Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 43

Clangra

Hello, Bomb!

43. Smiling and Crying Over My Obsession (8)

With the Minister of Taxation giving a positive conclusion, the situation progressed smoothly.

“Then, let’s proceed with the operation of the livestock farm, bean fields, and burnt fields.”

As Sejong was about to conclude, Chief State Councilor Hwang Hee interjected.

“Your Majesty, I believe the nationwide construction of livestock farms is still premature.”

“Why is that?”

Sejong and Hyang’s expressions sharpened, but Hwang Hee continued undeterred.

“The Crown Prince’s intentions are truly admirable, but the environment is not yet sufficient. To create livestock farms, vast land and water are necessary, but looking at the situation in all eight provinces of Joseon [ancient Korean kingdom], such land is already occupied by rice paddies and fields. Therefore, creating livestock farms would mean taking away these cultivated lands, which would inevitably lead to resistance from the people.”

“That makes sense.”

Sejong nodded at Hwang Hee’s point. He had hastily made a decision thinking about creating large-scale burnt fields, but Hwang Hee had pointed out that issue.

“Then, Chief State Councilor, what do you suggest we do?”

“Since there is already a royal livestock farm on Neobeol Island, I suggest that we first have them operate livestock and burnt fields there, and have the Hwacheok [nomadic people in Joseon] who volunteered as livestock herders gain experience there before moving them to all eight provinces. And during that time, the court should purchase land suitable for livestock farming.”

Hyang raised an objection to Hwang Hee’s words.

“Isn’t it possible to raise cattle and pigs even without a wide field? Can’t we use the mountains or slopes near springs as livestock farms and burnt fields?”

‘What about the Daegwallyeong farm!’

Hwang Hee immediately explained why it was impossible in response to Hyang’s point.

“Of course, we could do that. However, if we release cattle and pigs in such areas, they will most likely become food for tigers and bears.”

“Ah!”

Not only Hyang but also Sejong and all the officials exclaimed at Hwang Hee’s point.

During this period, the mountains of Joseon belonged to tigers and bears. Bears did not cause much damage, but tigers often came down to the villages and caused harm.

Reports of tigers coming down to villages and preying on livestock or people came up at least 4-5 times a year. Each time, the court had to dispatch tiger-hunting soldiers (捉虎甲士) [Jakhogapsa – specialized military units for tiger hunting].

“Hmm… the tiger problem is an issue.”

As Sejong expressed his regret, Hwang Hee reiterated his opinion.

“In addition to that reason, we must also clearly address the issue of the Hwacheok. The Hwacheok are skilled at handling horses and are good at fighting, regardless of gender or age. To assimilate them with our Joseon commoners, we must temper their temperament. By having them learn how to raise livestock at the Neobeol Island livestock farm and at the same time, we must refine them, so that there will be no major conflicts in the future.”

“A large number of cattle and pigs, as well as the Hwacheok and those who will manage them, must reside there. Will Neobeol Island be large enough to handle that?”

The Minister of Public Works immediately answered Sejong’s question.

“It is definitely possible! However, even a slight rise in the Han River’s water level can cover it with sand, so we need to prepare for that.”

“That would be a considerable construction project.”

Hyang offered a solution to Sejong’s words.

“We are currently in the spring famine season anyway. As I mentioned before, if we distribute rice to the people who have run out of grain and put them to work, it will be more than possible.”

As soon as Hyang finished speaking, the Minister of Public Works took over.

“If we mobilize the residents of Hanseong [old name for Seoul], Geumcheon County, and Bupyeong County, we will be able to build the embankment sufficiently.”

“Is that so?”

Hwang Hee asked the Minister of Public Works in response to his answer.

“Neobeol Island is very large, will it be possible with the people from those three places?”

The Minister of Public Works replied to Hwang Hee’s question.

“It would certainly be impossible to complete it all at once. However, if we first build a wooden fence this year, and then reinforce it with stones and soil during the spring famine season next year, it will be finished in 3 or 4 years. It won’t be too much of a burden on the people either.”

The officials diligently calculated in their heads at the Minister of Public Works’ answer. The officials, who had roughly finished their calculations, answered in unison.

“The Minister of Public Works’ plan seems to be correct.”

“Then let’s do that. Anyway, Crown Prince.”

“Yes, Father.”

“Thinking back to what you said earlier, 433 heads remain, excluding the cattle to be sent to the livestock farm. What were you planning to do with them?”

Hyang answered simply to Sejong’s question.

“How about providing nourishment to the people who have been vaccinated against smallpox?”

