Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 294

Same Bed, Different Dreams (1)

294. Same Bed, Different Dreams (1)

While turmoil raged in Liaodong and Kyushu in Waeguk (Japan), Joseon was finding stability and moving forward.

The war that broke out in Liaodong at the beginning of the year ended as a short-term border skirmish, thanks to King Sejong’s decisive command declaring a ‘total war.’ The conflict in Waeguk barely registered an impact.

However, the court was carefully observing Waeguk’s movements. One of the two trading posts established in Waeguk was located in the territory of the Ouchi clan, and there was a silver mine being mined in partnership with them.

“We must secure that silver mine at any cost!”

Finance Minister Kim Jeom emphasized the importance of the silver mine with fervent intensity. Other ministers nodded in agreement with his passionate declaration.

It was a silver mine that had just begun operations, but the quality of the ore was exceptional.

The silver content was remarkably high, and the output was considerable even before reaching its full potential.

If the Iwami Silver Mine operated at full capacity, Joseon’s economy would undoubtedly soar.

“If the Ouchi clan is in danger, Joseon should even consider dispatching troops!”

Meng Sa-seong considered Kim Jeom’s suggestion too extreme, but Kim Jeom shook his head.

“It is not extreme!”

Kim Jeom bowed to Sejong, explaining the gravity of the situation.

“Your Majesty! Joseon is producing an increasing number of devices, greatly benefiting the people! The problem is that these devices must be purchased with money, but the opportunities for the people to earn money are limited!”

“The opportunities to earn money are limited?”

Sejong took Kim Jeom’s words seriously and reflected on the situation.

Sejong, after silently reviewing his memories, grew somber.

“That’s right. We have increased the number of officials and teachers, but it is not enough to provide positions for all those who are educated. We also cannot provide sufficient jobs for those seeking work outside of farming, except for labor at construction sites.”

“That is correct. If this is not resolved, it will ultimately destabilize Gyeongjang [economic reforms] and even the country. Therefore, we must create diverse employment opportunities for the people, which requires substantial wealth. Of course, we are currently mining gold and silver in various locations, but our efforts are not optimized, are they?”

At Kim Jeom’s pointed remark, Sejong and the ministers fell silent, displaying uncomfortable expressions.

Through previous explorations, a considerable number of gold and silver mines had been discovered, many with significant profitability.

In particular, gold mines were located throughout the country, and a massive gold vein was found in Unsan, Pyeonganbuk-do.

However, Joseon couldn’t properly mine it due to Ming’s [China’s] influence.

The consensus between Sejong and his ministers was that the opportune time to exploit that mine would be when Joseon achieved prosperity and ‘claimed the title of Emperor and established its own era’.

“Therefore, the Iwami Silver Mine is essential for Joseon. With the strength of the Joseon army that punished Imanju and Dong Meng-gachiemuke, isn’t it achievable enough?”

At Kim Jeom’s words, Sejong replied with a weary expression.

“I understand your point. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

“…Yes.”

The matter was settled, but Sejong’s worries persisted.

When Kim Jeom advocated for military intervention, a significant number of ministers seemed to agree with him.

“Sometimes victory becomes a poison….”

Previously, when dealing with Imanju and Meonteumu, the ministers were cautious about potential escalation. Now, they were beginning to view the use of force favorably.

However, as time passed and news arrived that the Ouchi clan had prevailed, the ‘Joseon army dispatch theory’ faded into the background.

Nevertheless, Sejong remained wary of the ministers’ belligerence. Hyang shared this concern.

“It’s not like we’re Japanese imperialists…. Why are they so eager for war? I’ll have to postpone the Hujangchong [weapons development program] for a while.”

* * *

Hyang, having decided to postpone weapons development, devoted himself to other areas.

“Summon Jipyeong [rank in Joseon dynasty] Jang Yeong-sil.”

Arriving at Area 51, Hyang immediately summoned Jang Yeong-sil.

Jang Yeong-sil, who had consistently achieved success as Gyeongjang progressed, had been promoted to Jipyeong.

Shortly after, Jang Yeong-sil, having received Hyang’s summons, entered Hyang’s office.

“Your Highness, you summoned me?”

“Yes, what is the development status of the spinning machine I mentioned before? How much progress has been made?”

