Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 383

Whether or not Sejong and his ministers knew how Hyang felt, wanting to shout, ‘The King has donkey ears!’ they continued their impassioned debate on the topic of the ‘Eastern Sea Route.’

After various opinions were voiced and much discussion ensued, Sejong reached a decision.

“Though I am not entirely satisfied, we cannot reach any firm conclusions at this time. We simply lack sufficient information. Therefore, our first priority must be to accurately determine what lies to the east. Are these islands the easternmost point, or does more land exist beyond them? What are your thoughts, gentlemen?”

Sejong’s ministers immediately responded to his inquiry.

“That seems most reasonable, Your Majesty.”

Having summarized the situation, Sejong turned to Jo Mal-saeng and asked,

“Now that I think of it… I neglected to ask about this earlier. What is the basis for the Ministry of National Defense and the Navy’s assumption that other islands lie to the east? If my memory serves me correctly, the report specifically mentioned ‘archipelago.’”

The presenter promptly addressed Sejong’s question.

“It is the result of discussions with the local residents after the Gilrim ship arrived at the island in question.”

“The residents themselves reported this?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. They claim that when they are occasionally swept far out by the currents, they sometimes glimpse the shadows of other islands on the horizon.”

“Island shadows, hmm….”

Mulling over the presenter’s words, Sejong nodded thoughtfully.

“Whatever the case, we must establish an outpost on that island, correct?”

“That is indeed correct, Your Majesty. And we must integrate the native tribes into Joseon society as our own people.”

Nodding in response to the presenter’s statement, Sejong turned his attention to Kim Jeom.

“Minister of Finance.”

At Sejong’s summons, Kim Jeom sighed softly and replied.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will proceed with the establishment of a monopoly bureau in consultation with the Ministry of National Defense.”

“It will undoubtedly be a challenging endeavor, but please do your best. If an archipelago exists, we will secure a strategic location. And even if no other islands are found, it can serve as a final resupply point for those venturing to the lands of the Westerners.”

“I will bear that in mind, Your Majesty.”

Through Sejong’s decisive action, the Navy was empowered to steadily develop the Eastern Sea Route.

* * *

Having addressed the immediate situation, Sejong looked at the presenter and Jo Mal-saeng and continued.

“Aside from the budget, are there any other resources you require?”

Jo Mal-saeng immediately answered Sejong’s question.

“We need new ships, Your Majesty. Many of them.”

“Hup!”

Kim Jeom made a sharp, gasping sound at Jo Mal-saeng’s words, and Sejong expressed his skepticism.

“Wasn’t the primary obstacle the fact that we lacked sufficient personnel to crew even the ships we currently possess?”

“The Jurchens, as well as the natives of Daeseol Island, are skilled seafarers. Furthermore, the natives of the newly secured Jongjang Island and Eonwol Peninsula are intimately familiar with the harsh conditions of the northern seas. Therefore, if they are properly trained in the Joseon language, we plan to integrate them into the military ranks without delay.”

“Hmm… So the manpower issue will soon be resolved?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

Jo Mal-saeng answered immediately to Sejong’s question, and Kim Jeom’s complexion began to turn increasingly pale.

The Navy was generating substantial profits from long-distance trade using the Challenger-class battleships.

However, this Northern Sea Route was proving to be a different matter entirely. Of course, the valuable furs and oils extracted from whales and seals in various northern regions were useful in illuminating the nights of Joseon.

Nevertheless, the Northern Sea Route was currently in a situation where expenditures significantly outweighed revenues.

Even those robust Challenger-class ships required extensive repairs in the shipyard after enduring the rigors of the northern winter sea.

Sejong, noticing Kim Jeom’s increasingly pale complexion, shifted his gaze and spoke.

“Minister of Finance, I ask that you bear with some hardship.”

“…I shall obey your command, Your Majesty.”

Just when it seemed the situation was stabilizing, the presenter continued.

“The Navy proposes equipping the newly constructed Challenger-class battleships with steam engines.”

“Huh?”

“Uh?”

At the unexpected remark, Sejong and Hyang simultaneously voiced their surprise.

‘Steam engines?’

‘They’ve already conceived of this? In the notoriously conservative military known for its traditionalism?’

Their interjections carried distinctly different connotations.

“Explain the Navy’s rationale for wanting to equip steam engines.”

