Black Corporation: Joseon

Chapter 174

What is the issue? No, let me see the real thing while we discuss this.

King Sejong, second to none in his curiosity, commanded that the actual object be brought to him.

Following King Sejongs order, Hyang brought the replica of the problematic Winchester rifle.

How smoothly its made. It feels odd to say this about a rifle, but its beautiful.

King Sejongs first impression upon seeing the new rifle model was that it was beautiful.

After returning the rifle to Hyang, King Sejong descended from the hall.

I wish to see its performance.

Yes, Your Majesty.

King Sejong moved to a newly built archery range at one side of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

With King Sejong watching, Hyang demonstrated shooting with the Winchester rifle.

Bang!

How truly remarkable!

As the last of the eight shots rang out, King Sejong was full of admiration.

To be able to fire eight shots continuously without pause! And its range surpasses that of a horseback rifle! Truly, its a magnificent rifle!

King Sejong was impressed, but Hyang shook his head.

This rifle cannot be used for military purposes, Your Majesty.

Why is that?

The problem lies in the reloading process.

Hyang demonstrated the loading process of the Winchester rifle.

As you can see, each bullet must be loaded individually. Loading takes time, and firing is quick, leaving a significant gap in between.

We could do alternating firing!

Although Jo Mal-saeng countered, Hyang explained why that would not be feasible.

During that rebellion incident last time, I had to rotate using five rifles. Even then, eventually, there wasnt enough time, and I had to use a gun loaded with only five bullets instead of eight. Alternating firing is not the solution. And

Hyang then showed a bullet.

As you can see, instead of paper, the part containing the gunpowder is made of copper. Therefore, mass production is impossible.

But arent we receiving a good supply of copper? Moreover, copper mines have been discovered!

Jo Mal-saeng continued to persistently counter.

However, Hyang was equally resolute.

The amount of copper supplied has increased, but so have its uses. We still dont have enough to manufacture casings out of copper.

Casings?

At King Sejongs expression of curiosity at the unfamiliar term, Hyang briefly explained.

Yes, I have named it so.

But the man who wouldnt give up, Jo Mal-saeng, persisted.

If we could recover the casings to the maximum extent

Lord Cho! While it may be possible to recover them during training, how feasible is that in actual combat? Will you stop fighting to pick up casings?

Hyangs words silenced Jo Mal-saeng. Observing Jo Mal-saengs reaction, Hyang delivered the final blow.

Even the Gapshik rifles currently used by the Joseon army are unmatched by Japan, let alone Ming China. And you want to make a new rifle? What if Ming, like the Tang Dynasty did with Silla in the past, demands the new rifles as tribute or asks for our craftsmen? What will you do then?

What Hyang referred to was the Thousand Step Crossbow (Cheonbono) incident between Tang and Silla. Back then, Tangs Emperor Gaozong coveted Sillas crossbow and demanded craftsmen be sent to him. The craftsman Gu Jin-cheon, who was sent over, deliberately dragged out his work, and ultimately, Tang failed to acquire the Cheonbono.

Referencing the past incident, Hyang pointed out a reality.

Ming China! Right now, maintaining a lead of just one step is the best course! Even if we have technology that is two steps ahead, externally showing that we are only one step ahead is the optimal strategy! Joseon is just beginning to sprout! We absolutely must not provoke Ming!

At Hyangs words, Jo Mal-saengs expression turned gloomy. King Sejong, who was listening to Hyang, sighed.

Hmm. It seems the Crown Princes words are correct. Regrettably, let us consider this matter as if it never happened. We must avoid excessively provoking Ming.

I comply with Your Majestys decision.

Ultimately, Jo Mal-saeng had to relinquish his ambitions regarding the Winchester rifle.

* * *

After resolving the issue with the rifle, King Sejong, back in the council hall, proceeded with the meeting.

Lets move on to the next agenda item.

Yes, Your Majesty.

The one to step forward on King Sejongs command was Chief State Councilor Lee Jik.

I, Chief State Councilor Lee Jik, have reflected upon this recent matter and examined various situations. While I identified several issues, most of them can be resolved through reforms. This is a testament to Your Majestys wisdom, bringing great fortune to Joseon.

Lee Jik began his speech with praise for King Sejong. At his commendation, King Sejong responded with a modest smile.

It seems you are gilding my face.

Its not gilding.

The words of the Chief State Councilor are correct. Your Majesty is indeed a great blessing to Joseon.

The ministers continued with their chorus of praise for King Sejong.

Although King Sejong was pleased by the ministers flattery, he remained careful not to exceed proper bounds.

Theres a saying, too much is as bad as too little, and excessive courtesy is indeed discourtesy. I believe the same applies to praise for a monarch. Lets stop here. The kind words Ive heard so far are sufficient.

Although said with a smile, it was a clear warning, so the ministers promptly got to the point.

Chief State Councilor Lee Jik stepped forward again to continue.

From the recent reckless incident in the southern provinces, weve identified issues with communication.

Communication issues

At Lee Jiks statement, King Sejong stroked his beard. The smile had vanished from his face.

Lee Jik continued with his explanation.

Excluding rebellion incidents, there are many situations that require urgent reporting, like foreign invasions or the outbreak of epidemics.

Thats true.

King Sejong nodded in agreement.

Weve had similar discussions in the Ministry of Military Affairs before, and Ive ordered the refurbishment of the relay stations. But youre saying thats still insufficient?

