Black Corporation: Joseon

Chapter 491

Episode 491: Picking the pockets. (4)

“I heard that you were looking for Abama Soja. “Do you have something to tell me?”

After receiving the call, Hyang visited Gangnyeongjeon and after paying his respects, asked the reason for the call.

Sejong nodded and answered Hyang’s question.

“Yes, I called because I needed someone.”

“A person? Should we increase the number of people in the eunuch department?”

“We need some people, not eunuchs, to take us to Shinji and do the work.”

“If that’s the case, I’ll put the word into the General Affairs Department.”

Hyang, who was answering in a business-like manner, paused. This was because King Sejong’s expression upon hearing the answer was not very good.

‘why? what?’

Hyang, who saw Sejong’s expression of disapproval, began to furiously rack his brain to find out what was the cause. Sejong clicked his tongue at the sight of Hyang not being able to give an answer right away.

“Tsk! Why does someone who is normally so smart suddenly show up like this? “Who are the people I will take from you?”

Hyang’s face turned white at Sejong’s words. Hyang asked Sejong in a trembling voice.

“Are you sure you mean the people in Area 51?”

“right. Give only half, no more, no less. “Just half is enough.”

At that moment, Hyang fell unconsciously on the floor and shouted.

“Oh my father!”

“This is necessary. “Why is a guy who already knows everything making a fuss?”

“Why do you need half of it?”

Hyang, who was in tears, asked the reason in a voice full of moisture. Sejong answered Hyang’s question right away.

“Didn’t you also know because you received the report? “The exploration team that secured the beachhead has already gone deep into the eastern part of Shinji and discovered incredibly wide lakes there.”

“I know.”

‘We finally planted a flag all the way to the Great Lakes.’

“And as reported in subsequent reports, the area around the lake is rich in forests, and iron ore and coal mines have also been discovered.”

“And I know that to the south we have discovered a plain suitable for farming.”

“And we also encountered very large indigenous tribes living in large-scale alliances.”

The indigenous tribal union that Sejong spoke of was the ‘Iroquois Confederation.’

* * *

Before Hyang’s intervention, Joseon established a bridgehead in an area called ‘British Columbia’ and advanced eastward, bypassing the northeastern part of the Rocky Mountains, according to Hyang’s plan.

They moved to avoid the harsh natural environment of the Rocky Mountains, but in other words, their route was said to be a good environment for people to live in.

As a natural result, the expedition team heading east encountered indigenous people.

However, it was an exploration team that was focused on peaceful contact with indigenous people through exploration of Daeseoldo Island, Jongjangdo Island, and the Northeast Islands.

The exploration team created friendly relations by offering spear blades and arrowheads made of salt and sugar iron.

Afterwards, he taught them how to record the language of the natives using Hunminjeongeum and distributed several useful medicines in addition to the traditional herbs used by the natives, making them side with Joseon.

By gradually turning the tribes they contacted into Joseon’s side one by one, and at the same time responding resolutely to those who used force against the exploration team as if they were dealing with the Jurchen tribe – to put it simply, exterminating the tribes – the Joseon exploration team soon came to be known as a ‘terrible tribe with a stick of thunder’. The perception was stuck.

Through this two-pronged strategy of warm and cold, the Joseon expeditionary force gradually strengthened its foundation and advanced east, and three years ago it finally advanced to the Great Lakes.

“What kind of land….”

‘I thought it was the sea because I could see the horizon, but when I tasted it, it was fresh water.’

The expedition team, which was struggling as it encountered an environment that was far beyond the cognitive range of those who had lived in the narrow environment of Joseon, soon recognized the situation and wrote a report full of joy.

And Joseon, which received this report, immediately expanded its manpower on a large scale.

The expanded exploration team crossed the lake to the south or advanced east along the lake.

In the process, I encountered a plain area so wide that it would be appropriate to call it ignorant, and discovered the Atlantic coastline.

