Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 94

Jjangra

Hello, Bomb!

94. The Eastern Route (2)

“Yes. How would you like the payment processed?”

The elders heard Hyang’s question through Hassan’s interpretation, and they answered Hassan, who immediately relayed it to Hyang.

“They say they don’t quite understand Your Highness’s question.”

“Just tell them to choose whether to receive it in gold or in other goods.”

A moment later,

“They thank you for your generosity. But they ask if they can see the goods and then choose, thanks to your benevolence.”

“Of course, that’s good. We can also check the marketability of the goods. Isn’t that right, Minister of Finance?”

Kim Jeom nodded at Hyang’s question.

“That’s right, of course, that’s right.”

Hyang smiled slightly at Kim Jeom’s very positive reaction.

‘He’s slowly learning the joy of spending money… He’s changed a lot?’

As Hyang said, the councilors and ministers of the Six Ministries were slowly becoming addicted to the ‘joy of spending money.’

The part where the councilors and ministers of the Six Ministries spent money was not for personal luxury but for strengthening the nation’s capabilities.

As the administrative power of the Joseon Dynasty was strengthened through the expansion of trade and the resulting expansion of tax revenue and budget, the central government’s control over the provinces was gradually strengthened.

In addition, as seen in the recent subjugation of the Jurchen, the strengthening of national defense not only stabilized the border but also provided the power to promote the long-term strategy of ‘advancing east (東進) [Dongjin: Eastern Advance],’ and the ministers were becoming increasingly addicted to the ‘joy of earning and spending money.’

“Then, let’s move to see the samples.”

Hyang and the Minister of Finance took the elders to a warehouse on one side of the palace. As they walked to the warehouse, Hyang spoke with the Minister of Finance.

“Right now, we’ve made this by converting a warehouse, but if the glass artisans do their job properly, we should create an exhibition hall in a better place, right?”

“Of course. I’m already looking for a suitable site.”

It was the first time in a while that Hyang and the Minister of Finance were so in sync.

The warehouse that Hyang and the Minister of Finance took the elders to did not look like a warehouse. Unlike ordinary warehouses that faithfully protected goods by blocking all sides with thick walls and installing doors that looked just as heavy, the warehouse in front of them had large window doors, allowing bright light to pour inside.

“Let’s go in.”

Leading the elders into the warehouse, Hyang showed them the samples.

“These are papers.”

“Hoo~.”

The elders’ eyes lit up as they looked at the various types of paper samples.

During the Tang Dynasty, Chinese papermaking technology was transmitted to Islam through various routes—mainly war—and paper became very common.

However, even though it became common, the price was still considerable. In Europe, even paper mills were built, but important documents were still written on parchment, and papyrus was generally used. This trend continued until the time of Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei.

In that sense, the paper that the elders were seeing now was of the highest quality, and naturally, the elders couldn’t help but be interested.

The reason why Hyang introduced paper first was also for that reason. Joseon’s paper was known as a luxury item even in China.

In addition, after abolishing the Jojiseo (Paper Manufacturing Office) [Jojiseo: Government office in charge of paper production] and encouraging competition among private merchants, the quality and variety increased rapidly, and it became one of the most profitable products in trade with not only Ming but also Japan.

“They say the quality is good, but the price is burdensome.”

“There’s also cheap stuff.”

Hassan chimed in at Hyang’s answer.

“Are you talking about Hwangji (黃紙) [Hwangji: Yellow Paper]?”

Hyang nodded at Hassan’s question. Hassan immediately explained to the elders, and the elders showed interest.

“I’m going to go bankrupt paying for paper! We have to find an alternative!”

Hwangji was created by Hyang after much deliberation to solve the increased paper demand in the research institute and Area 51.

Of course, traditional Hanji [Hanji: Traditional Korean paper] could be washed and reused, but the records of the research institute and Area 51 had to be kept even for failures, so the recycling rate was extremely low, which was a burden on the finances.

In the end, Hyang created a new ‘hybrid.’

Instead of the traditional paper mulberry, ordinary miscellaneous trees were used, and the process of pounding and boiling was replaced by finely grinding the miscellaneous trees into pulp with a power grinder. And the traditional process of making paper using manpower was changed to using power.

“It’s power now, but it will be replaced as soon as the steam engine is completed!”

“It’s not as good as the paper made by artisans, but it’s usable enough. In particular, the production cost is very pleasing.”

When Jeong Cho, Jeong In-ji, and Yi Cheon, who calculated the quality and production cost, gave a passing grade, Hyang immediately took action.

He bought land near Area 51 and built a large paper mill.

The characteristic of Hwangji made by Hyang was that it was yellow, as the name suggests.

“Bleaching is possible, but what about environmental pollution? I don’t know about that part.”

Even though he was Gwangdeok [Gwangdeok: Title of nobility], he didn’t know everything, so Hyang completely removed the bleaching part. Thanks to that, yellow paper was made.

