Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1178

1178. Aftermath (6)

Hyang explained the Imperial Navy’s structure:

– “The Imperial Navy’s surface fleet is broadly divided into three categories: the Sea Area Fleet, the Mobile Fleet, and the Transport Fleet.”

– “The Sea Area Fleet is responsible for patrolling and defending the Empire’s maritime territories. Essentially, it fulfills the same role as the existing Imperial Fleet.”

– “The Mobile Fleet is composed of units known for their powerful strategies and rapid deployment capabilities. This fleet’s mission is to deploy to any Imperial sea zone experiencing conflict, reinforce the local Sea Area Fleet, and eliminate the enemy.”

– “The Transport Fleet is tasked with supplying materials to the Imperial Army and Navy. Its primary function is to ensure a consistent and reliable flow of resources, and in wartime, to expedite the delivery of maximum supplies to the relevant theaters of operation.”

Hyang emphasized the importance of the Transport Fleet.

“Considering the Gibraltar dispute and the punitive war, the Imperial Navy’s supply lines proved inadequate, forcing us to rely on private merchants. While this can be a viable strategy, transporting large quantities of weapons raises security and logistical concerns. Therefore, I propose expanding and formalizing the current Transport Fleet.”

“That’s correct!”

“Indeed, a very sensible suggestion.”

The high-ranking Imperial officers present nodded in agreement, scribbling furiously to record Hyang’s words.

“Hmm… I’ll elaborate further.”

“Yes, please do!”

– “The Sea Area Fleet will adjust the types and proportions of its units based on the specific characteristics of the sea area it is assigned to protect.”

– “However, destroyers will form the backbone of its strength. Their versatility makes them ideal for fulfilling a wide range of roles.”

– “While destroyers provide the core strength, cruisers will serve as the primary source of firepower.”

– “The Mobile Fleet will center around battleships and airframe carriers [aircraft carriers], supported by cruisers acting as defensive screens and destroyers handling patrol, reconnaissance, and anti-aircraft duties. The Mobile Fleet will also have its own dedicated supply fleet.”

– “A typical Mobile Fleet will consist of 1 battleship, 1 airframe carrier, 3 to 5 cruisers, at least 10 destroyers, and a minimum of 5 supply ships escorted by 5 destroyers.”

– “Initially, we will establish three Mobile Fleets. One will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, one in the Inner Sea (North Pacific Ocean), and one in the Inner Sea (East Sea).”

At this point, one of the officers diligently taking notes raised a question.

“Wouldn’t it be prudent to deploy battleships in the West Inner Sea (Yellow Sea) and the Southwest Sea? Although we currently enjoy amicable relations with Ming [China], shouldn’t they be considered our most significant potential adversary?”

“Ah! And Japan as well!”

Hyang acknowledged the concern.

“That’s a valid point. However, the West Inner Sea, the Southwest Sea, and the South Sea are relatively confined, limiting the maneuverability of battleships. Therefore, we plan to prioritize cruisers and destroyers in those areas. Instead, we will maintain a Mobile Fleet in the Inner Sea capable of rapid deployment in case of emergency.”

“Still, the firepower might be somewhat lacking.”

‘These firepower fanatics!’ Hyang thought, suppressing a smile, and continued.

“Instead, I believe deploying airframe units in the region would be highly effective.”

“Ah!”

The attendees exclaimed in understanding.

They had witnessed firsthand the potential of airframes during the Gibraltar defense and the punitive war.

‘The combination of airframes and self-propelled explosive shells [guided missiles] is devastating!’

‘The airframes excel! Deploying them on a large scale in the West Inner Sea and the South Sea would undoubtedly alarm Ming and Japan! Moreover, stationing airframe units inland would keep them out of sight!’

They were mentally reviewing the lessons learned from the recent conflicts, adding their own insights as they recorded the information.

Hyang’s explanation was nearing its conclusion.

“Let’s begin with three Mobile Fleets. As the Empire’s financial strength grows, we can consider increasing the number of Mobile Fleets accordingly. This is the overall structure of the Imperial Surface Fleet that I envision.”

“Your teachings are invaluable! We are deeply grateful!”

“What overwhelmed… I simply hope it will be of some benefit to the country, however small.”

“Not at all!”

“We will carefully consider your advice and strive to produce results that meet your expectations!”

“I look forward to it.”

“We will do our utmost!”

Those who had sought Hyang’s counsel immediately returned to their offices and began working on detailed plans, poring over the information and debating the best course of action.

Soon, the Ministry of Finance, having heard rumors of Hyang’s advice, also arrived, eager to gain access to the information.

“We would like to review the records of the advice provided by Tae Tae Sang Hwang [Honorary Retired Emperor].”

“…Yes, we have them.”

Thus, the Ministry of Finance obtained Hyang’s advisory records and began a thorough evaluation of their financial implications.

As officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of National Defense examined the records, they stumbled upon a peculiar term.

“Wait… what is this? ‘Surface Fleet’? It can’t be a suspicious fleet… The most likely explanation is that they are referring to 수상(水上) [above water], don’t you think?”

“That seems plausible. But why use the term 수상 [above water]?”

“That’s what I’m wondering. It’s inherent that a ship floats on water… Huh?”

“Huh?”

“Perhaps! Could it be that they are envisioning a ship that doesn’t travel above the water, but beneath it?”

“I think so! Indeed, it’s Tae Tae Sang Hwang! A ship that goes under the water!”

The eyes of the Ministry of National Defense official lit up, while the Ministry of Finance official trembled in apprehension.

‘Something new that has never been done before’ invariably meant ‘expenditure, significant expenditure, massive expenditure.’

Woo, upon hearing the concept of ‘a ship that goes under the water,’ immediately sought out Hyang.

