Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 523

523. Rolling, Rolling… (4)

After fifteen days, Wan settled into his role as the head of the research institute and District 51.

In the beginning, he was clumsy and made mistakes, but he quickly learned the ropes and handled his responsibilities with increasing ease.

The reactions of the research institute and District 51 managers, who observed Wan’s rapid adaptation, began to shift.

“He’s not quite his grandfather or father, but…”

“He doesn’t inspire the same awe or even fear as the Crown Prince did…”

The whispers of those who had criticized Wan behind his back when he stumbled began to fade.

“Like father, like son… in his own way.”

“Blood is thicker than water, after all…”

Despite the changing opinions, the highest-ranking officials, Jeong In-ji and Lee Cheon, remained cautious.

‘It’s still early. We can’t jump to conclusions.’

‘This isn’t just a performance review. It’s an evaluation of the person who might inherit the throne several generations from now. We must be as careful and objective as possible!’

With these thoughts in mind, whenever other ministers—even Hwang Hee—inquired about the Crown Prince’s grandson’s abilities, they gave noncommittal answers.

“He’s still finding his footing; it’s too soon to say.”

However, as time passed, Jeong In-ji and Lee Cheon were able to form a preliminary assessment.

-He’s talented, but not quite as much as his father.

While conversing at Jeong In-ji’s residence, they elaborated:

“If his predecessor hadn’t been the Crown Prince, he would be considered exceptional. But…”

Jeong In-ji trailed off, and Lee Cheon nodded in agreement.

“His predecessor set an impossibly high bar… But this isn’t a problem unique to the Crown Prince’s grandson. Future heads of the research institute and District 51 will inevitably be compared to the founder, the Crown Prince.”

At Lee Cheon’s words, Jeong In-ji emptied his glass and responded,

“Among those who will suffer from that comparison will be our own successors. But I wonder how historians will judge us? Will they say, ‘They built the golden age of Joseon’ or ‘They were both lucky and unlucky’? What do you think?”

“Lucky and unlucky?”

“Lucky to be chosen by the Crown Prince from among so many officials and given such important positions, but unlucky to have to work tirelessly to reflect the Crown Prince’s brilliance.”

Lee Cheon chuckled at Jeong In-ji’s words and emptied his glass.

After a pause, Lee Cheon chose his words carefully before replying.

“It depends on what we accomplish. But since we’ve accepted these roles, wouldn’t it be better to earn the former evaluation? We should at least have a positive epitaph on our tombstones.”

“Indeed. Having entered public service, we should at least aim for that much recognition.”

* * *

With his abilities being scrutinized, Wan diligently performed his duties.

“The primary responsibility of the heads of the research institute and District 51 revolves around the budget,” Jeong In-ji and Lee Cheon explained. Wan listened intently.

“On the surface, the research institute might seem to be engaged in abstract theorizing and wasteful spending, but District 51 relies on the fundamental theories and mineral analysis provided by the research institute to function effectively. The challenge lies in convincing others of this. If you find yourself in a tug-of-war with the Ministry of Economy and Finance over funding, you’ll quickly understand why they’re often considered a public enemy.”

“Even though Father was the head?”

Wan’s question implied, ‘Even the Crown Prince faced resistance?’ Jeong In-ji chuckled and replied,

“The Ministry of Economy and Finance ultimately answers to His Majesty the King.”

“Ah…”

Wan nodded in understanding.

Watching him, Jeong In-ji held back unspoken words.

The fact that Hyang [the Crown Prince] had visited Sejong [the King] numerous times to argue for the budget, only to be rebuffed and sent away each time.

“You rascal, get out!”

Barely avoiding revealing Hyang’s less dignified moments, Jeong In-ji quickly continued his explanation.

“Since budget limitations are inevitable, the research institute and District 51 compensate for the shortfall in other ways.”

“Surely not through illegal means?”

Jeong In-ji shook his head at Wan’s question.

“No. We actively leverage our ‘intellectual property rights.'”

The research institute and District 51 published new theories, technologies, and inventions in the Royal Gazette [a government publication] whenever they were developed.

Of course, military-related technologies and devices were kept secret until absolutely necessary.

Merchants throughout Joseon purchased numerous copies of each edition of the Royal Gazette and analyzed them.

If they identified technologies or devices that could benefit their businesses, they would immediately consult with the research institute and District 51 to negotiate contracts.

“The resulting royalties are divided, with a portion going to the intellectual property owners, a portion allocated as bonuses for the staff of the research institute and District 51, and the remainder used to offset the budget deficit.”

“Hoo~. With that system, the researchers at the research institute and the artisans at District 51 must be highly motivated, right?”

“Yes. And the competition among them is fierce.”

Wan nodded at Jeong In-ji’s answer and then asked,

“Merchants are driven by profit, so wouldn’t they try to undervalue the technology during the analysis process?”

Jeong In-ji smiled wryly at Wan’s question.

“We conduct our own analyses, as does the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Furthermore, Joseon has numerous merchant groups. Any attempt to cheat would be quickly detected, and the offending party would be barred from accessing our technology in the future.”

