Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 137

Jjangra

Hello, Bomb!

137. Fishing (2)

Upon receiving Sejong’s order, Kim Jeom moved with Im Sun-wook.

“Now… shall we have a little chat? Your Highness, please join us as well.”

As Kim Jeom left, a sense of urgency spread among the other officials.

“Hmm? Do you have something to say?” Sejong asked.

Heo Jo stepped forward to answer Sejong’s question.

“Your Majesty! Having reviewed the plan submitted by Im Sun-wook, it appears to be more than just a matter for the Ministry of Taxation! It requires the coordinated input of ministers from various departments!”

“Hmm… is that so?” Sejong stroked his beard.

Heo Jo replied quickly, “That is correct!”

“Hmm… there is a point. Royal Attendant, bring back the Crown Prince, the Minister of Taxation, and Im Sun-wook.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Shortly after, the Royal Attendant returned to Geunjeongjeon [the main hall of Gyeongbok Palace] with Hyang, Kim Jeom, and Im Sun-wook.

Sejong observed Hyang with a subtle smile, as if he knew what was going on. Kim Jeom looked defeated, and Im Sun-wook appeared bewildered. Sejong smiled faintly and ordered the Royal Attendant, “It seems this will be a lengthy discussion, so bring chairs. Ah! And desks as well.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Chairs and a large desk were placed in the middle of Geunjeongjeon, and the officials and Hyang sat around them. The seat of honor remained empty so as not to block Sejong’s view from the platform. Im Sun-wook sat directly facing Sejong.

“The Crown Prince will lead the proceedings,” Sejong announced.

“Yes, Father.”

With Hyang leading the proceedings as instructed, Heo Jo was the first to speak.

“First of all, since you passed the Saengwon examination [a lower-level civil service exam], may I address you as Im Saengwon?”

“Yes.”

Having settled the matter of address, Heo Jo immediately began questioning.

“Do you believe that rickshaws and carriages are sufficiently feasible?”

“If we only consider Hanseong [old name for Seoul], then yes, they are sufficiently feasible.”

“Why?”

“Since the last fire, the main roads connecting the east, west, south, and north of Hanseong have been paved with crushed stones. This means that even if it rains or snows, the roads will not become muddy, so wheeled vehicles can be used effectively.”

“I see….”

Heo Jo nodded at Sun-wook’s answer, and Gongpan [Minister of Public Works] stepped forward.

“However, many roads in Hanseong are still dirt.”

“Those areas must also be paved as soon as possible. The people of Hanseong are already experiencing the convenience of the crushed stone roads.”

“But….”

Before Gongpan could speak further, Sun-wook continued, “Of course, paving the roads requires significant funds. However, even within Hanseong, there is a growing number of people who lack stable livelihoods and are forced to work odd jobs every day. Paving the roads can provide these people with a stable income.”

When the issue of stable livelihoods was raised, the officials nodded. After pausing to clear his throat, Sun-wook continued, “Furthermore, as more people gain experience in this way, nationwide road paving can be carried out. The growth of these construction-related industries can draw people away from an excessive reliance on agriculture.”

At Sun-wook’s words, the gazes of Sejong and the officials turned to Hyang.

Receiving their silent question, Hyang shook his head, indicating that he had not informed him in advance.

Confirming this, the eyes of Sejong and the officials began to gleam even brighter.

‘A talented individual!’

‘A talented individual! And one who can be put to use immediately!’

‘I must seize him! No matter what, I must secure him for my department!’

Harboring such desires, the officials proceeded with a thorough verification, though it wasn’t quite a formal examination.

“Im Saengwon insisted on selling 20 rickshaws immediately. What is the basis for this?” Kim Jeom asked.

Im Sun-wook answered with a slightly embarrassed expression, “That is due to the limitations of my personal wealth.”

“If there were no limitations on wealth?”

“Then, I would start with 100 units. I would establish stations centered around Jongno [a major street in Seoul], in Bukchon [a traditional Korean village in Seoul], Namdaemun [a major gate in Seoul], and Seodaemun [another major gate in Seoul], with 25 units operating at each station. Among the 25 units stationed at each station, 20 would operate daily, and 5 would rest.”

“Hmm….”

“That makes sense.”

