Black Corporation: Joseon

When the Minister of Taxation reached a positive conclusion, the situation proceeded smoothly.

“Then let’s try to operate the cattle farm, the bean field, and the pasture.”

As King Sejong was about to conclude, the Left State Councilor, Hwang Hui, intervened. “Your Majesty, I think it is premature to build cattle farms nationwide.”

“Why?”

Although the expressions of Sejong and the ministers became sharp, Hwang Hui firmly continued, “The Crown Prince’s intention is indeed magnificent, but the environment is still insufficient. To build a cattle farm, we need vast land and water, but if you look at the situation in the Eight Provinces of Joseon, such lands are already occupied by rice paddies and fields. If we make cattle farms, we have to take away these farmlands, which will inevitably cause backlash from the people.”

“That makes sense.” At Hwang Hui’s point, Sejong nodded. He had hastily made a decision in the hope of creating large pastures, and Hwang Hui had pointed that out. “So, what would the Left State Councilor like to do?”

“We already have a royal cattle farm on Yeomul Island, so let’s start operating the cattle farm and pasture there first, let the nomads defectors gain experience there, and then expand to the entire Eight Provinces. In the meantime, the court should buy suitable land for cattle farming.”

At Hwang Hui’s words, one of the ministers raised an objection. “Don’t you think we can raise cattle and pigs even without a vast plain? Aren’t hills and slopes near springs also usable as cattle farms and pastures?”

‘What about Daegwallyeong¹ Farm!’

At the minister’s point, Hwang Hui immediately explained why it was impossible. “Of course, you can do that. However, if you release cattle and pigs in such areas, they will most likely become prey to tigers and bears.”

“Ah!”

Not only the minister at Hwang Hui’s point but also Sejong and all the ministers sighed.

At this time, the mountains of Joseon belonged to tigers and bears. Bears did not cause much damage, but tigers often came down to the village and caused harm.

Reports of tigers coming down to the village and taking away livestock or people came up at least four to five times a year. Each time, the court had to dispatch a tiger-hunting soldier.

“Hmm… The problem of tigers.”

As Sejong expressed regret, Hwang Hui reiterated his opinion. “In addition to that reason, the issue of the nomadic defectors must also be clearly resolved. They are adept at riding and fighting regardless of gender or age. In order to assimilate them with our Joseon commoners, their temperament must be pacified. By teaching them how to herd cattle at the cattle farm on Yeomul Island and pacifying them, there will be no major disturbances in the future.”

“Will Yeomul Island be big enough to accommodate numerous cattle and pigs, the nomads, and those who will manage them?”

At Sejong’s question, the Minister of Personnel responded immediately, “It’s perfectly possible! However, even a little bit of the Han River water can be covered up with sand², so we need to prepare for that, in case it happens.”

“It will be quite a project.”

In response to Sejong’s comment, Hyang proposed a measure, “Anyway, it is now spring. As I mentioned before, we can give rice to the people who have run out of grain, and if we enforce corvée, it will be sufficient.”

Before Hyang could finish, the Minister of Justice interjected.

“If we mobilize the residents of Hanyang, Geumcheon district, and Bupyeong districts, we should be able to build the embankment.”

“Is that so?”

In response to the Minister of Law Enforcement, Hwang Hui questioned him, “Neobeul Island is vast, is it possible with the people from three places?”

In response to Hwang Hui’s question, the Minister of Justice answered, “It is definitely difficult to complete it at once. However, if we build wooden fences this year, and reinforce them with stones and soil next spring, it should be finished in 3 or 4 years. Therefore, it should not be too burdensome for the people.”

The ministers all calculated in their heads. After roughly calculating, they all responded in unison.

“It seems that the Minister of Law Enforcement plan is right.”

“Let’s proceed that way. By the way, Crown Prince.”

“Yes, Father.”

“When I think back to what you said earlier, there are 433 cows left excluding the ones to be sent to the cattle ranch. What do you plan to do with them?”

In response to Sejong’s question, Hyang answered briefly, “How about vaccinating the people who have contracted smallpox?”

“Vaccinating?”

“Yes, even after vaccination, the fever persists for a while, and they must rest.”

“I see.”

