Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 174

174. Feedback (3)

“What’s the problem? No, I want to see the real thing while you explain,” Sejong said.

Sejong, whose curiosity was second to none, immediately ordered the Winchester rifle to be brought before him.

Following Sejong’s command, Hyang had the replica of the Winchester rifle brought in.

“It’s very well-made. While it feels wrong to evaluate a firearm based on aesthetics, it is beautiful,” Sejong remarked.

Sejong, after examining the firearm, returned it to Hyang and stepped down from the platform.

“I want to see it in action.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Sejong moved to the archery range on the grounds of Gyeongbok Palace.

With Sejong observing, Hyang demonstrated the Winchester rifle’s capabilities.

Ta-a-ang~.

“Amazing!” Sejong exclaimed after the eighth shot.

“To fire eight shots without pause! And the range exceeds the Masangchongtong [a type of Korean musket], making it a truly remarkable firearm!”

Despite Sejong’s admiration, Hyang shook his head.

“It’s not suitable for military use.”

“Why not?”

“The reloading process is the issue.”

Hyang demonstrated the Winchester rifle’s reloading process.

“As you can see, each bullet must be loaded individually. Reloading takes time, creating a significant delay between shots.”

“You could use cross-firing!” Jo Mal-saeng retorted, but Hyang explained the impracticality.

“During the recent incident with the disloyal subjects, I used five guns in rotation. Even then, time ran short, forcing me to use a gun loaded with only five bullets instead of eight. Cross-firing isn’t the answer. And…” Hyang held up a bullet.

“The gunpowder casing is made of copper, not paper. Mass production is impossible.”

“Copper imports from Waegu [Japan] are increasing! New copper mines have also been discovered!” Jo Mal-saeng persisted.

Hyang countered, “Copper supply has increased, but so has demand. There still isn’t enough to make all the cartridge cases out of copper.”

“Cartridge case?” Sejong asked, unfamiliar with the term. Hyang provided a brief explanation.

“Yes, that’s what I call it.”

Jo Mal-saeng, unwilling to concede, pressed on. “If we recover the cartridge cases…”

“Lord Jo! Recovery might be possible during training, but in actual combat? Are you suggesting we run around picking up cartridge cases while fighting!” Hyang retorted.

Jo Mal-saeng fell silent. Seeing this, Hyang delivered the final blow.

“Even the Gapsikchongtong [a type of Korean gun] currently used by the Joseon army surpasses those of Waegu and the Ming Dynasty. Why pursue a new firearm? What if the Ming Dynasty demands it as tribute or requests our artisans, like the Tang Dynasty did to Silla with the Cheonbono [Thousand-Step Crossbow]?”

Hyang referred to the Cheonbono incident between the Tang Dynasty and Silla. Emperor Gaozong of Tang, coveting Silla’s Cheonbono, ordered Silla to send artisans. Gu Jin-cheon, the artisan sent, sabotaged the efforts, preventing Tang from acquiring the Cheonbono.

Hyang, referencing the past, emphasized the present reality.

“It’s the Ming Dynasty we’re talking about! We must maintain a position just one step ahead! Even with technology two steps ahead, we must only show one step ahead on the surface! Joseon is still developing! We must not provoke Ming!”

Jo Mal-saeng looked dejected. Sejong, listening intently, sighed.

“Hoo~. The Crown Prince is right. It’s a pity, but let’s drop this. It could excessively provoke the Ming Dynasty.”

“I obey your command.”

Jo Mal-saeng reluctantly abandoned his pursuit of the Winchester rifle.

* * *

After resolving the firearm issue, Sejong returned to the government office and resumed the meeting.

“Now, let’s move on to the next item on the agenda.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Chief State Councilor Yi Jik stepped forward.

“Your Majesty, Chief State Councilor Yi Jik here. Reflecting on the recent events, I’ve examined various aspects. I’ve identified several problems, most of which can be resolved through reform. This is thanks to Your Majesty’s insightful leadership and the great fortune of Joseon.”

Yi Jik began with praise for Sejong. Sejong smiled slightly and replied.

“You’re flattering me.”

“It’s not flattery.”

“The Chief State Councilor is right. His Majesty is the great fortune of Joseon,” another official added.

The officials continued their praise of Sejong. He was pleased but knew better than to let it go too far.

“There’s a saying that excess is as bad as deficiency, and excessive courtesy is impolite. The same applies to praising the monarch. Let’s stop here. The kind words I’ve heard are sufficient.”

He said it with a smile, but it was a clear warning. The officials immediately turned to the matter at hand.

Chief State Councilor Yi Jik spoke again. “During the brutal events in the Samnam region, I identified a problem with communication.”