At Sejong’s command, the presenter immediately began to elaborate.

-“Considering the challenging natural environment of the north, the period during which ships can navigate safely is extremely limited.”

-“Since we cannot arbitrarily alter the natural environment, we have concluded that we must maximize the use of this brief window of opportunity.”

-“To achieve this, the optimal solution is to increase the speed of the ships.”

-“To increase the speed of the ships, we could also add rowers. However, rowers fatigue quickly, and the consumption of supplies increases as we accommodate additional personnel.”

-“Therefore, the steam engine presents the most viable option. The Challenger-class battleships already incorporate design features that anticipate the installation of steam engines.”

-“If the speed of the ship increases, several advantages accrue. First, when traveling east, the steam engine, combined with the assistance of wind and currents, allows us to move even more swiftly.”

-“Conversely, when moving from east to west, we must contend with opposing currents and winds, necessitating a zigzag course. However, even under these conditions, operating the steam engine can significantly reduce travel time.”

“…For the aforementioned reasons, the Navy advocates equipping the Challenger-class ships with steam engines.”

After listening to the presenter’s explanation, Sejong turned to Hyang.

“I find their reasoning persuasive. What is the Crown Prince’s opinion?”

At Sejong’s question, Hyang immediately responded.

“It is the ideal solution, Your Majesty, but it is currently infeasible.”

“Why? Is the iron horse [early locomotive] not performing satisfactorily?”

“The engines we have completed to date are likely to be more of a hindrance than a help, Your Majesty. We need to develop smaller engines with greater power output.”

Jo Mal-saeng quickly interjected at Hyang’s explanation.

“I believe they are currently developing an improved version, are they not?”

“Indeed, we are working on it, but it is not yet adequate.”

Hyang elaborated on the reasons for the current difficulties.

-“First and foremost, the weight of the object to be moved is the primary challenge. The maximum weight that the current iron horse can pull and move at one time is approximately 6,000 *kwan* [about 22.5 tons]. This includes the weight of the iron horse itself, as well as water and fuel.”

-“However, the Challenger-class battleship’s full load displacement is 24,000 *kwan* [about 900 tons]. The current iron horse cannot handle that weight.”

-“Of course, we could increase the power output by increasing the size of the steam engine. However, that would consume additional space on the battleship. Furthermore, fuel consumption would increase, and in the worst-case scenario, we would be unable to load any other cargo if we loaded the engine, fuel, and food.”

-“We could reduce the amount of fuel loaded or reduce armaments to accommodate cargo, but this would be a detrimental decision. On land, we can establish fuel depots at the stations where the iron horse passes to replenish fuel, but the sea does not offer such possibilities, resulting in a reduced cruising range. If we reduce armaments, we compromise combat effectiveness.”

-“If we wish to maintain the cruising range while reducing the amount of fuel loaded, we could employ the strategy of operating the engine only when necessary. However, that would defeat the very purpose for which the Navy seeks to equip steam engines.”

“…For these reasons, it is currently impossible to equip steam engines. Of course, it is not entirely out of the question, and if we allocate a little more time and a little more budget….”

Hyang glanced at Kim Jeom and trailed off.

‘If I push this too hard, I’ll be attending a funeral here….’

As if sensing Hyang’s thoughts, Sejong took over the conversation.

“Crown Prince, I harbor some doubt as to whether the ‘little’ you are referring to is truly ‘little,’ but I trust that you will complete a usable engine as soon as possible.”

At Sejong’s words, Hyang bowed his head and replied.

“I will do my utmost, Your Majesty.”

“Very well, I shall trust you. But regarding the payload issue you mentioned earlier, can we not address it by increasing the size, even if it means sacrificing some speed?”

“That is not feasible, Your Majesty.”

“Why?”

At Sejong’s question, Hyang explained the reasons for its impossibility.

“The current Challenger-class ship is approaching the limits of wooden ship construction in terms of size. Ah! If we were to decide to increase it further, we could certainly increase the size, but it would be difficult to guarantee durability and safety. In that case, it would lose its value as a weapon.”

“I see.”

At Hyang’s explanation, Sejong nodded with a face full of regret.

Sejong and the others were unaware that Hyang’s explanation was not entirely truthful.

