Black Corporation: Joseon - Chapter 107
Episode 107: Partnership (1)
It wasn’t just sunglasses. Teaware and bowls made using transparent and colored glass were presented to King Sejong and Queen Soheon, the royal family members whose test works were produced – the concubines distributed them as gifts from Queen Soheon.
King Sejong and Queen Soheon, who accepted the prize, were greatly satisfied, and tableware made of glass began to be used in large quantities in the palace.
As it was used in large quantities in the palace, news of it immediately spread to the public.
This meant that a significant amount of demand had arisen.
“Make sure to produce it in large quantities immediately.”
“yes. Lowering.”
Hyang, who gave the order for mass production, grinned and muttered.
“This is VIP marketing.”
* * *
Glass, which began to be released in large quantities to the Joseon market, soon began to show a great response in the Ming and Japanese countries.
An envoy from the Ming Dynasty who saw the palace of Joseon reported to the emperor that an order to present plate glass to be used in the Forbidden City arrived from the Ming through an envoy.
In response to the order brought by the envoy, Hyang volunteered to deal with the envoy of Ming.
“Plate glass for the Forbidden City… the entire Forbidden City?”
“It’s all.”
“If you ask me to tell you the truth, I will tell you the truth. But will the Ming Dynasty’s finances be able to sustain it?”
“What do you mean, Crown Prince?”
In response to the envoy’s question, Hyang explained in detail.
“If we look at the custom until now, when our Joseon Dynasty presented the truth, His Majesty the Emperor gave several times that amount in return.”
“That’s right.”
“But this plate glass is a precious commodity that costs 8 nyang of silver to make. If all the buildings in the Forbidden City were made of glass, how much would it cost? “Then how much wealth will you need in return?”
“Ah…”
The Shinigami, who had been counting Hyang’s words, began to sweat. It was because it reminded me of the war of words that took place in the Forbidden City.
Due to Emperor Yongle’s excessive expeditions, the Ming Dynasty’s finances were severely holed. The current emperor was trying desperately to close this hole.
Therefore, when the opinion was raised to receive the truth from Joseon after hearing the report, there were many opposing opinions. The rationale provided by those opposing it was the same as what the Crown Prince of Joseon said now.
“It would be better if we asked Joseon to provide its father-in-law…”
“Are you saying we should declare war on Joseon now? Have you forgotten what happened to the Jurchen people in Liaodong not long ago? “Why have you forgotten that previous emperors told you to be wary of Joseon?”
Although Joseon was following the example of a vassal state, the Ming Dynasty never let down its guard.
In a situation where Joseon was not relaxed, the newly crowned Emperor Seondeok refrained from unnecessary disputes as much as possible in order to restore finances.
In the end, after an intense war of words, the conclusion was as follows.
‘Joseon, a vassal country, also decorates its palaces with glass, but we, as merchants, cannot just do it. However, since His Majesty the Emperor is frugal, he only asks for the quantity to decorate the Hall of Flowers in the Forbidden City, but negotiates to keep the return gift to a minimum.’
However, the envoy in charge of the mission had requested an amount to cover the entire Forbidden City out of a sense of honor, but was now counterattacked by the city.
Hyang continued while looking at the Shinigami who was sweating profusely.
“And looking at our Joseon’s production volume, it would take at least five years to cover the entire Forbidden City. Of course, if we encounter a storm or are attacked by the Jurchen tribe during transportation, it will take more time. “What should I do?”
In response to Hyang’s question, the envoy immediately presented the original plan.
“First of all, it’s okay to just give the quantity that will go into Taehwajeon!”
“Then it’s good for us, but won’t the Shinigami be harmed?”
“If it’s for the sake of friendship between the two countries, does my safety matter? Instead, I will keep my repayment to a minimum.”
“Hmm….”
Hyang, who pretended to think about the reaper’s words for a moment, threw the rice cake.
