Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 176

176. The End of Gyeongjang (1)

At the end of the Gyiyu year,

Sejong addressed the ministers gathered in Geunjeongjeon.

“Prepare to initiate the Hopae Act as planned in Gyeongjang.”

“We obey your command!”

The ministers responded in unison to Sejong’s decree.

The Hopae Act wasn’t Sejong’s first attempt. It had been tried during Taejong’s reign, but it had resulted in many adverse effects and was ultimately abandoned.

The reason for the Hopae Act’s failure during Taejong’s reign was that the Hopae [identification tag] didn’t simply prove one’s identity but became a restrictive shackle on the people.

Because agriculture was the foundation of the economy, people lacked the freedom to change their residence, and the Hopae became a tool to prevent them from leaving their hometowns without permission.

While the Hopae made it easier for Joseon to collect taxes and impose labor, it also intensified the suffering of merchants and lower-class commoners.

Consequently, many people often forged Hopae to appear as members of the lower class, who were exempt from the burden of labor—especially national defense duties.

Therefore, the Hopae Act, as attempted during Taejong’s reign, became ineffective.

However, Sejong was now re-introducing the Hopae Act.

‘This time it’s different! This time!’

Sejong was filled with determination, learning from the failures of Taejong’s era.

* * *

As Sejong’s order was given, carts carrying tools and materials for making Hopae, along with skilled artisans, moved across the country.

“I would like to deploy artisans and equipment to every county, but the current situation is not favorable.”

The ministers lowered their heads at Sejong’s words.

“That is true.”

“Then, where should we begin?”

At Sejong’s question, the ministers began to debate, each advocating for their preferred areas.

After a more measured discussion than before, they concluded that the production and distribution of Hopae would be piloted in Hanseong [the capital city, modern-day Seoul], and then expanded to the Samnam region [the southeastern provinces of Joseon].

“Why is that?”

In response to Sejong’s question, Chief State Councilor Lee Jik explained the rationale.

“Due to the disloyal incident that occurred in the fall, many state-owned rice paddies were created in the Samnam region. To utilize these lands effectively next year, we need to find tenants. However, if the issuance of Hopae and the reorganization of the census register are delayed, we risk missing this opportunity.”

Sejong nodded at Lee Jik’s explanation.

“Your reasoning is sound. Then, let’s begin distributing Hopae in the Samnam region.”

“We obey your command!”

Thus, the distribution of Hopae began in the Samnam region.

On the day the artisans and officials departed, Sejong summoned those in charge to Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Due to limited space, a tent was erected in the front yard of Geunjeongjeon, and several large braziers were brought in to create a warm space where a banquet table was set.

The artisans and officials, seated before the table laden with delicacies, looked at the spread with stiff expressions.

“There’s a saying, ‘The day of receiving provisions from the Ministry of Taxation,’ right?”

“This job doesn’t seem easy.”

“His Majesty the King is here!”

The officials and artisans, who had been grumbling, quickly rose from their seats at the eunuch’s announcement.

“We greet His Majesty the King!”

Sejong, acknowledging their bows, sat down and gave the order.

“Everyone, please sit down comfortably.”

As the officials and artisans settled back down, Sejong began his address.

“The work you will be undertaking is very important. The policies of Gyeongjang, starting with road construction, can only proceed on schedule if you meet the deadlines. Therefore, I sincerely ask you to do your best.”

At Sejong’s request, the officials and artisans replied in unison.

“We will do our best!”

“Then, as tomorrow will bring busy days, I hope you enjoy this evening. Let the music begin!”

While the musicians played, the officials and artisans began to enjoy the food and drink.

The next day, the production of Hopae commenced in all areas of Hanseong.

It was the beginning of a significant undertaking, expected to take about five months if all went smoothly, or seven months if unforeseen issues arose.

* * *

Of course, Hyang intervened in the process of making and distributing Hopae.

Hyang visited the Ministry of Taxation, found Kim Jeom, and initiated a conversation.

“Minister of Taxation.”

“Yes, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

“In the process of making Hopae, don’t you think it’s inefficient to process them in the order people arrive?”

“What do you mean?”

When Kim Jeom asked, looking puzzled, Hyang provided a simple example to illustrate the problem.

“If the first person is born in the year of Gapja [the first year in the sexagenary cycle], the next in Byeongsul [the 53rd year], and the next in Eulchuk [the 2nd year], wouldn’t that complicate things for those printing the Hopae?”

Kim Jeom nodded, understanding Hyang’s point.

“Ah! That’s true!”

“So, what if we used a little… organizational trick?”

“What kind of trick?”

“Let only those born in years starting with Gap and Eul of the ten celestial stems [the first two of the ten stems used in the traditional Korean calendar] come on the first day, and Byeong and Jeong on the next. Also, review the census register in advance to identify the most common birth year and adjust the schedule accordingly.”

Hyang suggested to Kim Jeom a method frequently used in the 21st century.

Kim Jeom’s face lit up at Hyang’s suggestion.

“That’s a brilliant idea! If we do that, the artisans will work more efficiently, and errors will be reduced! I’ll implement it immediately! Thank you so much!”

“You’re welcome….”

Hyang feigned humility, acting as if it were nothing special.

* * *

In this way, the Hopae production process was improved.

“Today, all adult men and women born in the year starting with Gap and Eul must come to the district office (坊廳) to receive their Hopae! Anyone who fails to do so will be fined!”

