Chapter 2074
Chapter 2074
Chapter 2074
As more and more clues point to the Japanese Hirado clan, the case that has troubled Haihan for several months has gradually become clear.Of course, regarding the dispatch of troops, the final opinion of the Executive Committee is to let the intelligence agencies try to continue to investigate the relevant clues, while the military began to prepare for the war with a prudent and prudent attitude.
With the strength of the Haihan army, it would not be too difficult to defeat local separatist forces like the Hirado clan on the battlefield.But winning the war does not mean that the current problems are solved. Haihan is not clear about the influence and scale of the Eighteen Zhiyu Party in Hirado, and it may not be completely wiped out through a war. the gang.
Therefore, for the Haihan intelligence department, it is necessary to step up operations in the near future and collect as much relevant information as possible in order to provide sufficient reference information for the military to formulate combat plans.
Although the intelligence agencies have not sent personnel to Japan before this, but as long as they think of a way, they can still collect some relevant information from other channels.After all, the Dutch are not the only ones who maintain trade relations with Japan. Daming is Japan's main trading partner.In addition, in southern Korea, there are also businessmen who have maintained long-term trade relations with Japan's Tsushima Island, Iki Island and Hirado.
However, as Haihan has been working in various places recently, clearing up the hidden stakes deployed by the opponent in various trading ports, the relevant news will surely spread to Hirado sooner or later, and it is undoubtedly extremely risky to send intelligence personnel to the local area at this time .Therefore, the Ministry of Security did not intend to compete with the military for this job, and obediently gave up the reconnaissance mission to the military.
On the day when the executive committee finished meeting, Wang Tom, who was far away in the Taedongjiang base in North Korea, received a telegram from Sanya, asking him to deploy operations as soon as possible to conduct reconnaissance of the environment around Hirado.
"The behind-the-scenes agent is actually related to Shibazhi. It seems that the accounts of that year have not been settled yet!" Tom Wang passed the telegram to Qian Tiandun, expressing his emotion at the recent investigation progress in the Fujian Strait area.
Qian Tiandun quickly scanned the content of the telegram, and replied in a deep voice: "I never thought that the fish that slipped through the net could make such a big noise! If I remember correctly, you commanded the battle to attack Miyakojima!"
Wang Tom said: "The navy had limited conditions back then, and it was impossible to surround Miyako Island at sea. Besides, before we launched the final offensive, some people fled from the island."
Of course, Qian Tiandun was just joking. The Battle of Miyakojima commanded by Wang Tom in 1633 did not make any major mistakes. Lose.After the war, meritorious deeds were rewarded, but Wang Tom, as a commander, was recorded by the Executive Committee.
At that time, the fleet size of the Haihan Navy was far from what it is today, and most of the logistics support was handed over to Xu Xinsu's Fujian Navy, so that the combat operations could be carried out smoothly.But after the battle ended, the logistics could no longer support the naval fleet to continue searching and chasing the Eighteen Chiyu Party who escaped from Miyako Island, so it could only end hastily.At that time, both Haihan and Xu Xinsu believed that all the important people of Shibazhi had been wiped out, so they were not so persistent in exterminating them. After achieving their goal, they withdrew their troops, but they didn't expect that they would breed tigers and make a comeback. Opportunity.
Qian Tiandun didn't take it seriously either, and changed the subject with a smile: "If you want to send a reconnaissance force to that area, you may have to rely on the North Koreans for assistance in terms of logistics."
Wang Tom nodded and said, "Busan or Jeju Island, you have to choose a place nearby as a temporary base."
The Taedong River Base is located in the northwest of the Korean Peninsula, about [-] miles away from Hirado Island, Japan. Considering that the reconnaissance mission is likely to last in this area for a period of time, it is necessary to find a nearby port as a temporary supply point.There are quite a few natural harbors at the southern tip of the Korean peninsula, but the port with the best conditions at present is the port of Busan.
The naturally formed bay here provides excellent conditions for the construction of a port. At the same time, because Busan is quite close to Kitakyushu and Tsushima Island in Japan, the Wakan, which has trade and diplomatic functions with Japan, has been set up in this place since the fifteenth century. . In 1592, Japan launched the Imjin Japanese Invasion, once occupied Busan by force, and tried to annex it as a colony.However, more than a decade later, North Korea recaptured Busan from Japan, and it is still the main trading place for trade between the two countries.