“It is now spring. As I mentioned before, we need to repair the dam and reservoirs. It will require a lot of energy. Even if we distribute rice, their strength will definitely wane. I thought it would be good to give them beef to boost their energy.”

“Hmm…”

After considering Hyang’s response, Sejong looked at the ministers. “What do you think of this proposal?”

In response to Sejong’s question, the ministers who had been calculating various things all responded in unison.

“We think it’s a very good idea.”

“Then let’s proceed that way.”

◈◈◈

That evening, after the meeting of Sejong and the ministers ended, the Minister of Taxation visited Donggungjeon Palace.

“You did great work today.”

At Hyang’s compliment, the Minister of Taxation laughed and shook his head. “It was nothing. I am rather regretful for not having thought of such a thing sooner.”

“No, it’s because you didn’t oppose it that things went smoothly.”

Hyang’s mind wandering about the pigs, started when he visited Neobeul Island because of the smallpox problem. The blacksmith was washing the cows clean to vaccinate them against smallpox, and he took out a silver needle.

“Ah! I have prepared needles and various other things.”

“Ah! Is that so?”

Hyang rummaged through his sleeve and pulled out a small case containing a silver needle, and another case.

“I understand the needle case, but what is this?”

“It’s cotton soaked in alcohol.”

After finishing the sterilization process and vaccinating procedure, Hyang took a moment to check on the animals being raised on Neobeol Island.

“Is this a pig?”

“Yes, it is.”

Hyang, having seen the pigs running around in front of him, looked back at the rock. “Have they all grown up?”

“Yes, they have.”

“Wow…” Hyang couldn’t believe his eyes. “My goodness! Pigs have a slender body line! And why are they so small!”

The pigs running around in front of his eyes were small and slim. Returning to the palace, Hyang was immersed in thought.

“I need a lot of lard for my plan… but with the pigs in this condition…”

To solve the pig problem, Hyang called over the Minister of Taxation who had been leading the envoys to Ming. Together, they devised a plan that was passed today.

As the Minister of Taxation was about to leave after finishing the conversation with Hyang, he asked a question, “By the way.”

“Yes?”

“Why are you looking for pigs? Pork is tasty, but isn’t it not comparable to beef?”

At the man’s question, Hyang chuckled and replied, “Pork is delicious in its own way. However, what’s important to me isn’t the pork, but the lard.”

“Ah?”

“You’ll understand in due course.”

“Yes… I see.”

“Take care.”

As he saw off the Minister of Taxation, Hyang muttered softly, “Soap may be cliché, but soap isn’t my priority. It’s the byproduct that matters. And that applies to paper as well.”

◈◈◈

When Sejong’s order was passed on, fortunate cows were brought up to Hanyang from all over the country. The remaining cows were assigned one each to the villages with many people throughout the country. Following the magistrate’s orders, the villagers surrounding the designated villages gathered. The magistrate read Sejong’s proclamation at the gathering where everyone, young and old, was present.

“…Therefore, you should slaughter this cow, make a soup to nourish your body. Once you have regained your strength, sincerely repair the dam and reservoir. If there is no dam or reservoir, create new ones to prepare for a drought.”

As soon as the magistrate’s announcement ended, the people, who seemed eager, raised their arms and shouted cheers.

“Long live the king! Long live! Long live! Long live forever!”

“Long live!”

The people were excited and shouted out the cheers.

Then, a commoner stepped forward and slaughtered the cow. The slaughtered cow was divided according to the size of the village, and soon a feast began in each village.

Once the village feast was over, the magistrate mobilized the strong men and started the water management work.

“Repair the dam and reservoir!”

“Dig a canal and create a reservoir!”

“Dig a well!”

Amidst the people laboring and sweating in each village for the public works, the relief rice sent by the state arrived. The officials from the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Public Works who came with the relief rice stayed at the county office, distributing the rice according to the population registry they made while conducting smallpox vaccinations, and meticulously recorded the repairs or construction of the dams, reservoirs, canals, and wells.

Not only the common people were busy while the public works were going on. Landlords, who had been alarmed by previous incidents, opened their purses and slaughtered cows and pigs.

“Eat these while working.”

“Thank you, noble sir!”

“We will eat well!”

