Black Corporation: Joseon - Chapter 51

Episode 51: Laughing at virtue, crying at virtue. (16)

“It floats?”

This was the end of the situation. All the people who insisted that it was impossible to make a boat out of iron had no choice but to become fools. The Hyang looked at them and said,

“I’ll say it again, it’s not impossible, we just have to find a way. It wasn’t possible.”

Hyang explained the concepts of volume, weight, and density, as well as general knowledge related to this, to the people who had joined in. After listening to Hyang’s explanation for a long time, Jeongcho opened his mouth.

“So, if you spread the iron plates as thin as possible and connect them, you can make a boat. It can be made… it will work.”

“To put it to the extreme, yes.”

In response to Hyang’s words, Jeong In-ji pointed out the problem.

“But there is a problem. This is how to connect iron plates. Is there a way to firmly connect the steel plates together without water leaking in? ”

“It is your duty to study it.”

“That’s why that noodle bowl is in place.” King Sejong and the ministers nodded at Hyang’s answer. However, Hwang Hui, representing the ministers, pointed out the problem.

“It is made of iron .

Create… According to your explanation, we can definitely create a presidential election. But can you find a way? ”

“If you do your best research, you can find it.”

“Is it possible? ”

Hyang’s expression became sharp at Hwang Hee’s negative reaction. Sejong’s expression was the same.

“Do you think it’s impossible? ”

Hwang Hee, who saw the expressions on Hyang and Sejong’s faces, answered hesitantly.

“It is possible, but I think the time and cost involved are the issues.”

“But we can’t just give up. There are many people who thought the same thing as me. If you build a ship with iron, which is much stronger than wood, you can build a bigger and stronger ship, and the story is that you can sail farther. Do you want Korea to just sit back and watch while other countries are running around? ”

“That’s not true…”

Seeing Hwang Hee’s speech slurred, Hyang said firmly.

“In order for Joseon’s name to shine on the Dead Sea, the development of iron ships must be accomplished. Even if it takes time! ”

At Hyang’s firm answer, the ministers closed their mouths and looked at King Sejong.

King Sejong, who was thinking with a serious look on his face, opened his mouth.

“It will definitely take a lot of time and budget. You probably feel the same way about that, right? ”

“That’s right. But…”

“But you say this is absolutely necessary. And you keep mentioning Seoyi. Is there something to do with that? ”

“It’s not like it doesn’t exist. As you know, Abamama, I have read a lot of books by small and medium-sized scholars.”

“I know.”

“There are also things about history in their books, and their history is a history of struggle. And through that history, there are people who know the importance of wealth better than anyone else.” ‘What

I learned from the experience of the 30 years of war was that ‘the economy determines the outcome of a war’? ‘ “So

? ”

“For that reason, they are doing their best to find ways to make their country rich and strong. But they learned that there are limits to looking within. That’s why they are turning their eyes outside.”

King Sejong responded to Hyang’s explanation.

“So the Seo-i will eventually be rescued by the sea and they will come to Joseon? To this far away country? ”

“Hundreds of years have already passed since Muslims have been visiting this land, so why can’t they come here? ”

“That’s right.”

Sejong nodded and Hyang continued.

“When they see people gaining wealth, if they are stronger or equal to them, they will make a fair deal with them, and if they are weaker, they will immediately use force to take away what they want. Of course…”

Hyang paused for a long time, took a breath, and continued speaking.

“Of course, international relations are ruled by the rule of the might of the jungle, so that’s how any country behaves. However, those who do not know the importance of saving face move openly. ah! To be precise, they save face among themselves. Between themselves.”

Sejong muttered softly at Hyang’s words.

“How could only people say that?…”

“That’s right.”

“Stop, I know what you’re trying to say.”

interrupted Hyang. Sejong was lost in thought.

The ministers and Hyang, who saw Sejong’s serious face, quietly waited for Sejong to open his mouth.

After some time, Sejong opened his mouth.

