Chapter 170
Chapter 170
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 170
Chapter Title: Sugar High (1)
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While the emissary group was away in China, I threw myself into developing Joseon, just as I had promised myself before.
Development meant focusing on domestic affairs, of course.
The first step was restoring the Wangsimni SIT to resume production of the Yuryong wood. With Hiraga Gennai coming out into the open, secrecy was getting harder, so we'd build the internals ourselves and outsource the jade outer shell to Shenyang via OEM.
I also had the official army—illegally, of course—hunt down and punish those loan sharks who dared flee without repaying their debts during the chaos of war, stabilizing the lives of the common folk (and mine). As for the horse fees from the Chun-sik Ranch loans during the war, I handled those transfers from the national treasury myself.
Amid all this, someone ambiguous about whether he counted as a commoner or not came in hesitantly.
"M-my lord. You've been quite busy lately, haven't you?"
It was Kaoru. Speaking in Japanese, he must have some secret business. What could it be? He'd surely tied up all the loose ends on the signal cords I told him to handle, right?
"I don't mean to rush you, but... what came of that promise from before...?"
I stared at Kaoru for about three seconds.
Oh, right. I promised to set him up with a house and turn him into an outside slave.
He'd played a big role in feeding fake info to Princess Hwawan, pushing Yeongjo to decide on evacuation from the capital. He deserved proper compensation.
A landscape painting by Jeong Seon (all-ages viewing) would cover a small house in Hanyang. I'd have to commission one. Lately, he'd been buried in research on Japanese prints imported from Ulleungdo, so I wondered if he'd be in top form.
Lost in that thought, my reply was delayed, and Kaoru asked in an anxious voice,
"Have you perhaps forgotten...? Or changed your mind...?"
"Ahem. Do you think a scholar like me, versed in the classics, would go back on his word? Even if I split a house for you right now, how would you secure your body price in the future? The reason I delayed was precisely because of such deep considerations."
It was just patchwork rhetoric, but once he asked, I got genuinely curious.
In Joseon, economic activity basically meant farming. But I hadn't promised Kaoru any land. And even if he had land, he had zero experience farming.
If he went off like this, he'd either starve or end up as a slave to Princess Hwawan's adopted son through her nagging the crown prince and me via Jeong Hwi-ryang—the crown prince two-track strategy. Nothing more.
But Kaoru spoke confidently.
"I have a plan in mind. You needn't worry about my body price falling short for the family."
Saying it like that made me sound like someone squeezing money out of slaves. Of course, defaulting on a body price was illegal, so I couldn't allow it.
But what on earth was this 'plan' of his?
No way he was leveraging his experience to open a Ginza... no, Edo-style host bar in Hanyang Office, right?
Thanks to my diligent re-education efforts, Kaoru's new venture as an outside slave had nothing to do with the pleasure quarters.
A few days later, Kaoru bowed to my wife and me and presented a tray.
"From observing the esteemed guests who come and go, it seems Joseon holds tanggwa—Chinese sweets—in the highest regard. But Japan has many sweet delicacies too."
What he brought out was, in my closest approximation, anpan with red bean paste. Except it was quite large.
Sehwa showed curiosity.
"Is this that gasujeo (castella) thing?"
"Similar, but different. Eggs, true flour, and sugar mixed together—that's the same. But this is baked on an iron griddle greased up, not steamed in a pot. And it has red beans. Seeing the secret beef roast from the Jangdong Kim clan reminded me of Edo's famous Imagawayaki."
In other words, bungeoppang.
Modern folks with tongues pickled in sugar might not even taste the sweetness. But both Sehwa and I keenly detected the faint sugar.
Sehwa turned to me in surprise.
"My goodness, this seems sweeter than that sweet toran (sweet potato) you gave me last time or the Chinese sweets from the envoy trip."
"This is nothing special in Japan. The inner palace uses up a thousand geun of sugar a day."
Ha! That Japanese guy's puffing up with pride, spouting whatever. Even if Satsuma squeezes Ryukyu dry, what sugar could come from that palm-sized island?
But Sehwa, ignorant of foreign affairs as a woman of the past, seemed to believe it.
"Then it must cost a fortune? Such extravagance in the inner palace wouldn't be tolerated here."
"Exactly. They say it costs fifty nyang of gold. Sugar is even rarer in Joseon than Japan, so this sweet will fetch an even higher price."
Kaoru's plan was to leverage my yangban connections or Princess Hwawan's court network to sell ultra-premium snacks to celebrities.
I'd imagined street-vendor bungeoppang, but right—he wasn't originally a commoner peddler. I'd forgotten amid the long poverty.
I praised Kaoru, who'd essentially installed an auto-vending app on himself.
"Your talents are peculiar. Sugar, sweet potatoes—there's so much sweetness in the south. Tell me if you can source it cheaply from there."
"If you do that, I'll offer half the profits beyond my body price."
That was probably the goal all along. How could Kaoru alone procure sugar and flour? High-end trade needs high-end wholesalers.
I racked my brains. Hearing his prices, his words gained credibility.
