Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1051

1051. The Age of War – The Age of Copycats (10)

Foreign attempts to obtain the Empire’s confidential information, especially regarding the airship power plant, were persistent and relentless.

-In any case, the Empire succeeded in flying the airship. This means the Empire has something we don’t!

-The most likely thing is the power plant!

-If it’s a power plant that can lift an airship, it can be used for ships and iron horses [trains] as well!

It was a reasonable inference, and it wasn’t wrong. Therefore, even Japan, known for its pro-imperial stance, and the Holy See deployed spies to obtain the information. Of course, the difference between Ming [China] and Japan was that spies were not the primary focus; diplomatic negotiations were.

Following them, Portugal, Italy, and Switzerland also sent diplomats to begin negotiations with the Empire. Switzerland was the most enthusiastic. Due to its location in the middle of the Alps, they believed that airships were the best for fast and efficient reconnaissance.

Finally, even the Ottomans sent diplomats to start negotiations. However, other major European powers focused on deploying spies. The problem was their strained relationship, having already fought with the Empire once or twice. Anyway, during the day, verbal battles took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jongno, and at night, bloody battles took place in the back alleys of Seoul. Because of the nightly violence, the Seoul Police Department was in a state of emergency every day.

“How can the people live in peace if the nights in Seoul are so 불안하다 [unstable/anxious]? His Majesty is very worried, even though he doesn’t show it. If His Majesty makes this public, will you be able to handle the aftermath? Hey, you bastards! Do I have to repeat myself!”

The Police Chief, having been scolded by the Prime Minister, shouted the above and harassed his subordinates. The subordinates, in turn, harassed their own subordinates. To maintain the security of Seoul, the Police Department strengthened random inspections and increased the size of the night patrol隊 [night patrol units] to enhance night patrols. As the Police Department’s inspections and patrols intensified, it became more difficult for foreign spies and secret agents to move around.

Of course, there was also the option of using the various secret certificates and qualifications received from the Emperor. However, this was almost impossible to implement. The problem was that few of the low-ranking patrolmen they encountered most often knew about these certificates and qualifications. If even the low-ranking patrolmen were educated to solve this problem, the existence of the secret agents would be revealed, greatly diminishing their value.

The value of the secret agents, ‘the Emperor’s hidden eyes and ears, and the Emperor’s hidden sword and shield,’ would disappear. Therefore, the secret agents wrote a memorial to the Emperor for the first time in a long time, or almost the first time.

* * *

Hyeon, upon receiving the secret agent’s memorial, immediately sought out Wan and Hyang.

“Everyone, get out.”

At Hyeon’s command, the scribes, clerks, eunuchs, and court ladies who were nearby bowed and left the room.

‘What kind of extraordinary devices are these three going to create again……’

They were misled by the bundle of blueprints they brought to conceal the memorial. Once only the three of them were in the room, Hyeon handed the problematic memorial to Hyang and Wan.

“It seems serious.”

Wan and Hyang, after reviewing the memorial Hyeon handed over, nodded.

“That’s right, but we can’t reveal the existence of the secret agents.”

“We have to reveal it someday, but it’s too early yet.”

At Hyang’s words, Wan and Hyeon nodded. The main tasks of the secret agents were intelligence and counterintelligence, but they also served as the Emperor’s secret inspection organization. If these secret agents were exposed, it was certain that the ministers and powerful figures of the court would use all sorts of tricks to seize control of them. From the beginning of creating the secret agents, they had been developing and improving various measures to prevent this, but the most effective measure was to limit the number of people who knew about them.

“It’s a problem that it’s difficult to move around, but it’s also a problem to replenish the consumed talents.”

“The rate of losing talents is faster than the rate of finding them… But we can’t just pick anyone; that’s the problem.”

Due to the nature of the secret agents, who could not be publicly recruited, they were always facing a shortage of talent. In the end, the three, unable to find the best solution, decided on a temporary measure.

-For the time being, focus on surveillance.

-If it is certain that they are spies, report them to the Police Department immediately.

