Chapter 32: Hanseong Reclamation Operation Part 3

“Kuroki’s First Army has reportedly retreated to Hanseong.”

“That means they plan to block us at Hanseong.”

Retreating to Hanseong.

Setting aside the fact that they’ve already dealt with Choi Ikhyun’s scholar alliance, it seems they’re ultimately planning to defend Hanseong.

Kuroki must have seen some bloodshed, whether at the Imjin River or against Choi Ikhyun.

Even if the Korean Empire’s military is outdated, considering their training, they likely inflicted significant damage on Kuroki at the Imjin River.

Now, they’re probably isolated in Hanseong.

“Commander Park Seo Sangmu’s words are becoming a reality.”

Indeed. Blocking at Hanseong ultimately means they intend to use the Crown Prince as a hostage in case of emergency.

Using the Crown Prince as a hostage implies they want to gain some leverage in negotiations.

That means a war we’ve already won could be overturned because of the Crown Prince.

No matter how you look at it, that’s unacceptable.

‘I’ve worked too hard to let it all be undone by the Crown Prince.’

“This was expected, though.”

Nothing has really changed for us.

We’ll just proceed as planned and sweep the enemy away.

“Ito Hirobumi is in Hanseong.”

“Ito Hirobumi being in Hanseong suggests they’re trying to negotiate.”

“But with the Russian fleet likely heading to Japan, why not load the Korean Empire’s troops onto their ships and send them together?”

“Alternatively, we could capture their so-called Emperor. For now, reclaiming Hanseong is the top priority.”

‘Whatever Ito Hirobumi is thinking, it’s meaningless now.’

He won’t live to see Japan join the ranks of the great powers.

Instead, he’ll have to face the revenge of the Korean Empire.

This might be a good opportunity to completely crush Japan.

But as previously discussed with Jordan, the British won’t abandon Japan.

“In the end, we’ll have to negotiate.”

“Even though we’re in a favorable position, we should still negotiate?”

“Yes, because we’re in a favorable position.”

“If we were a major power, the British might take us more seriously. But without strength, it’s unwise to act recklessly.”

At least in this advantageous situation, we can maximize our gains and negotiate with the British behind the scenes.

“We can’t recklessly provoke the British by relying on Russia.”

“Even if Russia acts decisively, the British might still try to use Japan as their Far Eastern base while making concessions to us.”

“We’re not in a position to argue.”

“We’ve just escaped Japan’s sphere of influence—’what can we do against Britain?’”

“Even Russia, a key player in the Great Game, would struggle against Britain. We can’t afford to provoke the British by relying on Russia. Especially since Russia is currently dealing with Bloody Sunday. Whether delayed or not, Bloody Sunday has happened, sealing the fate of the Russian Empire.”

“When that time comes, we won’t be able to cry for Russia’s help. Now is the right time. We’re still in the process of proving our value in the international community. We’ll do our best to turn things in our favor.”

“If Russia helps you, Count, couldn’t we crush Japan this time?”

“It seems Britain isn’t ready to abandon Japan yet.”

So, it’s a time for rest.

‘The bastards are up to their usual tricks.’

All I can do is keep my head high while aligning with what Britain wants.

“Then we should at least secure as much as we can. We’ll head to Hanseong.”

It’s time to march to Hanseong.

I’ll secretly enter Hanseong, rescue Yi Cheok, and throw him into the French legation.

Then, we’ll reclaim Hanseong and accept Kuroki’s surrender.

“Can you reclaim Hanseong?”

“Of course. But first, I have a question.”

“Who exactly are you?”

I asked Kim Insu while adjusting my sword.

‘One wrong word, and I’ll cut your throat.’

I added a bit of intimidation, just in case.

If Emperor Gojong sent him to assassinate me, I need to be cautious.

“I’m also a former soldier of the Korean Empire.”

“Did His Majesty the Emperor send you?”

‘If Gojong sent him, he could be here to betray me.’

“His Majesty did issue an order, but I came here mostly of my own will.”

After living in this world for so long, I’ve learned to read people.

“Those who lie to survive, those who lie to betray, and those who tell the truth—their eyes are all different.”

This guy seems to be the latter.

“I see.”

‘Am I overthinking this?’

Historically, Kim Insu wasn’t a particularly threatening figure.

But as a Russian informant, he could be useful.

