Black Corporation: Joseon

Chapter 197

[TL/N: This chapter mentions a vast number of locations. Refer this while reading.]

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Then lets review the construction plan again.

Yes, Your Majesty.

At Sejongs command, the Minister of Public Works gestured to the officials behind him.

A moment later, the Vice-Minister of Public Works, who had set up a large map next to him, bowed respectfully to Sejong.

Lets begin.

I obey.

The Vice-Minister of Public Works, who had bowed to Sejong, turned to the ministers and bowed humbly before speaking.

I will now report on the road paving plan that will begin this year.

Why do I feel like Im hearing a familiar BGM^[1]?

It was a feeling as if he was hearing a BGM that he had grown accustomed to hearing over the generations, as it was used in the weather forecast corner.

The Vice-Minister of Public Works, who had bowed respectfully, turned the page with a long pointer.

Flap!

The lines drawn on this map are the main roads connecting the major regions of Joseon.

Hmm

Ooh~.

Sejong and the ministers, who saw the map, expressed their interest with murmurs.

The road network drawn on the map was a masterpiece created by the officials of the Ministry of Public Works after working tirelessly, even forgetting to leave work.

In order to create this road network, the Ministry of Public Works had requested cooperation from the Ministry of Military Affairs and even the Research Institute.

Does it go all around Joseon?

Yes, Your Majesty.

The Vice-Minister of Public Works answered Sejongs question respectfully.

A red solid line, representing the road network, surrounded the Korean Peninsula.

To the north, the red line followed the Amnok River and the Tumen River, and in other parts, it followed the coastline.

Inside, a red line was drawn in the shape of an X, centered on Hanseong.

The Vice-Minister of Public Works continued his explanation, pointing to the red line with his pointer.

We will start with the northeastern region first. The northeastern route will start from Heunginjinmun^[2] in Hanseong, pass through Pocheon^[3] and Cheorwon^[4], and arrive in Wonsan^[5]. After that, we plan to build an outer road along the coastline from Wonsan to Noktundo Island^[6].

Then can we say that Wonsan is the real starting point of the northeast direction?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Why did you choose Wonsan?

At Sejongs question, the Vice-Minister of Public Works turned the page to the next chapter.

The next page showed a close-up map of Wonsan.

As you can see, Wonsan is a natural deep-water port. The Wonsan Peninsula, which juts out so far, protects ships from high waves. In the future, when we develop the virgin lands to the east, we will need to move materials by road, but ships will play the biggest role. Therefore, we chose Wonsan, which has the best location as a port, as the starting point.

I see. I understand.

Once Sejong understood, the Vice-Minister of Public Works continued his explanation.

He spoke eloquently, and thanks to his concise and easy-to-understand explanation, Sejong and the ministers were able to quickly grasp the gist of it.

I think that vice-minister would be more needed in the Ministry of Rites than in the Ministry of Public Works.

Wouldnt he be better suited for the Ministry of Personnel than the Ministry of Rites?

As the ministers of each department began to covet the vice-ministers eloquent speaking skills, the Minister of Public Works stepped in to block them.

Dont even dream of it until Im dead and in my coffin.

Tsk!

The other ministers clicked their tongues at the Minister of Public Works firm response.

***

The explanation, which had been going smoothly, came to a halt at the part about Mungyeong Saeje^[7].

Why do we have to go through Mungyeong Pass? I know very well that the terrain of mountain pass is dangerous. Did we choose the wrong route?

At Sejongs question, the Chief explained the reason.

Yes, Your Majesty. There are four main routes from Dongnae to Hanseong. One is the Mungyeong Saeje Pass that we have chosen as the main road, and the other is the Hwaryeong Pass that goes through Sangju, Boeun, and Chungju. The third is the Chupungnyeong Pass, also known as the Left Road, and the fourth is the Jungnyeong Pass^[8], also known as the Right Road.

I know that too. Tell me the reason.

The vice-minister took a moment to catch his breath before speaking.

