Chapter 45: Laughing at Obsession, Crying at Obsession. (10)
The institution with the long name 'Joseon Science and Technology Development Research Institute' was as magnificent as its name suggested.
The Joseon Science and Technology Development Research Institute (hereafter referred to as the Institute) was an independent organization that received orders only from the King.
"The highest authority of the Institute shall be limited to the Crown Prince."
"The Institute's annual budget shall be guaranteed at a minimum of one part per hundred to a maximum of three parts per hundred of Joseon's annual budget."
"Intellectual property rights obtained from technologies or artifacts developed by the Institute that are commercialized shall be divided into three parts: 40% to the state, 30% to the Institute's finances, and 30% to the developer or development team."
(The rest omitted)
It was the birth of a powerful institution that was free from political influence thanks to being an independent organization receiving only the King's orders and having the Crown Prince as its highest authority, and had no budget concerns since it was guaranteed one to three parts per hundred of the national annual budget.
Of course, with such tremendous benefits came equally tremendous obligations to uphold.
"Researchers belonging to the Institute must present results at least once every two years. However, forming a circle rather than individual presentation is also valid."
"Results must not be duplicated. If duplication is discovered, all benefits will be stripped and the person will be expelled from the Institute."
"The use of the budget will be thoroughly disclosed. If any use unrelated to research is detected, the entire budget provided will be recovered and the person will be expelled."
"All research conducted at the Institute is treated as state secrets, and if privately announced or leaked, it will be punished as treason."
Though there were formidable rules to follow, it was the birth of an independent institution that would eventually become one of Joseon's premier academic institutions alongside Jiphyeonjeon. And it was also the birth of an institution that would become both a letter of challenge and a nightmare for Crown Princes who generation after generation wished to surpass their predecessors.
The Institute's tremendous prestige and position were stories of the distant future; for now, it was truly humble.
The people Hyang had under him were the fixed members of Jeong Cho, Jeong In-ji, Yi Cheon, Jang Yeong-sil, along with artisans from the Military Ordnance Directorate and other ministries called upon when needed.
"The beginning may be humble, but the end shall be magnificent... My foot! The personnel may be small, but I'll make it so no one can look down on us!"
Though Sejong had granted permission, seeing the ministers' reactions filled only with question marks, Hyang ground his teeth.
"First, the organizational chart!"
Hyang systematized the Institute's organization starting from the top. First, the Director was designated as the Crown Prince, and the sub-organizations were divided into two major departments: the Basic Science and Technology Research Development Department and the Applied Science and Technology Research Development Department.
The Institute's Vice Director was given the rank of Senior Second Rank while serving as the Head of the Basic Science Department, and the Head of the Applied Science Department was given the rank of Junior Second Rank while serving as the General Operations Head.
Furthermore, the heads of each research unit that would conduct research directly were given at least the rank of Junior Third Rank, completely blocking any room for being pushed around politically.
"I think no one would be bold enough to pick a fight when the Crown Prince is the backer, but bullying should be blocked from the start."
Having created the organizational chart, Hyang immediately ran to Sejong to request approval.
"The Vice Director being Senior Second Rank... isn't that too high?"
"The Chief Scholar of Jiphyeonjeon is also Senior Second Rank. The head, the Director of the Hall of Worthies, is even concurrently serving as a Senior First Rank Minister."
"That is true, but..."
Seeing Sejong trailing off, Hyang added.
"The Institute is not my playground. This Institute will become an academic institution of Joseon as important as Jiphyeonjeon."
After contemplating Hyang's words, Sejong reached a conclusion.
"Very well. Spread your will. I will support you."
"Your grace is boundless!"
After performing a deep bow, Hyang quickly exited the main hall. Seeing this, the ministers expressed their concerns to Sejong.
"We are concerned that you are providing too much support."
"If you consider what the Crown Prince has shown so far, I believe he can fully do it."
At Sejong's words, the ministers fell silent. They could have argued if they wanted to, but the fates of their predecessors were still vivid in their memories.
Having received Sejong's confirmation, Hyang returned to the Eastern Palace and shouted in good spirits.
