Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 491

491. Picking Pockets. (4)

“Father, I heard you were looking for me. Is there something you wish to command?”

Having been summoned, Hyang visited Gangnyeongjeon [the King’s personal residence], offered his greetings, and then asked the reason for the summons.

Sejong nodded in response to Hyang’s question.

“Yes, I called you because I need people.”

“People? Should we increase the number of people in the Royal Secretariat?”

“Not eunuchs, but I need some people to take to Shinji [newly discovered continent, analogous to the Americas] and put to work.”

“In that case, I will put in a word with the General Affairs Department.”

Hyang, who had been answering matter-of-factly, paused. It was because Sejong’s expression after hearing the answer was not good at all.

‘Why? What is it?’

Seeing Sejong’s displeased expression, Hyang began to rack his brain to figure out the reason. Sejong clicked his tongue at Hyang’s inability to come up with an answer immediately.

“Tsk! Why is a fellow who is usually so quick-witted suddenly acting like this? If I am taking people from you, who else would it be?”

At Sejong’s words, Hyang’s face turned pale. Hyang asked Sejong in a trembling voice.

“Are you perhaps talking about the people from Area 51?”

“That’s right. Give me exactly half, no more, no less. Just half will do.”

Instantly, Hyang prostrated himself on the floor without realizing it and shouted.

“Father, no!”

“This is a necessary matter. Why are you acting like this when you are old enough to know everything?”

“Why do you need half of them?”

Hyang, looking tearful, asked the reason in a voice full of moisture. Sejong answered immediately to Hyang’s question.

“Don’t you know from the reports? The expedition team that secured the bridgehead has already gone deep into the east of Shinji, and they have discovered incredibly vast lakes there.”

“I know.”

‘Finally planted the flag on the Great Lakes.’

“And, as it is also in the subsequent reports, the area around the lakes is rich in forests, and they have also discovered iron and coal mines.”

“And I know that they have discovered plains suitable for farming to the south.”

“And they have also met a very large indigenous tribe that has formed a large-scale alliance.”

The indigenous tribal alliance that Sejong mentioned was the ‘Iroquois Confederacy.’

* * *

In the history before Hyang’s intervention, Joseon, having established a bridgehead in the area called ‘British Columbia,’ advanced eastward, bypassing the northeast of the Rocky Mountains according to Hyang’s plan.

Avoiding the harsh natural environment of the Rocky Mountains meant that their route was through an environment suitable for people to live in.

As a natural result, the expedition team heading east encountered indigenous people.

However, the expedition team was experienced in making peaceful contact with indigenous people through the exploration of Daeseol Island, Jongjang Island, and the Northeast Archipelago.

The expedition team offered salt, sugar, iron-made spearheads, and arrowheads, creating a friendly relationship.

Subsequently, they taught the indigenous people how to record their language using Hunminjeongeum [the Korean alphabet], and shared some useful medicines in addition to the traditional herbs used by the indigenous people, making them allies of Joseon.

As they gradually made the contacted tribes allies of Joseon, the Joseon expedition team, which responded decisively to those who used force against the expedition team like they did against the Jurchens – in other words, extermination – had become known as the ‘fearsome tribe with thunder sticks [firearms].’

Through this combination of carrot and stick, the Joseon expedition team gradually solidified its base and advanced eastward, and three years ago, they finally advanced to the Great Lakes.

“What kind of land is this….”

‘I thought it was the sea because I could see the horizon, but when I tasted it, it was fresh water.’

The expedition team, which had been living in the narrow environment of Joseon, was bewildered by the environment that far exceeded their cognitive realm, but soon recognized the situation and sent back a report filled with joy.

And Joseon, having received this report, immediately dispatched a large number of personnel.

The expedition team, thus reinforced, crossed the lakes and went south or advanced east along the lakes.

In the process, they encountered plains so vast that the word ‘stupid’ seemed appropriate, and discovered the Atlantic coastline.

Finally, they met the indigenous people of the Iroquois Confederacy – or, to be precise, the ‘Kanonsionni’ – who had settled and lived in this area.

* * *

Sejong explained to Hyang why so many artisans from Area 51 were needed.

“To put it simply, the content of the expedition team’s report is that Shinji is a region where ‘everything is big except for people,’ isn’t it? What is the way to quickly move a lot of logistics at once in such a land?”

“Railroad.”

“Who is making the iron horses [trains] that will run on that railroad?”

“…Area 51.”

“What is the efficiency of shipping all the necessary railroads and iron horses from Joseon here?”

“…Extremely low.”

“Who can build steel mills, make iron horses, make cannons and gunpowder, and build ships?”

“The artisans of Area 51.”

As he answered Sejong’s questions, Hyang had to gradually accept reality. However, his face was still sullen, so Sejong further emphasized the necessity.

Of course, he could have done it by authority, but the research institute and Area 51 were places where Hyang’s blood and sweat were invested. As a way to properly treat his son and the next king, only persuasion was the answer.

“Crown Prince, you also remember the Jurchens who revered the railroad as the ‘Dragon’s Road’ and voluntarily pledged allegiance. Wouldn’t Shinji be the same? According to the expedition team, they are still using stone tools or bronze tools that have not been properly refined.”

“It’s a town without words.”

“That’s right! And I’m not saying that I’m just going to drag them all there and bury them. I will rotate the personnel once every five years.”

‘In the end, you’re going to take them all and use them!’

Although he screamed inwardly, Hyang had no choice but to nod.

“I understand. I will speak with General Yi Cheon and begin the selection process.”

“Thank you. Ah! Be sure to include Director Jang Yeong-sil!”

“Father! Are you planning to take all of my resources?”

“You rascal! Isn’t Director Jang about to retire soon? It would be good for him to spend his retirement in a place with good water and air, wouldn’t it?”

