Black Corporation: Joseon

Episode 960: South and North, and the Middle (7)

While the imperial army and the Italian Allied Forces were in full swing, the imperial officials were not idle. The agents of the Medici family traveled around the north, south, east, and west of the Italian peninsula, gathering all kinds of information and bringing it to Florence. From highly reliable information to plausible theories and nonsense rumors.

Florentine and imperial officials classified the information brought by the Ganja one by one, checked its authenticity, and put things into perspective. It was an arduous task that imperial officials called ‘patchwork.’ The result of such painful work was the movement of the Kingdom of Naples.

-Possibility of Kingdom of Naples advancing north.

Reactions to Seong Sam-mun, Shin Sook-ju, and Han Myeong-hoe upon receiving the thick report containing the conclusions and their rationale were varied. First, Seong Sam-moon viewed this negatively.

“I think advancing north is impossible.”

-King Ferdinand I of Naples is a man of great courage, but he is still unable to properly control the nobles of the kingdom.

-The number of artillery pieces and musketeers is insufficient to advance north.

-It is difficult to keep the Spanish navy in check at the Port of Naples.

“And above all, Ferdinand I is not only an illegitimate son, but he also returned from living in Barcelona. He is not suitable for the cause of ‘unification of Italy by Italians.’”

This was the basis for Seong Sam-Moon’s negative view. On the other hand, Han Myeong-hoe judged that the possibility was very high.

-Despite the flaw of being an illegitimate child, he ascended to the throne of king.

– Although he was not able to control all the nobles of the Kingdom of Naples, the outstanding ability of him can be seen in the fact that he was able to control and shake the entire kingdom.

-Although the number of artillery and musketeers is insufficient, this also applies to the Papal States located in the middle. In terms of overall power, it is stronger than the Pope.

-The Spanish fleet trapped in the port of Naples was devastated by the attack of the Imperial Navy fleet, and most of the surviving fleet fled to Sicily.

“For this reason, I think there is a very high possibility that the Kingdom of Naples will advance north.”

Lastly, Shin Sook-ju had ‘reservation’.

“It is the human mind that was different yesterday and is different today. And most of the evidence is derived from rumors, so I think we should not make any predictions.”

As the three people could not reach a consensus, Han Myeong-hoe recorded it as is and submitted it to Hyang. Hyang, who received and read the report from Han Myeong-hoe, smiled and looked at Han Myeong-hoe.

“The fact that you recorded such inconclusive matters and posted them to me means that you are confident that your opinion is correct?” “It’s

not that you are confident in your beliefs, it’s just that you know your Majesty well. Isn’t your Majesty the one who knows your beliefs best?”

“ Hahaha!”

In response to Han Myeong-hoe’s response, Hyang burst into laughter for the first time in a long time. Wiping away the tears from my eyes, I received the words.

“That’s true. I’ve known you for more than a year or two. Hmm…”

Hyang muttered to herself as she looked at the report again.

‘The personalities of the three people are clearly revealed.’

Seong Sam-moon is conservative and puts priority on causes. Han Myeonghoe prefers active preemptive response rather than passive response based on practicality rather than justification. Unlike the other two, Shin Sook-joo looks at the trend and finds the most optimal move. The personality differences between the three people were contained in this one report.

“Hmm…”

Hyang-hyang put down the report he was studying and ordered the eunuch.

“Call Shin Suk-ju and Seong Sam-moon.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

* * *

As Shin Suk-ju and Seong Sam-moon gathered together, Hyang opened her mouth.

“I read the officers’ report carefully. I think we need to make a quick decision. However, we must avoid the mistake of jumping to conclusions and making a mistake. That is why I asked the officers to come.”

At Hyang’s words, the three people, including Han Myeong-hoe, straightened their posture and collected their minds. When Hyang saw that the three people were ready, he started asking questions.