As Hwangji was mass-produced, the research institute and Area 51 were freed from the paper problem. In addition, Sejong, who received a report on Hwangji, immediately summoned the ministers.

“How about replacing the paper used for general affairs, not important documents, with Hwangji?”

“That is a truly wise decision!”

As soon as Sejong’s words fell, Minister of Finance Kim Jeom shouted with a delighted expression.

In the end, with the enthusiastic support of the Ministry of Finance, Hwangji was used in the court, and later it was used even in the lowest local administrative agencies.

As time passed, Hwangji began to be called ‘Aekji (厄紙) [Aekji: Unlucky Paper]’ among the common people.

This was because among the papers sent by government offices, good news—such as giving an award—was carefully written on high-quality paper and attached to a silk scroll, but bad news—such as paying taxes, appearing in court, joining the army, or coming out for public works—was written on Hwangji.

The elders, who checked the quality of Hwangji and even checked the price, soon made a decision.

“The quality is good, and the price is low, so it will definitely make money!”

“Even if we factor in the shipping costs to our hometown, it’s still profitable enough!”

Although they had made a decision, the elders did not make an immediate decision.

“They ask if there are any other goods.”

“Of course, there are.”

‘If they didn’t say that, they wouldn’t be merchants.’

At Hyang’s gesture, a Ministry of Finance official opened the lid of a box next to him.

“It’s called Bijo (肥皁) [Bijo: Soap].”

What Hyang introduced was soap.

* * *

Soap was a byproduct of the process of obtaining glycerin to make nitroglycerin. Hyang had to laugh when he saw the first soap made.

“In clichés, glycerin is obtained from making soap, but I’m the opposite, which is funny…”

The first soap made was a dark, murky color. When the first soap was made, it was called Seokgam (石鹼) [Seokgam: Stone Alkali] because it looked like a stone. But soon, it was made using oil, and because it was used to get rid of skin rashes, the character Jo (皁) from the Chinese honey locust tree, which was used to treat rashes, was attached to create the name Bijo.

The Bijo thus created was presented to Sejong. At the time, Sejong was suffering from skin disease.

By bathing cleanly using soap and wearing a Gonryongpo (king’s robe) [Gonryongpo: Robe worn by the King] that had been washed with soap and dried thoroughly, Sejong’s skin disease dramatically subsided.

“This is a truly wonderful thing! There are more than a few people suffering from rashes, so mass-produce it immediately!”

“I obey your command!”

The reason why Hyang confidently answered Sejong’s order was that he was now able to extract soybean oil.

However, when soybean oil was actually used, the problem of low yield was discovered.

“Why?”

While searching for the reason and solution, Hyang discovered that the yield of already used soybean oil was high and smacked his forehead.

“So that’s why they used waste cooking oil?”

Although he found a solution, it was an incomplete solution.

“Traditional cuisine doesn’t use a lot of oil. I can’t just keep flipping pancakes every day, and I can’t just boil perfectly good oil…”

While searching for a solution, Hyang snapped his fingers when he saw the chicken porridge that came up to the royal cuisine.

“This is it!”

Hyang immediately chose one of the cooks from the royal kitchen and created ‘Gyejak (鷄炸, fried chicken) [Gyejak: Korean Fried Chicken].’

‘Chicken’ was born.

“It’s delicious.”

Sejong, who tasted the Gyejak made by Hyang, liked it very much and soon became one of his favorite foods.

“Gyejak is very oily, so fry garlic together and serve it together.”

“I understand.”

‘Gyejak’ was not only liked by Sejong. The soldiers and military officers of the training center who were rotated to Area 51 also liked ‘Gyejak.’ On days when ‘Gyejak’ was on the dinner menu of the communal restaurant created in Area 51, there were even those who skipped lunch altogether.

Due to this tremendous popularity, chickens were raised on a large scale at the royal ranch on Neobeol Island.

It wasn’t just Neobeol Island.

Some merchants who heard rumors of ‘Gyejak’ through word of mouth from soldiers visited Hyang and knocked on the door of Area 51.

“We want to get the recipe and oil for Gyejak.”

At the merchants’ words, Hyang immediately called the Minister of Finance. The Minister of Finance, who sat down, immediately got to the point.

“How much are you thinking of paying?”

In this way, the amount of soybean oil used increased, and the mass production of Bijo proceeded through the increased waste oil.

* * *

The elders, who heard how to use soap and even used it themselves, nodded.

“They say it’s a worthwhile item. But they want to know why one has a scent and the other doesn’t.”

“The one with the scent is used for washing the face and bathing, and the one without the scent is used for laundry.”

Upon hearing Hyang’s answer, the elders nodded, when suddenly one of the elders urgently shouted ‘Goryeo!’ and opened his mouth.

Hassan, who listened to the elder for a long time, interpreted to Hyang.

“They asked if you can sell fragrances.”

