Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 397

397. Small Changes (9)

Park Sang-wook’s proposal went straight to Sejong. Sejong, having heard the story through Kim Jeom, added it to the agenda.

“Hmm…. It is true that merchant ships, unlike warships, cannot be arbitrarily armed. However, the seas are now rife with pirates, so they cannot be allowed to travel unarmed. Therefore, the merchant Park Sang-wook has offered to travel with our navy when it is deployed, is that correct?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

“Hmm….”

Stroking his beard, Sejong considered Kim Jeom’s answer and turned to Jo Mal-saeng.

“Minister of National Defense, what do you think of Park Sang-wook’s proposal?”

At Sejong’s question, Jo Mal-saeng immediately replied.

“It is true that arbitrarily loading cannons on merchant ships is not appropriate. However, the merchant activities that Park Sang-wook desires require traveling long distances, so this is a unique case.”

“A unique case?”

“Yes. Currently, trade routes between Ming [China under the Ming Dynasty], Wa [an old term for Japan], and Ryukyu [the Ryukyu Kingdom, now Okinawa Prefecture, Japan] are within the patrol range of Hae-eung-class warships, so the sailors are sufficiently equipped with bows, spears, and swords. However, pirates operating in the open sea often attack in groups of several ships, inducing melee combat. In such cases, it becomes difficult for the navy’s warships to pay attention to every detail, so arming with cannons is essential.”

Jo Mal-saeng’s answer was a veiled refusal.

“Hmm….”

Seeing Sejong’s deep contemplation, Kim Jeom continued.

“This point has been considered not only by this humble servant but also by Park Sang-wook. Therefore, Park Sang-wook has proposed to mount the minimum number of cannons, but entrust their operation to the navy.”

“The reason he wants to engage in trade so far away, even to that extent… is it because of competition?”

At Sejong’s question, Kim Jeom immediately nodded.

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

“Hmm….”

Once again considering the possibilities, Sejong turned to Hyang.

“I will ask the Crown Prince, who designed the Challenger-class and Hae-eung-class warships. What do you think of this Park Sang-wook’s opinion?”

At Sejong’s question, Hyang immediately replied without hesitation.

“It is not a bad idea. Looking at the situation in Alexandria and Tianzhu [likely referring to a region in India, possibly the Coromandel Coast], there are goods we can’t sell because we don’t have them. However, simply increasing the number of Challenger-class warships is limited when considering budget execution and manpower supply. Therefore, drawing in private funds and manpower to fill the gaps is a good method.”

“Then, how should we handle the cannon installation?”

“As Park Sang-wook said, only the minimum level of self-defense should be installed, and the navy should operate them.”

At Hyang’s answer, Sejong looked at Jo Mal-saeng.

“Minister of National Defense, the person in charge of design and production agrees with the proposal. What are your thoughts?”

“I think it would be fine as long as the self-defense armament is sufficient.”

With Jo Mal-saeng also answering positively, Sejong turned to Kim Jeom.

“I appreciate that this Park Sang-wook sees the bigger picture, but I want to add one condition.”

“A condition, Your Majesty?”

“If a crisis befalls the nation and warships are needed, he must agree to their requisition for use. Of course, if he agrees to that, I will reduce the construction cost by 10%. Tell him that we will only build the ships if he accepts this condition.”

“I shall obey Your Majesty’s command!”

“Also, I order the Minister of National Defense to dispatch a working-level official from the Ministry of National Defense to inform him of the appropriate number of cannons needed for self-defense.”

“I shall obey Your Majesty’s command!”

* * *

Two days later, having received word, Park Sang-wook visited Kim Jeom’s office, his face full of anticipation.

“Please, have a seat.”

“Yes.”

After offering Park Sang-wook a seat, Kim Jeom introduced the official sitting across from Park Sang-wook.

“Let me introduce you. This is Im Hae-sul from the Ministry of National Defense.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is mine.”

After the two people’s initial greeting, Kim Jeom, sitting at the head of the table, got straight to the point.

“I have informed His Majesty the King of your request, and I have received a royal decree.”

“A royal decree, you say?”

At Kim Jeom’s words, Park Sang-wook’s face brightened. If Sejong had refused, he wouldn’t have started this way.

“His Majesty the King has said that he will grant permission if you accept the following conditions. First, to mount the minimum number of cannons possible for self-defense. The operation of those cannons will be the sole responsibility of the navy. Second, to agree to requisitioning the ships if a crisis befalls the nation and warships are needed.”

“Requisitioning, you say? Does that mean I only need to hand over the ships?”

“Both the ships and the crew.”

“Ah….”

At Kim Jeom’s words, Park Sang-wook trailed off.

Park Sang-wook, with his mouth shut, weighed the possibilities.

‘If I am requisitioned, I have to give up the ships I worked so hard to build and the crew I worked so hard to train! But wars don’t happen easily…. Also, I’ve heard rumors that no one can stand up to our navy…. So, it seems unlikely that we’ll even reach the point of requisition…. But….’

Seeing Park Sang-wook wavering, Kim Jeom threw out bait.

“His Majesty the King has said that if you accept these conditions, he will not only build the ships for you but also reduce the construction cost by 10%.”

“10%, you say?”

“That is correct.”

At Kim Jeom’s confirmation, Park Sang-wook took the bait.

“I accept!”

‘10% of the construction cost is 6,800 geum [a unit of currency]! With that money, I can get even more goods to set sail!’

As Park Sang-wook accepted the conditions, the conversation moved on to the next topic.

“How many cannons should I mount?”

At Park Sang-wook’s question, Im Hae-sul immediately answered.

“20 small cannons for close combat and 40 large cannons to destroy pirate ships.”

“How many do you load on the current warships?”

“The number of small cannons is the same, and the number of large cannons is 50.”

