The Second Master of the Red Chamber

After agreeing on the payment, Jin Shijia toasted Jia Lian a few times and then expressed his admiration and praise for Jia Lian:

"According to Li Yaochen, when the great army of the superior country came down, he originally suggested that the prince land at Nanpu Port."

However, the prince rejected his suggestion and chose Incheon instead.

This move effectively cut off the enemy army, preventing them from coordinating their efforts, and then allowed for a coordinated attack to annihilate them.

The prince's strategies and foresight are truly admirable and leave this foreign minister utterly in awe.

As soon as Jia Lian heard Jin Shijia mention Incheon, he guessed what Jin Shijia wanted to say.

He didn't say much, only replying calmly: "It's not that my strategy is so brilliant, it's just that those Japanese are nothing but a bunch of savages."

The weapons were crude, and the armor was nothing more than leather, or even nonexistent.

Such a rabble is nothing but chickens and dogs in the face of our army's steel guns and cannons.

It is not surprising that they won.

The more Jia Lian said this, the more Jin Shijia felt awe for the current military strength of the Great Wei.

This group of Japanese pirates, whom Jia Lian completely looked down upon, routed the Korean army, and even nearly caused the capital to fall.

"The might of our superior nation is not something that mere Japanese pirates can shake."

However, I have heard that the country has put a lot of effort into building Incheon, a small place, into a solid military port in preparation for the army's landing.

This greatly alarmed the foreign officials.

Korea is already extremely grateful that the army of the superior nation came to its rescue.

How could we possibly ask the superior nation to go to the trouble of building such a military fortress for us?

The Joseon Dynasty was not completely over after all.

How could he not know that the Wei army was carrying out large-scale construction in Incheon and even recruiting Korean civilians to help build the naval port?
However, due to the threat of the Japanese pirates and the subsequent busyness of getting rid of the Wei army, which was considered a plague, they had no time to deal with this matter.

Now that the compensation has been negotiated, and judging from Jia Lian's tone, he also seems to be considering withdrawing his troops, so he dared to tentatively bring it up.

Jia Lian smiled slightly and said nonchalantly, "It's just a trivial matter. It's all for the purpose of eliminating the Japanese pirates. It doesn't matter who it's built for."

"Your Highness is truly righteous."

Jin Shijia quickly flattered Jia Lian.

He was willing to offer to contribute more money to reward the Wei army for helping them build a naval port.

They were also afraid that Jia Lian would make an exorbitant demand again.

Jia Lian knew exactly what this fellow was thinking, and he had no intention of taking advantage of him further.

As the saying goes, even a rabbit will bite when cornered.

If we want peaceful evolution, we must carefully manage the degree of force involved.

You can exploit people, but you can't let them kill you.

So he pretended to have just remembered and said, "Oh right, when Kim Yi-jung mentioned Incheon, I just remembered it."

Haven't our two countries already agreed to start trade?

Since trade is necessary, there must be a passage.

Although Liaodong in our country borders the northern part of your country, the mountains there are crisscrossed, the roads are rugged, and the area is covered with snow and cold all year round, making it unsuitable for opening trade routes.

Therefore, I think that in the future, trade between our two countries will mainly be conducted by sea.

In my opinion, besides your Nampo Port, Incheon is also a very suitable port for trade between our two countries.

After thinking about it, Jin Shijia felt that Jia Lian's words made a lot of sense.

Nampo Port was close to the capital, making it suitable as a trading port.

However, Korea is long and narrow from north to south. Nampo Port is located in the north, and if it were the only port, it would be inconvenient for goods from the south to be transported to Great Wei.

If we include Incheon, one in the south and one in the north, it would be just right.

However, Jin Shijia had dealt with Jia Lian for so many days and knew that many of Jia Lian's words probably had deeper meanings, so he was not in a hurry to answer.

As expected, Jia Lian didn't wait for his response and continued:

"With trade between the two countries, merchants dared to travel, and the most important thing was the safety of the trade routes."

