Chapter 151: Smelting. (2)
The problem with materials was not something that could be easily solved.
Finding the optimal ratio of copper alloy to make components for the measuring device consumed time and money, but iron, the material for making the steam engine's body, was equally demanding in terms of time and budget.
Hyang, along with the researchers and blacksmiths, built a miniature model of James Watt's early steam engine using brass. After the subsequent experiment concluded successfully, Hyang gathered all the researchers and blacksmiths for a meeting.
"Would it be unreasonable to make the engine from brass?"
At the researchers' suggestion to make the engine part from brass, the blacksmiths shook their heads.
"Problems will arise from copper supply issues."
"Then the most suitable material would be iron?"
At Hyang's question, all the blacksmiths nodded.
"There is no choice but iron."
"Pig iron (生鐵) would not be suitable, would it?"
At Hyang's question, the blacksmiths nodded in unison.
"Absolutely not."
"It lacks elasticity, so it won't work."
After the continued meeting, it was decided that the engine component would be made from wrought iron (軟鐵).
After the meeting concluded, Hyang returned to his office, unable to hide his regret.
"With current technology levels, mass production of steel is difficult, which is a shame."
While iron was being mass-produced at the steelworks built in Anju, the most produced was wrought iron.
Of course, steel was also being produced in significant quantities, but it was barely enough for making various weapons and tools.
"Once the planned expansion of the steelworks proceeds, perhaps things will improve..."
The ministers who had seen the performance of Anju Steelworks had all agreed to the expansion of Anju Steelworks.
Though Hyang clicked his tongue in regret, he soon found a positive aspect and encouraged himself.
"Wrought iron is good too! The iron bridges and locomotives that thrived during the Industrial Revolution were made of wrought iron, and so was the Eiffel Tower! Rather than sucking my fingers waiting for steel to pour out, let's make something and put it to use first! Once people experience convenience, they'll naturally seek something better—that's just human nature!"
And so, the production of steam engines using wrought iron began in earnest.
However, the production of steam engines stalled.
"What is the reason?"
At Hyang's question, Jeong Cho answered immediately.
"The quality variance of the supplied iron is too large."
"Excuse me?"
At Jeong Cho's report, Hyang called Jang Yeong-sil and Master Go to investigate the cause.
Following Hyang's order, Jang Yeong-sil and Master Go went to Anju to conduct their investigation, then exchanged opinions with the gathered data before them.
"The iron ore (石鐵) comes from the same mine every time, and the coal is the same coal we always use..."
Using the process of elimination to cross off potential culprits one by one, Jang Yeong-sil and Master Go found the most likely suspect.
"Sure enough, the wind?"
"It can only be the wind."
Having identified the problem, Jang Yeong-sil and Master Go immediately reported to Hyang.
"The problem is not with the raw materials—iron ore (石鐵) and coal. The problem is the wind."
"The wind?"
According to Jang Yeong-sil and Master Go's explanation, bellows men pumped the bellows to supply air to the furnace during the iron melting process. However, human-powered bellows pumping could not always supply wind consistently due to various factors—stamina, experience, and so on.
"But hasn't this problem never been highlighted before?"
At Hyang's pointed question, Jang Yeong-sil answered immediately.
"Because we haven't made devices like the steam engine before."
"Ah..."
To solve this problem, Hyang searched his memories.
"It really comes down to that..."
Recalling the centrifugal blower that supplied air to furnaces in 21st-century smithies, Hyang immediately began designing.
Having confirmed that the miniature model built with Master Go and Jang Yeong-sil worked well, Hyang soon began constructing a large centrifugal blower using animal power.
The completed blower was soon disassembled into parts and sent to Anju. Replacing the bellows men, it supplied large quantities of air stably, and the quality of the produced iron was maintained consistently.
The process of overcoming this trial and error brought great changes to Joseon's metal technology.
Immediately, the classification of copper alloys and iron became more detailed, and as quality improved, the quality of tools, weapons, and metal products using these materials also improved.