‘The USS Constitution was a wooden ship, but it displaced 2,200 tons. However, to replicate that, we would have to start from the hull itself and redesign everything. The Challenger-class is already at the level of a national gangster for this era, but the Constitution? Are we trying to conquer the world? And I need to assess the situation carefully and encourage a transition to iron ships. Iron steamships, that sounds promising, doesn’t it?’

Even amidst all of this, Hyang was manipulating the situation for his own agenda.

As Sejong listened to Hyang’s explanation, he inquired again.

“Crown Prince, you mentioned that we have reached the limit of wooden ships, but is it possible with other materials…? Wait, now I recall. Is it possible with iron ships?”

At Sejong’s question, recalling the memory of the cold noodle bowl he had seen in the East Palace, Hyang immediately nodded.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“It will not be an easy undertaking, will it?”

“It will require a considerable amount of budget and time, Your Majesty.”

At Hyang’s answer, Kim Jeom grumbled softly.

“Considerable, not enormous…”

“Shh! Lord Kim!”

When Heo Jo cautioned him, Kim Jeom immediately closed his mouth and looked at Sejong.

Sejong, glancing at Kim Jeom, instructed Hyang.

“Study iron ships step by step and focus on developing a steam engine to equip the Challenger-class.”

“I shall obey your command, Your Majesty.”

That is how everything was settled.

* * *

After finishing work at Gyeongbok Palace, Hyang summoned the personnel from the research institute and Area 51 and conveyed Sejong’s orders.

“…Therefore, the directive is to commence research on steam engines and propulsion systems to be mounted on Challenger-class battleships. I trust that you will all dedicate yourselves to this endeavor.”

The researchers and artisans, responding with enthusiasm, gathered in groups of three or five and returned to their respective workstations.

Watching the energetic researchers and artisans, Hyang muttered to himself.

“Those people have all become *덕후* [otaku, meaning obsessed fans or enthusiasts].”

For the researchers and artisans of the research institute, the order to research and create new instruments was always a welcome one.

Researching intangible concepts, such as the heliocentric and geocentric theory debates, was mentally taxing and exhausting. Of course, there were exceptions, such as Yi Sun-ji and Kim Dam.

However, constructing instruments was a gratifying task because they could immediately witness the tangible results of their research and designs.

* * *

“Your Highness! I have a brilliant idea regarding transportation in the north!”

At Jin-pyeong’s energetic exclamation, Hyang replied tersely.

“If you intend to suggest building a bridge and laying a railroad on Jongjang Island in the north, you may as well leave now.”

“Why? It’s a perfectly feasible plan. We can construct a bridge across the narrowest part of the strait between the Primorsky Krai and Jongjang Island.”

“Even the narrowest point is just under 20 *li* [about 8 km] wide. We are encountering numerous challenges in building a bridge over the Han River, which is approximately 3 *li* [about 1.2 km] wide, and you are proposing to build a bridge over a strait?”

Despite Hyang’s rebuttal, Jin-pyeong remained undeterred.

“Of course, it is impossible at present, but wouldn’t it become feasible if we continue to research and challenge ourselves? If the railroad project succeeds, we can resolve many of the current logistical difficulties in the north!”

“Hmm….”

At Jin-pyeong’s words, Hyang became lost in thought. Observing Hyang’s demeanor, Jin-pyeong continued.

“I am fully aware that it sounds absurd at the moment! But shouldn’t we set ambitious goals to foster development? Isn’t it Your Highness’s constant refrain: ‘Never cease to challenge yourselves!’?”

At Jin-pyeong’s words, Hyang narrowed his eyes and glared at Jin-pyeong.

“You… you’re angling for inclusion in the Challenge Log (*挑戰錄*), aren’t you?”

“I will not deny it, Your Highness. But I remain convinced that the most beneficial infrastructure project for the ever-expanding territory of Joseon is the railroad!”

At Jin-pyeong’s words, Hyang sighed deeply.

“Hoo~. I cannot dispute that, so I will discuss it with Lord Jeong Cho.”

At Hyang’s decision, Jin-pyeong smiled brightly and bowed his head.

“Thank you, Your Highness!”

After Jin-pyeong departed, Hyang gazed at the spot where Jin-pyeong had stood and muttered to himself.

“They say there’s no hope for a *철덕* [railroad otaku]… I suppose it was true.”