“Then that’s too many! This ship is a merchant ship, not a warship. I think 10 small cannons and 10 large cannons are enough!”

“Have you ever seen the pirates rampaging in the open sea? You don’t know how vicious those guys are, do you? With 10 small cannons and 10 large cannons, half the crew will be dead before you return.”

“Still, that’s too many!”

After that, a fierce back-and-forth ensued between Park Sang-wook and Im Hae-sul. After a fierce tug-of-war, the two were able to reach an agreement with ‘20 small cannons and 16 large cannons.’

“Hmm…. Then…. Hey, you!”

Calling the official who was waiting, Kim Jeom handed him a note.

“Take these conditions and calculate how much the construction cost will be.”

“Yes.”

Half a sh辰jin [approximately one hour] later, the subordinate returned with the estimate.

“Let’s see….”

Kim Jeom, having received the estimate, checked the contents and handed it to Park Sang-wook.

“The construction cost is 68,000 geum, minus 10%, which is 61,200 geum. Add to that the cost of the armaments to be mounted, which is 10,000 geum. All together, it’s 71,200 geum.”

“Hoo~.”

Park Sang-wook, having received the estimate, sighed and muttered to himself without realizing it.

“I expected it, but it’s enormous.”

“It’s a ship worth the price. Didn’t you expect that much?”

“I suppose so.”

“Then let’s draw up the contract as soon as you’re ready.”

“If I sign the contract, how long will I have to wait?”

At Park Sang-wook’s question, Kim Jeom turned to Im Hae-sul. At the unspoken question, Im Hae-sul stepped forward and answered Park Sang-wook.

“If we prioritize it over the ships currently under construction, you should be able to take delivery of the ship within two months.”

“Is that so? Then…. Let’s see….”

‘I should be able to catch up with the merchants sailing out this year by the skin of my teeth.’

Im Hae-sul, who was quietly watching Park Sang-wook counting on his fingers and making a timetable, opened his mouth.

“It may be an ignorant interference…. If you want to go far away to trade, it would be better to go to Alexandria or Tianzhu rather than Dai Viet (present-day Vietnam) or Siam (present-day Thailand).”

“Why is that?”

“The Huashang (Chinese merchants) have already firmly established themselves in Dai Viet and Siam, so you won’t see much profit. That’s why our court only goes to Alexandria or Tianzhu. Do you understand what I mean?”

“Ah! Thank you!”

Park Sang-wook, understanding Im Hae-sul’s words, immediately stood up from his seat and bowed to express his gratitude.

If he moved as Im Hae-sul said, he would be able to receive the strong escort of the Joseon navy throughout the round trip, and he would be able to make even more profit.

“I am truly grateful for your advice, which is as precious as gold and jade. Is there anything else you can tell me?”

At Park Sang-wook’s words, Im Hae-sul thought for a moment and then opened his mouth.

“Hmm…. If you make a profit from trading, you should definitely get one more ship. No, it would be good to start with two ships from the beginning. Your merchant group’s sailors also know how to use headwinds, right?”

“They are very skilled.”

“Then you can set sail twice a year. If you have two ships, you can move alternately and steadily make profits. Not only that, but you can also find out how the tastes of those Westerners are changing a little faster, so you’ll have less chance of losing money. Also, ships need to be constantly inspected, and if you have two ships, you don’t have to stop trading, right?”

“Ah….”

Park Sang-wook showed various expressions at Im Hae-sul’s explanation.

* * *

As Park Sang-wook left with a face full of worries, Kim Jeom turned to Im Hae-sul.

“You’ve worked hard.”

“Not at all. It is only natural for someone who earns the nation’s salary to do their job.”

“By the way, about the 40 large cannons you mentioned at the beginning. Were that many really necessary?”

“To be honest, if we only limit it to the self-defense of the merchant ship, about 16 would be appropriate.”

“Then why did you ask for so many?”

“Isn’t the specialty of merchants to drive a hard bargain? You have to start high to get what you want.”

“Huh….”

Kim Jeom, making a dumbfounded expression at Im Hae-sul’s answer, which was more like a merchant than a merchant, asked again.

“Then, what about the advice on the number of ships?”

“That is genuine advice. Of course, it is a bit… seasoned.”

“Huh….”

Kim Jeom continued to make a dumbfounded expression at Im Hae-sul’s answer. There was nothing wrong with what Im Hae-sul said. Therefore, Park Sang-wook would definitely be seriously worried. And the conclusion he would come to was also visible.

If he had enough money, he would immediately get two ships, and even if he didn’t have enough money, he would do his best to get another ship as soon as possible. And the bigger the profit he made, the more ships he would try to get.

If Park Sang-wook’s merchant group made a big profit in that way, other merchant groups would naturally follow suit.

In that case, the navy would be able to secure spare warships and sailors that could be immediately put into service in an emergency without much effort.

‘I heard that the military is one of those most influenced by the Crown Prince….’

Kim Jeom shook his head lightly and soon asked Im Hae-sul.

“Hey, do you have any thoughts of working in the Ministry of Finance?”

At Kim Jeom’s words, Im Hae-sul answered firmly.

“As a military examination graduate, I have no intention of abandoning my commitment to the military!”

“That’s a shame. You’ve worked hard. Then go ahead.”

“Yes.”

Im Hae-sul, paying his respects to Kim Jeom and coming outside, muttered while looking at the Ministry of Finance building.

“Am I crazy? Why would I go into that overtime hell?”

The Ministry of Finance, along with the Royal Secretariat, which had to assist Sejong in all his work right next to him, the research institute that had to solve all kinds of bizarre devices and problems put out by the Crown Prince, and Area 51, was the department with the worst working conditions, which all officials avoided. And the General Affairs Department was right behind it.

* * *