That’s what I thought, but…

“For this nation to survive, someone like you, the Governor of Shenyang, must rise to a key position.”

‘He’s telling me to rise to a key position.’

‘I’m already the Governor of Shenyang—what more does he want?’

“I’m busy assimilating the Han and Manchu people in Manchuria into Korea. Given time, I’ll use Manchuria as a foundation for the Korean Empire’s modernization.”

“Southern Manchuria is already in our hands. And I’m a woman.”

“Wasn’t Queen So Seono a woman? She helped King Dongmyeong establish Goguryeo and later founded Baekje with her sons.”

“Unfortunately, I’m not like Queen So Seono.”

“She had the support of the Sono clan, and back then, the population density was low, making it easier to establish a nation. If I tried now, I’d have to stage a coup.”

“Of course, I’ve thought about it, but I prefer to stay behind the scenes.”

“Times are different now. Do you think there are others like me in this nation? The country is filled with traitors selling it out and scholars who resist change, submitting petitions without offering solutions. They cling to the words of Confucius and Mencius, unable to adapt to the times. These so-called scholars are the pathetic nobility of this nation.”

“You speak well, but do you think I’m like Queen So Seono? I’m just a woman, and this body has its limits.”

“In the future, maybe. But not now.”

“Especially in the late Joseon period, which is still an extension of the Joseon Dynasty. Compared to the 21st century, women’s rights are still low. Even in Europe, it’s not much better. Who knows? If I were of noble blood, I might have a legitimate claim. For example, if I were part of the Korean Empire’s royal lineage.”

But his words hold little value to me now.

“You’ve received His Majesty’s favor, yet you’re inciting rebellion against me.”

At least for now, I have no intention of seizing power through rebellion or revolution.

I prefer to let others fight while I reap the benefits.

I’ll step forward when there’s a legitimate cause.

“There are countries in the world today that have a monarch as a symbol while the parliament runs the country. England is like that, and the Japanese are similar too.”

The words sound convincing, but I’m not particularly drawn to them.

At least not yet. It’s just that it’s hard to go wild right now.

“I’m not without thoughts myself. But rebellion should not happen, and right now, after this war, we must unite the multi-ethnic groups of Manchuria.”

“After the war, we must somehow take control of southern Manchuria.”

“That’s why, for now, I need to envision a situation where we can gain as much as possible during the armistice negotiations.”

“Administrator of Shenyang, Your Excellency!”

‘What’s with this “Your Excellency”? I don’t even know how old I am.’

‘But judging by my appearance, I’m in my late teens or early twenties.’

To think that at this age, I’ve risen to the position of administrator.

Being called “Your Excellency” feels a bit strange.

‘Well, in the first place, I was able to rise to the positions of Chief of Staff and Administrator of Shenyang largely due to Lee Beomyun’s consideration.’

‘So, who is this man?’

“And you are?”

“I am Captain Nam Sangdeok of the Imperial Korean Guard. I was in charge of the defense of the Imjin River here.”

“Ah, I see. Captain Nam Sangdeok. In the original history, he fought in the Namdaemun Battle and even captured a Japanese company commander, didn’t he?”

He was a platoon leader but was in charge of the defense of the Imjin River here.

Even I, who don’t know much about history, have vaguely heard of him.

“You did well. Thanks to you, we didn’t have to face Kuroki Tamemoto at the Yalu River.”

“Please let me participate in the Battle of Hanseong.”

It seems he has a lot of pent-up resentment.

Currently, I know nothing about Hanseong, which is under Kuroki Tamemoto’s control, so it might be good to put Nam Sangdeok at the forefront.

Seeing how he fought at the Imjin River, he’ll likely perform well in the Battle of Hanseong too.

This might be a good opportunity to bring Nam Sangdeok into our fold.

“Go and meet the Administrator of Gando. Even though we’re both administrators, my position as the Administrator of Shenyang is more of a formal title, and I’m also the Chief of Staff of the Sappo Unit. On the other hand, Lee Beomyun, the Administrator of Gando, oversees the entire Gando region. It’s only right to meet the Administrator of Gando.”

“Yes, sir!”

Now, I’ll head to Hanseong separately.

This was the beginning of what would later be called the Hanseong Offensive.

***

[Imperial Korea, Hanseong]

The British Ambassador to Japan, MacDonald, arrived in Imperial Korea alongside Ito Hirobumi.