“How sophisticated are the merchant groups’ analytical capabilities?”

“The most capable merchant groups are on par with the Ministry of Economy and Finance.”

“Is that so?”

Seeing Wan’s surprise, Jeong In-ji calmly continued.

“This wasn’t always the case. However, as the Gyeongjang [economic reforms] reached completion and Joseon’s economy grew exponentially, they developed such expertise.”

“Heo…”

Wan, surprised, recalled Hyang’s words and muttered softly.

“‘If you work at the research institute and District 51, you will see the world outside the palace,’ he said. Is this what he meant?”

Jeong In-ji thought to himself at Wan’s muttering.

‘The Crown Prince was instrumental in creating this world.’

However, even Hyang was astonished by the changes.

Hyang was constantly surprised as he watched Joseon develop at an incredible rate in just over 20 years.

“Is this capitalism!”

Hyang, after reviewing the reports several times, chuckled.

“I think the saying is accurate… ‘In the beginning, there was money.'”

* * *

With the guidance of Jeong In-ji and Lee Cheon, Wan quickly settled into his position.

As he became more comfortable, Wan began to observe his surroundings.

He noticed a peculiar pattern.

Whenever he visited the research institute and District 51, the researchers and artisans seemed to have high expectations, but they appeared disappointed when he left after only reviewing paperwork.

‘Why? What are they expecting?’

Puzzled by their reactions, Wan also observed the key figures, including Jeong In-ji and Lee Cheon.

Jeong In-ji and Lee Cheon hadn’t displayed such reactions yet, but those working more directly in the field were showing similar signs.

“Why? Why? Did I do something wrong?”

Wan was troubled by his curiosity.

“I want to ask Minister Jeong or General Lee, but…”

Wan hesitated, feeling it would be a blow to his pride.

* * *

It was during a visit to District 51 that he finally resolved his confusion.

District 51 was a place he had been regularly visiting since his appointment, and it continued to fascinate him.

Wandering around District 51, asking questions, and examining the devices had become a routine for Wan.

During a visit to the glass workshop, the heads, Raphael and Pietro, explained their work and showcased their finished products.

“Amazing. Truly amazing… Your skills are remarkable.”

Raphael and Pietro bowed in response to his praise, but Wan detected the same problematic reaction he had observed in the other artisans.

‘Even the Westerners!’

Finally, Wan confronted them directly.

“Hey, you.”

“Yes?”

“Do you have any complaints about me?”

“Yes? Certainly not! How could we!”

The two men paled and hurriedly shook their heads, but Wan pressed them further.

“I’m not trying to accuse you. I’m simply curious. The researchers at the research institute and the artisans at District 51 all seem to expect something from me. What is it? Is it money?”

“Ah, no.”

“Then what is it!”

Wan’s voice rose, but the surrounding artisans remained silent and watched.

“What exactly is the problem!”

Wan’s voice rose again, but no one was willing to speak.

‘A commotion broke out in the glass workshop!’

Lee Cheon, hearing the news, rushed to the workshop to find Wan still raising his voice.

“Didn’t I tell you to speak! Why are you all silent!”

“Please calm down!”

As Lee Cheon intervened to stop Wan, Pietro spoke up.

“I’ll tell you.”

“Hey!”

“Hey you!”

Pietro, though more subdued now, still had some of his old fire. He stepped forward, but Raphael and Lee Cheon tried to stop him.

However, Wan stepped forward first.

“Good. Tell me why you’re acting this way. If I’ve made a mistake or done something wrong, I should correct it. Perhaps, am I bothering you by visiting too often and looking around? I promise not to be angry, even if I hear rude answers.”

At Wan’s promise, Pietro blurted out what he had been holding back.

“It’s not that you visit often, and it’s not that you look around. It’s that you just leave.”

“Huh?”

Seeing Wan’s confusion, Pietro elaborated.

“His Highness the Crown Prince almost never just looked around and left. Even if he did just look around and leave at first, he would always return with a task the next time. Or he would come with a task from the beginning.”

“What does that…”

Still unable to understand, Raphael gave up and added,

“That guy called it a task, but His Highness the Crown Prince almost never just looked around and left. He would always come back, at the earliest the next day, at the latest within five days. He would say, ‘I’ve been thinking about it. How about making something like this?’ Or, ‘I want to make such and such a thing, is it possible?’ and give us a challenge. It’s physically and mentally exhausting, but the sense of accomplishment when it’s actually completed is amazing.”

At Raphael’s explanation, Wan asked with a mixture of frustration and relief.

“So you’re disappointed because I don’t do that?”

Raphael and Pietro nodded at Wan’s question.

It wasn’t just Raphael and Pietro. Even the Joseon people around them all nodded.

Seeing this, Wan’s shoulders slumped, and he turned around.

“Thank you for the answer. Thanks to you, I understand now. Then, take care.”

As Wan trudged away, Lee Cheon frowned at Pietro and quickly followed him.