Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 38

Jjangra

Hello, Bomb!

38. Laughing and Crying at My Obsession (3)

“A navy?”

“That’s right!”

Hyang’s voice grew stronger as he explained.

“When I first spoke about establishing a trading post, I briefly mentioned Shandong in Ming [China’s Ming Dynasty]. Afterward, I deeply regretted it and eventually fell into despair.”

“Despair? Why?”

“The trading port created in Shandong won’t be used only by Ming and Joseon [ancient Korean kingdom]. When products from Ming and Joseon gather, countries wanting to trade will eventually gather there as well. Nearby, the Waeguk [Japanese people/nation] will head there, and from far away, the Daewol Kingdom [ancient Vietnamese kingdom] or even more distant places will gather for trade. Think of the wealth that can be acquired from those who gather.”

At Hyang’s words, Sejong recalled the tariffs promised to Ming at the trading post. The amount estimated by the Ministry of Taxation at the time was by no means small. Even with just Ming and Joseon, that was the case, but what if the Waeguk and Daewol, and even other unknown countries, were added? Sejong’s heart grew anxious.

“Then, shouldn’t we also create a trading port? It’s a bit late, but it seems like it could be competitive.”

“That’s exactly where I despaired. Our Joseon…”

Hyang replied with a gloomy expression.

“Does not have a navy to control the sea.”

At Hyang’s words, Sejong wore a puzzled expression.

“No navy? I don’t understand?”

“In name, there is a navy, but its capabilities are dismal.”

“Dismal? Have you forgotten that the recent conquest of Tsushima [island between Korea and Japan] was possible because of our navy?”

“Why would I not know that?”

Hyang rose from his seat and walked to the bookshelf in the study. Picking out a book from among the various books, Hyang returned and opened the book to explain the contents to Sejong.

“This is a record of the recent conquest of Tsushima. As Abamama [term for ‘father’ used to address the king] knows, the total number of soldiers mobilized for the recent conquest of Tsushima was 17,285. The number of warships mobilized was 227.”

“Indeed.”

“To put it simply, each ship carried 70 to 80 people, and more than half of them were rowers. The actual combat power is only half of that.”

“Indeed.”

“There is another problem. The number of 227 ships, it seems like a very large number. However, many of these are small boats that risk their lives even crossing the straits between Busan and Tsushima.”

“Indeed.”

“It is well known that our Joseon army is weak in close combat compared to the Waegu. To offset this, cannons are essential, but these small boats cannot carry cannons. Is this only a problem for the three naval districts that participated in the expedition?”

Sejong’s face grew serious at Hyang’s explanation.

“It is indeed a problem.”

“If a trading port is created, it is obvious that Waegu and pirates will flock to it. Ming can immediately gather the forces to defend against this, but our Joseon cannot. Look at the recent conquest of Tsushima. Even though it was a conquest, when mobilizing troops, we had to scrape together not only Habungapsa [elite soldiers] but also farmers who tilled the land. If the Waegu had invaded in reverse, taking advantage of the gap left by the expedition, what would have happened? Look at the mobilization standards. We gathered not only combat troops but also those who knew how to steer ships. In other words, the navy itself is insufficient.”

Sejong nodded at Hyang’s point. Around the time the conquest of Tsushima took place, reports came in that the southern coast of Ming was being plundered by the Waegu. Taejong [Sejong’s father and former king], who received the report at the time, breathed a sigh of relief.

“Truly, it is divine providence!”

Recalling the memories of the past, Sejong nodded.

“Indeed.”

Sejong’s face was more serious than ever as he answered. The memories of that time were vivid.

As the lord of Tsushima promised allegiance due to the conquest of Tsushima, and around the same time, the Waegu suffered great losses in Ming, the movements of the Waegu have been subdued recently, but no one could guarantee that the Waegu would remain subdued.

Hyang continued to imagine the worst-case scenario and continued to speak.