“….. I have listened carefully to your thoughts. Then, I will ask the Prime Minister for the last time. In my opinion, the biggest fetter on the Kingdom of Naples is King Ferdinand I. Is there a solution to this? A solution that is not force. .”

Han Myeong-hoe, who thought about Hyang’s question for a moment, answered right away.

“This is Alfonso, his eldest son. He is not an illegitimate son, but the legitimate eldest son, and was born and raised in Naples. There is no need for justification. Moreover, since he is already an adult, I think it is enough to present Alfonso.”

“Alfonso is said to have a cruel temperament. Can he be an alternative?”

“Most of that evaluation comes from his actions on the battlefield and spread by his political opponents. Rather, he may have a personality that suits these difficult times.”

Seong Sam-moon frowned at Han Myeong-hoe’s answer. When Hyang saw that, she muttered to herself.

‘This is indeed the answer that the main character of Gyeyujeongnan would give and the reaction that Yukshin would show. By the way…’

After hearing Han Myeong-hoe’s answer, Hyang closed his mouth and began to ponder. While Hyang was organizing his thoughts, the three people swallowed dry saliva and looked at Hyang.

“I will come to a conclusion. I think the Kingdom of Naples will advance north.”

Han Myeong-hoe’s face brightened at Hyang’s decision, and Seong Sam-moon could not hide his regret. However, Seong Sam-moon soon hid his regret and organized his expression.

‘It is Your Majesty’s decision. The duty of a subject is loyalty! ‘

After gathering his thoughts, Seong Sam-moon bowed his head to Hyang and said.

“What are the gods’ jobs to do?”

* * *

With Seong Sam-mun’s words, the situation was settled. After hearing Seong Sam-moon’s answer, Hyang walked towards the map of Italy hanging on the wall.

“According to the report’s analysis and the Prime Minister’s opinion, the limit of the Kingdom of Naples’ offensive was the Papal States. Jim also agrees with this. Then, I think the most important thing is Rome’s preoccupation. What do you think?” The

three responded unanimously to Hyang’s question. .

“Rome is the beginning and the end.”

“That’s right.”

Hyang shook his head at the three people’s answers and asked the question again.

“Then who would you like to be the first to enter Rome? Our empire? Florence? Or Naples?”

At Hyang’s question, the three people began to ponder at the same time. Looking at that scene, Hyang muttered to herself.

‘Isn’t this the most important issue? Even during World War II, Britain and the United States argued over who would enter Rome first, and the same goes for the Korean War. The photo of the Taegeukgi hanging at the Central Office is famous, but think about the Pyongyang race as well.’

After a while, Han Myeong-hoe was the first to speak.

“Considering the status and importance of the empire in this war, it is reasonable for the empire to enter first. However, considering the politics that will occur later, this is not a very good method.”

Following Han Myeong-hoe, Seong Sam-moon added his words.

“I welcome you. No matter the twists and turns, the justification for this war is ‘unification of Italy by Italians.’ If our empire enters Rome first, there will be a problem with the justification.”

“That’s right. That’s right.”

In response to Han Myeong-hoe and Seong Sam-moon’s answers, Hyang nodded and agreed. Seeing that, Shin Suk-ju opened her mouth, not wanting to miss the opportunity.

“But if the empire makes concessions, it will be the empire that suffers and the condescension will be done by them. However, if the empire takes a step back and puts them in the lead, they will criticize them for using them as arrows. Of course, that is true to some extent, but… ….”

“I’m not saying this out loud, but I am saying it.”

Shin Sook-ju continued as the scent did not pay much attention to the slightly dangerous remark.

“The best course of action would be for their symbol to be the first to enter the public arena.”

Hyang’s eyes sparkled menacingly at Shin Sook-ju’s words.

“Symbol? Are you talking about the national flag?”

“That’s right. All you have to do is make a piece of cloth worth ten thousand gold.”

“Good!”

In response to Shin Sook-ju’s response, Hyang slapped her knee and expressed admiration and reflection at the same time.