There's no need to worry about Jin Yizheng on my side of Great Wei.

However, things are somewhat worrying about your country.

Your country is too close to the Japanese mainland.

Although our country's dispatch of troops this time has taught the Japanese pirates a lesson.

But those Japanese pirates never learn from their mistakes.

It's not impossible that they could make a comeback.

Jin Shijia hurriedly replied, "Your Highness is right."

After this, our dynasty will certainly rebuild its military strength and train its soldiers, and will never allow those Japanese pirates to set foot on our territory again and repeat the same mistakes.

"I naturally believe in King Kim's determination."

However, that will take time.

Surely we shouldn't have to wait until your country has finished rebuilding its military before discussing trade between our two countries?

Therefore, I have decided that the entire army sent to rescue Korea will not be brought back to Wei.

For the safety of merchants from both countries, and to prevent the Japanese from invading Korea again, I will leave a portion of my troops stationed in Incheon as a precaution.

Jia Lian spoke very naturally, but Jin Shijia was at a loss.

Yes, it's just a problem.

He wasn't surprised.

Because he had actually anticipated this.

After all, the people below said that the construction in Incheon is still in full swing.

Because of the high demand for recruitment and the relatively good benefits, countless North Koreans who were homeless after the war flocked to Incheon, wanting to help the superior country build a naval port.

According to some officials below.

In just a few months, Incheon has grown larger than their Nampo Port.

The interior is filled with fortifications and fortifications; even if they were to gather tens of thousands of troops, they might not be able to break through.

This is clearly an attempt to usurp someone else's place.

"This……"

Seeing Jin Shijia stammering, Jia Lian was somewhat displeased: "What, I am willing to leave some troops to protect Korea and the merchants trading between the two countries, and Jin Yizheng is still not happy?"
Do you think I have some ulterior motive towards Korea?
"Hmph, if I had any designs on Korea, after wiping out the Japanese pirates, I would march north with my army. How could your remaining remnants of the Korean army possibly be a match for me!"

Jin Shijia hesitated, unable to speak.

Because he knew that what Jia Lian said was true.

In fact, even before the Japanese pirates were wiped out, the Korean high command was already very afraid of the Wei army doing this.

Therefore, he hurriedly summoned Li Yaochen, who had been following Jia Lian, back to the capital.

Even Jin Shijia was puzzled. Wei Jun acted domineeringly in every way, so why didn't he just turn against him?
This is why they hurriedly invited Jia Lian to the capital and treated him well.

They dared not give Jia Lian a reason to make trouble.

After Jia Lian lost his temper, seeing that Jin Shijia remained silent, he softened his tone:
"Don't think that I'm bullying people by taking advantage of my power. I'm also afraid that the Japanese pirates will make a comeback."

To put it bluntly, the Great Wei has fulfilled its promise to save you and also obtained the benefits.

What does the rest have to do with my Great Wei?
Even if those Japanese invaders return, it won't be the direct subjects of my Great Wei who die.

This king will now consult with Jin on matters of state.

If those Japanese devils do not give up and return after our army withdraws, can you resist them?
If you cannot resist, what will you do then?
Should they submit to execution, or should they once again appeal to our dynasty for help?
Even if our dynasty is willing to send troops to help again, can you still pay the price for our military intervention?

Jia Lian's final question, like a morning bell and evening drum, not only struck Jin Shijia's heart but also caused Queen Jin Xiumin's expression to change slightly.

Previously, they only wanted to send the Wei army away peacefully and never thought that the Japanese pirates might make a comeback!
Looking back now, it's entirely possible.

They don't have many enemies in North Korea; previously, they mainly had two.

First, there was the Jurchen from the north.

Since the Jurchens were driven out of Wei last year, the threat from the north has been eliminated. Well, not counting Wei.

The second is Fusang, which lies to the south across the sea.

As arch-enemies, they were aware of the Japanese pirates' madness.

If the Japanese pirates are unwilling to give up and launch a counterattack, even if we manage to hold out without the help of the Great Wei, the already crumbling Li dynasty will likely collapse completely.

