Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1186

1186. The Task He Left Behind (6)

A few days later, Hyang summoned Wan and Hyeon to give them instructions.

“In my study, there are scribbles of various thoughts I’ve had. They’re quite disorganized, so I’m embarrassed to show them to others. Please organize them.”

“Yes, we will.”

“I feel relieved now…”

Hyang, who was about to rest with a comfortable expression, raised himself up again.

“Ah, no. Let’s go to the study together now. There are many things to explain.”

“Yes? Yes.”

Hyeon, who answered without realizing it, glanced at Wan. Wan, who received the silent question, shook his head slightly in response.

Shortly after, a eunuch, having received Hyang’s order, brought a wheeled chair—a wheelchair—and seated Hyang in it.

Hyeon, watching the wheeled chair being pushed by the eunuch, asked Wan,

“The wheeled chair seems much improved compared to the ones I saw before.”

“His Majesty the Taesanghwang [the retired king] ordered Da Vinci to make some improvements. Simpler versions than that have recently begun to be sold to the people.”

Hyeon nodded at Wan’s answer.

“The people with disabilities will be pleased.”

* * *

The development and distribution of wheelchairs brought about changes in the lives of imperial citizens with disabilities.

There were many who had disabilities from birth, or whose legs were *bupyeon* [uncomfortable/impaired] due to war wounds or other accidents.

Even in Joseon society before the Empire, the treatment of people with disabilities was not particularly harsh.

People with disabilities also sought various jobs to achieve economic independence.

The country was the same.

King Jeongjong, the second king of Joseon, issued this order to his officials:

“Except for those among the sick, lonely, elderly, and disabled who have industries and can support themselves, those who are impoverished and cannot survive on their own should be given priority for relief by the local government and should not lose their place to live.”

Among these disabled people, the most active in social life were the visually impaired.

They made a living by engaging in occupations such as fortune-telling, sutra reading (treating illnesses by reading scriptures), and playing musical instruments.

During the reigns of Taejong and Sejong, ‘Myeongtongsa’ was established, which was a government-affiliated organization created by visually impaired people from the five districts of Seoul.

With this background, the Empire created and distributed various systems and tools to help people with disabilities become self-sufficient.

The wheeled chair was one of them.

Carriages had been used as a means of transportation for those who were called cripples.

However, it was very inconvenient to move a carriage alone. Moreover, there were even more places where it could *not* be used.

Therefore, Hyang immediately began to manufacture and distribute wheelchairs.

The first to receive them were veterans who had lost their legs in the war and could not move.

-It is right for the country to repay those who have struggled for the country and are experiencing difficulties.

Following Sejong’s orders, wheelchairs were distributed free of charge to wounded soldiers.

Ordinary people were charged, but they were sold at a very low price, so disabled people who had difficulty moving began to actively participate in social activities.

* * *

Hyang, who had moved to his study, pointed to two of the study’s walls with his cane.

“The things on the bookshelves from there to there are collections of my *japsang* [miscellaneous thoughts/scribbles]. They are disorganized, so they definitely need to be *jeongni* [organized].”

“…Yes.”

Wan and Hyeon, who were looking at the bookshelves at Hyang’s explanation, answered with dazed faces.

The bookshelves that filled two walls of the study were filled with all sorts of books.

“I’m sad that my mind has become dull as I’ve gotten older, so not only is it disorganized, but my *balsang* [inspiration/ideas] has also decreased a lot.”

“…Has it decreased?”

Wan asked with a horrified face as Hyang spoke as if he was sad.

“In the past, all sorts of thoughts came to mind even if I closed my eyes for a moment, but these days, even if I think about it all day, good ideas don’t come to mind.”

“….”

Wan, who was at a loss for words at Hyang’s grumbling, looked around the study with Hyeon.

As they looked around the study, Wan and Hyeon’s eyes stopped on the other wall. On that wall, long shelves were installed in four tiers starting from waist height, and various objects were piled up on them.

“What are these?”

“Ah! That’s why I said I needed an explanation. If you just look at them, you might *gokhae* [misinterpret] the meaning.”

“Is that so….”

Wan, nodding at Hyang’s answer, examined the objects, and his gaze was fixed on a long object on one side of the shelf.

“What is this? At first glance, it looks similar to Daesingi-jeon [large fire arrow] or Sanhwa-singi-jeon [scattered fire arrow], but?”

At Wan’s question, Hyang glanced at the object in question and asked Wan with a smile.

“Do you remember Taesanghwang? When you were young, you said you would look at the bottom of the moon.”

“Yes? Me?”

* * *

When Wan was just five years old, Hyang came out to clear his head, exhausted from working late, and stopped in one place.

This was because Wan, who should have already been in bed, was walking around the palace courtyard, looking at the sky.

