Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 93

93. Eastern Sea Route (1)

Upon arriving in Jemulpo, Saidu promptly dispatched a pre-written report to Hanyang.

Sejong, after reviewing the report, summoned Hyang and his ministers.

“Read the report,” he commanded.

Hyang and the ministers took turns reading the document, then turned their gazes to Sejong.

“The Crown Prince shall once again elucidate the necessity of glassmakers.”

“Yes, Father. Glass existed even during the ancient Three Han era, but now artisans are scarce. This is largely due to the prevalence of ceramics.

The primary reason is that glass was traditionally limited to the production of bowls and ornaments.

However, considering the inherent properties of glass, securing glass production technology is crucial.

Firstly, there’s a significant need in the industrial sector. For a simple illustration, various acids are essential in the production of gunpowder and the processing of metals.

Using ceramic containers to store these acids presents numerous challenges.

The most significant is the inability to see the contents. To inspect them, one must open the lid, risking serious injury to the artisan even with the slightest error.

Glass, however, allows for content verification without opening the container.

This isn’t limited to acids. In the case of food, spoilage can be detected without breaching the seal.”

“That would indeed be useful,” Sejong remarked, his interest piqued by the mention of food. Hyang sighed inwardly at his father’s reaction.

‘When will you ever lose weight, Father…? Even if you are a healthy pig… I should tell the Royal Guard Captain to make you exercise more…’

“Crown Prince?”

Startled from his thoughts by Sejong’s call, Hyang quickly responded. Sejong’s still-generous figure had momentarily distracted him.

“Yes? Yes! My apologies. I was gathering my thoughts for a moment… To explain the second reason, it lies in the military applications. Glass can be crafted into lenses, enabling the observation of distant objects as if they were nearby. Furthermore, a glass lens placed on a lamp can project light over considerable distances.”

“Hmm… not bad. Listen closely, all of you. The reason I asked the Crown Prince to reiterate the necessity of glassmakers is due to the route Instructor Saidu—a transliteration of Sa’id—took to find them.”

At Sejong’s explanation, the ministers nodded in understanding, while Hyang offered a wry smile.

‘Sa’id really stumbled upon a stroke of incredible luck…’

* * *

Hassan and Sa’id, tasked with ‘finding and bringing glassmakers’ by Hyang’s order, exhausted their inquiries within the Islamic community in Ming, but to no avail.

“Brother, I must journey to my hometown.”

“Hometown… The distance poses a challenge, but can you truly find glassmakers there? Sa’id, you recall, don’t you? That ‘sheet glass’ is primarily produced by Italians these days.”

“What choice do we have but to seize this opportunity, rather than return empty-handed? I must take the risk.”

Hassan nodded, acknowledging the urgency in Sa’id’s words.

The transition from Goryeo to Joseon had worsened their circumstances. They faced the prospect of liquidating their assets and relocating to Ming or returning to their homeland, where re-establishing themselves and rebuilding their fortune seemed improbable.

In this precarious situation, Hyang’s offer of assistance was a ‘golden opportunity.’

Ultimately, Hassan conceded to Sa’id’s plan.

“Be careful on your journey, brother.”

Thus, Sa’id boarded a ship with other merchants bound for his homeland.

However, even upon arriving, Sa’id found it difficult to locate glassmakers.

Those who existed were employed in factories owned by wealthy merchants or in workshops belonging to powerful families.

“I must go to Alexandria.”

With this decision made, Sa’id sought assistance from his family.

‘A member of our family from Joseon requests assistance.’

The elders of the Ottaibi family, informed of the situation by Sa’id’s uncle, convened to discuss the matter.

“He seeks to find glassmakers?”

“Yes, he says. Artisans capable of crafting sheet glass, no less.”

“If it’s sheet glass, isn’t that the exclusive domain of artisans from Italy, specifically Murano Island in Venice?”

“I’ve heard that Florentines have also begun producing it recently.”

“To find such artisans, wouldn’t one have to venture to the slave market in Alexandria?”

“That’s precisely why he seeks our aid.”

“What form of assistance does he require?”

“Transportation to and from Alexandria, financial support for purchasing slaves, and a ship for his return to Joseon.”

“Joseon?”

