# Chapter 116: He Has Returned! (2)
The next day, as soon as the morning assembly began, Sejong summoned the Chief State Councillor to check on the situation.
"So, have you found suitable candidates?"
"Yes, we are currently selecting them."
"Still?"
As Sejong's voice hardened, the Chief State Councillor immediately explained the reason.
"Those who are suitable have all gone to the northern development."
"Ah, I see."
At the Chief State Councillor's answer, Sejong nodded.
The northern development that Sejong and the court were pursuing ambitiously was progressing quite smoothly. According to the reports delivered every ten-day period, Joseon's northern territory, especially the northeastern region, was steadily expanding.
And as it expanded, it was drawing in more and more people.
Among the reasons for the continuous influx of personnel, military conflict actually ranked last. This was because Joseon's army had demonstrated such clear power that few Jurchen tribes dared to provoke them with force.
However, the reason more personnel than expected was needed was because the civilian migration policy was proceeding just as smoothly as the Jurchens' submission.
* * *
"If you go to the northern regions, the country will give you farmland! Taxes are free for five years too!"
When the rumor first circulated, the farmers showed no particular enthusiasm.
As a result, the local magistrates of the three southern provinces, whose personnel evaluations were at stake, began to worry about how to increase the number of farmers volunteering for migration.
One of these local magistrates, who had been pondering the matter, submitted a petition to Sejong.
- Given the current situation, there are no farmers volunteering for migration. Please provide appropriate incentives to attract farmers.
"Other than tax exemption, what else would be appropriate?"
At Sejong's question, Hyang answered immediately.
"To increase the production of Deokgap-style gunpowder, we need to increase glycerin production. Please announce that the court will purchase all soybeans grown for farming."
At Hyang's words, the ministers and high officials all responded.
"Truly an excellent idea! Please implement it as such!"
"I agree."
Thus, a royal reply was sent down to the local magistrates of the three southern provinces.
The magistrates who received the reply immediately spread the rumor.
- If you grow soybeans, the court will purchase the entire harvest!
The farmers who heard the rumor began to show some interest, but there was still no full-scale movement.
"It's good that the country buys soybeans, but will they really buy that much? No, why would they need so many soybeans anyway? It's not like His Majesty dines on soybean paste instead of rice."
"Well... oh!"
Among those expressing such doubts, the quick-witted ones immediately rose from their seats and volunteered for migration.
"This fool must be drunk on morning wine! Why suddenly go to the northern regions when we're living fine here! I can't live like this!"
Of course, those who made such unilateral decisions were immediately scolded by their wives, and the husbands explained the reason.
"Think about it. What's the food that our Gaeddong here would die for? Gaeddong! What's your favorite thing these days?"
"Gaejang! Gaejang!"
At young Gaeddong's answer, Gaeddong's father continued.
"You heard that? These days, every household eats gaejang once or twice a month. Right?"
"But what does that have to do with anything?"
"What's the most important thing in gaejang besides chicken? Oil! Soybean oil!"
"Ah!"
At these words, Gaeddong's mother immediately understood and moved quickly.
"When do we leave for the north? I have some things I've laid out here and there that I need to pack!"
* * *
To obtain the glycerin needed for producing Deokgap-style gunpowder, the Joseon court distributed not only animal fats, especially lard, but also soybean oil in large quantities.
However, unlike in 20th and 21st century Korea where chemical extraction was used, the traditional press extraction method didn't yield large quantities, so the court had to purchase massive amounts of soybeans. The cost involved was by no means small.
While the revenue recovered from distributing soybean oil was considerable, if one calculated the profit and loss, they couldn't avoid running a deficit.
In this situation, Minister of Taxation Kim Jeom submitted a request to Sejong.
"Given these circumstances, I believe it is right to postpone the manufacture of Deokgap-style gunpowder."
"That must not happen! Please reconsider! It absolutely must not happen!"
As soon as Kim Jeom finished speaking, fierce opposition began pouring out from the Ministry of War.
