Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 73

Jjangra

Hello, Bomb!

73. The People (6)

“I wish I had two bodies, no less, no more.”

As 1905 (Eulsa Year) arrived, Hyang often lamented like this.

Even Hyang felt that the amount of work had truly increased.

And the reason the work became so busy was Sejong.

To be precise, Sejong’s ‘purchasing agency’ was the problem.

“I heard that the Jin Dynasty created its own characters…”

“Didn’t the Mongols also have their own script?”

“While you’re at it, get me some scripts from India too.”

“I need some records about Hyangchal [a writing system using Chinese characters to represent Korean]. I need to know where the rules for using Idu [an older writing system] originated.”

“…Yes, Father.”

Whenever Sejong made a purchase request, Hyang had to twist and turn to find the books.

“Knowing the military system of the Jin Dynasty, founded by the Jurchens, will help us understand the Jurchens’ behavior, so please find related books. If possible, prioritize those recorded in the Jin Dynasty script.”

“To understand the Northern Yuan, please find records of the Yuan Dynasty, its predecessor. What the Ming Dynasty wrote may be biased, so if possible, first find those written in Mongolian, and then find commentaries as well.”

“I hear that mathematics is quite developed in India. Could you find some related books?”

“I need to examine the books related to mathematics written by our ancestors. Please find them for me.”

“About the books you found for me last time, Idu was used quite a lot. Is it possible to find records about Hyangchal?”

Finding books by twisting and turning like this was not the end.

Although the actual destination was Sejong, the outwardly apparent recipient was Hyang.

Therefore, Hyang had to understand the contents of the books, feeling like he was being force-fed mustard.

This was because of the questions that the old, cunning ministers occasionally threw his way.

“Your Highness, I heard that you recently acquired some unusual books? I am also interested in foreign books. Could you tell me what they are about?”

“Ah, I’m still organizing them. There are many books that came in together.”

“Is that so? I heard that those books are quite expensive…”

Sensing that they were subtly trying to pressure him about the source of funds, Hyang immediately retorted.

“Hahaha! That’s why my pockets are always empty. Unlike some people, I have no connection with gifts.”

“I, is that so? Cough! Ahem!”

For that reason, Hyang had to learn not only phonology but also foreign languages, even though he didn’t want to.

Hyang’s suffering did not end there.

The library, which was created for the purpose of laundering the source of the books and for reference, had no choice but to be opened to others.

“There are many books missing?”

“His Majesty the King has taken them.”

Listening to the eunuch’s answer, Hyang looked at the empty spaces in the library.

‘It would be one thing if he only took phonology books, but why the mathematics books too… Is Father also laundering the source?’

‘The Crown Prince’s library is full of amazing books!’

‘His Majesty also borrows several books at a time!’

Those who were eager because of these rumors were the officials of the research institute.

“I want to see more advanced books on mathematics…”

“I want to see the original texts of the Westerners about urban development, which I am currently assigned as a project…”

The officials, unable to overcome their desires, wrote a joint petition and submitted it to Hyang.

“Tsk! I can’t help it! It’s annoying to write them out separately and submit them myself. With the amount I’ve secured so far, I can launder the source to some extent.”

Having made a decision, Hyang immediately requested that a separate building be built in the Crown Prince’s palace.

“Wouldn’t it be okay to just renovate the rooms in the Crown Prince’s palace as they are now?”

“I also need a space for my personal life.”

“It’s very convenient to visit now.”

“Father, to hide a tree, you have to hide it in the forest [hide something in plain sight].”

At Hyang’s last words, Sejong accepted the request.

Thanks to summoning a large number of skilled carpenters, another separate building was quickly completed.

As soon as the building was completed, Hyang moved most of the books he had to that place, except for a few that he had to keep.

“Well… I’ve moved everything, but if a fire breaks out, it’s all over, isn’t it?”

Worried about the fire, Hyang immediately took action.

He placed buckets full of sand in certain spaces and dug a small pond outside the separate building.

Having finished all the preparations, Hyang made a request to Sejong.

“Please give it a name.”

“A name…”

After pondering, Sejong picked up a brush instead of a gold pen and wrote a name on the paper.

‘Jipjiwon (集智院) [Hall of Assembled Wisdom]’

“Books contain knowledge. Your library has books from our Joseon as well as books from the distant West, so isn’t it a place where all the knowledge of the world is gathered? The name Jipjiwon would be the most fitting.”

“Your grace is boundless!”

With the signboard engraved with Sejong’s autograph hung, Jipjiwon began its full-fledged activities.

The main tasks of Jipjiwon were the management and circulation of books.

There were differences in lending books: Hyang and Sejong, the owners of the books, had an indefinite period, royalty had a maximum of ten days, officials belonging to the research institute had five days, and officials from other departments had three days.

In addition, re-lending immediately after returning was prohibited to prevent one person from monopolizing the books.

While making rules about lending, Hyang was worried about ‘royalty’.

