Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 609

Seeing the Joseon officials’ faces brighten, Henrique asked the interpreter the reason. After hearing the explanation, Henrique posed another question.

“What is an excavator?”

Im Sun-wook explained, clarifying the device’s function.

“It’s a machine powered by a steam engine used to dig, move earth, and perform various tasks. If used effectively, it can accomplish the work of hundreds of people in just an hour or two.”

Despite the interpreter’s explanation, Henrique and his group still looked puzzled, and Im Sun-wook appeared embarrassed.

“How can I explain this better…”

Im Sun-wook, searching for a good analogy, suddenly brightened and stood up.

“I have a perfect example! Let’s step outside for a moment!”

Park Jong-woo, intrigued, asked, “Do you have a good method in mind?”

“We can visit the Han River dredging site.”

Park Jong-woo’s face lit up. “Ah! That place exists!”

* * *

Even as they rode towards the dredging site, Henrique and his party continued to pepper them with questions.

“What is dredging?”

The interpreter, familiar with the process, immediately responded, “It literally means digging up the riverbed.”

“Why do you dig up the riverbed?”

“There are several reasons, but to name the most important…”

The interpreter explained the benefits of dredging the Han River:

– Flood prevention.

Sediment buildup reduces water depth, causing the river to overflow even with minimal rainfall. Regular dredging significantly mitigates this risk.

– Supply of sand for construction.

Joseon’s construction relies heavily on Cheollip Hoejuk [a type of mortar]. High-quality hoejuk requires low-salinity sand, which the Han River provides.

– Job creation for the poor in Hanseong, or Seoul.

The wages earned at the dredging site, if properly managed, can sustain a person for a year.

“There’s a saying that ‘even the country cannot eliminate poverty,’ but a leader must make every possible effort, don’t you think?”

Henrique and his party nodded thoughtfully.

“A leader’s duty… We need to consider this.”

Mehmed II and Giovanni echoed Henrique’s sentiment.

The problem of poverty was universal. However, the Middle East and Europe primarily addressed it through religious institutions.

In Islam, ‘Zakat’ [charitable giving] had been a tradition since Muhammad’s time. In Europe, monasteries worked diligently to alleviate poverty.

Some kings and nobles expressed a desire to combat poverty, but their efforts stemmed from personal faith rather than national policy.

This reluctance was rooted in the saying the interpreter mentioned: ‘Even the country cannot alleviate poverty.’

It seemed futile to continually spend money when poverty seemed inevitable.

‘The King and officials of Joseon must know this, so how do they manage?’

This question occupied the three visitors.

“If I get the chance, I should ask them later.”

“I agree.”

As Henrique and his party concurred, the interpreter announced, “We’re almost there!”

“Is that so?”

Henrique and his companions straightened in their saddles and looked ahead.

“Oh!”

“How is that possible!”

A massive iron contraption on a large barge in the Han River belched black smoke as it scooped sand from the riverbed.

“I’ve never seen such a huge device! Can that really be made by human hands?”

Im Sun-wook chuckled. “Hah! Would a ghost have made it, then?”

Despite Im Sun-wook’s jest, Henrique and his party remained astonished.

“I didn’t see it during my previous visits to Hanseong. When did you start using it?”

“It’s been about four or five years. The railroad to Hanseong Station runs through the middle and lower reaches of the Han River, so you wouldn’t have seen it easily.”

Im Sun-wook muttered inwardly, ‘That issue is still contentious.’

* * *

Dredging the lower reaches of the Han River, near Gimpo Port, remained a point of debate.

“We must dredge to solve the flood problem!”

“What about the salt damage!”

Seawater flowed up the Han River with each tide from the West Sea. Dredging the lower reaches could allow seawater to reach Neobeol Island – Yeouido [an island in Seoul].

However, a shallow riverbed would inevitably lead to flooding with even light rain.

Opinions diverged on whether to install a submerged weir [a low dam] or build embankments along the river.

* * *

Regaining their composure, Henrique and his party carefully examined the excavator.

“Hmm…”

“Indeed…”

With each shovelful the excavator lifted, Henrique and his companions’ heads followed the movement.

After observing for a while, Henrique, Mehmed II, and Giovanni exchanged glances and reached a conclusion.

“It seems 괜찮을 것 같소이다 [it will be okay/promising].”

“A canal… it’s certainly more economical without the need for loading and unloading.”

“If we can accommodate large ships like those of Joseon, most trading vessels will flock to it.”

The three, optimistic about the canal, encountered a problem.

“The problem is the price of that excavator.”

“It seems you can’t even begin negotiations with 100-200 gold ducats [historical European currency].”