“For the sake of friendship between the two countries, Joseon should also make concessions. Since I am doing this for the glory of Your Majesty, I will supply glass for the Taihe Hall, Zhonghua Hall, and the Cultural Exhibition Hall. In return, I will only accept the price of the glass for the three exhibitions above. “How do you feel?”
“Are you sure? Thank you so much!”
At Hyang’s words, the Ming envoy bowed deeply and expressed his gratitude. Hyang threw a fishing hook at the envoy.
“There is one condition. From now on, I will not send a princess or a eunuch.”
“Ah…”
The Shinigami looked embarrassed at Hyang’s suggestion. The envoy, who was diligently weighing the pros and cons in his mind, answered.
“The issue of princesses is beyond God’s authority, so we must discuss it with dignity. I will go back immediately and ask Your Majesty for an answer. “We will definitely receive an answer that is beneficial to both countries, so please make sure to keep the current offer!”
“Let’s do that.”
After reaching a tentative agreement with the envoy, Hyang immediately went to King Sejong and explained the results.
“… So, I proposed that the outside of the three outer halls of the Forbidden City be covered with glass, and that I would be paid 8 nyang per person in return, and that I would not send any princesses or eunuchs.”
King Sejong and the ministers nodded at Hyang’s explanation.
“Good work.”
Following King Sejong’s reign, government officials also praised Hyang.
“Thank you for your effort.”
“Thank you for your hard work.”
Among them, the transfer of the Yeonguijeong pointed out one problem.
“By the way, God knows, one cat of silver is enough to make one piece of plate glass?”
Hyang grinned at Lee Jik’s question.
King Sejong and his ministers’ hearts sank at the sight of Hyang’s expression. This was because every time the Crown Prince made that kind of expression, something beyond imagination – what King Sejong said was ‘a slap in the back of the head in broad daylight’ – frequently occurred.
The most recent incident was a major accident that wiped out half of Insunbu’s warehouse while mass producing plate glass.
King Sejong’s excuse was that he was afraid that budget execution would be hindered by people who did not know the utility and value of plate glass.
“It was like that at first. But now, 4 dongs of silver is enough.”
“how?”
“Do you remember what happened with Han Seok-gu a while ago?”
“Is the technology he came up with that reduces costs that much?”
Hyang nodded to Sejong’s question.
“Yes, that’s why I gave him the shares.”
* * *
Han Seok-gu’s receipt of shares became a hot topic among artisans.
Working in the field, artisans could expect that glass would rake in huge sums of money.
Because of this, Han Seok-gu was envied by craftsmen.
“If you’re jealous, try thinking of something too!”
“yes!”
They were craftsmen who were burning with a sense of challenge at the words of Hyang.
No, not just the glass workshop, but everyone in Area 51 and the research center was burning with a sense of challenge.
* * *
Yeonguijeong immediately asked about the explanation of the scent.
“Then, if we cover the three main halls of the Forbidden City with glass, there will be quite a bit of money left over?”
“That’s right.”
As soon as Hyang finished answering, Sejong continued speaking.
“But what’s even better is that you don’t have to send the princess and eunuch. Of course, it is still in the realm of possibility.”
Hyang responded firmly to Sejong’s point.
“We have to make it a fait accompli.”
Sending a princess and a eunuch to the Ming Dynasty was something that brought many families to tears.
If this was successful, the public’s approval rating would increase and King Sejong’s political position would become even stronger.
Hyang suggested to King Sejong.
“That is why, when the envoy who came this time returns, we must also send an envoy and receive a clear confirmation.”
“I guess so. Of course, I have to get a confirmation.”
Sejong nodded and continued speaking with a smile that made Ye’s heart sink.
“So I’m wondering if Soja will go.”
“You bastard!”
* * *
Sejong shouted, but Hyang calmly explained the reason.
“If an envoy goes, he must bargain with the emperor. In that case, there has to be a certain level of equality.”
“Bargaining with the emperor?”
“Think about it. There is still no definitive answer regarding the last conquest of the Duman River basin. This is true despite the fact that the Vice-Admiral of Yeonguijeong went to a state affairs position.”
