Episode 533 Rolling, rolling... (14)
“This movement of ‘self-generating sisters’ that is taking place in the Ming should never be underestimated. As you can see from the data, sales are gradually decreasing, except for expensive luxury items and a few types of ironware, of which Joseon boasts overwhelming quality. In particular, sales of consumable items such as cotton that wear out quickly and must be consumed on a regular basis are decreasing significantly.
The problem is that this is not just a movement in the Ming countries, but similar movements can also be seen in the Japanese countries and the western region. “Unless it is a product that is overwhelmingly advanced in our country, we will insist on products produced domestically even if the quality is slightly lower.”
The ministers looked serious at Kim Jeom’s words. In that atmosphere, the fragrance added its words.
“You must keep in mind that even in the case of luxury goods, sales may be forcibly blocked at any time.”
“I still can’t sell it because I don’t have it right now?”
Heo Hu responded on behalf of Hyang to Jo Mal-saeng’s point.
“They are blocking it in the name of the God they believe in. If you say, ‘Using something made by pagans is heresy,’ that’s the end of it.”
“No way...”
Hearing Heo Hu’s words, the ministers looked incredulous. However, following Heo Hu’s words, the ministers were able to understand the situation.
“Why is everyone thinking, ‘No way’? Isn’t it something you can understand just by thinking about our Joseon dynasty right now? Have you forgotten the efforts made by the government since the founding of the country? How much effort have been made to prevent the people from worshiping Buddhas or offering their wealth to shamans or shamans who are said to worship supernatural gods? But did you succeed?”
“Ah...”
The ministers fell silent at Heo Hu’s point. Although she is now in Shinji, it was common for women, including Queen Soheon, who stayed in the royal palace, to call Buddhist monks and listen to sermons. And the women in the Eastern Palace were the same.
“Minister of Foreign Affairs.”
“Yes sir.”
Hyang, who was just listening to the conversation between Heo Hu and the ministers, asked Heo Hu a question.
“I think I heard what you just said briefly before Abama went to Shinji. Has it become more severe?”
Heo Hu slightly shook his head in response to Hyang’s question.
“As of now, the conversation is only happening among those who live in the northern part of the land called Europe.”
While listening to Heo Hu’s explanation, the ministers looked at the world mission posted on the wall of Seunghwadang.
Kim Jeom, who was looking at the map and analyzing the situation of Europe that Heo Hu mentioned, asked Heo Hu.
“By that northern land... do you mean the northern territory of the country called the Holy Roman Empire?”
“exactly.”
The ministers who were examining the territory of the ‘Holy Roman Empire’ while listening to the conversation between Kim Jeom and Heo Hu all frowned.
“That’s a pain in the ass.”
“What kind of country is this... It’s not even a patchwork...”
“What’s the use of it being so big...”
The size of the Holy Roman Empire shown on the map was enormous. However, it was divided into small parts.
Heohu walked in front of the map and continued his explanation.
“Thanks to this complicated situation, I didn’t pay much attention to it because I first heard the rumor. Even in the northern territories, there wasn’t much sales, except for cities with commercial alliances. But this is where the problem lies. france.”
Heohu continued his explanation, pointing his finger at France.
“If you look at its size alone, it is only surpassed by the Holy Roman Empire, but it is the largest country in Europe. And unlike the patchwork-like Holy Roman Empire, the monarch’s power is quite strong. If a country like this bans trade with Korea because of what I just said, the problem will escalate. “It is certain that small countries around the country will follow the actions of a powerful country.”
“Hmm....”
Kim Jong-seo, among the ministers who were considering the situation with a serious look at Heo Hu’s words, asked Heo Hu.
“In a situation like this, why didn’t the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pay attention?”
Heo Hu responded to Kim Jong-seo’s comment with a slightly embarrassed expression.
“Are you confident in your defense?”
Jo Mal-saeng answered Hwang Hee’s question right away.
“I am confident in my defense!”
In response to Jo Mal-saeng’s answer, Hwang Hee nodded and looked at Kim Jeom.
“Then that’s enough. Captain Uichon.”
“yes. “Keuhum!”
Jeom Kim cleared his voice by clearing his throat and continued speaking.
“What our Joseon aims for is not Ming’s territory or people, but Ming’s governing ability.”
“Government ability?”
“Suppose every country in the world were to ban trade with other countries and enter isolation. Even in such a situation, Myeong is the only country that can steadily develop with its own capabilities.”
Lee Sa-cheol, the Minister of Education, asked a question in response to Kim Jeom’s words.
“Isn’t our Joseon capable of becoming self-reliant? Even if it comes to the worst case scenario. “If all the people farm and weave at home, are you worried about national isolation?”
At the moment of smell, everyone except Lee Sa-cheol clicked their tongues at once.
“Tsk!”
Lee Sa-cheol, taken aback by the reactions of those around him, hurriedly added.
“Worst case, worst case! I also do not know that not only farmers but also industrialists are important! I too am the minister of this country! “I know that much!”
Despite Lee Sa-cheol’s protests, the other ministers slightly shook their heads and looked away. Kim Jeom, who was glaring at Lee Sa-cheol as if he were going to eat him, glared one last time and continued his explanation.
“Even if all countries face isolation, there are two biggest backgrounds for people to grow on their own. One is an unparalleled wide river area and the other is an equally unparalleled population. Do you know what the population is now?”
Heo Hu answered Kim Jeom’s question right away.
“I heard it exceeded 70 million three years ago.”
Kim Jeom nodded at Heo Hu’s words.
“That’s right. And it is expected that it will take less than 10 years to reach 80 million.”
“80 million....”
“It’s not like a chicken raising its chicks....”
“No matter how hard we try, we’re barely over 15 million....”
The ministers shook their heads at the enormous figure. He shook it loudly. Looking at the ministers, Kim Jeom continued.
“The current emperor plays a major role in making this possible. “Unlike his grandfather, the Yongle Emperor, the current emperor never undertakes large-scale expeditions.”
This was exactly what Kim Jeom said. Emperor Xiande, the current Ming emperor, never carried out external conquests.
“If we look at the conquest during the time of Emperor Yongle, one million people were mobilized for the conquest. And that’s five times. Now, let’s think about it. Most of the men selected as soldiers are the most vigorous young men. However, because there was no conquest, millions of young men started families and had children, which is why the population increased like that.”
Kim Jong-seo muttered without realizing it at Kim Jeom’s explanation.
“It is said that even if millet rolls a hundred times, it cannot keep up with one rolling pumpkin...”
The ministers all nodded at Kim Jong-seo’s words. Looking at the ministers like that, Kim Jeom continued.
“This result did not come about because the current emperor simply did not conquer. The current emperor is someone who did not hesitate to introduce Joseon’s systems and technology if necessary. That’s why we’re focusing our efforts right now on digesting Shinji.”
Kim Jeom walked in front of the map of the world hanging on the wall and continued talking while moving his hand between Chosun and Shinji.
“This long route between our Joseon homeland and new land! If we utilize this long sea route properly and properly build railways within the new land, those who make a living by moving people and products can continue to grow! And with Shinji’s large land, the problem of food self-sufficiency can be solved! With resources like iron, copper, and coal that are still being discovered, industry can grow steadily! Above all, if we obediently treat those living in the new land as our people, we can increase the population even more quickly!”
Kim Jeom, who had said that far, kept his mouth shut. However, none of the ministers opened their mouths easily. This was because I was busy reviewing and analyzing the information I had just heard.