< Chapter 43: Joy in Obsession, Sorrow in Obsession. (8) >
Chapter 43: Joy in Obsession, Sorrow in Obsession. (8)
When the Minister of Revenue reached a positive conclusion, matters proceeded smoothly.
"Then let us proceed with the operation of livestock ranches, bean fields, and pasture lands."
Just as Sejong was about to reach a conclusion, Left State Councilor Hwang Hee interjected.
"Your Majesty, the construction of nationwide livestock ranches appears to be premature at this time."
"Why is that?"
Though the expressions of Sejong and Hyang sharpened, Hwang Hee steadfastly continued speaking.
"Though His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's intention is truly admirable, the circumstances are not yet sufficient. To create livestock ranches requires vast land and water, but looking at the situation across the Eight Provinces of Joseon, such lands already have rice paddies and fields situated upon them. Yet if we were to establish livestock ranches, we would have to seize these cultivated lands, which would surely invite the people's resistance."
"That makes sense."
Sejong nodded at Hwang Hee's point. In his haste to conclude, having thought that large-scale pastures could be created, Hwang Hee had pointed out that particular oversight.
"Then, what does the Left State Councilor suggest we do?"
"Since there is already a royal livestock ranch on Neobeol Island, let us first conduct livestock raising and pasture operations there, and have the Jurchens who volunteered for the Ministry of Livestock gain experience there before moving throughout the Eight Provinces. And during that time, the court can purchase land suitable for livestock raising."
To Hwang Hee's words, Hyang raised a counterargument.
"Must we absolutely have wide plains to raise cattle or pigs? Could not hillsides with springs nearby or sloped lands also be used for livestock ranches and pastures?"
'What about Daegwallyeong Farm!'
At Hyang's point, Hwang Hee immediately explained why it was impossible.
"Certainly, that could be done. However, if cattle and pigs are released in such areas, ten times out of eight they would become prey for tigers and bears."
"Ah!"
At Hwang Hee's point, not only Hyang but Sejong and all the ministers sighed.
In this era, the mountains of Joseon belonged to tigers and bears. Bears did not cause significant harm, but tigers frequently descended into villages to cause damage.
Reports of tigers descending into villages to take livestock or people came at least four to five times a year. Each time, the court had to dispatch tiger-hunting armored soldiers.
"Hmm... the tiger problem is the issue."
When Sejong expressed his regret, Hwang Hei asserted his opinion again.
"For that reason as well, the matter of the Jurchens must be settled properly. Regardless of age or gender, the Jurchens are skilled with horses and adept at fighting. To assimilate them with our Joseon's good people, we must temper their temperament. By having them learn animal husbandry at the Neobeol Island ranch while simultaneously tempering their nature, there will be no great turmoil in the future either."
"With countless cattle and pigs, as well as the Jurchens and those who must manage them needing to stay there, would Neobeol Island be of sufficient size to accommodate them?"
To Sejong's question, the Minister of Works immediately answered.
"It is certainly possible! However, as the waters of the Han River rise even slightly, it becomes covered in sand, so measures against this are necessary."
"That will be quite a large-scale construction project."
At Sejong's words, Hyang proposed a solution.
"Regardless, it is now the spring famine period. As I mentioned before, if we distribute rice to the people whose grain has run out and have them perform labor, it will certainly be possible."
No sooner had Hyang's words ended than the Minister of Works took up the conversation.
"If we mobilize residents of Hanseong, Geumcheon Commandery, and Bupyeong Commandery, it will certainly be possible to build embankments."
"Is that so?"
At the Minister of Works' answer, Hwang Hee posed a question to him.
"Neobeol Island is very large; will it be possible with people from just three locations?"
To Hwang Hee's question, the Minister of Works replied.
"Completing it all at once would certainly be difficult. However, if we first build a wooden palisade this year, and reinforce it with stones and earth during next year's spring famine, it should be finished in three or four years. And it would not burden the people either."
At the Minister of Works' answer, the ministers busily calculated in their heads. Having roughly finished their calculations, the ministers answered in one voice.
"The Minister of Works' plan seems correct."
"Then let us proceed accordingly. By the way, Crown Prince."
"Yes, Father."
"Rethinking what you said earlier, excluding the cattle to be sent to the livestock ranch, 433 head remain. What were your thoughts on what to do with them?"
To Sejong's question, Hyang answered simply.
"How about having those who received smallpox vaccinations take beef for their recovery?"
