Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 42

Jjangra

Hello Bomb

42. Laughing and Crying at Fangirling (7)

“As I mentioned before, candy pleases the mouth and prevents food spoilage. Also, when your energy is depleted, consuming an appropriate amount can quickly replenish it. However, excessive consumption has significant side effects. First, it damages your teeth and makes you obese.”

“Cough!”

Sejong coughed, reacting to Hyang’s words. He was already noticing his belly fat returning. Regardless, Hyang continued.

“And the most significant side effect is that it can cause diabetes. Not long ago, didn’t the royal physician diagnose you with signs of diabetes, Father?”

“Ahem! Cough! I understand. I will practice moderation.”

Sejong waved the white flag, but Hyang didn’t stop.

“After hearing that you showed signs of diabetes, Father, I couldn’t sleep. So, I searched through medical texts. If diabetes worsens, it can cause eye diseases leading to blindness, and then you wouldn’t be able to enjoy reading, which you love so much…”

“I said I’ll practice moderation!”

Sejong grumbled, but Hyang continued.

“An even bigger problem is that it can lead to impotence!”

“Impotence?”

In response to Sejong’s question, Hyang silently shifted her gaze towards Sejong’s lower body.

Following Hyang’s gaze, Sejong subtly pushed the sugar bowl aside.

Seeing this, Hyang moved to her conclusion.

“Candy is hard to quit because of its sweetness.”

“That’s true.”

“Medical texts also point this out, stating that the best way to treat diabetes is to minimize candy consumption and exercise.”

“Exercise?”

“Yes. Besides jump rope, you should take long walks and increase your muscle strength.”

“Increase muscle strength.”

“The medical text says, ‘Bones are like the pillars of a house, and muscles are like the walls. Even if the pillars are strong, if the walls are thin, they cannot withstand the cold and heat. Similarly, if muscle strength is weak, it cannot prevent illness.'”

“Increase muscle strength. I understand. I will do that.”

“Thank you for your grace. The Royal Guard Captain will know best about muscle strength.”

“Understood.”

Thus, Hyang’s ‘Sejong’s Longevity Project’ was reinforced. Hyang’s ultimate goal was simple:

“If losing weight is too difficult, let’s make him a healthy pig!”

* * *

With the vacant positions filled, the work of the court gradually began to pick up speed.

As the nationwide smallpox vaccination neared completion, the court began to debate a new topic: ‘Cattle.’

As the nationwide smallpox vaccination progressed, a large number of cows infected with smallpox were needed, which was resolved by landowners voluntarily (?) offering their cattle.

“The number of cattle received in tribute is 1,153. We need to consider how to handle these cattle.”

“1,153 heads… that’s quite a lot. Hmm…”

After a moment of contemplation, Sejong ordered the Chief Eunuch,

“Bring the Crown Prince.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Soon after, Hyang, summoned, entered the main hall.

“Father, you called for me?”

After paying respects, Hyang took her seat, and Sejong got straight to the point.

“…This is the situation. Crown Prince, what would you do with these cattle?”

After a moment of thought, Hyang asked the Minister of Taxation,

“What is the ratio of males to females among these cattle?”

The Minister of Taxation looked through the book he had brought and replied,

“There are 470 pairs.”

“470 pairs, that’s 940 heads… so there are 213 left.”

“That’s correct.”

“Hmm…”

After doing some calculations, Hyang soon came to a conclusion.

“Father, how about creating ranches throughout the eight provinces of Joseon to raise cattle and pigs?”

“Raise cattle and pigs?”

“Yes. Divide the entire territory of Joseon into north, south, east, and west, creating two ranches in each region, for a total of eight ranches, plus Neobeol Island, making nine ranches. Then, allocate 50 pairs to each ranch to raise cattle. In at least two to three years, each ranch will raise over 100 heads of cattle, right?”

“That’s likely.”

“Then, how much benefit would that bring?”

Hyang explained the reasons for establishing ranches.

-Although nationwide smallpox vaccination has been implemented, there are those who are too young or live in remote areas and have not yet received the vaccination. For these people, cattle infected with smallpox must be prepared every year. To this end, calves are born and raised on the ranches.