The reason he came to this inferior, uncivilized country in the East was due to Jordan’s request regarding the post-war demands of this inferior nation, Imperial Korea.

The proposal for an independent buffer state free from the influence of Russia, Britain, and Japan.

Reparations and compensation for the warships previously swindled by Japan.

The annulment of all treaties with Japan.

None of these go against the interests of the British Empire.

For Britain, this would prevent Russia from turning the Korean Peninsula into a vassal state, colony, or protectorate, and it’s only natural to demand an apology and reparations from Japan, which killed the Emperor.

Of course, Russia’s demands are the biggest issue, but if Korea is making such demands, it might be possible to mediate to a reasonable extent.

The ‘Okinawa Lease’ wasn’t a bad idea either.

From the fortress, MacDonald gazed at the black waves lined up outside Hanseong.

The black waves, with the crow flags of the Korean Empire visible, were the Imperial Korean Army.

“Although it’s a country that hasn’t achieved modernization, they’ve assembled quite a force. I hear the Korean army marching south exceeds 100,000?”

“100,000 is a number that can function as a proper army. If Korea survives like this, that number could double or triple.”

“In fact, assuming that what they call Gando, or southern Manchuria, falls under the influence of the Korean Empire, the population would be around 30 million. While it’s not as much as Japan, it’s still a sufficient number to raise an army.”

“Even so, compared to our Japan, they’re nothing more than a third-rate army.”

“How shameless, trying to boast when they’re afraid of losing their rice bowl.”

“That third-rate army gave you a proper beating at Lushun and Fengtian, didn’t they? (Unarmed) How many troops does Japan have left now?”

“We can defend Hanseong and mobilize as many troops as needed in the Japanese archipelago.”

“The one who caused this mess, that so-called great Kuroki or whatever, is saying he’ll defend Hanseong? After being driven out of the Imjin River, what exactly are you defending?”

“If that third-rate army surrounds Hanseong and lands in Japan alongside the Russian army, can Japan hold out?”

Probably not.

“With all of Japan’s forces sent to Korea and Russia, even if they hastily form a defense force, they’ll be lucky if they don’t get beaten by a third-rate army.”

And behind that third-rate army is the Russian army.

“That’s!”

“The important thing is that Japan is the defeated nation in this war.”

Keep that in mind.

F”rom the beginning, Japan mobilized all its national strength to fight Russia, didn’t it?”

“You boasted that you could win, but after being crushed like this, you should fix your attitude.”

“The Russian fleet also suffered heavy losses in the Tsushima Strait. So.”

“Yes, I’ve heard that news.”

After all, it’s a fleet that the British Empire practically raised.

Even if they couldn’t defeat Russia, they should at least inflict some damage.

“So, are you asking our British Empire to step in and protect your country, Japan? You have no shame, do you?”

“How can you be so brazen?”

“Even after receiving so much support, you lost, and now you should at least know how to bow your head. Tsk tsk.”

Still, unlike Ok Jinseo, who, despite acting like a rebel wolf, tries to maximize her country’s interests in negotiations without harming the British Empire, you’re just too shameless.

“Even for Britain, Russia taking over the Far East is not good at all.”

“Are you trying to threaten us while begging?”

“Well, you should have fought the war properly. Now that defeat is a foregone conclusion—”

“The woman who is the Administrator of Shenyang proposed making Korea a buffer state in the Far East. Our home country is viewing this positively. It would minimize Russia’s influence in Korea.”

“If that happens, we won’t have to fear Russia’s expansion in the Far East.”

“The Great Game could end at that point.”

“Please give our empire a chance. We are a nation that once defeated Qing China in war.”

“Qing China? Where do you even bring up Qing China?”

“Qing China is the kind of country that even the local Korean army beat up, isn’t it?”

Bringing up a punching bag like that, it seems Japan is also an uncivilized country.

“Let’s see.”

“If they drag this out to the end in Hanseong, we might need to take a closer look at Korea’s war capabilities.”

Extending British influence into Korea wouldn’t be bad either.

‘Korea is a country where a superhuman appears during national crises to save the nation.’

‘Something about that doesn’t sit well with me, but if it only benefits the British Empire, it’s not bad.’

‘I should split the ship in half! Why did that Kuroki guy let things get to this point?’

On the other hand, Ito Hirobumi felt like he wanted to split the ship in half.