Chapter 334

Chapter 334

As ranches increased throughout Joseon and more Jurchen people submitted to Joseon, the number of people engaged in animal husbandry gradually began to increase.

In addition, as Joseon’s economy grew, the consumption of meat among Joseon’s people also began to increase rapidly.

As this active interaction continued, private ranches operated by individuals began to increase in addition to the state-run ranches.

With the increase in ranches, there were some who became busier as a result: the tiger-catching troops (chakhogoon) and hunters who hunted predators like tigers.

***

As the amount of consumed meat increased, it was natural that the byproducts – organs, leather, horns, and others. – also increased.

The people of Joseon were also adept at using such byproducts.

Throughout Joseon, new meat dishes were created, starting with regional specialty sundae dishes tailored to local tastes, and accessories and household items were made using horns and leather.

Of course, Area 51 and its affiliated royal workshops were playing a pioneering role in making these accessories and household items.

Starting with belt decorations using ox horns, various types of products were made, but recently, the most popular item was gloves.

Finger gloves lined with well-tanned pigskin and cotton or silk lining were popular among the wealthy for their excellent comfort.

As they made and sold such popular products, the ledgers of the royal workshop recorded enormous income and expenditure.

“By the way... The amount of cowhide consumed is much less than the amount purchased?”

King Sejong, checking the ledger, called Hyang and pointed out the issue.

Hyang immediately answered King Sejong’s observation.

“We are collecting materials to make shoes.”

“Shoes? Even so, the amount seems too large?”

“We need to make a large quantity. They’re for military boots.”

“Military boots? Are these shoes for the soldiers to wear?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

At Hyang’s answer, King Sejong pondered for a moment and then asked Hyang.

“What do these shoes look like?”

“They’re similar to wooden boots or water boots.”

At Hyang’s answer, King Sejong stroked his beard and fell into thought.

After thinking for a while, King Sejong asked Hyang.

“Would it be better for me to change the law, or for you to change the form?”

To King Sejong’s question, Hyang immediately replied.

“It may be disrespectful to say, but changing the law might be better. There are several reasons...”

“Hmm...”

As Hyang was about to explain the reasons, King Sejong let out a groan.

‘This son of mine...’

Grumbling inwardly, King Sejong summarized the situation.

“Even if I listen to your intentions, the ministers won’t let it pass easily. Therefore, you should explain directly to the ministers yourself.”

“...Yes, Father.”

Hyang bowed his head and answered to King Sejong’s words, but inwardly he grumbled.

‘Ah, damn! I thought it might pass easily!’

A few days later, King Sejong brought up the issue of military boots at a meeting.

“...Therefore, the Crown Prince wishes to make leather boots for soldiers and military officers. Discuss this matter.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Under King Sejong’s watch, the ministers and Hyang exchanged opinions.

“The biggest issues are the budget and the design. Although it’s easier to obtain cowhide and pigskin these days thanks to people eating more meat, it’s still not a cheap material. Supplying this to tens of thousands of military officers and soldiers could be problematic for the budget.”

To Kim Jeom’s point, Hyang immediately responded.

At the leather workers’ answer, Hyang turned the page to show the next design. The leather workers’ eyes suddenly widened at the new design.

“What’s this?”

“These are boots for cavalry.”

“The shape is very unique.”

“But they’ll be the best shoes for cavalry. Will it be difficult?”

“The shape is a bit unfamiliar, but I think we can make them with a little effort.”

***

Hyang had three types of military boots made. Two types of tall boots and one type of short boot. The tall boots were for infantry and cavalry, and the short boots were for the navy.

All three types were designed to have basic waterproofing by using oil-soaked leather.

And studs were nailed to the front sole, while iron plates similar to horseshoes were nailed to the heel to ensure durability and prevent slipping.

Using oil-soaked leather and nailing studs to the bottom was not unfamiliar to the leather workers.

Not only the nobles but also commoners with some means were already accustomed to wearing leather shoes in their daily lives.

And due to Joseon’s rainy season, as well as the roads that turn into mud during the thawing period, nobles, regardless of gender, wore jinshin during those times.

Jinshin – also sometimes called jingshin – made of leather soaked in perilla oil for over a month and with studs nailed to the bottom, did not slip in mud and mud did not stick to them.

Of the two types of tall boots made this way, the ones worn by sword and spear infantry and artillery were in the style of the Soviet army during World War II.

“The German ones look cooler, but they’re terrible in winter.”

Knowing the winter of Joseon and Liaodong, which was second to none in terms of harshness, Hyang decided on the Soviet-style boot design. The roomy Soviet-style boots were very convenient for inserting insulation.

However, the masterpiece among these boots was the one to be supplied to the cavalry.

Both the infantry boots and the cavalry boots had heels.

And at this point, the leather workers had to face some difficulties for a while. Until then, the shoes people wore had a single-piece bottom. To be precise, it was a flat, single board. Whether it was ordinary shoes or wooden boots, there was no heel.

But all the new shoes Hyang created had heels. The infantry boots and short boots had heels made of hard wood about 2.5cm thick, and the cavalry boots had heels as high as 5cm.

The cavalry boots Hyang created were the Joseon version of cowboy boots.

***

In the 21st century, when Hyang ran away to build a ship with some foreign enthusiasts, he met many American enthusiasts. While learning about fandom from these enthusiasts, Hyang was also able to learn about cowboy boots.

“Hey, Jinho! People often call these cowboy boots or western boots, but to be precise, they should be called Spanish boots. And these Spanish boots are the ultimate cavalry boots.”

Just before returning to Korea, as Hyang was choosing cowboy boots as a souvenir, the American enthusiast explained in detail about the functionality of cowboy boots.

-The pointed toe, sharp like a blade, makes it easy to insert the foot into the stirrup.

-The space created by the high heel firmly fixes the foot on the crossbar of the stirrup. When the foot is firmly supported, it reduces unnecessary loss of power during a charge.

“The reason high heels became popular in Europe was to avoid the dung scattered on the streets, but men’s high heels should be seen as a continuation of the knight and cavalry tradition!”

“Is that official?”

“...No.”

***

As soldiers began to wear these newly made military boots, they attracted the attention of ordinary people.

The shiny boots soaked in oil and the body-fitting uniforms drew attention regardless of gender.

“Those look pretty good, don’t they?”

This favorable reaction from the people strongly boosted the soldiers’ pride.

Not only pride, but functionally, the newly issued uniforms and boots were quite good. When walking long distances, it was necessary to put some straw or cotton-padded cloth in the soles of the shoes, but it provided psychological comfort in protecting the feet compared to just wearing mituri.

In fact, there was an iron plate in the toe of the boot in preparation for any contingency. The purpose was to minimize damage from accidents that could occur while carrying heavy objects, including artillery shells.

However, what caught everyone’s attention was the cavalry boots worn by the cavalry. As the heel got higher, the back naturally straightened, and the chest had to be pushed out. As a result, it naturally created a tall stature and confident posture.

Before long, new orders flooded in to leather workers across Joseon.

“Um... Can you make shoes similar to those cavalry boots?”