Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 534

534. Rolling, Rolling… (15)

Kim Jong-seo was the first to break the silence.

“There seem to be a few problems. If goods are transported along that sea route, the risks associated with distance and climate would be considerable. I believe the increased transportation costs would be an issue. That’s the first problem, and the second is that Shinji only serves to supply our mainland with food and resources and only handles the consumption of goods. They are people too, and if they only perceive the situation as unfair, there is a high possibility that movements like Jasanjamae [referring to peasant revolts or uprisings] will occur in Shinji as well.”

Many of the ministers tilted their heads, puzzled by Kim Jong-seo’s point.

‘According to the records we’ve received, aren’t they people who can barely afford basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter?’

As if sensing the ministers’ thoughts, Kim Jong-seo continued immediately.

“Right now, the natives of Shinji may lack proper food, clothing, and shelter, but if they learn the writing and culture of our Joseon, the situation can change rapidly. Consider the example of the Jurchens [a nomadic group who later formed the Qing dynasty].”

“Ah….”

At Kim Jong-seo’s explanation, the ministers finally nodded in understanding.

Seeing the ministers’ reactions, Kim Jeom, who had been listening intently, spoke again.

“I have no intention of simply using Shinji as a place where we only supply what we lack and consume what we have left over. Of course, that’s the easiest approach. However, if that happens, it will be difficult to keep Shinji within our Joseon’s sphere of influence. And if Shinji breaks away, we will soon face significant difficulties. Therefore, His Majesty and we have envisioned forming a community that appears loosely connected but is inherently strong, and we believe that fair competition and evaluation are key to achieving this.”

Lee Sa-cheol immediately challenged Kim Jeom’s words.

“Is fair competition and evaluation truly possible? Have you forgotten the inherent prejudices that people hold?”

Kim Jeom smiled wryly at Lee Sa-cheol’s rebuttal and replied.

“Have you forgotten what Bangchon Daegam [Hwang Hee’s honorific title] said?”

“Bangchon Daegam?”

At Kim Jeom’s words, Lee Sa-cheol, glancing at Hwang Hee, recalled Hwang Hee’s past statement.

‘As a general principle, whether it’s a bull, a cow, a yellow cow, or a black cow, isn’t it natural to feed and care for them well if they work diligently, and to slaughter them if they prove unproductive?’

Lee Sa-cheol, remembering Hwang Hee’s words, nodded almost unconsciously.

“That’s right. Acting recklessly based on prejudice could lead to being overpowered.”

“Precisely. Among those currently serving in this court and receiving the country’s salary, there are already many individuals from the outer regions, and there’s no reason why a Dangsanggwan [high-ranking official] cannot emerge from among them in the future. And as time passes, such prejudices will naturally diminish.”

Hyang muttered inwardly at Kim Jeom’s words.

‘If we’re not careful, there’s a significant risk of prioritizing ability above all else, potentially leading to meritocracy gone awry.’

However, before Hyang could voice his concerns, Lee Sa-cheol questioned again.

“However, if we’re not careful, ability alone may overshadow everything else, and competence might become a golden ticket, shielding individuals from accountability for their mistakes.”

Kim Jeom immediately responded to Lee Sa-cheol’s rebuttal.

“Isn’t it the role of education to prevent such an outcome?”

“That’s true, but….”

Lee Sa-cheol trailed off. Observing Lee Sa-cheol’s hesitation, Hwang Hee spoke up.

“Before the Gyeongjang [period of reform], only a few people in the vicinity knew of our Joseon. But now, even distant countries are aware of our Joseon, and our Joseon knows them. And the current situation, where we are reaping enormous profits from them, can only be described as riding a tiger’s back [being in a precarious but advantageous situation].”

Hwang Hee, who was over ninety years old this year, straightened his back and continued in a clear, resonant voice.

“In this critical situation, in order for our Joseon’s national essence to continue uninterrupted, we must be one step ahead of others! To achieve this, we must value people’s abilities above their appearances or backgrounds! Of course, as Seongji (Lee Sa-cheol’s courtesy name) Daegam pointed out, there may be risks associated with excessive meritocracy! But that potential problem must be addressed through education! I believe that is the very purpose of education! We must never forget ‘Do not pass it on to the wrong person, do not inherit virtue without talent’!”

Hwang Hee, invoking the famous words left by Wang Hee-ji [a renowned calligrapher], fixed Lee Sa-cheol with a piercing gaze. The ministers who witnessed that look all shared the same thought.

‘Seongji Daegam, your good days are numbered….’

This sentiment was echoed by Lee Sa-cheol himself.