“Why isn’t the *Wonseon* [Grandson/Heir Apparent] sleeping yet?”

At Hyang’s question, Wan and the eunuchs and palace ladies who were following him quickly paid their respects. As Hyang returned the greeting, Wan explained.

“I learned that the moon in the sky is shaped like a round bead.”

“That’s right.”

“Then, if I get a little closer, wouldn’t I be able to see the bottom of that round bead? So I moved around and looked at the moon, but I couldn’t see the bottom of it.”

“Hahahaha!”

At Wan’s innocent answer, Hyang laughed loudly and explained the reason.

“The reason why *Wonseon* can’t see the bottom of the moon no matter how close he gets is because the moon is too far away.”

Hyang then explained with various examples, and Wan nodded his head greatly as if he finally understood.

“Ah, I understand!”

Hyang gently stroked Wan’s head, who was not only nodding but also swaying his upper body, and said,

“It’s late today, so go in and sleep.”

“Yes, good night, Father.”

“Okay.”

* * *

“…That’s right. I guess that’s when Taesanghwang became interested in flying?”

“Hahahaha.”

At Hyang’s words, Wan forced a smile with an embarrassed expression, and Hyeon squinted slightly and looked at Wan.

“Then, are you going to the moon with this device that looks like a Singi-jeon?”

“In a way, you can call it a super-sized Singi-jeon.”

At Hyang’s explanation, Wan and Hyeon immediately nodded.

“Indeed… Hmm, I think a lot of *gungni* [deliberation/brainstorming] will be needed.”

“However, to put it another way, it means a lot of money will be spent. The Ministry of Economy and Finance will not stand still.”

“In that case, you can bring in the Ministry of National Defense. Think about it. Which came first, the chicken or the egg, but if such technology is developed, can’t it be used for military purposes?”

“Military purposes?”

“Most wars, you know, usually take place far from the royal capital. But imagine a Singi-jeon containing a thousand or ten thousand *geun* [a unit of weight, approximately 600g] of gunpowder falling on the enemy’s royal capital, even though it was fired from the rear far from the front lines. Would other countries easily make the Empire their enemy?”

As soon as Hyang finished speaking, Wan and Hyeon immediately realized what would happen.

“Until they get their hands on similar weapons, they won’t be able to think nonsense against the Empire.”

“That’s right. Hmm… I’ll start explaining now.”

“We will listen carefully.”

Hyang then pointed to several displayed models and continued his explanation.

Wan and Hyeon showed positive reactions after hearing explanations about items for the convenience of the people, such as *cheolma* [iron horse/train] using internal combustion engines and *cheolma* using electricity.

“*Cheolma* using steam engines had many limitations due to water supply problems, but if we use this, we can solve many of those limitations.”

“If we *gungni* a little more with the technology and knowledge we have now, it seems like it will work.”

However, Wan and Hyeon shook their heads at the explanation of the *ieojin gimul* [connected device/telephone].

-A device that transmits sound using electricity and wires.

If it develops further, wouldn’t it be possible without wires?

-If you can transmit sound, can’t you also transmit pictures?

-If you can transmit pictures, can’t you send multiple pictures at once?

-If you watch those pictures that are sent in a row, wouldn’t it look like they’re moving?

Wan and Hyeon sighed without realizing it as they listened to the explanations.

“Hoo~. The research institute will be in chaos.”

“There will be an overflow of complaints that they’re going to die.”

Hyang immediately replied to Hyeon’s words.

“They’ll be happy to die. Aren’t they people who chose it as their *eop* [karma/vocation]?”

At that moment, Wan and Hyeon shouted inwardly.

‘No way!’

‘Not everyone thinks like Taetaesanghwang!’

However, the 이어 진 설명 [continued explanation] was a perfect example of adding insult to injury.

-An electric wire that goes into the water.

It was also gradually developed into a submarine that could fire the super-sized Singi-jeon mentioned earlier in the water, and models were produced step by step.

-An aircraft carrier adopting an inclined deck.

-A *nalteul* [flying machine/aircraft] power plant using a multi-wing engine (turbine).

-A *nalteul* that can drop supplies and soldiers from the sky.

And a *nalteul* warship that attacks the ground by loading a large amount of *hwapo* [cannons] and *hwatan* [cannonballs] on that *nalteul*.

Wan and Hyeon once again screamed inwardly as they listened to the explanations about the models and concepts of various other deadly weapons.

‘That’s why you’re called the Demon King!’

The explanation continued for a long time after that. Hyang, who had finished the long explanation, sighed lightly and concluded.

“Hoo~. As I said before, I’m sad that my *chonggi* [sharpness/brilliance] has disappeared a lot these days. If I had a little more energy left, I could have come up with more….”

