Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 218

218. Changing People (1)

As the Gyeongjang Era progressed, the people of Joseon began to experience significant changes in their lives.

In the sweltering months of July and August during the Gyeongseul year, farmers toiled relentlessly under the scorching sun.

“Another year of abundance!”

Across the major agricultural regions of the Korean Peninsula, farmers rejoiced at the sight of their rice paddies, brimming with promise.

Since King Sejong’s reign, specifically from the 3rd year (1421, Sinchuk year) when Hyang was appointed Crown Prince, the ongoing water management projects initiated in the 4th year of King Sejong’s reign began to alleviate the persistent water supply issues throughout Joseon.

As the water scarcity problem gradually eased and the climate became milder, crop yields steadily improved.

However, the people didn’t simply rely on these improvements. They actively enriched the soil with compost and meticulously maintained the waterways to further enhance their harvests.

It wasn’t just the common folk who were diligently working; the royal court was equally engaged.

* * *

“We must compile a comprehensive book, gathering the collective wisdom of experienced agriculturalists! Who will undertake this vital task?”

Upon hearing Sejong’s inquiry, Hyang promptly stepped forward.

“I shall!”

Having received the royal command, Hyang returned to the research institute and summoned Jeong Cho and Jeong In-ji.

“This is His Majesty’s decree. Select those who will dedicate themselves to this endeavor.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Despite the suddenness of the assignment, Jeong Cho and Jeong In-ji displayed no hint of discontent. After all, it was the inherent duty of officials to safeguard the people from starvation, regardless of the circumstances.

Through the dedicated efforts of the research institute, the ‘Nongsajikseol (農事直說, Direct Statement on Agriculture),’ a practical guide to farming, was completed in the 9th year of King Sejong’s reign (1427). This was two years ahead of its completion in the original timeline before Hyang’s involvement.

“Print this book and distribute it widely throughout the land!”

Following Sejong’s directive, the Nongsajikseol was printed in large quantities and disseminated across the country.

The distribution of the Nongsajikseol was met with widespread enthusiasm by both local farmers and Kwon Nong Gwan (勸農官, agricultural promotion officials).

This was largely because the book was specifically tailored to the unique environment and conditions of Joseon, unlike the outdated Chinese agricultural texts that had previously served as the primary guidelines.

As agricultural output increased, an unfortunate consequence arose: local landlords, who disproportionately benefited from the increased yields, succumbed to greed.

They pursued their own selfish interests, overstepped their boundaries, and ultimately triggered the rebellion of the Giyu year, which resulted in their clan’s extermination by order of Sejong.

* * *

Hyang didn’t rest on his laurels after completing the Nongsajikseol.

First, he requested and obtained a portion of the palace estate in Heukseok-ri, Habuk-myeon, Gwacheon-gun—now Heukseok-dong—from Sejong.

“Two Gyeol [unit of land measurement] of rice paddies, one Gyeol of fields, and Seodalsan Mountain should suffice.”

Having secured farmland and a mountain, Hyang posted public notices and sent out official letters of cooperation, inviting renowned farmers and officials with a keen interest in agriculture to join him.

“From this day forward, your primary task will be to improve crop varieties.”

Hyang had established a dedicated research institute specializing in seed improvement.

While reporting on this initiative, Hyang concluded with a cautionary note.

“It will likely take at least ten years for this research institute to produce any tangible results.”

“Ten years… Are you prepared to wait that long?”

Knowing Hyang’s driven personality, Sejong, who always sought immediate results even if it meant sacrificing sleep, asked with genuine concern.

In response to Sejong’s question, Hyang offered a helpless expression.

“Agriculture is not something that can be rushed; impatience will not accelerate its progress.”

Sejong briefly reflected on Hyang’s answer.

“To think that you, who once embodied the folly of ‘Yalmiao Zhaozhang (揠苗助長, pulling up seedlings to help them grow) [a Chinese idiom meaning ‘spoiling things by excessive enthusiasm’],’ have matured so much.”

-There was once an impatient farmer in the state of Song during the Spring and Autumn period. He grew increasingly anxious because his rice seedlings seemed to be growing slower than his neighbor’s. In a misguided attempt to help, he pulled up all the shoots of rice in his field. Tragically, this resulted in the withering and death of all the seedlings.

Sejong praised Hyang, referencing a well-known story from the Gongsun Chou chapter of Mencius.