“The nation that emerged after overthrowing Goryeo.”

“Hmm…”

The elders engaged in a heated debate. The atmosphere grew intense, but they eventually reached a consensus.

“Let us provide support!”

The decision, championed by the family’s most senior elder, was influenced by Hyang’s letter, which Sa’id had carried.

-If you assist in finding glassmakers, I will facilitate the Ottaibi family’s trade with Joseon. I guarantee this as the Crown Prince of Joseon.

“The prince who will inherit the throne of Joseon has offered his guarantee; surely we must assist?”

“He is merely a prince.”

“Indeed, just a prince. However, such a letter in Joseon could not be written without the king’s explicit consent.”

Despite lingering opposition, the value of the letter, as explained by Sa’id’s uncle, ultimately swayed the decision in favor of support.

With the family’s full backing, Sa’id journeyed to the slave market in Alexandria.

With divine intervention—or, as Sa’id noted in his report, the help of Allah—Italian sheet glass artisans were put up for sale by Barbary pirates shortly after Sa’id’s arrival.

Their rarity and value sparked fierce competition among Arab and Northern European merchants alike, and Sa’id barely managed to secure the glassmakers.

However, the funds expended in acquiring them were substantial, even for the Ottaibi family, leading two elders to accompany Sa’id to Joseon, as detailed in the report.

The reason Sejong summoned Hyang and the ministers was to address the significant sum spent by the Ottaibi family in acquiring these artisans.

“As detailed in the report, Instructor Saidu’s family spent 20,000 ducats [a European gold coin]—equivalent to 2,000 taels of gold [approximately 7 kilograms]—in Seoyi currency. This is not a trivial amount. I wish to ascertain whether acquiring glassmakers at such a cost is justifiable.”

Sejong paused, turning his gaze to Hyang.

“Were it the Crown Prince, he would undoubtedly advocate for their acquisition. However, given the magnitude of the sum, I seek your counsel.”

“Hmm…”

The ministers were lost in thought. They knew Hyang was not one to spend lavishly. While some purchases had initially raised eyebrows, they had invariably proven necessary.

This made it difficult to object outright. Even Kim Jeom, the Minister of Taxation, known for his frugality, was deep in contemplation.

As the ministers deliberated, Hyang stepped forward.

“Father, I have something to add.”

“Speak.”

“If we only consider the artisans’ immediate value, the sum is indeed considerable. However, the glass they can produce is worth far more.”

“Of course, it would be. But that is precisely why we are deliberating, as we cannot be certain.”

“Father, I previously mentioned that glass can be used to create instruments that allow us to see distant objects as if they were close.”

“You did.”

“Consider the military implications. If we can identify Jurchens or Japanese pirates from a greater distance, what advantages would that bring? Imagine the benefit of our troops being able to prepare one step ahead of the enemy. We may not recoup the investment in one or two years, but we will recover the initial outlay within a decade.”

Hyang’s words swayed Sejong’s opinion, but he remained hesitant to make a decision.

“Can you guarantee that such an instrument can be made?”

“I will personally oversee its creation!”

At Hyang’s confident assertion, Sejong looked to the ministers.

At the unspoken question, the ministers voiced their opinions.

“The military advantages alone seem to justify the cost.”

“I concur.”

With the ministers in agreement, Sejong made his decision.

“Then, let us settle the account for the glassmakers.”

* * *

Meanwhile, the members of the Ottaibi clan, having unloaded their belongings in the Islamic community near Hanyang, were also anxious.

“Will Joseon truly honor the price?”

“They will,” Sa’id assured them.

Despite Sa’id’s confidence, the elders remained apprehensive.

If the prince of Joseon failed to pay the agreed-upon sum after they had traveled so far, the family would suffer a significant loss. They were familiar with powerful figures who would neither pay small amounts because they were small, nor large amounts because they were large.

“We could have made a substantial profit simply by reselling the Italian glassmakers…”

Seeing the elders’ worried expressions, Sa’id and Hassan did their best to reassure them.

“Do not fret. The prince of Joseon will undoubtedly pay the price in full.”

“I work closely with the prince. Based on my experience, your concerns are unfounded.”

“Is that so?”

Despite Hassan and Sa’id’s assurances, the elders remained worried.