At Hyang’s question, Jang Yeong-sil bowed deeply and replied.

“I am sorry! There has been no progress yet! Please forgive me!”

“It’s okay. I knew it wouldn’t be easy.”

“I am sorry.”

“I’m telling you, it’s really okay.”

Hyang’s words were sincere.

‘It was so hard to make a spinning machine, how easy would it be to weave cloth in a circular shape?’

Hyang, patting the sweating and bowing Jang Yeong-sil, brought up the main point.

“So, let’s shift our approach a little.”

“What do you mean by shifting our approach?”

“Why did I ask you to make a spinning machine that weaves cloth in a circular shape? It was for the sacks, right?”

“That is correct.”

“Why was that?”

“Because sewing thick cloth is not an easy task….”

“That’s right.”

Hyang nodded at Jang Yeong-sil’s answer.

Looking at the sacks being made now, the women were making them by hand, one by one. It was simple labor, but the physical demand was significant because the cloth used to make the sacks was thick.

Consequently, the demand for sacks was increasing, but the supply was limited.

“So, let’s change our thinking and create a device that makes this sewing easier.”

“A device that makes sewing easier?”

“I’ve named it a sewing machine.”

As Hyang unfolded the blueprint on the desk, Jang Yeong-sil approached and began to examine it.

Jang Yeong-sil’s eyes lit up as he studied the blueprints for each component of the sewing machine.

Hyang, watching the scene, smiled with satisfaction.

‘That cosplay artisan guy can be helpful sometimes.’

In the 21st century, Hyang – then Kim Jin-ho – known as ‘Gwangdeok’ for his devotion to various fields, had made numerous connections across his interests.

One of those connections was a cosplay enthusiast who primarily cosplayed game and animation characters and made her own costumes.

Hyang, having built a friendship by making props for her to use when cosplaying, was fascinated by the sewing machine she used.

“Hey! Kim Jin-ho! If you disassemble that, I’ll kill you!”

She warned, knowing Hyang’s personality well, and Hyang smiled and replied.

“I don’t really like the latest models.”

“You’re a strange guy.”

Hyang’s taste was clear: he preferred steampunk aesthetics.

Ultra-modern sewing machines that could perform all kinds of sewing with the press of a button or turn of a dial were not to Hyang’s liking.

In fact, not just sewing machines, but all the machines he liked had an analog feel.

Because of this preference, Hyang searched the Hwanghak-dong and other antique markets, acquiring old-fashioned sewing machines and disassembling them to examine their inner workings.

Through information obtained online and real objects, Hyang learned detailed information about sewing machines.

Thanks to these past experiences, Hyang was able to create a reasonably good design for a manual sewing machine.

The reason for the qualifier ‘reasonably good’ was that the sewing machine design in the blueprint was quite crude and bulky. Joseon’s metal processing technology was quite developed, but there was still room for improvement.

“It seems quite good.”

Jang Yeong-sil, after reviewing Hyang’s design, gave a positive evaluation.

“Right? Then let’s make one. If this sewing machine is made properly, wouldn’t it be helpful not only for making sacks but also for making sails?”

“That would be the case.”

Jang Yeong-sil nodded at Hyang’s words.

The cloth used to make sacks was thick and tough, but the cloth used to make sails was even thicker and tougher.

Sewing those thick and tough cloths to make one large sail was arduous labor.

Jang Yeong-sil, still nodding, pointed out another problem.

“Even if it’s a spinning machine, we should be focusing on making clockwork watches now….”

“Let’s start with the sewing machine.”

“Yes.”

At Hyang’s command, Jang Yeong-sil silently took the blueprints.

* * *

Hyang finished his day’s work by visiting artisans with Jang Yeong-sil and explaining the structure and operating principles of the sewing machine, then returned to the palace with light steps.

Hyang, after visiting Sejong and Queen Soheon to report his return, went back to Donggungjeon (Crown Prince Residence) and looked for the Crown Princess, Yangwon, and Yangje.

“Did anything happen today?”

“No, Your Highness.”

The Crown Princess, Yangwon, and Yangje, whose bellies were now quite swollen, answered Hyang’s question immediately.

Since the Crown Princess, Yangwon, and Yangje became pregnant, Hyang had been carefully managing their health, meticulously attending to their diet and light exercise.

