Chapter 174

Chapter 174

What is the issue? No, let me see the real thing while we discuss this.nove(l)bi(n.)com

King Sejong, second to none in his curiosity, commanded that the actual object be brought to him.

Following King Sejongs order, Hyang brought the replica of the problematic Winchester rifle.

How smoothly its made. It feels odd to say this about a rifle, but its beautiful.

King Sejongs first impression upon seeing the new rifle model was that it was beautiful.

After returning the rifle to Hyang, King Sejong descended from the hall.

I wish to see its performance.

Yes, Your Majesty.

King Sejong moved to a newly built archery range at one side of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

With King Sejong watching, Hyang demonstrated shooting with the Winchester rifle.

Bang!

How truly remarkable!

As the last of the eight shots rang out, King Sejong was full of admiration.

To be able to fire eight shots continuously without pause! And its range surpasses that of a horseback rifle! Truly, its a magnificent rifle!

King Sejong was impressed, but Hyang shook his head.

This rifle cannot be used for military purposes, Your Majesty.

Why is that?

The problem lies in the reloading process.

Hyang demonstrated the loading process of the Winchester rifle.

As you can see, each bullet must be loaded individually. Loading takes time, and firing is quick, leaving a significant gap in between.

We could do alternating firing!

Although Jo Mal-saeng countered, Hyang explained why that would not be feasible.

During that rebellion incident last time, I had to rotate using five rifles. Even then, eventually, there wasnt enough time, and I had to use a gun loaded with only five bullets instead of eight. Alternating firing is not the solution. And

Hyang then showed a bullet.

As you can see, instead of paper, the part containing the gunpowder is made of copper. Therefore, mass production is impossible.

But arent we receiving a good supply of copper? Moreover, copper mines have been discovered!

Jo Mal-saeng continued to persistently counter.

However, Hyang was equally resolute.

The amount of copper supplied has increased, but so have its uses. We still dont have enough to manufacture casings out of copper.

Casings?

At King Sejongs expression of curiosity at the unfamiliar term, Hyang briefly explained.

Yes, I have named it so.

But the man who wouldnt give up, Jo Mal-saeng, persisted.

If we could recover the casings to the maximum extent

Lord Cho! While it may be possible to recover them during training, how feasible is that in actual combat? Will you stop fighting to pick up casings?

Hyangs words silenced Jo Mal-saeng. Observing Jo Mal-saengs reaction, Hyang delivered the final blow.

Even the Gapshik rifles currently used by the Joseon army are unmatched by Japan, let alone Ming China. And you want to make a new rifle? What if Ming, like the Tang Dynasty did with Silla in the past, demands the new rifles as tribute or asks for our craftsmen? What will you do then?

What Hyang referred to was the Thousand Step Crossbow (Cheonbono) incident between Tang and Silla. Back then, Tangs Emperor Gaozong coveted Sillas crossbow and demanded craftsmen be sent to him. The craftsman Gu Jin-cheon, who was sent over, deliberately dragged out his work, and ultimately, Tang failed to acquire the Cheonbono.

Referencing the past incident, Hyang pointed out a reality.

Ming China! Right now, maintaining a lead of just one step is the best course! Even if we have technology that is two steps ahead, externally showing that we are only one step ahead is the optimal strategy! Joseon is just beginning to sprout! We absolutely must not provoke Ming!

At Hyangs words, Jo Mal-saengs expression turned gloomy. King Sejong, who was listening to Hyang, sighed.

Hmm. It seems the Crown Princes words are correct. Regrettably, let us consider this matter as if it never happened. We must avoid excessively provoking Ming.

I comply with Your Majestys decision.

Ultimately, Jo Mal-saeng had to relinquish his ambitions regarding the Winchester rifle.

* * *

After resolving the issue with the rifle, King Sejong, back in the council hall, proceeded with the meeting.

Lets move on to the next agenda item.

Is it you again?

After murmuring to himself for a moment, King Sejong raised his voice to address Hyang.

Crown Prince, what concerns you so? Why such a troubled expression? Do you see an issue with the installation of the beacon towers?

At King Sejongs question, Hyang immediately shook his head.

No, Your Majesty. How can I be dissatisfied with beacon fires, when nothing compares to their swiftness? Its just that I have a curiosity

Curious? About what exactly?

Yes, as far as I understand, the number of fires and the smoke from the beacon towers convey different situations.

Thats correct.

At Hyangs words, King Sejong and the ministers nodded. The number of beacon fires indicated everything from normal conditions to the breakout of a battle.

But what are you curious about?

King Sejongs inquiry led the ministers to fix their gaze on Hyang, as they too found the Chief State Councilors suggestion quite fitting.

Responding to King Sejong, Hyang walked to the front of the map and continued.

Like the Chief State Councilor suggested, if we align beacon towers throughout Joseons territory to the north, south, east, and west, we can quickly understand the situation. I understood this much. However, what I am curious about is how do we then determine the exact location where the incident has occurred?

Hmm?

Eh?

Ah!

At Hyangs words, King Sejong and the ministers simultaneously showed expressions of realization, as if they had all overlooked a crucial point.

Of course, being able to quickly know from which direction north, south, east, or west the enemy invades is a significant advantage. However, until the messengers or fast horses bring more detailed information, we can only prepare general countermeasures. While this is better than having no information at all, its still inferior to preparing with detailed knowledge.

Thats true.

Indeed.

King Sejong and the ministers nodded at Hyangs words, looking at him once again.

Hes my son, but how can he be so thoughtful?

Despite his young age, such insight! Its always surprising!

Whether aware of the admiring glances or not, Hyang continued to point out the aspects he found lacking.

As the Chief State Councilor initially mentioned, its not just wars that require urgent information. Epidemics also need quick reporting and response, just as urgently.

What then is the solution?

At King Sejongs question, Hyang looked troubled.

Im sorry, but I am not yet sure. I only just thought of this issue

Is that so?

Yes.

Hearing Hyangs response, King Sejong turned to the ministers.

In my view, there is nothing wrong with the Crown Princes observations. I ask you all to consider what might be a good solution to this issue.

I comply with Your Majestys command.

Crown Prince, you should also ponder on this matter.

At King Sejongs order, Hyang bowed in agreement.

I will do as commanded.

* * *

Back in the Eastern Palace, Hyang removed his official headdress, Ikseongwan, and scratched his head.

This mouth of mine always stirring up trouble, creating more work.

At the same time, in the State Council Hall, the ministers gathered and discussed Hyang.

Usually, I just thought he was eccentric, but sometimes, on days like today, the Crown Prince can be quite daunting.

I agree. To think of such insights at his age

What will happen when the Crown Prince ascends to the throne

While the high officials and ministers were busy discussing, Kim Jeom interjected with a remark.

I may not live to see the Crown Prince ascend the throne, but this much I know for sure. He is the blood of our current King, and having observed how the King rules, it wont be easy for the officials.

Oh dear

At Kim Jeoms words, the ministers clicked their tongues briefly. However, the young officials who had followed the ministers to the State Council Hall turned ashen-faced, clearly unsettled by the prospect.