“Provide nourishment?”

“Yes, even after getting vaccinated against smallpox, they will have a fever and need to recover for a while.”

“That’s right.”

“And it’s the spring famine season. As I mentioned before, we need to repair the weirs and reservoirs. Therefore, it will take a lot of strength while repairing the weirs and reservoirs. No matter how much rice we distribute, it is certain that their energy will be lacking. I thought it would be good to give out cattle to help the people regain their strength.”

“Hmm…”

Sejong, who was pondering over Hyang’s answer, looked at the officials.

“I think it’s a good idea, what do you think?”

The officials, who had been doing various calculations in response to Sejong’s question, all answered in unison.

“I think it’s a really good idea.”

“Then let’s do that.”

* * *

That evening, after the meeting between Sejong and the officials ended, the Minister of Taxation visited the East Palace [residence of the Crown Prince].

“You worked really hard today.”

The Minister of Taxation smiled and shook his head at Hyang’s compliment.

“It was nothing. Rather, I am sorry that I have not thought of such a thing until now.”

“No. The work was done smoothly because the Minister of Taxation did not object.”

Hyang began to think about pigs when he visited Neobeol Island due to the smallpox issue. Soedol was cleaning the cattle to be vaccinated and took out a silver needle.

“Ah! I have prepared the needles and various other things.”

“Ah! Is that so?”

Hyang rummaged through his sleeve and took out a small container containing silver needles and another container.

“I understand the needle container, but what is this?”

“Cotton soaked in alcohol.”

After finishing the disinfection process and vaccinating against smallpox, Hyang took some time to check the animals raised on Neobeol Island.

“Is this a pig?”

“Yes, it is.”

Hyang, who saw the pigs running around in front of him, looked back at Soedol.

“Is that all grown up?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Wow…”

Hyang couldn’t believe his eyes.

‘Oh my god! The pig has a slender body line! And why is it so small!’

The pigs running around in front of him were small and slender.

Hyang returned to the palace and fell into 고민 [gomin – worry/trouble].

“I need a lot of pig oil for my plan… but with their condition like that.”

To solve the pig problem, Hyang called the Minister of Taxation who had been to Ming [Chinese dynasty] as an envoy. And he planned with the Minister of Taxation and passed it today.

The Minister of Taxation, who was about to get up from his seat after finishing the conversation with Hyang, asked Hyang a question.

“By the way.”

“Yes?”

“Why is the Crown Prince looking for pigs so much? Pork is delicious, but it is not comparable to beef, is it?”

Hyang smiled and answered the Minister of Taxation’s question.

“Pork is also delicious in its own way. But what is important to me is not the pork but the oil.”

“Yes?”

“The day will come when you will know.”

“Yes… Then.”

“Take care on your way back.”

Hyang muttered to himself as he watched the Minister of Taxation depart.

“Soap is just the beginning, not the ultimate goal. The by-products are what truly matter. And the same principle applies to superconductivity.”

* * *

As Sejong’s decree was disseminated, the finest cows from across the land were brought to Hanseong [present-day Seoul]. The remaining cattle were distributed, one to each town with a sizable population. By order of the magistrate, all residents of the village where a cow was assigned gathered together. With men, women, and children assembled, the magistrate read Sejong’s proclamation aloud.

“Therefore, you shall slaughter this cow, prepare soup, and nourish your bodies. Having regained your strength, dedicate yourselves wholeheartedly to repairing the weirs and reservoirs. Where no weirs or reservoirs exist, construct new ones to prepare for future droughts.”

No sooner had the magistrate concluded his announcement than the people raised their arms and shouted, “Long live the King!”

“Long live His Majesty! Long live! Long live forever!”

“Long live!”

The people cheered with unrestrained excitement. Then, the butcher stepped forward to slaughter the cow. The butchered animal was divided according to the size of each village, and soon a celebratory feast was underway in every community.

With the village feasts concluded, the magistrate mobilized the men to commence the vital water management projects.

“Repair the weirs and reservoirs!”

“Dig canals and build reservoirs!”

“Dig wells!”

While everyone toiled under the sun in their respective towns, relief rice dispatched by the central government arrived. Accompanying the rice were officials from the Ministry of Taxation and the Ministry of Public Works, who remained at the local offices, distributing rice according to the meticulously prepared household registers while also administering cowpox vaccinations. They diligently recorded the repairs of existing weirs and reservoirs, as well as the construction of new ones, canals, and wells.

Amidst this flurry of construction, it wasn’t only the common people who were busy. The influential figures, having been shaken by the previous incident, opened their coffers to slaughter cows and pigs.

