Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1096

1096. Overture to Disaster (3)

Woo meticulously reviewed the report prepared by the Ministry of Economy and Finance staff, who looked like they were about to weep, and posed questions.

“Here, in this section… I understand that 35% of the estimated required funds is the maximum. However, the standard for determining this answer is the size of the merchant ships. Is this based on our Empire’s merchant ships?”

“As stated in the report, that is correct, Your Majesty.”

Woo continued his questioning in response to the Prime Minister’s answer.

“Our Empire’s merchant ships operating in the ocean are renowned for their size, surpassing even the proud Ming Dynasty’s. The typical merchant ships of European powers are, at most, about half the size of our Empire’s ships. Considering this, wouldn’t there be backlash from Europe, deeming it excessive? Might there be criticism that the Empire is exerting undue pressure to gain more concessions?”

The Prime Minister stepped forward to address Woo’s point.

“Such remarks may arise, but canals are costly projects regardless of size. Therefore, it is advantageous to build as large as possible from the outset once an agreement is reached.”

“Couldn’t we start with a smaller construction and gradually increase the size over time?”

“Once the canal is open, many ships will be passing through. Blocking the sea route for construction would cause immense backlash. It is better to build it as large as possible from the beginning.”

Following the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister added.

“Furthermore, European ships are also gradually increasing in size. Considering the rate at which ships are growing and the time required for canal construction, it is more beneficial to build large from the start.”

Woo nodded at the Deputy Prime Minister’s explanation but couldn’t shake off a sense of unease.

‘Budget matters are always a headache…’

Woo had few pleasant memories regarding budgets. Concerning budget allocation and execution, the following saying was passed down both officially and unofficially:

‘Those who say it’s insufficient, those who say it’s excessive, and those in the middle with a headache.’

Those on the front lines always complained about insufficient budgets, the budget authorities cut it down, and those in the middle were caught in between, suffering headaches.

‘But, it’s certainly not an unreasonable story.’

“Hmm… It makes sense. Very well. Proceed with negotiations based on this report.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

“Keep in mind that you must protect the Empire’s interests to the fullest.”

“We will keep that in mind.”

However, not long after, a note delivered from Sugang Palace caused Woo and his ministers to sigh.

* * *

Hyang smiled wryly upon hearing the news that an envoy had arrived to inquire about participation in the Suez Canal construction.

“‘Those who go will go, those who succeed will succeed,’ is indeed the truth? The Suez Canal is being dug again after all.”

Hyang then reviewed the Ministry of Economy and Finance’s report and retrieved a thin book from the pile of books he had set aside.

“My grandson asked for it, so I must be a good grandfather and help him. The problem is, it’s not an easy task…”

After a moment of contemplation, Hyang ordered a court attendant.

“Go and escort the Grand Emperor [Wan] here.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Soon after, Wan arrived, and Hyang got straight to the point.

“His Majesty requested this.”

“His Majesty did?”

Wan received the book Hyang offered and examined the title.

“Minimum Standard Requirements for the Canal to be Built in Suez? Why is the title so long? Anyway, did His Majesty foresee this event in advance?”

“Rumors about the canal had been circulating since before the succession battle in the Ottoman Empire, hadn’t they? It was naturally predictable.”

“That’s true.”

Wan nodded and began to read the book.

“The width of the canal must be large enough for two ships of the following size to pass each other simultaneously, or it must consist of two canals, each large enough for one ship of the following size to move comfortably in one direction. Hmm… So far, there doesn’t seem to be much of a problem.”

Wan showed a positive reaction.

“Considering railroads, double tracks are certainly better.”

* * *

The Empire had planned for double tracks as the standard from the beginning of railroad construction. Whether it was the vast Bukji, the harsh natural environment of the Northeast Forest Zone, or even Shinji, which was incomparable to Bukji, laying railroads always meant double tracks as the default.

“Single tracks are the best for quick completion and budget savings!”

Petitions arguing that single tracks were better than double tracks flooded in, but Sejong and Hyang did not accept them.

“Considering the circumstances of the places where railroads are being laid, double tracks are the best! No, considering our current situation, double tracks are the only answer!”

This wasn’t just Sejong and Hyang’s stubbornness but a reflection of unavoidable reality.

First, there were limitations in communication.

Unless real-time communication and control were possible, single tracks had a much higher risk of collisions than double tracks.

Second, there were issues with budget and territory.

The budget was limited, and the Empire’s territory was constantly expanding.

Therefore, adopting a circular line that could loop around the territory even with a single track was impossible. Double tracks were the most efficient way to operate the railroads.

* * *

“If he had foreseen it, it would have been better to entrust this to the Emperor rather than the Great Grand Emperor.”

Hyang immediately responded to Wan’s point.

“Take a look at the size of the ship His Majesty used as a standard.”

“Yes? Let’s see…”

Wan turned the pages and examined the records of the ship in question, suddenly uttering a curse.

“You crazy bastard!”

The standards set by Hyun were as follows:

-Length: Approximately 60 *jangs* (about 180 meters)

-Hull width: Approximately 7 *jangs* (about 21 meters)

-Deck width: Approximately 8 *jangs* (about 24 meters)

-Weight: Approximately 2.66 million *kwan* (about 11,000 tons)

It was larger than the Assault Turtle Ship, which was famous for its size. No, it was even larger than the ships that the current Imperial Navy was building or planning to operate in the Daenae Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

“Wait, maybe the Daenae Sea cruiser battle line we’re planning now has a similar size? Anyway!”