Yes. The reason we didnt choose the Left Road or the Right Road is because they would require a large detour. The Right Road was excluded because the terrain of Jungnyeong Pass is just as dangerous as mountain pass, and we would have to go through the Danyang Gorge. The Chupungnyeong Pass on the Left Road is lower, but it would require an even larger detour, and it was also excluded because of the Geumgang Gorge. The Hwaryeong Pass is better, but it was also excluded because it would require a detour to Boeun and Cheongju.

However, Sejong continued to point out the problems.

Yes, I understand that the route through mountain pass is the shortest distance. But how will we deal with the dangerous terrain of mountain pass?

At Sejongs question, the vice-minister turned the page of the map.

The next page showed a road drawn in a winding shape.

This is a road design that we have named S-shaped Road.

It looks like a path that a snake would have taken. Is there a reason why you made it like this?

Yes. The overall length of the road is definitely longer, but it is less strenuous and suitable for climbing steep passes.

Are you sure?

At Sejongs question, the vice-minister nodded.

Yes. The researchers at the Research Institute confirmed the results while building the road on Mt. Mokmyeok (Mt. Namsan) located in Area 51.

At the vice-ministers answer, the eyes of Sejong and the ministers focused on Hyang.

You again?

Is it the Crown Prince again?

As the gazes gathered, Hyang spoke in a shy voice.

I studied it because the road to Mt. Mokmyeok is a bit dangerous.

You better report it properly.

I did, but?

Sejong, who had paused for a moment at Hyangs answer, soon changed his expression and ordered the vice-minister.

Alright. Since you said you have already confirmed the results, I will not make any further comments. However, considering the winter of our Joseon, the terrain of mountain pass is dangerous. We should also develop a detour using Hwaryeong Pass. It will take additional time and budget, but it is a necessary measure if we consider the safety of the people.

I obey your command!

The Minister of Public Works and the Chief answered in unison.

Behind them, the officials of the Ministry of Public Works took out paper and writing brushes to record Sejongs additional orders.

Next, the focus turned to the road network being built along the Amnok River, the Tumen River, and the coastline.

Why are you building roads around the outside like this?

Yes. If you look at the terrain of our Joseon, 2/3 of it is mountains. Crossing these mountains is the biggest challenge. Therefore, taking a boat was the best way to travel north and south of Joseon. However, water transportation requires a large scale, so it is difficult for the people to use it easily. However, if we build roads along the coast and the riverbank, it will be much easier to travel.

Hmm.

Sejong stroked his beard and calculated the pros and cons as he listened to the Chiefs explanation.

But wont it take too long?

At Sejongs question, the Chief turned to the next page. The next page showed a map of the Korean Peninsula with many blue lines drawn on it.

These are the secondary roads connecting to the main roads. If we connect them well, we can minimize the loss of time.

The Vice-Minister turned to the next page right away.

The next page showed a red and blue line intertwined, connecting all parts of Joseon.

Its not bad, but.

Sejong couldnt hide his disappointment after seeing the picture.

Isnt there any way to reduce the travel time a bit more?

At Sejongs question, Hyang stepped forward.

There is one way, but it is impossible for now.

What is it?

It is to dig a tunnel through the mountain.

Why is that impossible? Arent we already digging tunnels into mountains to mine ores?

The scale is different. In a mine, the tunnel is only big enough for one or two people to enter, but for use as a road, at least one or two carts need to pass through. It takes too much time, money, and manpower to dig a tunnel that big.

Sejong was discouraged by Hyangs answer.

Hyang, who used to come whining for a budget all the time, was saying it couldnt be done because of the budget.

Seeing you make a fuss about the budget tells me it must indeed be an impossible task.

With the current level of technology in Joseon, it is quite difficult. However, it may not be entirely impossible given more time.

At Hyangs words, Sejong smiled faintly.

It does offer some consolation.

After continued explanations and a Q&A session, a few additional matters were added.

It seems weve decided whats needed. Lets proceed as planned.

I shall obey the command.

This is an important task that will invigorate Joseon. I hope everyone will give their best.