Japanese sugar was just that cheap. If bluffing, he'd have claimed higher prices.
Gold exchange rates don't differ much in perceived value between modern times and Joseon. One nyang at 3 million won makes fifty nyang about 150 million. So per kilo, 250,000 won—roughly 100 times modern prices.
Not expensive at all. The production and distribution gap between the 18th and 21st centuries is more than just 'a mere' 100-fold.
So, couldn't I sell it even higher?
At prices more fitting the premodern era.
Sugar trickled in via private trade, just like in his recipe, but not in quantities for serious business.
Scale up imports to drop wholesale costs, monopolize retail to hike prices—the profits would be astronomical. This is why isolationism exists.
And Sehwa seemed to think the same.
That night, Sehwa whispered at my pillowside.
"The key naval base blocking southern pirates is the Jeolla Right Naval Command, isn't it vacant now?"
"It is."
During the Hanyang spring crisis, Hong Bonghan was training commander but not military. We needed an experienced operator—Yun Pil-deok, then Jeolla Right Naval Commander.
Trust from our closeness. I spoke to the crown prince, recalling him to his old post as training overseer.
He did well, but got injured by Joseon Orc veteran Gu Seon-bok's flail defending the State Tribunal. No immediate return.
Sehwa said,
"Actually, there's an outstanding warrior among my paternal clan's kin. He was fit for commander of the vanguard but has languished in seclusion for thirty years after a false accusation."
Hong Yak-su. Not close kin (I'd know if so), just same Namyang Hong clan's To-hong branch. Lived in Asan near Cheonan, frequent visits.
Per Sehwa, when Lee Bong-sang—fifth-generation descendant of Yi Sun-sin and martyr in the Yi In-jwa rebellion—commanded the Royal Guard, he aided him. Accused of autonomously handling Royal Guard budget for traitor Yu Bong-hwi's funeral offerings. Blacklisted since.
Thirty years for such a non-crime? Obviously 'political slander.'
How could an aide to Yi Sun-sin's heir be a villain? As fellow 'loyal descendant'—Noron Four Loyalists' Kim Changjip's horse—I should step up.
"You spoke well. Hearing the realm's voices to recommend the worthy to the sovereign is my duty. I'll bring it up upon entering the palace."
But Left Junior Censor Chae Je-gong, that rootless Southern factioner, showed no respect for Chungmugong.
Chae claimed his oversight of the Ministry of Military as Junior Censor.
"Hong Yak-su colluded with former Royal Guard Commander Lee Bong-sang, diverting cannons and funds to traitor Yu Bong-hwi's funeral. Jeolla Right is a key liberation detachment hub and naval transit—can't appoint scum."
If Chungmugong returned, he'd smash this guy's skull with the imperial seal.
How clean are you? Where'd that beef set I gave come from? A Left Junior Censor defying the Senior? Craving a taste of hierarchy?
This was pre-ministers' meeting, secretaries orally briefing key issues. Other Juniors present. I glanced urgently at my allies, Left-Right Juniors Sim Hwan-ji and Seo Myeong-seon.
But they looked awkward. Noron Sim couldn't oppose Little Noron; Little Noron Seo eyed Sim and me.
The crown prince said,
"Partisan lines aside, the corrupt don't suit border defense..."
Your Highness, don't heed that villain.
Unexpected aid came for my anxiety.
Lowest seat, East Junior Censor Park Pyeong spoke.
Obscure Small North lineage near extinction, young but chronically ill, negligible presence.
"Not necessarily. There was an impeachment demanding harsh interrogation, but His Majesty vetoed it. If corrupt, how'd His wise eyes miss it? And Lee Bong-sang, whom he served, martyred in the rebellion—no rebel ties."
Exactly what I wanted to say. Crown prince nodded.
"Good. We'll discuss at the Office of Censors."
Perfect. Chief Censor my brother-in-law Kim Sun-haeng, under him Baekchun Kim Won-haeng. And Won-haeng's wife's Namyang Hong To-hong branch?
I fought hiding my rising grin at visions of sugar sacks.
Outside, I shot Chae a glare, then stopped Park.
"Today's words from East Junior Park were truly impartial and just."
"No need. Cough, ahem! My illness burdens the Senior's toil—I always feel sorry. Should retire soon, but family so humble, must consider connections..."
"My oversight. My brother's apothecary—I'll send ginseng roots."
But Park didn't gobble like Park Mun-su.
"I know my body. Wastes precious meds. My shameless request: after I die, care for my young second son. Even sweeping or dung-hauling."
Second son? Where's the first?
Ah, got it.
Illegitimate. And after you die, wife kicks out concubine?
No big deal. I gave perfunctory well-wishes and approval.
Had Kim Unhaeng known Park Pyeong's bastard was famed Silhak Four Masters' Park Je-ga, his Silhak-hating self might've refused.
But sugar-blinded Kim Unhaeng couldn't know.
Nor the crown prince's true intent in approving Kim's personnel request.
Kim had said he'd favor ties if Westerners sailed here.
Why wait endlessly? Better build ships to meet them. So thought the prince.
Thus, he slipped into Kim's adjustment.