“Will there be any royalty who come here to borrow books? But, you never know what will happen in the distant future, so it wouldn’t be bad to prepare in advance.”

As Jipjiwon began its full-fledged activities, the one who visited the most was Sejong.

“I wonder if I should refer to the books that the Crown Prince referred to.”

While doing this, language-related books were always included among the six or seven books that were taken out at a time.

“Since all the books are in the original language, there is a need to translate them…”

Sejong was borrowing linguistics books nonchalantly, making excuses like this whenever the ministers saw him.

* * *

As Jipjiwon as well as the research institute were built around the Crown Prince’s palace, people were always busily coming and going around the Crown Prince’s palace.

This busy scene caught Yu’s attention.

“Why are there so many people at the Crown Prince’s palace?”

Yu, who was just entering the age of eight, was trying to show a dignified attitude little by little.

In response to Yu’s question, the royal tutor answered simply.

“It’s because the Crown Prince has a lot of work to do.”

“My brother?”

Tilting his head, Yu asked the royal tutor a question.

“Can I go and see it once?”

At Yu’s request, the royal tutor considered the possibilities.

‘He is a very active prince, but there are many things in the research institute that could be a big problem if he touches them carelessly… But, could he be stimulated there and become interested in learning? In the current situation, we have to make him interested in learning, even if it’s not Confucian classics but miscellaneous subjects!’

Having made a decision, the royal tutor answered Yu.

“I will ask His Majesty the King.”

After hearing the royal tutor’s request, Sejong asked the royal tutor.

“Many of the instruments in the research institute are so precise that they should not be touched carelessly. Won’t Yu touch them?”

Sejong asked the question because he knew very well that Yu was reckless.

In response to Sejong’s question, the royal tutor answered in a firm voice.

“I will personally assist His Highness the Prince next to him.”

“Hmm…”

At the royal tutor’s words, Sejong stroked his beard and pondered. After considering this and that for a long time, Sejong came to a conclusion.

“Good. Tell the Crown Prince to set a date.”

“Your grace is boundless!”

In response to the contact from the royal tutor in charge of Yu’s education, Hyang set a date and gave an answer.

“Your grace is boundless, Your Highness the Crown Prince!”

“Boundless… Thank you for taking care of Yu’s education.”

At Hyang’s praise, the royal tutor shed tears as he recalled the hardships he had gone through.

“Your grace is boundless, Your Highness! Sob!”

A strange situation was created where a young child was comforting a middle-aged man with a white beard.

* * *

On the appointed date, Yu visited the research institute with the royal tutor.

“Your Highness, how do you do?”

“Yes, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you too. I’m sorry that I haven’t seen you often because I’m busy even though we live in the same palace.”

“No, Your Highness.”

At Hyang’s words, Yu shook his head hastily.

From Yu’s point of view, Princess Jeonghye and Hyang were the same.

– People who make you tired if you see them often.

This was Yu’s feeling towards Princess Jeonghye and Hyang.

Nevertheless, Yu could not help but be interested in the instruments in the secret area.

As Yu entered the research institute, he saw the exhibition hall made in the hallway and opened his mouth so wide that his jaw dropped.

“Wow~ Wow~.”

Looking at all kinds of amazing instruments, Yu repeated the word “Wow~.”

Especially in the place where the models of sailing ships and battleships were displayed, he stopped like a totem pole and didn’t know how to take a step.

“He’s just a kid…”

When Hyang said a word after seeing Yu’s appearance of looking around without 정신 [jeongsin – spirit/mind; here, ‘without focus’], everyone around him looked at Hyang with a dumbfounded expression.

‘What are you?’

That was the thought that everyone around him had in common.

* * *

Yu, who forcibly moved his unwilling steps, arrived at the room that even Sejong was surprised by.

“Your Highness, what is this room?”

“This is the room with the geographical model of Joseon and the train model.”

“Geographical model? Train model? Teacher, what is that?”

At Yu’s question, the royal tutor also answered with a troubled expression.

“I don’t know that well either…”

“It’s originally a secret place, so there are many people who don’t know about it. I’m showing it to you especially because you, Yu, have come. Open the door.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

At Hyang’s command, the eunuch opened the door to the room.

The first thing that came into Yu’s eyes as the sliding door opened was the huge table occupying the center of the room.

Thanks to being still a child, Yu couldn’t see what was on the table.

“Bring the pedestal.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Wow!”

Yu, who got on the pedestal that the eunuchs brought, shouted at the geographical model made on the table.

It was an amazing sight that Yu was seeing for the first time in his life.

“Is this Joseon?”

“It’s a similar imitation of Joseon’s land and river. It’s not accurate.”

“Wow.”

Hyang smiled slightly at Yu’s appearance of only saying ‘Wow~’.

‘That’s what kids who go to amusement parks do.’

