Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 530

530. Rolling, Rolling… (11)

Calculus and probability and statistics were the bane of Hyang’s existence.

They were the reasons Hyang chose liberal arts over science in the 21st century. Of course, even in liberal arts, she learned calculus and probability, and problems appeared on the college entrance exam. However, it wasn’t at the level of the science track.

As an aside, when Hyang took the Level 5 civil service exam in finance, the subjects that gave her the most trouble, caused her to fail, and barely allowed her to pass during the qualification process were accounting and statistics.

* * *

Hyang, who had been reminiscing about the past, returned to reality.

“There are some risks, but if we do well, it could be the best opportunity for us to absorb talent from Europe and the Middle East. Considering the current situation, that is.”

The political situations in Europe and the Middle East, secured through Mansour, Portugal, and Alexandria, were in utter chaos.

It was to the point where Hyang, after reviewing the reports, muttered to herself:

“Is this the era of Mad Max? Or is some King of Fist about to pop out?” [Referring to a post-apocalyptic world or a martial arts champion, respectively.]

* * *

The biggest reason for the chaos in the Middle East and Europe was religious conflict.

And it wasn’t a clash between Christianity and Islam, but rather internal struggles within each religion.

In the case of Europe, fierce alliances and bloody struggles were taking place over issues such as ‘Council vs. Pope,’ ‘Authority of the Bible and Gospel vs. Authority of the Pope,’ ‘Pro-Unification with the Orthodox Church vs. Opposition,’ ‘The issue of selling sacred offices’ [simony], ‘The issue of clergy marriage,’ and ‘Fundamentalism vs. Secularism.’

In particular, the kings of each country and the governors of city-states did not hesitate to use force to protect their power.

In addition to the conflicts arising from differences in religious perspectives, the power struggles of rulers and the conflicts of interest between countries created armed conflicts that never ceased throughout Europe.

The situation in Islam was just as complicated. Sunni and Shia, the largest factions, clashed. And like in Europe, conflicts arose between sultans and religious figures who dreamed of monopolizing power, and minor sects obsessed with mysticism were persecuted as common enemies of Sunni and Shia. The persecution of mystics was also the case in Christianity.

It was because of this situation that Hyang judged it was an opportunity to recruit talent, even at the risk.

Those who possessed or studied knowledge of alchemy, which can be called classical chemistry, or science and mathematics from ancient Greece and Rome, were considered mystics and were in a situation where they were easily branded as heretics and threatened with their lives.

Of course, there were those with foresight who supported them, but such monarchs or nobles were extremely few.

Of course, there was also the possibility—the risk Hyang was concerned about—that some might realize the reality through letters sent by monks or alchemists staying in Joseon and start supporting scholars.

However, what Hyang was confident in, despite such risks, was the existence of the research institute she had established.

In this era, Joseon was the only place, regardless of East or West, where the government systematically provided large-scale budget support.

The only place where personal safety and economic security were guaranteed, and where one could focus solely on research, was the Joseon Research Institute.

And another strength was the data accumulated in the research institute so far.

The books from the Greek and Roman eras that Hyang had collected since she was appointed Crown Prince, and the data secured from numerous experiments conducted in Area 51, were unmatched in both quantity and quality.

* * *

There was an interesting fact, or rather a sad truth, related to Joseon in this period.

It was that despite the era of chaos where armed conflicts never ceased and death overflowed from all directions, Joseon’s trade volume did not decrease at all, but steadily increased.

People in Europe and the Middle East constantly coveted Joseon’s goods.

The reason they squandered their fortunes to covet Joseon’s goods was that they were living in an era of chaos and conflict.

People who were unable to think about tomorrow due to religious disputes or conflicts caused by other political issues were extremely focused on the pleasures of today.

Nobles constantly held banquets, and the lower classes, symbolized by farmers, flocked to all sorts of festivals set by the church, indulging in alcohol and food.

In particular, to appease the growing dissatisfaction of the lower classes in the face of harsh reality, the church increasingly increased the number and duration of festivals, creating a situation where ‘festivals were held in this village today and in the next village tomorrow,’ which further spread this trend.

And it was Joseon that benefited from this trend.

Nobles enjoyed alcohol and food, surrounded by crystal glasses and bottles, and tables full of dishes made of precious porcelain in banquet halls illuminated by splendid chandeliers, and dreamed of a one-night stand. And the essential items for noble men to have such a rendezvous were ‘Cha-il-gyeong (sun-shading mirror)’, scented goods, gat (traditional Korean hat), and fans made in Joseon.

In particular, Joseon-made porcelains, due to their excellent gloss, had become essential items that even those who were not nobles but had some money had to possess.

The same was true at festivals. Merchants released large quantities of ‘Ponsu (뽕수)’ [a type of carbonated beverage] to target the pockets of the people participating in the festival.

Joseon sold carbonated water with a higher concentration than what was sold in Joseon to compensate for the amount of carbonation that decreased during long-distance transportation.

Thanks to this, the Ponsu that arrived in Europe had a stronger and sweeter taste than the beer that the people of Europe drank.

And the people of Europe, addicted to this intensely sparkling taste and sweetness, frantically indulged in Ponsu.

Of course, there were those who expressed concern about this social trend. Philosophers and religious figures who advocated ‘Christian asceticism’ or ‘healthy pursuit of wealth’ cried out that this trend should be broken, but few listened to them.

Those who criticized the current situation concluded as follows:

“The first country to break out of this shell of corruption will soon become the ruler of Europe.”