The Joseon Dynasty is not incapable of collapsing, but it cannot collapse so quickly.

As for asking the Great Wei for help again...

Pull it down.

Having learned this painful lesson, it's unlikely that any North Korean leader would be willing to ask Wei to send troops again.

That's fifty million taels of silver!
Based on the national treasury's revenue, it would take a full twenty years to make up for the deficit incurred from this request for military assistance from the Great Wei.

His expression shifted between light and shadow, but Jin Shijia finally bowed and asked, "Your Highness, how many troops do you intend to leave in Incheon to guard against Japanese pirates and protect my Korean people?"

Jia Lian sighed, "You should not be so greedy."

Even a great nation has its enemies.

None of the Tatars and Oirats to the north of our dynasty, or the various Rong tribes to the southwest, are benevolent.

My Great Wei really doesn't have many troops to spare for your tiny Korea.

Therefore, I initially only intend to leave 10,000 troops behind as a precaution.

If the Japanese invaders do indeed attack later, our dynasty will appropriately increase our troop strength.

Upon hearing this, Jin Shijia breathed a sigh of relief.

It's only ten thousand, so it's not too bad.

And he has thought it through.

Korea had long been weak and impoverished because its kings had been fond of pleasure throughout history.

This can be seen from the fact that they were powerless to resist when the Japanese pirates attacked this time.

Now that they have been dealt another heavy blow by the Great Wei, it will be very difficult for them to recover their strength in a short period of time.

As long as the Great Wei does not send troops to Korea, then let the troops remain stationed.

Thanks to the deterrent power of the Great Wei, the Japanese pirates in Liangna dared not invade again.

And it also happens to save a lot of military spending.

North Korea is really poor right now!

Jin Shijia then stood up, bowed, and said, "In that case, thank you very much, Your Highness. The entire Korean nation will forever be grateful for Your Highness's kindness."

After saying this, Jin Shijia seemed to realize that he had said similar things too often in the past few days, making it seem a bit insincere.

So he took the initiative to say, "Since the superior country has stationed troops here, it is to protect my Korean subjects."

The daily provisions and rations for your esteemed army stationed in Incheon should also be borne by our country..."

Perhaps fearing being fleeced before, Jin Shijia didn't dare to speak too loudly. Jia Lian waved his hand: "Forget about the military pay; our dynasty's troops will be supported by ourselves."

But as for provisions...

Our Great Wei is too far from here, making it inconvenient to transport grain and supplies.

Therefore, we really need to trouble your country with this matter.

Compared to the 50 million taels taken from Korea, what is the military pay of the stationed troops?

It's simply not worth it to exploit this point and make the military lose sight of its roots.

Moreover, the garrison in North Korea is not just for the purpose of wasting resources...

With guns, is money hard to come by?
Seeing that Jin Shijia had accepted the garrison's offer, Jia Lian timely offered some bait.

"Although the troops are stationed in Incheon, it is to protect North Korea and the merchants of both countries."

But after all, our army still occupied your country's territory.

Therefore, I propose that your country lease Incheon Port to our dynasty.

"Well, let's agree on a lease of 10,000 taels of silver per year for fifty years, totaling 500,000 taels of silver, to be settled in one lump sum. What does Councilor Jin think?"

Jin Shijia was a little surprised.

Is it possible for a robber to deliberately spit out meat from his mouth?
You've already seized our territory, so what can we do even if we don't pay you?
Incheon Port is such a tiny place, yet it can be exchanged for 500,000 taels of silver. Jin Shijia had absolutely no reason to refuse.

All I can say is that this is truly the demeanor of a great power.

Benevolence and righteousness!

So I expressed my gratitude once again.

As for the 500,000 taels in this new treaty, it was naturally deducted from the 10 million.

The banquet concluded with everyone enjoying themselves.

The various terms agreed upon by both parties will be formally implemented into a written treaty a few days later.

