Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1091

1091. Constantly Making Trouble… (6)

“Having four dragons in one place only makes things more chaotic.”

This was Hyang’s opinion, and everyone involved nodded in agreement, finding Hyang’s words reasonable.

“It’s not for nothing that the character for ‘word’ (口) exists.”

“Come to think of it, that very character ‘word’ contains four dragons, doesn’t it?”

“And to think that the number happens to be four….”

From ancient times, the number four was avoided as a symbol of misfortune. Therefore, it was decided that Hyang and Wan would not wear the emperor’s yellow dragon robe. However, the officials had much to say about Hyang in his imperial military uniform and Wan in his official robes.

“Did you see the attire of the Grand Grand Emperor and the Grand Emperor at today’s ceremony?”

“I did.”

“It was a very meaningful choice of clothing.”

“I agree.”

The ministers discussed the meaning behind the clothes worn by Hyang and Wan.

-It would have been insignificant if they had both worn either official robes or military uniforms.

-But one is in military uniform, and the other is in official robes.

-The issue isn’t just the attire. The biggest problem is the color. Black symbolizes authority and strictness. That’s why my Imperial Guard, who protects the emperor, wears black military uniforms.

-The fact that the Grand Grand Emperor and the Grand Emperor chose black is a very strong political warning!

Having analyzed this far, the officials all let out long sighs.

“Hoo… It seems we need to be careful about what we say for the time being.”

“I agree.”

“But why have those who were quiet until recently….”

“Have you forgotten that those quiet people are still conducting inspections? Why did those inspections begin?”

“This is self-inflicted….”

Hyang and Wan started the inspections as soon as they confirmed the rumors that the prime minister and ministers were trying to ‘tame’ Woo, who had received the throne. This was a clear punishment and warning.

-The power of the court is below the power of the emperor. Do not forget this!

* * *

The ministers’ whispering reached Hyang’s ears. After hearing the story, Hyang smirked with an absurd expression and turned to look at Wan.

“Anyway, it seems those who engage in politics get sick if they don’t attach political meaning to every little thing.”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

Wan nodded in agreement, wearing a similar expression. The reason Wan wore black official robes was not for political reasons.

-It’s not appropriate to wear a dragon robe since he’s not the Crown Prince.

-Wearing an imperial military uniform like the Grand Grand Emperor isn’t to my taste.

-Then official robes are the best, but what’s a suitable color?

-Yellow is, of course, not allowed.

-If we choose another color, there are official robes of all sorts of colors? It would be difficult to use in official settings.

-The conclusion is black!

That’s how he chose black. And as he chose black, he unexpectedly succeeded in ‘matching’ with Hyang, which was a bonus.

“It’s a well-known fact that the emperor and ministers have a hard time escaping politics, but they seem too sensitive. I guess it’s because they have something to feel guilty about.”

“I agree. They’re acting like that because they have something pricking their conscience.”

“Is it just one or two things?”

A historian who was recording their conversation from the side added the following:

-The historian says:

Guilty silence, self-inflicted.

* * *

After the abdication was successfully completed, the three generations moved to District 51 and put their heads together.

“How is the shipyard being built in Shinji?”

At Hyun’s question, Wan and Hyang gave bitter smiles.

‘Indeed, like father, like son….’

Wan smiled wryly at Hyun’s focus on the ship-related items, which he was most interested in, and asked back.

“Are you asking about the shipyard first, rather than the situation in Shinji?”

“I am well aware of Shinji’s operations through the reports I have received so far.”

“Still, considering the time it takes for documents to travel back and forth, wouldn’t it be good to review it once more?”

“It’s already been half a year since the Grand Emperor has been in the main base. It would be more efficient to go and check, no, to start over from scratch. Let’s do an inspection while we’re there.”

At Hyun’s answer, Hyang and Wan both put their hands on their foreheads. However, in some ways, Hyun’s answer was the correct one. In the end, Wan waved the white flag first.

“Hmm… perhaps that would be a better method. However, as a word of caution out of concern, you should observe and handle the native tribes in northern Meshika [a fictionalized version of North America] carefully.”

“Hmm… are you referring to the Apache and Comanche?”

“That’s right. They are deeply rooted enemies. Thanks to that, if you handle them well, they will competitively pledge allegiance, but if you make even a small mistake, they are highly likely to become rebels.”

“I will be careful.”

“To add, they are as fierce and brave as the Jurchen people [a Tungistic people who lived in the northeast of China]. You must not forget this.”

At Wan’s words, Hyun asked with a serious expression.

“According to the report you sent me before, you were planning to create a combat unit composed of two tribes. Their nature is fierce, and the two tribes are like cats and dogs; isn’t using them as soldiers a gamble?”

“By absorbing their warriors into the military and getting rid of them, we were able to reduce the risk of them causing trouble.”

“Still, I’m a bit uneasy.”

“Your Majesty, have you forgotten the monopoly and the Imperial currency?”

“Ah!”

At Wan’s reminder, Hyun’s face brightened.

* * *

‘The Empire’s most powerful means of control are not swords, but monopolies and Imperial currency.’