Hyang smiled at Hassan’s words.

“They know well. Fragrances have been famous since the old Samhan period…”

Fragrances and fragrant oils were one of the most precious luxury goods worldwide. The Korean Peninsula also used a lot of fragrances from the ancient Gojoseon period.

As much as they used, they also had a flair for manufacturing, so fragrant oil was one of the main trade items even during the Goryeo Dynasty.

They imported raw fragrances from China, processed them, and made huge profits by exporting them. And the fragrances that were exported in that way flowed to the Islamic region.

* * *

Hyang pointed to the ceramic bottles and small boxes displayed on one side.

“Fragrant oil is in there, and what’s in the boxes is Hyangbun (香粉, fragrant powder) [Hyangbun: Fragrant Powder].”

After hearing the explanation, the elders pulled out the stoppers of their ceramic bottles and smelled them, or picked up a little fragrant powder and checked the smell, and then nodded.

“They say the quality is very good.”

“Of course. It’s made by recognized artisans.”

Listening to Hassan’s interpretation, the elders nodded. The eyes of the elders, who were putting their ceramic bottles back in place, were fixed on the ceramic bottles.

The elders, who were blankly staring at the ceramic bottles, began to talk with Hassan for a long time.

After the story progressed for a while, Hassan interpreted to Hyang.

“They are asking if they can purchase those ceramics separately.”

“I don’t sell them separately, but…”

Hyang gestured to the Ministry of Finance official again. At Hyang’s gesture, the official moved his position. There, wooden boxes that looked precious at a glance were leaning diagonally. The official carefully opened the lids of the boxes.

“Ooh!”

Amid the elders exclaiming at the contents of the box, Hyang said to Hassan.

“Ask them what their taste is, celadon or white porcelain.”

At Hassan’s interpretation, the elders answered in unison. Hassan smiled and answered after hearing the answer.

“They say all of them.”

“Hahaha!”

At those words, Hyang laughed coolly.

* * *

In the end, the elders not only received the payment for the glass artisan in goods instead of gold, but also emptied out the funds they had just in case to purchase goods.

What they mainly purchased were Bijo for washing the face, fragrances, and ceramics.

Minister of Finance Kim Jeom, who checked the quantity, said to Hassan.

“The requested quantity will be delivered within three days.”

“Yes.”

The elders conveyed their words of gratitude to Hassan’s interpretation. Hyang, who heard the story, said to Hassan.

“And this time, we are expressing our gratitude and sending them back, but explain that customs duties will be attached from next time. I have to say it in advance so that there will be no disputes later. And tell them that they won’t be able to buy goods without a trade license.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Hassan immediately interpreted, and after a while, an answer came.

“They ask what the tax rate is and how to obtain a trade license.”

“Tell them that they will be informed when the goods are delivered.”

After a while, Hassan interpreted the elders’ answer.

“They say they hope for the leniency of His Majesty the King.”

“Tell them that I will speak well to His Majesty.”

Three days later, the goods arrived in the Islamic community. While those who came with the elders were checking the quantity and quality of the goods, Hassan took out a scroll from his arms and handed it over.

“This time, they said they would just give it as a sign of gratitude. They said that next time you come, you should purchase a license and pay taxes.”

“What is the amount?”

“It’s 50 nyang of gold for one time, that is, 500 ducats of gold coins, and 2000 ducats for a 2-year license. The tax rate is 10% for purchase and 15% for sale.”

At Hassan’s answer, the elders put their heads together and shared their opinions.

“It seems a bit expensive?”

“Considering the goods we are taking, it seems appropriate.”

“It’s not appropriate! They are giving us a very cheap price! Didn’t they say that we can’t buy goods without a license? That means that only our family can monopolize it!”

“That’s right!”

The elders, who made a conclusion, said to Hassan.

“Tell the King and Prince of Joseon that we are grateful for their kindness. Tell them that we will return as soon as possible.”

“I understand.”

As soon as Hassan’s words were finished, the person in charge of inspection answered.

“No problem!”

“Then let’s go back to the ship as soon as possible!”

* * *

The ship carrying the elders returned at full speed. The sailors who were promised rewards moved with all their might.

Whenever they had to stop at a port due to supply problems, they minimized the number of ports they had to go through by loading as many supplies as possible.

Breaking the custom of resting at a nearby port when encountering headwinds, they moved zigzag when encountering headwinds and moved without rest.

Thanks to that, it was the pirates who were ambushed to rob them who suffered. Because they moved more urgently than expected, they escaped the pirates’ ambushes every time.

Thanks to their efforts, they made huge profits with the goods they brought from Joseon when they returned home.

“Excluding the initial capital, it’s 72,000 ducats! The profit is three times!”

“Let’s prepare a ship to go to Joseon right away!”

It was the birth of the ‘Great Eastern Route’ that made not only the Islamic region but also the Mediterranean merchants flutter.