Crossing the strait from Busan Port to the south is Hirado Island, where the Hirado Clan is located. The distance is about [-] miles, and you can also inquire about the current trade status between the two countries and other news about Hirado.However, Japan also has many eyes and ears in Busan. If Haihan Navy ships enter and leave Busan Port, it will undoubtedly attract the attention of interested people, and it may prematurely expose Haihan's intention to use troops in the Tsushima Strait.
Compared with Busan Port, Jeju Island, located off the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, is not so eye-catching.This place is about [-] miles away from the coast of the peninsula, and about [-] miles away from Hirado. Although there is no natural good port like Busan, it is just on the route from Datong River Base to Hirado, which is very suitable as a supply port. .
As for the upcoming actions of the Haihan military, Jeju Island has another "advantage" that must be mentioned, that is, there is no trade organization on the island, so there are few Japanese who will go to the island. If the Haihan warship is here Stopping, the possibility of revealing whereabouts is much smaller than going to Busan.
These two places have their own advantages and disadvantages, and Wang Tom did not make a decision immediately, but planned to communicate with North Korean officials first to see where the arrangement is more suitable.However, due to the need for confidentiality, Wang Tom does not intend to prematurely inform North Korean officials of the purpose of the operation.
Qian Tiandun remembered something, and said to Wang Tom: "I remember that in the year of the battle of Miyako Island, Chen Yixin seemed to lead a team to the vicinity of Kyushu Island."
Wang Tom nodded and said: "You remember correctly, he led a team to inspect Kyushu Island and the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. He may know more about the situation in Hirado than the two of us. But for this matter, let him It would be too fussy to transfer from Liaodong, I think I should send a telegram and ask him if there is anything worth noting about the area."
Qian Tiandun said: "Speaking of the telegram, what do you think of the other matter mentioned in the telegram sent from Sanya?"
Tom Wang shook his head slightly and said, "Just one word, it's not easy."
Another thing Qian Tiandun said was that the Executive Committee hoped that they could determine whether there was an instigator from North Korea behind the attack on Li Yi through contacts with North Korean high-level officials.But this job is easy to say, but it is extremely difficult to do. The succession to the throne is an extremely sensitive topic at any time. Even if Haehan is currently the most important ally of North Korea, it is not good to directly interfere with the arrangement of his succession to the throne.If he took the initiative to ask about the relevant news, it is likely that King Li Xi would misunderstand Hai Han's intentions.
And senior officials in the North Korean political arena are also very cautious about this. Neither Kim Sang-heon nor Cui Mingji welcome Haihan to intervene in the transfer of kingship in their country.If the attempted attack on Li Yi in Haihan was related to one of them, they would definitely try to prevent Haihan from launching related investigations in North Korea.
According to their feelings in North Korea for the past six months, both Wang and Qian could feel that the North Korean royal family was not as peaceful as it appeared on the surface.Although the king Li Yi designated his elder son Li Yi as his son early on, as Li Yan went to Haihan to study abroad, the second son Fenglin Dajun Li Hao and the youngest son Linping Dajun Li Jun also began to study state governance in Gyeongbokgung Palace. political strategy.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with Li Jing making such an arrangement. As the ruler of a country, he cannot bet all his treasures on his eldest son who has gone overseas. Others can support the overall situation, so the second and third heirs must also learn how to be a qualified king.
It is hard to say whether the two brothers Li Yan have ambitions, but they each have various people who follow them. These people will definitely hope that the prince they serve will rise to the throne, and then they will be promoted to heaven alone, and they will also be promoted and make a fortune because of this.In order to achieve such a goal, there may be some ambitious people planning to use abnormal means to seize the right to inherit the throne that belonged to the eldest son Li Yi.