“If the activities of the Waegu and pirates become so severe that they cannot be controlled, Ming may issue a maritime ban. They may block the sea routes and move residents living on the coast inland. Ming has a large land area, so they can afford to move the people inland, and inland waterways are also developed, so there will be no major worries. But what about our Joseon? Is there land for the people to move to? We could implement an empty island policy, but this would result in tying our own hands and feet.”

Sejong nodded silently at Hyang’s words. After taking a moment to moisten his throat, Hyang continued.

“In the end, the best means of maritime defense that our Joseon must choose is offensive defense. The conquest of Tsushima was carried out for the same reason, wasn’t it? We must grow ships and strengthen firepower.”

Sejong nodded at Hyang’s words.

“You are right. The problem is… the budget.”

“Yes, the budget is the problem. To increase the budget, we must expand revenue, but relying only on agriculture will make the people suffer. In the end, as I said before, we must increase trade to expand the tax base.”

“Indeed. Hooo~.”

Sejong, who let out a long sigh, rose from his chair.

“I came to clear my head for a while, but I feel like I’ve only increased my burden.”

“I am deeply sorry.”

“No. For the enrichment and strengthening of this Joseon, I, the monarch, must suffer.”

* * *

In the end, Sejong, after reviewing various issues, came to a conclusion.

“No matter what, it is possible only if there is wealth! Without wealth, it is just a castle in the sand!”

Sejong, who came to a conclusion, sent official letters to the local magistrates across the country.

-Immediately find those skilled in prospecting and send them to the palace!

Accordingly, the local magistrates thoroughly searched the towns they governed and began sending those skilled in prospecting to Hanseong [capital of Joseon].

Meanwhile, in the court, Sejong, Hyang, and the ministers discussed what to look for first.

“We must find gold and silver.”

“We must not find gold and silver! Ming may demand it as tribute!”

“But gold and silver are essential to secure the financial resources to use as a budget! If Ming makes a demand, we must negotiate diplomatically!”

As the endless debate continued, Sejong came to a conclusion.

“For the success of the reforms that our Joseon will implement, the mining of gold and silver is essential. If Ming’s demands arrive, we will resolve them through diplomacy at that time.”

“We obey the order.”

As the issue of mining gold and silver was resolved, the topic moved on to the next.

“Then, let’s do that with gold and silver, and what else should we look for?”

At Sejong’s question, the ministers immediately answered in unison.

“Copper! It is essential for making cannons and printing money!”

At the ministers’ answers, Sejong wrote gold, silver, and copper with a golden brush and opened his mouth.

“And what else would there be?”

At Sejong’s question, the ministers all fell into thought. Hyang, who was watching the scene, interjected.

“In my opinion, it is iron, coal, limestone, and sulfur.”

“What is coal?”

“Simply put, it is a stone that burns. China has been using it as fuel since the Song Dynasty [historical Chinese dynasty].”

At Sejong’s question, Hyang explained about coal. Sejong and the ministers nodded at Hyang’s explanation.

“If we use such stones instead of firewood, we can prevent the destruction of forests.”

“That is correct. We have made many efforts to prevent indiscriminate logging, but it has not been easy. The reason is that it is used as fuel, but if we use coal, we can prevent indiscriminate logging.”

Following the ministers’ answers, Hyang took the words.

“If the state monopolizes the supply of coal, this will also be a sufficient source of revenue.”

“Indeed!”

“I understand coal, and I also understand iron, but why is limestone necessary?”

“It is necessary for the smelting of iron and also for construction.”

“For construction?”

“I only know the theory…”

At Hyang’s words, Sejong came to a conclusion.

“Then, let’s postpone the priority of limestone.”

“Yes.”

Although Sejong postponed the priority, Hyang was not particularly disappointed.

‘The most common thing in this hellish peninsula is limestone!’

Listening to the conversation between Sejong and the ministers, Hyang recalled the words of Teacher Samcheopo.

-Iron, coal, cement! They are essential items that opened the era of the Industrial Revolution! Simply put, this set of three is the basic Korean set menu for the Industrial Revolution! Capital? Hey! Would the Industrial Revolution happen without it!