With high-quality iron and copper alloys being supplied stably, new-type artillery for the Joseon military was developed and began to be deployed.
Additionally, using these metal materials, the quality of type improved, and as distributing large quantities of documents nationwide became commonplace, printing technology advanced. And the advancement of printing technology brought about the development of the paper industry.
Not only papers made by traditional methods, but also yellow paper using pulp developed in Area 51 began to be used in large quantities.
Furthermore, after the Great Hanseong Fire, pumps applying centrifugal blowers were created and mounted on fire engines (放水車) used by the Fire Prevention Corps (禁火軍)—the official name for the disaster prevention team—or used to channel water from rivers and reservoirs into waterways.
However, the greatest benefit was the enormous amount of data obtained in the process of solving this trial and error. As researchers from Area 51 and the institute compiled this data into books, Joseon was able to move beyond relying solely on craftsmen's experience.
And, though Hyang had not intended it, statistics began to develop through this classification process.
"If we're talking about statistics, it's got to be tables and graphs!"
Through the seasoning Hyang added, people at the institute and Area 51 began to use tables and graphs skillfully.
And it was only a matter of time before these tables and graphs spread from the Ministry of Taxation to the rest of the government.
* * *
Hyang complained that it took nearly six years, but he was mistaken.
Despite the process of overcoming various trials and errors, large and small, the fact that it took only about six years to create a commercially viable steam engine was an impressive feat.
Even given that Joseon's metal technology was better than expected.
In the end, Hyang, examining the organized summary of related records, had to engage in severe self-criticism.
"You bastard. This isn't the 21st century!"
* * *
'A commercially usable steam engine has been completed!'
As soon as this report was submitted, Sejong headed to Area 51 with his ministers.
Chug-chug-puff-puff!
Watching the steam engine operating with clamorous noise, Sejong exclaimed in admiration.
"Ha! Truly wondrous! You have worked hard! All of you have worked hard!"
"We are overwhelmed with gratitude!"
At Sejong's praise, Hyang, the researchers, and the blacksmiths all bowed at the waist to express their gratitude.
Sejong, looking at the steam engine with curious eyes, asked Hyang.
"Crown Prince, according to the report you submitted, much can be done with this steam engine. Then where would be the first place to use it?"
"The steelworks and glass workshops in Anju, and the mines, Your Highness."
"The steelworks, glass workshops, and mines?"
"Yes, Father. You are aware of the blower that was made and sent due to the bellows men problem at the steelworks."
"I know. It was quite expensive."
At Sejong's words immediately calculating the price, Kim Jeom behind him nodded his head vigorously. That was a time when the budget had less room than now. The memory of the Ministry of Taxation having to struggle to come up with the manufacturing cost for the blower came flooding back.
"Yes. It was expensive. But to use that expensive device properly, this steam engine needs to be attached."
"Hmm..."
At Hyang's words, Sejong examined the steam engine once more. Watching the steam engine's movement, Sejong nodded.
"I see. As long as water and fuel are properly supplied, the steam engine will move without rest, so it will be far more advantageous than human or animal power. The same would apply to the glass workshop's furnace."
"That is correct."
"I understand the steelworks and glass workshop, but for the mines..."
Sejong, about to ask about the mines, suddenly stopped speaking and nodded.
"I see. I heard that draining water that accumulates in mine shafts is also quite a task. Connecting the water pump mounted on fire engines to the steam engine would work."
At Sejong's words, Hyang nodded his head greatly.
"That is correct!"
'Sure enough, Sejong the Great!'
"Hmm... It seems this engine could also be connected to automatic looms?"
'Now he's even applying it!'
Hyang could not hide his admiration at Sejong's words and kept agreeing.
"That is correct!"
"Then. We should receive additional payment beyond the bid price?"
"No. This time we can't go out together."
"Hm? Why not?"
When Sejong expressed doubt, Hyang began explaining immediately.
"Because Area 51's production capacity has limits."
"Ah... I see."
Sejong nodded at Hyang's words and said one thing to him.
