’s question, the interpreter chuckled and replied.

“If I knew that, I’d be in Area 51, not here.”

“Area 51…”

Hearing the interpreter’s answer, an old memory resurfaced in Mansur’s mind. When he was told that a considerable number of devices made and used by Joseon came from Area 51, Mansur asked Hassan.

“Can I take a tour of Area 51?”

At Mansur’s question, Hassan’s face instantly turned pale. Hassan, even breaking out in a cold sweat, dissuaded Mansur.

“Don’t even mention the word ‘Area 51’!”

Beside him, Syed was also pale and sweating profusely.

***

As he walked through the market streets, browsing various items, Mansur’s gaze became fixated on one particular item.

What captivated Mansur’s attention was a folding fan.

“Welcome! Oh? You’re a Muslim?”

As the shop assistant looked at Mansur with a curious expression, the interpreter intervened.

“You know the ships that arrived at Jemulpo? He’s the owner of those ships.”

“Is that so? Then how may I assist you?”

Hearing the interpreter’s words, the shop assistant immediately responded with a business smile.

As he walked through the market streets, Mansur was able to reap a more fruitful harvest than expected. There were numerous items with good marketability.

“You must keep the deadline.”

Hearing Mansur’s request through the interpreter, the merchants replied while tapping their chests.

“Don’t worry! ‘Meeting the delivery date is a merchant’s lifeblood’ is our motto!”

And the Joseon merchants kept their promise.

Thus, having completed all the preparations, Mansur’s merchant group departed from Jemulpo.