Black Corporation: Joseon

After various trials and tribulations, the experimental warship was finally complete.

In the special train bound for Wonsan, King Sejong read through a thick report. After meticulously studying the report detailing the steam engine’s specifications and future development directions, he set it down and let out a light sigh.

“Hah… It seems we still have a long way to go.”

“This is just the beginning.”

Sejong nodded slightly at Hyang’s response.

“When I first ascended to the throne, I thought craftsmen’s skills were shallow compared to classical studies. I believed we could reach the pinnacle with just a little ingenuity. But seeing how things have progressed, I now realize that craftsmanship is just as profound as scholarship, with an equally long path ahead.”

Hyang responded firmly to Sejong’s words.

“Not just technology, but everything related to it is worthy of being considered a legitimate field of study.”

“Your words ring true.”

As the reforms entered their later stages, various educational institutions were established beyond the People’s School, which provided basic education.

Beyond the Comprehensive Higher Education Institution, there was also the Technical School for learning craftsmen’s skills and the advanced Engineering Institute.

Naturally, the scholar-officials submitted various petitions during this process.

-While it is right and proper to focus on educating the people, the current situation shows that classical studies are being increasingly neglected in favor of teaching mundane technical skills related to production. This is not right. People should focus on learning and practicing proper moral principles.

Sejong responded firmly to such petitions.

“The moral principles that people must learn and practice have already been taught in the People’s School. What matters now is for people to learn and master the knowledge and wisdom that will help them live more comfortably.”

Though such complaints subsided beneath the surface after Sejong’s resolute response, similar petitions still occasionally surfaced.

When receiving such petitions, Sejong would give them a cursory glance before tossing them aside.

“Not worth considering.”

In this context, Sejong’s current words symbolized a definitive shift in perception among the ruling class, including himself.

-Classical studies are not the only legitimate field of scholarship!

***

Upon arriving at the Wonsan shipyard, Sejong and his ministers inspected the experimental warship in the dock.

“Is this a modified Haeung-class?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Why use a Haeung-class instead of a Challenger-class?”

“We lacked sufficient Challenger-class vessels. If this experimental ship performs as expected, we’ll immediately begin modifying the Challenger-class warships.”

“I see. But according to the report, even then you won’t be modifying all Challenger-class vessels?”

“We believe it’s best to modify only those vessels assigned to the New Lands region where faster ships are urgently needed.”

“Why is that?”

Hyang immediately answered Sejong’s question.

“There are many reasons, but the primary one is that the engine and fuel storage reduce cargo space by that much.”

Sejong nodded immediately at Hyang’s response.

“Ah. Then it can’t be helped.”

***

Joseon earned most of its wealth through trade with the Western Regions.

For existing goods rather than revolutionary new products, prices had already stabilized, and reduced cargo capacity would naturally mean reduced profits.

Moreover, the Portuguese who were already actively trading with Joseon could fill that gap.

Currently, Joseon’s foreign trade was divided with Joseon’s own fleets handling about 70% of total trade volume, while Mansur’s Aden merchants and Enrique’s Portuguese fiercely competed for the remaining 30%.

In particular, Mansur’s merchant group had boldly invested in purchasing one large transport vessel identical to those operated by Joseon’s merchant groups.

“If this fails, our family is ruined! We must succeed even if it kills us!”

Though he complained thus, Mansur had made the purchase after careful calculation.

Through years of trading, he had precisely identified which Joseon goods were popular with Middle Eastern customers and established trade routes with African tribal leaders near Aden.

He had confidently purchased the large transport vessel because he was certain he could handle increased volume.

***

As Sejong nodded at Hyang’s response, he glanced sideways at Kim Jeom and the Finance Minister before breaking into a slight smile.

“I see the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister’s faces brightening.”

“Ahem! Hmph!”

“cough”

At Sejong’s teasing, Kim Jeom and the Finance Minister cleared their throats and turned away. But for them, it was indeed a reassuring situation.

With the amount of money flowing through each square foot of warehouse space!

As they continued their conversation, they walked to where samples of the steam engine and control devices installed in the experimental warship were displayed.

“Does this operate in pairs?”

Sejong showed particular interest in the engine order telegraph.

Hyang immediately answered his question.

“Yes. We’ve linked them by running chains through tubes that vertically connect the helm and engine room.”

“I see.”

Full of curiosity, Sejong continued asking questions while examining the samples from various angles. After finishing his inspection, he turned to Hyang.

“Let’s board the ship as well. I’d like to see how these devices are actually positioned and operate.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Thus, Sejong boarded the experimental warship secured in the dock and began inspecting various areas.

While examining the actual vessel, Sejong’s attention focused on the funnel.

“The funnel is quite tall?”

“Yes. It grew taller as we researched ways to avoid interfering with sail operation. However, we’ll adjust it through actual operation.”

“Is that so?”

After thoroughly inspecting even the ship’s interior, the launching ceremony followed.

A well-prepared ritual table was placed, and prayers were offered for the vessel’s safe voyage. Sejong read the ceremonial address once more.

After finishing the recitation, Sejong held the ceremonial paper to the lit candle. The burning paper soared skyward following Sejong’s gesture.