I will bear it in mind and act accordingly!

With this meeting, the evolution of land transportation in Joseon began.

* * *

As soon as Sejongs approval was given, road construction started throughout Joseon.

Roads began to be organized in all directions from Hanyang east, west, south, and north. Simultaneously, from the north in Anju and Wonsan, and from the south in Mokpo and Dongnae, roads started to be laid towards Hanyang.

The first phase was to complete this cross-shaped network of roads, followed by the construction of outer ring roads.

With the commencement of road construction across Joseon, many people began to move.

Workers participating in the construction, those supervising them, and merchants and prostitutes targeting the workers earnings all became active.

The world is changing!

Exactly. If things go well, we might see a better world.

A better world will come. With such a virtuous king, how could it not?

Yes! A virtuous king has come!

Amidst the bustling energy, the people began to harbor a tentative hope.

However, not everyone was pleased.

A flurry of petitions against the road construction began to flood the court.

Their content was almost identical.

Although the roads in our village are narrow and rough, there has been no trouble in the movement of people and goods.

Now, with the new road construction underway, how can this not be distressing?

It is distressing that resources and people are being mobilized for an unnecessary task, and the gathering of men at the construction sites is attracting prostitutes and gamblers, corrupting the purity of our village. How can this not be distressing?

Lastly, wide roads are also detrimental to national defense, how could this not be distressing?

If the enemy invades through well-maintained roads, they will strike like a tempest.

Therefore, the construction must rightly be stopped

Reading the petition, Sejong crumpled it irritably and tossed it aside.

These scholars know one thing but are ignorant of another! Can they truly be called educated?

As Sejong burst out in frustration, Hyang gave a bitter smile.

Wasnt there a similar situation just before the Imjin War?

* * *

Just before the Imjin War, although it was concluded that the Japanese forces would not invade, fortresses were still being repaired everywhere as a precaution.

As soon as these repair works began, petitions opposing them were submitted, most of which contained the following arguments:

-The moats of our village fortresses are narrow, yet no one can leap over them.

The walls may be low, but even the nimble cannot easily climb over them.

Despite this, mobilizing the people for repairs is unnecessary and tyrannical, and thus should be immediately halted.

* * *

And then, what happened when the Imjin War broke out? Werent they all swept away?

Recalling those who opposed with limited insight, Hyang wore a bitter expression and approached Sejong.

Your Majesty, it seems they do not trust Your Majesty.

Me?

Their opposition reflects their lack of faith in our Joseon military. Doesnt that imply they also lack faith in Your Majestys wisdom in leading the military?

That seems to be the case

Nodding at Hyangs words, Sejong looked at him and smiled wryly.

If you werent the Crown Prince, you would have made the most formidable of traitors. Truly a fearsome fellow.

At Sejongs remark, the officials involuntarily nodded in agreement. Hyangs ability to frame the petitioners as disloyal with just a few words was indeed intimidating.

The historian recording all these events added the following note:

-The historian states:

The Crown Princes eloquence is not just outstanding; it is fearsome.

When the Crown Prince ascends to the throne, the officials must be wary of their words.

Background Music[]more commonly known as Dongdaemun is one of The Eight Gates of Seoul[]an inland city in the far northeastern region of Gyeonggi province in South Korea.[]a county in Gangwon province. Located right next to North Korea today[]In Kangwon province, North Korea today[]Noktundo was an island in the delta of the Tumen River on the border between Primorsky Krai, Russia and North Korea.[]Mungyeong Saejae held immense significance during the Joseon period as the primary gateway connecting the southeastern Gyeongsang province to the capital of Hanyang (modern-day Seoul). This mountain pass served as a crucial conduit for scholars, government officials, and traders traveling between the regions. Its strategic location made it a key point for defense and control of movement, while also facilitating cultural exchange and the flow of goods.[]is a mountain pass located in South Korea. It is situated on the border between the provinces of North Gyeongsang and North Chungcheong, and it is part of the Sobaek Mountain Range. Its also known as one of the strategic routes during Joseon dynasty[]

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