“Is it possible for a ship to travel underwater?”

“I believe it is.”

“But if you go underwater, you can’t breathe, can you?”

“I think we can incorporate a sealed compartment filled with air.”

“I see.”

Woo nodded, readily accepting Hyang’s explanation.

‘If Tae Tae Sang Hwang says it’s possible, then it’s possible. If we fail, it will be entirely our fault.’

This was the prevailing sentiment among the people of the Empire regarding Hyang. Their belief in him transcended mere trust, bordering on religious faith.

“Just in case, I will prepare a budget.”

“Thank you.”

After Woo’s departure, Hyang retrieved a blank sheet of paper and began composing a letter to Hyun.

“My beloved grandson will be delighted, won’t he?”

* * *

Hyang’s letter was delivered to Hyun via regular mail.

Hyun, upon tearing open the seal and reading the contents, exclaimed with a radiant smile.

“Jiwhaja! [Excellent!]”

The letter from Hyang contained the following key points:

– “It is certain that other nations who witnessed the Gibraltar defense and the punitive war will intensify their efforts to develop cannons and airframes.”

– “Considering the cannon as the central focus, the emphasis will be on firing more powerful explosive shells over even greater distances than before.”

– “Similar to archery, firing cannons in a curved trajectory is advantageous for launching explosive shells over long distances.”

– “In other words, enemy explosive shells will likely be descending at steeper angles.”

– “Current battleship designs feature robust side armor, but relatively weak deck armor. Furthermore, airframes from other countries will also carry explosive shells and drop them from above.”

– “Considering these future trends and the limitations of weight, I believe we need to re-evaluate the frame and armor distribution of battleships.”

– “Consider this carefully.”

– “This issue extends beyond battleships. The flight decks of airframe carriers will also be increasingly vulnerable to attacks from explosive shells dropped by enemy airframes.”

– “As a countermeasure, we can equip a large number of anti-aircraft guns, but this may not be sufficient. We need to explore alternative solutions.”

– “One approach could be to lay thick armor plating on the flight deck, or to design the flight deck with moderate durability while reinforcing the hangar floor deck and the hangar side armor.”

– “Consider what is currently effective and what will be effective in the future.”

– “Finally, I have been contemplating a ship that travels underwater.”

– “Self-propelled explosive shells incorporate a mechanism to adjust depth and navigate underwater at a specific level.”

– “By utilizing this mechanism, or the principles behind it, I believe we can create a ship that can operate both above and below the water as needed.”

– “Creating an airframe that can launch self-propelled explosive shells at the enemy from the concealment of underwater would be incredibly valuable.”

– “I urge you to consider this carefully.”

Hyun, having gathered the artisans of District 52, brandished Hyang’s letter and declared.

“Tae Tae Sang Hwang has entrusted us with a crucial task! I believe that successfully completing this task will significantly enhance the safety of the Empire! It will undoubtedly be a challenging endeavor! Nevertheless, I am deeply honored to entrust you with such a responsibility!”

At that moment, all the artisans in the room silently echoed the same sentiment.

‘Your expression is far too cheerful to suggest that!’

However, the artisans themselves wore expressions mirroring Hyun’s.

“If we succeed in this endeavor, we will once again etch our names in history! I expect your utmost dedication!”

“We will do our best!”

The following day, a copy of Hyang’s letter was posted on the bulletin board of District 52, and the artisans began brainstorming ideas.

The artisans’ attention was primarily focused on ‘a ship that goes under the water.’

“I’m tired of building ships that float on the surface! Now, I must challenge myself to create a ship that travels underwater!”

Around the same time, a similar notice was posted in District 51.

The reactions were remarkably similar.

And the individual who reacted most enthusiastically was Leonardo da Vinci.

“A ship that travels underwater! What a novel concept! It is my duty to bring this idea to fruition! This will likely be my final masterpiece!”

The artisans gathered around Da Vinci, who was practically ‘on fire,’ whispering amongst themselves.

“Grandpa Da Vinci is buzzing with energy.”

“I know, right? Just recently, he was sitting in the Dohwaseo [Royal Bureau of Painting] drawing pictures….”

“I heard that his argument with a painter named Michelangelo in the Dohwaseo was quite legendary?”

“It’s a shame I missed it.”

“Anyway, I’m worried about Master Gong and Grandpa Da Vinci reuniting.”

“Thinking about managing those two…”

The young artisans momentarily wore gloomy expressions.

Gong Yejang and Da Vinci were both advanced in age. This meant that they would be responsible for building whatever these two designed.

All while enduring the nagging of two individuals as demanding as Hyang.

Of course, working under them would rapidly improve their skills, but the constant nagging was a significant concern.

* * *

Thanks to Hyang, it wasn’t just District 51 and District 52 that suddenly became bustling with activity.

“Battery? What is this?”

The professors of the Department of Electrical Engineering, who had been summoned urgently, questioned the term ‘battery.’

Hyang promptly addressed their inquiries.

“If we interpret the meaning literally, it refers to a pond containing electricity. However, what I desire is a device that generates electricity.”

“Isn’t there already a generator that produces electricity?”

“But that requires a significant amount of firewood, water, and space, doesn’t it? I want you to conceive of a device that can generate electricity without relying on such resources.”

“Is that even possible?”

When most of them expressed skepticism, Hyang posed a counter-question.

“You are all aware that lightning strikes from the sky are also electricity, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Is there a power plant located in the sky?”

“Consider it.”

“…Yes.”

Then, less than a month later, Hyang revisited the research center.

“There is something else to consider.”

“Yes?”

Unlike Hyang, who smiled brightly, the scholars appeared disheartened. [This implies they are facing difficulties.]