At the shouts of the police, the designated men and women emerged from their houses in Hanseong and headed to the district office.

Soon, a long line formed inside.

While the police and Geumgun [royal guards] managed the line with batons, officials and artisans inside the district office were checking the census register and producing Hopae.

“Household number (戶僠), name, year of birth, place of birth, and place of residence.”

At the official’s words, the person stepped forward to receive the Hopae and answered promptly.

“My household number is 134 Changdong, my name is Han Pan-sul, and I was born in the year of Gapsul [the 11th year]. My place of birth is Gyeonggi Province.”

The official, after searching through the census register based on Pan-sul’s answer, confirmed the information and nodded.

“That’s correct.”

The official, having verified the facts, wrote the year and month of birth, place of birth, and name on a piece of paper with a gold pen and handed it to the artisan sitting behind him.

“You can wait next to me and receive your Hopae.”

“Yes, sir.”

At the official’s instruction, Pan-sul moved to the waiting line.

As Pan-sul’s processing was completed, the official raised his voice.

“Next!”

* * *

The Hopae production that followed identity verification resembled a Ford-style assembly line.

The artisan who received the paper with the identity information combined the letters accordingly and inserted them into the frame.

Once the frame was completed, the artisan placed a thin iron plate on it and turned the large pulley (滑車) attached to the printing press.

As the pulley turned, a heavy iron mass pressed down on the iron plate, imprinting the Hopae owner’s identity onto the soft pig iron.

The artisan turned the pulley again to lift the iron mass, removed the iron plate, and checked the print quality.

After confirming that it was properly printed, the artisan handed the iron plate to the artisan sitting next to him.

The second artisan, receiving the iron plate with the imprinted identity, placed it in a thin iron frame and covered it with another iron frame.

The top iron frame had a hole in the middle, into which glass was inserted.

The artisan, carefully aligning the two iron frames, inserted screws into the pre-drilled holes in the four corners and tightened them. As the screws were tightened, the two iron frames were securely joined.

After confirming the secure combination of the frames, the artisan passed it to the next artisan.

The artisan in the final station checked the joining status, poured molten lead into the largest screw hole among the four corners, waited for it to cool, and then stamped it with the official seal.

After finishing the sealing process, the artisan handed the Hopae to the official waiting nearby.

The official, receiving the Hopae, called out the name written on it in a loud voice.

“Born in the year of Gapsul, Han Pan-sul! Where is Han Pan-sul!”

“Yes! I’m here!”

As Han Pan-sul, who had been waiting, stepped forward, the official marked the list and handed over the Hopae.

“Take good care of it. If you lose or damage it and need a replacement, it will cost you 300 won.”

“Oh my! That’s expensive!”

“That’s why I’m telling you to take good care of it.”

At the official’s words, Pan-sul pointed to the glass in the center.

“There’s glass in the middle like this?”

At Pan-sul’s question, the official provided further explanation.

“Do you see the wire mesh embedded in the glass?”

At the official’s words, Pan-sul examined the Hopae again. Indeed, there was a sparsely woven wire mesh inside the glass. The official continued.

“That wire mesh makes the glass a little stronger.”

“Ah….”

“And, this Hopae proves your identity, so don’t even think about mistreating it. If a bad person steals your Hopae and uses it for nefarious purposes, you could get into trouble.”

“Yes! I will keep that in mind!”

Pan-sul, leaving the district office, wore a peculiar expression as he looked at the Hopae in his hand.

“It’s really strange. What is this… I feel like I’m… somebody?”

The Hopae, which even incorporated expensive glass, seemed to imbue Pan-sul with some unknown sense of dignity.

Pan-sul murmured, examining the Hopae.

“I wonder who came up with this idea… It’s truly a mysterious thing….”

* * *

The design of the Hopae was also Hyang’s work.

“Simply carving wood takes a long time, and there’s also the problem of material supply….”

If wood remained the primary material, as with the old Hopae, storage would undoubtedly present significant challenges.

“What would be good….”

While searching for a solution, Hyang, returning a salute to a passing soldier, snapped his fingers.

“That’s it!”

Hyang’s inspiration came from the dog tag he wore around his neck during his military service in the 21st century.

Based on the dog tag design, Hyang made several improvements.

Instead of rubber, the edges were encased in metal, and glass was inserted to give it a more luxurious appearance.

Finally, Hyang incorporated a process of tightening with screws, covering it with lead, and stamping it with the official seal to prevent forgery, before submitting a prototype to Sejong.

“Good! Let’s do it this way!”

Sejong, upon seeing Hyang’s prototype, approved it immediately.

* * *

The Hopae was gradually produced and distributed, starting with Sejong.

Reports arrived daily that the distribution of Hopae, which had begun in Samnam after Hanseong, was progressing smoothly, and Sejong praised Hyang.

“Your contribution is truly great!”

“I was just lucky!”

Hyang, after being praised by Sejong, returned to the East Palace, stopped by the research center, and muttered to himself while looking at the various instruments on display.

“I’ve made a lot. The problem is….”

Looking at the empty space in the display case, Hyang continued.

“There’s a lot more to make in the future. Later… I wonder if historians will curse my father and my reign after a few hundred years?”

Hyang, imagining the distant future, burst into laughter.

“Who cares?”