Empire of Great Joseon
The Rites and Foreign Afairs Minister Wang Jun-min entered the Emperor's chamber, summoned by a palace servant from his office. A servant stood guard in front of the Emperor's room as the minister approached, bowing at the presence of the minister.
"Please notify the Emperor that the Minister of Rites and Foreign Affairs is here to see him," Wang Jun-min said. The servant nodded before turning to the door.
"Your Majesty, the Rites and Foreign Affairs Minister has arrived," the servant announced.
"Let him in," the voice came behind the door. The servant opened the door and bowed again to the minister. As Wang Jun-min entered the room, he noticed that the War Minister Yi Yi-cheom was also in room with the Emperor, both sitting down sipping tea. Wang bowed at the presence of the Emperor.
"I have arrived as summoned by your grace," he said. "What is the purpose for the summons that require two of your vassals in your presence?"
"The Ministry of War is open to get a demonstration of Dutch muskets and cannons to see if we could purchase and manufacture these weapons to supplement the Imperial Army," Minister Yi said. "The Emperor mentioned interest in seeing if we could at least purchase the schematics to Dutch warships for the Imperial Navy to increase our presence in trade and naval patrols against pirates. Such is why the Emperor called for your presence."
"Please make yourself comfortable and enjoy some refreshments," the Emperor said, gesturing to the cushion on the floor and a small table consisting of a teapot, a small cup, and a plate of confectionaries. The minister sat down at the Emperor's request.
"Minister Wang, you were among the officials dispatched to meet with the Dutch representatives at Busan, even being part of the naval party to Incheon," the Emperor begins. "Surely you have seen these warships employed by the Dutch. Any descriptions you can give during their trip to Incheon?"
"These ships are larger than the vessels we have in the navy," Minister Wang answered. "Designs are more curved compared to our boxy frame and they appear to operate entirely on sails instead of utilizing sails and oar. The naval escorts do believe that the Dutch warships may be as armed as our geobukseons but at the size of Japan's atakabunes. They may even be sturdier considering the length of their trips throughout many oceans to reach Joseon."
"As Minister Yi mentioned during a court session weeks ago, the technology of the Europeans is certainly of interest to Joseon technological development in both the purpose of civilian and defensive use," the Emperor said. "Minister Wang and Minister Yi, I would like for you two to meet with Roelant Memling and see if you can get a demonstration of their military technologies. I am giving you authorities to negotiate on behalf of the Son of Heaven, offer what you think is reasonable within the treasury."
"We shall carry out your commands with great enthusiasm," both ministers responded, bowing at the Emperor.
***
Dutch Factory in Incheon
Empire of Great Joseon
The War Minister and the Rites and Foreign Affairs Minister arrived at Incheon on horseback followed by a line of Joseon military officers in full scale armor, court officials, soldiers in brigandine armor, and servants from the palace. A couple of wagons are parked with the soldiers, four in total with each wagon carrying a number of cases. Overall, twentyfive men from the Imperial government of Joseon stood in front of the Dutch trading post.
The trading post - the East India Company called it a "factory" - was a complex of warehouses and offices that stretched about two hundred meters along the Incheon docks, surrounding a central courtyard. A freshly built stone wall sealed the perimeter, and two gates admitted a steady stream of wagons bearing goods to and from the three Dutch fluyts that lay at anchor along the factory's pier. About a dozen Dutch guards, clad in munition armor and carrying muskets, hurriedly cleared a path through the press of trading wagons for the Joseon dignitaries, and ushered the imperial delegation through the gate and into the factory.
Behind the walls, the East India Company had already begun to assemble a little piece of Holland. The factory's warehouses and buildings were all preexisting Korean structures, but the Dutch had neatly whitewashed the inward-facing walls. Crates of silk and brocade and ginseng, awaiting export, were stacked twice the height of a man in front of one warehouse; crates of Dutch metalwork and refined sugar and tobacco were piled equally high in front of another. Men in black clothes and tall hats craned together over heavy leather ledgers, and spoke in low voices. At the center of the courtyard, the Dutch tricolor fluttered from a tall white flagpole.