* * *

Because Hyang had stated, ‘It will take at least ten years,’ the researchers assigned to the Seed Research Institute were often envied by their colleagues in other departments.

“We are constantly burdened with demanding tasks, while you simply get to farm at your leisure. I envy you!”

Whenever they heard such remarks, the researchers at the Seed Research Institute would bristle with indignation.

“If you’re so envious, why don’t you come and experience the work for yourselves!”

The work at the Seed Research Institute was far from easy.

Regardless of whether it was raining or the sun was blazing, they had to venture out to the rice paddies and fields every day to meticulously record the growth progress of the crops. If any pest-related issues arose, they were responsible for investigating the causes and effects, and compiling detailed reports.

But that wasn’t all. The tasks assigned to them by Hyang were often unexpected and unconventional.

The best example of these unexpected tasks involved Korean melons. The Korean melons of this era were vastly different from the sweet and juicy melons Hyang remembered from the 21st century.

“It’s not a melon; it’s more like a radish….”

The Korean melons of this period had such low sugar content that Hyang jokingly referred to them as ‘radishes.’ In many cases, people resorted to eating Korean melons only when there was a shortage of other food due to poor barley harvests. Although the sugar content was minimal, they still contained some sugar, the flesh was firm, and the moisture content was adequate, making them a suitable option for filling an empty stomach.

Since the Korean melon was more akin to an emergency food source than a refreshing summer fruit, Hyang immediately added a new task to the Seed Research Institute’s agenda.

-Korean melons are not sweet enough! Increase their sugar content!

This was a truly unexpected and perplexing order for the officials.

“Make it sweet simply because it’s not sweet? How are we supposed to do that?”

* * *

It wasn’t just the countryside that was undergoing transformation.

Cities also began to evolve. The major metropolises designated as Daedohobu (大都護府, Great Protectorate General), Mok (牧, Prefecture), and Dohobu (都護府, Protectorate General) gradually started to change their appearance.

The first noticeable change was in the roads.

“I’ve heard the new roads in Hanseong [present-day Seoul] are exceptionally well-made!”

“It’s not just hearsay; they truly are excellent.”

“Then let’s construct new roads in our city as well!”

The paved roads, constructed under Hyang’s guidance during the restoration efforts following the Great Fire that ravaged Hanyang in Sejong 8 (1426), became a widely discussed topic known as ‘Sinjakro (新作路, New Roads).’ It evolved into a ‘topic of national interest’ rather than simply a ‘topic of the capital.’

“I hear the newly paved Sinjakro in Hanseong is truly remarkable!”

“I’ve heard it doesn’t turn into a muddy mess even when it rains!”

This particular aspect captured the attention of people from other regions. At that time, it was common for Joseon’s roads to become a quagmire during rainfall. Even the roads in well-maintained cities would transform into puddles and mud fields when it rained.

Eventually, the rumors spread and became increasingly exaggerated.

“I’ve heard that even in heavy rain, your feet remain completely dry when you walk on the Sinjakro!”

In reality, unless one was wearing wooden clogs, it was virtually impossible to avoid getting one’s feet wet, even on the Sinjakro. However, it was undeniable that the extent of wetness was significantly reduced.

From the very beginning of the road paving project, the center of the road was intentionally raised slightly to allow rainwater to flow towards both edges, and drainage ditches were dug along the sides. As a result, this design effectively prevented feet from becoming completely covered in mud, as was the case with the previous dirt roads, and the degree of wetness was greatly minimized.

Ultimately, people from the provinces, unable to suppress their curiosity, made the journey to Hanseong. Relatively affluent local gentry led the way, followed by farmers after the autumn harvest.

Their sole purpose was to witness the Sinjakro firsthand.

As people flocked to Hanseong, it created a ripple effect, with new lodging facilities and restaurants opening or flourishing to cater to the increased demand for food and accommodation along the routes.

Having witnessed the Sinjakro paved in Hanseong, the people of the provinces, particularly those residing in urban areas, began to clamor for the construction of Sinjakro in their own cities as well.

As petitions flooded in, Sejong summoned his ministers. Amidst heated debates for and against the proposal, Hyang voiced his support.

“Why do you favor this?”

“If such convenience is exclusive to Hanseong, everyone will inevitably gravitate towards the capital. We must prevent this from happening. That is the primary reason.”

Sejong and his ministers nodded in agreement with Hyang’s reasoning.

