Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 827

827. Chicken Ribs (1)

During this period, European shipbuilding technology was developing at an explosive rate.

Compared to the timeline before Hyang’s intervention, this change was happening at least a century faster.

The driving force behind this was, of course, the Empire, and ultimately, Hyang himself.

Before Hyang’s involvement, European ships were largely divided into galleys in the Mediterranean and cogs in the North Sea.

Cogs were commonly used in Northern Europe, where they had to withstand the rough seas of the North Sea and the North Atlantic. Galleys, on the other hand, were central to trade in the Mediterranean, known for its calmer waters.

From these two distinct traditions, the carrack and caravel emerged.

Without Hyang’s intervention, it would have taken nearly a hundred years for the galleon to evolve from these earlier designs.

This delay would have been due to technical and informational limitations.

The discovery of the New World, previously unknown to Europeans, led to longer voyages and increased trade volume, creating a greater demand for larger, more capable ships.

However, Hyang’s intervention dramatically altered this trajectory.

* * *

As goods from Joseon, the ‘Land of Flowers,’ and later the Empire, became available in Europe, many European merchants flocked to Alexandria.

Naturally, interest grew in the ‘Land of Flowers’ that produced these remarkable goods.

Amidst this excitement, letters from monks and scholars who had traveled to Joseon consistently mentioned the impressive ships of the Joseon navy.

-A ship bigger, faster, and more powerful than any I have ever seen.

“What do these ships look like?”

Driven by curiosity, some individuals ventured across the desert to Suez.

However, shipbuilding technicians from Portugal and Italy were the first to take action.

“This can’t be….”

These technicians, who took great pride in building carracks and caravels—ships they considered the best of their time—were deeply disheartened upon seeing the Challenger-class battleships docked in Suez.

“It wasn’t just boasting….”

Shocked by the capabilities of the Challenger-class battleships, European shipbuilding technicians soon began trying to improve their own carracks and caravels by imitating the Joseon designs.

Their efforts were strongly supported by the ruling classes of Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

The larger and more powerful the ship, the greater the potential profits from the African trade.

* * *

With the unwavering support of their rulers, European shipbuilding technicians dedicated themselves to developing new ships—or, more accurately, replicating the Challenger-class battleships.

However, this was a formidable challenge.

The Challenger-class battleship was a product of Hyang’s extensive knowledge and dedication [Deok-lyeok, a Korean term for deep knowledge and passion in a specific field].

While built within the technological capabilities of Joseon at the time, Hyang boldly incorporated advanced features.

The resulting Challenger-class battleship resembled a late-stage galleon or an early ship-of-the-line in appearance. However, its internal design was far more advanced, closer to that of a late-stage ship-of-the-line.

It was impossible for European shipbuilding technicians, still working with carracks and caravels, to immediately replicate this advanced design.

Realizing the difficulty of the task, European shipbuilding technicians began seeking external assistance.

“Let’s recruit shipbuilding technicians from Joseon, the ‘Land of Flowers’!”

“If possible, let’s recruit the person who designed that ship in the first place!”

However, even this proved difficult.

The Challenger-class battleships were built in two shipyards: Wonsan and Dongbinghang. Both locations were heavily guarded.

Even when they managed to contact Joseon technicians, they were met with refusal.

“I don’t want to go.”

“We’ll pay you any amount of money….”

“It’s not about the money. I would be punished for treason. I can never go.”

“Then can you tell us who designed that ship?”

“The Crown Prince.”

“The Crown Prince?”

Realizing that the ‘Crown Prince’ referred to Hyang, and learning about his role in creating and supplying these advanced ships, the Europeans were stunned.

“Did one person do all of this?”

“Is the prince of this country some kind of prodigy?”

* * *

Having failed to find external assistance, European shipbuilding technicians were forced to proceed directly.

They camped in Suez, meticulously sketching the exterior of the Challenger-class battleships. Some disguised themselves as merchants, boarded the ships, and examined the internal structure.

Of course, the Empire’s sailors were not easily fooled and diligently prevented access to the most critical areas of the battleships.

Nevertheless, the European technicians managed to gather some information and began building new ships based on it.

This accelerated European ship development by approximately a century.

This was a remarkable achievement for countries outside the Empire and Ming.

The Empire had already advanced far beyond, and Ming had steadily improved its junk ships.

Japan, with shipbuilding technology inferior to that of the Empire or Ming, ended up hiring European shipbuilding technicians at a high cost.

Later, upon receiving this report, Hyang shook his head and muttered to himself.

“Last time it was arquebuses, and this time it’s ships?”

* * *

“Hmm… Japan is trying to build ships capable of long-distance voyages by bringing in European shipbuilding technicians… If long-distance voyages become possible, will they choose to advance southward?”

“That is correct.”

“Hmm… advance southward… advance southward….”

Wan, looking serious, repeated the words ‘advance southward’ and asked Hwangbo-in.

“I recall hearing that Europeans are heading not only west but also south, correct?”

“Yes. We continue to receive such reports.”

In response to Hwangbo-in’s answer, Wan, deep in thought, asked again with an even more serious expression.

