Chapter 541

Episode 541 Conspiracy (7)

As everyone from the king to nobles and ministers supported Pedro, things began to progress quickly.

First, the size of the kingdom’s army was greatly expanded. Rather than hiring large numbers of mercenaries like before, the size of the regular army was expanded.

The biggest background that made this possible was the purge of the nobles carried out by Pedro.

Starting with the Duke of Braganza, the kingdom’s most powerful nobles were purged, and not only mainland Portugal but also all colonial territories in Africa became the property of the kingdom. With the creation of a huge source of income, the ability to operate a large regular army was secured.

In addition, most of the private soldiers of the purged nobles were absorbed into the regular army, increasing both quantity and quality.

In the process of this growth, new firearms began to be supplied from Joseon and Italy.

“It’s the same Seo Seong-style gun, but there’s a big difference.”

Pedro, who looked at the Joseon and Italian products side by side, could not hide his disappointment.

The captain of Pedro’s personal guard, standing next to Pedro, explained the problem to Pedro.

“Things made in Italy are larger and heavier than those made in Korea.”

“What’s the range like?”

“It is superior to the existing one, but falls short of the Joseon-made one.”

“Hmm...”

Pedro, who was looking at the Italian-made firearm while groaning softly, could not hide his regret.

“That’s half-baked... What’s the price?”

“For the price of buying one sack of Joseon-made, you can buy three sacks.”

Upon hearing the guard captain’s report, Pedro looked back at Cosimo standing next to him.

“Is it impossible to improve it a little more?”

“It’s impossible in a short period of time. “This is my best effort.”

Cosimo’s words were sincere.

Of the 200 bags handed over to Pedro, 20 were removed and attempted to be duplicated. However, the replication failed due to the vicious black box planted by Hyang.

“What should I do with this?...”

While struggling with the continued failure, one craftsman brought about a change of idea.

“Hey guys. What about this?”

“What do you mean?”

“I wasn’t sure about the proper internal structure, but didn’t I know how it moves and starts the fire? If so, then we are planning the framework.”

“huh?”

“It’s impossible to make it exactly the same, but don’t you think it would take a little research to make it do the same thing?”

“Just... just...”

After hearing the suggestion, the craftsmen began to think deeply. The craftsmen thought for a while and soon nodded.

“I see. “It might be possible.”

“I think that would be best.”

“Let’s give it a try!”

The craftsmen agreed to the new proposal and immediately began research. And soon enough, I was able to get decent results.

The reason they were able to achieve results so quickly was thanks to the experience they had accumulated while making arquebuses and muskets.

*

...

In Europe, it was initially a similar method, but over time they began to combine crossbow triggers.

And over time, muskets and arquebuses that combined spring and lever triggers were created.

And this accumulated experience produced results that were different from those of Ming.

After a series of failures, unlike the Ming Dynasty and Central Asia, which introduced Europe’s delayed launch method, Europe evolved on its own to a rapid launch method like Joseon.

*

...

Florentine craftsmen, who did not have the technology to produce and process steel as advanced as shipbuilding, had no choice but to make and use larger and thicker parts.

“Don’t worry.”

After hearing Cosimo’s confirmation, the two raised a toast. Pedro smiled as he looked at the crystal glass sparkling in the candlelight.

“It shines brighter today.”

* * *

One year later, in March, the 29th year of King Sejong’s reign (1447, the year of Jeongmyo).

Portuguese troops landed on the west coast of Alexandria.

At about the same time, the Ottoman Empire began its advance toward Lebanon.

As soon as April entered, France began an armed conflict along the border with Spain.

An international war later called ‘World War I’ broke out.

* * *

When war broke out in the Mediterranean region, Joseon fell into its sphere of influence.

“The trade route to Alexandria is blocked!”

After receiving the urgent report, Hyang immediately gave orders to the ministers.

“We need to get as much information as possible! Also, there may be an impact on trade routes between Tianchu and other regions, so special caution is needed!”

“I follow your orders!”

Ministers and officials moved quickly at the direction of the village.

Meanwhile, the merchants who heard the rumor looked perplexed.

“War! “What a mess!”

“I made a lot of things to send to Alexandria!”

Meanwhile, those who invested in the ‘Adventure Capital Safe’ were also in an uproar.

“I heard that the trade route to the west is blocked. Should I recover my investment?”

“How about watching a little more?”

“Wouldn’t it be better to take it out now?”

The Jeonju owners who had put money in the safe gathered in groups of twos and threes and struggled to find the correct answer.

After hearing the report related to this, Hyang immediately summoned Hwang Hee and Minister of Finance and Economy Jeom Kim to talk.

“If you do it wrong, a bunch of money can come out of the safe and cause a mess! We need to do something about this!”

Hwang Hee looked back at Kim Jeom after hearing Hyang point out.

“What percentage of our Joseon’s external trade does the West Region account for now?”

“About 305p.”

“It’s pretty big...”

Hwang Hee muttered in an embarrassed tone. Hyang continued to ask the question again.

“Is all of that 30% going to Europe?”

“No. About 20% goes to Europe, and the remaining 10% goes to countries near Alexandria.”

“Hmm...”

Hyang thought for a moment and came to a conclusion.

“Let’s use Aden.”

“You mean Aden?”

* * *

While Joseon was frantically trying to find a solution, there was someone who smiled in remorse.

It was Seondeokje.

“It’s finally time to deal with the troubles.”

* * *

Note 1) Cannon Sailing Ship Empire.

By Carlo Cipolla. Mizzy Books

Note 2) Cannon Sailing Ship Empire. Written by Carlo Cipola, Midge Books