Episode 397: Small changes. (9)
Park Sang-wook’s proposal went straight to King Sejong. King Sejong, who heard the story through Kim Jeom, organized the agenda.
“Hmm… It’s a merchant ship, not a front line, so it’s true that we can’t arbitrarily arm it. However, as the sea is now rampant with water enemies, it is impossible to move unarmed. So, the merchant named Park Sang-wook must have said that he would move along with our naval forces, is that correct?”
“I’ll buy it back.”
“Hmm…”
Sejong, who was stroking his beard and pondering Kim Jeom’s answer, looked back at Jo Mal-saeng.
“What do you think of Minister of National Defense Park Sang-wook’s proposal?”
Jo Mal-saeng immediately answered King Sejong’s question.
“I agree with the statement that it is not appropriate to carelessly lay artillery on a merchant ship. However, the commercial trip that Park Sang-wook wants requires traveling a long distance, so this case is different.”
“Cases are different?”
“yes. Currently, the commercial route between Myeong and Waeyugu falls within the patrol range of the sea emergency front, so the bows and spears each crew member is equipped with are sufficient. However, enemy forces operating in the open ocean often flock with several ships at a time, causing melee. In that case, it will be difficult for the naval forces to pay attention to each battle line, so arming with artillery is essential.”
Jo Mal-saeng’s answer was a euphemistic refusal.
“Hmm…”
Kim Jeom continued as he saw King Sejong’s worries deepening.
“Not only my convictions but also Park Sang-wook was thinking about that. Therefore, Park Sang-wook proposed mounting a minimum number of artillery pieces but leaving the operation to the navy.”
“The reason you want to go to such a long distance… is it because of competition?”
In response to Sejong’s question, Kim Jeom immediately nodded.
“So it is.”
“Hmm…”
Sejong, who was weighing the number of cases once again, looked back.
“I will ask the crown prince who designed the challenger-level front and the sea emergency front. “What do you think of the opinion of a man named Park Sang-wook?”
Hyang answered King Sejong’s question right away without hesitation.
“It’s not a bad opinion. If we look at the situation of Alexandria and Cheonchuk, they are in a situation where they can’t sell because they don’t have any. However, there are limits to unconditionally increasing the number of challenger-level fronts when looking at budget execution and manpower supply. Therefore, it is a good way to make up for the shortfall by attracting private funds and manpower.”
“Then what should we do to mount artillery?”
“As someone named Park Sang-wook said, all that needs to be done is equipped with the minimum level of self-defense and operated by the navy.”
In response to Hyang’s response, Sejong looked at Jo Mal-saeng.
“Minister of Defense. This is the answer from the person in charge of design and production. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s okay as long as you’re armed for self-defense.”
When even Jo Mal-saeng answered positively, King Sejong looked back at Kim Jeom.
“I like Park Sang-wook’s broad view, but I would like to add one condition.”
“What do you mean by condition?”
“If a crisis occurs in the country and the front lines are needed, we will build you a ship only if you agree to requisition. Of course, if you agree to that, we will also reduce the drying price by 10%. “Tell me that I will build you a ship only if I accept these conditions.”
“I follow your orders!”
“I also order the Minister of National Defense to dispatch a working-level official from the Ministry of National Defense to inform us of the appropriate number of artillery pieces needed for self-defense.”
“I follow your orders!”
* * *
Two days later, Park Sang-wook, who received the message, visited Kim Jeom’s office with a face full of earnestness.
“Let me sit down.”
“yes.”
Kim Jeom, who offered Park Sang-wook a seat, introduced the official sitting across from Park Sang-wook.
“Greetings. “They say it’s a maritime technique from the Ministry of National Defense.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you.”
After the meeting between the two people, Kim Jeom, who was sitting at the head table, got to the point.
“I made your request known to His Majesty the Lord and received a reply.”
“If you say Bidap.”
Park Sang-wook’s face brightened at Kim Jeom’s words. If King Sejong had refused, it would not have started this way.
“His Majesty the Lord said he would grant permission if the following conditions are accepted. First, it must be equipped with the minimum amount of artillery capable of self-defense. Its operation is exclusively handled by the navy. Second, agree to requisition when a crisis occurs in the country and the front line is needed.”
“If you say requisition, does it mean you just have to hand over the boat?”
“Both ship and crew.”
“Ah…”
Park Sang-wook trailed off at Kim Jeom’s words.
Park Sang-wook, who kept his mouth shut, counted the number of cases.
‘If you are conscripted, you will have to give up the ship you worked so hard to build and the crew you worked so hard to raise! However, war is not something that happens easily… Also, if I hear a rumor, there is no one who can withstand our naval forces… I don’t think we’ll ever reach the point of conscription… But…’ I’m
confused . Seeing Park Sang-wook doing this, Kim Jeom threw bait.
“His Majesty the Lord said that if you accept these conditions, he will not only build you a ship, but also reduce 10% of the construction cost.”
“Did you say 10%?”
“That’s right.”
Park Sang-wook took the bait in response to Kim Jeom’s confirmation.
“I accept it!”
‘10% of the drying cost is 6,800 taels of gold! With that money, you can get more things and leave!’
Once Park Sang-wook accepted the conditions, the conversation moved on.
“How many guns should be mounted?”
Im Hae-sul immediately answered Park Sang-wook’s question.
“20 cannons for close combat and 40 cannons to destroy pirate ships.”
“How many doors are on the front line now?”
“The number of parcels is the same and the number of cannons is 50.”
“Then there are too many! This ship is a merchant ship, not a warship. “I think 10 parcels and 10 cannons are enough!”
