Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 731

731. Dagger (1)

“You said a dagger?”

“That’s right.”

At Hyang’s words, Shin In-son paused for a moment before answering.

“I understand what Your Majesty intends. However, is it truly feasible to cross the eastern ocean simply by expanding the space of the Challenger-class battleships? What about the Jinpo Battleship incident?”

After the Challenger-class battleships were deployed in large numbers, the Joseon navy at the time carried out an adventurous operation—heavily influenced by Hyang’s suggestions.

-Explore the sea beyond Daeseol Island.

This operation was made possible by the deployment of the largest Challenger-class battleships in Joseon’s possession at the time.

And, according to this plan, the Jinpo Battleship departed from Naeseol Island, setting its course due east.

And, teetering on the verge of shipwreck—or rather, practically a shipwreck—it barely managed to return.

Afterward, the Joseon navy shifted its focus north, using the northern archipelago as stepping stones, and discovered Shinji.

Shin In-son was reminding Hyang of this incident.

-Advancing into Europe and establishing an offensive defense strategy is a sound approach.

-The problem lies in the vast ocean to the east.

– We don’t know the true extent of the eastern sea, but is it realistic to think we can overcome this challenge simply by increasing the internal space of the Challenger-class battleships?

Shin In-son was indirectly voicing his concerns, as directly criticizing the Emperor could be construed as lese-majeste [the crime of violating the dignity of a monarch].

Hyang acknowledged Shin In-son’s point with a nod.

“Of course, I admit that this aspect is somewhat uncertain. However, according to the research institute’s findings, the world is round, is it not?”

“All naval commanders are aware of that. That’s why we refer to the world as ‘Earth.’”

To substantiate the ‘spherical Earth theory,’ the researchers at the research institute conducted numerous empirical measurements. The navy provided significant support in this endeavor.

Consequently, the navy was where the belief in the ‘Earth is round’ concept was most prevalent.

Listening to Shin In-son’s response, Hyang continued.

“According to the researchers’ calculations, the circumference of the widest part of this round world is approximately 100,000 li [approximately 40,000 kilometers]. Of course, to be precise, it’s 100,000 and several thousand li, but let’s disregard that detail for now….”

Pausing briefly, Hyang sketched a circle on a blank sheet of paper and resumed.

“Let’s assume this circle represents the Earth. Traversing the widest part in the middle would be an impossible feat, even for a Challenger-class battleship. However, our current location is here, in this northern region.”

Hyang drew a straight line across the upper portion of the circle and continued.

“What are your thoughts on navigating this route?”

Upon hearing Hyang’s question, Shin In-son considered the possibilities and responded with a hint of uncertainty.

“It’s difficult to definitively say it’s impossible, and equally difficult to guarantee its success. We simply lack sufficient information.”

“We need to acquire that information moving forward. Fortunately, our empire possesses the necessary tools, does it not?”

At Hyang’s words, Shin In-son immediately understood.

“Are you referring to the quadrant and the precision clock?”

***

Hyang, having acquired useful telescopes and mirrors from Area 51 and a quadrant—albeit a primitive one—through Mansour,
immediately entrusted them to Jang Yeong-sil.

“I want you to enhance their functionality. Please dedicate your efforts to this task.”

“…Yes.”

As a result, a somewhat improved quadrant was developed, enabling the navy to enhance the safety of long-distance voyages and begin creating more accurate nautical charts.

However, to produce comprehensive nautical charts and ensure safe voyages, the quadrant and compass alone were insufficient.

So Hyang—who was still the Crown Prince at the time—urged Jang Yeong-sil further.

“I require a highly precise clock. A clock that maintains accuracy regardless of the situation, and remains stable even in rough seas.

I need such a clock.”

“Is it impossible to achieve this with the current clocks?”

“It is said that clocks using weights, like the current ones, are inaccurate on the turbulent sea. I am entrusting this to you.”

“…I understand.”

It was a challenging request, but Jang Yeong-sil had no authority to refuse. It was the Crown Prince’s order.

However, even the great Jang Yeong-sil was perplexed. Observing Jang Yeong-sil struggling to find a viable solution, Hyang clicked his tongue.

“Tsk! I can’t stand idly by!”

Clicking his tongue in that manner, Hyang subtly offered some guidance.

“What about using a spring to power the clock’s movement?”

“Ah!”

As Hyang casually mentioned ‘spring,’ Jang Yeong-sil’s face lit up.

From that point onward, progress was swift.

Jang Yeong-sil had previously attempted to create a self-propelled palanquin using the power of a spring before Hyang intervened.

Although it ended in failure, and Jang Yeong-sil disappeared from history for taking responsibility.

Jang Yeong-sil, with his expertise in springs, devised a solution that met all requirements except for size.

The precision clock crafted by Jang Yeong-sil was approximately the size of a cold noodle bowl. However, the cold noodle bowls of that era, when large portions were common, were about half again as large as those of the 21st century.

Nevertheless, it delivered satisfactory performance, so the Challenger-class battleships and merchant ships deployed on long-distance voyages had at least three precision clocks placed in the captain’s cabin. One displayed the time in Hanseong—later Seoul—, another showed the time at the destination—primarily Suez—, and the last indicated the time at the intermediate stop—mainly Malacca.

Based on the time measured by these clocks, the latitude determined by the quadrant and constellations, and the regularly monitored sailing speed,
the captains and navigators could ascertain their position with reasonable accuracy.

And this was a crucial factor in enabling the Imperial Navy to maintain a significant advantage over other nations.

***

Hyang outlined his future plans to Shin In-son.