‘Deficit! Deficit!’

“And, later, when you go over to Shinji, wouldn’t it be easier for you if Area 51 is already in place?”

‘Thank you very much!’

While grumbling inwardly, Hyang had no choice but to accept Sejong’s opinion.

“I will do as you say.”

“Thank you. Ah! There’s one more thing! Be sure to exclude Jin-pyeong. Seeing his behavior, it is certain that he will make a fuss, but exclude him unconditionally. Of course, looking at his behavior now, there is no need to worry, but politics, that monster, can change people at any time.”

“I will do so. Instead, we need to find new people to replace those who leave. Please help with the budget allocation.”

“I will.”

In this way, Hyang was able to reach an agreement with Sejong.

And Yi Cheon, who received the order written by Hyang and stamped with Sejong’s royal seal, looked up at the sky and muttered.

“Ah…. I suddenly want to drink.”

Meanwhile, Jin-pyeong, who heard the story, sought out Hyang without asking any questions.

“Your Highness!”

“What?”

“How could you exclude me from such an important matter!”

“It’s not the right time yet.”

“What do you mean it’s not the right time! The current situation is exactly the right place for me!”

“I said it’s not the right time!”

Hyang shouted and immediately continued.

“You’re going with me.”

“Yes?”

“Do you think Father will stay in Shinji forever? Later, when the time comes, I will go in place of Father, and you will go with me then. And that will be the right place you’re talking about.”

“Yes?”

As Jin-pyeong still wore a bewildered expression, Hyang spoke in more detail.

“Right now, we’re only building the railroad between the bridgehead and the Great Lakes (大湖群). Are you just going to lay that and come back? Isn’t that enough for you?”

At Hyang’s question, Jin-pyeong nodded without realizing it. Looking at Jin-pyeong’s face, Hyang continued.

“But if I go, I will build a railroad network throughout Shinji. I guarantee you it won’t be easy. To succeed in that great undertaking, we need someone who will push forward headlong. I think that’s you. Am I wrong?”

At Hyang’s question, Jin-pyeong raised his voice and answered.

“No! Absolutely not!”

“So, you stay here and focus on improving the iron horses and steam engines. Given the size of Shinji, the performance of the current iron horses will be insufficient. Understand?”

“Yes! I will do my best!”

“Then go back and take care of your work. And if you are a man with ambition, you must also know how to endure. Don’t come running here every time you hear a rumor.”

“Yes.”

Jin-pyeong, scratching his head at Hyang’s light scolding, immediately bowed and returned.

After sending Jin-pyeong out, Hyang grumbled quietly.

“It’s hard to scam people….”

* * *

As the policy was decided, Area 51 was bustling for a while. As the people who were leaving were decided, farewell parties were held every day.

And soon, a large fleet departed from Wonsan.

The ships, filled with miners and their families who would be in charge of exploration and mining in the Great Lakes, artisans from Area 51 and their families who would build industrial facilities starting with steel mills in the Great Lakes, the minimum amount of railroad tracks to be laid between the bridgehead and the Great Lakes, and seeds and cows to carry out the smallpox vaccination, left Wonsan Port in a row.

Amidst the crowd of people, one person in particular was grumbling with an aggrieved expression.

“Why me….”

‘The genius of languages.’ It was Shin Suk-ju.

* * *

While movements were busy to make the bridgehead and the Great Lakes a definite part of Joseon, Sejong was also preparing to move. It was not just Sejong and his wife who were moving, so they were preparing in advance.

“Finally, we will be departing next year.”

Sejong expressed a slight regret at Hyang’s answer.

“I wanted to go this year, but….”

Hyang bowed his head at Sejong’s words.

“I am sorry. My abilities are still lacking….”

“Don’t say things that others will curse you for if they hear it.”

* * *

Although steamships were introduced, sailing between Joseon and Shinji was best done twice a year. Not enough steamships had been deployed yet, and the steamships that returned from long voyages underwent thorough inspections each time.

‘There is no one to compare to in the world.’

Joseon was making such a grand self-assessment, but there was still a long way to go.

‘At least the Crown Prince came forward and was able to come this far.’

And this was the evaluation circulating in the world, and no one opposed it.

That’s why Sejong said to Hyang, ‘Things that others will curse you for if they hear it.’

* * *

“By the way…. I told someone who is good at reading the Book of Changes [an ancient divination text] to pick an auspicious day. I will choose a good day to abdicate the throne.”

Hyang immediately knelt down at Sejong’s words.

“Please withdraw your abdication!”

“Don’t say ridiculous things. No one doubts your abilities now.”

“It’s not just because of that! I, your son, have not yet kept my promise with you!”

“A promise with me?”

Sejong, rummaging through his memories at Hyang’s words, suddenly smiled.

“Get up. I will do as you wish.”

“Thank you for your grace!”

“You….”

Sejong patted Hyang’s shoulder lightly and gave him a warning.

“Knowing you, I will wait for the day to abdicate with a joyful heart. But never rush.”

“Yes!”

And from this day on, Sejong stepped back definitively.

* * *

As busy as the inside of Joseon was, the outside of Joseon was also busy.

As information from the Mediterranean region continued to come in through Joseon’s ships traveling to and from Alexandria, the faces of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense, and Hyang became serious.

“War clouds?”

Heo Hu, who was reviewing the report, called his subordinate.

“The Mansur Merchant Group has arrived, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then bring Mansur here.”

Mansur, who was called by Heo Hu and entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited Heo Hu’s office.

“Did you call for me?”

“Yes, Merchant Mansur. Let me ask you directly. How serious is the current situation in Alexandria?”

Mansur, who pondered for a moment at Heo Hu’s question, answered.

“It’s a vulgar expression, but I can’t find a more appropriate word than ‘a mess.'”