At Im Sun-wook’s explanation, the officials and Sejong nodded. High-ranking officials mainly resided in Bukchon. The areas near Namdaemun and Seodaemun were home to many lower-ranking officials and served as the main gateways for scholars arriving from the provinces. Jongno was a hub for people working in government offices and nearby large merchant guilds.

Unlike the nodding officials, Hyang tilted his head.

“The idea of creating stations means that the rickshaws would be waiting there, but wouldn’t it be possible to serve more customers by having them roam the streets of Hanseong instead?”

Remembering the ‘taxis of the 21st century,’ Hyang asked the question. Im Sun-wook explained why that wouldn’t work.

“If they roam around like that, the possibility of being victimized by crime increases. Roaming without waiting at a station means they are constantly carrying their earnings on their person.”

“I see. I had forgotten about that.”

Hyang nodded at Im Sun-wook’s explanation.

‘It’s not like this is GTA [Grand Theft Auto] Hanseong….’

Hyang grumbled inwardly at the situation in Hanseong, or rather Joseon, where security was still unstable in various corners, despite his efforts to strengthen it.

Im Sun-wook continued to explain.

“The stations where the rickshaws will be stationed will perform the following tasks:

First, they will receive fares in advance from people who want to ride the rickshaws, reducing the potential for disputes and ensuring the safety of those who drive the rickshaws.

Second, they will manage the shifts and off-days of those who drive the rickshaws.

Third, they will maintain the rickshaws.”

Im Sun-wook finished his presentation by explaining the standards for the fees to be charged when using the rickshaws.

“With this, I conclude my suggestions regarding the operation of rickshaws.”

“Well done.”

“You’ve done well. Then… let’s talk about carriages now.”

“Yes?”

Im Sun-wook, exhausted from explaining the operation of rickshaws, widened his eyes at Kim Jeom’s words about discussing ‘carriages.’

“Couldn’t we do it after taking a break?”

Kim Jeom chuckled at Im Sun-wook’s horrified expression and explained, “There are many other matters to be dealt with besides your proposal.”

“Yes….”

As Im Sun-wook answered weakly, Hyang, who was next to him, interjected, “Still, since we have learned about the necessity and benefits of operation through rickshaws, the points needing confirmation in the carriage section will be reduced. Wouldn’t that make it a little easier? What do you all think?”

“That would be the case.”

“Hoo~.”

As the things to be explained were greatly reduced, Im Sun-wook unknowingly let out a sigh of relief.

Hyang smiled at Im Sun-wook’s appearance and said, “Relax. If you are so nervous, you will tire easily. There will be many things to do in the future.”

“I am deeply grateful.”

Im Sun-wook bowed his head, expressing his gratitude for Hyang’s advice.

‘But why do I feel so uneasy?’

Forcibly suppressing the ominous feeling that was slowly rising, Im Sun-wook sat in his chair and prepared for the next agenda item.

* * *

The discussion about carriages proceeded easily, as Hyang had expected.

“Considering the size of Hanseong, the length of the fortress walls surrounding Hanseong exceeds 40 li (approximately 16km) [a traditional Korean unit of distance]. Looking at the interior, the distance from Heunginjimun [East Gate of Seoul] to Donuimun [West Gate of Seoul] is a little over 10 li (approximately 4km), and the distance from Gwanghwamun [main gate of Gyeongbok Palace] to Sungnyemun [South Gate of Seoul] is a little less than 5 li (approximately 2km).”

After explaining the area of Hanyang [another name for Seoul], Im Sun-wook immediately added, “It is a very large city. Of course, it is smaller than a metropolis like Beijing, but I believe we can be confident in its cleanliness.”

The officials, who had been nodding at Im Sun-wook’s words, turned their gaze to Hyang.

This was because the size of Hanseong had already been decided during the process of moving the capital, but the issue of cleanliness had been mostly handled by Hyang. Receiving the gazes of the officials, Hyang smiled awkwardly and replied, “As the saying goes, ‘a misfortune may be an actual blessing.’ I benefited somewhat from that fire.”

* * *

In the process of restoring the great fire that had turned almost half of Hanseong into ashes, Hyang’s top priorities were road paving and sewage treatment.

“This is an opportunity! It’s SimCity!” [referencing the city-building simulation game]

During the reconstruction process, Hyang installed sewage facilities, drawing on the books of the Eastern Roman Empire that he had obtained and his memories of the 21st century.

