Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 663

663. A Little Seasoning Makes Deokjil Delicious (4)

Daejeon fell silent at the unfamiliar word ‘Naltteul’ [a hypothetical flying device].

The scribes and recorders stopped typing and stared at the blueprint, and the ministers also looked at the blueprint with curious faces.

“You may come closer to take a look.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

With Hyang’s permission, Jang Yeong-sil rose from his seat and walked towards the blueprint.

Jang Yeong-sil carefully examined the blueprint drawn by Hyang and asked questions.

“What material do you intend to use for the frame?”

“I plan to use a mixture of iron and wood.”

“Considering the weight, it should be made as thin and light as possible. I can think of suitable iron and wood materials. However, even using those, it would be difficult to properly maintain the strength and shape considering the weight… Ah! Are these strings the alternative?”

“That’s right.”

“Then, wire would be the most promising.”

“I think so too.”

“You intend to turn the windmill with manpower, but I think it would be too much for one person to control the Naltteul and turn the windmill. How about dividing the tasks between two people?”

“Is that possible?”

“Since Your Majesty has already conceived it perfectly, I think we can figure it out with a little more thought.”

“I trust you, Gyeong [a respectful title].”

At Jang Yeong-sil’s answer, Hyang smiled brightly and expressed his trust.

‘That’s why I asked to borrow Jang Yeong-sil!’

* * *

Jang Yeong-sil was the best artisan of Joseon [ancient Korean kingdom], no, the Empire. His skills were overwhelming, not only in production but also in conception and design.

This could be seen from the items he had hidden and then taken away by Hyang and registered in the Challenge Log – right away, the multi-axis propeller that the officials and artisans were struggling with was basic, and there were even several automatic dolls.

The common opinion was that Hyang was almost the only one who could compete with Jang Yeong-sil. That was only in terms of conception and design.

“I keep saying, I’m a liberal arts person! Not science, not engineering!”

Hyang was the only one who made such claims whenever he heard these words. Of course, no one listened to his claims.

However, Hyang called Jang Yeong-sil not only because he wanted his design and production skills.

It was because of his experience.

From the time he was recognized for his talent and entered the palace, and later while working in Area 51 [a secret research and development facility], he had used all kinds of materials and knew their approximate characteristics.

Of course, Hyang, who noticed this, ordered it to be documented, and related books were created. However, the performance of documented data and biological databases was different.

Like what just happened.

While looking at the blueprint, Jang Yeong-sil selected candidates for iron and wood that could be used as materials through several rounds of questions and answers.

* * *

“Then, I will finish the preparations as soon as possible and start the execution.”

“I will visit often.”

“I will do my best.”

As Jang Yeong-sil paid his respects to Hyang and stepped back, Hyang climbed back onto the platform.

“Now, then. Let’s continue what we were doing.”

At Hyang’s words, Kim Jeom carefully asked Hyang.

“Your Majesty, I am truly afraid to ask. You called it Naltteul, and if we think about it according to the name, is it a device that flies in the sky?”

“That is correct.”

“We already have Bigu [a type of flying vehicle], and research is underway to improve the performance of Bigu even more, so is Naltteul really necessary?”

At Kim Jeom’s question, other ministers also nodded. Kim Jeom continued to point out the problem.

“The Empire’s technology is already unmatched, and even if they do catch up, the Empire will continue to be ahead. I am concerned that it might be excessive to pursue this.”

Hyang nodded at Kim Jeom’s criticism.

“The Grand Scholar’s point is valid. Of course, what the Grand Scholar says is correct. It is true that there are few who have caught up with our Empire’s technology. Even if they think they have caught up, it is certain that we will be ahead of them. However, this may be a serious delusion.”

Kim Jeom flinched at Hyang’s answer and asked again.

“Did you say delusion?”

“That’s right. Hmm…. How can I put it more correctly….”

After thinking for a moment, Hyang continued.

“I haven’t lived long, but I know that the world doesn’t have only one path to the destination. No, even if it seems like there is only one path on the surface, there are often more cases where other paths appear if you think about it.”

At Hyang’s example, Hwang Hee immediately responded.

“Is Your Majesty saying that other countries may find a faster path than the one we are ahead on now?”

Hyang nodded at Hwang Hee’s words.

“That’s right. And if that happens, and if that happens often, our Empire will face a great crisis. If we continue on the path we have been on, other countries will gradually move ahead, and if we follow the choices of other countries, we will have to change everything we have done so far, which will be a huge loss. Of course, if necessary, we will have to bear the loss and change, but I think it is best to find various ways in advance, compare them, and move forward without fear of change. That’s why I thought of Naltteul. Right now, everyone is just clinging to Bigu. Wouldn’t that be the best example?”

The ministers all nodded at Hyang’s words.

“What Your Majesty said is truly reasonable.”

“I am always amazed by Your Majesty’s deep consideration.”

“That is truly the case.”

Hyang smiled and waved his hand at the ministers’ praise.

“Your compliments are very burdensome. Now! Then let’s continue our work!”

* * *

The words Hyang said to the ministers quickly spread among the officials. And discussions on this topic took place among the officials.

This was also the case for the Quartet. The three people, excluding Seong Sam-mun, who was not present as Jin-pyeong’s nose ring [a metaphor for being completely controlled], sat around and talked.

“Is there any country that will think of other ways when our Empire is the most advanced now?”

At Ha Wi-ji’s words, Han Myeong-hoe immediately responded.

“Wouldn’t they rather try to find other ways more diligently? A shortcut. A shortcut that can not only catch up but also overtake us.”

