Reform and the Host of Ten Thousand Troops (8)
In the twelfth year of Sejo (1466), the Military Weapons Bureau changed its name to the Military Weapons Office.
This was a deliberate move to transform the Military Weapons Bureau, which had previously been a subordinate office of the Ministry of War, into a more refined and systematic institution dedicated to the manufacturing and management of military weapons.
To achieve this, one of the Ministers of War or the Vice Ministers was appointed as the Chief Director, and a general was selected from among the military commanders to serve as Deputy Director, overseeing the entire operation of the Military Weapons Office.
Beneath them, positions of full rank, deputy full rank, assistant rank, separate seat, director of officials, separate supervisor, chief clerk, direct clerk, attendant, deputy attendant, and assistant attendant were established. Hundreds of skilled artisans were now managed in a structured manner.
Meanwhile, the late King Sejong, who had been a true enthusiast of gunpowder, had established a separate Gunpowder Workshop within the Military Weapons Office after the army’s use of firearms became widespread.
Specialized personnel were assigned to handle all firearm-related matters. These were referred to as concurrent military weapons officers. Only those from among the yangban families who possessed both extraordinary skill and military prowess were carefully selected.
Yet it was precisely these men who were responsible for the corruption.
Following the peace that followed Sejo’s reign, during which no major wars occurred, the Military Weapons Office—which demanded the strictest management—had fallen into complete disarray.
The quality of the manufactured weapons was abysmal, and management was in utter chaos.
Among these issues, the concurrent military weapons officers were the worst offenders.
Under their protection, the artisans handling firearms had been secretly selling the main raw material of gunpowder—saltpeter—and only now was the crime discovered.
Hearing the report, Yi Yeon erupted in fury like a raging fire.
“Where on earth have you been selling the saltpeter? Is it possible that you sold it to the Japanese?”
“Your Majesty, I have no such intention,” the Minister of War, Won Hon, replied in a flustered tone.
After all, he was the final supervisor of the Military Weapons Office.
“Then where?” Yi Yeon pressed.
“They say they sold it to the tile-making workshops.”
“What did you say? Does that even make sense?” Yi Yeon’s voice rose in disbelief.
“I humbly submit, Your Majesty. When tiles are fired, adding saltpeter produces tiles with a superior shine and waterproofing property.”
“Ugh… I have seen the villains!” Yi Yeon hissed.
It turned out to be nothing more than greed for money.
The concurrent military weapons officers and the Gunpowder Workshop enjoyed generous compensation and treatment compared to other departments.
Yet they had still fallen for the temptation.
‘Hah…! So that’s why there was always a shortage of gunpowder.’ Yi Yeon thought.
Clearly, the number of artisans stationed at the Gunpowder Workshop had increased dramatically compared to the time of King Sejong.
Yet when the Ming envoys visited, the Gunpowder Workshop could not demonstrate the firing of cannons because of the shortage of gunpowder.
Moreover, the people’s resentment ran deep due to the Take Soil Army, who visited commoners’ homes in search of saltpeter.
Nevertheless, some managers within the Military Weapons Office were only concerned with their own interests.
‘These rats will not be left alone!’ Yi Yeon seethed with anger he could no longer contain.
He had not believed the politician who claimed that the country suffered not from a lack of money but from too many thieves, yet he now understood it all too well.
Yi Yeon slammed his fist on the imperial throne and issued his decree.
“Minister of Justice Kim Gae, listen!”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Arrest all those involved and send them to the Anju Coalfield. If any resist, execute them on the spot!”
“I shall obey your command.”
After the Minister of Justice left, Yi Yeon turned his gaze and shouted again.
“Minister of War Won Hon, listen!”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Although you are not directly involved in this matter, you are the final supervisor of the Military Weapons Office. I therefore relieve you of your post.”
“I humbly submit, Your Majesty. I will obey your command.”
The young king, who had always spoken softly, now roared in a loud voice.
Yet no one dared to object.
This was a grave matter that threatened the very safety of the nation.
As a result, even the ministers close to those implicated in the scandal refrained from defending them or asking for mercy.
Unlike other times, when corrupt ministers might have pleaded on their behalf, they remained silent this time.
Having crossed the line from mere corruption into treason—and worse, betrayal of the nation—they could not even protest.
On the contrary, some ministers argued that the king’s three warnings had already been exceeded.