"Have them recover?"
"Yes, even after receiving the smallpox vaccine, they must suffer with fever for some time."
"That is true."
"Furthermore, it is the spring famine period. As I mentioned before, the weirs and reservoirs need to be repaired. Therefore, much strength will be required while repairing the weirs and reservoirs. No matter how much rice is distributed, they will certainly lack physical strength. I thought it would be good to provide cattle so the people can recover their strength."
"Hmm..."
Pondering Hyang's answer, Sejong looked at the ministers.
"I think it is a good opinion, but what do you all think?"
To Sejong's question, the ministers who had made various calculations all answered in one voice.
"We think it is truly a good opinion."
"Then let us proceed accordingly."
* * *
That evening, after the meeting between Sejong and the ministers ended, the Minister of Revenue visited the Crown Prince's quarters.
"You have worked hard today."
At Hyang's commendation, the Minister of Revenue smiled and shook his head.
"It was nothing. Rather, I am only embarrassed that I had not thought of such things until now."
"Not at all. Because you did not oppose it, things proceeded smoothly."
Hyang had begun thinking about pigs when he visited Neobeol Island due to the smallpox vaccination matter. Soedol, to administer the smallpox vaccine, washed a cow cleanly and took out a silver needle.
"Ah! I have brought preparations for the needle and various things."
"Ah, is that so?"
Hyang rummaged through his sleeve and brought out a small container with silver needles and another container.
"I understand the needle container, but what is this?"
"It is cotton soaked in alcohol."
Having thus completed the disinfection process and administered the smallpox vaccine, Hyang took a moment to check the animals raised on Neobeol Island.
"Is this a pig?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
Seeing the pigs running before his eyes, Hyang looked back at Soedol.
"Is that fully grown?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Whoa..."
Hyang could not believe his eyes.
'Good heavens! Pigs have slender body lines! And why are they so small!'
The pigs wandering before his eyes were small and slender.
Upon returning to the palace, Hyang fell into contemplation.
"My plan requires a lot of lard, but... in that state..."
To solve the pig problem, Hyang summoned the Minister of Revenue, who had returned from a diplomatic mission to the Ming Dynasty. Then, having devised a plan with the Minister of Revenue, they passed it today.
Having finished his conversation with Hyang and about to rise from his seat, the Minister of Revenue posed a question to Hyang.
"But, if I may ask."
"Yes?"
"Why does His Royal Highness the Crown Prince seek pigs so earnestly? While pork is said to be tasty, it cannot compare to beef, can it?"
To the Minister of Revenue's question, Hyang answered with a grin.
"Pork has its own appeal. However, what is important to me is not the pork, but the lard."
"Pardon?"
"The day will come when you will understand."
"I see... Then, I shall take my leave."
"Please go safely."
After seeing off the Minister of Revenue, Hyang murmured quietly.
"Soap may be a cliché, but for me, soap is not the first priority. The byproducts are what's important. And the same goes for the pastures."
* * *
When Sejong's order was conveyed, fortunate cattle from across the nation made their way to Hanseong. And the remaining cattle were distributed one head each to populous counties throughout the country. By the magistrate's order, residents from villages where cattle were distributed all gathered in one place. With men, women, young and old all assembled, the magistrate read Sejong's proclamation.
"...Therefore, you shall slaughter this cattle and make soup to nourish your bodies. After thus recovering your strength, you shall devote your whole hearts to repairing the weirs and reservoirs. If there are no weirs or reservoirs, you shall build new ones to prepare for drought."
No sooner had the magistrate's announcement ended than the grateful people raised both arms high and shouted long life.
"His Majesty the King! Ten thousand years! Ten thousand years! Ten thousand ten thousand years!"
"Ten thousand years!"
The people shouted ten thousand years with great spirit. Then a butcher stepped forward to slaughter the cattle. The slaughtered cattle were divided according to each village's size, and soon feast scenes unfolded in every village.
Thus, after the village feasts ended, the magistrates mobilized the able-bodied men and commenced water control works.
"Repair the weirs and reservoirs!"
"Dig waterways and build reservoirs!"
"Dig wells!"
While sweat poured from construction work in every district, the relief rice sent by the nation arrived. The officials from the Ministry of Revenue and Ministry of Works who came with the relief rice stayed at the magistrate's office, distributing rice according to the household registers created while administering smallpox vaccinations, and carefully recorded matters regarding the repair or new construction of weirs, reservoirs, waterways, and wells.