Hyang’s attentiveness quickly became a topic of gossip, and Queen Soheon and the concubines, feeling jealous, subtly nagged Sejong.

* * *

After exchanging pleasantries with the Crown Princess, Yangwon, and Yangje, Hyang returned to his room.

Entering the study connected to the room, Hyang cursed softly as he looked at the reports piled up on the desk.

“Damn it….”

The reports neatly arranged on the desk concerned state affairs.

In the 21st century, Hyang had to quit his job as a civil servant, despite working for a core organization of the central government, due to depression.

To that extent, state affairs, or administration, were a significant source of stress for Hyang.

However, after being reborn and appointed as Crown Prince, Hyang purged the veteran ministers through various events and made a substantial contribution to the Gyeongjang initiated by Sejong.

This was not something Hyang did out of enjoyment.

For his own safety, his father needed to maintain strong power. Also, for his own Deokjil [passionate hobby pursuits], Joseon needed to develop.

That was why Hyang worked so hard.

The problem was that, through this process, Hyang was increasingly burdened with more and more political responsibilities, leading to considerable stress.

* * *

The next day, Hyang, after finishing the morning assembly, headed to Area 51 with a tired expression and muttered.

“I’ll probably be cursed for saying this, but I hope a son is born….”

“Yes? What did you say?”

“It’s nothing.”

Hyang, answering the eunuch briefly, began to calculate in his mind.

‘If I combine the history I learned in the 21st century with the management program I’ve been running, he’ll be healthy for at least 20 years…. If the child to be born is a son, then by that time, I’ll have definitely built up my own foundation to some extent, right? Then I’ll inherit the throne and abdicate after 3-4 years as a formality…. And I’ll immediately set up a stake in Area 51. If it’s too much, I’ll tie the three children together, one as king, another as royal secretary, and another as…. Ah! What if it’s a daughter? No, it doesn’t matter if it’s a daughter, does it? Women’s advancement has already begun, so in 20 years, it will be somewhat commonplace. If it’s a little lacking, I’ll do some groundwork and then hand it over.’

While Hyang was formulating his own plans, the Crown Princess, Yangwon, and Yangje were enjoying a conversation in front of a tea table.

“Oh my!”

The three women simultaneously stroked their bellies.

“Fetal movement?”

“The three children are moving together; it seems they have good siblinghood.”

“That’s right. I’m looking forward to what happens after these children are born.”

The three women were feeling stronger fetal movements than usual and were enjoying it.

* * *

Meanwhile, Sejong was also doing his own calculations.

“About 10 years?”

“Yes?”

“It’s just a soliloquy.”

Sejong, answering Sangseon briefly, muttered inwardly.

‘There are only a few years left until Gyeongjang is over…. In about 10 years, I’ll have addressed almost all the trial and error. And by then, the current ministers who are familiar with the old system will have all stepped down, and those who are familiar with the new system will fill their places. Then, after making the Crown Prince regent or abdicating, I can focus on refining Joseon in earnest. Just changing the administration doesn’t change everything. And by then, the Crown Prince’s children will be 10 years old. If they are guys who inherited the Crown Prince’s blood, their qualities will be good, so if I refine them in advance….’

* * *

“Oh my! Another fetal movement?”

“Hoho! It seems like these guys know we’re talking about them!”

The three women’s faces were full of smiles.

Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]

Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]

BCJ, 블랙기업조선
Status: Completed Author: , Native Language: Korean
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[English Translation] Imagine a world where the brilliance of King Sejong the Great collides with the unbridled passion of a modern-day maniac obsessed with military strategy and steampunk innovation. Reborn as the king's son, our protagonist finds himself in the heart of Joseon, a land ripe for transformation. But progress comes at a price. Witness the dawn of a new era as the maniac-wise prince, alongside his father, pushes the boundaries of Joseon, sparking both innovation and exploitation. Prepare to be captivated by a dynasty on the brink, where the nights are illuminated not by stars, but by the relentless glow of overtime. Dive into a world of political intrigue, technological marvel, and the human cost of ambition. Will Joseon rise to unprecedented heights, or will it crumble under the weight of its own relentless drive? Discover the fate of the Black Corporation: Joseon.

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