Chapter 107: Partnership (1)
It wasn't just sunglasses. Tea sets and vessels made using transparent glass and colored glass were presented to Sejong and Queen Soheon—the concubines received them as gifts bestowed by Queen Soheon—as soon as prototypes were produced.
Sejong and Queen Soheon, having received the tribute items, were greatly satisfied, and glass tableware began to be used in large quantities in the palace.
As the palace began using them in large quantities, the news soon flowed into the families of officials.
This meant that a significant scale of demand had emerged.
"Immediately begin mass production."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Hyang, having given the order for mass production, smiled broadly and murmured.
"This is exactly what VIP marketing is."
* * *
Glass, which began to be released in large quantities in Joseon's markets, soon began to elicit major reactions from Ming and Japan as well.
After a Ming envoy who had seen Joseon's palace reported to the emperor, an order arrived from Ming through the envoy to present plate glass for use in the Forbidden City.
Upon the order brought by the envoy, Hyang volunteered to deal with the Ming envoy himself.
"Plate glass for use in the Forbidden City... The entire Forbidden City?"
"The entire complex."
"You say present it, and I shall present it. However, will Ming's treasury endure this?"
"What do you mean by that, Crown Prince?"
At the Ming envoy's question, Hyang explained in detail.
"Looking at past precedents, when our Joseon presents tribute, His Majesty the Emperor has bestowed return gifts worth several times that amount."
"That is correct."
"However, this plate glass is a precious item requiring 8 nyang of silver to produce a single sheet. If glass is used in all the buildings of the Forbidden City, what would the quantity be? Then how much wealth would be needed as a corresponding return gift?"
"Ah...."
The envoy, having calculated at Hyang's words, began to break into a cold sweat. This was because he recalled the dispute that had occurred in the Forbidden City.
Due to the Yongle Emperor's excessive military campaigns, Ming's treasury was in a severely depleted state. The current emperor was desperately trying to plug this hole.
Therefore, when the opinion to receive glass as tribute from Joseon was raised after hearing the report, there was considerable opposition. The grounds presented by those opposing were the same as what Joseon's Crown Prince had just said.
"Rather, we could demand that Joseon produce artisans...."
"Are you suggesting we declare war on Joseon now? Have you forgotten what happened to the Jurchens in Liaodong not long ago? Have you forgotten why successive emperors warned to be wary of Joseon?"
Though Joseon maintained the demeanor of a vassal state, Ming never let down its guard.
In a situation where vigilance against Joseon had not been relaxed, the newly enthroned Xuande Emperor was refraining as much as possible from unnecessary conflicts in order to restore the treasury.
Ultimately, the conclusion reached after fierce debate was as follows:
'If even vassal Joseon decorates its palace with glass, we as the suzerain state cannot simply stand by. However, as His Majesty the Emperor is frugal, we shall demand only enough to decorate the Taihe Hall of the Forbidden City, and negotiate to minimize the return gifts.'
However, the envoy who came with this mission, out of ambition, demanded an amount to cover the entire Forbidden City, and now found himself counterattacked by Hyang.
Watching the envoy sweating profusely, Hyang continued speaking.
"Furthermore, given our Joseon's production capacity, it would take at least 5 years to produce enough to cover the entire Forbidden City. Of course, if we encounter storms during transport, or suffer attacks from Jurchens, it would take even longer. What should we do?"
At Hyang's question, the envoy immediately presented the original plan.
"For now, it is acceptable to present only the amount needed for Taihe Hall!"
"That would be fine for us, but wouldn't the envoy suffer harm?"
"If it is for the friendship between our two nations, is my personal welfare a concern? Instead, we will minimize the return gifts."
"Hmm...."
Hyang, pretending to ponder for a moment at the envoy's words, threw out his bait.
"If it is for the friendship between our two nations, we in Joseon must also make concessions. Since this is for the glory of His Majesty the Emperor, we will supply glass for use in Taihe Hall, Zhonghe Hall, and Wenhua Hall. For the return gift, we will accept only the price of the glass for these three halls. How is that?"