“As the admiral is aware, to effectively establish a maritime barrier, we need to accurately map the locations of Shinji’s east and west coasts, as well as any surrounding islands. The quadrant and precision clock will greatly facilitate this process.”

“That is correct.”

“And, through this endeavor, we can also transform the Shinji navy into an elite force.”

“That is correct.”

“Just a moment….”

Feeling parched from the extended conversation, Hyang poured black bean tea and offered it to Shin In-son.

“Have some.”

“Oh! What an honor!”

Shin In-son, deeply touched by Hyang’s gesture of personally pouring the black bean tea, bowed his head respectfully. Hyang, after moistening his throat with a sip of black bean tea, continued.

“I have allocated 10 years to develop the Imperial Navy stationed in Shinji, but I do not intend to pressure you to accelerate this timeline. Instead, you must ensure they reach a sufficient size and elite status.”

“Please leave that aspect to me.”

“Around the time the Shinji navy is established, it is anticipated that the Emperor will engage in negotiations with Portugal in approximately 9 years.”

“Negotiations with Portugal, you say? Are you perhaps considering forming a military alliance?”

“It’s not necessarily a formal military alliance, but rather a ‘Mutual Navigation Safety Guarantee Agreement’? ‘The Empire and Portugal guarantee the safety of ships belonging to both countries.’ Something along those lines. And this agreement will also include provisions for refuge ports.”

Pausing momentarily, Hyang spread out a map obtained from Europe and continued.

“There, the Emperor will request the Azores Islands.”

“It’s a location somewhat distant from Africa.”

“That’s correct. However, from Shinji’s perspective, isn’t it an ideal place for a mid-voyage rest stop?”

“But if we’re not careful, Shinji’s existence may be revealed sooner than anticipated.”

In response to Shin In-son’s concern, Hyang confidently replied.

“It’s of no consequence. By that time, the maritime barrier will be complete.”

“However, if disputes continue to arise frequently, unnecessary losses will occur, and it could become a significant burden in the future.”

“Therefore, I intend to plant a dagger. The location for planting the dagger is….”

Hyang pointed to a spot on the map with his finger.

“Right here, Gibraltar.”

Shin In-son, carefully examining Gibraltar, which Hyang indicated, looked at Hyang with a serious expression.

“It is undoubtedly a strategic location for planting a dagger. However, that territory belongs to Spain.

To occupy that location, we must be prepared for armed conflict, and to engage in armed conflict, we require a justification.”

“That’s correct. Therefore, I will request Portugal and its allies to grant us a port. Or allow us to construct a port. The location is right here.”

Hyang pointed to another spot with his finger. That location was the northern terminus of the iron horse [railroad] heading from Suez to the Mediterranean.

“The justification for building the port is simple: ‘Protection of goods and merchants exported from the Empire.’”

“It’s a reasonable argument, but will Portugal agree?”

Addressing Shin In-son’s concern, Hyang maintained his confident demeanor.

“They will agree. If you examine the map, isn’t Portugal’s situation analogous to Silla’s [an ancient Korean kingdom]? They are expanding their influence and desire to continue doing so. However, they are bordered by a powerful nation, Spain, which exerts pressure on them. So, what measures did Silla take?”

“They allied with Tang [an ancient Chinese dynasty]. Is our Empire assuming the role of Tang?”

“That’s right. Portugal and Spain are like cats and dogs, and even now, when their ships encounter each other at sea, they engage in deadly combat, despite the Pope’s attempts at mediation. Now! Do you recall the ‘The Empire and Portugal guarantee the safety of ships of both countries’ clause I mentioned earlier? We’ll leverage it here.”

Shin In-son’s eyes gleamed with intrigue as he envisioned the scenario Hyang described.

“If we witness a ship of Portugal, a treaty partner, engaged in combat, does that imply we automatically join the fray?”

“That’s right.”

“We’ll have to shuttle back and forth between the chartered port and the Azores Islands. It’s an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed by any means.

That’s what I mean.”

“Or, we can simply accompany the Portuguese ships whenever they sail. The Challenger-class battleships are renowned for their cargo capacity,

Are they not?”

“That is true.”

The expression on Shin In-son’s face, as he concurred, mirrored Hyang’s own.

After listening to the explanation, Shin In-son stroked his beard and reassessed the possibilities.

After careful deliberation, Shin In-son shared his opinion with Hyang.

“It’s a well-conceived plan, and if successful, it would be the optimal way to safeguard the Empire’s national interests. However, the challenge lies in personnel. To ensure the plan’s effective execution, we will require a substantial number of naval personnel from the mainland, as well as a significant contingent from Shinji. This plan is contingent on the timely availability of qualified personnel.”

“The tribal chiefs are spearheading that effort, so it appears feasible. And, we have the Monopoly Office, do we not?”

Upon Hyang’s mention of the ‘Monopoly Office,’ Shin In-son smiled and nodded.

“I had overlooked the Monopoly Office. Indeed, the Monopoly Office will be of considerable assistance.”

“Then, may I entrust this significant undertaking to the Admiral with confidence?”

“I will dedicate my utmost efforts!”

“Then I will place my complete trust in the Admiral.”

***

Hyang, having delegated the task to Shin In-son, examined the map and assessed the situation.

“We must seize Gibraltar and constrain Spain’s actions, just as England did. In the current circumstances, addressing Spain is the paramount objective. If we effectively contain Spain, we can undoubtedly assimilate North America, and if fortune favors us, we may also acquire the upper portion of South America. No, even if we only successfully integrate North America, there will be few major powers who dare to challenge the Empire.”