“A good omen!”

***

After the ceremony concluded successfully, the experimental warship was safely launched.

After finishing final adjustments like balancing the ballast, the experimental vessel was towed to the shipyard dock where loading of coal and fresh water began.

Watching this scene, Sejong turned to Hyang and his ministers.

“If I were to join the maiden voyage…”

“Absolutely not, Your Majesty!”

“It cannot be allowed!”

“Please reconsider!”

Before Sejong could finish speaking, the ministers’ objections crashed in like a tidal wave.

“I was just suggesting.”

Forced to yield to the ministers’ strong opposition, Sejong turned his head. As he did so, his eyes fell on Jinpyeong.

“Isn’t that Jinpyeong? Why is he here?”

“He’s one of the steam engine development managers scheduled to board.”

“Is that so?”

Nodding at Hyang’s response, Sejong looked slightly envious.

Watching this, Hyang muttered internally:

Actually, I wanted to board too, but that bastard beat me to it! I may be a crazy enthusiast, but he’s even worse!

***

When the experimental ship was completed and test voyage plans were being made, technical staff were selected to board and monitor the situation firsthand.

“Me!”

“I’ll go!”

“I volunteer!”

“I must go!”

While volunteers flooded in excited about boarding an actually operating vessel rather than a model, Jinpyeong showed the most enthusiasm.

“Your Highness! Who else but me should go!”

“I was thinking of going…”

At Hyang’s words, Jinpyeong hesitated and immediately studied Hyang’s expression. Seeing Hyang was serious, Jinpyeong raised his voice.

“Your Highness! You must consider your position! If an accident occurs, the nation would be shaken!”

“Haven’t we thoroughly checked and built everything? What could go wrong?”

At Hyang’s words, Jinpyeong rushed right up to his face and shouted.

“Ah, shit! Brother!”

“You want to get hit?”

“Think you can’t do it? You, the Crown Prince of a nation!”

Faced with Jinpyeong’s genuinely threatening attitude, Hyang finally offered a compromise.

“Should we board together?”

Jinpyeong fell into contemplation at Hyang’s suggestion. After long consideration, he looked at Hyang.

“Shall we?”

However, their plans were utterly destroyed by Jeong-cho.

“Your Highness wishes to board the first test voyage? Impossible! And the Grand Prince as well? Absolutely not! I’d rather you take my head first!”

Due to Jeong-cho’s fierce opposition, Hyang’s boarding was canceled, and it was ultimately decided that Jinpyeong would lead the technical staff aboard.

“I’m a Grand Prince, aren’t I? What’s the problem! I’m going even if it kills me!”

Faced with Jinpyeong’s point and fierce resistance, even Jeong-cho had to back down.

***

After concluding the ceremony, Sejong boarded the train with his ministers to return to Hanseong.

“Having trains makes travel like this possible. In the past, this would have taken at least a day… I’m not sure if that’s good or bad.”

Sejong’s grumbling while boarding the train was genuine.

After seeing Sejong off, Hyang remained at the shipyard to oversee the final preparations.

When all final procedures were complete, crew members began boarding the experimental warship Haeung No. 5.

“I’m counting on you.”

Captain Seong Gwan of the Haeung No. 5 responded to Hyang’s entreaty with a military salute.

“Sir! We shall do our utmost!”

Shortly after, black smoke began rising from Haeung No. 5’s funnel.

Whooooo~

When the steam engine properly heated up, a loud whistle sounded, and Haeung No. 5 slowly left the dock, guided by escort vessels.

***

Out in the open sea, Haeung No. 5 began its trials.

“All sails deployed… Engine room contact! Both sides quarter speed!”

“Both sides quarter speed!”

The sailor repeated the order while adjusting the engine order telegraph.

“Both sides quarter speed!”

The engine room’s confirmation came through the voice tube, and soon after, Haeung No. 5 began gradually increasing speed.

“Oho?”

As Haeung No. 5’s speed increased, Captain Seong Gwan and the sailors’ eyes began sparkling with growing excitement.

Currently, all sails were fully deployed and catching favorable winds. In the past, this would have been the maximum speed possible, yet they were still accelerating.

“Gut feeling isn’t accurate enough. We need proper instruments to measure speed.”

Seong Gwan opened his log and began recording.

Currently, they measured speed by throwing a board attached to a rope with knots at regular intervals into the sea and counting the number of knots that passed through in a set time.

However, as the ship grew faster, the need for more precise measuring instruments became apparent.

***

As the trials progressed smoothly, Jinpyeong proposed to Seong Gwan.

“How about we try running at maximum engine power now?”

Seong Gwan responded with a slight smile to Jinpyeong’s suggestion.

“Shall we?”

“Let’s do it!”

Seong Gwan ordered the sailor operating the engine order telegraph.

“Both sides full ahead!”

“Aye aye! Both sides full ahead!”

The sailor excitedly repeated the order before immediately adjusting the telegraph.

That day, not only Jinpyeong and the technical staff, but also Captain Seong Gwan and the sailors suffered from severe seasickness.

Though smaller than a Challenger-class warship but still considerably larger than a panokseon, the Haeung charged through the waves like a wild horse, racing across the sea.