“Keuung…”
Sejong groaned at Hyang’s point.
As Hyang said, a delegation of envoys went with Yeonguijeong as the official, but they returned empty-handed.
Therefore, the current development of the Duman River was being carried out without permission by Joseon.
The scent that pierced Sejong’s painful spot continued to explain why he had to go.
“But this time, in addition to the Yuri issue, which involves enormous expenditures, there is also the princess issue at stake. Even the Emperor of Ming will try to bargain, and in order to gain the upper hand in the bargain, he will first step in as an envoy. So Soja must go. So please grant it! “Please inform me!”
“It makes sense, but it’s not necessarily to the point where the Crown Prince has to go.”
Sejong refused, but Hyang came up with another reason why she should go.
“We, Joseon, are currently engaging in a lot of trade between the Ming and Japanese countries. In order to keep this trade safe and free in the future, we must get the emperor on our side.”
“Getting the emperor on our side? Rather than that, does the crown prince think there will be problems with trade?”
“That’s right.”
“The reason is?”
“Because there is not a single person in the world who would like others to take all the wealth that is in his house.”
“Ah…”
Sejong nodded without realizing it at Hyang’s words.
* * *
Trade with the Ming was increasing rapidly. However, most of that trade involved Joseon making huge profits.
Of course, they were purchasing large quantities of grain to use as food for charity and large quantities of candy to be used for resale.
However, in absolute terms, the expenditure was very small compared to the amount earned.
Therefore, for some time now, information has been coming in from merchants that bad stories are coming out of Ming.
* * *
“So you’re trying to get the emperor on our side? how?”
“I will propose a partnership.”
“Partnership?”
“yes.”
Hyang explained it to Sejong in more detail.
-The Joseon Dynasty and the Ming Emperor join together to create the Sangang.
-Products produced in royal workshops in Joseon are purchased from joint ventures and sold to merchants of famous countries.
-The profits obtained from sales are distributed in a certain ratio between the Joseon and Ming emperors.
“… The reason we limited it to the royal workshop is because most of the products that are currently gaining the most benefit from trade are made in the royal workshop.”
“That’s not true.”
“That’s right.”
King Sejong and the ministers nodded at Hyang’s words. Hyang continued speaking while observing the reactions of King Sejong and his ministers.
“It won’t be long before the glass products go on sale. Looking at the current situation in Joseon, Ming Jurchen, and Japan, the glass products produced by the royal workshops are a complete monopoly. “If this happens, even a child in Samcheok can predict that a conflict will arise.”
“I see.”
“So, although it may seem like a loss right now, it is actually a benefit if we can prevent conflict.”
“understood. But still, the Crown Prince going in person….”
“To deal with the Emperor of a Ming Dynasty, you have to be of the right rank.”
“Why is it only the emperor of the Ming Kingdom… Ah!”
Sejong suddenly let out an exclamation and glared at Hyang.
“Scary guy.”
Hyang smiled politely at Sejong’s words.
‘As expected, King Sejong! ‘You noticed it right away!’
The atmosphere was slowly leaning towards scent.
“By the way. Creating a joint venture just for the purpose of ensuring the safety of trade and avoiding pressure from the Ming Dynasty feels a little underwhelming. “Isn’t there a way to secure our interests a little more?”
Hyang immediately answered King Sejong’s question.
“There is another important thing that was left out of the explanation. “It is about protecting the value of the royal coat of arms.”
“That’s it!”
Sejong slapped his knee and smiled at Hyang’s words.
The feeling that was a little lacking just a moment ago was now filled by the scent.
“Merchants from Ming Dynasty are notorious for making counterfeit goods! Right now we are the only ones making glass products, but if they knew that it would make money, merchants from famous countries would hire glass craftsmen from the West to make similar products! And to make an easy profit, they will make counterfeit products that imitate the royal emblem!”
Sejong, who recognized the value of the cucumber flower pattern that is still stamped on products that have passed quality inspection, made a decision.
“okay! “The Crown Prince, come back!”