‘yes! By the way, I remembered the picture of the Taegeukgi being hung at the Central Office, but I can’t believe I missed it! ‘

Anyway, Hyang’s face brightened and she looked at Han Myeong-hoe and Seong Sam-moon.

“I think it would be okay if the empire’s flag entered the entrance to Rome first, but their flag entered the Vatican first?”

Seong Sam-moon answered Hyang’s question.

“Wouldn’t it be better to join the Vatican?”

“No. If you enter an enemy city, plunder will inevitably follow. If the Vatican is plundered, there will definitely be backlash. The Vatican is better off taking a step back. It’s good.”

“I think the Prime Minister’s words make sense.”

Han Myeong-hoe expressed opposition to Seong Sam-moon’s proposal, and the Hyang sided with Han Myeong-hoe.

“Well then, I guess we can do things like this from now on… Come to think of it, does Italy have a flag?”

“Ah!”

“I guess I should tell them to make a flag first.”

* * *

“… Looking at the movements of the Kingdom of Naples, it is certain that they will advance north. So I think it is best for us to also begin advancing south.”

Lorenzo de’ Medici’s face brightened at the scent’s words.

“Are we finally moving south? Are we entering Rome?”

“Isn’t that up to you to decide? Jim just gives suggestions and advice.”

Lorenzo made a decision right away after hearing the fragrance’s words.

“Then we will begin our advance south! I will notify the alliance and prepare for it!”

“It seems that unification is finally in sight.”

“That’s right! All of this was possible thanks to the help of the empire. We in Florence, not Italy, will never forget that help! ”

“I just hope that the good relations between our two countries will continue for a long time. By the way…”

When the incense slightly clouded his words, Lorenzo quickly calmed his excitement and looked at the incense. Seeing that Lorenzo was ready to listen, the incense got to the point.

“After entering Rome and the Vatican, Italy was unified. I think we need a symbol to make it known widely.”

“If it’s a symbol, I’ll build a sculpture that will go down in history! ”

“We need something to make before the sculpture. “The national flag.”

“You mean the national flag? Is there a flag with the city’s emblem on it? ”

“It is a symbol of the city, not of a unified Italy. Shouldn’t there be a flag symbolizing a unified Italy? Like the flag of the empire.”

“Ah! ”

While preparing to advance south, the work of making a national flag also took place. However, it was not an easy task at all. This was thanks to the stubbornness of both Milan, Genoa and Venice, who had become allies. “If

this continues, it seems that the alliance will be broken.”

When Shin Suk-ju, who was in charge of coordination, reported with a haggard face, Hyang stood up from her seat.

“This is the won…”

And two days later, Shin Suk-ju presented a flag to the representatives of the alliance.

“His Majesty Tae Sang-tae gave this flag. “You asked what it was like.”

“Huh? ”

Shin Sook-ju’s words drew attention to the flag raised.

“Green symbolizes the plains and mountains of Italy, white is the ice caps of the Alps, and red symbolizes the blood of those who fell for unification. And the four emblems engraved in the center symbolize the allied cities that participated in unification.”

The delegates who were examining the flag while listening to Shin Sook-ju’s explanation responded with one voice.

“It’s the best! ”

“Then will you adopt this flag? ”

“Right Now! ”

In this way, the overheated atmosphere calmed down very easily. Meanwhile, Hyang, who had received the report, looked out the window and grumbled.

“Haha… Do I even have to spoon-feed you this? ”

Meanwhile, Da Vinci and Michelangelo, who were sketching the incense on one side, repeatedly expressed their admiration.

“He is indeed a wise man from the East! ”

“There is no problem whatsoever! Even the title of wise man is not enough! ”

* * *

The royal palace of the Kingdom of Naples.

King Alfonso II knelt down on one knee before his father, King Ferdinand I, and reported.

“All preparations are complete. “Your Highness.”

“Then go to war. “For the glory of the kingdom and your future.”

“Yes!”