Kwon Ram raised an objection to Han Myeong-hoe’s answer.

“Well…. Is that really easy? Wouldn’t it be more beneficial to catch up with all your might?”

“That may be the case. But if you make a mistake, you will only follow behind forever. Would any politicians like this?”

Kwon Ram and Ha Wi-ji both nodded at Han Myeong-hoe’s words. But the conversation didn’t end there.

“Even so, is it really necessary to change ours to follow the choices of other countries?”

Kwon Ram’s question was reinforced by Ha Wi-ji, who nodded.

“I agree. Even if other countries surpass the Empire on a different path, I don’t think the Empire’s power will fall behind them even if we go on the existing path?”

Han Myeong-hoe pondered for a moment at Kwon Ram and Ha Wi-ji’s words before launching a rebuttal.

“You are plowing the fields. In order to plow better, you are looking for better farming tools, so you have obtained farming tools made of iron that would be good for making a treasure sword. But suddenly, you see your neighbor plowing the fields with an ox and a plow made of inferior cast iron? Who do you think will plow more fields?”

Kwon Ram immediately answered Han Myeong-hoe’s question.

“Of course, the ox.”

“What would you do in that situation? I think I would borrow money to get an ox.”

Ha Wi-ji asked back instead of Kwon Ram at Han Myeong-hoe’s words.

“Do you think that ‘you have to bear the loss and change’ that His Majesty said is talking about such a situation?”

“That’s what I think.”

“Hmm…. It seems like that….”

“Is that really the case….”

Kwon Ram and Ha Wi-ji showed a half-doubtful appearance at Han Myeong-hoe’s answer.

While the three were having a discussion, Hyang’s voice was heard from behind.

“It’s late at night, what are you discussing so seriously?”

“We greet Your Majesty!”

At Hyang’s voice, the three jumped up from their seats and paid their respects politely.

“You’re working hard.”

Hyang, who lightly received the greeting, sat down in the seat prepared by the eunuch and opened his mouth.

“Yes. What were you discussing so seriously?”

“That’s….”

The three told Hyang about the discussion they had just had. Hyang nodded after listening to the three’s story.

“I think Han Myeong-hoe’s example is very appropriate. I also think that the answer is to borrow money to buy an ox in such a situation.”

“Yes.”

Kwon Ram and Ha Wi-ji nodded and accepted at Hyang’s confirmation.

Looking at the three people, Hyang smiled mischievously.

“Then I will give you an assignment here. Think about what other good ways there are besides buying an ox in such a situation and submit it to me. However, ‘I will buy a horse instead of an ox’ will not be considered an answer.”

“Yes?”

“My expectations are high.”

The three’s answer to Hyang’s words was already decided.

“We will do our best!”

“I expect it. Good work, everyone.”

“Please have a comfortable sleep.”

The three, who escorted Hyang, sighed at the same time without anyone saying anything.

“Haa~.”

“This damn….”

Meanwhile, Hyang, who came out of the Seungjeongwon [Royal Secretariat], muttered inwardly, reflecting on what had just happened.

‘As expected, you need skills to be a sly minister…. Han Myeong-hoe is Han Myeong-hoe…. Then the answer is already decided. Han Myeong-hoe, you have to be a stake next to me until you die.’

* * *

Hyang was busy with state affairs, but he visited Jang Yeong-sil’s workshop whenever he had time.

Every time Hyang moved, the road from Gyeongbokgung Palace [main royal palace] to Area 51 was in an uproar, so Hyang had no choice but to go incognito.

“There may be a problem with His Majesty’s safety!”

There were many complaints from the Naegeumwi [royal guard], but Hyang blocked their mouths with smiles and encouragement.

“I am relieved to travel because of the Naegeumwi.”

At Hyang’s words, the head of the Naegeumwi sighed softly and gave a military salute.

“I will do my best.”

“I plan to go out again today, so please take care of me.”

“… I will prepare.”

The head of the Naegeumwi, who came out of Gangnyeongjeon [king’s main sleeping quarters], looked up at the sky and cursed.

“Damn it!”

* * *

Hyang, who visited Jang Yeong-sil’s workshop, examined the progress of the work with Jang Yeong-sil.

“As expected, is the central frame iron?”

“That’s right. I found a tough and elastic steel to make the frame. Of course, the weight of the iron is a problem, so I modified the shape a lot.”

“I see.”

Hyang nodded at Jang Yeong-sil’s explanation.

The frame with an ‘I’ shaped cross-section, like the railroad tracks that the iron horse runs on, had holes drilled in it to reduce weight.

“The number of holes is large, but I was able to find a suitable number after experimenting here and there.”

“Is that so? You are great as expected.”

“You flatter me.”

Hyang, who examined the progress, looked around the workshop and asked Jang Yeong-sil.

“If there is anything lacking in the work, tell me right away. I will support you right away.”

“Thank you.”

Hyang, who was thanked by Jang Yeong-sil, looked around Jang Yeong-sil’s workshop and found something covered with packaging in one corner, and moved towards it.

“What is this?”

“Ah, that is!”

Before Jang Yeong-sil could finish speaking, Hyang took off the packaging and looked back at Jang Yeong-sil with surprised eyes.

“Could it be… a propulsion engine?”

“Yes. The young children said they were making a power plant using my duct-type multi-axis propulsion engine, so I was trying to make one.”

“Explain the structure….”

“Yes….”

Jang Yeong-sil explained to Hyang about the structure he had in mind.