“Eat well and work hard.”

“Thank you, Sir!”

“We will enjoy it!”

As a direct result of the people’s collective efforts, old weirs and reservoirs were revitalized, and a significant number of new reservoirs and weirs were erected.

Watching the water fill the newly renovated weirs, reservoirs, and canals, the farmers felt a surge of hope.

“This year, the harvest will be bountiful.”

* * *

May 6th.

Sejong summoned the Minister of Public Works and issued a decree.

“Create a more precise water clock.”

“I obey your command.”

The Minister of Public Works, upon receiving the order, summoned Jang Yeong-sil, who held the position of Byeoljwa (別坐, a minor official) in the Sanguiwon (尙衣院, Office of Royal Attire).

“His Majesty has commanded the creation of a water clock. Gather skilled artisans and construct a water clock.”

“I obey your command.”

Jang Yeong-sil bowed in acknowledgment.

Meanwhile, Hyang, upon hearing the news, clenched his fist in anticipation.

“It’s here! It’s really here!”

Overjoyed, Hyang eagerly began searching through the scrolls piled high in his study.

After a thorough search, Hyang located what he sought and summoned a eunuch.

“Eunuch!”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

“I must go to the Sanguiwon! Escort me!”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Upon arriving at the Sanguiwon, Hyang immediately inquired about Jang Yeong-sil.

“Where is Jang Yeong-sil Byeoljwa?”

At Hyang’s inquiry, one of the officials swiftly approached and responded.

“Jang Byeoljwa is currently at the Gyeongnu (更漏, clepsydra pavilion). I will summon him at once.”

“No. We shouldn’t disturb a busy person unnecessarily. You said Gyeongnu?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“I understand. Then, thank you for your assistance.”

Hyang immediately made his way to the Gyeongnu.

“Is that him?”

Hyang’s gaze settled upon a man who appeared to be in his early forties, intently observing the water clock. Beside the man, a piece of paper lay spread out, adorned with sketches of various driving components.

“Are you Jang Byeoljwa?”

The man, hearing Hyang’s voice from behind, turned and quickly rose from his seat to offer his respects.

“This humble one greets the Crown Prince!”

“Humble? If a Jong5品 Byeoljwa [Official rank] is considered humble, everyone will curse you.”

“I am deeply grateful!”

Hyang moved to Jang Yeong-sil’s side and spoke while examining the water clock.

“Were you studying the water clock?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“How is it? Do you understand its workings?”

“I believe I have a rough understanding.”

“Really? Then, could you create one with ease?”

At Hyang’s question, Jang Yeong-sil scratched his head in contemplation.

“Calculating the precise values presents some difficulty.”

“That’s a problem.”

Hyang’s face grew serious at Jang Yeong-sil’s response.

‘Hey! I’m terrible at advanced mathematics too! What am I supposed to do if even you are like this!’

While Hyang was racking his brain for a solution to this unexpected challenge, Jang Yeong-sil offered a suggestion.

“But, if Grand Scholar Jeong Cho could offer some assistance…”

“Grand Scholar Jeong Cho?”

“He is currently serving as Gongjo Champan (參判, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Public Works).”

“I see!”

‘I remember now!’

Hyang handed a bundle of scrolls to Jang Yeong-sil.

“What is this?”

“It’s a design for a clock I’ve been contemplating.”

“A clock?”

“This water clock is rather bulky. So, this is a clock that measures time in a different way.”

What Hyang had designed was a mechanical clock that utilized the descent of a weight as its power source.

“Hmm…”

As Jang Yeong-sil examined the blueprints Hyang had given him, his expression gradually turned serious.

He was aware that the Crown Prince was known for his eccentric tendencies, but Jang Yeong-sil didn’t hold particularly high expectations.

‘A clock is no simple matter to create, so how absurd…’

However, the moment he laid eyes on the first page of the blueprints, Jang Yeong-sil was forced to discard his preconceived notions. After scrutinizing the blueprints several times, Jang Yeong-sil turned to Hyang.

“Did Your Highness design this?”

“To be honest, about 30% of it was made with Seo Yi’s knowledge.”

‘To be exact, it’s 100% 21st-century knowledge…’

Since mechanical clocks using weights were relatively simple, numerous blueprints could be readily found on the Internet in the 21st century. There were even blueprints for constructing them from wood or iron, and even from plastic or craft paper.

In such a situation, there was no way that Hyang, a jack-of-all-trades, would simply ignore it.

End

ⓒ Gukbbong