They wanted to buy the excavator immediately, but the war-torn countries faced financial difficulties.

Frustrated, Giovanni cursed.

“Damn the Vatican and the Council! Why are they fighting and disrupting trade!”

* * *

The conflict between the Vatican, the Council, and various denominations had destabilized Central and Eastern European markets, casting a shadow over the Italian city-states’ economies.

Mehmed II nodded in agreement. Within the Ottoman Empire, tensions between secularists and fundamentalists were escalating.

Portugal was the only stable country.

Portugal, focused on trade since its founding, showed tolerance towards Jews and pagans. Consequently, Jewish merchants persecuted in Spain migrated to Portugal, and some Muslim merchants were also active.

* * *

Giovanni, having vented his frustration, reached a decision.

“Anyway, a canal seems better than a railroad, so let’s negotiate.”

“Negotiate?”

Seeing Mehmed II’s questioning look, Giovanni rubbed his hands. “We have to beg them to sell that excavator cheaply. Or give it to us on credit.”

“Hmm…”

“Well…”

The others nodded, and Giovanni steered his horse towards Im Sun-wook and Park Jong-woo.

“I think we’ve seen enough. Let’s return and discuss it in more detail.”

Park Jong-woo, hearing the interpreter, nodded. “Let’s do that.”

As they turned back towards Yukjo Street [Six Ministries Street, the central administrative area], Park Jong-woo asked Im Sun-wook.

“What decision do you think they made?”

“I think they’re leaning towards the canal.”

“Is that so?”

“The excavator will be the issue. It’s clearly not cheap. They’ll likely try to negotiate.”

Park Jong-woo scoffed. “Hmph! Negotiate? With the Joseon Ministry of Finance? Who do they think we are?”

“They probably think we’re just officials.”

Im Sun-wook and Park Jong-woo exchanged wry smiles. Heo Hu, silently observing, muttered to himself.

‘Grand Master Euichon [a famous Goryeo Dynasty monk known for his financial acumen] has ruined many people. That’s why he’s called a 돈독 [money maniac].’

Kim Jeom would have felt wronged if he had heard that.

* * *

The group returned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meeting room.

“What are your impressions?” Heo Hu asked.

Giovanni stepped forward. “I was truly impressed. It seemed to symbolize Joseon’s excellence.”

“Thank you for your kind words. So, have you reached a conclusion?”

Giovanni replied with a troubled expression. “I think it’s premature to choose between a canal and a railroad right now.”

Heo Hu nodded. “That’s right. It’s a significant undertaking that will be recorded in history. Deliberation is natural. I hope you make a wise decision.”

“Thank you. Then, shall we conclude for today?”

After the meeting, Henrique and his party left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As Heo Hu saw them off, Giovanni spoke as if remembering something. “Ah! I heard there are several monks from the Vatican in Joseon. I’d like to host them, if possible.”

Heo Hu looked slightly troubled. “They aren’t under our jurisdiction but are directly employed by the Crown Prince, so I can’t answer immediately.”

“I heard some are from my hometown of Florence. I’d like to meet my fellow countrymen living in a distant land.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Please.”

On the way back to their accommodation, Henrique asked Giovanni.

“I understand needing time on the canal issue, but why the sudden request to meet the monks? As far as I know, they only travel between the research institute and their lodgings?”

Giovanni smiled. “Without that research institute, where would such devices come from? And even if they only travel between the institute and their lodgings, wouldn’t they know more about Joseon than we do? To avoid losing money in business, you must first secure information.”

Henrique and Mehmed II nodded.

* * *

Meanwhile, Giovanni’s request was immediately relayed to Sejong [the King].

“What does the Crown Prince think?”

Hyang [the Crown Prince] replied, “Unlike short-term visitors, the monks have been in Joseon for a long time. They’ll try to gather information about Joseon through them.”

“I agree. Should we deny the request?”

“Since there’s a reason for the meeting, denial would be suspicious. We must monitor them closely.”

Sejong nodded. “That’s the most reasonable approach. I’ll allow it, so take care of it.”

“I obey the command.”

Sejong granted permission, and a meeting between the monks at the research institute and Henrique’s party was arranged.

On the day of the meeting, the monks were thoroughly searched.

The officials, after searching the monks’ clothes and bodies, conveyed Hyang’s order.

“His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has ordered you to convey this: ‘You may take your mouth and tongue, but leave your hands behind.'”

Angelo, the monks’ representative, nodded gravely.

“I understand.”

Angelo warned the others as they left the research institute.

“It’s okay to answer questions, but don’t write down or hand over even a single sentence on paper. If we do, everyone will be in great trouble.”

Giovanni and the other monks nodded in agreement.