Hyang, who was smiling slightly while looking at Yu, who was just opening his mouth and exclaiming ‘Wow’, saw the royal tutor standing next to Yu and clenched his fist behind his back.

It was to hold back the laughter that was about to burst out at the sight of the royal tutor, who was also just opening his mouth and looking around.

“Your Highness, but what is this road here?”

At Yu’s question, pointing to the railroad, Hyang answered immediately.

“It’s the road where the train runs. It’s called a railroad.”

“Railroad?”

“Eunuch.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

At Hyang’s command, the eunuchs brought the model locomotive and passenger car that were on display on one side and placed them on the railroad. The eunuchs who connected the locomotive, passenger car, and freight car pushed the lamp containing alcohol into the locomotive and lit it.

“Wait a little bit.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Yu, who was showing impatience while waiting for the water to boil, became quiet at Hyang’s words.

삐이이! [Sound of steam whistle]

When a signal was heard that sufficient pressure had been created, Hyang released the lever and made the locomotive move.

“Uh… uh!”

At the sight of the locomotive moving, Yu couldn’t even utter an exclamation and just became a stone statue.

With his mouth open, Yu’s breathing began to become increasingly rapid as he stared at the model locomotive running on the railroad.

“Haa~. Haa~.”

“Yu?”

Hyang called Yu after seeing Yu’s abnormal symptoms, but Yu only breathed heavily and stared 정신없이 [jeongsin-eopsi – mindlessly] at the movement of the train.

At the sight of Yu, Hyang suddenly felt something.

‘Could it be! Deoktong [a sudden realization or awakening]!’

The model locomotive, which was pulling the model passenger car and freight car while 뿜어내다 [ppumeonaeda – spewing out] steam, stopped after going around the circumference of the large geographical model twice because the water ran out.

When the locomotive stopped, the eunuchs removed the model locomotive and trains from the railroad.

Yu, who was watching the model locomotive with the lamp safely removed being placed back on the display stand, hurriedly turned to Hyang.

“Bro, Brother! No! Your Highness, Your Highness! Does something that looks like that actually move?”

Just looking at the title, you could tell that Yu was out of his mind now.

“That was made to prove the theory, so the actual shape is different.”

At Hyang’s gesture, the eunuchs brought the model locomotives that were on display on one side.

Four types of locomotive models, from those that looked similar to Stephenson’s locomotion to steam locomotives that were familiar through movies and dramas, were made by Hyang’s order after Sejong’s visit.

However, unlike what Sejong and Yu saw, these models were not moving, but literally models.

Hyang pointed and explained, starting with locomotion in order.

“If mathematics and technology develop, it will gradually develop from this side to this side.”

“Wow~.”

“If these locomotives and trains are completed and railroads are laid, this Joseon Paldo [all eight provinces of Korea] will be a one-day trip.”

“Wow~!”

Yu’s mouth grew bigger and bigger as he listened to Hyang’s explanation.

While listening to the explanation and looking at the model locomotive, Yu said to Hyang.

“Your Highness! Making this locomotive! I want to do it!”

But Hyang immediately shook his head.

“You can’t.”

“Why!”

“You don’t study?”

Yu’s face became sullen at Hyang’s assertion.

Looking at Yu’s face, Hyang explained in more detail.

“In order to make this locomotive, many skilled artisans are needed, but many smart mathematicians are also needed.

To put it simply, if you look at our research institute, passing the 소과 [Sogwa – lower level civil service exam] is basic, and there are not a few who have passed the 대과 [Daegwa – higher level civil service exam].

Of course, Confucian classics and mathematics may not be related. But, will a guy who doesn’t even study Confucianism properly because it’s not fun do well in mathematics?”

“Heeing…”

Tears began to well up in Yu’s eyes at Hyang’s stern words.

“You are a prince. If you get involved in this work, you will start with a position that requires some responsibility. If you are a mess in Confucianism as well as mathematics, will you be able to receive proper treatment? Are you going to cry and whine like you do now then?”

“Sob! N, no!”

“Confucianism is a subject that must be learned as a basis, and at the same time, it is a subject that coordinates people. If you want to be involved in this huge project, study properly first!”

“Sob!”

Yu wiped away tears with his sleeve at Hyang’s stern words and asked.

“Then, if I study hard, can I do this work?”

“If you have the skills!”

“I will definitely please Your Highness!”

“…….”

Hyang flinched and muttered at the sight of Yu, who was shouting with eyes gleaming with desire.

‘Wh, what’s with him? Scary!’

After that, Yu’s behavior completely changed.

He not only studied Confucianism with a serious attitude but also practiced martial arts without fail.

And Yu, who asked Hyang to spend time in the room with the train model whenever he had time and strengthened his resolve, began to fall into the path of a train 덕후 [deokhu – enthusiast/fanatic] without realizing it.

“Haa~ Haa~. After all, trains are the best~.”

Of course, he sometimes said things like this, which made the eunuchs nervous.

After Yu changed like that, this time, Yong caused a problem.