‘Send people to Hanseong, and horses to Jeju Island’ [an old Korean saying implying that talented individuals should be sent to the capital, while horses should be sent to Jeju Island, known for its horses] was a common saying in the capital, but the people they wanted in Hanseong were talented individuals, not just any commoners.

Hyang continued to elaborate on the reasons why new roads should be paved in local cities as well.

“There are many people in local cities seeking employment. This project can provide them with jobs. We can gather those who have gained experience in this way and mobilize them for the nationwide road construction that will take place later. Furthermore, we will need people to manage the newly created roads, thus generating even more employment opportunities. This is the second reason.”

“A valid point.”

Sejong immediately expressed his approval of Hyang’s explanation. Even in this era, unemployment was a significant concern. Hyang continued his argument.

“Finally, if the roads in the city are well-organized, we can establish permanent marketplaces. If people gather in such places, it will be easier for us to understand the sentiments of the populace, provided we pay close attention.”

“I find that particularly appealing!”

As Sejong appeared pleased, Kim Jeom immediately voiced his opposition.

“What the Crown Prince says is commendable, but the main obstacle is the budget! We simply do not have sufficient funds to pave all the cities of Joseon.”

In response to Kim Jeom’s objection, Hyang promptly offered an alternative solution.

“Is it absolutely necessary to construct roads in all cities simultaneously? We can begin with the cities that have the largest populations. If petitions are received from cities that are lower on the priority list, we can instruct them to bear the financial burden themselves. The landlords’ coffers are overflowing with wealth, are they not? Let them put it to good use. Surely, they don’t intend to take it with them when they die?”

“Well said, my boy!”

In response to Sejong’s exclamation, which was a rare occurrence since his argument with Ryu Jeong-hyeon, the entire court fell silent.

“The scribe….”

Sejong, attempting to prevent the recording of his outburst, stopped himself upon noticing the scribes already diligently wielding their golden pens.

In any case, the paving of roads in local cities commenced in Sejong 9 (1427).

* * *

As the road paving project in local cities began, the officials who had supervised the paving construction in Hanseong, along with the foremen who had commanded the workers, were dispatched to the provinces.

The first cities to undergo paving were Gaeseong, which was considered the secondary capital, and the Bu (府, Prefecture, Jeonju, Gyeongju, Yeongheung, Pyongyang) of the country.

Those who arrived from Hanseong gathered the officials and merchants responsible for the construction of the Bu and presented them with a thick book.

“What is this book?”

“It contains the rules and regulations that must be followed, as well as the facilities that must be installed, when paving the Sinjakro.”

“The sheer thickness….”

People swallowed hard as they gazed at the book, which was remarkably thick. Observing their reactions, the supervisor who had come down from Hanseong issued a stern warning.

“During the construction in Hanseong, there were numerous individuals who were either reprimanded by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince or dismissed for failing to adhere to the instructions outlined in this book. Therefore, let us all carefully review these guidelines.”

The supervisor cautiously retrieved an order from his sleeve and handed it over.

“Please read it thoroughly.”

Those who read the order turned pale.

-The full authority over the construction rests with the dispatched supervisor. If the construction is not executed properly, the supervisor will be held accountable.

-As stated above, the full authority over the construction rests with the supervisor. To ensure the smooth progress of the construction and the maintenance of quality, the supervisor may exercise all authority, including suspension of work, dismissal of officials, and termination of contracts with merchants.

The contents of the order were extensive and comprehensive, but the most significant aspect was Sejong’s handwritten signature at the end.

Whether it was due to the power of the order personally signed by Sejong, the construction proceeded strictly according to the established principles. The supervisors, as well as the foremen who had accompanied them, meticulously oversaw the construction process.

“They say the people of Seoul (주1) are stingy [a word that mocks the pickiness and stinginess of Seoul people], and they’re certainly living up to that reputation!”

Not only the local officials and merchants who were directing the construction, but even the workers were taken aback by the supervisors’ and foremen’s meticulousness.

The reason for their thoroughness soon became apparent. As the construction progressed to a certain stage, auditors from Hanseong would periodically arrive to inspect every detail. Even the supervisors and foremen, who had been acting like grim reapers on the site, would become as timid as mice in the presence of a cat when confronted by the auditors.

* * *

주1) Regarding the origin of the name Seoul, the academic community believes it dates back to the Silla period of the Three Kingdoms. Source: Seoul History Compilation Institute.

https://history.seoul.go.kr/nuri/etc/sub_page.php?pidx=153716087297