Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 448

448. The Western Barbarians Come to Joseon (5)

In tackling these various endeavors, the most immediate challenge was securing sufficient materials. Hyang dedicated all his efforts, working alongside the artisans, to overcome this hurdle.

“At least we’re not facing any major issues with steel…”

Hyang, reviewing the progress, tapped the desk with a finger, a hint of relief in his expression.

Early in the Gyeongjang era [a period of economic and military reform], the method used to gather skilled steel artisans, which involved a competition, mirrored steel production techniques of the 20th and 21st centuries. (Note 1)

Consequently, through continuous refinement and adaptation both on-site and within Area 51 [likely a reference to a secure research and development facility], Joseon’s steel quality and production volume surpassed those of its Northeast Asian neighbors.

“The real issue is that alloy steel is crucial for creating steam engines and other high-performance equipment…”

To address this, Hyang mobilized the alchemists. However, he remained acutely aware of the limitations.

“This alone isn’t enough. To achieve better results, we need furnaces and kilns that are more efficient or can withstand higher temperatures.”

Driven by this realization, Hyang and the artisans initiated research into advanced furnace and kiln designs.

“But, Your Highness! Didn’t you say that our current furnaces are already highly efficient? Why research new ones?” Kim Jeom, responsible for the following year’s budget, voiced his concerns.

Meanwhile, Hyang concentrated on developing kilns capable of withstanding extreme temperatures.

“Since we can’t build an electric furnace, I need to create a kiln that can achieve the highest possible temperature using the resources Joseon can reliably access.”

This led to the creation of experimental kilns designed to operate at increasingly higher temperatures.

“The problem is the lack of instruments to accurately measure these temperatures…”

Hyang, pondering a suitable method for assessing performance, recalled carbide.

* * *

Hyang first encountered carbide in the 21st century while running a blacksmith shop in Yangsan. He discovered it in a barn while assisting an elderly woman on a nearby farm.

“Could this be the carbide I’ve only heard about?”

Hyang’s curiosity, characteristic of Gwangdeok [likely a nickname or title implying curiosity and knowledge-seeking], led him to investigate carbide thoroughly, ultimately leading to its current application.

* * *

After numerous trials and setbacks, a kiln capable of maintaining the high temperatures required to produce carbide was finally completed.

Hyang then presented the carbide produced from this experiment to Sejong [the king].

“His Majesty has been complaining about blurry vision at night recently…”

Sejong was greatly pleased with the bright light emitted by the carbide lamp, which was created by modifying an existing glass lamp.

“It’s remarkably bright! Truly amazing! To generate light from minerals, not coal!”

Sejong, admiring the lamp’s brilliance, turned to Hyang.

“Can this be mass-produced?”

“It’s feasible with more kilns, but…”

Hyang hesitated, glancing at Kim Jeom. Kim Jeom’s expression had grown complicated the moment Sejong mentioned mass production. Noticing this, Sejong broached the subject carefully.

“Aren’t the costs of oil or candles for lamps quite high?”

Kim Jeom’s face immediately brightened, and he responded promptly.

“I will secure the funds for constructing new kilns!”

The historian documenting this event added the following:

-The historian says.

Rumor has it that numerous merchants are eagerly awaiting Kim Jeom’s potential resignation. While his personal connections are noteworthy, his financial management skills are unparalleled in Joseon. The only obstacle is His Majesty’s unwavering refusal to let him resign.

As steel quality and processing techniques steadily improved, accompanied by advancements in related technologies, a wave of innovations began to emerge in Joseon.

* * *

“Your Highness, the Iron Horse is prepared.”

“I’ve been anticipating this.”

Upon hearing the interpreter’s announcement, Henrique and his entourage exited the guest house.

“What is this?”

Henrique, observing the rickshaws lined up at the entrance, inquired of the interpreter. The interpreter smiled and replied.

“Distinguished guests of your stature deserve more than to travel on foot. We have arranged rickshaws for your convenience.”

“Is this the famed rickshaw?”

Henrique’s eyes lit up at the interpreter’s confirmation, and he began to examine the vehicle. He had heard rumors about them from the Vatican.

“An intriguing design.”

Henrique, studying the rickshaw, muttered with interest. His attention was drawn to the axle. Two rounded, curved iron plates were joined together like a closed clam, with the axle and passenger seat positioned between them. Essentially, the axle wasn’t directly connected to the passenger area but rather suspended in the air.

“Truly fascinating.”

Muttering to himself, Henrique settled into the seat and surveyed his surroundings. A pole in front of the seat served as both a handle for assistance and a place to hang a lamp.

The seat itself was covered with a neatly dyed cushion.

“Let’s depart!”

At the interpreter’s command, the rickshaws carrying Henrique and his party set off toward the Iron Horse Station.

En route, Henrique continued to observe his surroundings.

“The road is remarkably clean, despite the odor.”

In contrast to the pungent smell that assaulted his nostrils – the aroma of Joseon’s soy sauce – the road was spotless. Compared to the filth-ridden streets of Europe, this Joseon road was remarkably dust-free.

“Hmm…”

Observing the clean road, Henrique turned his gaze to the Joseon people walking along it.

“Their clothes are clean, and their faces are well-kept.”

Henrique, impressed by the neatly dressed Joseon citizens, muttered to himself unconsciously.

“Even commoners dress neatly, and the roads are dust-free… How wealthy is this Joseon?”