“Could it be that they have already started the ‘Chicken Ribs Operation’ [a strategy where something is of little value but not worth discarding]?”

“No. The ‘Chicken Ribs Operation’ still exists only in documents.”

“Then how?”

“It seems to have started spontaneously, as you mentioned, lord.”

“Started spontaneously?”

“That is correct.”

“Hmm….”

In response to Hwangbo-in’s answer, Wan stroked his chin and pondered.

* * *

After Sejong advocated for active foreign trade, the Joseon Navy continued to secure naval supremacy and explore the surrounding sea routes.

In particular, after establishing a naval base in Temasek—now Singapore—and securing naval supremacy in the Strait of Malacca, the navy actively explored the surrounding areas.

Ironically, the greatest assistance to the Joseon Navy at this time came from the overseas Chinese who had established communities in Malacca, Malaya, Sumatra, and Luzon.

Driven by the desire to trade Joseon’s products, the overseas Chinese actively provided assistance.

Among the most valuable contributions from the overseas Chinese was the data they had collected over generations about the surrounding areas.

Based on this data, the Joseon Navy was able to conduct more efficient explorations.

As data analysis and exploration progressed, a new report was submitted to Sejong and Hyang.

-There are rumors of a vast land to the south.

-The rumors seem highly credible, as similar stories exist among different indigenous tribes.

After reading the report, which was filled with requests for funding, ships, and personnel, Sejong turned to Hyang.

“What do you think?”

“What does Your Majesty intend to do?”

After a moment of contemplation, Sejong shared his decision with Hyang.

“Our Joseon is already focusing significant effort on Shinji [newly discovered lands]. Spreading our resources to the south as well would be excessive. What do you think?”

“I also believe that excess is as bad as deficiency.”

“Huh?”

Sejong looked surprised at Hyang’s response.

“That’s unexpected. You were so eager to take the lead when Shinji was discovered, but this time you’re holding back.”

“I still have some regrets about that. But there’s a reason why the saying ‘excess is as bad as deficiency’ exists.”

“That’s true.”

Thus, Sejong did not authorize the ‘Southern Exploration.’

Later, the forgotten ‘Southern Exploration’ resurfaced when Joseon was transformed into an empire and Hyang was secretly planning to hand over the throne to Wan.

-The development of Shinji is now proceeding smoothly.

-Therefore, we must now explore the long-neglected south.

-Europeans have already sailed around Africa and arrived in Luzon.

-If Europeans hear rumors of a continent in the south, they will rush there immediately.

-If a continent truly exists in the south and Europeans seize it, it will be a significant loss to the Empire’s national interests.

-We must resume exploration now.

-So give us money, give us people, give us ships.

“What do you think?”

Wan, considering Hyang’s question, cautiously responded.

“Unfortunately, I believe it is impossible at this time.”

“Why?”

“Although the development of Shinji is progressing well, it still requires substantial resources and manpower. The cost of the exploration itself is a problem, but even if a continent is discovered, it will present further challenges.”

“So it’s impossible?”

“That is correct. Perhaps I am mistaken?”

As Wan observed Hyang’s expression, Hyang smiled slightly and replied.

“I also believe it is impossible. But my reasoning is slightly different.”

“What is the reason?”

Hyang answered Wan’s question immediately.

“If there is indeed a continent there—and since there are likely many native inhabitants—that place will become a chicken rib for the Empire.”

“A chicken rib, you say? I apologize, but I don’t understand why it would be a chicken rib. Wouldn’t it be better to preemptively claim it, even if it is a chicken rib?”

“There are times when discarding something is more profitable than keeping it. The rumored southern continent is exactly like that.”

Hyang explained his reasoning to Wan.

-If the rumored southern continent exists, the problem lies in the route to reach it.

Our Empire has firmly secured the Southwest Islands, but south of Luzon, various sultanates and tribes have already established themselves. Establishing diplomatic relations with each of them, or suppressing them, would require significant resources. Maintaining control afterward would also be costly.

-Furthermore, as you mentioned, European forces have already reached Luzon. If they incite the natives or sultans to oppose the Empire, matters will become complicated.

This situation differs from Shinji.

“Ah….”

At Hyang’s words, Wan nodded, as if finally understanding.

The route from the Empire’s mainland to Shinji was entirely under the Empire’s control. However, several countries had already established themselves along the route to the south.

“That’s not all. Humans are greedy creatures. To satisfy their greed, even enemies will often cooperate.”

“Enemies cooperate….”

Wan, pondering Hyang’s words, looked at him with surprise.

“Could it be! Are you suggesting that several countries will unite and invade the Empire?”

In response to Wan’s words, Hyang nodded and added.

“It is entirely possible. If the Empire takes too much, or rather, takes all the profitable opportunities, they will unite and try to undermine us. No matter how powerful the Empire is, it will inevitably fall if they unite and attack in such a way. Therefore, we discard the chicken rib and take only the most valuable part. Those hungry wolves will then fight among themselves for that chicken rib.”

“Ah….”

At Hyang’s explanation, Wan nodded.