During such construction, it was not only the people who moved busily. The local gentry, having become alert due to the previous incident, opened their purses and slaughtered cattle and pigs.
"Eat this and work well."
"Thank you, Jinsha-nim!"
"We will eat well!"
As a result of the people thus moving, old weirs and reservoirs were newly maintained, and a considerable number of reservoirs and weirs were newly created.
Seeing the water fill the thus-maintained weirs, reservoirs, and waterways, the farmers swelled with hope.
"This year, farming will go well."
* * *
May 6th.
Sejong gave an order to the Minister of Works.
"Create a more precise water clock."
"I shall obey the command."
Having received the order, the Minister of Works summoned Jang Yeong-sil, who was serving as a junior official of the Royal Outfit Bureau.
"His Majesty commands that a water clock be made. So gather people who are skilled at their work and create a water clock."
"I shall obey the command."
Jang Yeong-sil answered, bowing at the waist.
Meanwhile, having heard the news, Hyang clenched his fist tightly.
"It's here! It's really here!"
Excited, Hyang began busily rummaging through the scrolls piled in one corner of his study.
After rummaging for a while, Hyang found what he wanted and called a eunuch.
"Eunuch!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
"I must go to the Royal Outfit Bureau! Guide me!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Upon arriving at the Royal Outfit Bureau, Hyang immediately looked for Jang Yeong-sil.
"Where is Junior Official Jang Yeong-sil?"
At Hyang's question, one official hurriedly approached and answered.
"Junior Official Jang is currently at the water clock pavilion. I will call him immediately."
"No need. We cannot carelessly summon someone who is busy. Did you say the water clock pavilion?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"I understand. Then, carry on."
Hyang immediately headed for the water clock pavilion.
"Is that person?"
At the place Hyang's gaze was directed, a man who appeared to have just entered his forties was observing a water clock. Beside the man, paper was spread out, and sketches of various mechanisms were drawn.
"Are you Junior Official Jang?"
At Hyang's voice coming from behind, the man turned his head, saw Hyang's appearance, and hurriedly rose from his seat to bow.
"A humble one greets His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"
"Humble, you say... If a junior official of the senior fifth rank calls himself humble, people will all curse at you."
"I am overwhelmed with gratitude!"
Quietly moving to the side of Jang Yeong-sil, Hyang spoke while looking at the water clock.
"Were you observing the water clock?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"How is it? Do you understand how it moves?"
"I think I roughly understand."
"Is that so? Then can you make it easily?"
At Hyang's question, Jang Yeong-sil scratched his head.
"Calculating the values is a bit difficult."
"That is a problem."
At Jang Yeong-sil's answer, Hyang's expression became serious.
'Wait now! I'm also terrible at advanced mathematics! If even you are like that, what am I supposed to do!'
While Hyang was contemplating to find a solution to the unexpected difficulty that had arisen, Jang Yeong-sil offered an answer.
"However, if Lord Jeong Cho helps a little..."
"Lord Jeong Cho?"
"He is currently serving as a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works."
"I see!"
'Now I remember!'
Having found the solution to the problem, Hyang held out the bundle of scrolls to Jang Yeong-sil.
"What might this be?"
"It is a clock I have conceived."
"A clock?"
"This water clock has a large bulk. Therefore, it is a clock that measures time using a different method."
What Hyang had designed was a mechanical clock using the fall of a pendulum as its energy source.
"Hmm..."
As he looked at the blueprints Hyang presented, Jang Yeong-sil's expression grew increasingly serious.
The Crown Prince was famous for eccentric behavior, but Jang Yeong-sil had not particularly expected much.
'A clock is not an easy object, so how absurd would...'
However, from the moment he saw the first page of the blueprints, Jang Yeong-sil had to discard that prejudice. Having examined the blueprints several times, Jang Yeong-sil looked back at Hyang.
"Did His Royal Highness the Crown Prince design this?"
"To be honest, about thirty percent was made using Western knowledge."
'To be precise, it's 100% 21st-century knowledge, but...'
Mechanical clocks using pendulums were low in difficulty, so in the 21st century, various blueprints could be obtained through the internet. Not only those using wood or iron, but even blueprints for making them with plastic or craft paper were circulating.
In such circumstances, there was no way Hyang, who had been a jack-of-all-trades enthusiast, would simply pass them by.
< Chapter 43: Joy in Obsession, Sorrow in Obsession. (8) > End
ⓒ Gukppong