Since the late Goryeo period, the core military force had been artillery. Especially for the navy, as the actual combat records showed, it was an army that "started with cannons and ended with cannons."
In particular, as soon as gunpowder was improved by Hyang's hand, the navy adopted it without hesitation.
And immediately after the design for the Panokseon came out of Hyang's research institute, the navy built a prototype ship with hemp, confirmed its performance, and then petitioned Sejong for mass production.
"Mass production?"
"Yes! The hull is large so it can overcome big waves, and most importantly, it's higher than existing warships, making it easier to block Japanese pirate boarding attempts! But the best part is that it can carry far more cannons than existing warships!"
At the navy's actions, which were enough to be called 'firepower enthusiasts,' Hyang nodded.
'I told you that Admiral Yi Sun-sin wasn't just anyone!'
For such a navy, Deokgap-style gunpowder was worth ten thousand gold. The statement that it could demonstrate the same power with only half of existing gunpowder meant, in other words, that each warship only needed to carry half the gunpowder, and the remaining space could be used to carry more provisions or fresh water and other supplies.
Therefore, for the navy, which had to consider the spatial constraints of warships, the cessation of Deokgap-style gunpowder production was something that absolutely had to be prevented.
This was the same for the army. The army also had a significant proportion of artillery, and Deokgap-style gunpowder was a precious commodity that reduced the burden on artillery units.
For this reason, the military had resisted desperately against Kim Jeom's words, essentially saying 'Better to slit our bellies!'
Eventually, Sejong sided with the military.
"Even if it means taking a loss, this is something we must accept. Therefore, I will not accept the Minister of Taxation's proposal."
"...I obey your command."
Kim Jeom had to accept Sejong's decision.
As an aside, on the day that decision was made, Kim Jeom nearly came to blows with the Minister of War.
"Damn it! Just try calculating the balance sheet once! Just try it!"
* * *
Anyway, as this problem of livelihood was resolved, the number of farmers volunteering to migrate to the northern regions increased tremendously.
As people volunteered to migrate faster than expected and in large numbers, more and more military personnel were required in the northern regions.
Just as the migrating farmers increased beyond expectations, another unexpected event occurred in the north.
Another unexpected development in the northern regions was the mass submission of Jurchen tribes.
When the military first devised the strategy for northern development, they expected a maximum Jurchen submission rate of 60 percent.
"Even 60 percent is being generous. Given the Jurchens' temperament, most of them would either resist or leave. Just look at the Odori tribe."
The military had set the maximum at 60 percent using the example of the Odori tribe, who had left after being swayed by Ahachu and the Yongle Emperor, only to return.
However, when northern development actually began, the Jurchen submission rate started at 70 percent and continued to rise.
"How is this possible?"
"Isn't it all thanks to Your Majesty's virtue?"
At the Chief State Councillor's words, Sejong replied with a slight smile.
"I would like that to be the case, but immediately find out the reason. Don't just let it pass because it seems good, only to cause major problems later!"
"I obey your command!"
Thus, the government ministers immediately found the cause.
"The monopoly office?"
* * *
As farmers migrated to the northern regions, the Ministry of Taxation's monopoly offices were established in the newly created towns.
Once these monopoly offices were set up, they attracted the attention of the Jurchens who had become their neighbors.
"What is that place?"
At the question from a Jurchen fluent in Korean, a farmer answered with a dismissive face.
"That? It's a monopoly office."
"What's a monopoly office?"
"You can buy salt and sugar there."
At the farmer's words, the eyes of the Jurchen who had asked the question widened.
"You say I can buy salt there?"
"That's right."
"Can I buy it too?"
"Go ask."
At the farmer's words, the Jurchen mounted his horse and headed for the monopoly office.
"What brings you here?"
When the Jurchen entered the monopoly office, not only the dispatched Ministry of Taxation official but even the soldiers standing guard, just in case, all looked at the Jurchen with tense faces.