This was common sense not only in the Empire’s mainland but also in all foreign lands. With the monopoly and the Imperial currency that could be used there, all imperial citizens had no inconvenience in their lives. Of course, in the historic cities of the mainland and the north, the traditional markets existed, so the light of the monopoly faded, but in other places, it boasted an absolute presence.

And next to the monopoly, the Imperial trading post was always located. The natives sold the furs and medicinal herbs they brought and entered the monopoly. Having tasted ‘money’ like this, the natives actively cooperated with the Empire to earn more money and became citizens of the Empire. Wan smiled and continued.

“The two tribes have already become unable to live without the monopoly and Imperial currency. And the conflict between the two tribes is being steadily resolved through various competitions. Nevertheless, I advised you to pay attention because the relationship between the two tribes is so bad.”

“I will keep that in mind. Then let’s get back to the main topic.”

“Huh….”

At Hyun’s words to return to the main topic, Hyang and Wan were momentarily speechless.

‘This guy! He’s as severe as Jin-pyung!’

In that moment, Hyang saw the figure of Jin-pyung, who had died a few years ago, overlapping with Hyun.

“Don’t worry, it’s a place so wide that you’ll never hear anyone say they can’t work because it’s too small. The skills of the artisans are the same.”

“Thank you. Then I will prepare to leave as soon as possible.”

Watching Hyun prepare to leave as soon as he confirmed the situation, Hyang and Wan once again put their hands on their foreheads.

“That knowledge….”

However, Hyang and Wan were also formidable.

* * *

While Hyun was busy preparing to leave for Shinji, Wan and Hyang were in District 51, putting their heads together to improve the new engine.

“…So, there are two ways to increase the output of this new engine.”

“I agree. And that’s where you and I have some differences.”

At Hyang’s point, Wan nodded.

“It’s a question of whether to increase the size of the cylinder or increase the number of cylinders.”

As a way to increase the output of the new engine, Hyang argued for increasing the number of cylinders, while Wan argued for increasing the size of the cylinders. And since both had their pros and cons, they were running parallel.

-If we follow Wan’s opinion, the structure is simple, making maintenance easy. However, efficiency decreases, and the size of the engine must increase exponentially.

-If we follow Hyang’s opinion, the size of the engine becomes relatively small. However, the structure becomes very complex, making maintenance difficult. The increase in production cost is a bonus.

Because of these pros and cons, not only Hyang and Wan but also the artisans of District 51 were divided into two factions and engaged in a war of words. And Hyang was enjoying this war of words.

“I could just say, ‘Do it my way!’ but having these kinds of debates is fun in its own way. It reminds me of the flame wars that took place on internet game forums in the 21st century.”

In the end, the two factions, which had been running parallel, came to a conclusion.

“Let’s make it in real life!”

“Let’s do it! I’ll flatten your noses!”

“Who are you to say that!”

The two factions, which had been growling at each other, immediately wrote and submitted documents requesting budget execution.

“Oh dear….”

The deputy director of District 51, who received the requests, put his hand on his forehead. Unfortunately, the eldest son of Woo, who had become the new emperor, had not yet been appointed as the Crown Prince. He was one year short. Therefore, the deputy director was temporarily overseeing the operation of District 51.

“The problem is that even if it’s organized, execution is a different matter.”

-No, two new engine productions at the same time? Because of a pride fight? Are you kidding me? You’re treating the budget like it’s someone else’s money!

The deputy director could see the financial officer’s tantrum clearly.

“But if I suggest starting with only one of the two first, a brawl will break out….”

It was certain that they would make a fuss, saying, ‘Then let’s start with ours first!’ and a fistfight would break out.

In the end, unable to do either, the deputy director sought out Hyang and Wan. After hearing the deputy director’s story, Hyang and Wan immediately answered.

“We’ll use our influence.”

At Hyang and Wan’s answer, the deputy director prostrated himself on the floor and gave a deep bow.

“Your grace is boundless!”

Hyang and Wan immediately wrote requests and submitted them to Woo. After reviewing the requests, Woo immediately came to Suganggung [a royal palace] and asked Hyang and Wan.

“Is it really necessary to make two at the same time?”

“That way, we won’t have to do the work twice.”

“I understand. I will execute it.”

The Minister of Finance, who received the order from Woo, immediately passed the order to the person in charge and added.

“If you have any complaints or objections, don’t come to me; go to Suganggung.”

“…I will execute it immediately.”

* * *

As a result of the experiment conducted with the budget received in that way.

-Single-cylinder engines have their advantages, but multi-cylinder engines are much more advantageous.

“Yes!”

“Ugh!”

Victory and defeat were decided, and joy and sorrow were divided. And another match began.

-Looking at the multi-cylinder engine that has been made now, it is made in a straight line, so its length is long.

-The first thing this engine will be mounted on is a flying machine. Considering the characteristics of the flying machine, it seems that there will be problems in many ways.

-What’s the alternative?

This time, instead of two factions, several factions began to split over the answer to this problem.

And seeing the situation, the deputy director was seriously fiddling with his resignation letter.

“If I want to die of old age, I have to submit my resignation, right?”

However, the resignation letter submitted by the deputy director was rejected by the Minister of General Affairs.

“Why is that!”

“All of the likely candidates to succeed you have brought resignation letters… Please bear with it for a little while, no, just one year.”