"The things you've set in motion are not just one or two..."
"It's simply a shortage of personnel. If you give us more time and budget..."
"Tsk!"
Hyang, trying to seize the opportunity to extract budget, immediately recoiled as Sejong's eyes turned fierce.
"Always asking for budget whenever there's a chance... How long will it take to distribute steam engines to the private sector?"
"I'm thinking about five years. However, by then, even better performing products will be produced."
"And the merchant groups will compete even more fiercely?"
At Sejong's words, Hyang answered with a smile.
Seeing that, Sejong shook his head slightly.
"A vicious one... A frightening one... I wonder who he learned from..."
Instantly, the ministers standing behind had the same thought simultaneously.
'Whose son is he!'
Whether knowing the ministers' minds or not, Sejong reached a conclusion.
"Regarding the budget issue, I'll need to consult with the ministers, but for now, let's proceed according to your plan."
"I receive your command!"
* * *
A few days later, a visitor came to Hyang who was doing paperwork at the institute.
"Your Highness. Jinpyeong Daegun—Suyang in the future—requests an audience."
At the report from the eunuch, Hyang stopped his work and raised his head.
"Yu? Tell him to enter."
"Yes, Your Highness."
After a while, Yu entered Hyang's office.
"Your Highness, it has been a long time."
"Yes. It has been a long time. I heard that despite receiving your title, you are diligently carrying out your duties at the institute. Admirable."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
At the praise from Hyang, whom he had only found difficult along with his eldest sister Princess Jeongso since childhood, a smile spread across Jinpyeong's lips.
"So. What brings you to see me today?"
At Hyang's question, Jinpyeong Daegun collected himself and spoke.
"It is nothing else. I heard that the steam engine has been completed."
When Jinpyeong mentioned the steam engine, Hyang immediately understood the purpose of his visit.
'This guy was a railroad fanatic!'
"Yes. It has been completed. But the locomotive will take a bit longer."
"Why is that?"
"A usable steam engine has been made, but it's not a proper product yet. A little more time is needed."
"Couldn't that part be progressed while making the locomotive!"
"Locomotives require more advanced technology. Right now, those technologies need to be developed and refined."
"Still..."
"The people at the institute and Area 51 have many other tasks besides the steam engine. So there aren't enough people to assign, and the same goes for time and budget."
"What could be more important than railroads! All budget and personnel should be invested..."
Before Jinpyeong could finish his words, Hyang shouted.
"You bastard, get out!"
* * *
Jinpyeong, having been scolded and kicked out by Hyang, immediately ran to Sejong.
"...And that is why. We need people and budget immediately..."
"You bastard, get out!"
Having been kicked out by Sejong as well, Jinpyeong walked toward Gwanghwamun, grumbling.
"How important railroads are! Especially older brother, even though he created it himself... And Father too..."
Grumbling about Sejong and Hyang, Jinpyeong made a resolution as he crossed Gwanghwamun.
"Fine! I'll make it myself!"
However, Jinpyeong was not Hyang.
"No matter how much I think about it, I can't do it alone. But gathering people..."
Recalling that everyone he knew who was useful was all in the government, the institute, and Area 51, Jinpyeong agonized to find a solution.
After pondering for a while, Jinpyeong finally reached one conclusion.
"If there are no people, I just need to raise them!"
A few days later, Hyang received an unusual report from a eunuch.
"Jinpyeong is taking Gu—later to be Imyeong Daegun—around with him?"
"Yes, Your Highness. He came today as well."
"So, where are they now?"
"Where the railroad model is..."
"Let's go see."
Arriving at the room with the railroad model, Hyang stopped at the voice coming from inside.
"This is called a railroad and a locomotive. Amazing, isn't it?"
"Yes, older brother!"
"When it's actually built, it will be amazing!"
"Yes, older brother!"
"Want to do it together?"
"Yes, older brother!"
Listening to Jinpyeong recruiting Gu, Hyang muttered unconsciously.
"A multi-level marketing scheme..."