The Minister of Justice, Kim Gae, acting upon the king’s order, arrested every related person regardless of their status and sent them to the Anju Coalfield.
In the past he would have exiled them, but now he could not.
Because the king had issued the solemn command: treat them the same regardless of rank or status.
After these events, the Military Weapons Office had become nothing more than an ordinary blacksmith’s shop.
All the gunpowder-related personnel had been exposed.
As a result, the ministers worried.
Gunpowder production would surely suffer.
“My lord, if this continues, our Joseon’s military power may decline. I therefore beg the lord to take action.”
“How so?” Yi Yeon asked.
“Would the lord not consider the case of Choe Ha-san, the chemical artisan from the Sejong era?”
“Hmm… I see. Let me try.”
Choe Ha-san was the son of Choe Mu-seon, the first in Korean history to develop gunpowder.
He had improved gunpowder and even created mobile cannons.
For that reason, even when he misbehaved, King Sejong had no choice but to protect him.
But Yi Yeon refused the ministers’ request.
‘With me being a superior artisan, why should I forgive such trivialities? What a ridiculous suggestion.’ Yi Yeon thought.
He immediately contacted the Court Chemist.
“Send all remaining gunpowder in the Military Weapons Office to the training grounds for training purposes, and fill the barrels with the newly produced gunpowder.”
The evening of the day the order was issued.
An enormous quantity of gunpowder arrived at the front of the Military Weapons Office.
The ministers and even the common people cheered and shouted “Bae!” in celebration.
The next day.
At Seogang Ferry, cannon-firing practice began.
However, the soldiers’ marksmanship, which had not used gunpowder in a long time, was poor.
*
Yi I happened to witness the scene.
“So you were thinking of using differential calculus and parametric equations?” Yi I asked.
“Yes, Your Majesty. If used properly, we can send cannonballs to the exact desired position without wasting gunpowder.” Yi Yeon replied.
‘As I thought.’ Yi Yeon smiled inwardly.
Yi I’s formula was anything but obvious.
That was why Yi Yeon had assumed it was for some purpose, only to realize it was connected to cannon-firing practice.
Yet a sudden thought occurred.
“May I ask one thing?” Yi Yeon inquired.
“Please speak, Your Majesty.” Yi I replied politely.
“Do you think the Japanese will invade our Joseon?” Yi Yeon asked.
“I said Japanese invaders, but you mean the Japanese country?” Yi I asked.
“Correct.” Yi Yeon confirmed.
“Then it is unlikely now. However, if the entire country is unified, the possibility increases.” Yi I said.
“Can you explain the reason?” Yi Yeon pressed.
“If someone unites the warring countries into one now, the power will concentrate. If that power is not released, it will become a blade. It must be used.” Yi I replied.
Yi Yeon tapped his thigh with a sharp sound.
He was impressed by Yi I’s insight, yet he had been waiting for the chance to speak the main point.
‘If I miss this, I’ll be a fool.’ Yi Yeon thought.
Seeing that Yi I had taken the bait, Yi Yeon struck like a fisherman reeling in a catch.
“Correct. I have thought the same. So, to be precise, if we are worried that the Japanese invaders might attack, I would like to establish a research institution to prepare for it. And I wish to entrust this place to you. What do you think?” Yi Yeon asked.
“What?!” Yi I was startled and blinked.
Yi Yeon replied with a serious expression.
“You did not say it. That the Japanese invaders will invade this country?” Yi Yeon asked.
“Did I say that?” Yi I asked, still puzzled.
Yi Yeon fell into thought.
‘He was not boldly claiming the Ten Thousand Yang Army.’ Yi Yeon thought.
Some claimed Yi I’s Ten Thousand Yang Army theory was false.
Yet now Yi I’s words and actions proved it true.
He had accurately predicted why the Japanese country had invaded Joseon after the end of the Warring States period.
Furthermore, he had been trying to create a formula for cannon-firing practice while claiming they should conserve the expensive gunpowder and increase accuracy.
Because of this, dark circles had formed under his eyes.
‘I should build him a palace too.’ Yi Yeon thought.
‘Unlike King Sejong, I will send fresh eggs.’ Yi Yeon thought.
With the settled poultry business, thousands of eggs were produced daily.
But the ones that had just started laying were too small.
‘Such eggs cannot be hatched and are not fit to sell.’ Yi Yeon thought.