The Joseon delegation came to a halt in front of a two-story house at the far end of the factory courtyard. Here, Roelant Memling met them at the door: a quite young man with pale blond hair, dressed simply in black broadcloth and tall boots and a small lace ruff. He bowed. "Welcome, honored ministers, to my home." After several months in Incheon, Memling's Korean had markedly improved. He waved the two dignitaries inside. "I am afraid there is not room for your whole company in my parlor, but I would be honored if your excellencies at least would join me inside."
Within, the old Korean house had been redecorated in the Dutch style. The traditional painted walls had been whitewashed over, and decorated with a few landscapes and seascapes. In one painting, the ministers could catch for the first time a glimpse of Memling's homeland: a landscape of dykes and canals and windmills, green and flat, that ended at a pebbled beach facing a great grey sea. The simple hardwood furniture had mostly been brought from Europe, and the teak floor had been waxed until it shone.
The ministers accepted the black drinks while thanking the hosts. While the Korean guests were blindsided by the strong bitter flavor of the hot beverage, they did enjoyed the aroma of the drink and its stimulating effect on the body once they went past the bitterness.
When they had drunk, Memling set his cup down. "Now," he said, "while I am most honored that your excellencies should pay our humble factory a visit, I suspect that this is not entirely a social call." He spread his hands. "Please, how can I be of service? You have only to ask."
"The Emperor has expressed some interests in the technologies of the western powers, especially in terms of military applications," War Minister Yi said while dropping some sugar cubes into the coffee. "As the defense minister of this country, it is the duty of mine to ensure that Great Joseon would have an army that can defend the country against threats outside or inside this dynasty.
"Hubris was what allowed the Japanese to overrun much of Joseon's defenses in the early stage of the Imjin War. We were only able to win after much setback thanks to the efforts of the Joseon Navy and reinforcements from the more experienced and better equipped northern armies and vassals sent southward. It was a lesson that Joseon paid dearly with blood and we would like to prevent that, especially since we face potential threats from the western nomads."
"The Japanese were introduced to the muskets by western traders which gave them an edge over our handcannons and arrows," Rites and Foreign Affairs Minister Wang added. "While we were able to produce our own muskets, those are based on the designs of Japan's tanegashimas captured by our forces during the war. They could already be outdated by the standards of the West, which I am told that your military technology is always expanding compared to the years of peace enjoyed in the East outside of that war."
"If possible, we would like to see a demonstration of your weapons," the War Minister said. "Although the Imperial Court is confident that the arms produced and employed by the Joseon Army is more than capable of defending Joseon's land and people, you can always improve on the military, especially in regards to defending the country from the western nomads of the steppes.
"Speaking of, this country under the Goryeo Dynasty fought for around eighty years against the Mongols with massive devastations to the land and the end result of a forced alliance of Goryeo to the nomadic barbarians," Minister Yi noted. "Many countries in the continent faced such devastations from the Mongols centuries ago. What about in your part of the continent? Based on the maps, the continent of Europe is still part of the landmass that includes the Hans, the Arabs, the Romans, the Chinese, the Franks, the Viets, the Persians, the Jurchens, and the Mongols. Had the Mongols reached the far west and battled the Franks? Or were the people of Europe spared by the devastation brought by the Mongols?"
"We're also interested in the warships employed by your country," Minister Wang said, changing the subject. "The designs are practically alien to what we have but it's certainly large and sturdy, sturdy enough to cross thousands of miles in the sea. Utilizing such warships for Joseon would do wonders for the Son of Heaven east of the sea, from establishing overseas tributaries, patrolling the seas against pirates, and maybe expanding the markets of Joseon."
Roelant Memling nodded carefully. The young man was poker-faced, but he was not as unreadable as he seemed to think himself: while the ministers could not tell exactly what Memling was thinking, the feverish movement of the young man's eyes revealed exactly how hard he was thinking.
