Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 390

390. Small Changes (2)

As July arrived, significant changes unfolded in Hanseong [present-day Seoul, South Korea].

The housing complex for officials who lacked homes was finally completed.

This complex was built outside Hanseong’s walls, nestled between Sungnyemun Gate (숭례문, Namdaemun, the Great South Gate) and Donuimun Gate (敦義門, Seodaemun, the Gate of Upright Justice, also known as the West Gate).

Constructing this housing complex proved to be a lengthy endeavor.

One reason for the delay was the installation of a railway line specifically for the officials residing there, facilitating their commute.

* * *

To avoid disrupting existing traffic through Sungnyemun Gate, the court undertook the reconstruction of the southern wall of Hanseong.

Two railway lines were laid, passing through newly created arched openings in the wall.

Naturally, creating such large openings in the wall required reinforcing the compromised defense.

Firstly, iron gates were installed on both sides of each opening, designed to slide shut. In the event of an enemy approach, these gates would be closed and secured with thick, heavy steel bars.

Furthermore, a detached Cheolma car [a type of armored cart] was positioned close to the inner side of the iron gate for added security.

* * *

The railway significantly eased the commute for officials living in the complex.

The second major reason for the construction delay was the installation of a comprehensive water and sewage system throughout the complex.

This undertaking consumed considerable time and resources.

“Is this truly necessary?” Minister of Finance Kim Jeom inquired, his tone laced with doubt. Hyang nodded emphatically.

“Absolutely necessary.”

“Haa… the cost….”

“Minister, consider the alternative. If officials fall ill due to contaminated water, wouldn’t the resulting losses outweigh the current expenditure?”

Hyang’s question silenced Kim Jeom, who promptly stamped the approval document.

Thus, a proper water and sewage system was established within the housing complex.

To fully utilize this system, the houses were equipped with the first standing kitchens in Joseon. Each sink featured a small, lever-operated water pump.

Now, the women managing the kitchens could access water conveniently, regardless of weather or season.

With the infrastructure in place, the construction of the houses proceeded rapidly.

The newly built houses incorporated the Ondol system [traditional Korean underfloor heating], utilizing the Ongudeul method, which was gaining popularity.

* * *

“Ondol is good, but…”

Hyang pondered the optimal heating method for the housing complex.

Whether in the 15th or 21st century, Korean winters were notoriously harsh. Unlike the 21st century with its abundance of insulation materials, 15th-century Joseon, relying primarily on cotton, faced even greater challenges. Moreover, the air in Joseon, far cleaner than in the 21st century, contributed to the biting cold.

“Because there’s no insulation called damn fine dust…”

Having experienced the brutal cold firsthand, Hyang was eager to promote the Ondol system, but he faced a significant obstacle.

Fuel.

Before the widespread availability of coal, wood served as the primary fuel for heating and cooking, both in the palace and among the populace.

The Joseon court strictly enforced laws to prevent indiscriminate deforestation, forcing even the palace to rely heavily on braziers for heating.

Of course, Gudeul [a type of underfloor heating] systems existed in certain areas, primarily in the residences of the Queen, concubines, and court ladies. The Gudeul installed in the court ladies’ quarters were often unofficial.

The fuel problem in Hanseong and Joseon began to ease with the earnest mining of coal.

Even with the fuel issue addressed, Hyang hesitated to fully promote the Ondol system.

“Ongudeul is superior to side Gudeul, but overcoming its biggest drawback isn’t easy.”

The primary concern with Ondol was the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, commonly known as ‘coal gas poisoning’.

“A boiler is the best way to prevent gas poisoning…”

However, Joseon’s current technology posed a challenge in creating durable hot water pipes for the Gudeul stones. The lack of synthetic resins meant using iron or copper, both susceptible to corrosion.

“Although it’s using the CPU cooler method in reverse…”

Ultimately, Hyang devised an iron heat conduction mesh resembling an oversized grill.

This mesh was laid on the floor, with thick iron rods connecting it to a large container placed on the stove.

By filling the container with water and lighting a fire underneath, the heat would transfer to the floor through the iron container.

This design prevented the iron mesh from overheating, reducing the risk of burns or fires, and provided a generous supply of hot water even in the depths of winter. Furthermore, the boiling water continued to radiate heat for a considerable time after the fire was extinguished.

After retrofitting the rooms of the Crown Prince’s wife, Yangwon, and Yangje in the East Palace with this system, Hyang presented it to Sejong.

Sejong, after inspecting the warm room and the stove, wore a troubled expression.

“It seems very useful, but the cost is a concern. Iron is not readily affordable for the common people, is it?”

“That is true.”

“Let us consider it further.”

“Yes, Father.”

Having been turned down, Hyang grumbled under his breath.

“Aww! I want plastic!”

* * *

However, the widespread adoption of Ondol was crucial for preventing excessive deforestation and maintaining public health during the winter.