He connected U-shaped conduits made of concrete to the roads, as well as the newly created residential areas, to discharge sewage. He made it possible to discharge not only domestic wastewater but also, if possible, human waste from toilets through these sewage pipes.

“Do we really have to do this?” The officials and people complained about Hyang’s meticulous and even harsh supervision, but Hyang silenced them with a single word.

“Do you want to eat rice cooked with toilet water?”

“….”

Since it was already common sense in Joseon to build wells and toilets far apart, no one refuted Hyang’s words.

Looking at those officials and people, Hyang continued, “It may be annoying and difficult now, but think about the future. People are gathering in Hanseong even now. If we don’t take proper action from now on, everyone in Hanseong will be living with diseases in less than 10 years.”

As the reconstruction progressed and was almost completed, Hyang petitioned Sejong to promulgate the ‘Law on Road Use.’

When the decree on ‘the separation of sidewalks for people and roads for carts and horses, the rules for the direction of carts and horses, and the prohibition of urinating or defecating on the road’ was promulgated, the residents of Hanseong, as well as the people living in other cities, all complained, but they had to follow it because Sejong strongly pushed it forward.

It was a law that was called ‘evil law,’ but before long, the people had no choice but to acknowledge it.

This was because the roads had become cleaner in their eyes, and it had become more convenient to live.

* * *

Im Sun-wook continued to explain about the operation of carriages.

“Since carriages can carry many people at once, they can be operated sufficiently even with lower fares than rickshaws.”

“That’s right.”

The officials nodded at Im Sun-wook’s point.

Before they knew it, a hanging scroll with a large map of Hanseong was in place, and Im Sun-wook continued to speak, pointing to the east, west, south, and north of the map.

“10 li east to west, 5 li north to south. It may seem like a short distance, but it is actually quite a long distance if you set your mind to travel it.”

The Minister of Rites nodded at Im Sun-wook’s words.

“It’s a bit difficult in summer or winter.”

“There is also the problem of the seasons, but there is also the problem of those who have to come to the center of the city for work. There is a lot of wasted time. However, operating carriages can reduce the waste of time.”

“Hmm….”

The officials nodded at Im Sun-wook’s words. Hyang’s eyes sparkled at the sight.

‘Hmm…. Maybe… good! It’s a test!’

Deciding, Hyang asked Im Sun-wook.

“Im Saengwon, more and more people are gathering in Hanseong now. What do you think is the solution to this?”

At Hyang’s question, Im Sun-wook pondered for a moment and then answered, “The most basic solution is to prevent people from coming to Hanseong in the first place. The reason why people are flocking to Hanseong now is because they cannot afford to continue their lives in the villages and towns where they used to live.”

“That’s right….”

Everyone from Sejong nodded at Im Sun-wook’s answer. After taking a moment to moisten his throat, Im Sun-wook continued, “Therefore, if the entire territory of Joseon is properly developed, people will not flock to Hanseong. Of course, this is highly likely to become an impractical theory, but I still think we should try to make it a reality as much as possible.”

“You said it was the most basic solution or an impractical theory, so what is a more realistic solution?” Hyang followed up.

Im Sun-wook immediately answered, “We must develop the Seongjeo Simni (the villages around Hanseong within 10 li) [area within 4km of the city walls]. First, we must connect the paved roads to the outside of the four gates and extend the operation of carriages to those areas. Only then can we prevent the excessive concentration of population within Hanseong. Only by preventing population concentration can we prevent housing problems, livelihood problems, and disease problems in advance.”

At Im Sun-wook’s answer, Hyang clenched his fist and nodded greatly to Sejong.

At Hyang’s reaction, Sejong asked Im Sun-wook, “What is Im Saengwon’s eldest son doing now?”

“Yes? He is currently learning the work of a merchant guild.”

“Is that so? How long has he been learning the work?”

“It has been 5 years.”

“Then, it would be okay to hand over the merchant guild to him?”

“Yes?”

Seeing Im Sun-wook with a bewildered expression because he did not properly understand Sejong’s words, Sejong opened his mouth.

“Settle the affairs of the merchant guild and come to the court. About five days should be enough, right?”

“Yes? Yes? Yesssss!”

Im Sun-wook was horrified by Sejong’s bombshell statement.