After a moment, the ambassador nodded. "With your excellencies' permission, I will deal with your requests in a slightly different order: from least to most complicated."
"First: the least complicated." Memling shrugged. "I learned in my university studies that some three hundred years ago, the Mongols attacked certain lands in Europe - albeit that they were still well to the east of my country. Places called Poland and Hungary, if I recall." Memling smiled apologetically. "I am no historian, I am afraid. But I will send a letter to the Netherlands on the next tide, requesting our best histories of the Mongol invasions from the University of Leiden - a great center of learning in my country. I will see to it that those books are translated and made available to his Imperial Majesty's court." Memling waved a hand. "I ask nothing in return. Consider this a simple gift of knowledge, between friends."
"Three hundred years is a long time but even the past have great lessons for the present to learn," Minister Wang said, bowing in appreciation. "Thank you and we would be looking forward to the translations with great interest."
"As for a demonstration of our weapons," Memling continued, "I am happy to oblige. It is true that the Netherlands have not been blessed with many years of peace, as Joseon has." Memling leaned forward with all the palpable enthusiasm of an armchair general; he had been born just a little too late to fight in the last battles of the Dutch Revolt, and he talked of weapons and tactics with the fervor of a man who had never seen blood shed.
"But while our armaments are formidable, I do not think that they are so much more advanced than your own," Memling explained. "The difference is in how we use them. So if you would like to see a demonstration, that is what I shall demonstrate; and if you are interested in military improvements, then training will be at least as valuable as technology." Memling paused delicately. "Though an agreement to share either will, of course, require further dicussion. You understand how these things are."
"But for now - the demonstration." Memling stood. "And after that, we can discuss ships, which raise still greater complications." He ushered the ministers back out into the factory courtyard, and then called toward the perimeter gate: "Kapitein Maes!" This was followed by a string of rapid-fire Dutch, the result of which was that the factory's gates were swiftly closed. Dozens of armed men ceased patrolling and instead flooded into the courtyard.
"Our factory guard: one company of Dutch Marines," Memling explained. "Observe." The Marines formed into four lines, each of twenty men. The first three lines were musketeers: men in buff leather coats and broad-brimmed hats, carrying snaphance muskets. The fourth line, waiting at the back, were pikemen in steel munition armor. Most of the men were Dutch, but there were Bantu and Javanese faces in the mix.
"You will imagine that the enemy has begun their advance," Memling said to the ambassadors. "Perhaps a charge, perhaps a steady march. Most armies would fire a single volley, and then rush forward to meet them. But instead...." And here Memling nodded to a a man in half-plate armor, who stood next to the formation of Marines. "Kapitein?"
Captain Maes nodded, and raised his sword. "Eerste peloton!" The sword swept down. "Vuur!"
In unison, the first rank of musketeers raised their weapons, and each man used his ramrod as a monopod to steady his aim, and then the air was rent with a deafening crash as all twenty muskets fired a single volley. But while the Joseon ministers' ears were still ringing, Captain Maes bellowed: "Voorschot!" Immediately, the second line of musketeers took two paces forward past the first line, and readied their own weapons, while their predecessors began to reload. "Tweede peloton - vuur!" Maes barked, and another volley thundered out - scant seconds after the first. "Voorschot!" Maes cried a third time, and now the third line of musketeers moved to the front of the formation. "Derde peloton - vuur!" A third volley crashed out, and already the constant shooting had so choked the courtyard with black powder fumes that the Joseon ministers could hardly see the formation. "Piekeniers, voorschot!" Maes shouted, and finally the line of pikemen stepped forward, and with one great cry, they leaned forward and braced their pikes so that the whole formation was hidden behind a wall of sharpened steel.
Then, abruptly, there was silence - but for the ringing in the ministers' ears. The stench of black powder hung heavy over the courtyard. The whole demonstration - three massed volleys, and then a shift directly into defensive formation - had taken less than thirty seconds.
