Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 343

343. The Invisible War (2)

Namchon in Hanseong.

It used to be an area where ordinary people in Hanseong—mainly farmers—and humble Yangban [traditional Korean scholar-officials] resided, but the demographics changed significantly due to the reconstruction after the great fire in Hanseong and the establishment of Area 51.

Connected to Jungchon—the area around Jongno and Cheonggyecheon—in Hanseong, it transformed into a residential area where middle-class families, artisans, and researchers settled in large numbers.

* * *

“To put it simply, it’s like creating Joseon’s largest science and engineering hub.”

Hyang, who had climbed Namsan (Mt. Mokmyeok), looked down at the expanding Area 51 and murmured softly.

“By the way….”

Looking at the scenery below, Hyang turned towards the summit of Mt. Mokmyeok behind him.

“Namsan was a popular spot even back then….”

Before Area 51 was established, Mt. Mokmyeok held a special place for the residents of Hanseong.

In the 4th year of Taejo’s reign (1395), the mountain god of Mt. Mokmyeok was enshrined as King Mokmyeok to pray for the nation’s peace. During the Dano Festival [a traditional Korean festival celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month], young people from Hanseong gathered at the foot of the mountain for wrestling competitions, and on the Jungyang Festival (September 9th) [a traditional Korean festival celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month], people of all ages climbed the mountain to enjoy the autumn foliage. (Note 1)

However, with the rise of Area 51, Mt. Mokmyeok became a restricted area. Initially, there were few complaints, but as economic reforms progressed and more people had leisure time, the issue gained traction.

Those who missed the old days began petitioning for the curfew to be lifted so they could climb Mt. Mokmyeok.

“Compared to the 21st century, Area 51 is like a persistent problem….”

Hyang considered relocating it, but given the investment in the existing facilities, the cost of relocation, and the importance of maintaining secrecy, moving it was practically impossible.

“But, the people’s needs must also be considered… What if we do this?”

In the end, Sejong found a compromise.

-Every year, on Dano and Jungyang Festivals, the southern side of Mt. Mokmyeok will be open. The people of Hanseong are permitted to hike in the southern outskirts of the fortress wall that crosses Mt. Mokmyeok. (Note 2)

* * *

A commotion was unfolding in one of the residential areas of Namchon, which had been established as a result of these changes.

Crash! Clang!

“Oh, honey! Calm down, calm down!”

Amidst the loud sound of breaking dishes and a woman’s scream, a man was thrown from the room into the yard.

A man who followed him out of the room glared at the man sprawled on the ground.

“You son of a bitch! How dare you spout such nonsense!”

“Ptooey!”

The man on the ground spat out blood-tinged saliva and raised his voice.

“Brother-in-law! What nonsense did I say! It’s a win-win for everyone, you, my sister, and me!”

“You son of a bitch!”

The man, addressed as brother-in-law, roared and leaped into the yard.

“This bastard hasn’t learned his lesson! Where’s the club, the club!”

The brother-in-law, searching frantically, grabbed a laundry bat from the corner of the yard.

“Okay, you bastard! Time to deal with a mad dog!”

“Oh, honey!”

The wife, hurrying after him, saw the potential for serious injury and quickly blocked her husband, shouting at her younger brother.

“Daesu! Apologize! Now!”

However, the younger brother, Daesu, retorted.

“What did I do wrong! I’m not just saying this for my own benefit! If we just cross the sea, we can have wealth and glory, but here we are, stuck in frustration!”

At Daesu’s words, the brother-in-law shoved his wife aside, trying to advance, but she desperately held him back.

“You bastard, really!”

“Honey!”

Eventually, Daesu had to flee the house to escape his brother-in-law’s wrath. However, he didn’t give up.

“Think about it carefully! You have to think about your children too! It’s Beijing, Beijing!”

“That bastard, really! Let go of me, honey!”

“Oh, honey!”

The commotion drew neighbors out to watch.

“Kaak! Ptooey!”

Daesu’s brother-in-law, spitting with all his might, threw down the laundry bat and stormed back into the house.

Following him, Daesu’s wife entered the room, and the second round began.

“No! Don’t tell me you believe that nonsense too!”

“No, let’s think about Hansu and sister-in-law. If we had money….”

“Shut up!”

Crash!

“This bastard, really! Just because you’re doing a little better these days! Who do you think you’re glaring at! You think you’re the only one who can flip the table!”

Clang!

The neighbors flinched at the shouting and the sound of breaking dishes, but they continued to watch the couple’s fight.

Behind the crowd, three suspicious men stood observing the scene. Dressed in black from their conical hats to their clothes, they carried long bamboo canes.

“I heard the story and came, but something smells fishy, right?”

“Yes. Gwangseok made a catch.”

The apparent leader gave orders to his subordinates.

“You follow the guy who ran away, and you and Gwangseok search around. I’ll report to the higher-ups.”

The subordinate tasked with tracking Daesu asked.

“Wouldn’t it be faster to just grab that guy and beat him up now?”

The leader shook his head.

“That guy is a small fry. The real mastermind wouldn’t be so obvious. According to Gwangseok’s report, that artisan is a Level 3. It could be a trick to mislead us.”

“Yes, I understand.”

The subordinates, understanding the order, bowed and disappeared into the shadows.

The leader, having dispatched his men, looked at the house where the fight was still raging and muttered.

“Wow, that ajumma [married woman, often middle-aged]. She’s a good fighter… Should we recruit her?”

The leader’s eyes, suddenly considering talent acquisition, turned to the changpo sword [a type of Korean sword] in his hand.

