Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1007

1007. Meanwhile, Elsewhere… (12)

The merchants of Naniwa, Japan, got their hands on ‘Bok-eun’ [a type of gunpowder or explosive] for the first time.

* * *

Before and after the start of the Italian War, numerous European merchant ships frequented the open ports near Yamaguchi and Naniwa. The merchants of Naniwa, who traded with these European merchants, noticed something peculiar.

“Have the Europa [European] people’s guns changed?”

They observed that sailors, who previously carried flintlock rifles or percussion cap rifles, were now armed with breech-loading single-shot rifles, similar to those used by the Japanese government forces.

“Did the Empire [referring to a powerful nation, likely Korea in this context] sell new rifles? They must have made a fortune again.”

However, it wasn’t long before the merchants of Naniwa discovered the truth, and their expressions shifted.

“Bok-eun is being produced in Europa?”

Upon hearing these rumors, the merchants of Naniwa began to strategize.

“It’s difficult to make significant profits with just sulfur. We need to sell manufactured goods to make real money.”

“In that regard, Bok-eun is an excellent item, because wars are constant in Europa.”

The merchants of Naniwa, who had been eyeing Bok-eun as a promising product, approached European merchants. However, even in Europe, the manufacturing process of Bok-eun was heavily guarded. Despite offering bribes, leveraging existing relationships, and even attempting seduction, the merchants of Naniwa repeatedly failed and were forced to reconsider their approach.

“We should speak with the Imperial Court.”

“Won’t the *tanuki* [a Japanese term often used to describe sly or cunning people, in this case referring to the authorities in Yamaguchi] of Yamaguchi get involved then?”

“We have to accept that. Bok-eun and gunpowder are not things to be trifled with. It’s better to share some with the *tanuki* than to be branded as traitors and lose everything.”

“A situation where the term ‘force majeure’ [unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract] truly applies.”

“The *tanuki* of Yamaguchi will be overjoyed.”

Though not entirely satisfied, the merchants of Naniwa, having chosen the next best option, contacted the Japanese Imperial Court.

“Obtain the manufacturing method of Bok-eun from the Empire? Are you out of your mind? Have you forgotten that the Empire never relinquishes the secrets to Bok-eun and gunpowder? If I were those ignorant samurai, I would have your heads right now.”

“We are simply expressing our gratitude.”

Even while bowing deeply before the young official, who appeared young enough to be their son or grandson, the merchants of Naniwa persisted.

“Although we are mere merchants who only understand money, how could we be ignorant of such a fact? However, the situation in Europa is far from normal right now.”

“That’s right.”

The Japanese Imperial Court was also aware of the growing threat of war in Italy. They were particularly attentive because of the increased taxes paid by the merchants of Yamaguchi and Naniwa. The merchants of Naniwa, skilled in persuasion, diligently pleaded their case to the official.

“Recently, the sailors of Europa merchant ships entering the open ports have been carrying new rifles. Upon investigation, we discovered that Europa is producing Bok-eun independently.”

At these words, the official, who had been sitting casually, straightened up.

“Europa on their own?”

“Yes. As you know, sir, the Europa people are very greedy. For the sake of peace in Great Japan, access to the manufacturing method of Bok-eun is essential.”

“Hmm… there’s a point. I understand. I will report this to my superiors.”

“Thank you very much!”

The merchants of Naniwa persuaded several officials in this manner, while simultaneously encouraging the Yamaguchi merchants, who were relatively friendly, to contact higher-ranking officials. Of course, they never forgot to include the secretly rumored ‘Naniwa Rice Cake Gift’ – a rice cake box with gold hidden at the bottom.

Thanks to the influence of bribes and the seemingly reasonable request, the officials brought the issue to public attention.

“Bok-eun…”

Yoshioki, who had ascended the Japanese throne after Masahiro stepped down due to illness, pondered for a moment and then addressed his vassals.

“Will Seoul [referring to the capital of the Empire, likely Korea] really give up the manufacturing method?”

“They will have no choice but to give it up, even if they don’t want to.”

“Why?”

“Because Europa is already producing Bok-eun independently. This will provide us with a very strong justification.”

“Hmm…”

Yoshioki, nodding at his vassals’ words, glanced at the military faction vassals.

‘As expected of the military faction…’

The military faction, constantly competing with the literary faction, usually argued over every agenda. However, now they offered no rebuttals and simply bowed their heads, indicating their strong support.

“Hmm… well. We can’t always rely on the Empire. Alright! Form an envoy and send them to Seoul. Ensure that you obtain the manufacturing method!”

* * *

When the Japanese envoy arrived in Seoul, Hyeon muttered with regret.

“It’s a pity that the Emperor Emeritus [a retired emperor] is not here right now.”

At the time of the Japanese envoys’ arrival, Hyang was causing a diplomatic stir in Italy against the European powers. Therefore, Hyeon regretted the absence of a valuable advisor. However, Hyeon quickly regained his composure.

“In any case, I am the Emperor of the Empire now. All decisions must come through me. Advice is just advice.”

Hyeon steeled himself and summoned his vassals.

* * *

The ministers, already aware of the purpose of the envoy’s visit, gathered immediately at Hyeon’s summons.

“You are all aware of the reason for the Japanese envoys’ visit. What do you believe is the appropriate course of action?”

As soon as Hyeon finished his question, Han Myeong-hoe responded.

“I believe it is wise to share the manufacturing method. And I think it would be beneficial to share it with Ming [referring to China] as well, if possible.”

“Even Ming? Why?”

