98
As the new "Eastern Advance" plan was completed, the military explained the established plan in front of King Sejong and the ministers.
The person chosen to announce the plan was Lee Jing-ok.
Dressed in a red robe, Lee Jing-ok respectfully saluted and began to speak.
"I am the judge, Lee Jing-ok. From now on, I will report on the grand strategy 'Eastern Advance' planned by the Joseon military headquarters."
Although the hall was filled with the king, the crown prince, prime ministers, and ministers, Lee Jing-ok began his presentation in a calm voice.
"First, the plan for the Eastern Advance is divided into two major phases. The first step will begin with securing a foothold starting from Baekdu Mountain and the Tumen River."
According to Lee Jing-ok's explanation, the plan would start with securing the area south of Baekdu Mountain and the Tumen River.
The goal was to naturalize or exterminate the Jurchen tribes living in that area and to resettle the Joseon people there, firmly establishing the foothold.
After that, they would merge the entire region of the Oryanghap tribe and advance eastward.
"Why do we continue to advance eastward?" King Sejong asked, and Lee Jing-ok answered immediately.
"First, the goal is to avoid provoking the Ming dynasty. Second, if we advance a bit further into the area east of the Tumen River, there are records indicating the presence of a great forest region. We will secure necessary resources, including timber, from this great forest region. Additionally, the connected coast and nearby islands are home to valuable animals like seals, which we can utilize for trade."
"The great forest region..."
As Sejong pondered over the words, Hyang quickly interjected.
"Your Majesty, while there are many tall trees in our Joseon mountains and fields, they are not abundant."
"That is true."
Sejong nodded at Hyang's words.
Timber was the most used material in all aspects of the people's lives, including firewood.
"However, in the great forest region, there are towering trees that have grown for hundreds of years. They are optimal materials needed for construction, as well as for the military's ships and merchant vessels. The dense timber from the great forest region is essential."
"Of course, afforestation projects will also be necessary," Hyang added, and Sejong nodded in agreement.
"That makes sense. I understand the need to advance eastward. What comes next?"
"Once we secure the Oryanghap region and the great forest area east of the Tumen River, we will then enter the second phase," Lee Jing-ok said, pointing to the great forest region on the map hanging beside him and drawing an imaginary line westward.
"Using the great forest region as a base, we will gradually encroach upon the territory of the Uljikhap tribe from the east."
After pausing for a moment, Lee Jing-ok gestured to a military officer next to him.
As the officer turned the map, a new map appeared, showing parts of the Jurchen region and all of Joseon painted in green.
"We will slowly but steadily encroach, ultimately securing at least half of the Uljikhap tribe's territory, and at most, the entirety of it as part of our Joseon territory. This is a simple overview."
"Hmm..."
After Lee Jing-ok finished his explanation, Sejong stroked his beard and gazed at the map.
While Sejong was lost in thought, Lee Ik posed a question.
"As the military knows, the Oryanghap tribe is divided between the Tumen River region and west of Baekdu Mountain. And there is the Odori tribe in between. What will we do about them? Will we only target the eastern Oryanghap?"
"We will target both the east and west. This will apply pressure on the Odori tribe, forcing them to make a choice: either submit to our Joseon or leave for the Haeseo or Gunju Jurchen regions."
At Lee Ik's response, Lee Ik showed a look of regret.
"The Odori tribe was once loyal to us..."
The Odori tribe, which had taken control of the upper regions of Baekdu Mountain and the Tumen River, had once sworn loyalty to Yi Seong-gye and served as a strong defensive wall for Joseon.
During Yi Seong-gye's lifetime, the Odori tribe was the most powerful ally defending the north of Joseon.
However, when the Yongle Emperor ascended to the throne and Taejong seized power, the relationship between Joseon and the Odori tribe changed.
Aha-ju, the commander of the Gunju regional command and the father-in-law of the Yongle Emperor, introduced the Odori tribe leader, Muntermu, as his relative.
Consequently, the Yongle Emperor sent envoys to Muntermu and ordered him to enter the Ming court.
In response, Taejong made various attempts to win over Muntermu, leading to disputes even with the Yongle Emperor.
Caught between Ming and Joseon, Muntermu chose Ming.