“You will regain your energy soon.”

“That’s right.”

Wan and Hyeon were offering words of comfort to Hyang’s grumbling, but they were still screaming inwardly.

‘You’re saying you’re sad about *this*! Save me!’

‘Do you know how many problems have been listed in the *dojeonrok* [challenge log] now, and even in the *Ugong yisan sangsang* [Ugong Moving Mountains imagination]?’

However, Hyang’s words continued, whether he knew Wan and Hyeon’s feelings or not.

“Ah! I have an *balsang* that I got from the *japsangrok* [miscellaneous thoughts record] that Wonhwangje [previous emperor] left behind, but I left it separately. I think it’s a bit of a dangerous *balsang*, and of course, whether it can be realized is uncertain. Anyway, please pay attention to that document.”

At Hyang’s request, Wan and Hyeon simultaneously swallowed hard and answered.

“We will pay special attention.”

‘Even the person with the nickname Demon King said it was dangerous! How much….’

* * *

After passing on the work to Wan and Hyeon, Hyang weakened even faster.

Wan and Hyeon visited Hyang every morning and evening to check on his condition.

“Please rest comfortably.”

Wan and Hyeon, who came out of Hyang’s bedroom, looked back at the attending physician. The physician, who received the silent question, quietly shook his head.

“Hoo~.”

Wan, who sighed deeply, said to Hyeon.

“Tell everyone except those who went out to *wonji* [distant lands/exile] to gather.”

“I have gathered everyone except Gibraltar.”

“There will be a lot of work to do in the future. Tell them to be firmly prepared.”

“Yes.”

Not long after, all the imperial family members scattered throughout the Empire gathered.

“Looking at it like this, it’s true that Taetaesanghwang lived a long life….”

Wan murmured with a renewed expression as he examined the faces of the gathered imperial family members.

Hyang’s brothers had already enjoyed their natural lifespan and disappeared into history, and only their descendants were present.

Naturally, the center of the gathering became Wan and Hyeon’s brothers, and Wan led them.

“The Emperor will help, but we must be the center of the work. And it’s Taetaesanghwang. There must be absolutely no *bujokham* [deficiency/shortcoming]!”

“Yes!”

Ten days later, Hyang died.

In the 66th year of the Empire, 1422 AD, Hyang was 108 years old.

As Hyang’s death was announced, the entire Empire was filled with a wave of mourning.

All imperial citizens shed tears and wore mourning clothes.

Myeong and Japan immediately sent special envoys, and the consuls of European countries stationed in Seoul also offered condolences.

When Hyang’s death was announced, Hyang’s last order was also announced.

-In the past, there were those who *sunsa* [died as martyrs/followed in death], saying that they would *hojong* [attend/accompany] the king even in death, as seen in past cases.

-A lot of time has passed, so there may not be such foolish people this time, but if anyone is thinking of *sunsa*, punish them for treason.

-Do not *hojong* me in death, but *bopil* [assist/support] the Emperor in life. That is *chung* [loyalty].

-Even if you violate this, I will think that you are trying to avoid work and will hold you accountable for treason.

All imperial citizens cried and laughed at this last sentence.

“Yeah… He knew that he made us work to death.”

Meanwhile, various reactions were coming out from outside the Empire.

First of all, in European countries friendly to the Empire, such as Portugal and Italy, many people also expressed their condolences.

However, in countries with deep grudges against the Empire, especially Spain, festivals and banquets were held here and there.

“The Demon King is dead!”

“The Demon King is dead!”

Of course, such festivals and banquets were officially prohibited, but this was only a written order.

Other countries that showed unique reactions were Myeong and Japan.

Shrines were created here and there, worshiping Hyang as the god of learning or the god of technology and holding *je* [memorial rites/ancestral ceremonies].

Meanwhile, there were also people spreading conspiracy theories.

“Is he really dead?”

“He was a man who was full of energy even at over 100 years old, right?”

“Maybe he drank the legendary elixir? Think about the number of alchemists he took with him.”

“Hoo~. Maybe it’s possible?”

* * *

Regardless of what was being said outside the Empire, Hyang’s funeral proceeded smoothly.

The coffin containing Hyang’s remains headed to the Emperor’s Cemetery in the National Cemetery and was placed next to Sejong and his wife.

Next to Hyang’s grave were the graves where his *bibin* [imperial concubines] were buried.

The official funeral ended with the placement of Hyang’s coffin, but the work of Wan and Hyeon, as well as imperial family members, was not over.

“When will we ever *jeongni* [organize/sort] all of this?”

“He said it was *japsang* [miscellaneous thoughts/scribbles]….”

At that sight, Wan smiled with a mixture of sadness and murmured.