The factional disputes in the imperial court have actually continued to the competition for the heir to the throne. Li Cao's judge, Kim Sang-heon, supports the son Li Yi, while Li Cao's judge, Cui Mingji, believes that Fenglin Dajun Li Hao is young and promising, and he is more suitable for the title of son.Although the officials who support the youngest Li Jun are not as influential as these two, they are also quietly doing some paving the way for Li Jun. In case his two elder brothers can't figure out what mistakes they made someday, then it will be Li Jun's turn Is it on your head?
As for Haihan, of course Li Yi, who is currently studying in Sanya, is the first choice.The matter of studying abroad was originally promoted by Hai Han, the purpose was to let Li Yi accept the various concepts instilled by Hai Han during his study abroad, so that he tended to obey Hai Han's opinions in his future ruling position.
The Executive Committee believes that after Li Yi returns to China, the diplomatic relationship between North Korea and Haihan will be further consolidated, and the cooperation in the military and trade fields will be further strengthened, which will help Haihan further enhance its influence in Northeast Asia.As for the other two princes, or other members of the royal family who are lower in the line of succession, they are not currently considered by Haihan. If these people want to fight for the throne, it may be difficult to get Haihan's approval and support.
Of course, the North Koreans also know that Haehan has always favored Prince Sohyun, and will increase their support for him after he returns from his studies. Therefore, if other people want to seize power, the ideal opportunity is that Prince Sohyun suddenly fails Yes, this is exactly why Hai Han suspected that someone in North Korea was involved in the planning and implementation of the attack on Li Yi.
As the saying goes, it is difficult for an honest official to decide on family affairs. Haihan can use some means to support Li Yi's superiority, but it is difficult to directly intervene in the power disputes within the royal family.So when Qian Tiandun asked about this matter, Tom Wang could only express that he had a headache about it.
"I can't report your words to Sanya." Qian Tiandun said: "No matter how difficult it is, we have to find a way! I think we should go to Seoul and find out Li Zhen's attitude."
Wang Tom said: "Li Zhen himself rose to power by launching a palace coup, so he will definitely prevent someone from using a similar method to seize power. I think that although he has given the second and third children some opportunities now, but the choice of heir I should still be inclined to Li Yan. After all, the successor must first obtain our support in order to effectively maintain the stability of North Korea. But retaining the other two sons' chances of succession can also create some sense of crisis for Li Yan, and by the way let Certain royals and ministers with ulterior motives were exposed earlier."
"Li Zhen is as sophisticated as you said?" Qian Tiandun couldn't believe Tom Wang's judgment.
Wang Tom said: "This person is quite shrewd in his bones. If you think about it, he has changed his position among several big countries over the years, and finally kept his own country. This is not something ordinary people can do."
It was indeed not easy for Li Ji to be the king. He launched a palace coup in 1623 to overthrow his uncle Guanghai Jun. It was not until two years later that he was recognized and canonized by the Ming Dynasty.However, the internal and external troubles during his reign almost never stopped. The 1624 Li Shi Rebellion allowed Li Yi to flee Seoul overnight for refuge. Sign the alliance under the city with Houjin.
In this external environment, North Korea had to survive in the cracks between the Ming Dynasty and the Jin Dynasty. While proclaiming its vassal status to the Ming Dynasty as a vassal state, it also made peace with the Ming Dynasty's sworn enemy Houjin.By the year before last, the Haihan army had gained a firm foothold in Liaodong, and North Korea, which had seen Houjin's decline, decisively embraced Haihan's thigh.
In the end, it was Huang Taiji who couldn't hold back his anger, and prepared an army of [-] to conquer North Korea.If Haihan hadn't dispatched troops in time to block North Korea's offensive, North Korea would probably have fallen under the iron heel of the Qing army at this time, just like in its original history.
However, it is precisely because of the proper operation of the center, under the pressure of his officials who are fighting and fighting against each other, that he managed to survive in such a complicated international situation and successfully keep North Korea's state status. Said it was a skill.Tom Wang recently had time to carefully study the situation in North Korea in the past ten years before making such a judgment on Li Zhen's strength.
He believes that with Li Zhen's ruling style, the domestic situation will definitely not be thrown into turmoil due to disputes over heirs. Whether it is sending Li Zhen to study abroad or letting the second and third children learn to govern the country, these situations should be under his control. Down.Regarding the choice of heir, Li Zhen should not have any vacillating thoughts.