At that time, a problem arose with Taejong.
"I have served under King Taejo for over 20 years. I will continue to follow Joseon."
Although Muntermu said this to Taejong, he had received an official position from Ming.
Moreover, through the imperial edict of the Yongle Emperor, he reclaimed relatives who had been hostages in Joseon.
As the situation unfolded, Taejong mobilized troops to massacre the tribes near Muntermu's territory.
Feeling threatened by Taejong's retaliatory measures, Muntermu led his family to relocate from the Tumen River region to the Yalu River region.
Later, after Taejong's death and the resurgence of Mongolian power, Muntermu returned with his clan to their original territory.
Upon returning, Muntermu suggested sending his son, Donggwon-du, as a hostage to Sejong's court, but Sejong refused.
He perceived them as potential traitors who might escape using the might of Ming.
While Lee Ik lamented about the Odori tribe, Sejong muttered softly, "In the process of targeting the Oryanghap, the nearby tribes may inevitably suffer casualties..."
Sejong was determined to purge the Odori tribe.
Before Hyang's return to the past, when the development of the Four Commanderies and Six Jin was underway, Sejong had commanded Choi Yun-deok to subdue Imanjoo, the grandson of Aha-ju, while adding one more command: "Kill Muntermu."
Looking at the subsequent history, Joseon not only pursued Muntermu's children but also, after seizing the throne through a coup, Sejo hunted down Imanjoo, a descendant of Aha-ju, until the end.
In the eyes of the Joseon royal family, Aha-ju, Muntermu, and their descendants were traitors who betrayed Yi Seong-gye and must be exterminated.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Rites expressed concern over Ming's intervention.
"Incorporating the Oryanghap region could provoke Ming. We need a solid justification."
Before Lee Jing-ok could respond to the Minister of Rites' point, Sejong spoke first.
"We have justification. A very solid justification. The area of Hoeryeong, where the Odori tribe resides, and the Tumen River region are the origins of our royal family. Although we have left it alone due to circumstances, as descendants, how can we simply let it go?"
At Sejong's words, Hwang Hee added, "Indeed! As descendants, how can we leave our ancestors' land in the hands of others? We must reclaim it!"
"That's right. Ming will have nothing to say about it."
The Minister of Rites withdrew his objections to Sejong and Hwang Hee's statements, as he too found their justification reasonable.
However, the Minister of Rites raised another issue.
"While we can use diplomacy to prevent Ming from interfering until the incorporation of the Oryanghap region, advancing eastward from there might provoke Ming."
In response to the Minister of Rites' concern, Lee Jing-ok answered promptly.
"The regions we secure through the second phase will be those tribes that relied on the shadow of King Taejo. By emphasizing this and promising that our Joseon will not covet the territories of the Haeseo and Gunju Jurchen, Ming will have no grounds to object. Although they declared that Jurchen lands are under their jurisdiction, their influence does not reach the easternmost ends."
All the court officials nodded in agreement with Lee Jing-ok's words.
Just as Joseon was suffering from the plundering of the Jurchen tribes, Ming was similarly troubled.
To control this, they employed the strategy of granting positions and wealth to influential Jurchen tribes to deter other Jurchen tribes, but they had not fully assimilated the lands inhabited by the Jurchens.
Lee Jing-ok continued, "The military is fully aware that it must avoid conflict with Ming. As stated in many military treatises, and as King Taejo said, a small nation must avoid war with a large nation at all costs. That is why we are excluding Haeseo and Gunju. This is the military's best course of action. The rest is a matter of diplomacy."
At Lee Jing-ok's words, Maeng Sa-seong interjected, "I understand that it is a matter of diplomacy. However, the most challenging situation in diplomacy arises when the other party is on high alert. How long does the military anticipate it will take to complete this strategy?"
In response to Maeng Sa-seong's question, Lee Jing-ok replied, "We estimate a minimum of 10 years to complete the first phase, and a total of 30 years for the completion of the second phase."
"Thirty years..."
"That is why I referred to it as a grand strategy."
At Lee Jing-ok's answer, Sejong and the ministers wore perplexed expressions.
The time span of '30 years' was a period that could change generations.