Memling smiled proudly, and fanned the powder fumes away from his face. "You will forgive us for using powder but no ball," he told the ministers apologetically. "Otherwise there would not be much left of several of our warehouses." He waved back toward the door of his office. "I trust you found Captain Maes' little display edifying. Now: shall we discuss shipbuilding?"
The ministers stood impressed at the demonstration of the Dutch soldiers.
"Your formations of troopers are most impressive, Lord Memling," Minister Yi replied. "During the war with Japan and against wild Jurchen rebels, we too have found backing up musketeers with a line of pikemen to be an effective combination, especially against horsemen. However, we also utilized handgunners, archers, and crossbowmen to supplement our musketeers and pikemen. Bowmen especially to provide some continual missiles while our musketeers reload and handgunners to fire multiple projectiles at a mass of enemies or to destroy some light materials. Of course, nothing beats the use of shock cavalry to disrupt enemy lines at great speed and protection, something we made great use with horsemen of Samhan and Jurchen stock. Occassionally, we may have some swords and shields to protect the first line of infantry from enemy projectiles. Perhaps we can have a demonstration of our own to showcase our extended formation of combined arms.
Memling clearly had not expected this lecture on tactics, and he drily quirked an eyebrow at the mention of bowmen and swordsmen. He was young, this man, still too young to hide his incredulity. But Memling had also learned enough, these last months in Incheon after the departure of Philip de Vries, to keep his mouth diplomatically shut.
"However, what is that mechanism on your musket?" the War Minister asked, pointing at the snaphance on one of the Dutch soldier's musket. "It appears to be self-igniting compared to our muskets that require matches for ignitions. Some forces still have men dedicated to lighting muskets and handcannons and to use a self-igniting mechanism would be a drastic improvement."
Memling's lips tightened impatiently. "With all respect, Excellency, I think you make too much of a small bauble. It is called a snaphance; it is indeed self-igniting, striking sparks from a flint. But it is far from a drastic improvement, at least under most conditions." Memling pointed out his office window. "These men are Marines, excellency - sea soldiers. For men who fight amid the spray of the waves, where a slowmatch is always at risk of being extinguished, a snaphance is very useful. But on land, in our homeland, many of our soldiers still use matchlocks. They are just as fast-firing and accurate as a snaphance, and at least in dry weather, they are just as reliable."
Memling shook his head firmly. "No, Excellency, as I said: it is training and discipline that distinguishes the forces of the States-General - not spring-loaded trifles." He paused, struck by an obvious second thought. "I say this as a friend of Joseon, so that you might not be deceived. But if you are interested in purchasing snaphance muskets anyway, you are most welcome to do so. I simply would not wish to sell them to you under false pretenses."
"Very well," the War Minister said. "I thank you for your honesty regarding such a mechanic on a firearm. Purchasing some may be good for the marine marksmen to use in the Navy but that be for another conversation." The Minister Yi stopped talking, letting his foreign affairs counterpart to say his piece.
"We are hoping to purchase some ships of European designs for the Joseon Navy," Minister Wang said, changing the topic to ships. "The Navy of Great Joseon is certainly some of the strongest in the region, being superior to the fleets of both Song and Yuan and in parity with the navy of Japan. However, it is not hard to be better than Song and Yuan's underfunded fleets that are only good for chasing away pirate ships off the coast."
"The Emperor has funded some expeditions to the Indian Ocean in hopes to establish new economic relations. Such economic missions were successful but difficult, moreso with naval expeditions east of the sea," The War Minister added. "There have always been talks within the court of expanding Joseon's sphere of influences overseas but such are more aspirations based on our current vessels and the treacherous currents east of the sea. But for your ships to cross great strides of ocean water presents an opportunity of wealth."
"Some merchants wanted to find ways to conduct trade with the wealth of Rome and Constantinople as the Mongols have a stranglehold on the Silk Road," Minister Wang continued. "Some in the navy wanted to establish trading ports all over the Pacific to provide friendly services for Joseon merchants. Current ships, while may be possible, would be a difficult and expensive task that may be more coast than worth. But purchasing the knowhow and training of your vessels, while may cost the treasury male taels, could end up be profitable in the long run."