“If you check the contents, you won’t be able to sleep properly….”

And not long after, screams began to erupt among the imperial family members who were checking and classifying the contents.

“Gasp!”

“What is this!”

“How come every time I grab something, I only get things that are *gochi apeun* [headache-inducing/troublesome]!”

“It’s not that you’re unlucky, it’s that everything here is like that….”

“If it weren’t for the documents left by the Emperor, I’d want to pass them all on to the research institute….”

“The scholars at the research institute will be in chaos too, right?”

* * *

As time passed and even the *jolgokje* [a memorial rite held 100 days after death] ended, the imperial citizens returned to their daily lives, but the worries did not disappear from their faces.

“Now that Taetaesanghwang is gone, what will become of this country….”

“It’s a big problem….”

“I’m worried about the future.”

Imperial citizens began to tremble with anxiety about the future as Taetaesanghwang, a capable guide, disappeared.

This was the same for the officials.

Hyeon sought out Woo in a situation where *payoreum* [discordant sounds/troubles] were coming from all directions.

“There’s not much time left until *seonwi* [abdication], right?”

“That’s right.”

“I’ll have to do it for about 5 more years on top of that.”

“…I’m prepared.”

Hyeon lightly patted Woo’s shoulder at Woo’s answer.

“Suffer.”

“Cough!”

The next day, Woo clicked his tongue after a long time at the *jo hoe* [morning assembly/court meeting].

“Tsk! What kind of *chutae* [disgraceful behavior] is this! The world is moving madly even now, so how long are you going to be out of your minds! Are you still ministers of this Empire!”

“I, I’m sorry!”

“If you’re sorry, don’t create things to be sorry about! Tsk tsk!”

The heads of the ministers fell lower and lower at the sound of Woo clicking his tongue. Woo’s words continued over the heads of those ministers.

“Have you forgotten the *gangnon* [lectures/teachings] that Taetaesanghwang gave last! Taetaesanghwang has already told you which way to go, so what are you *gomin* [worrying/agonizing] about! The only *gomin* you should have is whether you are properly handling the tasks you have been *mateun* [entrusted with]! Ah! Very good news has come! The research institute has announced that they have created a *jeondeung* [electric lamp] that is a little less bright than a *bangjeondeung* [discharge lamp/fluorescent lamp] but very quiet! Do your jobs without making excuses such as whether to install it in the *yukjo gwancheong* [Six Ministries government offices] right now! Do your jobs!”

“We, we will follow your *myeong* [command/order]!”

* * *

“Hmm…. Is this the afterlife? I didn’t remember last time… Is it visible this time because it’s a definite ending?”

Hyang, who was definitely aware that he was dead, smiled and continued.

“It was a decent life, even though it was bittersweet. Then, shall we go see what’s at the end of this space?”

Still unable to hide his curiosity, Hyang looked around the space that he couldn’t tell where it was at all.

As Hyang walked around for a while, a person came into his eyes in the distance.

“A person? No, since I’m dead, an angel? A grim reaper?”

Curious about the person-like being waiting for him, Hyang stopped as soon as he saw the face of that being.

“Ah, Father?”

Sejong smiled at Hyang’s shocked appearance and opened his mouth.

“You’re here now? You’re a bit late.”

“Ah, Father! Were you waiting for me?”

“Yeah, you son of a bitch! I have to go somewhere with you.”

“Where to?”

“The Empire.”

“Yes?”

“Let’s do something called reincarnation.”

“Reincarnation?”

“You know because you’ve already experienced it, right?”

“…Did you know?”

“I found out when it was time to leave this world.”

“Then, you also know that I’m not the original Hyang….”

“Seja [Crown Prince], have you ever thought about this? What if the original Hyang was wronged and reincarnated from the future and then came back and reincarnated again? In your expression, wasn’t the original Hyang you mentioned also a *milduk* [military enthusiast]?”

“Yes? Yes? Yessss!”

“Do you still remember the last words you left behind? No matter what anyone says, you are my son.”

“Ah….”

“Because you were born into a family that originally had no heir, you faced such an ending.”

“Ah….”

“Anyway, let’s go quickly! The Empire is in a terrible state! Ah! I’m going to roll you around very *hwaksilhage* [certainly/definitely] this time!”

“Father!”

“Let’s go quickly!”

“Then, at least give me plenty of time and budget….”

“Hey, you son of a bitch! I’m telling you the country is in a terrible state!”

[Author’s words.>

Hello?

This is Gukbbong, who is writing ‘Black Company Joseon’.

Today, ‘Black Company Joseon’ has come to an end.

It’s been 5 years in 햇수 [years].

It was really long.

I’ll take a break for about two days and come back with a 외전 [side story/extra chapter].

In the meantime, ‘Black