Chapter 504

Episode 504 Roses have thorns. (2)

“Yes? “That’s...”

When not only Hawiji but also Seong Sam-moon and Kwon Ram looked embarrassed, Lee Cheon spoke on Hyang’s behalf.

“At least until Gyeongjang, the Ming and Seoyi may have had advanced technologies than us, but now we can be seen as being ahead.”

At Lee Cheon’s words, Kwon Ram opened his mouth.

“But these people are also familiar with weapons that use gunpowder. Since they are like that, won’t you catch up with them right away?”

Lee Cheon answered Kwon Ram’s question right away, but his voice was gradually rising, perhaps because he was frustrated with the reaction of the four people.

“Have you forgotten what you said earlier? “The situation in the West is changing every day, so do you think we can comfortably improve our technology?”

“But isn’t it normal for people to try to catch up with weapons that are better than the weapons they use?”

When Seong Sam-moon questioned Lee Cheon’s point, this time, a scent appeared.

“It’s a situation where war may have already broken out in the West. When a war breaks out, the cost of war is more than a penny or two. “If you were a politician, would you invest money and time in a project that you don’t know when will be completed, or would you choose to hold on to the existing things and spend money to buy better weapons in the meantime?”

The four people who were carefully considering their profits and losses in response to Hyang’s question bowed their heads in unison.

“Our thoughts were short-lived!”

“Try to get into the habit of looking a little more broadly.”

While giving advice to the four people, Hyang muttered to himself.

‘War can promote technological development, but it can also block it. ‘You know when you look at World War II and 21st century America, right?’

* * *

During World War II, the United States served as a factory for the Allies. In this process, American defense technology made a significant leap forward. On the other hand, looking at the second invasion of Iraq and the Afghan war that took place after 9/11, all the weapons that had been diligently developed were overturned.

The reason for this was budget issues.

In the case of World War II, it was an all-out war with the fate of the nation at stake. Therefore, the top priority in budget management was things related to the war effort.

However, the wars fought in the 21st century were not all-out wars. Because of this, budget constraints were imposed, and the development of new weapons, which cost a lot of money, fell through.

This was because it was important to produce at least one more 5.56mm bullet that was needed on the front lines right now rather than spending money on developing weapons such as the Crusader, which we did not know when would be completed.

That is why Hyang and Icheon came to the same conclusion. To put it bluntly, it was a full-length long gun or Arquebus of similar power. It was much more profitable to buy already completed items in large quantities than to waste time and finances in the face of a war that was not going to break out soon, or that was already going on.

* * *

However, the four people became enraged by Hyang’s advice.

‘No matter how old I am, I don’t think I did too much!’

‘He’s the same age!’

Finally, Seong Sam-moon opened his mouth.

“Then, my name. “If it had similar power to a ten-type long gun or a long gun of the Seo-yi, would there be any reason to spend money to buy it?”

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

‘Look at this? Is it clear?’

In response to Seong Sam-moon’s provocation, Icheon stepped forward instead of Hyang.

“Those people’s arquebus, in Area 51 we call it a matchlock gun. “The column rifle has one advantage that the matchlock cannot match.”

“What comes?”

“Not using Hwaseung.”

“yes?”

“Do you know how much mental strength it takes to carry around bags of gunpowder all over your body or to handle a burning matchlock next to a bag of gunpowder?”

“Ah...”

The four people nodded at Lee Cheon’s explanation. However, the four did not give in right away.

“However, thermal long guns are expensive and it takes time to transport them. People may give up on purchasing.”

Hyang slightly smiled and responded to Han Myeong-hoe’s comment.

“That part has already been taken care of. “It’s already been going on since the days of Dongchong.”

“Of course.”

Icheon also smiled and accepted Hyang’s words.

What Hyang and Lee Cheon were talking about was the ‘percussion unit binding device’.

* * *

At the time the gun was handed over, Hyang and the research team made the percussion part into one module and then turned it into a black box in preparation for the Myeong people stealing the technology.

The three people remained silent at Han Myeong-hoe’s point. The trio muttered to themselves as they watched Han Myeong-hoe sitting in his seat with a calm expression and organizing documents to be presented to Hyang.

‘It’s okay, but why am I so hot?’

‘Ah-oh! A guy with no taste for food! That guy has been like that for a long time!’

‘Han Myeong-hoe! As expected, he is a scary person!’

Han Myeong-hoe glanced at the three people with frowns on their faces and calmed himself down.

‘Be alert! Haven’t you experienced what kind of person the crown prince is? The moment you make even the slightest mistake, you are in hell!’

It was Han Myeong-hoe who sent shivers down my spine every time I thought about my first meeting with Hyang.

* * *

After several months of sailing, the captains of the Portuguese fleet that arrived in Suez soon selected 10 long-barreled rifles and delivered them to Henrik.

“Is this the Arquebus that Joseon sells to Zipangu?”

“It is the size of an Arquebus, but has the power of a musket.”

“Hoo?”

Enrich, intrigued, got up from his seat and picked up a long-barreled rifle.

“It’s light. It’s light.”

Henrik’s first impression after holding the long gun in his hand was ‘It’s light.’

* * *

At this time, the average weight of a musket was around 7kg and the arche booth was around 5kg.

The main reason for this weight was because of the barrel. At that time, the barrels of muskets and arquebuses were made by casting. Therefore, the material of the barrel was mainly cast iron. This was a problem of manufacturing cost. Expensive bronze was used to make cannons, which were more valuable weapons, while cheaper cast iron was used for the barrels of muskets and archebuses carried by infantry.

However, due to the characteristics of cast iron, which is weak against shock, it had to undergo a heat treatment process, and as the thickness became thicker, a heavy barrel was installed.

And in order to use such a heavy gun, a monopod became essential equipment for musketeers.

* * *

“It’s this light, but it has the power of a musket?”

“That’s right.”

“okay? “Then let’s shoot somewhere.”

“You will be surprised.”

After listening to the captains’ assurances and carrying out a test fire, Henri immediately went to see Pedro.

“... Joseon’s Arcebus is amazing?”

“Yes, it looks like an Arquebus, but it has the power of a musket.”

“is it? “Prepare for a test shooting.”

Pedro, who observed the test shooting once again, applauded without realizing it.

“That’s amazing! amazing! “There’s less hassle because there’s no painter there!”

Pedro repeated his admiration. It was a very dangerous and cumbersome task to manage firewood and embers with gunpowder nearby.

“It’s okay. “But how much does it cost?”

“It’s 500 ducats of silver.”

Pedro’s face frowned when he heard the price. At that price, you could buy 4 of the highest quality muskets with 2 of Joseon’s Arquebus, or 3 of the highest quality muskets.

“It has good performance, but it is too expensive. “Let’s call the craftsmen and see if they can replicate it.”

“yes.”

Pedro decided to replicate it. Henrique expressed concern about Pedro’s decision.

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

“Okay, so it’s Archebus. “It doesn’t have the power of a cannon, does it?”

“That’s true, but....”

“So it’s better to clone. “Joseon may later argue about intellectual property, but that’s for now.”

Because Pedro’s resolve was so firm, Henri had to retreat. Pedro’s decision was reasonable, so Henrik could understand it, but on one hand, he was feeling anxious.

‘Did Joseon really sell it without knowing?’

A month later, a report was sent to Pedro.

The content of the report was simple.

‘Not replicable.’