Although Sejong and all the officials present were regarded as outstanding talents, the number '30 years' was not something they could easily imagine.
"Your Majesty, may I speak for a moment?"
"Speak."
"I believe the military's judgment is appropriate. Of course, 30 years is a long time, but as the saying goes, 'The diligent can move mountains.' Consider the time needed for our Joseon's territory to expand and for the newly arriving Jurchens to be tamed as our people."
"Hmm..."
"Furthermore, considering Ming, it is better to move in the long term. If such a situation arises in just a few years, as the Left Prime Minister mentioned, Ming will be on high alert and refuse to engage in dialogue with us."
"That is true."
Sejong nodded.
Hyang continued, "When comparing Ming and our Joseon, it is like comparing an adult to a child. When an adult and a child start running together, the child cannot keep up with the adult. Even if a war does not break out due to provoking Ming, if an arms race occurs, it will be a fatal situation for our Joseon."
"That is correct."
Sejong nodded in agreement.
Not only Sejong but also the officials nodded in agreement.
In particular, the Minister of Finance nodded vigorously.
Hyang continued, "Looking at the history of our East Sea and the history of the Central Plains, as well as the history of the West, we see the same outcome. When an arms race occurs, the small nation will reach its limits first. In such a situation, the small nation is likely to make extreme choices, relying on the military power it has accumulated. However, if it ignores the absolute difference in capabilities and relies solely on hope to wage war, it will meet defeat in despair."
"That is true."
"Therefore, while 30 years is long, I believe it is better than hastily proceeding with matters."
"Hmm..."
After hearing Hyang's words, Sejong stroked his beard and fell into thought. 'Thirty years...
Will I be able to see it before I die?'
As Sejong recalled his lifespan, he looked at Hyang, who was gazing up at him from beneath the table.
He couldn't help but smile at the thought of Hyang, who often shouted about his health. 'Yes! I have a child who cares about my health! I will live long! Even if I cannot live long, that child will make Joseon stronger than it is now!'
With his resolve firm, Sejong looked at the ministers.
"I command the ministers."
"We will heed your command!"
"I decree that we will proceed with the grand strategy 'Eastern Advance' for the growth of our Joseon. However, we must never act hastily and must proceed with caution."
"We will obey your command!"
With Sejong's determination, the execution of the grand strategy Eastern Advance was decided, and the topic shifted to detailed policy adjustments.
"What is the most necessary thing to ensure the success of the strategy?" Sejong asked, and Choi Yun-deok answered.
"People and budget."
"Ugh!" As soon as the word 'budget' was mentioned, Minister of Finance Kim Jeom reflexively hiccupped, drawing the attention of the other ministers.
"Tsk tsk tsk... It seems the Minister of Finance is in poor health. I will inform the royal physician."
"I am deeply grateful!" Although Kim Jeom expressed gratitude at Sejong's words, his expression was the opposite, looking quite distressed.
'Tsk tsk tsk...
It seems I will have to suffer a bit to pay for the medicine.'
'That person needs to be healthy...
If the Minister of Finance position becomes vacant, it will be dangerous.'
'I should send some tonic to the Minister of Finance's house.'
This was the simultaneous thought of the ministers present.
As the reforms progressed, all the officials worked hard, but those who suffered the most were the officials working in the Ministry of Finance, starting with the Minister of Finance.
Ironically, the very officials of the Ministry of Finance were the ones who most supported the reforms Sejong was pushing forward.
Their thoughts were simple: 'If the reforms go as planned, the Ministry of Finance will be divided into several departments! If that happens, promotions are guaranteed! Just wait for that time! We're all doomed!'
While the officials of the Ministry of Finance endured with hopes for the future, the Minister of Finance and the Vice Minister endured with 'medicinal strength.' This was not a metaphor; it was the truth.
The homes of the Minister of Finance and the Vice Minister were overflowing with tonics sent not only by Sejong but also by other ministers from different departments.
"Your Excellency, it seems that both His Majesty and the other officials care for you," said a lady, and the parties involved exchanged dry smiles.
'The tonic bestowed by His Majesty is a hint to pay for the medicine, while the tonics sent by other ministers are a warning to endure and not pass the hat to them!'