“Seja, will you be able to break the iron line in this father’s reign? ? ”

“There will be a higher probability that we will not see it even during my reign, let alone Abamama.”

“Do you think we should continue research even with such a low probability? Are you willing to spend an unknown amount of time and money? ”

“Yes. If we give up now because the odds are low, I think our descendants will pay the price in blood several times over.”

“Hmm…”

King Sejong fell into trouble again at Hyang’s firm answer. He stroked his beard and looked at models of ships. Sejong, who was watching, came to a conclusion:

“Okay, let’s do it.”

“Thank you! ”

“But you can’t blindly invest time and money. Make an accurate plan and submit it.”

“I will follow your orders! ”

Sejong’s command was met with a strong response.

The war of words about iron wire that started over a bowl of naengmyeon eventually ended with Sejong making a decision. After overcoming a critical juncture, Sejong’s eyes turned to the flag located at the bottom of the cabinet. It was an object.

“What is that thing used for?” ”

Hyang immediately answered King Sejong’s question.

“Here comes Heron’s steam ball.”

“Heron? Steam ball? ”

This is a scholar who was famous in Seoyi long ago.

* * *

I agreed with the possibility of the iron ship that Hyang mentioned, but I felt that Jeongcho was

lacking something. ‘I think I missed something….’

I didn’t know what I had missed. While he was thinking about it, Jang Yeong-sil pointed out that point:

“As you said, even if you can make a ship using iron and make it bigger than if you made it with wood, it is a problem. As the size of the ship increases, won’t there be a problem in moving it with just sails and oars? ”

“you’re right! ”

“That was it! ”

Jeong Cho and Jeong In-ji shouted loudly at Jang Yeong-sil’s point. Hyang grumbled inwardly at Jeong Cho and Jeong In-ji’s reaction.

“I thought Eureka was shouting too.’

Even though I was grumbling on the inside, I immediately answered that I had already prepared the scent. “The problem of power for propulsion is a problem that I have already anticipated. That is why there is

something I would like to research together with you. Nae-gwan!

”

It’s clear.

“Please bring the items sent by the military flag inspector a while ago.”

“Yes sir.”

After a while, two eunuchs came in, whimpering and carrying a large object made of bronze.

“What is this? It is truly an unusual-looking object.”

The first to show curiosity was Jang Yeong-sil. Others gathered around the bronze object with sparkling eyes.

“Hmm?”

“Huh….”

The items the eunuchs brought looked truly unique. Two bronze tubes extending from a cylinder supported by four legs were embedded in the sides of a bronze sphere. Also, four tubes were sticking out of the bronze sphere, and their shape looked similar to a swastika. The end of the extended tube had a small hole.

“Bring a brazier with fire and a kettle with water.”

“Yes sir.”

After the long service, the eunuchs came in with a brazier and a kettle filled with fire.

To make incense, burnt charcoals were placed in the lower part of the cylinder below, the stopper at the top was opened by turning, and water was poured. Hyang closed the stopper again and looked back at the people.

“Have you ever seen rice being cooked in the kitchen?”

“Yes.”

Everyone gathered at Hyang’s question nodded. Unlike the late Joseon Dynasty, it was not a problem for men to go into the kitchen during this period.

“Have you ever seen the lid of a cauldron lifting when rice is cooked? The power source I was thinking of was water and fire. I named it a steam engine.”

“Steam engine? Is it using the energy created when water boils?”

“Yes.”

“Could that be the power?”

“It is the power that can make even that heavy cauldron lid move. I think it will be possible.”

Despite Hyang’s confident answer, people were still tilting their heads. Hyang screamed internally at the sight of such people.

‘It’s like an age of distrust! Don’t you know that those who believe are blessed? ‘

Anyway, as time passed, the water began to boil, and steam began to flow out little by little from the hole in the pipe extending from the bronze sphere.

“There is no movement?”

“Just wait a little longer. Just a little longer.”

And as time passed, the bronze sphere began to rotate slowly.