-Direct use of force should only be used in the worst-case scenario.

* * *

“Hmm… I had a flash of inspiration a while ago…”

Hyang, left alone after Wan and Hyeon departed, tilted his head and muttered.

“What was it… I guess I’m getting old, so I’m a bit slow and forgetful.”

Frustrated by his inability to grasp the thought, Hyang shifted his gaze.

“The best thing to do in times like this is to think about something else. I trust you, my brain.”

As he looked elsewhere, a bundle of documents caught Hyang’s eye. They were documents sent by Woo requesting advice on the new registration of the Challenge Log [a record of challenges or achievements]. Hyang’s eyes flashed for a moment as he looked through the documents with an indifferent expression.

“This is it!”

* * *

A few days later, Hyang summoned Wan and Hyeon to Sugang Palace.

“It’s really fortunate that the situation hasn’t returned to Shinji [a state of chaos or disorder] yet.”

“Is that so? What’s going on?”

Hyang, after taking a sip of water, smiled and began to speak.

“I’ve come up with a small plan to solve this problem and also address our other issues more easily.”

At Hyang’s words, Wan and Hyeon simultaneously thought the same thing.

‘Were there ever any *small* things among the things the Supreme Emperor did?’

“What kind of plan is it?”

“Would you understand if I said ‘Myeonmyeonjang(免面牆) [facing the wall to avoid frustration]’?”

“Did you say Myeonmyeonjang??”

“Myeonmyeonjang…”

At Hyang’s words, Wan and Hyeon began to carefully interpret the meaning. After a moment, Wan looked at Hyang with a surprised expression.

“Don’t tell me! Are you going to release the new external combustion engine?”

At Wan’s question, Hyang smiled and answered.

“That’s the beginning of the plan.”

Hyang explained his plan in more detail.

-Announce the structure and operation method of the new external combustion engine to the world.

-At the same time, reveal that the actual finished product will be sold.

-This will drive away foreign spies running wild in the Empire, and incidentally, we can also generate revenue.

“France and Habsburg [Austria] will come and buy it right away.”

“Ah, that’s right.”

“And, this is the beginning.”

-If they know the structure and see the real thing, other countries will understand the limitations.

-And at this time, announce to the world:

-Looking for a new type of power plant.

ㄱ. The fuel allows everything except gunpowder. However, anything that goes against humanity is also excluded.

ㄴ. There are no restrictions on the operating method.

ㄷ. However, it must be more efficient than all power plants that have been released so far, including human power and animal power.

-There is no limit to the deadline for submitting answers. In other words, this contest will continue until a power plant that everyone recognizes is released.

-The power plant or structure of the winner of the contest will be registered in the Eungjeonrok [Hall of Worthies]. The grade is Mabujakchim Sangsangsang [highest possible honor].

-It will also be registered as intellectual property, and the rights will be recognized for 30 years as written in the Imperial Law.

-Finally, the winner will also be given a prize.

“Prize?”

“How much do you think the prize should be?”

“5,000 gold nyang [currency].”

“Cough!”

“Cough!”

Hyeon and Wan, momentarily breathless, coughed violently. Wan, barely catching his breath, looked at Hyang.

“Are you going to make the world go crazy?”

“Instead, we can clean up those who bother the Empire’s nights, and we can solve the power plant problem that was giving us headaches easily and quickly. Considering that, 5,000 gold nyang is not a big expense, especially considering the latter case; wouldn’t it be a very big profit? Think about how Europe developed smokeless gunpowder. The world is wide, and there are many geniuses.”

“It is also said that the world is wide, and there are many crazy people.”

“Are you saying that to me?”

“Of course not! How could I say such an unfilial thing?”

Wan strongly denied it, and Hyeon next to him nodded diligently.

‘A strong denial is a strong affirmation, right? Well, I don’t think I’m normal either.’

Hyang, who glared at Wan for a moment, finished.

“That’s the content of the plan I named ‘Myeonmyeonjang’.”

“Ah, so that’s why it’s Myeonmyeonjang.”

Wan nodded at Hyang’s words. This saying came from the teachings Confucius gave to his son.