-After raising cattle and pigs in large quantities on the ranches, meat is supplied to the people. In particular, the slaughter of cattle has been prohibited because they are essential animals for farming, but this is almost a dead letter.”

Explaining this part, Hyang added,

“The important point here is that many people are accustomed to violating the cattle ban. The cattle ban is also a law of the country. If violating this law becomes commonplace, people will take the country’s laws lightly and will certainly take even greater and more serious crimes lightly.”

Sejong and his ministers nodded at Hyang’s words. Hyang continued.

-While supplying cattle and pigs in large quantities, the *hwacheok* [outcast group in Joseon society] can be definitively absorbed into the people of Joseon. By having them manage and operate the ranches and handle the butchery in each district, the problem of stable livelihoods can be solved. In this way, the court can gain justification for dealing with the *hwacheok*.”

“Will the *hwacheok* really agree to this?”

At the question from Chief State Councilor Maeng Sa-seong, Hyang answered firmly,

“Anyone with a brain will agree. Isn’t there the example of Woo Soe-dol, the *mokchambeong* [official in charge of horse management] of Neobeol Island?”

“Ah…”

At Hyang’s words, the ministers nodded.

* * *

While implementing the smallpox vaccination nationwide, Sejong recognized Soe-dol’s contribution and bestowed a surname upon him.

“I bestow upon you the surname Woo. The reason I give you this surname ‘Woo (愚)’ is not because you are foolish. Like the old man in the story ‘Yu Gong Yishan (愚公移山) [The Foolish Old Man Who Removed the Mountains],’ I highly value your steadfastly protecting the secret art, so I give you the surname Woo. I hope you will continue to steadfastly uphold your duty in the future.”

Sejong not only personally summoned him to Gyeongbok Palace and bestowed the surname but also explained the reason, causing Soe-dol to weep with overwhelming joy.

“Huhu! Your Majesty’s grace is boundless! Hicc! Hoo-hoo! Long live His Majesty! Long live! Long long live!”

After a tearful celebration, when Soe-dol’s emotions had calmed down, Sejong asked a question.

“Is *Chambeong* [military title] Woo from *hwacheok* descent?”

“Yes, he is.”

“I heard that it is customary for *hwacheok* to wander. How did he settle down?”

“I heard that my grandfather did so. He said that since he left his hometown and came to a foreign land, it was natural to follow the laws of that land… So, he looked for a place to make a living and started animal husbandry.”

“Your grandfather was truly a wise man.”

Sejong smacked his lips and muttered,

“How wonderful it would be if all the other *hwacheok* were like your grandfather.”

The *hwacheok* were a headache for Joseon, so much so that Sejong was regretful. Although quite some time had passed since they had entered Joseon, they had not abandoned the customs of their nomadic days and had become alienated from Joseon society. As a result, they roamed around in groups, committing begging, robbery, arson, and murder.

* * *

The policy presented by Hyang, citing the example of Woo Soe-dol, was quite extreme.

“While entrusting them with the operation of animal husbandry and butchery, we will organize their household registers, collect taxes, and impose military service. In this way, they will surely settle down as people of Joseon. However, if they refuse to do so despite implementing these policies, we must thoroughly suppress and exterminate them.”

Sejong and his ministers had serious expressions at Hyang’s statement.

“Isn’t extermination too much?”

“It seems too excessive even considering benevolence and righteousness.”

However, Hyang’s response was cold.

“They have been living on this land for hundreds or tens of years, yet they take the laws and customs of this land lightly. A firm response is necessary!”

The background to Hyang’s claim was the reality of Joseon, where reports related to crimes committed by the *hwacheok* were constantly being filed, and the refugee problems she had experienced in the 21st century.

While Sejong and his ministers were contemplating Hyang’s remarks, the Minister of Justice opened his mouth.

“I think His Highness the Crown Prince’s opinion is reasonable. Looking at the reports coming to the Ministry of Justice, at least half of the perpetrators of heinous crimes such as murder and robbery committed throughout the country are *hwacheok*. If this is not resolved, public sentiment will be shaken.”