“A problem with communication…” Sejong stroked his beard, his smile fading.

Yi Jik elaborated. “Even excluding disloyal situations, many urgent matters require immediate reporting, such as enemy invasions and epidemics.”

“That’s true.”

Sejong nodded. “The Ministry of War raised a similar point before, and I instructed them to reorganize the post stations. Is that not enough?”

“Normally, post stations suffice. However, even for express messengers, it takes three days from Dongnae in the south or Gilju in the north. A express messenger takes five days at best. What about emergencies like wartime?”

“Indeed. In war, time is more precious than a thousand gold…”

Sejong nodded. “Do you have an alternative?”

“Yes, the installation of beacon towers (烽燧臺, Bonghwatduk) [signal fire towers].”

“Beacon fire…” Sejong stroked his beard.

‘Beacon fire is certainly fast.’

Sejong, finding Yi Jik’s suggestion reasonable, asked, “If we install beacon towers, we must choose suitable locations. Have you addressed this?”

Yi Jik answered smoothly, “Since Joseon’s founding, the old sites of the Three Han and Goryeo have been cataloged. Many beacon tower sites exist among them, providing a reference for our decisions.”

“That’s right.”

Sejong nodded.

Yi Jik pointed to the map. “After discussions in the State Council, we believe that connecting beacon lines to the east, west, south, and north of Joseon, centered on Mokmyeoksan (Namsan) [a mountain in Seoul] in Hanseong, will be sufficient.”

“That’s good.”

Sejong nodded.

Beacon fire was the fastest communication method in Joseon, Ming, and Waegu.

Hyang frowned.

‘It’s a good and reasonable idea, but something feels missing…’

As Hyang pondered, the chief and other state councilors grew nervous, noticing his expression.

‘The Crown Prince’s expression is not good!’

‘Look at that weird face!’

‘I won’t look! Never!’

Sejong, sensing the strange atmosphere, looked around.

“Huh?”

Sejong, confirming the chaotic atmosphere, sought the cause. He followed the officials’ gazes to Hyang and muttered, “Is it you again?”

Sejong paused, then raised his voice. “Crown Prince, what worries you? Why that expression? Do you see a problem with the beacon tower installation?”

Hyang shook his head. “No, Your Majesty. Beacon fire is unmatched in speed. I just have some questions…”

“Questions? About what?”

“Yes, I understand that the number of fires and smoke signals at the beacon tower indicates the situation.”

“That’s right.”

Sejong and the officials nodded. The number of beacon fires conveyed information from normal conditions to battles.

“But what are you curious about?” Sejong asked. The officials fixed their eyes on Hyang, convinced of the Chief State Councilor’s plan.

Hyang walked to the map. “If we install beacon towers in the east, west, south, and north, as the Chief State Councilor suggests, we can quickly learn of events. I understand that. But how do we know where the incident occurred?”

“Huh?”

“Huh?”

“Ah!”

Sejong and the officials looked as if they had been struck.

“Knowing quickly when enemies invade from any direction is a great advantage. However, until the express messenger brings detailed information, we can only prepare vague measures. This is better than nothing, but not as good as knowing the specifics.”

“That’s right.”

“That’s right.”

Sejong and the officials nodded, looking at Hyang with renewed admiration.

‘He’s my son, but how can he be so thoughtful?’

‘Such insight at such a young age! Always amazing…!’

Unaware of the admiration, Hyang continued, “As the Chief State Councilor said, war isn’t the only urgent matter. Epidemics are equally important and require quick reporting and response.”

“Then what’s the solution?”

Hyang looked embarrassed. “I don’t know yet. I’m just sharing my thoughts…”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

Sejong looked back at the officials. “The Crown Prince’s point is valid. Consider a good answer to this.”

“I obey your command.”

“Crown Prince, you should also think about it.”

Hyang bowed. “I obey your command.”

* * *

Hyang returned to Donggungjeon (Crown Prince’s residence), removed his Ikseongwan (Crown Prince’s hat) [formal headwear], and scratched his head.

“This mouth is the problem…. Always making things happen.”

Meanwhile, the officials gathered at the State Council office, discussing Hyang.

“I thought he was eccentric, but sometimes he’s scary, like today.”

“I agree. Such insight at that age…”

“What will happen when the Crown Prince ascends to the throne…”

Kim Jeom interjected, “I don’t know if I’ll be alive then, but I know one thing: he inherited the King’s blood and sees how His Majesty operates. The officials won’t be comfortable.”

“Oh…”

The officials clicked their tongues. The young officials who had come with them turned pale.