After Jin Shijia left Jia Lian alone again, Queen Jin immediately grabbed Jia Lian's arm and said sweetly:
"It's getting late, is Prince Pingliao still leaving?"

Jia Lian turned to look at the tall, beautiful enchantress.

Her eyebrows were like willow leaves, and her waist was like a knife.

In terms of her charm in bed alone, she was no less captivating than Qin Keqing in the household.

Otherwise, Jia Lian wouldn't have risked ruining his reputation by spending the night in the palace last night.

"This is, after all, your Joseon royal palace. If I were to stay here for several nights in a row, it might not be appropriate..."

“If I am not afraid, what is the King of Pingliao afraid of?”
"Has the Prince of Pingliao forgotten what I said? If the Prince of Pingliao comes again tonight, I have prepared a surprise for him."

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian smiled and asked, "Oh, what surprise?"

"Hehe, the King of Pingliao will find out soon."

Alright, now Prince Pingliao, go take a bath first..."

Queen Jin pushed Jia Lian to leave, but Jia Lian chuckled, bent down, and picked her up.

"Oh dear, what are you doing..."

"Aren't you going to take a shower?"

"I had already washed."

"It's alright, let's wash it again."

Jia Lian chuckled, picked up the Queen Jin, and walked towards the back.

The layout of the Joseon royal palace is rather simple. Jia Lian had already walked through it once last night, so he was already a regular visitor.

Looking at the seductive way Queen Jin looked in Jia Lian's arms, You Sanjie cursed her inwardly as a slut.

However, this did not dampen Jia Lian's spirits; he simply led his female soldiers and followed closely behind.

Ah Qin was even busier, as she had to arrange for the guards outside the palace to guard Queen Jin's palace in advance.

……

Inside the royal palace, the bathhouse reserved for the King of Joseon.

With the help of two maids, Queen Jin removed all her clothes and, facing Jia Lian's naked gaze, stepped onto the stone steps and into the water.

He quickly approached Jia Lian and said to the two maids kneeling on the shore behind Jia Lian, wiping his shoulders and back, "Alright, you may leave now."

"Yes."

As soon as the maid left, Jia Lian grabbed Queen Jin's hand and pulled her into his arms.

Queen Jin couldn't help but giggle, because Jia Lian immediately kissed her collarbone and neck, making her feel ticklish.

After Jia Lian had been enjoying himself for a while, she covered his mouth and laughed, "Why is the Prince of Pingliao in such a hurry? I'm already in his hands, how could I possibly run away?"

Upon hearing this, Jia Lian released her without saying a word.

He has no shortage of women, not even a queen, so he can't beg and plead like that.

Seeing Jia Lian's displeasure, Queen Jin cursed him inwardly, but her smile remained unchanged.

She playfully clung to Jia Lian's arm and shook it, but Jia Lian remained unmoved.

She then ran her delicate hands along Jia Lian's body, scrubbing and washing him repeatedly, as if searching for lotus roots in mud.

As expected, Jia Lian couldn't withstand this move and immediately restrained her hand.

She chuckled and became gentle.

When Jia Lian's face showed pleasure, she moved closer, her other hand lingering on his chest, and suddenly said:
"The King of Pyongyang previously told my brother that the superior nation had no designs on Korea. Was that a lie?"

Jia Lian slowly opened his eyes, which were almost closed, and looked down at the woman in his arms.

After a moment's hesitation, he countered with, "What if it's true, and what if it's false?"

"Humph."

Queen Kim, her hands still busy, looked up at Jia Lian and said, "I am the Queen of Joseon."

If Korea is no more, then I, as the Queen, will naturally cease to exist.

"At that time, where will the King of Pingliao find the pleasure of toying with a queen?"

Jia Lian almost laughed when he heard this.

So, it seems that in order for him to have a queen to play with, he has to leave Korea behind?
He put his arm around the woman's slender waist and said calmly, "There's an old saying in the Central Plains."

The general trend of the world is that if it is divided for a long time, it will be reunited and if it is combined for a long time, it will be divided.

