Black Corporation: Joseon

“Pardon? That’s…”

When not only Ha Wi-ji but also Seong Sam-mun and Gwon Ram showed perplexed expressions, Lee Chun spoke up in place of Hyang.

“Before the Reforms, Ming and the Westerners might have had more advanced technology than us, but now we’ve surpassed them.”

At Lee Chun’s words, Gwon Ram spoke up.

“But the Westerners are also familiar with gunpowder weapons. Won’t such people catch up quickly?”

Lee Chun immediately answered Gwon Ram’s question, his voice rising slightly, apparently frustrated by the four’s response.

“Have you forgotten what His Highness just said? With Western affairs changing by the day, do you think they have the luxury to leisurely refine their technology?”

“However, isn’t it human nature to try to catch up when they get their hands on something better than their own weapons?”

When Seong Sam-mun argued against Lee Chun’s point, Hyang stepped in.

“War may have already broken out in the West. War expenses aren’t just pocket change. If you were rulers, would you invest time and resources in something with an uncertain completion date, or would you choose to hold out with existing equipment while buying better weapons with money?”

After carefully weighing the pros and cons at Hyang’s question, all four bowed their heads simultaneously.

“Our thinking was shallow!”

“Get in the habit of looking at things more broadly.”

While offering this advice to the four, Hyang muttered internally.

War can both promote and prevent technological development. Look at World War II and 21st century America, don’t you know?

***

During World War II, America served as the Allies’ factory. In this process, America’s defense technology made great leaps. In contrast, looking at the second Iraq invasion and the Afghanistan war after 9/11, they scrapped all the weapons they were busily developing.

This happened because of budget issues.

World War II was a total war staking national survival. Therefore, budget priorities centered on war-related matters.

But the wars of the 21st century weren’t total wars. Thus, they faced budget constraints, and expensive new weapon development projects were scrapped.

It was more important to produce one more 5.56mm round needed immediately on the frontlines than to spend money developing weapons like the Crusader with uncertain completion dates.

That’s why Hyang and Lee Chun reached the same conclusion. Frankly speaking, flintlock muskets had similar power to arquebuses. Facing an imminent – or perhaps already ongoing – war, it was far more profitable to buy existing products in bulk than waste time and finances.

***

However, Hyang’s advice irritated the four.

Even for a Crown Prince, isn’t this too much!

He’s the same age as us!

Finally, Seong Sam-mun spoke up.

“Then, Your Highness, if barrel-type muskets and Western muskets have similar power, why would they spend money to buy them?”

Hyang’s expression changed at Seong Sam-mun’s question.

Look at this. Are you talking back?

In response to Seong Sam-mun’s provocation, Lee Chun stepped in for Hyang.

“Those Western arquebuses, ah, we call them matchlocks in Area 51. Barrel-type muskets have one advantage matchlocks can’t match.”

“What is it?”

“They don’t use slow matches.”

“Pardon?”

“Do you know how mentally exhausting it is to walk around with powder pouches dangling all over your body, or handle lit slow matches next to powder bags?”

“Ah…”

The four nodded at Lee Chun’s explanation. But they didn’t immediately concede.

“However, barrel-type muskets are expensive and take time to transport. The Westerners might give up on purchasing them.”

At Han Myeong-hoe’s point, Hyang smiled slightly and answered.

“We’ve already addressed that part too. Since the days of the Eastern Musket.”

“Indeed.”

Lee Chun also smiled and continued Hyang’s words.

What Hyang and Lee Chun referred to was the ‘firing mechanism bundle device.’

***

When delivering the Eastern Musket, Hyang and the research team had anticipated Ming trying to steal the technology, so they made the firing mechanism a single module and turned it into a black box.

If disassembled without authorization, a separate spring inside would scatter all parts in different directions. Even if they didn’t scatter properly, the problematic spring would confuse reverse engineering efforts.

This meant the firing mechanism had to be purchased from Joseon, and Joseon could gain additional income while also getting insight into Ming’s armament status.

Eventually, failing at reverse engineering, Ming ended up making iron guns applying the firing mechanism of arquebuses imported through the Middle East.

***

“We made the firing mechanism into one bundle. If Western craftsmen are proper artisans, they’ll notice this, and if their leaders are smart, they’ll ask if they can buy just those component bundles. That’s fine too, since we can ship more in the same volume.”

The four broke out in cold sweat, knowingly or not, as they listened to Hyang’s explanation.

Just how many layers of traps did he set?

So this is why the ministers and elders get nervous whenever they see the Crown Prince!

As always, he’s a terrifying person!

Once again, the four ended up waving white flags to Hyang.

After surrendering, what remained was curiosity.

“We understand our barrel-type muskets are superior, but is there nothing to learn from Western muskets?”

At Ha Wi-ji’s question, Lee Chun stroked his beard, thought for a moment, then answered.

“Hmm… They might have a slight advantage in operational safety. But since we’ve already overcome that issue in Joseon, there’s nothing to learn.”

“Is that so?”

Ha Wi-ji nodded at Lee Chun’s answer.

Watching the four, Hyang drew a conclusion.