Under normal circumstances, the relay stations would suffice. However, even with fast horses, it takes at least three days to travel from southern places like Dongnae or northern places like Gilju. And for the messengers, it can be as quick as five days. Thats during peace, but what about in times of emergency?

I see. In times of chaos, indeed, time is more precious than a thousand gold pieces

Sejong nodded at Lee Jiks words.

Do you have a solution then?

Yes, Your Majesty. The installation of beacon towers.

Beacon fires

King Sejong stroked his beard thoughtfully, his head nodding slightly.

Certainly beacon fires would be faster.

Convinced by Lee Jiks proposal, King Sejong asked further.

If we were to install beacon towers, have we identified suitable locations?

Lee Jik smoothly responded to King Sejongs question.

Yes, Your Majesty. Since the founding of our Joseon, we have records of the fortresses from the ancient Three Han states and the Goryeo period. Many of these sites already have foundations for beacon towers, which can be utilized as references for selecting locations.

I see.

King Sejong nodded at Lee Jiks explanation.

Lee Jik, pointing to a map that was already set up, continued his explanation.

After discussions in the State Council, we believe that forming a line of beacon fires extending from Mount Mokmyeok (located in Namsan) in Hanyang to the cardinal directions of Joseon would be sufficient to fulfill its role.

That sounds good.

King Sejong continued to nod at Lee Jiks explanation.

Indeed, in Joseon, as well as in Ming and Japan, there was no faster means of communication than beacon fires.

Hyang, who had been listening to the conversation, frowned.

Its a good suggestion and probably the most appropriate one. But I cant shake off this feeling that something is missing

As Hyang pondered over what might be lacking, the ministers and officials, noticing Hyangs expression, began to tense up.

The Crown Prince looks displeased!

Look at that troubled face!

Im not looking! I absolutely refuse to look!

In the midst of the ministers silent clamor, King Sejong, sensing the odd atmosphere, surveyed the surroundings.

Hmm?

Detecting the suddenly uneasy atmosphere, King Sejong sought the cause. Following the ministers gazes, he turned his head and saw Hyang, then muttered softly to himself.

Is it you again?

After murmuring to himself for a moment, King Sejong raised his voice to address Hyang.

Crown Prince, what concerns you so? Why such a troubled expression? Do you see an issue with the installation of the beacon towers?

At King Sejongs question, Hyang immediately shook his head.

No, Your Majesty. How can I be dissatisfied with beacon fires, when nothing compares to their swiftness? Its just that I have a curiosity

Curious? About what exactly?

Yes, as far as I understand, the number of fires and the smoke from the beacon towers convey different situations.

Thats correct.

At Hyangs words, King Sejong and the ministers nodded. The number of beacon fires indicated everything from normal conditions to the breakout of a battle.

But what are you curious about?

King Sejongs inquiry led the ministers to fix their gaze on Hyang, as they too found the Chief State Councilors suggestion quite fitting.

Responding to King Sejong, Hyang walked to the front of the map and continued.

Like the Chief State Councilor suggested, if we align beacon towers throughout Joseons territory to the north, south, east, and west, we can quickly understand the situation. I understood this much. However, what I am curious about is how do we then determine the exact location where the incident has occurred?

Hmm?

Eh?

Ah!

At Hyangs words, King Sejong and the ministers simultaneously showed expressions of realization, as if they had all overlooked a crucial point.

Of course, being able to quickly know from which direction north, south, east, or west the enemy invades is a significant advantage. However, until the messengers or fast horses bring more detailed information, we can only prepare general countermeasures. While this is better than having no information at all, its still inferior to preparing with detailed knowledge.

Thats true.

Indeed.

King Sejong and the ministers nodded at Hyangs words, looking at him once again.

Hes my son, but how can he be so thoughtful?

Despite his young age, such insight! Its always surprising!

Whether aware of the admiring glances or not, Hyang continued to point out the aspects he found lacking.

As the Chief State Councilor initially mentioned, its not just wars that require urgent information. Epidemics also need quick reporting and response, just as urgently.

What then is the solution?

At King Sejongs question, Hyang looked troubled.

Im sorry, but I am not yet sure. I only just thought of this issue

Is that so?

Yes.

Hearing Hyangs response, King Sejong turned to the ministers.

In my view, there is nothing wrong with the Crown Princes observations. I ask you all to consider what might be a good solution to this issue.

I comply with Your Majestys command.

Crown Prince, you should also ponder on this matter.

At King Sejongs order, Hyang bowed in agreement.

I will do as commanded.

* * *

Back in the Eastern Palace, Hyang removed his official headdress, Ikseongwan, and scratched his head.

This mouth of mine always stirring up trouble, creating more work.

At the same time, in the State Council Hall, the ministers gathered and discussed Hyang.

Usually, I just thought he was eccentric, but sometimes, on days like today, the Crown Prince can be quite daunting.

I agree. To think of such insights at his age

What will happen when the Crown Prince ascends to the throne

While the high officials and ministers were busy discussing, Kim Jeom interjected with a remark.

I may not live to see the Crown Prince ascend the throne, but this much I know for sure. He is the blood of our current King, and having observed how the King rules, it wont be easy for the officials.

Oh dear

At Kim Jeoms words, the ministers clicked their tongues briefly. However, the young officials who had followed the ministers to the State Council Hall turned ashen-faced, clearly unsettled by the prospect.

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