"Is this true? We are truly grateful!"
At Hyang's words, the Ming envoy bowed deeply in gratitude. To such an envoy, Hyang cast his fishing hook.
"However, there is one condition. Henceforth, do not send tribute girls and eunuchs."
"Ah...."
At Hyang's proposal, the envoy wore a troubled expression. After diligently weighing the pros and cons internally, the envoy answered.
"The matter of tribute girls is beyond my authority, so I must seek approval. I will return immediately to ask His Majesty and bring back an answer. I will certainly bring an answer beneficial to both nations, so Crown Prince, please keep your current proposal!"
"Let us do so."
Having reached a tentative agreement with the envoy, Hyang immediately went to Sejong and explained the results.
"...And so, I proposed that we cover the exteriors of the three halls of the Forbidden City's outer court with glass, calculate the return gift at 8 nyang of silver per sheet, and additionally proposed that we no longer send tribute girls and eunuchs."
At Hyang's explanation, Sejong and the ministers nodded their heads.
"You have worked hard."
Following Sejong's commendation, the ministers also praised Hyang.
"You have worked hard."
"Truly, you have worked hard."
Among them, Chief State Councillor Yi Jik pointed out one problem.
"However, as I understand it, it takes only 1 nyang of silver to produce a single sheet of plate glass?"
At Yi Jik's question, Hyang smiled broadly.
At that expression, the hearts of Sejong and the ministers sank. Whenever the Crown Prince wore such an expression, things beyond imagination—what Sejong called 'striking the back of the head in broad daylight'—frequently occurred.
Most recently, while proceeding with mass production of plate glass, there had been a major incident of depleting half of the Insubu's storehouses.
It was an incident where Sejong had genuinely considered confining Hyang to the records office due to his excuse that he had done so out of concern that budget execution would be obstructed by those who did not understand the utility and value of plate glass.
"Initially, that was true. However, now 4 don of silver is sufficient."
"How?"
"Do you remember the matter of Han Seok-gu some time ago?"
"Did the technology that man devised reduce the cost that much?"
At Sejong's question, Hyang nodded.
"Yes, that was why I gave him a share."
* * *
Han Seok-gu receiving a share became a major topic among the artisans.
While working at the site, the artisans could predict that glass would rake in enormous amounts of money.
Therefore, Han Seok-gu received the envy of all the artisans.
"If you're envious, you should also think and devise something!"
"Yes!"
The artisans were burning with competitive spirit at Hyang's words.
No, not just the glass workshop, but everyone in District 51 and the research institute was burning with competitive spirit.
* * *
At Hyang's explanation, the Chief State Councillor immediately asked.
"Then, if we cover the three halls of the Forbidden City's outer court with glass, quite a lot of money will remain?"
"That is correct."
As soon as Hyang's answer ended, Sejong continued speaking.
"However, what is even better is that we may not need to send tribute girls and eunuchs. Of course, this is still in the realm of possibility."
At Sejong's point, Hyang answered firmly.
"We must make it a fait accompli."
Sending tribute girls and eunuchs to Ming was an act that turned countless households into seas of tears.
If this matter succeeded, the people's support would grow even stronger, and Sejong's political position would become even more solid.
Hyang proposed to Sejong.
"Therefore, when the envoy who came this time returns, we must also send an envoy to obtain a definite confirmation."
"That would be right. We must certainly obtain confirmation."
As Sejong nodded, Hyang, wearing that heart-sinking smile again, continued speaking.
"Therefore, I intend to go myself."
"You rascal!"
* * *
Though Sejong shouted in anger, Hyang calmly explained the reason.
"If an envoy goes, negotiations with the Emperor must take place. Then the ranks must be somewhat matched."
"Negotiate with the Emperor?"
"Think about it. The definitive answer regarding the subjugation of the Tumen River area has not yet come. This despite the Chief State Councillor himself going as the principal envoy."