As a result of the people’s efforts, the old dams and reservoirs were newly repaired, and a significant number of new reservoirs and dams were built.

Looking at the water filling up in the repaired dams, reservoirs, and canals, the farmers swelled with hope.

“This year, the farming will definitely go well.”

◈◈◈

May 6th.

“I will follow your command.”

Upon receiving His Majesty’s command, the Assistant Secretary of State Affairs called for Jang Yeong-sil, who was in the ‘Royal Attire Bureau’.

“His Majesty has ordered to make a water clock. So gather capable people and make the water clock.”

“I will follow your command,” Jang Yeong-sil replied, bowing his waist.

◈◈◈

Meanwhile, Hyang, who had heard the news, clenched his fist tightly. “It’s here! It’s really here!” Excited, he started to rummage through the scrolls stacked in one corner of the study.

After searching for a while, Hyang, who had found what he wanted, called for the inner servant.

“Inner servant!”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

“I must go to ‘Royal Attire Bureau’! Guide me there!”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Upon arriving at ‘Royal Attire Bureau’, Hyang immediately searched for Jang Yeong-sil.

“Who is Officer Jang Yeong-sil?”

At Hyang’s question, one of the officials hurriedly came forward and answered, ” Officer Jang is currently at the water clock. I’ll call him right away.”

“No, don’t. We shouldn’t casually summon busy people. Did you say he’s at the water clock?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“I see. Well, carry on then.”

Hyang immediately headed towards the water clock.

◈◈◈

“Is that him?”

At the spot where Hyang’s gaze was directed, a man who seemed to have just entered his 40s was observing a water clock. Next to him was a piece of paper laid out with sketches of various mechanisms drawn on it.

“Are you Officer Jang Yeong-sil?”

Turning his head at the sound of Hyang’s voice from behind, the man quickly stood up from his seat and paid his respects as soon as he saw Hyang. “I am humbly in the presence of His Highness the Crown Prince!”

“Humbly… If Officer Jang Yeong-sil of the fifth rank says that he is humble, people will criticize.”

“Your Highness is too gracious!”

Hyang, who had moved quietly to the side of Jang Yeong-sil, began a conversation while looking at the water clock.

“Have you been watching the water clock?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“What do you think? Can you understand how it moves?”

“I think I roughly understand it.”

“Is that so? Then could you easily create it?”

Scratching his head at Hyang’s question, Jang Yeong-sil replied, “It’s a bit difficult to calculate the numbers.”

“That’s a problem.” Hyang’s face became serious at Jang Yeong-sil’s answer.

‘Look here! I’m terrible at advanced maths! If you’re like that too, what should we do!’

While Hyang was contemplating a solution to the sudden problem, Jang Yeong-sil proposed an answer, “However, if Sir Jeong Cho could help a little…”

“Sir Jeong Cho?”

“He is currently the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.”

“I see!”

‘I just remembered!’

Having found the solution to the problem, Hyang handed a roll of parchment to Jang Yeong-sil.

“What is this?”

“It’s a clock I’ve thought of.”

“A clock?”

“That water clock is too bulky. Therefore, this is a clock that measures time in a different way.”

What Hyang had designed was a mechanical clock that used falling weight as an energy source.

“Hmm…” As he looked at the blueprint Hyang handed over, Jang Yeong-sil’s expression grew more and more serious. While he had known that the crown prince was famous for his eccentric behavior, he had not expected it to be this much.

‘A clock is not an easy thing to make, how absurd…’

However, the moment he saw the first page of the blueprint, Jang Yeong-sil had to discard his prejudice. After scrutinizing the blueprints several times, Jang Yeong-sil looked back at Hyang.

“Did Your Highness design this?”

“To be honest, about 30% of it was made using the foreign people’s knowledge.”

‘To be precise, it’s 100% 21st-century knowledge…’

Because the mechanical clock using weights was not too difficult, various blueprints could be found on the internet in the 21st century. Not only using wood or iron, but even designs made with plastic or origami were circulating.

In such circumstances, Hyang, who was a fan of knowledge, couldn’t just pass it by.

__________ 📝Footnotes

1. One of the most important sheep farm situated in Gangwon province.[↩]
2. I guess it means something like, no land is big enough if there’s a major influx of people all of a sudden.[↩]

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