Therefore, Yi Yeon planned to popularize the herbal tea and let Queen Insun try it first.
It would spread naturally.
Having finished his thoughts, Yi Yeon composed himself and asked again.
“You said that. Therefore, if the Japanese invaders unify the country, the future of this nation will be like a lamp in the wind. So you must help me.” Yi Yeon said.
“How?” Yi I asked seriously.
Yi Yeon’s acting had succeeded.
Yi Yeon walked to the blackboard in front of the Celestial Calendar.
Holding a piece of chalk, Yi Yeon drew a simple map centered on Tsushima Island and Busan, just like the picture he had given to Cho-hui, and placed simple ships and cannons in various places.
“If the Japanese invaders come, they will make this island Tsushima their mid-base and attack Busanjin. However, if they push in due to insufficient defense…” Yi Yeon asked.
“They will immediately land and capture the castle.” Yi I replied.
“Correct. The invaders will attack the castle first to secure a landing base. So I have thought about this. Since this place is high ground, if we build a fort here…” Yi Yeon continued.
Yi I looked at where Yi Yeon had drawn with chalk—Bangpo.
But the marked points were distant from the entrance of that area.
Nevertheless, Yi Yeon continued speaking.
“So I have devised a way to attack the invaders’ ships before they reach the coast and sink them all.” Yi Yeon said.
Yi Yeon had been thinking of striking the Japanese country the moment he acquired a slamfire shotgun and bullets.
‘I must seize it first. Otherwise, it will cause endless trouble.’ Yi Yeon thought.
But the Ming, a military great power in East Asia, was a concern.
King Wanli had not yet ascended the throne, so anything was possible.
Also, the situation might differ from known history.
Therefore, Yi Yeon planned to install forts at Busanpo and Uiju to prepare for the invasion by Japanese pirates and the Ming.
‘Forward defense followed by counterattack is the proper method.’ Yi Yeon thought.
Yi I did not know Yi Yeon’s thoughts or his capabilities.
That was why he found it impossible.
“Your Majesty, is that not too far?” Yi I asked.
“Correct. With the current cannons, from here…” Yi Yeon fired a shot—Tak!
“To here.”—Tak! Yi Yeon fired again.
“We cannot attack the invaders’ ships. Their performance is too poor, only this far.”—Rattle! Yi Yeon dragged the chalk.
“We cannot fire cannonballs far. But if you help me, it is possible.” Yi Yeon said.
“What?!” Yi I stood up in surprise.
Then he hurriedly asked, “How?”
“Develop a new weapon.” Yi Yeon replied.
“Ah…” Yi I sat down heavily.
He had thought there was some great method, but there was none.
Nevertheless, Yi Yeon smiled faintly and asked, “Do you know that?”
“What do you mean?” Yi I asked.
Yi Yeon drew the chalk with a Rattle sound.
“If shot straight like this, the cannonball cannot reach from here to there, but if shot in a parabolic arc…” Yi Yeon asked.
“Ah…” Yi I sighed long.
“That is why they were firing cannons like that at Seogang Ferry?” Yi I asked.
“Correct. In the future, more cannon-firing will use parabolic shots rather than straight ones.” Yi Yeon said.
“However, Your Majesty, there will be much damage. It is hard to hit, and even if it hits, it will only make holes in the deck.” Yi I replied.
“What if the cannonball explodes like a flying strike that shakes the heavens?” Yi Yeon asked.
“What?!” Yi I was startled again.
The range of the known flying strike was at most two hundred thirty-four paces (one pace being 1.2 meters, about 280 meters).
Yet firing cannonballs ten times farther than that was hard to believe.
“Your Majesty, is that possible?” Yi I asked.
“It is possible. As long as you help me, Your Majesty.” Yi Yeon said.
Yi I closed his eyes tightly.
‘At fifteen years of age, he has already moved me. Therefore, he must be reliable.’ Yi I thought.
Having finished his thoughts, Yi I stood up and bowed respectfully as before.
“Whatever the order, I shall follow with all my heart.” Yi I said.
“Thank you.” Yi Yeon replied.
Yi Yeon walked over to the bowing Yi I, grabbed his shoulder, and helped him up.
Smiling brightly, as if he had obtained ten thousand soldiers and ten thousand horses.
‘Done!’ Yi Yeon thought.
Yi Yeon squeezed his hand on Yi I’s shoulder with strength.
He would never let go.
* * *