In the past, your North Korean state might have been able to maintain its isolated position due to its unique geographical location.

However, nowadays, navigation technology is becoming increasingly advanced.

Leaving aside those Western maritime powers, who have already been able to sail their merchant ships to our Eastern Ocean.

Even the small country of Fusang managed to gather tens of thousands of ronin (masterless samurai) with the intention of annexing Korea.

Therefore, given the current global situation, it is absolutely impossible for North Korea to continue to live in isolation.

Even if our dynasty has no designs on you, given your current situation, it's only a matter of time before you're annexed by other powerful nations.

Queen Jin was somewhat displeased, removed her hand, and refused to serve Jia Lian.

Jia Lian smiled and continued, "You don't need to be angry."

Actually, compared to your Korea, our Great Wei is more interested in Fusang.

Because the Kingdom of Fusang not only has a larger territory and a larger population than you, but also far surpasses you in terms of gold and silver treasures.

The reason we are willing to come to your rescue is that we do not want to see the Fusang Kingdom become too powerful.

"No way! I think you just want to take this opportunity to plunder North Korea's wealth, make us poorer and weaker, and make us even more vulnerable to your clutches."

Jia Lian remained noncommittal; he had long since realized that this woman's intelligence was no less than that of Jin Shijia.

Since empty words and sophistry are useless, we might as well speak frankly and openly.

"Admittedly, our Great Wei has its own interests to consider, but at least we haven't directly attacked you like the Japanese, have we?"

We people of Wei value dignity.

We are currently in a strong position, while you are weak, so you should obey our orders.

If one day, your North Korea becomes powerful.

Or rather, our Great Wei has become as weak as you are now.

By then, won't it be quite easy for you to break free from our control?

Even taking the initiative and conquering our Great Wei is not impossible.

This is a very fair game.

You can also understand it as the survival of the fittest.

Queen Jin could not fully understand every word Jia Lian said, but she could still grasp the general meaning.

She secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Just as she had guessed, the Great Wei had designs on Korea, but for the time being, it had no intention of resorting to force.

It is enough to know this.

She is, after all, a woman; all she needs to do is maintain her current status and prestige.

The affairs of her descendants are not of much concern to her.

Moreover, she also felt that Jia Lian's words made sense.

Being weak means being at risk of being swallowed up by others at any time.

As things stand, being annexed by the Great Wei is clearly much better than being invaded by the barbaric Japanese pirates.

He thought this in his heart, but on the surface he was unconvinced.

She grabbed Jia Lian's groin again and said with a mocking laugh, "The strong prey on the weak? Who's strong and who's weak, who'll eat whom, is still uncertain!"

She patted Jia Lian a few times, then gave him a flirtatious wink before sinking into the water.

She has many tricks up her sleeve, but this one was taught to her by Jia Lian last night.

After fussing over him and personally washing his body, the Queen of Joseon led Jia Lian back to her palace.

Then Jia Lian knew what the surprise she had arranged was.

A group of women, dressed in traditional Korean aristocratic attire, were kneeling in the ground.

At first glance, there were forty or fifty people, filling the room to the brim.

Queen Jin, abandoning her coquettish demeanor before Jia Lian, raised her head and frowned, helping Jia Lian to sit on the phoenix couch in front of her. Then, facing all the kneeling women, she commanded in Korean, "Raise your head."

All the women looked up and glanced at Jia Lian with varying expressions.

Queen Jin smiled and said to Jia Lian, "King Pingliao led his troops to rescue our Joseon and also exempted our Joseon from tens of millions of taels of military expenses. Such kindness is something that even if our Joseon exerts all its strength, it will be difficult to repay."

These are all young women left behind by my king. King Pingliao may take a look, and if there are any you fancy, you may keep them.

It was their good fortune to be able to contribute to Korea and serve King Pyongyang.

Jia Lian raised an eyebrow. Well, it seemed they wouldn't rest until he was defamed for committing the crime of defilement within the palace. (End of Chapter)