"Now! Shall we do some obsessing?"
* * *
"Now! Everyone, please gather!"
Since there was no designated workplace yet, Jeong Cho's group had been huddled in one room of the Eastern Palace. At Hyang's words, they immediately gathered. Once everyone was assembled, Hyang showed them the organizational chart and began his explanation.
"The Institute is first divided into two major parts."
Hyang explained the organization's composition and personnel placement. The Basic Science and Technology Research Department was entrusted to Jeong Cho and Jeong In-ji, and the Applied Science and Technology Research Development Department was entrusted to Yi Cheon.
"...and Chief Commander Jang will command the artisans of the Military Ordnance Directorate and various other departments to create artifacts needed for research or prototypes for mass production. Do you understand?"
"I understand the placement, but what exactly does each organization do?"
At Jeong Cho's question, as he had somehow become the people's representative, Hyang answered immediately.
"Basic Science... or the Basic Department for short, will research basic academic studies and technologies as the name suggests."
"Basic, you say?"
"Starting with Mathematics, they will research metallurgy, chemistry, architecture, and related fields. The Applied Department will be responsible for advancing one step further based on the results researched by the Basic Department and already known knowledge."
At Hyang's explanation, Jeong Cho asked another question.
"I understand Mathematics, but should fields like metallurgy, chemistry, and architecture also be considered academic studies?"
"Of course they are academic studies. Looking at examples until now, artisans have only inherited from their predecessors and what they personally experienced. This is not good. If a skilled artisan in a certain field dies without passing on their techniques to a disciple or child, everything they built up disappears. But what if we record and classify this?"
At Hyang's question, Jeong Cho answered immediately.
"If there are people who want to learn, they can learn based on this, and further develop from there."
"Exactly."
Hyang's explanation continued after that. By the time the lengthy explanation ended, Jeong Cho and the others could understand why the parts they had considered the domain of artisans were entering the realm of academics.
"Your Highness, I now understand why you call this field an academic discipline. Then shall we gather artisans in this field?"
At Jeong Cho's question, Hyang shook his head.
"No. The Basic Department has something to do before that."
"What is it?"
"Please learn arithmetic first."
"Pardon?"
* * *
Hyang assigned tasks to the Basic Department and Applied Department.
"An independent organization has been created, and we'll be receiving a substantial budget. Then you all know what will happen, right?"
At Hyang's words, everyone except Jang Yeong-sil nodded.
"There will be intense checks."
"That's right. Therefore, we must first create visible results. And as quickly as possible."
"It won't be an easy task."
At Hyang's words, Jeong Cho and Yi Cheon nodded with worried faces. Jeong In-ji, still a new bureaucrat, had an expression of half-understanding, and Jang Yeong-sil, who had been busy just digesting what he was told, had an expression of complete incomprehension.
"That's right. So, let's start with things that can yield the quickest results. First, the Basic Department's task is the revision of the calendar system. The reason you need to learn arithmetic is precisely for this."
At Hyang's words, Jeong Cho raised a point.
"The revision of the calendar system is already in progress."
"But the progress is slow, isn't it? Most of the officials assigned to the work are holding concurrent positions."
"That is true."
"Therefore, Minister and Scholar Jeong, please take charge of this task exclusively. If necessary, you may recruit officials with excellent arithmetic skills and interest, or give official positions to Huihui believers and bring them in."
"Bringing in Huihui believers could be problematic."
"Just call them arithmetic instructors. If anyone keeps complaining, use my name."
"I understand."
"Don't forget that you need to produce results as quickly as possible. Please report progress to me every half-month."
"I will engrave it in my heart and carry it out."
Having assigned tasks to Jeong Cho and Jeong In-ji, Hyang looked at Yi Cheon.
"Minister, let's work on something together."
"What shall we do?"
"Artillery improvement."
At Hyang's words, Yi Cheon's eyes flashed fiercely. He was a military man after all. Seeing Yi Cheon's reaction, Hyang continued.
"Is there anyone you would recommend?"
At Hyang's question, Yi Cheon answered immediately.
