Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 45

Tinkering

Hello, Bomb!

45. Laughing and Crying Over Fandom (10)

The ‘Joseon Institute of Science and Technology Development’ was as formidable an institution as its name implied.

The Joseon Institute of Science and Technology Development (hereafter referred to as the ‘Institute’) was an independent body reporting directly to the King.

“The Chief Director of the Institute is limited to the Crown Prince.”

“The Institute’s annual budget is guaranteed to be a minimum of 1 *pun* [a unit of currency] and a maximum of 3 *pun* out of Joseon’s annual budget.”

“Intellectual property rights fees earned from the commercialization of technologies or devices developed by the Institute shall be divided into three parts: 40% to the state, 30% to the Institute’s finances, and 30% to the developer or development team.”

(Omitted)

Thus, a powerful institution was born, independent and reporting only to the King, shielded from political meddling by the Crown Prince’s directorship, and financially secure with a guaranteed 1 to 3 *pun* of the national annual budget.

Of course, such immense benefits came with significant responsibilities.

“Researchers belonging to the Institute must present their findings at least once every two years. Group presentations are acceptable.”

“Duplicate findings are strictly prohibited. Discovery of duplication will result in the revocation of all benefits and expulsion from the Institute.”

“Budget usage will be meticulously scrutinized. Any misuse of funds will result in the recovery of the entire budget and expulsion.”

“All research conducted at the Institute is classified as a national secret. Unauthorized disclosure or leakage will be punished as high treason.”

These compliance measures were considerable, but they fostered an independent institution that, over time, rivaled the Jiphyeonjeon [Hall of Worthies, a royal research institute] as Joseon’s premier academic body. It also presented a daunting challenge for Crown Princes eager to surpass their predecessors.

The Institute’s future prestige and influence were distant prospects; for now, its beginnings were humble.

Hyang’s team consisted of Jeong Cho, Jeong In-ji, Yi Cheon, and Jang Yeong-sil, along with artisans from the Military Supplies Department and other departments as needed.

“‘The beginning was insignificant, but the end will be great…’ What a load of bull! We may be small in number, but I’ll make sure no one looks down on us!”

Hyang gritted his teeth, noting the ministers’ skeptical reactions despite Sejong’s approval.

“First, the organizational chart!”

Hyang formalized the Institute’s structure. The director was the Crown Prince, and the organization was divided into the Basic Science and Technology Research and Development Department and the Applied Science and Technology Research and Development Department.

The Vice Director of the Institute would also head the Basic Science Department with the rank of Senior 2 grade, while the head of the Applied Science Department would concurrently manage the Institute’s General Operations Department with the rank of Junior 2 grade.

Research team heads, responsible for direct research, would hold at least a Junior 3 grade rank, preventing political marginalization.

“No one in their right mind would pick a fight with the Crown Prince as our backer, but we need to avoid being undervalued from the start.”

With the organizational chart complete, Hyang immediately sought Sejong’s approval.

“A Vice Director with the Senior 2 grade… Isn’t that a bit high?”

“The Grand Scholar of the Jiphyeonjeon holds the same rank. The Chief, Yeongjeonsa [Office for Royal Mausoleums], is even held concurrently by State Councilors of Senior 1 grade.”

“That’s true, but…”

Seeing Sejong hesitate, Hyang added, “The Institute isn’t just my personal project. It will become an academic institution as vital to Joseon as the Jiphyeonjeon.”

Sejong, considering Hyang’s words, reached a decision.

“Good. Pursue your vision. I will support you.”

“Your Grace is boundless!”

Hyang bowed deeply and hurried out of the main hall. The State Councilors, witnessing the scene, voiced their concerns to Sejong.

“I worry that you are providing too much support.”

“Given what the Crown Prince has demonstrated so far, I believe he is capable.”

The State Councilors fell silent. They could have argued, but the fate of their predecessors was still fresh in their minds.

Hyang, with Sejong’s confirmation, returned to the East Palace and exclaimed, “Now! Shall we do some tinkering?”

* * *

“Alright! Everyone, gather around!”

Jeong Cho and the others, huddled in a room of the East Palace due to the lack of a designated workspace, immediately assembled at Hyang’s call. Hyang presented the organizational chart and began to explain.

“The Institute is broadly divided into two parts.”

Hyang detailed the organization’s structure and personnel assignments. Jeong Cho and Jeong In-ji were entrusted with the Basic Science and Technology Research Department, while Yi Cheon took charge of the Applied Science and Technology Research and Development Department.

“…And Officer Jang will oversee the artisans from the Military Supplies Department and other departments to create research equipment and prototypes for mass production. Understood?”

“I understand the assignments, but what does each department actually do?” Jeong Cho asked, acting as the group’s spokesperson.

Hyang immediately responded, “The Basic Science… or Basic Department, will research fundamental academics and technologies, as the name suggests.”

“Basic, as in?”

“Starting with mathematics, we’ll explore metallurgy, chemistry, and architecture.
The Applied Department will then develop the Basic Department’s findings and our existing knowledge.”

Jeong Cho inquired further, “I understand mathematics, but are fields like metallurgy, chemistry, and architecture also considered academics?”

“Absolutely. Artisans have traditionally relied on inherited knowledge and personal experience, which isn’t ideal. If a skilled artisan dies without passing on their knowledge, their expertise is lost. But what if we documented and categorized this knowledge?”

Jeong Cho quickly grasped the point. “If people want to learn, they can use this documentation as a foundation and build upon it.”

“Exactly.”