(End of this chapter)
As more and more clues point to the Japanese Hirado clan, the case that has troubled Haihan for several months has gradually become clear.Of course, regarding the dispatch of troops, the final opinion of the Executive Committee is to let the intelligence agencies try to continue to investigate the relevant clues, while the military began to prepare for the war with a prudent and prudent attitude.
With the strength of the Haihan army, it would not be too difficult to defeat local separatist forces like the Hirado clan on the battlefield.But winning the war does not mean that the current problems are solved. Haihan is not clear about the influence and scale of the Eighteen Zhiyu Party in Hirado, and it may not be completely wiped out through a war. the gang.
Therefore, for the Haihan intelligence department, it is necessary to step up operations in the near future and collect as much relevant information as possible in order to provide sufficient reference information for the military to formulate combat plans.
Although the intelligence agencies have not sent personnel to Japan before this, but as long as they think of a way, they can still collect some relevant information from other channels.After all, the Dutch are not the only ones who maintain trade relations with Japan. Daming is Japan's main trading partner.In addition, in southern Korea, there are also businessmen who have maintained long-term trade relations with Japan's Tsushima Island, Iki Island and Hirado.
However, as Haihan has been working in various places recently, clearing up the hidden stakes deployed by the opponent in various trading ports, the relevant news will surely spread to Hirado sooner or later, and it is undoubtedly extremely risky to send intelligence personnel to the local area at this time .Therefore, the Ministry of Security did not intend to compete with the military for this job, and obediently gave up the reconnaissance mission to the military.
On the day when the executive committee finished meeting, Wang Tom, who was far away in the Taedongjiang base in North Korea, received a telegram from Sanya, asking him to deploy operations as soon as possible to conduct reconnaissance of the environment around Hirado.
"The behind-the-scenes agent is actually related to Shibazhi. It seems that the accounts of that year have not been settled yet!" Tom Wang passed the telegram to Qian Tiandun, expressing his emotion at the recent investigation progress in the Fujian Strait area.
Qian Tiandun quickly scanned the content of the telegram, and replied in a deep voice: "I never thought that the fish that slipped through the net could make such a big noise! If I remember correctly, you commanded the battle to attack Miyakojima!"
Wang Tom said: "The navy had limited conditions back then, and it was impossible to surround Miyako Island at sea. Besides, before we launched the final offensive, some people fled from the island."
Of course, Qian Tiandun was just joking. The Battle of Miyakojima commanded by Wang Tom in 1633 did not make any major mistakes. Lose.After the war, meritorious deeds were rewarded, but Wang Tom, as a commander, was recorded by the Executive Committee.
At that time, the fleet size of the Haihan Navy was far from what it is today, and most of the logistics support was handed over to Xu Xinsu's Fujian Navy, so that the combat operations could be carried out smoothly.But after the battle ended, the logistics could no longer support the naval fleet to continue searching and chasing the Eighteen Chiyu Party who escaped from Miyako Island, so it could only end hastily.At that time, both Haihan and Xu Xinsu believed that all the important people of Shibazhi had been wiped out, so they were not so persistent in exterminating them. After achieving their goal, they withdrew their troops, but they didn't expect that they would breed tigers and make a comeback. Opportunity.
Qian Tiandun didn't take it seriously either, and changed the subject with a smile: "If you want to send a reconnaissance force to that area, you may have to rely on the North Koreans for assistance in terms of logistics."
Wang Tom nodded and said, "Busan or Jeju Island, you have to choose a place nearby as a temporary base."
The Taedong River Base is located in the northwest of the Korean Peninsula, about [-] miles away from Hirado Island, Japan. Considering that the reconnaissance mission is likely to last in this area for a period of time, it is necessary to find a nearby port as a temporary supply point.There are quite a few natural harbors at the southern tip of the Korean peninsula, but the port with the best conditions at present is the port of Busan.
The naturally formed bay here provides excellent conditions for the construction of a port. At the same time, because Busan is quite close to Kitakyushu and Tsushima Island in Japan, the Wakan, which has trade and diplomatic functions with Japan, has been set up in this place since the fifteenth century. . In 1592, Japan launched the Imjin Japanese Invasion, once occupied Busan by force, and tried to annex it as a colony.However, more than a decade later, North Korea recaptured Busan from Japan, and it is still the main trading place for trade between the two countries.
