Chapter 1503 Riverside outside the city
Although the area within the city walls of Seoul is not small, there is Gyeongbokgung Palace and various bureaucracies in the north of the city. There are also officials' residences, wealthy families, business facades, etc. in the city, so there is really not much space left for civilians to live. Therefore, outside the city are civilian areas stretching for miles. More than 100,000 people live on this riverside plain inside and outside Seoul. It is the most densely populated area on the west coast of the Korean Peninsula.
But although this place is already in the hinterland of North Korea, its history has not been peaceful. Not to mention the several palace coups that took place after the Lee Dynasty of North Korea established its capital here, the Japanese invasion of North Korea during the Wanli Period of the Ming Dynasty, and the Dingmao Rebellion nine years ago, the Japanese and Hou Jin armies both attacked Seoul. The shadow of war against the invasion of foreign enemies has always been lingering in the hearts of the people of Seoul and is difficult to dissipate. However, previous wars have had a certain buffer period. There has never been an armed fleet that appeared on the Han River without warning like today. .
Because North Korea could not build a sailboat with such a large hull, some witnesses initially regarded this fleet as a foreign merchant fleet, until the sound of cannons on the "Dignity" that resounded across the river was heard. Only those on the shore realized that this fleet had bad intentions.
The fear of war caused the people on the shore to disperse immediately, and the docks on the Han River became deserted in a short period of time. However, this was what Wang Tom expected. He ordered the fleet to slow down and at the same time sent two troop carriers to the river bank in the direction of Seoul, preparing to send a group of soldiers to land and clear a safe area for the fleet at the riverside dock. Zone for subsequent docking.
The troop transport ship did not encounter any obstruction or resistance during the docking process, and the soldiers completed the landing operation effortlessly, and this place was only two miles away from the Seoul city wall. If the Haihan army set up large-caliber artillery on the river bank, they could actually hit the city wall directly. Of course, those officials in the city who had never seen the powerful artillery fire of the Haihan Army would not have such worries at this time.
At the last moment, Kim Sang-hyun finally persuaded Li Jie not to rush to send out troops to try to drive away the Haihan people on the Han River, and not to rush out of the palace to flee. He first asked him to meet and discuss with the Haihan people outside the city to find out the true nature of the other party. Make a decision based on your intention. As for Kim Sang-heon's brave move, his political rival Cui Ming-gil couldn't refute it. He couldn't say not to let him go and let me go. He didn't want to put his own safety in the sea of unkindness. Under the sword and gun of the Han army.
Kim Sang-hyun is just a civil servant, and of course he is not a bold person. However, he knows that if the situation at hand is not dealt with as soon as possible, it is likely to turn into a real war. Moreover, foreign troops are approaching the city. This is an opportunity to make achievements. As the saying goes, wealth can only be found in danger. Kim Sang-hyun has already placed a bet on Lud-heon before and cannot take it back. Now he has no choice but to take another gamble and put his life and fortune on it. , let’s bet that the Haihan people didn’t really intend to start a war with North Korea.
Kim Sang-hyun knew that if he could handle Hae-han's crisis, regardless of whether North Korea would form an alliance with Hae-han in the future, he would definitely have more say in the court than in the past, and he would definitely have more trust and reliance from the king. increased. Although the risk is not small, Luo Dexian swore that the Haihan people would choose negotiation instead of war. Now he can only believe it for the time being. However, before leaving the city, Kim Sang-hyun specifically ordered his cronies who stayed in the city. If something unexpected happened after leaving the city or he was taken hostage by Haihan, they must get rid of Lud-heon as soon as possible to avoid future troubles and prevent him from deceiving other officials. .
Rod Hun was also very depressed. Originally, in this situation, if he could introduce senior North Korean officials to the Han people, things would have been much simpler. However, instead of taking him with him, Kim Sang Hun ordered someone to temporarily place him under house arrest. , which clearly shows that you can’t trust him. Now he can only pray that Kim Sang-hyun will not cause trouble outside the city, otherwise he will definitely be involved. But if Kim Sang-heon can successfully negotiate peace with Haihan, he may not get the credit afterwards.
Facing the Haehan fleet arrayed on the Han River, Kim Sang-hyun certainly did not dare to head out of the city rashly. Instead, he first sent people to the riverside to contact the Haehan fleet that had landed on the river, and after confirming that the other party was indeed interested in talks, , then went out of the city to meet the other party's general.