In Europe and the Middle East, which could be called an era of only looking at today, an era of conflict, there were also countries that showed different movements from others.

These were the countries of the Iberian Peninsula, symbolized by Portugal and Spain, and the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires.

Spain and Portugal devoted themselves to trade with other countries while suppressing conflicts as much as possible, unless they met each other at sea. And they increased their national power with the wealth obtained through trade. The same was true for the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires. The Ottoman Empire, which had temporarily stopped its advance into the Balkans starting with Byzantium, began to reorganize its national system while overhauling its army. Byzantium, which barely survived, also began to steadily rebuild its strength without provoking the Ottomans.

And this situation became a spark that would bring about even greater conflict.

* * *

Year 27 of Sejong (1445, Eulchuk Year).

In October, a merchant group sent from Portugal arrived.

“Will this be the last one you send from Portugal this year?”

To the question posed by the customs officer who greeted the merchant group, the head of the group nodded and replied in fluent Joseon language.

“That is correct. We will come again next spring.”

“I see.”

After the short conversation, quarantine officers boarded the ships of the fleet to check for the presence of patients.

While safety was being confirmed and the crew members were disembarking, the head of the merchant group carefully spoke to the customs officer.

“There is a letter to be sent to the court. It is a letter sent by the regent of my country (我邦).”

At the words of the head of the merchant group, the customs officer also became serious, looked around, and whispered softly.

“Follow me.”

* * *

The handwritten letter from Regent Pedro, which the head of the merchant group brought, arrived at the court along with the head of the merchant group.

“This is not just a matter for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

Huhou, who had confirmed the contents, took the original letter and the translation and went straight to the Prime Minister’s office.

“Have they finally made a decision….”

Hwanghee, who had confirmed the contents of the translation that Huhou had brought, muttered softly.

“Have they finally made a decision?”

Hwanghee, who briefly answered the question thrown by Kimjeom sitting next to him, handed the translation to Kimjeom.

Kimjeom, who read the contents of the translation, had a bright face.

“This is truly good news! 3,000 arquebuses! If one arquebus is 50 silver nyang, the total amount is 150,000 silver nyang!” [Nyang is a Korean currency.]

Seeing Kimjeom, who was delighted, Huhou snapped.

“Considering Joseon’s current economic situation, 150,000 silver nyang is not a large amount, is it? Are you not too happy despite that?”

Looking at Huhou, who subtly twisted the words ‘narrow-minded,’ Kimjeom lightly clicked his tongue and retorted.

“Tsk, tsk… How can you only see what is right in front of you? Look at it more broadly, more broadly!”

“Broadly~? This person, really!”

As Huhou got up from his seat in a huff, Kimjeom also immediately got up and glared at him.

“Both of you, sit down! What is this disgraceful behavior! Will you act like this in front of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince later!”

At Hwanghee’s roar, the two sat down, glaring at each other.

“Vice Prime Minister of the Left, do not just talk about the conclusion, but talk in more detail.”

At Hwanghee’s words, Kimjeom immediately began to explain.

“Looking at the world of those Westerners in Europe now, it is an era of war that resembles the Spring and Autumn Warring States period [a period of Chinese history characterized by frequent warfare]. Considering that, the 3,000 matchlock rifles that Portugal is ordering now can be seen as bait. Other countries that see its performance will try to obtain this rifle. If you have properly read the reports written by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this level of judgment should come out quickly.”

‘Didn’t you even properly read the reports from your ministry?’

Kimjeom was fiercely striking Huhou at the same time as explaining. At Kimjeom’s attack, Huhou’s face turned red and blue as he argued.

“Isn’t that just a possibility? It is not like they can see the matchlock rifles sold to Portugal and make their own with a similar framework? Why are you so confident that they will buy ours from Joseon?”

Kimjeom immediately answered Huhou’s point.

“It has been over a year since those Portuguese bought these matchlock rifles. Even if the sea route is far and it took time, don’t you think that is enough time to take it apart and think about it? And isn’t the reason they came to buy ours from Joseon because there is no answer even if they do that!”

“….”

At Kimjeom’s words, Huhou’s mouth was tightly shut. His face was still turning red and blue, but it was because he was at a loss for words to retort.

It was Hwanghee who sorted out the situation.

“I will present this letter to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince immediately. Then it is certain that a meeting will be held immediately, so please prepare in advance.”

“Yes.”

“I will do so.”

Kimjeom and Huhou, who answered Hwanghee’s order, left Hwanghee’s office.

Hwanghee, who was watching the expressions of the two, whose winner and loser were clearly divided, sighed deeply.

“Hoo~. Very bad water has entered into Minister Yi Cheon.”

Kimjeom was one of those who had been working in the court since the beginning of the Gyeongjang [a period of reform in Joseon]. Hwanghee had at least had a period of leaving to develop the Northeast region, but Kimjeom had to be harassed by Sejong and sometimes by Sejong and Hyang at the same time in the court.

In the process, Kimjeom had somehow come to resemble the Sejong and his son.

He had acquired rapid analysis and judgment skills, which was a positive aspect, but at the same time, he had come to resemble the bad points of Sejong and his son.

Among them, the representative ones were the tongue-clicking sound that turned people inside out and the habit of speaking in Zen-like answers that cut to the chase and went straight to the conclusion. It was not just ending with Zen-like answers, but clicking his tongue while looking at those who did not understand it, turning people inside out.