"Your Excellencies," Memling said delicately, "I of course understand your position. But surely you must understand mine as well. The Mongols do not have a stranglehold on the Silk Road." Memling smiled apologetically. "The Dutch Republic does. We can trade with India, with Song, with Japan, with mighty Joseon itself. We can move those products by sea to buyers in Europe. And in this way, Europe profits, and Joseon profits, and the Republic prospers, and the Mongols are starved."
"What you are asking," Memling continued, "is for us to sell you ships so that you can do this for yourself: sail from India to Joseon and back, and perhaps thence on to Europe. Just as we do." Memling shook his head sadly. "You are asking to cut out the middleman. But we are the middleman, Excellencies. You are asking to cut us out, using our own ships. Today, we are partners. But if you were to use our ships to sail our trade routes, that would make us competitors. I am afraid I cannot agree to that." Memling's tone was sympathetic, but firm. "And I hope that, upon reflection, you would not wish to ask it of me. Not when our current arrangement is so beneficial to us both."
"However." Memling paused. "If you needed these ships for some other reason - perhaps to ensure naval superiority within your own region, or even to conduct colonial projects such as Japan has recently begun on Luzon - then we could perhaps discuss the transfer of some ships strictly for that purpose. We would, of course, require proper compensation - and strong assurances that these vessels would not be used to compete with Dutch trade." Memling inclined his head. "Would your Excellencies be open to such an agreement?"
"Naval superiority isn't difficult considering the fleets of the other nations outside of the Japanese but I suppose one cannot let hubris get in the way of naval improvements, especially since underestimating an enemy was what lead to the devastating Japanese invasion that occured on the 25th year of Emperor Seonjo's reign," Minister Yi said. "But cooperation in regards to colonial expeditions? That would be perfect, yes indeed."
"The Emperor had hoped for some colonial ventures ever since he was prince regent but reconstructing the devastated nation and shoring up defenses at the border with the Mongols took precedence over funding expeditions to the world south of the sea," Minister Wang mentioned. "The Japanese have taken the lead in the southern islands and trying to stake claims in the area might conflict with their interest. In a time when Joseon and Japan are in talks of diplomatic parity, conflicts between the two would be a driving wedge while trying to maintain a balance of power. Thus expeditions east of the sea are of the main focus of expansionists within the court, their voices gaining strength since news of a new world east of the sea reaching the country."
"Such an agreement between the Dutch and Joseon would be beneficial for both of us," the War Minister said. "Speaking for myself, I approve of this arrangement."
"As do I," the Rites Minister added. "We were given the power by the Emperor to negotiate on his behalf but such arrangement may require approval by the Emperor. I'm sure he would be in favor of the increase in cooperation."
Roelant Memling was a young man, but not a stupid one. He glanced back and forth between the two Korean ministers. "You were given the power to negotiate on his Imperial Majesty's behalf." Memling nodded slowly. "So I take it this is the real reason for your visit, Excellencies. All that business with the books and muskets - just a polite prelude." He nodded again, more decisively. "Very well. You have been empowered to negotiate. Let us do so."
"There is a world east of the sea," Memling stated. "Vast, untamed. Very dangerous. Potentially very lucrative. My people already have some presence there, and some of our neighbors in Europe have conquered a great deal of land. But it is a considerably shorter distance by sea from my country to the New World than it is from yours. Some of our geographers believe that to reach the New World from Joseon, you would have to sail the greater part of halfway around the globe. At least five thousand miles of open ocean. Perhaps much more."
"That said," Memling continued, "it is not an impossible task. We have a trading post, Fort Voorzienigheid, on the western coast of the southern New World - so far south that winter comes in July. Ships regularly make the passage from there to Batavia, in the East Indies. So crossing the great ocean can be done. With the proper ships, but also with the proper navigational equipment, and the right maps."