Hyang continued his explanation. By the end, after a lengthy discussion, Jeong Cho and the others understood why the artisans’ expertise was being integrated into the realm of academics.

“I see why Your Highness considers this field academic. Should we gather the artisans in these fields?”

Hyang shook his head. “Not yet. The Basic Department has something else to do first.”

“What is it?”

“Learn arithmetic first.”

“Yes?”

* * *

Hyang assigned tasks to both the Basic and Applied Departments.

“This was created as an independent institution, and we plan to get a considerable budget. Then you know what will happen, right?”

Everyone except Jang Yeong-sil nodded.

“There will be a lot of checks and balances.”

“Exactly. So, we need to produce visible results quickly.”

“That won’t be easy,” Jeong Cho and Yi Cheon said with concern. Jeong In-ji, still a new official, seemed unsure, while Jang Yeong-sil simply focused on his assigned tasks.

“True. So, let’s focus on what will yield the fastest results. The Basic Department will revise the calendar system. That’s why you need to learn arithmetic.”

Jeong Cho pointed out, “The calendar revision is already underway.”

“But it’s slow. Most of the officials involved are working on it part-time.”

“That’s true.”

“So, Minister and Scholar Jeong, take charge of this project. If needed, recruit officials with arithmetic skills or an interest in it, or even offer official positions to Muslims and bring them in.”

“Bringing in Muslims could be problematic.”

“Just say they’re arithmetic instructors. If anyone objects, use my name.”

“Understood.”

“Remember, we need to produce results quickly. Report your progress to me every two weeks.”

“I will.”

Hyang, having entrusted the task to Jeong Cho and Jeong In-ji, turned to Yi Cheon.

“Minister, let’s collaborate.”

“On what?”

“Cannon improvement.”

Yi Cheon’s eyes lit up. A military officer himself, he was eager to improve Joseon’s weaponry. Hyang continued, watching Yi Cheon’s reaction.

“Can you recommend anyone?”

Yi Cheon immediately replied, “General Choi Hae-san, currently the Military Supplies Department Supervisor.”

“General Choi Hae-san?”

“Admiral Choi Mu-seon’s son.”

“Let’s go now!”

Hyang jumped up and instructed Jeong Cho, “We’re preparing a building for the research institute, but for now, use this place as a laboratory.”

“Understood.”

Hyang turned to Yi Cheon, having given Jeong Cho his instructions.

“Minister, let’s go!”

“Yes!”

* * *

Leaving the East Palace, Hyang asked Yi Cheon, “Where is General Choi Hae-san now? I don’t recall seeing him at the Military Supplies Department last time.”

“He’s working at the Ministry of War.”

“Then let’s go to the Ministry of War!”

Arriving at the Ministry of War, Hyang immediately sought out Choi Hae-san, who rushed to greet him.

“You summoned me, Your Highness the Crown Prince?”

“Yes. I’m delighted to finally meet you. I’m truly happy to know your name.”

“Your Grace is boundless!” Choi Hae-san smiled broadly at Hyang’s friendliness. Hyang cut to the chase.

“Let’s create something together.”

“Yes?”

The three moved to a private office in the Ministry of War building to continue their conversation.

“What do you mean by ‘create something’?”

“I mean let’s improve the main weapons used by our Joseon army.”

“You’re talking about weapons?”

“That’s right. Our Joseon army isn’t comparable to the Ming Dynasty, our cavalry is on par with the Jurchens but struggles to overwhelm them, and we’re pushed back by Japanese pirates in close combat. Do you agree?”

Choi Hae-san nodded.

“I agree.”

“However, Joseon’s finances are too strained for a simple, unplanned expansion.”

“That’s true. It’s truly unfortunate.”

“So, to solve this problem, we should first improve the quality of our weapons and then gradually expand the military.”

Choi Hae-san offered a rebuttal. “I apologize for saying this, Your Highness, but the quality of Joseon’s swords and spears isn’t inferior.”

“Swords and spears aren’t the only weapons, and they’re primarily for close combat, which doesn’t suit our Joseon army’s situation. I’m talking about gunpowder weapons: cannons and gun barrels.”

“Cannons and gun barrels?” Expectation and worry mixed on Choi Hae-san’s face. He had expectations for Hyang’s ingenuity, symbolized by the gold pens and writing boards. However, having directly handled gunpowder and made cannons, he was also very concerned.

‘Cannons are not something anyone can touch!’

Hiding his worries, Choi Hae-san continued, “You mentioned cannons and gun barrels, but how do you plan to improve their quality?”

“We only have plans now, but we’ll start by increasing their killing power. Then, we’ll improve the materials and production methods.”

“Hmm…”

Hyang continued, seeing Choi Hae-san’s troubled expression. “First, I want to see the actual power of the cannons and gun barrels and how they’re operated. Is a demonstration possible?”

“That requires the King’s approval.”

“I’ll ask Father.”

* * *

Sejong questioned Hyang’s request for a cannon and gun barrel demonstration.

“Is it truly necessary? I won’t allow it if it’s just for entertainment.”

“It’s not for entertainment. To strengthen national defense, improving cannons is essential, but I’ve never seen one properly.”

Sejong, contemplating Hyang’s firm answer, decided, “The Ministry of War shall prepare a demonstration of cannons and gun barrels as proposed by Hyang.”

“I obey your command!”

“And I will attend the demonstration. Cannons are vital to our Joseon army, but I haven’t properly examined them since ascending the throne. I’ll inspect them thoroughly this time.”

The ministers responded in unison, “I obey your command!”