“We’ll know that part from the Westerners’ reaction, so let’s end here. General Lee Chun, please prepare to respond immediately once increased production is decided.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

After Lee Chun left Seunghwadang having finished his business, Hyang turned to the four.

“Now then, let’s review the situation in Japan. How much longer do you think the Otomo and shogunate will just growl at each other?”

At Hyang’s question, the four hurriedly shuffled through their documents.

“Ah, about that…”

“Tsk!”

***

After getting grilled by Hyang once again, the four entered their assigned office.

“Whew~. It’s exhausting. Exhausting.”

Sitting in his chair with a tired face, Gwon Ram looked at his equally exhausted colleagues before fixing his gaze on Han Myeong-hoe.

“Come to think of it, Jajun, you didn’t say a word?”

“What do you mean?”

“Earlier when discussing muskets with General Lee Chun, you just kept your mouth shut, didn’t you?”

At Gwon Ram’s observation, Han Myeong-hoe smiled slightly and answered.

“Well, keeping quiet was the best strategy in that situation.”

“Huh?”

“Setting aside His Highness, even the seasoned General Lee Chun agreed with the plan. Think they wouldn’t have considered what we thought of? Better to keep quiet than speak up unnecessarily and get scolded.”

The other three’s faces changed dramatically at Han Myeong-hoe’s answer.

This slippery snake!

They said he was crafty!

That bastard!

Finally, Seong Sam-mun, known as the most principled, criticized Han Myeong-hoe.

“I acknowledge the deep consideration of His Highness and General Lee Chun. However, they might have missed something, so isn’t it our duty to point things out?”

Han Myeong-hoe responded with a broad smile.

“Are you such a genius?”

“What nonsense is this?”

“Are you genius enough to spot flaws in a plan that His Highness, General Lee Chun, and other elder ministers spent days deliberating, after hearing it just once?”

“That’s impossible!”

“So it was just empty talk. If you want to point things out, spend time thinking carefully, ask General Lee Chun if you can’t figure it out, and only then speak up if you still think something’s wrong. Don’t you think that’s the proper way?”

The three fell silent at Han Myeong-hoe’s point. Watching Han Myeong-hoe calmly sorting documents for Hyang, the three muttered internally.

He’s right, but why does this make me so angry?

Ugh! This tasteless fellow! He’s always been like this!

Han Myeong-hoe! Truly a fearsome man!

Glancing at the three’s deeply furrowed brows, Han Myeong-hoe steeled himself internally.

Stay sharp! You’ve experienced what kind of person the Crown Prince is! One small mistake and it’s over!

Han Myeong-hoe’s spine still chilled whenever he recalled his first meeting with Hyang.

***

After months of sailing, the Portuguese fleet captains arrived in Suez and promptly delivered ten barrel-type muskets to Henry.

“You say these are arquebuses that Joseon sells to Zipangu?”

“They’re arquebus-sized but have musket power.”

“Oh?”

Intrigued, Henry rose from his seat and picked up a barrel-type musket.

“Light, it’s light.”

Henry’s first impression upon holding the musket was its lightness.

***

At this time, muskets typically weighed around 7kg, while arquebuses averaged around 5kg.

The main reason for this weight was the barrel. Contemporary musket and arquebus barrels were cast. Therefore, the barrel material was primarily cast iron, due to manufacturing cost issues. Expensive bronze went to more precious weapons like cannons, while infantry muskets and arquebuses used cheaper cast iron.

However, due to cast iron’s vulnerability to impact, heat treatment was essential, and the thickness had to be increased, resulting in heavy barrels.

And to use such heavy guns, a forked rest became essential equipment for musketeers.

***

“You say it has musket power despite being this light?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Really? Well then, let’s test fire it.”

“You’ll be amazed.”

After conducting test fires while listening to the captains’ assurances, Henry immediately sought out Pedro.

“…You say Joseon’s arquebus is remarkable?”

“Yes, it looks like an arquebus but has musket power.”

“Is that so? Prepare for test firing.”

After observing another round of test firing, Pedro unconsciously clapped his hands.

“Remarkable! Remarkable indeed! And without slow match, the hassle is reduced!”

Pedro continued his praise. Managing powder, slow match, and fire sources was very dangerous and cumbersome.

“Not bad. But what’s the price?”

“Five hundred ducats in silver.”

Pedro’s face scrunched up completely at hearing the price. For that price, one could buy three top-quality muskets or four lower-quality ones instead of two Joseon arquebuses.

“The performance is good, but too expensive. Call the craftsmen and check if we can replicate it.”

“Yes, sir.”

Pedro decided to copy it. Henry expressed concern at Pedro’s decision.

“With that level of performance, isn’t it worth the price?”

“It’s still just an arquebus. It’s not like it has cannon power, right?”

“That’s true, but…”

“So it’s better to copy it. They might complain later about intellectual property or whatever, but that’s a problem for then.”

With Pedro’s determination firm, Henry had to step back. Though Henry could understand Pedro’s decision was reasonable, an uneasy feeling kept creeping up.

Would Joseon really have sold it without knowing?

A month later, a report came up to Pedro.

The content was simple:

‘Replication impossible.’