“Royal Order!”

“Royal Order?”

Hassan and Sa’id quickly rose and went outside at the summons.

“Are you the Hassan and Sa’id brothers?”

“Yes, we are.”

“Receive the Royal Order!”

At the herald’s cry, the brothers straightened their attire, bowed towards the palace, and knelt.

“The Royal Order commands that the family elders and glassmakers be brought to Geunjeongjeon by noon tomorrow.”

“We obey the order!”

The brothers bowed once more, respectfully accepting the scroll.

The elders, who had been watching from inside, emerged.

“What is that?”

“It is an order containing the king’s command and an invitation.”

“I see. Finally, everything will be decided tomorrow.”

“But does the order arrive this quickly?” An elder with more experience inquired. The powerful figures he knew would make them wait at least three days even for a simple audience. Yet, in Joseon, the report submitted by Sa’id had resulted in an order issued on the very day they arrived at the community outside Hanyang.

At the elder’s question, Hassan smiled slightly and answered.

“His Majesty the King and the Crown Prince, who govern Joseon, are known for their efficiency.”

* * *

The next day at noon.

Hassan and Sa’id, accompanied by the elders and glassmakers, made their way to Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The soldiers, recognizing Hassan and Sa’id in their official uniforms, saluted respectfully and inquired,

“Who are these people accompanying you?”

“They are here in accordance with the Royal Order.”

Hassan retrieved the scroll from his sleeve and presented it to the gatekeeper.

After verifying the contents, the gatekeeper returned the scroll and stepped aside.

“Pass!”

* * *

“His Majesty the King is here!”

Hassan and Sa’id, arriving in the front yard of Geunjeongjeon, knelt and paid their respects at the sound of the Sangseon’s [eunuch] announcement.

The elders and slaves followed suit. At that moment, they understood that their lives depended on avoiding any missteps.

“You may rise.”

“Your Grace is boundless,” the Hassan brothers replied, bowing politely.

“Who are those who accompanied you?”

“They are the elders of our family.”

“Is that so? Convey my appreciation for their arduous journey.”

The elders, hearing Hassan’s translation, bowed respectfully in response.

“Are those behind them the glassmakers?”

“That is correct.”

“Hmm…”

Sejong, after briefly observing the glassmakers, addressed Hassan.

“I will accurately calculate and reimburse the sum your family spent to secure their freedom. Furthermore, I will add a 10% bonus in recognition of your efforts over the past two years.”

“Your Grace is boundless!”

Hassan and Sa’id bowed in gratitude. The elders, upon hearing Sa’id’s translation, paid their respects even more deferentially than before.

“From now on, address your concerns to the Crown Prince.”

As Sejong rose from his chair, Hassan and Sa’id bowed deeply once more.

With Sejong’s departure, Hyang stepped forward.

“First, I wish to speak with the glassmakers.”

“Please proceed. I will translate.”

“No.”

Hyang, preventing Hassan from translating, addressed the artisans directly.

“Exspectata ut Hao Coreanica regnum. [Welcome to the Kingdom of Joseon.]”

The glassmakers looked at Hyang in surprise, hearing familiar Latin, albeit somewhat imperfect, from the mouth of the Eastern pagan.

“Hic autem non est servus. [You are not slaves here.]”

After speaking, Hyang ordered Hassan,

“Release their bonds.”

At Hyang’s command, the elders instructed their followers to remove the handcuffs and shackles from the glassmakers.

The freed glassmakers bowed sincerely to Hyang.

“Venite post verba autem ex illis. [Let’s talk to you later.]”

“Ita! [Yes!]”

As the artisans responded, Hyang gestured to the soldiers.

“Take them to Area 51.”

“Yes, sir!”

The soldiers disappeared with the glassmakers.

The elders, witnessing these events, were stunned.

When Hyang first spoke in Latin, one of the elders whispered to Hassan,

“Did you teach him Latin?”

“He already knew it.”

‘What manner of person is this Crown Prince of Joseon?’

They had heard tales of his ‘tremendous talent’ from Hassan and Sa’id, but witnessing it firsthand was even more astonishing.

Meanwhile, Hyang, having dismissed the artisans, turned to the elders.

“Now, let us discuss the payment process.”