Crossing the strait from Busan Port to the south is Hirado Island, where the Hirado Clan is located. The distance is about [-] miles, and you can also inquire about the current trade status between the two countries and other news about Hirado.However, Japan also has many eyes and ears in Busan. If Haihan Navy ships enter and leave Busan Port, it will undoubtedly attract the attention of interested people, and it may prematurely expose Haihan's intention to use troops in the Tsushima Strait.
Compared with Busan Port, Jeju Island, located off the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, is not so eye-catching.This place is about [-] miles away from the coast of the peninsula, and about [-] miles away from Hirado. Although there is no natural good port like Busan, it is just on the route from Datong River Base to Hirado, which is very suitable as a supply port. .
As for the upcoming actions of the Haihan military, Jeju Island has another "advantage" that must be mentioned, that is, there is no trade organization on the island, so there are few Japanese who will go to the island. If the Haihan warship is here Stopping, the possibility of revealing whereabouts is much smaller than going to Busan.
These two places have their own advantages and disadvantages, and Wang Tom did not make a decision immediately, but planned to communicate with North Korean officials first to see where the arrangement is more suitable.However, due to the need for confidentiality, Wang Tom does not intend to prematurely inform North Korean officials of the purpose of the operation.
Qian Tiandun remembered something, and said to Wang Tom: "I remember that in the year of the battle of Miyako Island, Chen Yixin seemed to lead a team to the vicinity of Kyushu Island."
Wang Tom nodded and said: "You remember correctly, he led a team to inspect Kyushu Island and the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. He may know more about the situation in Hirado than the two of us. But for this matter, let him It would be too fussy to transfer from Liaodong, I think I should send a telegram and ask him if there is anything worth noting about the area."
Qian Tiandun said: "Speaking of the telegram, what do you think of the other matter mentioned in the telegram sent from Sanya?"
Tom Wang shook his head slightly and said, "Just one word, it's not easy."
Another thing Qian Tiandun said was that the Executive Committee hoped that they could determine whether there was an instigator from North Korea behind the attack on Li Yi through contacts with North Korean high-level officials.But this job is easy to say, but it is extremely difficult to do. The succession to the throne is an extremely sensitive topic at any time. Even if Haehan is currently the most important ally of North Korea, it is not good to directly interfere with the arrangement of his succession to the throne.If he took the initiative to ask about the relevant news, it is likely that King Li Xi would misunderstand Hai Han's intentions.
And senior officials in the North Korean political arena are also very cautious about this. Neither Kim Sang-heon nor Cui Mingji welcome Haihan to intervene in the transfer of kingship in their country.If the attempted attack on Li Yi in Haihan was related to one of them, they would definitely try to prevent Haihan from launching related investigations in North Korea.
According to their feelings in North Korea for the past six months, both Wang and Qian could feel that the North Korean royal family was not as peaceful as it appeared on the surface.Although the king Li Yi designated his elder son Li Yi as his son early on, as Li Yan went to Haihan to study abroad, the second son Fenglin Dajun Li Hao and the youngest son Linping Dajun Li Jun also began to study state governance in Gyeongbokgung Palace. political strategy.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with Li Jing making such an arrangement. As the ruler of a country, he cannot bet all his treasures on his eldest son who has gone overseas. Others can support the overall situation, so the second and third heirs must also learn how to be a qualified king.
It is hard to say whether the two brothers Li Yan have ambitions, but they each have various people who follow them. These people will definitely hope that the prince they serve will rise to the throne, and then they will be promoted to heaven alone, and they will also be promoted and make a fortune because of this.In order to achieve such a goal, there may be some ambitious people planning to use abnormal means to seize the right to inherit the throne that belonged to the eldest son Li Yi.
The factional disputes in the imperial court have actually continued to the competition for the heir to the throne. Li Cao's judge, Kim Sang-heon, supports the son Li Yi, while Li Cao's judge, Cui Mingji, believes that Fenglin Dajun Li Hao is young and promising, and he is more suitable for the title of son.Although the officials who support the youngest Li Jun are not as influential as these two, they are also quietly doing some paving the way for Li Jun. In case his two elder brothers can't figure out what mistakes they made someday, then it will be Li Jun's turn Is it on your head?