Hyang gathered skilled artisans from across the country who specialized in Ondol installation and explored cost-effective methods.

His efforts extended beyond Ondol itself.

He researched various types of coal available in Joseon – from Gangwon-do, Hamgyeong-do, Daeseol-do, and other regions – to develop affordable fuel options for the people.

“Of course, the answer to this part is already set…”

Hyang envisioned briquettes.

As the development of briquettes progressed smoothly, he began designing a combustion chamber to maximize their efficiency.

To create a chamber that would ensure smooth airflow and reflect heat back onto the briquettes for complete combustion, Hyang enlisted the help of blacksmiths and potters, working tirelessly.

The resulting design was being implemented in the new housing complex.

* * *

Upon completion of the housing complex, the houses were assigned to the designated officials.

The smallest house contained three rooms, while the average had five.

“One is the main room, one is the study, two are for the No (奴, male servant) and Bi (婢, female servant). The last one is for the children or the elderly…”

Hyang shook his head slightly as he counted the rooms on his fingers.

“Compared to the 21st century, this is all high-end housing. The basic is five rooms… and there’s even a maid room…”

It was a brief moment of amusement sparked by the differences in lifestyle and social norms between eras.

* * *

The criteria for assigning houses in the complex were not solely based on rank.

The number of family members living together – excluding servants – was also a factor. Officials with large families or those who lived with their parents or grandparents were assigned larger houses, regardless of their official position.

Consequently, there were instances where officials of different ranks received houses of similar or even larger size.

Another criterion was to prevent colleagues from the same department from becoming neighbors, to avoid superiors from exploiting their subordinates.

* * *

On the day they received their houses, the officials who had been living in rented accommodations shouted “Ten thousand years!” towards Geunjeongjeon [the main hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, where the king conducted official business].

“Long live His Majesty! Ten thousand years!”

“Ten thousand years!”

The officials worked with unprecedented zeal.

“No matter what, I must rest on this holiday!”

“Yes! I have to go see the house!”

“It’s my house. It’s my house. It’s my house…”

The officials were driven by a near-frenzied enthusiasm.

Kim Jeom, observing the remarkable surge in work efficiency, stroked his beard thoughtfully.

“I believe we need to expand this housing complex?”

* * *

While the housing complex for homeless officials was under construction in Hanseong, similar projects were underway in major provincial cities.

Consequently, around the same time as Hanseong, homeless officials in the provinces were able to move into official residences with their families.

This had several positive effects, including a reduction in corruption among officials.

Living in close proximity facilitated surveillance, and the officials’ families became more mindful of their actions, aware of the scrutiny of their neighbors.

* * *

As autumn arrived, the Samin Academy reopened.

Sejong and the court were particularly attentive, as Huminjeongeum [the original name for Hangul, the Korean alphabet], which had been in preparation for some time, was being formally introduced into the curriculum this semester.

The Huminjeongeum education immediately began to yield positive results.

“The children are learning Huminjeongeum very quickly!”

“The public response to the Huminjeongeum special lecture for adults is also excellent!”

Sejong, pleased with the favorable reports from the Ministry of Education and the General Affairs Department, turned to Choi Man-ri, who had arrived promptly after being summoned.

“How far has the translation of the legal code progressed?”

“The translation of the legal code was completed some time ago, and we have now begun translating precedents.”

“Good. The Minister of General Affairs and the Minister of Justice, listen.”

“Your Majesty, give your orders.”

Sejong nodded slightly and addressed the two ministers.

“Order the Jojaso [royal printing office] to immediately print the translated legal codes in large quantities. Distribute the printed translations to courts across the country and instruct the judges to review them.”

“If you mean review?”

“While the scholars working in the Jeongumcheong [office for the creation of Hangul] are excellent, their legal knowledge may be lacking, potentially leading to errors in the translation. Therefore, they must compare the translations with the original Chinese texts and identify any discrepancies.”

The two ministers bowed their heads in acknowledgment.

“We will obey your command!”

“And the head of the Jeongumcheong, listen.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“There are many texts to translate besides the precedent book, so you must not become complacent. Keep this in mind.”

“I will engrave it in my heart.”

“The names of those who translate and review will be remembered forever, so remind them to remain diligent.”

“We will obey your command, Your Majesty.”

Having concluded the matters related to Huminjeongeum, Sejong moved on to the next item on the agenda.

“The civil service examination will be held soon. Are the preparations proceeding smoothly?”

“Yes, they are progressing smoothly.”

“I reiterate, there must be no irregularities. Ensure that this is clearly communicated to the supervisors dispatched to the examination sites across the country.”

“We will obey your command!”

Sejong, after instructing them to prevent any misconduct during the examination, added a final word of encouragement.

“Joseon has finally entered a period of stability. But remember that this is the time to make necessary adjustments. Bear in mind that the decisions made in the next few years will shape the course of the next centuries.”

At Sejong’s urging, the ministers replied in unison.

“We will engrave it in our hearts!”