‘I’m going to face a lot of criticism from now on.’

Lee Sa-cheol’s performance, having succeeded Jo Gye-saeng as Minister of Education, was generally viewed with mixed feelings.

‘He excels at maintaining and supplementing the status quo, but he lacks the drive to push forward.’

In Sejong’s court, which highly valued reform and innovation, the reason why Lee, who specialized in maintaining stability, was appointed as Minister of Education was precisely because of his ‘exceptional ability to preserve the existing system.’ Through Gyeongjang, numerous educational institutions were established, starting with Samin Hakdang [private schools], and new systems were implemented. Naturally, these changes could potentially lead to unforeseen side effects, and in such a situation, there was a pressing need for someone to steadily maintain and refine the existing framework.

Therefore, Lee Sa-cheol was deemed the ideal candidate for the role.

* * *

Kim Jeom’s explanation, which had taken a considerable amount of time due to frequent digressions, finally concluded, and Hyang began to wrap things up.

“I believe you have all understood the Deputy Prime Minister’s explanation. That is why we are focusing all our efforts on integrating Shinji effectively. If Shinji is successfully integrated, our Joseon will become a country that even Ming [the ruling dynasty of China] cannot treat lightly. Of course, our Joseon is a country that aspires to the royal road politics [idealized form of governance] advocated by the ancient sages and considers Hongik Ingan [benefit all mankind] to be the highest ideal. So, we will not resort to forced submission like some others, and we will strive to live as brothers with all the countries in the world. But even among brothers, isn’t it preferable to be the elder brother rather than the younger brother? So please do your best.”

At Hyang’s request, the ministers all bowed their heads in unison and responded.

“We will engrave it in our hearts!”

“We will give our all!”

Later, historians would evaluate this day as ‘the day Joseon reaffirmed its national system and ambitions once again.’

The country that Sejong, Hyang, and the ministers envisioned was referred to by various names such as ‘Joseon Federal Empire’, ‘Joseon Federation’, and ‘Korea’ as time went on.

However, the assessment from other countries was not always favorable.

‘They are undoubtedly talented individuals, but they are acutely aware of their own abilities, making them somewhat irritating.’

‘They constantly bicker and compete amongst themselves, each claiming to be superior, but if someone from the outside dares to challenge them, they unite and retaliate collectively.’

* * *

The meeting adjourned, and the ministers departed Seungwhadang [the office] one by one.

“Hey, Jibong (Zifeng) [Hwangbo-in’s courtesy name].”

Hwangbo-in turned his head at the sound of Kim Jong-seo calling him.

“What is it?”

“Is the work related to the enactment of laws under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice?”

Hwangbo-in nodded at Kim Jong-seo’s question.

“That’s right. It falls under the purview of the ‘Legislative Review Board’ within the Ministry of Justice. Why do you ask?”

“It seems like there will be a lot of complaints and difficulties there soon, so prepare in advance.”

Hwangbo-in’s expression turned serious at Kim Jong-seo’s words.

– A man who can make even a male shaman cry with just one word [implying someone who is extremely critical and demanding].

The Kim Jong-seo that Hwangbo-in knew was precisely this type of person. And that person was now issuing a warning.

“Why do you say there will be so many difficulties?”

“Think about it. Now that the federal system and everything else has been discussed, do you think it will all be resolved with just a few words and sentences? Of course, laws pertaining to this will need to be created. Even though we have inherited the lineage of Confucian scholars who emphasize Confucianism, we are not ignorant of the importance of law, are we?”

Hwangbo-in nodded in agreement with Kim Jong-seo’s explanation.

“Th, that’s right. It’s going to be a significant undertaking. We need to prepare thoroughly in advance.”

As soon as Hwangbo-in finished speaking, Kim Jong-seo continued.

“That’s not the only problem. We’ll also have to create laws specifically tailored for Shinji.”

“Can’t we simply apply the existing Joseon Gyeonggukjeon [legal code] or Sokyukjeon [supplement to the legal code] to that region?”

Kim Jong-seo shook his head at Hwangbo-in’s suggestion.

“The land is different, the people who live there are different, and their customs are different, so do you honestly believe that the Gyeonggukjeon will function effectively? And, according to the reports we’ve received, the native communities of Shinji possess remarkably sophisticated systems, even though they lack basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter. His Majesty will undoubtedly take that into consideration.”

At Kim Jong-seo’s words, Hwangbo-in stopped walking and became lost in thought.

“Perhaps we should send more officials to Shinji….”