"There is General Choe Hae-san who works as the Military Ordnance Directorate Commissioner."
"General Choe Hae-san?"
"He is Marshal Choe Mu-seon's son."
"Let's go immediately!"
Standing up abruptly from his chair, Hyang gave an order to Jeong Cho.
"A building to use as the Institute is being prepared. So please use this place as the research lab for the time being."
"Understood."
Having instructed Jeong Cho on his task, Hyang turned to Yi Cheon.
"Minister, let's go!"
"Yes!"
* * *
After leaving the Eastern Palace, Hyang looked back at Yi Cheon.
"Where is General Choe Hae-san now? I don't think I saw him when I went to the Military Ordnance Directorate last time?"
"He is working at the Ministry of Military Affairs."
"Then let's go to the Ministry of Military Affairs!"
Arriving at the Ministry of Military Affairs, Hyang immediately sought out Choe Hae-san. Choe Hae-san, who came running when called, respectfully paid his respects to Hyang.
"Did you seek me, Crown Prince Your Highness."
"Yes. It is good to meet you like this. I am truly glad to finally learn your name."
"I am overwhelmed by your grace!"
When Hyang showed friendliness, Choe Hae-san beamed with a smile. Looking at such Choe Hae-san, Hyang went straight to the main topic.
"Let's create some works together."
"Pardon?"
The three of them moved to a private office prepared in the Ministry of Military Affairs building and continued their conversation.
"What do you mean by creating works?"
"I mean we should improve the main weaponry that our Joseon uses."
"Weaponry, you say?"
"That's right. Looking at our Joseon army's current situation, we cannot compare with Ming at all, our cavalry is on par with the Jurchens but difficult to definitely overwhelm, and in close combat, we are being pushed back by the Japanese raiders. Do you acknowledge this?"
At Hyang's point, Choe Hae-san nodded.
"I acknowledge it."
"But we cannot simply increase our size because Joseon's finances are poor."
"That is true. It is truly a regrettable matter."
"Therefore, to solve this difficult problem, I believe we must first improve the quality of our weapons, and then gradually expand the scale of our forces."
At Hyang's words, Choe Hae-san raised a counterargument.
"With all due respect, Your Highness. Our Joseon's swords and spears are not inferior in quality."
"Swords and spears are not the only weapons. And swords and spears are main weapons for close combat. They don't fit our Joseon army's situation. The weapons I'm talking about are gunpowder weapons. Cannons and firearms."
"Cannons and firearms, you say?"
On Choe Hae-san's questioning face, anticipation and worry were mixed in equal measure. There was anticipation for Hyang's ingenuity symbolized by artifacts like the metal type and printing press. However, as someone who had actually handled gunpowder and made cannons, his worry was also great.
'Cannons are not something just anyone can handle!'
Hiding his worry, Choe Hae-san continued his questions.
"You mentioned cannons and firearms, how do you intend to improve their quality?"
"For now, there is only a plan, but we should start by increasing their destructive power. Next, we would improve the materials and production methods for making cannons and firearms."
"Hmm..."
Seeing Choe Hae-san deep in thought, Hyang continued.
"First, I want to see the actual power of the cannons and firearms and how they are operated. Would a demonstration be possible?"
"His Majesty the King's approval is required."
"I will speak to His Majesty."
* * *
At Hyang's words that he wanted to see a demonstration of cannons and firearms, Sejong asked a question.
"Is this truly necessary? If it is merely for your entertainment, I cannot permit it."
"It is not for entertainment, Your Majesty. To strengthen our national defense, improvement of cannons is essential, yet I have never properly observed cannons until now."
At Hyang's firm answer, Sejong, after deliberation, reached a conclusion.
"The Ministry of Military Affairs shall prepare the demonstration of cannons and firearms that Hyang has proposed."
"We obey your command!"
"And I will also attend this demonstration. While cannons are a very important presence for our Joseon army, I have not properly inspected them since ascending to the throne. I will properly verify them on this occasion."
At Sejong's command, the ministers answered in unison.
"We obey your command!"