“That’s true, but…”

“Look at the Muslims. Although they have foreign religions and customs, they faithfully follow the laws of our Joseon, don’t they?”

As the Minister of Justice joined Hyang, Sejong and his ministers became even more troubled. After much deliberation, Sejong made a decision.

“Frankly speaking, dealing with the *hwacheok* was something that required a decision. Let’s take this opportunity to sort it out.”

“We obey your command!”

In this way, a hard-line policy on the *hwacheok* was decided.

* * *

Once the matter of the *hwacheok* was decided, Hyang spoke about the final reason why ranches were needed.

“Finally, ranches are needed for reasons of national defense.”

“National defense?”

At the sudden appearance of the word ‘national defense,’ Sejong and his ministers perked up their ears.

“Yes, for reasons of national defense. First of all, there is the dried food for the soldiers. As I examined the medical texts I obtained, I found this passage: ‘Grains provide immediate strength, but the stomach empties quickly. This is like straw, which ignites easily and burns quickly and strongly but quickly dies out. Meat is like firewood, which takes time to ignite but has the effect of burning for a long time.'”

After taking a breath, Hyang looked at Sejong and his ministers and continued,

“Comparing Ming China and our Joseon, it is clear that the people of our Joseon eat a lot of grains. When our Joseon army moves, the largest volume is occupied by the grains that the soldiers will eat. This is because the intake of meat is low, and they gain the strength to move from grains. Therefore, jerky or salted preserved food made from beef or pork must be made and supplied to the military.”

“Hmm…”

Sejong and his ministers made humming noises and stroked their beards at Hyang’s words. There were no words, but their expressions were all ‘Hoo? Sounds plausible?’ Seeing those expressions, Hyang delivered the final blow.

“And most importantly, manure from cattle and pigs can be collected to create scorched earth [land deliberately made barren]. Looking at the current situation in our Joseon, even if we collect dung, urine, and soil from the kitchen hearths from private homes to create scorched earth, the amount is small. This is because these are used by farmers to fertilize rice paddies and fields. For this reason, there has always been conflict and disputes between farmers and officials. However, if we operate ranches and collect and use the manure from cattle and pigs, we can create scorched earth on a large scale without burdening the people.”

“That’s right!”

“It’s a brilliant idea!”

At Hyang’s words, Sejong and his ministers, especially the Minister of War, were greatly pleased. However, the Minister of Taxation, who had been doing some calculations, raised an objection.

“His Highness the Crown Prince’s plan is brilliant, but there is a problem. The problem is feed. Cattle only eat grass, so it doesn’t matter, but pigs are a problem. Pigs eat a lot, but they produce little meat. And it spoils quickly in the summer, so it’s of little use. Taste aside.”

At the words of the Minister of Taxation, Hyang nodded readily.

“I acknowledge that. But, Minister of Taxation, you have been to Ming China as an envoy, haven’t you?”

“That’s right.”

“What are the pigs of Ming China like? Have you ever seen them?”

“I have seen them a few times in the process of obtaining books to give to His Highness the Crown Prince. Hmm… To exaggerate a bit, they were as big as houses.”

“Then, wouldn’t it be possible to get breeding pigs from Ming China?”

“But wouldn’t they eat even more since they are so big?”

The discussion between Hyang and the Minister of Taxation became increasingly in-depth, and Sejong and his ministers listened to the conversation with great interest.

“Wouldn’t it be possible to create a bean field next to the ranch to grow beans? Beans grow well as long as they are given enough water. Ranches also require a lot of water.”

“However, in that case, additional land would be needed in addition to the land used for the ranch.”

Hyang immediately offered an alternative to that remark.

“In such cases, you can consult with the surrounding landowners and rent land.”

“Would the landowners easily agree? It’s farmland that’s not even enough to plant rice and barley.”

“You can rent land where the soil has been depleted. I heard that planting beans in the field restores the soil.”

At Hyang’s words, the Minister of Taxation diligently calculated. The Minister of Taxation, who had finished calculating, nodded.

“I think it’s entirely possible.”

End