As for Haihan, of course Li Yi, who is currently studying in Sanya, is the first choice.The matter of studying abroad was originally promoted by Hai Han, the purpose was to let Li Yi accept the various concepts instilled by Hai Han during his study abroad, so that he tended to obey Hai Han's opinions in his future ruling position.
The Executive Committee believes that after Li Yi returns to China, the diplomatic relationship between North Korea and Haihan will be further consolidated, and the cooperation in the military and trade fields will be further strengthened, which will help Haihan further enhance its influence in Northeast Asia.As for the other two princes, or other members of the royal family who are lower in the line of succession, they are not currently considered by Haihan. If these people want to fight for the throne, it may be difficult to get Haihan's approval and support.
Of course, the North Koreans also know that Haehan has always favored Prince Sohyun, and will increase their support for him after he returns from his studies. Therefore, if other people want to seize power, the ideal opportunity is that Prince Sohyun suddenly fails Yes, this is exactly why Hai Han suspected that someone in North Korea was involved in the planning and implementation of the attack on Li Yi.
As the saying goes, it is difficult for an honest official to decide on family affairs. Haihan can use some means to support Li Yi's superiority, but it is difficult to directly intervene in the power disputes within the royal family.So when Qian Tiandun asked about this matter, Tom Wang could only express that he had a headache about it.
"I can't report your words to Sanya." Qian Tiandun said: "No matter how difficult it is, we have to find a way! I think we should go to Seoul and find out Li Zhen's attitude."
Wang Tom said: "Li Zhen himself rose to power by launching a palace coup, so he will definitely prevent someone from using a similar method to seize power. I think that although he has given the second and third children some opportunities now, but the choice of heir I should still be inclined to Li Yan. After all, the successor must first obtain our support in order to effectively maintain the stability of North Korea. But retaining the other two sons' chances of succession can also create some sense of crisis for Li Yan, and by the way let Certain royals and ministers with ulterior motives were exposed earlier."
"Li Zhen is as sophisticated as you said?" Qian Tiandun couldn't believe Tom Wang's judgment.
Wang Tom said: "This person is quite shrewd in his bones. If you think about it, he has changed his position among several big countries over the years, and finally kept his own country. This is not something ordinary people can do."
It was indeed not easy for Li Ji to be the king. He launched a palace coup in 1623 to overthrow his uncle Guanghai Jun. It was not until two years later that he was recognized and canonized by the Ming Dynasty.However, the internal and external troubles during his reign almost never stopped. The 1624 Li Shi Rebellion allowed Li Yi to flee Seoul overnight for refuge. Sign the alliance under the city with Houjin.
In this external environment, North Korea had to survive in the cracks between the Ming Dynasty and the Jin Dynasty. While proclaiming its vassal status to the Ming Dynasty as a vassal state, it also made peace with the Ming Dynasty's sworn enemy Houjin.By the year before last, the Haihan army had gained a firm foothold in Liaodong, and North Korea, which had seen Houjin's decline, decisively embraced Haihan's thigh.
In the end, it was Huang Taiji who couldn't hold back his anger, and prepared an army of [-] to conquer North Korea.If Haihan hadn't dispatched troops in time to block North Korea's offensive, North Korea would probably have fallen under the iron heel of the Qing army at this time, just like in its original history.
However, it is precisely because of the proper operation of the center, under the pressure of his officials who are fighting and fighting against each other, that he managed to survive in such a complicated international situation and successfully keep North Korea's state status. Said it was a skill.Tom Wang recently had time to carefully study the situation in North Korea in the past ten years before making such a judgment on Li Zhen's strength.
He believes that with Li Zhen's ruling style, the domestic situation will definitely not be thrown into turmoil due to disputes over heirs. Whether it is sending Li Zhen to study abroad or letting the second and third children learn to govern the country, these situations should be under his control. Down.Regarding the choice of heir, Li Zhen should not have any vacillating thoughts.
(End of this chapter)