Unlike his initial impressions upon arriving in Suez, Henrique felt increasingly intimidated.

And at the Iron Horse Station, the sight of the legendary Iron Horse nearly caused him to collapse.

Choo! Choo!

A massive iron behemoth, constructed from expensive steel, stood before them, belching black smoke. Behind this steel monster were luxuriously appointed passenger cars.

“Please board this way.”

“Understood.”

Henrique, stepping onto the train, meticulously examined the interior.

As befitting a VIP passenger car, the interior was lavish. Large chairs with plush cushions were generously spaced, with appropriately sized tables between them.

Kweeek!

After a short delay, the Iron Horse roared to life with a piercing whistle and began to move. Henrique and his party gazed in awe at the passing scenery.

“It’s faster than I imagined!”

The group, experiencing the Iron Horse for the first time, regained their composure after a while and began to share their impressions.

“During the ride here, I noticed that all the Joseon people appeared clean.”

Henrique’s aides and captains nodded in agreement.

“Indeed. Aside from that peculiar stench, the people and streets were remarkably clean.”

“It’s more than just cleanliness. The men’s beards were all styled differently.”

“That’s right!”

“They seem to put a great deal of effort into their appearance!”

“Beards…”

“And that’s not all. The men we met at the guest house, except for the slaves, mostly smelled pleasant!”

Henrique’s expression grew increasingly somber as he recalled the faces of the men he had seen on the street. Even ordinary citizens, not nobles, groom their beards and wear perfume? This suggested that even commoners possessed considerable economic余裕 [economic leeway/disposable income].

Finally, Henrique cursed under his breath.

“This damn country is truly frightening…”

* * *

The technology that Hyang developed through his interventions wasn’t limited to heavy, thick, long, and large objects.

In fact, Hyang devoted even more attention to ‘light, thin, short, and small’ items.

Among these smaller items, some were significantly impacted by the advancements in steel processing technology, particularly blades, especially razor blades.

Across both Eastern and Western cultures, men have always paid close attention to beard management. This wasn’t merely a matter of fashion but also directly related to hygiene.

This was also true in Joseon. Regardless of social standing, Joseon men had to maintain their beards once they began to grow.

Joseon men typically trimmed their beards with small scissors and knives. However, scissors were cumbersome, and knives posed a risk.

As barbershops became more prevalent and competition intensified, an increasing number of establishments began offering shaving services. However, in places where the blades weren’t properly maintained, complaints like this arose:

“Are you trying to shave my beard, or are you trying to decapitate me?”

This was also the case within the palace. The eunuch entrusted with trimming the king’s beard was invariably the one the king trusted most.

In this context, razor blades were developed through continuous technological refinement, resulting in blades as thin as paper yet possessing elasticity and the ability to maintain an exceptionally sharp edge when honed.

Hyang then utilized this steel plate to create safety razor blades. After numerous attempts, he perfected a safety razor blade and razor that met his satisfaction and celebrated.

“Finally! I can shave it all off!”

Kim Jeom, witnessing the prototypes Hyang had created – razor blades and Miansu (美顔水, skin lotion) – immediately sprang into action.

“How much funding do you require?”

‘That razor blade is promising, but Miansu is guaranteed to be a bestseller! This is definitely a lucrative opportunity!’

“And this as well…”

Seeing Kim Jeom’s enthusiastic response, Hyang presented a pair of scissors. Kim Jeom, impressed by the gleaming blade, unlike any scissors he had seen before, immediately agreed.

“I’ll include this too!”

Hyang inwardly rejoiced at Kim Jeom’s decisive answer.

‘As expected of Lord Kim Jeom! He recognizes the value of scissors!’

Hyang, aware that the scissors used by beauticians and barbers in 21st-century salons and barbershops started at several hundred dollars, with most being Japanese-made, couldn’t overlook this opportunity.

‘If I start now and establish recognition over several centuries, an impenetrable advantage will be created in the future!’

And with the creation of such a thin blade, Hyang smiled contentedly.

“Finally, I can unleash the item I’ve been keeping in storage!”

The item Hyang had been holding back was a pencil.

* * *

As soon as graphite was discovered, Hyang immediately envisioned pencils.

After several trials and errors, Hyang created a usable pencil but soon fell into 고민 [Korean word for “worry” or “dilemma”].

“The problem is the high cost of paper… There’s also the inconvenience of sharpening it, and the issue of erasers…”

Hyang quickly identified the various challenges associated with pencils.

“Paper will become more affordable as we mass-produce Hwangji [traditional Korean paper] now, and erasers… That’s also a matter of time. If necessary, I can find something to use as an eraser or even erase with 침 [Korean word for “saliva”]. The main issue is sharpening the pencil. While alternatives like brushes and gold pens exist, the inconvenience of having to sharpen it with a knife each time will hinder its sales… Why were mechanical pencils invented? An easily used pencil sharpener is essential…”

Consequently, pencils remained as a limited number of prototypes until pencil sharpeners were developed.

Then, the invention of the razor blade also paved the way for the pencil sharpener, and the pencil finally saw the light of day.

* * *

Note 1) Research on the operation method of the stone masonry type iron furnace. Shin Kyung-hwan, Kim Kwon-il, Choi Young-min. Outdoor Archeology No. 22 (2015.03)

Note 2) If you look at the folk paintings of Kim Hong-do and Shin Yun-bok, you can often see noblemen shaving their beards.