Barely managing to refocus his thoughts, Wan carefully examined the records. On the next page, after the numerical records of the ship’s size, there was a drawing of the ship’s expected design drawn by Hyun himself. After checking the design, Wan looked at Hyang.

“That rascal, after all that complaining, he finally came up with the idea of an aircraft carrier?”

“That’s right.”

“That rascal… he must be building it in Shinji right now.”

“Probably.”

Wan sighed at Hyang’s answer.

“Hoo… I understand why that rascal couldn’t entrust this to Woo. No matter how much of an Emperor Woo is, he has only just become Emperor. It would be too much of a burden to pass this on to him.”

“That’s right.”

“So, what are you going to do? Even if you are the Great Grand Emperor, this is quite unreasonable.”

Hyang smiled and replied to Wan’s words.

“Isn’t it the duty of a grandfather to exert his strength, even if it’s difficult, when a grandson who has been well-behaved is being insistent about his wish?”

Wan, who was thinking about something at Hyang’s words, responded.

“Then I will have to stop this for my grandson’s sake, won’t I?”

Wan was trying to stop it because he was sure that it would be a big burden for Woo even if Hyang stepped in. However, Hyang immediately countered.

“It has always been said that children should obey their parents as the basis of filial piety. And the Imperial family must be an example to the people. Isn’t the Grand Emperor my child?”

“…I understand.”

Seeing Wan waving the white flag, Hyang offered compensation.

“Don’t look at it so negatively. His Majesty needs to create an aircraft that can take off and land from the aircraft carrier that His Majesty envisioned, even with self-propelled blast bombs attached. Wouldn’t that be interesting?”

“It will certainly be interesting, but I’m still worried. Just thinking about the budget that will go into matching that is terrifying. In some ways, it could be seen as picking a fight to overturn the board, not only in the eyes of other countries but also in the eyes of the Empire’s Prime Minister and ministers.”

“We’re not the only country providing funds, are we? There are more than one or two countries that are envious of the Suez Railroad right now, aren’t there? There’s one right next door, too.”

Wan’s eyes twinkled at Hyang’s words.

“Are you referring to Ming?”

“That’s right.”

“Hmm…”

After a moment of contemplation, Wan smiled slyly and nodded.

“It sounds like it will be fun. France would be a very good opponent.”

“I agree.”

* * *

Woo and his ministers, who received the documents sent by Hyang and Wan, simultaneously sighed, without exception.

“Hoo…”

“Haa…”

Amidst the sighs coming from all directions, Woo asked the Prime Minister.

“If we build the canal according to these standards, how much more will the budget be?”

“I will have them calculate it. However, it will certainly be at least two to three times more.”

“Will Europe accept it?”

“They will surely take it as a declaration of war. We will also have to spend more money, but the same goes for them. And considering their finances, they might take this as a suggestion to drop out, not just a request to make an effort.”

Following the Prime Minister’s answer, the Foreign Minister added.

“The Prime Minister said it jokingly, but they are very likely to take it as a declaration of war. His Majesty mentioned ‘Ming’s participation,’ but that is not an easy task. There is a saying among the commoners, ‘Too many sailors will take the ship up the mountain’ [too many cooks spoil the broth]. The more people who share the concessions, the harder it is to coordinate and the more conspiracies there are.”

Then, the Minister of Economy and Finance reported to Woo.

“I apologize for speaking so boldly, but I swear on my life, Your Majesty. You must not accept the opinions put forward by the Great Grand Emperor and the Grand Emperor this time.”

“Hoo…”

As the Prime Minister, followed by the Foreign Minister and the Minister of Economy and Finance, opposed the idea, Woo rested his hand on his forehead and sighed. At that moment, the Minister of National Defense, who had been silent, joined the conversation.

“After considering it, I believe that the proposals put forward by the Great Grand Emperor and the Grand Emperor will not be bad for us. In particular, it is a very good proposal for the Imperial Navy.”

“Hmm? Explain in more detail.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Minister of National Defense’s explanation can be summarized as follows:

-Looking at the current state of the Imperial Navy, it is divided into a fleet defending the East Sea of Shinji, a fleet in charge of the Daenae Sea, and a fleet defending the sea route from the mainland to Suez.

-With the Atlantic and Daenae Seas blocked by Shinji, the Imperial Navy is maintaining a larger fleet than necessary.

-If the Imperial Fleet can move through Suez, the Imperial Navy can maintain the fleet at an appropriate level.

“Isn’t it better to have more fleets, as the saying goes, ‘the more, the better’?”

The Minister of National Defense replied briefly to the Prime Minister’s point.

“There is also a saying, ‘putting the cart before the horse.'”

When the Prime Minister closed his mouth, the Minister of National Defense continued his explanation.

-Considering the size of the large battleships currently operating in the Imperial Navy and the large battleships that will be coming out in the future, the standards proposed by the Great Grand Emperor and the Grand Emperor are very good.

“…Therefore, I believe that we should accept the two’s proposal.”

“Hmm…”

Although the Minister of National Defense’s story was over, Woo did not open his mouth easily. After a long silence, Woo’s expression suddenly worsened, and he clicked his tongue.

“Tsk!”