“Have you ever seen pirates wandering around in the ocean? Don’t you know how vicious those guys are? “For 10 parcels and 10 cannons, by the time we return, our crew will have been reduced by half.”
“But there are still too many!”
After that, the push and pull between Park Sang-wook and Lim Hae-sul continued for a long time. After intense pushing and pulling, the two were able to reach an agreement on ‘20 parcels and 16 cannons’.
“Hmm… then… look!”
Kim Jeom called the official who was waiting and handed out a note.
“With these conditions, calculate how much the drying cost is and bring it back.”
“yes.”
After half an hour of inspection (about an hour), the subordinate returned with an estimate.
“Let’s see…”
Kim Jeom received the quotation, checked the contents, and handed it to Park Sang-wook.
“10% was deducted from the construction cost of 68,000 taels of gold to 61,200 taels of gold. The cost of the armament to be mounted on it was 10,000 taels of gold. “If you add it all up, it’s 71,200 nyang.”
“Whoa~.”
After receiving the quotation, Park Sang-wook sighed and muttered without realizing it.
“I expected it, but it’s huge.”
“It’s a boat worth the price. “Weren’t you prepared for that much?”
“I guess so.”
“Then let’s draw up the contract as soon as it’s ready.”
“If I sign a contract, how long do I have to wait?”
In response to Park Sang-wook’s question, Kim Jeom looked back at Im Hae-sul. Lim Hae-sul came forward and answered Park Sang-wook’s unspoken question.
“If we give priority to the ships currently under construction, we will be able to receive them within two months.”
“Is that so? Then… let’s see….”
‘I guess I can narrowly chase after the merchant ship that sets sail this year.’
Im Hae-sul, who was quietly watching Park Sang-wook planning a timetable by counting his fingers without realizing it, opened his mouth.
“It may be a clumsy meddling, but… If you want to go far and do business, it would be better to go to Alexandria or Cheonchuk rather than Daewol (now Vietnam) or Seomla (now Thailand).”
“Why?”
“Daewol and Seomra are not having much fun because the Chinese merchants have already established themselves firmly. That’s why our government only goes to Alexandria and Cheonchuk. “You know what I mean, right?”
“ah! Thank you!”
Park Sang-wook, who understood Lim Hae-sul’s words, immediately stood up, bowed, and expressed his gratitude.
If you move as Im Haesul said now, you will be able to receive solid cover from the Joseon Navy throughout the round trip and make even more profits.
“Thank you so much for your golden advice. “Is there anything else you can tell me?”
Lim Hae-sul thought for a moment about Park Sang-wook’s words and then opened his mouth.
“Hmm…. If you take care of Lee Mun by going up, you must find one more ship. No, it would be better to start with two ships from the beginning. “Do you know how to take advantage of headwinds?”
“You are very skilled.”
“Then you can go up and down twice a year. If you have two ships, you can make steady profits by moving them alternately. Not only that, but you might be able to find out more quickly how the tastes of people in the western region are changing, so you won’t have to suffer any losses. Also, ships need to be constantly inspected, so if there are two, wouldn’t there be no need to stop the ascent?”
“Ah…”
Park Sang-wook showed various expressions in response to Im Hae-sul’s explanation.
* * *
As Park Sang-wook left with a face full of worry, Kim Jeom looked back at Im Hae-sul.
“Thank you for your hard work.”
“No. “It’s a natural thing to do since you are the one who eats away the rust of the country.”
“But the 40 cannons I mentioned at the beginning. Was it really necessary?”
“Honestly, if we only limit the self-defense of merchant ships, about 16 guns would be appropriate.”
“But why did you call me so much?”
“Isn’t the specialty of merchants being striking? “You have to strike first to gain advantage.”
“Huh…”
Kim Jeom, who looked dumbfounded at Im Hae-sul’s answer, which seemed more like a businessman than a businessman, asked the question again.
“And any advice on the ship’s spinal cord?”
“That’s real advice. Of course, I added a little bit of seasoning to it.”
“Huh…”
Kim Jeom continued to look dumbfounded at Im Hae-sul’s answer. There was nothing wrong with what Im Hae-sul said. Therefore, Park Sang-wook was sure to think seriously. And the conclusion he would reach was also visible.
If he had enough money, he would immediately buy two ships, and even if he couldn’t afford it, he would do his best to get another ship as quickly as possible. And the bigger the profit they gained, the more ships they would try to save.
If Park Sang-wook’s top tier gained great fame in that way, other top tier would naturally follow suit.
In that case, the navy would be able to secure extra front lines and sailors that could be mobilized immediately in an emergency without much effort.
‘I heard that one of the people the crown prince’s influence touched the most was Gunmun…’
Kim Jeom, who lightly shook his head, immediately asked Im Hae-sul.
“Hey, do you have any intention of working at the Ministry of Finance?”
Lim Hae-sul responded firmly to Kim Jeom’s words.
“As a person who passed the military civil service examination, I remain unchanged in my determination to put down roots in the military world!”
“It’s a shame. Good job! “Then let’s go.”
“yes.”
After paying his respects to Kim Jeom, Im Hae-sul came out and looked at the Ministry of Finance and Economy building and muttered.
“Am I crazy? “Why do you go to that overtime hell?”
The Ministry of Finance and Economy was the department that all officials avoided as it boasted the worst work intensity, along with the Research Institute and Area 51, which had to solve all kinds of unusual items and problems presented by Crown Prince Seung Jeong-won, who had to assist in all tasks right next to King Sejong. And the General Affairs Department was right behind them.
* * *
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