Ultimately, I met the indigenous people of the Iroquois Confederation – or, to be precise, the ‘Kanonsionni’ – who were living in this area.

* * *

Sejong explained to Hyang why many craftsmen were needed in Area 51.

“To put it briefly, the report sent by the exploration team says, ‘Everything is big except for the people.’ Isn’t Sinji the region where this can be said? “What is the way to quickly move a lot of logistics at once in a land like this?”

“It’s a railroad.”

“Who is making the iron horses that will run on that railroad?”

“…Area 51.”

“What is the efficiency of transporting all the necessary railroads and iron horses here in Joseon?”

“… it falls extremely low.”

“What about those who can make steel mills, iron horses, artillery and gunpowder, and ships?”

“These are the artisans of Area 51.”

While answering Sejong’s question, Hyang had to gradually accept reality. However, because his face was still in a sullen state, King Sejong further emphasized the necessity.

Of course, it could have been done with authority, but the research institute and Area 51 were places filled with blood and sweat. Persuasion was the only answer to properly treating his son and future king.

“Crown, you remember too. These are the Jurchen people who revered the railway as the ‘Road of the Dragon’ and volunteered to be noblemen. Wouldn’t it be the same for Shinji? According to the expedition team, they are still using stone tools or bronze tools that were not properly smelted.”

“It’s a quiet neighborhood.”

“yes! And that doesn’t mean I’m going to take it away and bury it there. “We will change personnel once every five years.”

‘In the end, you’re going to take everything out and use it, aren’t you!’

Although he was angry on the inside, Hyang had no choice but to nod his head in the end.

“All right. “I will talk to General Lee Cheon and make a selection decision.”

“Thank you. ah! Manager Jang Yeong-sil, make sure to put it in!”

“Abama! Are you planning to rob me of all my money?”

“You bastard! Isn’t it time for Manager Jang to retire soon? “Isn’t it a good thing to spend your golden years in a place with good water and good air?”

‘It’s a deficit! ‘Right now!’

“And wouldn’t you feel more comfortable if Area 51 was already there when you went to Shinji?”

‘Thank you!’

Even though she grumbled internally, Hyang had no choice but to accept Sejong’s opinion.

“I will do just that.”

“thanks. ah! There’s more! Be sure to remove Jinpyeong. If you look at that guy’s behavior, it’s sure to cause an uproar, but just leave him out. Of course, looking at his actions now, there is no need to worry, but politics is a monster that can change people at any time.”

“I will. Instead, as people leave, we need to hire new people. Please help me with my budget.”

“Don’t do that.”

In this way, Hyang was able to reach an agreement with King Sejong.

And Lee Cheon, who received the order written by Hyang and stamped with King Sejong’s royal seal, looked at the sky and muttered.

“Ah… I suddenly feel like drinking.”

Meanwhile, Jinpyeong, who heard the story, hesitated and looked for Hyang.

“Lowering!”

“why?”

“How could you leave me out of such an important matter!”

“It’s not time yet.”

“It’s not the right time! “The current situation is just right!”

“It’s not the right time!”

The scent that shouted loudly continued immediately.

“You are coming with me.”

“yes?”

“Do you think Abamama will continue to be in Shinji? Later, when the time comes, I will go in your father’s place, and you will go with me then. And that will be the right time you mentioned.”

“yes?”

When Jinpyeong still looked confused, Hyang spoke in more detail.

“Currently, only the railway between the bridgehead and Daehogun (???) is being built. Do you want to just put that down and come back? “Aren’t you satisfied?”

In response to Hyang’s question, Jinpyeong nodded without realizing it. Looking at Jinpyeong’s face like that, Hyang continued speaking.

“But when I go, a rail network will be built throughout the new area. I can assure you that it won’t be easy. In order to succeed in that great cause, you need someone who will push ahead boldly. I think it’s you. “Did I think wrong?”