"Hong Yak-su to Jeolla Right Commander, Yi Eon-seop—ex-Gyeonggi Commander—to Left. Jeolla Left Commander Yi Ju-guk to Royal Guard."
Yi Eon-seop, who worked with Kim at Ganghwa, was hottest on Westernizing Joseon warships. Kim felt uneasy but knew the deal, stayed silent.
With Gustav Wilhelm joining Jeolla Left, Yi wept joyfully. Took three Dutch ships he'd built, with permission.
Promotion notwithstanding, Yi Ju-guk left quite reluctant.
New Four Commands met at Jeolla Left. Veteran Han Jung-ryang briefed.
"Tsushima folk trade Ulleungdo. Garrison chief Park Sang-sun, ex-Japanese interpreter, Kim Chun-sik's trusted. If Gyeongsang signals Japanese lords' Nagasaki departures via us, Jeolla Commands pirate-hunt—that's the plan."
Japanese domains feud worse than foreigners. Tsushima same, no qualms selling intel to Joseon.
Hong Yak-su nodded.
"But Kim Chun-sik says import much sugar for state use. Ryukyu aside, Japan scarce—China ships carry gold, sulfur, little sugar. Your thoughts?"
Pre-departure, Kim's 'emulate King Munjong's filial sugar offering to Queen Sohyeon' spiel embarrassed Hong silent.
So Han purely admired Kim's erudition in sending Hong.
"Precisely. But Satsuma-Ryukyu distance spans mere stepping-stone isles. Probing pirate dens unwise."
Last 2-3 years ballooned southern navy's worldview.
Before, Joseon reached Ryukyu only adrift. Now, each command held detailed treasure maps of South China Sea spots.
They knew avoiding bad battlefields. Kim'd lament, 'What? Can't raid Ryukyu for sugar?'
Hong never planned blind obedience to Kim's Ryukyu talk.
Civil officials err on war.
Follow Sun Tzu, adapt on-site. Just snag the sugar.
Hong, with ex-Left Yi Ju-guk and new Yi Eon-seop, had a knockout solution Kim'd faint over.
"Right. Not going that far. China-bound ships lack sugar, but returnees have it, no?"
Kim equated 'Japanese sugar = Ryukyu sugar,' but slightly off.
Japan's sugar bulked from (absent) Dutch Western merchants, but chiefly Chinese sugar.
Continental scale.
Up to 1,500+ tons yearly. Over half Satsuma's Ryukyu exploit, 'import' not 'tribute' under seclusion—terrifying. Kyoto prices crash on one China ship's arrival.
But touching them scary.
Not Qing gov. Manchus land-focused, ignore sea trade.
This era Sino-Japanese trade backed by Taiwan Zheng remnants' pirate fleets.
Liberation Detachment raiding China traders meant pitched fleet battle. For witness-free Four Commands, fight itself burdensome pre-win/loss.
Han pointed it. But veteran Hong, white beard flying, stood firm.
"I served Chungmugong's fifth heir, the loyal Yi Chungmin-gong (Lee Bong-sang). How spare life for king? This commander brings mighty Western ships aplenty—no great trouble. Not total plunder war. We're not pirates?"
Yi Eon-seop followed.
"This is His Highness's venture, not mine. He said great ships alone block seas. Thus, the decision clear."
Park Jae-ha, Han grasped instantly.
Prince pushes Western ships hard, orders more 'trade.' Liberation Detachment's morals numbed long ago by profit.
Han felt sharp satisfaction.
Kim must've pitched to prince. As expected, Kim eyed vast world. Supporting him to 'change the king' was right.
"True, Western ships better for range. We have Dutch types (dunifbelt)—per His teaching, mass-produce now."
Qianlong'd be thrilled.
While granting Beijing-seated Prince Yi Hwon the proxy Joseon seal, southern Joseon folk plotted Qing-friendly trade (100% tariff).
'Pro-Qing faction' Joseon's dawn.
Author's Note
The subtitle 'Sugar high' refers to the euphoria from sudden sugar intake.
1. 'Sweet potato' derives (per introducer Jo Eom) from Japanese, specifically Tsushima's 'koushima' or 'kogiima.' Kim Unhaeng calls it sweet potato unaware it's foreign.
2. Kaoru's sugar prices Genroku era (early 18th c.). Inner palace budget hit 10% shogunate total.
One nyang heavier in Joseon than Japan. Kim's math approximate. In-story sugar trade vols ref. Matsuura Akira, 2010, Tang Ship Sugar Imports and Domestic Consumption in Edo Period, etc.
3. Imagawayaki specialist shops in late 18th c. Edo. Evolved to modern taiyaki/bungeoppang.
4. Hong Yak-su real; returned as Jeolla Right Commander 2 years pre-story due to plot reasons, after idleness. Lee Bong-sang: Noron Four Ministers' Yi Yi-myeong's grandson contemporary but namesake.
5. Park Je-ga actually fled home with mother 3 years post-story after father Park Pyeong's death—kicked out. Mother Yi supported poverty till young death; Je-ga rose brilliantly.