“That’s certainly one approach, but I suspect His Majesty will definitely provide a preliminary draft.”

Hwangbo-in reflected on Sejong’s past actions based on Kim Jong-seo’s words and felt a slight sense of relief.

“Then the burden will be somewhat lighter.”

“Are you saying that after having experienced His Majesty and the Crown Prince firsthand? Are those individuals ordinary people? Shinji is far away, so I can’t say for sure, but you’ll need to prepare meticulously to avoid any disapproving remarks emanating from Seungwhadang.”

Hwangbo-in froze, his face paling at Kim Jong-seo’s words. Seeing Hwangbo-in’s reaction, Kim Jong-seo lightly patted Hwangbo-in’s shoulder.

“So, prepare thoroughly in advance. I’ll be going now~.”

Watching Kim Jong-seo’s back as he strode away after delivering those words, Hwangbo-in muttered quietly.

“That rascal… Is he giving me medicine after making me sick? Perhaps I should force-feed him some tonic….”

* * *

Meanwhile, Hyang, who was organizing documents in Seungwhadang and reviewing the overall situation, burst into laughter.

“As expected, his analytical skills and judgment are unparalleled….”

Satisfied with the ministers’ analytical skills and judgment, which were so exceptional that it was hard to believe they were from the early Joseon Dynasty, Hyang took out a blank sheet of paper.

“Although next-generation talents like Kim Jong-seo and Hwangbo-in are valuable, the legends are still legends… I need to utilize them extensively while they are still around. In situations like this, it’s truly fortunate that Abamama [father] secured my official position.”

As Hyang was muttering and formulating some kind of plan, all the Dangsanggwan [high-ranking officials], including Hwang Hee, felt an inexplicable chill run down their spines.

* * *

These rolling and rolling days continued endlessly.

“You need to recruit more artisans to the 51st district armory?”

“Yes.”

Hyang, who was reviewing the manpower replenishment report that Wan had brought, questioned Wan further.

“There are already a considerable number of artisans working in the armory, but you need to add even more? Is it truly necessary? If there are too many people, there is a high possibility that security problems will arise.”

Wan answered immediately at Hyang’s concern.

“As you can see in the report, it is difficult to meet the delivery date for the long guns ordered by our military as well as Portugal with the current manpower.”

“Hmm….”

Listening to Wan’s words, Hyang examined the figures and calculated the numbers.

“Considering the final inspection and quality control process, 3,000 guns in the next 5 months. That’s 600 guns a month. Factoring in holidays, that’s roughly 30 guns a day. Even with the gun barrels arriving in a semi-processed state, eliminating the need for grooving, there’s still a manpower shortage?”

“Yes. The project to upgrade the Gap-type long guns used by the military to Eul-type long guns is also behind schedule, and the inspection and repair of the cannons to be delivered to Oirat [Mongol group] is also delayed. We are facing a significant manpower shortage.”

“Even with a heavy workload, it’s unusual to require additional personnel….”

Even after listening to the report and Wan’s explanation, Hyang remained unconvinced, so he rose from his seat.

“I can’t understand it just by looking at this! Let’s go to the 51st district together!”

“Yes? Yes.”

* * *

Arriving at the armory located in the 51st district, Hyang immediately inspected the site and analyzed the underlying problems.

Hyang, who was walking around the armory and carefully assessing the situation, quickly identified the root cause.

“As I suspected, it’s a problem with the production line….”

While establishing a mass production system through division of labor, Hyang had initially designed an efficient production line. However, as production volume increased and steam engines were introduced, the existing line configuration had become inefficient.

“I need to implement some improvements….”

Hyang, pondering a solution, recalled a relevant memory.

“Stop work immediately and gather at the parade ground immediately!”

“Yes? Yes.”

The solution that Hyang devised was inspired by a movie about the founding of an internationally renowned hamburger company.

Hyang, drawing a virtual line with lime on the parade ground and positioning the artisans, proceeded to rearrange their placements, experimenting to find the optimal configuration.

Finally, after a day of experimentation and adjustments, Hyang identified the most efficient placement and turned to Wan.

“Did you record that placement?”

“Yes. I will implement the changes immediately.”

“Good job. Ah! And, please provide me with a copy of the record.”

“Yes? Yes.”

Hyang, receiving the copy, immediately went to the research institute and sought out Jeong In-ji.

“… So, I would like to establish a department dedicated to studying how to optimize production efficiency.”

As he spoke, Hyang presented a report titled ‘Production Science (tentative)’.

It marked the inception of the academic field known as ‘Industrial Engineering’ in the timeline before Hyang’s intervention.