Jinpyeong raised his voice and answered Hyang’s question.

“no! Absolutely not!”

“So you stay here and focus on improving iron horses and steam engines. Given the size of Shinji, the performance of the iron horse that has been released now will not be sufficient. got it?”

“yep! “I will do my best!”

“Then go back and take care of your work. And if you are a boy with a purpose, you must also know how to be patient. “If you hear a rumor, don’t come running here.”

“yes.”

Jinpyeong, who was scratching his head at Hyang’s mild reprimand, immediately bowed and went back.

Hyang, who sent Jinpyeong away like that, grumbled a little.

“It’s hard to cheat…”

* * *

With the policy decided, Area 51 was noisy for a while. Once the people leaving were decided, farewell parties were held day after day.

And soon after, a large fleet departed from Wonsan.

Miners and their families who will be in charge of prospecting and mining in Daeho-gun Craftsmen and their families in Area 51 who will build industrial facilities, starting with a steel mill in Daeho-gun The minimum amount of railroad to be built between the bridgehead and Daeho-gun and the implementation of the end-of-river law Ships filled with spawn and cattle left Wonsan Port in a row.

Among the crowds of people, there was one person in particular who was grumbling with an aggrieved expression.

“Why am I….”

‘The genius of language’. It was Shin Sook-ju.

* * *

While efforts were being made to make the bridgehead and Daehogun definitely Joseon’s, King Sejong was also preparing to move slowly. Because it was not just the King Sejong couple moving, preparations were made in advance.

“We’ll finally be leaving next year.”

“That’s right.”

Sejong expressed a little regret at Hyang’s answer.

“I thought I wanted to go this year.”

Hyang bowed her head at Sejong’s words.

“sorry. The child’s abilities are still lacking…”

“Don’t even say anything that will criticize you if others hear it.”

* * *

Although steamships were introduced, the best way to sail between Joseon and Shinji was twice a year. This was because a sufficient number of steamships had not yet been deployed, and steamships that returned from long-distance voyages were subject to detailed inspection every time.

‘There is no one in the world who can compare to him.’

Although Joseon was making such grandiose self-evaluations, it still had a long way to go.

‘Thank goodness the crown prince stepped forward and we were able to come this far.’

And this was the popular assessment, and no one opposed it.

That’s why Sejong said to Hyang, ‘If others hear it, they will curse.’ It was said.

* * *

“Anyway…. I asked someone who sees the protagonist well to figure out the auspicious date. “I will seize the day and take the throne.”

Hyang immediately fell to his knees at Sejong’s words.

“Please step down!”

“Don’t be ridiculous. “There is no one who doubts your abilities now.”

“It’s not just about that! “Soja, I haven’t kept my promise to Abamama yet!”

“What promise did you make with me?”

Sejong, who was tracing his memories at Hyang’s words, suddenly smiled.

“Stand up. “I will do as you wish.”

“I am devastated!”

“That guy…”

Sejong lightly patted Hyang’s shoulder and cautioned her.

“I know you, so don’t wait for the day when you can be elected with a happy heart. But never be in a hurry.”

“yes!”

And starting from this day, King Sejong clearly took a step back.

* * *

As busy as the inside of Joseon was, the outside of Joseon was also busy.

As information from the Mediterranean region continued to arrive through Joseon ships traveling to and from Alexandria, the faces of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense, and the local government became more serious.

“War clouds?”

Heo Hu, who was studying the report, called his subordinate.

“Did you come into Mansour’s upper level?”

“yes.”

“Then call Mansour.”

Mansour, who came to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Hu Hu’s call, visited Hu Hu’s office.

“Did you call me?”

“That’s right, Mansour Shandangju. I ask you directly. “How serious is the situation in Alexandria right now?”

Mansur, who thought for a moment about Heo Hu’s question, answered.

“It’s a vulgar expression, but I can’t find a suitable word for it other than ‘sh*t.’”