Bleep~.

The rotation of the bronze sphere became faster and faster, accompanied by a sharp clanging sound made by the steam blowing out through the small hole.

“What do you think?”

People’s faces became serious at Hyang’s words. The weight of the object was so great that two inner coffins were attached to move it.

Of course, only the bronze sphere at the top was moving, but it was not a light object at all. However, the steam created by boiling water was turning the bronze sphere.

Jeong Cho, who was watching ‘Haeron’s Steam Ball’ in silence, opened his mouth.

“I think it’s worth researching. If the results are right, it could be great for use on ships. Even if it’s not just an iron ship. You don’t have to wait for a favorable wind and you don’t have to load heavy troops. ”

“That’s exactly what I think! And that organ isn’t just for ships!”

“It’s not just for ships?”

“What do you think would happen if you made a moving cart out of it?”

“Huh?”

“ Huh?”

People’s eyes widened as they heard Hyang’s words.

* * *

“So, the research we are currently conducting includes research related to steam engines.”

Sejong, who was looking at Haeron’s steam ball while listening to the explanation of the scent, looked back at the scent.

“Building a cart powered by a steam engine?”

“Yes, Abama.”

“Is there any use in that?”

“Yes? Why wouldn’t it be of use?”

In response to Hyang’s question, Sejong pointed out the problem.

“A cart is a moving object that carries a load. However, in order for the steam engine I mentioned to move properly, it must constantly supply water and fire. The problem is that in order to do this, the water and firewood must be loaded onto the cart, so there is no space to actually load it. “Isn’t

this guy sharp? ” As expected, King Sejong! ‘ Although she was inwardly impressed, Hyang came up with an answer.

“You might think so. However, a steam engine exerts a very large amount of power compared to its size. It is quite useful because it moves by pulling carts rather than simply pulling a single cart.”

“Pulling carts? ”

Seeing King Sejong and his ministers still unable to hide their doubts, Hyang raised his hand and pointed to the inside of the lab.

“Please come this way.”

“I’ll show you the result that is said to be the ultimate in virtue! ‘

“Here it is.”

The place Hyang guided me to was a room guarded by not only eunuchs but also soldiers with swords. The eunuchs and soldiers all saluted at the sight of Hyang and King Sejong.

“Good job.”

“My name is ruined!”

Hyang ordered as the eunuchs who had paid their respects stood up.

“Open the door.”

“Yes sir.”

“Oh!”

“Oh!”

King Sejong and the ministers who entered through the door opened by the eunuchs exclaimed.

There was a huge statue in the center of a large room measuring 2 squares (about 4.8m) horizontally and 5 squares (about 14m) vertically. And on the image were mountains, plains, lakes, rivers, and seas. And in the small world that was created, there were railroad tracks.

Hyang smiled as he saw King Sejong and the ministers looking at him in surprise.

‘This is a model railroad that has been called the king of virtue even in the 21st century! ‘

“I’ll show you how to use a cart with a steam engine. Get the locomotive ready!”

“Yes sir.”

Following the local government’s orders, the officials placed a model locomotive and models of carriages and freight cars connected to it on the railroad tracks. As the inspectors, who had connected the locomotive and the passenger cars using rings, stepped back and took a closer look, King Sejong began to look closely at the model locomotive.

“So you connected the steam ball and wheel you mentioned earlier?”

“Yes.”

The model locomotive made by Hyang was a primitive one, with a small model of ‘Haron’s Steam Ball’ placed on a wooden cart and the steam ball and wheels connected with leather straps.

“Because it was small, we first used alcohol as fuel.”

At the same time as he explained, he pushed a lamp full of ethanol under the steam ball and lit the wick.

Beep!

As time passed, steam began to escape from the pipe protruding from the steam ball, making a sharp sound.

Using that sound as a signal, Hyang released the brakes holding the wheels. Once the brakes were released, the model locomotive began to move slowly, pulling passenger cars and freight cars.