-You must study and learn the ‘Cultivation of the Person’ and ‘Regulation of the Family’ of the Book of Poetry to escape the frustration of facing a wall.

The saying Myeonmyeonjang, which originated here, spread to the marketplace, and the proverb ‘You must know to be a district magistrate’ was created. Wan and Hyeon, initially horrified, soon nodded.

“It’s the best way to solve the issues that are giving us headaches now.”

“That’s right. Considering the waste of time and money that would be spent if we moved according to the 정석 [orthodox method]……”

That’s how the ‘Myeonmyeonjang Plan’ was implemented. The three who had agreed put their heads together again.

“To persuade the ministers without getting caught by the secret agents……”

A few days later, Hyeon dropped a bomb in Gyeongbok Palace [main royal palace].

“I heard that murders are rampant in the back alleys of Seoul every night these days. I’m really worried.”

“I’m sorry. Your ministers are incompetent, so this has happened.”

“The people are 불안하다 [uneasy], so it’s a big problem. You’ll have to work harder.”

“I will engrave it in my heart!”

‘Huh? Why isn’t he clicking his tongue for once? Anyway, it’s fortunate if he just lets it pass, what!’

The ministers were puzzled that Hyeon, who would have clicked his tongue several times if it were normal, simply moved on, but they didn’t dwell on it. However, at Hyeon’s next words, the ministers blamed themselves for their complacency.

“But you know, according to the reports from the Police Department, all the dead are foreigners? Is that right?”

“That’s right.”

“I heard that the power struggles between spies are severe among the European powers, and it seems that these incidents are related.”

“Your servants also think so. According to the information that has been transmitted from Europe, airships and the airship power plant have caused the power struggles.”

“Then, there must be many attempts to steal our Empire’s secrets?”

“Yes, so I ordered the military and the Police Department in charge of security.”

“You did well. But you know, there is a saying in the marketplace, ‘Ten patrolmen can’t stop one thief.’ So, you know……”

Hyeon then told the ministers about the ‘Myeonmyeonjang Operation’.

“……How about doing it like this?”

“………”

Hyeon’s words ended, but everyone in the Daejeon [royal court], from the ministers to the eunuchs and court ladies, was frozen in place. Even the eunuchs and scribes could not type and were frozen.

* * *

Three months later, the announcement of the contest Hyang spoke of was spread throughout the Empire, Ming [China], Japan, Europe—in short, all over the world. The content written on the announcement was all the same, except that the prize money was reduced from 5,000 nyang to 3,000 nyang.

“Huh? The country has posted a new proclamation?”

“What is it?”

“Looking for a new power plant… The winner is 상ㄱ [rewarded]……”

“What is the prize……”

Everyone who read the announcement was frozen in place. This was the same for Ming, Japan, and Europe.

“The winner will receive 3,000 gold nyang as a prize. You can receive it in Imperial currency, or you can receive it in real objects if you want.”

“The gold and silver coins of the Imperial currency were the actual weight, right? How many pounds is 3,000 nyang?”

“About 250… Cough!”

Not only those who were talking, but also everyone who was listening to the story around them was frozen in place. Converting 3,000 gold nyang to kilograms was about 113kg. Based on the 21st century, it was a huge amount of money, ranging from at least 8.7 billion to a maximum of 11 billion won [Korean currency]. It was a huge amount of money even in the 21st century, but it was an unimaginable amount of money in this period.

“The prize money is not everything! They said they would register it in the Eungjeonrok [Hall of Worthies]! They also said they would guarantee intellectual property rights!”

“It’s an opportunity to get both wealth and fame!”

Soon, as Wan had predicted, everyone in the world started to go crazy. Hyang, who received a report on this at Sugang Palace, smiled bitterly and looked out the window.

“What did they say in a certain pirate cartoon? ‘My treasure? I’ll give it to you if you want it; find it! I left everything in this world there!’ Hehehe!”

Later, it was the incident that became the reason why the saying ‘When three emperors gather, the world is in chaos’ was created.