"Mmm...."
At Hyang's point, Sejong groaned.
Just as Hyang said, even though an envoy delegation went with the Chief State Councillor as principal envoy, they returned empty-handed.
Therefore, the Tumen River development currently underway was something Joseon was proceeding with unilaterally.
Having struck Sejong's sore spot, Hyang continued explaining why he had to go.
"However, this time both the glass issue involving enormous expenditure and the tribute girl issue are at stake. Even if I were Ming's Emperor, I would try to negotiate, and to gain the upper hand in those negotiations, I would start by challenging the rank of the envoy. Therefore, I must go. Please permit it! Please consider it!"
"There is reason to it, but it's not to the extent that the Crown Prince must personally go."
Though Sejong refused, Hyang brought out another reason why he must go.
"Our Joseon is currently conducting much trade between Ming and Japan. To continue this trade safely and freely in the future, we must make the Emperor our ally."
"Make the Emperor our ally? No, before that, does the Crown Prince see that problems will arise in trade?"
"That is correct."
"The reason?"
"Because there is not a single person in all the world who likes having the wealth from their own storehouse taken away by another."
"Ah...."
At Hyang's words, Sejong unconsciously nodded.
* * *
Trade with Ming was increasing rapidly. However, most of that trade was a situation where Joseon was reaping enormous profits.
Of course, they were purchasing large quantities of grain to use as relief rice, and large quantities of sugar to use for monopoly sales.
However, looking at the absolute figures, that expenditure was a very small scale compared to the money being earned.
Therefore, information had been coming in through merchants that unfavorable talk had been emerging from Ming recently.
* * *
"So you intend to make the Emperor our ally? How?"
"I will propose a partnership."
"Partnership?"
"Yes."
Hyang explained in more detail to Sejong.
— The Joseon court and Ming's Emperor will form a joint capital merchant group.
— The joint merchant group will purchase goods produced in Joseon's royal workshops and sell them to Ming's merchants.
— The profits obtained from sales will be distributed between Joseon and Ming's Emperor at a certain ratio.
"...The reason for limiting it to royal workshops is because most of the goods currently gaining the most profit in trade are produced in royal workshops."
"That is true."
"It is."
At Hyang's words, Sejong and the ministers nodded. While observing Sejong and the ministers' reactions, Hyang continued speaking.
"Before long, glass products will go on sale. Looking at the current situation of our Joseon, Ming, the Jurchens, and Japan, glass products produced in royal workshops are a complete monopoly. In this case, even a three-year-old child can predict that disputes will arise."
"That is so."
"Therefore, while it may appear to be a loss immediately, if we can prevent disputes, it is actually a gain."
"I understand. However, even so, for the Crown Prince to personally go is...."
"To deal with Ming's Emperor, the ranks must match."
"Why only Ming's Emperor... Ah!"
Suddenly letting out an exclamation, Sejong glared at Hyang.
"You fearsome fellow."
At Sejong's words, Hyang wore his usual smile.
'As expected of King Sejong! He figures it out immediately!'
The atmosphere was gradually tilting toward Hyang going.
"But you know, creating a joint merchant group solely for the purpose of securing trade safety and avoiding Ming's pressure feels somewhat like a loss. Isn't there a way to secure a bit more of our interests?"
At Sejong's question, Hyang answered immediately.
"There was one thing missing from the explanation. Protecting the value of the royal crest."
"That is exactly it!"
At Hyang's words, Sejong slapped his knee with delight.
What had felt slightly lacking until just before was now filled by Hyang's words.
"Ming merchants are notorious for making counterfeit goods! For now, only we produce glass products, but once they realize it brings money, Ming merchants will also bring glass artisans from the Western Regions to make similar products! And to easily profit, they will create counterfeits imitating the royal crest!"
Sejong, who had recognized the value of the plum blossom pattern stamped on products that passed quality inspection, made his decision.
"Very well! Go, Crown Prince!"