"I heard I can buy salt here."
At the Jurchen's question, the Ministry of Taxation official's face relaxed as he answered.
"Salt? Ah. If you're a submitted Jurchen, you can buy it. Do you have a submission certificate?"
"Here it is."
The Jurchen rummaged through his clothes and took out the certificate to present.
After checking the document with the official seal, the Ministry of Taxation official confirmed the Jurchen's residence on the map hanging behind him and nodded.
"You're in our jurisdiction. Then you can buy it. Would you like to buy some now?"
"Can I really buy it?"
At the Jurchen's question filled with disbelief, the Ministry of Taxation official chuckled and answered.
"Would I lie after coming all the way to the northern regions? So, will you buy or not? We're already busy, so speak quickly."
At the Ministry of Taxation official's urging, the Jurchen came to his senses and answered.
"Ah! I didn't bring anything to sell right now. What can I bring?"
"Anything of value. Cattle, horses, sheep, grain, and of course, furs, gold, and silver are all acceptable."
"I understand! I'll come again soon!"
At the sight of the Jurchen hurrying away, the Ministry of Taxation official urgently called out.
"Hey! You need to take this certificate! Without this, it's all for nothing!"
"Pardon? Yes! Thank you!"
The Jurchen, having tucked away the submission certificate, bowed and hurriedly went outside.
Similar cases to this Jurchen's occurred here and there throughout the northern development areas.
Being able to obtain salt, the most essential material for survival, stably was like a rope from heaven for the Jurchens.
Eventually, seeing the submitted Jurchens bringing livestock and grain to buy not only salt but also sugar, the Jurchens who hadn't yet submitted began rushing to submit.
With the situation turning out this way, the manpower needs in the northern regions had increased tremendously.
The existing troops were pulled away to guard the rapidly expanding territorial boundaries.
Inside the development areas, troops were deployed to prevent disputes between the migrants from the three southern provinces and the Jurchens and to maintain order, resulting in a shortage of people.
* * *
"It's good that northern development is proceeding quickly, but this side effect has emerged. We need to fill the Minister of War position quickly, but...."
At Sejong's words, spoken with a regretful expression in response to the Chief State Councillor's answer, the Minister of Justice offered his counsel.
"Former Minister of War Hwang Sang's crimes were great, so it can't be helped, but Yi Sunmong should be considered important again...."
"Minister! Speak sense!"
Before the Minister of Justice could finish speaking, the Chief Inspector interrupted.
"What was Yi Sunmong's position? Commander of the Royal Guard! Commander! Someone entrusted with the weighty duty of escorting His Majesty's royal carriage not only committed adultery but also falsely reported being sick! How can you suggest using such an insolent fellow again!"
"The Chief Inspector is correct."
Having taken the Chief Inspector's side for now, Sejong gave an order to the royal attendant.
"Go bring Jo Malsaeng."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
When Sejong ordered Jo Malsaeng to be brought again, the Chief State Councillor immediately asked.
"Your Majesty, will you use Jo Malsaeng again?"
"That is correct."
At Sejong's answer, the Chief Inspector immediately offered his counsel.
"Your Majesty! This must absolutely not happen! The criminal Jo Malsaeng has not even completed two years since receiving his punishment. Using such a criminal again is something that must absolutely not happen! Please reconsider!"
"The Chief Inspector's words have merit. However, the criminal Jo Malsaeng is serving his punishment to the best of his ability, and he is proving it. Royal attendant, hand this to the Chief Inspector."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The royal attendant received the report from the records office and passed it to the Chief Inspector.
"Hmm~."
The Chief Inspector, having read the report, let out a sigh.
The report contained results organized clearly with graphs and tables - naturally all Hyang's work - and Jo Malsaeng was showing results that stood out from the rest.
"Haa~."
The Chief Inspector, sighing deeply once more, raised the white flag.
'There are results, and the royal will has been decided. It's hard to overturn this with justification alone!'
"Please proceed as you wish."