"Master Jin is really my king's loyal minister! He can still stand up and share my worries at the critical moment!" King Li Ju couldn't help but saw the carriage of Jin Sangxian riding along the official road to the riverside from the tower. There was a sound of admiration.
Cui Mingji, who was standing behind him, couldn't help but look a little embarrassed. After all, if a political opponent took this job, it would indeed greatly improve his image in the king's mind. He now hopes that the negotiation will fail and Kim Sang-heon will come back in disgrace, but he is also worried about the Haihan people. If your attitude is too tough, the other party will attack the city if the negotiation breaks down. Although the size of the opponent's fleet cannot bring too many troops, who dares to say whether they will have another larger fleet waiting in Ganghwa Bay?
At this time, Kim Sang-hyun could no longer think about the king's opinion of him or the thoughts of his political opponents. He took the time to sort out the information he had received from Lud-hyun, and figured out how to bargain with the Haihan people to get a better deal for North Korea. conditions.
There was silence outside the city at this time. People who could escape into the city had already entered before the city gate was closed. Those who couldn't get in ran north on their own. Those who really couldn't bear to leave the pots and jars at home and couldn't take them with them had no choice but to leave. He stayed at home and shut himself up, hoping that the flames of war would not burn him. Kim Sang-hyun's carriage passed through the roads in the civilian area. Only occasionally one or two brave people stuck their heads out of the house to take a look, and then quickly retracted.
Jin Sangxian came to the riverside and got off the carriage, but he did not see General Haihan at the first time. The person waiting for him here was Ming Army General Shen Zhixiang. Although he was just a general, Jin Sangxian did not dare to neglect, and stepped forward to meet Shen Zhixiang with due courtesy.
Shen Zhixiang was very relaxed. Since Seoul had sent officials to negotiate, it meant that the other party had given up on the plan of armed confrontation at the first opportunity. This errand might be completed more easily than expected.
Dongjiang Town is the Ming army that North Korea has mainly funded in recent years. Kim Sangxian certainly knows Shen Zhixiang's identity and background, and he doesn't need to find a way to verify it. However, he has a very important thing that he must immediately ask Shen Zhixiang for confirmation: "Shen Zhixiang General, our envoy said that Dongjiang Town has returned to Liaodong and recaptured most of Jinzhou. Is this true? "
Although Jin Sangxian asked about the battle situation in Dongjiang Town, Shen Zhixiang had already heard the implication and knew exactly what he wanted to inquire about. He even took the initiative to explain: "It is true that our army has returned to Liaodong, but we are taking the lead in this matter." It is the army of the Haihan Kingdom, and our army is just cooperating with their actions on the battlefield. This time, General Wang Tom of the Haihan Kingdom led a fleet to visit Seoul. Although it was a bit abrupt, there was no malicious intent in the fight with the Haihan people. North Korea has formed an alliance to deal with the Jin people. I must have informed your court of this intention, right?”
Jin Sangxian heard that what Shen Zhixiang said was indeed consistent with Luo Dexian, and he felt relieved at the moment. However, whether the Haihan man's purpose of coming was just as simple as Shen Zhixiang said, or if he had other intentions, he probably had to meet him before he could Know. For safety reasons, Tom Wang did not land ashore, but waited on the "Majesty" to meet Kim Sang-hyun. The sailors used a small boat to take Kim Sang-heon and his entourage from the shore to the "Majesty". By the way, these North Koreans were also allowed to see the most powerful warship currently installed in the Haihan Navy.
Although Kim Sang-hyun is a civil servant, he still recognizes artillery. There are several artillery pieces on the top of Seoul that were left behind when the Wanli Ming army aided the DPRK. As for the ship he was on now, from the deck alone, there were more than ten artillery deployed on the left and right sides. Jin Sangxian remembered that Luo Dexian had said that the Haihan fleet was nearly invincible at sea. After seeing the weapons and equipment on the Haihan battleship with his own eyes, he believed this statement a little more.
He was then taken to the rear of the deck, where he met the commander of the fleet, Commander Haihan Wang Tom. Just by looking at the other party's strong body and dark complexion, Jin Sangxian could tell that General Haihan was not an official sitting in a government office, but a real person who stayed at sea all year round.