"Therefore," Memling concluded, "I see no reason why a transfer of Dutch ships to Joseon would imperil Dutch interests - so long as those ships are exclusively used for naval or colonial purposes, and not to compete with Dutch trade." Memling tapped his desk thoughtfully. "In fact, such an arrangement could well serve both our interests. Here is my offer."
"The Dutch States Navy shall transfer, free of charge, five galleons to his Imperial Majesty." Memling waved a hand. "These are not the newest ships, and we are in the process of replacing them with more modern designs, but they are more than capable enough for voyages of exploration and colonization." Memling smiled. "More than capable enough, too, to make the Japanese think twice about breaking their alliance with you."
"With these ships, we shall provide European navigational equipment, training in open-ocean sailing and navigation, and all our maps of the seas between here and the New World. We will also make available some trained sailors and navigators to advise your first voyages. And we will open Fort Voorzienigheid to Joseon ships, in case you are blown south and need to resupply." Memling raised his eyebrows. "I trust you will agree that this is a fair offer."
"In return," Memling continued, "I ask two things. The first is that Dutch merchants be allowed free access to any colonies you establish: the right to settle land, build trading posts, buy and sell goods, and otherwise conduct trade on exactly the same terms as Joseon traders - with no additional taxes, duties, or regulations." The ambassador shrugged. "If our ships are to be used to create these colonies, Excellencies, then it is only fair for our traders to profit by them."
"The second condition is this." Memling's tone turned very serious. "His Imperial Majesty must declare, in writing and with the force of law, that these Dutch ships - and any copies that may be made of them - cannot pass west of the Strait of Malacca. I do not begrudge you the chance to use these ships for naval operations within your own region, or even for trade with your neighbors. But it must be understood that they cannot lawfully compete with our trading interests in India, Europe, and Africa." Memling's gaze was firm. "That is why I need this proclamation. It must be clear that if any of these ships pass the Strait of Malacca into the Indian Ocean, they have broken the laws of Joseon and forfeited the protection of the Emperor. And if we find them, we will sink them."
The ambassador sat back. "With those two caveats, I am prepared today to write to Batavia and to send for the ships, supplies, and advisors necessary to assist you. So long as Joseon's gaze is fixed in the direction of the sunrise and not the sunset, the States-General wish you well in your great ambitions, and the Dutch people look forward to sharing in the prosperity of your colonies." Memling raised his eyebrows. "Do we have a deal?"
"Allow us to step aside for a minute to discuss this before we give our final verdict," Minister Yi replied as the two ministers left the office.
"The offer made by Memling seems fair," Minister Wang whispered as the two envoys were out of earshot from the Dutch. "They're giving us five European vessels to the navy alongside advisors and training. They're even opening some trading posts to our vessels if we're in the area. The only concessions that he asked for are to open potential colonies to the Dutch and to recognize their sphere of influence west of the Strait of Malacca."
"The latter point however strictly limits our presence," the War Minister retorted, slightly raising his voice but still keeping the volume down. "Why must our traders be limited from sailing west of the Strait of Malacca?"
"But we have an unexplored domain east of the sea for ourselves to warden over," Wang said. "That is our recognized tianxia ever since the formation of Goguryeo. We don't need to challenge the Dutch over an area most of our merchants and diplomats are likely not going to use."
The War Minister sighed. "Very well," he added. "I guess we should give our consent to the offer." Once the two ministers returned, they both affirmed the provisions made by Memling.
"Excellent!" Roelant Memling flashed a strange grin, equal parts sly satisfaction and boyish glee. "Excellent." He rose from his desk and bowed. "A pleasure, Excellencies. I will write to Batavia today to requisition those ships, supplies, and advisors; the letter should sail on the next tide. And I will be ready to release them to Joseon's navy as soon as his Imperial Majesty officially proclaims that they will remain east of the Strait of Malacca." Memling looked from one minister to the other. "I look forward to seeing what your explorers and settlers - and our traders - find on the other side of the sea. There are exciting days ahead, Excellencies. Of that I have no doubt."