However, the most controversial was sulfur.

“Your Highness, sulfur does not come from our Joseon.”

“That’s right. Sulfur can only be obtained from Ming or Waeguk.”

“I know that too. Crown Prince, sulfur does not come from our Joseon.”

Even Sejong said that sulfur was not produced in Joseon, but Hyang did not budge from his position.

“Why are you so confident? Isn’t it possible that we haven’t found it yet?”

“We haven’t found it?”

“Abamama. It comes from Ming and Waeguk, but only our Joseon doesn’t have it? Don’t you think this doesn’t make sense?”

‘Damn it! Crude oil also comes out when you dig!’

“Hmm… it seems like that too…”

“Hmm…”

At Hyang’s words, the ministers and Sejong all fell into contemplation with plausible expressions.

“Of course, it may be in a difficult place to mine, unlike Ming or Waeguk. But think about the uses of sulfur. It is used as a medicine, but the most important use is gunpowder. Gunpowder, the most important item for national defense, and if we rely on imports for sulfur, the most important raw material for making that gunpowder, we may face a major setback at any time!”

As Hyang mentioned ‘national defense,’ Sejong and the ministers immediately came to a conclusion.

“Okay! Let’s find it!”

“It seems that the Crown Prince’s opinion is correct!”

“I think it is right to order those who prospect to pay more attention!”

In the end, sulfur was also included in the exploration list.

* * *

As skilled prospectors arrived from all over Joseon, Sejong and the ministers created an organization called the ‘Resource Agency (資源廳).’

“First, make it a permanent institution under the Ministry of Public Works (工曹), and the Minister of Public Works should serve as the head concurrently.”

“We obey the order.”

The prospectors belonging to the Resource Agency created in this way received ranks from Senior 8th rank to Junior 9th rank, and salaries were also determined. Looking at the prospectors gathered in the front yard of Geunjeongjeon [main hall of Gyeongbok Palace], the Minister of Public Works announced what to do.

“From now on, your job is to travel around Joseon Paldo [all eight provinces of Joseon] and find the minerals listed on this list. If you find it properly, there will be rewards, so do your best.”

At the words of the Minister of Public Works, the prospectors all bowed and answered.

“We will do our best!”

“His Majesty the King is here~.”

At the cry of the eunuch, the prospectors immediately prostrated themselves on the floor and bowed.

“The commoners greet His Majesty the King!”

“Stand up. Who calls you commoners? You are all my precious people.”

At Sejong’s words, the prospectors all became emotional and answered loudly.

“We are grateful for your grace!”

“We wish you a long life!”

The prospectors shouted at the top of their lungs for Sejong to have a long life. Sejong, who was watching the scene with a pleased face, raised his hand, and the sound subsided. As the prospectors became quiet, Sejong continued.

“I am sorry to entrust you with a difficult task. However, the prosperity and strength of this Joseon depend on the results you produce, so I hope you will do your best in your assigned tasks.”

At Sejong’s words, the prospectors all bowed deeply and answered.

“We will dedicate our lives!”

With Sejong’s instruction, the prospectors scattered across the country. The prospectors, who packed their bags and left the palace, unfolded the list to check the minerals they had to find.

“I know gold, silver, copper, and iron… but coal? What is this?”

“Ah! I’ve heard of that. It’s a black, shiny stone that burns? I heard that China uses it as firewood? It’s also used in blacksmiths.”

“A stone burns? That’s a mysterious thing.”

“Sulfur? Does this come from our country?”

“We don’t know, so we’re told to find it.”

“Limestone? Isn’t this a common stone? Is there a place to use this?”

The prospectors, who were sharing their opinions while looking at the list, soon focused their attention on one corner of the list.

“Report the following ore immediately upon discovery? A black, shiny stone, similar to coal but does not burn and crumbles easily?”

“What is this?”

“I think I’ve seen it, but I’m not sure…”

The ore that confused the prospectors was an item that Hyang had additionally entered. The name of that ore was graphite.

End

ⓒ Gukbbong