“To have to rely on this inferior weapon when I have a good sword….”

* * *

The geomgye [sword fraternity] of Hanseong, united by Sejong—or rather, Hyang who initiated the work, and Sejong who completed it—changed its name to Milwi (Secret Guard).

The Milwi, reorganized in this way, integrated its forces not only in Hanseong but also in Jemulpo, and was expanding its organization nationwide.

And, among the Milwi, those operating on the front lines were given a modified rapier that Hyang had personally inspected—the Milwi agents were called Cheonsugeom (天授劍, sword given by the sky—the king).

The Cheonsugeom, with the words ‘Jaeeum Wiguk (在陰衛國, Defending the Nation in the Shadows)’ engraved on the blade, was a masterpiece. The Cheonsugeom became the pride and self-esteem of the agents.

However, they could never carry that sword near Area 51. This was because the artisans of Area 51 were the ones who made the sword.

Therefore, they had no choice but to carry the changpo sword or bamboo sword that they usually carried around Area 51.

* * *

The incident that occurred in Area 51 was reported directly to the top.

A detailed report was being given to the Naegeumwijang (Royal Guard Captain) who had rushed in after receiving the urgent report.

“The artisan in question is Seong Pan-sul, who works in Area 51. His grade is 3.”

“Grade 3… That’s mediocre.”

As Area 51 grew, Hyang systematized the organization. In the process, the artisans were graded into 5 levels. Level 1 was for the heads of workshops belonging to the royal family, such as the armory and Sanguiwon (尙衣院, Royal Costume Workshop) belonging to the former Gun Gisi (軍器寺, Military Armory).

Level 5 was for newly appointed artisans.

That’s why the Naegeumwijang considered it mediocre. A Level 3 artisan was in charge of core tasks but didn’t have access to the overall picture.

This was Hyang’s intention. Hyang implemented maximum division of labor and modularization in all processes. Therefore, only the Level 1 artisan overseeing and coordinating all processes could know the complete picture.

“Is it a feint to the east and attack to the west?”

The Naegeumwijang, formerly of the Bukchon Geomgye, pondered the 1st Bureau Chief’s question and answered.

“The probability is fifty-fifty. Half is a feint, and the other half is hoping for some unexpected luck. As you know, the Crown Prince created the research institute and Area 51. You know how much pride, self-esteem, and skill those who work there possess?”

Everyone nodded at the Naegeumwijang’s point.

* * *

Because Hyang directly organized and operated it, and because it produced significant results, the status of the research institute and Area 51 rose rapidly. Many Sadaebu [scholar-officials] still looked down on Sanhak (practical science) and other studies as miscellaneous subjects, but the researchers at the research institute were proving their worth with their achievements.

The artisans were another story. Entering or supplying to Area 51 meant ‘the artisan with the best skills.’ Fame and wealth followed.

Therefore, artisans in Joseon with a knack for craftsmanship honed their skills to connect with Area 51.

And, as a result of that butterfly effect, the development of various technologies in Joseon was accelerating.

* * *

The people of Milwi sympathized even more with the Naegeumwijang’s words. Milwi had gone through a similar process.

Without Hyang and Sejong, their lives would have ended as mere criminals.

“First, plant people around Seong Pan-sul’s house to strengthen surveillance. If Seong Pan-sul defects, the person who moved Im Daesu may appear.”

“Yes.”

“Continue to track and monitor Im Daesu. If Seong Pan-sul holds out, Im Daesu is the only lead we have.”

“Yes.”

“And, has anything come in from Jemulpo?”

At the Naegeumwijang’s words, the 4th Bureau Chief, who had been caught raising the Geomgye in the Jemulpo area, answered.

“There was an attempt to build a Jurou (liquor store) outside of Junghwatong (中華通, Chinatown), so we sent our men to stop it. After causing a few disturbances, they gave up.”

The Naegeumwijang’s face brightened.

“Good job. Weren’t you caught?”

“We caused a disturbance on the grounds of seat tax, so they gave up.”

“Well done, well done.”

As many Hwasang (華商, Chinese merchants) stayed in Jemulpo, Sejong created a residential area exclusively for Chinese people called ‘Junghwatong (中華通)’ in Jemulpo. Myeong Chinese, including Hwasang, were free to move around in Junghwatong except for possessing swords. However, outside of Junghwatong, everything was prohibited, starting with owning and operating buildings.

In this situation, rumors circulated that a Jurou was being built with Joseon people as fronts, and the Jemulpo Geomgye belonging to Milwi returned to their main job after a long time and showed off their skills.

* * *

Five days later, the Naegeumwijang visited Milwi’s secret headquarters again.

“You caught Im Daesu’s tail?”

“Yes.”

“Who is it?”

“Jo Han-tae, the head of Seohae Merchant Group, was in charge of the execution, and a man named Jang Seok-il seems to have instigated it.”

“Seohae Merchant Group?”

“It’s a small merchant group that’s been around for three years. They mainly sell goods to Myeong and Jemulpo. There are rumors they have financial problems.”

“So, a man named Jang Seok-il gave them money and instigated them, is that right?”

“That’s right.”

The Naegeumwijang, looking at the report, asked again.

“You wrote that an in-depth investigation into Jang Seok-il is needed, why?”

The 2nd Bureau Chief answered.

“He seems to be a Joseon person, but not really.”

* * *

Note 1) https://younghwan12.tistory.com/4350

Note 2) https://korean.visitseoul.net/walking-tour/남산성곽_/1096