In response to Hyeon’s question, Han Myeong-hoe explained his reasoning.

-Bok-eun is already being produced in Europe.

-Considering the nature of Europeans, this could pose a threat to both Ming and Japan.

-Therefore, Ming and Japan will inevitably attempt to produce Bok-eun on their own.

-At this point, there are three possibilities. One, they figure it out independently. Two, they obtain the information from Europe. Three, they receive it from the Empire.

-However, in the case of Japan, they will likely seek assistance from the Empire first, as it is the easiest route.

-If we refuse, Ming and Japan will begin to harbor resentment towards the Empire.

-However, if the Empire readily agrees, they will strive to maintain a stronger, more amicable relationship with the Empire.

“In particular, consider the ruler of Ming. If we proactively provide them with the manufacturing method, it will be seen as his achievement.”

“That’s right… What are your thoughts?”

At Hyeon’s question, Jang Hang-seon stepped forward and answered.

“The Empire has already developed a superior version of Bok-eun. The performance of Bok-eun produced in Europe is said to be comparable to the original Bok-eun developed by the Empire. Therefore, I believe it is acceptable to share the original manufacturing method with Ming and Japan. In fact, it presents a good opportunity to showcase our advancements.”

Following Jang Hang-seon, Im Sun-wook also stepped forward.

“I do not oppose sharing the information. However, we must ensure that our intellectual property rights are recognized.”

“We must be recognized for intellectual property rights? Are you suggesting we should receive payment?”

“We must receive payment. We cannot set a bad precedent.”

“That’s right…”

While the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers were all in agreement, the Minister of Education raised a concern.

“However, I am somewhat concerned about Ming and Japan.”

At the Minister of Education’s words, Han Myeong-hoe stepped forward.

“Think of it as dealing with hungry foxes. If you simply block them, they will resort to any means to cross the fence and attack the livestock. But if you offer them something to eat, they will wag their tails instead.”

“Look at the example of the old Song Dynasty. Didn’t they perish by simply throwing meat like that?”

“Song did not possess a strong club, but we do, don’t we? And even if they receive the manufacturing method, they will not pose an immediate threat.”

“What do you mean?”

When the Minister of Education was taken aback, Im Sun-wook interjected.

“They requested the manufacturing method of Bok-eun, and we will provide them with only that.”

“What kind of wordplay is that?”

As the Minister of Education grew furious, Hyeon nodded.

“That’s right. Experience and yield were the key factors.”

“That’s right.”

“Ah!”

At the exchange between Hyeon and Im Sun-wook, all the other ministers understood. In the end, the Empire handed over the manufacturing method of Bok-eun to Ming and Japan. Or rather, they sold it.

* * *

The reactions of Ming and Japan were as the Empire had anticipated. First, in the case of Ming, they rejoiced at their unexpected good fortune. The Seonghwa Emperor’s guards, who received the Bok-eun manufacturing method from the Empire, used it to fuel propaganda.

-Seoul was moved by the Emperor’s virtue and handed over the manufacturing method of Bok-eun.

-As a result, the Emperor’s Golden Army will become more powerful, the borders will become more secure, and the lives of the people will become more peaceful.

-Isn’t all of this thanks to the Emperor’s virtue? All the people should praise the Emperor’s virtue!

The people of Ming, who had lost all wars against the Empire, were well aware of the Imperial Army’s power. Furthermore, those with some knowledge of gunpowder weapons understood the importance of Bok-eun.

“But they still shared the manufacturing method of Bok-eun with us? There are two possible explanations. One, the Emperor truly likes us and desires a good relationship. Two, they are so confident in their strength that they are not concerned even if we possess Bok-eun.”

“There’s a third option. The Emperor likes us so much that he gave us the manufacturing method of Bok-eun, so don’t even think about attacking him. If you attack the Emperor, we will invade immediately.”

Those who attempted to decipher the Empire’s intentions all sighed deeply.

“It would be easiest to simply shout ‘Long live the Emperor’.”

* * *

In the case of Japan, the merchants of Yamaguchi and Naniwa engaged in fierce competition for the exclusive rights to manufacture Bok-eun. After a contest involving price wars, bribes, seduction, and even violence, the Japanese Imperial Court selected one merchant group from Yamaguchi and one from Naniwa. The problem was the condition they imposed next.

-In the first year, both sides will procure the same amount of materials.

-After comparing the delivery time and quality, we will adjust the delivery amount for the following year.

-And we will continue to repeat this process.

They were openly pitting them against each other. The two merchant groups were forced to work relentlessly.

-The key is yield!

Even a slight increase in yield would allow them to surpass their competitors in terms of quality, delivery time, and unit price. However, a devastating accident occurred during the process.

During the handling of mercury, a raw material for Bok-eun, numerous workers, artisans, and residents near the factory suffered acute mercury poisoning. Hyang had taken extensive precautions from the outset when he first developed Bok-eun, but the Japanese were unaware of these measures.

Ultimately, Japan was forced to send an envoy to the Empire once again. This became the first recorded case of pollution-related disease in history. However, the competition between the merchants of Yamaguchi and Naniwa continued. The reason they sent an envoy to the Empire through the Imperial Court was because they had lost skilled artisans and workers due to the disease.

As war erupted in Italy, the merchants of Naniwa were able to generate substantial profits. Sulfur remained a popular product, but Bok-eun was in high demand.

This was due to the relatively high quality of Bok-eun, a result of the intense competition even within a short period. Later, when Hyang returned to Seoul and reviewed the report, he smiled wryly and muttered.

“Viva capitalism.”