Tom Wang didn't know much about the person he was negotiating with. Although the intelligence department had prepared information on North Korean officials in advance, Tom Wang didn't have the time to remember this information, which he considered not that important. Since the other party is qualified to sit in front of him and negotiate on behalf of North Korea, Wang Tom will treat this negotiation in accordance with the standards between countries.
"Sir Jin, I believe that the special envoy has already reported to you the purpose of our army's coming to Seoul, so I won't say any more nonsense. Our country has three main requirements. First, to conclude an alliance with our country; second, to In the form of transactions, we will provide material and labor support to our occupied areas in Liaodong; third, allow our merchant ships to enter North Korea to engage in trading activities. As for the conditions that our country can provide, it is to provide military protection for your country when necessary. Allow merchants from your country to enter our territory and controlled areas to engage in trade activities and cultural exchanges.”
Tom Wang laid out the conditions in one breath, and then waited patiently for Jin Sangxian's reply.
Jin Sangxian also didn't expect Haihan people to be so direct, laying out all the conditions straight to the point. But he did not dare to agree to these conditions at once, because any one of them would have a huge impact on North Korea. Before finding out the details of the other party, or the true purpose, Kim Sang-hyun still needs to be cautious enough.
"General Wang, with all due respect, your country and our country had no formal exchanges in the past. Now that your country is visiting our country for the first time, it is a bit abrupt to make these requests..." Kim Sang-hyun said while carefully observing the other party's face. He looked like he was afraid that if he said something wrong, the other party would take the opportunity to fall out.
Sure enough, Tom Wang coughed impatiently and interrupted him: "Master Jin, we are willing to negotiate with your country in a peaceful way because of the good relationship between your country and Ming Dynasty. Moreover, we are willing to negotiate with your country in a peaceful way. General Shen of Dongjiang Town assured me with his chest, saying that North Korea understands its righteousness and will definitely join hands with our country to fight against Jin. But your tone seems to suggest that you have any objections to the conditions proposed by our country."
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Wang Tom has been commanding the army in battles in the north and south all year round. The murderous aura in his body makes him calm and self-defeating. Naturally, it is not something that a civil servant like Kim Sang-heon can resist. Jin Shangxian responded tremblingly: "General Wang, our country is a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty. Following the old rules, we cannot arbitrarily form alliances with other countries..."
This time, Tom Wang did not save him any more face, and directly threw out his trump card: "Oh? Is there such a rule? Then the Ming Emperor nodded and agreed to the brotherly alliance you signed with the Jin people? You now pay tribute to the Jin people every year People pay tribute, have you reported this to Ming Dynasty?”
"This..." Jin Shangxian didn't expect that the Haihan martial artist would be so good at grasping the situation. He was speechless for a moment, unable to respond to Wang Tom's question. Nowadays, Ming Dynasty’s self-preservation is a problem, so it can’t bother to blame North Korea for its wallowing behavior. Although the North Koreans understand that this is inappropriate, they are forced to continue to maintain this distorted international relationship due to the situation.
Wang Tom continued: "The current situation is actually very simple. Let me analyze it for you. If you want to unite with the Jin people, then our country will not care about opening up another battlefield. I will directly represent our country to your country later. Declaring war is one option. The other option is that you tear up all agreements with the Jin people and form an alliance with our country. Then the situation in this region will become that the Ming Dynasty, North Korea, and our country will jointly deal with the Jin people. "
Jin Sangxian looked embarrassed, but did not immediately respond to Tom Wang's statement. In fact, after listening to Luo Dexian's report, he had already clarified the international situation. However, before seeing the strength of the Haihan Army with his own eyes, he did not dare to place his hope of changing North Korea's fate on this somewhat hasty international alliance. . If the three countries join forces, the chances of winning will be greatly increased, but if the Haihan people withdraw at any time, the alliance will collapse. Who can prevent the vicious Jin people from making a comeback?
Wang Tom continued to persuade: "I know that your country's idea is to try to avoid being involved in the war. In fact, this is also very easy. The Ming Dynasty attracted firepower in the northwest direction of Bohai Bay, and our army contained the enemy in the east direction of Liaoning. In this way, the Jin people There will be no extra energy to liquidate your country. Our country does not require your country to directly send troops to join the war. It only needs to provide supplies and logistics personnel, and we will give you rewards, not to steal wealth from your country in vain. If you have any concerns, please speak up immediately and I will answer you in person.”
(End of chapter)