The institution with the long name, 'The Joseon Science and Technology Development Research Institute,' was as formidable as its name suggested.
'The Joseon Science and Technology Development Research Institute' (hereinafter referred to as 'the Institute') is an independent body that only follows the orders of the king.
"The highest responsible person of the Institute is limited to the Crown Prince.
"The annual budget of the Institute is guaranteed to be at least 1% and at most 3% of the annual budget of Joseon.
"The intellectual property rights fees obtained from the commercialization of technologies or items developed by the Institute are divided into three parts: 40% to the state, 30% to the Institute's finances, and 30% to the developers or development teams.
(Omitted)
Thanks to being an independent institution that only follows the king's orders and having the Crown Prince as the highest responsible person, it was free from political influence. With a guaranteed budget of 1% to 3% of the national annual budget, it was a powerful institution that had no worries about funding.
Of course, with such enormous benefits came equally significant responsibilities.
"Researchers in the Institute must publish results at least once every two years. However, this can be done individually or as a team.
"Duplicate results are not allowed. If duplication is discovered, all benefits will be revoked, and the researcher will be expelled from the Institute.
"The use of the budget must be thoroughly disclosed. If it is found to be used for non-research purposes, the entire budget will be reclaimed, and the person will be expelled.
"Research conducted at the Institute is treated as a state secret. Leaking or privately publishing this information will be punished as treason.
Although the compliance requirements were not easy, over time, it became one of the highest academic institutions in Joseon, alongside the Jiphyeonjeon. It was also a challenge and a nightmare for Crown Princes who wanted to surpass their predecessors.
The Institute's formidable status and position were stories for the distant future, but at present, it was quite modest.
The people Xiang led were the regular members Jeong Cho, Jeong Inji, Lee Cheon, and Jang Yeong-sil, along with skilled craftsmen from the Military Equipment Bureau and other departments who could be called upon when needed.
"Starting small, but ending grandly… Bullshit! Even though the number of people is small, I will make sure no one underestimates us!"
Xiang clenched his teeth after seeing the ministers' reactions, which were filled with question marks despite Sejong's approval.
"First, let's start with the organizational chart!"
Xiang began to systematize the Institute's structure. He appointed the Crown Prince as the director and divided the subordinate organizations into the Basic Science and Technology Research and Development Department and the Applied Science and Technology Research and Development Department.
The deputy director of the Institute, who would also serve as the head of the Basic Science Department, was given the rank of Second Rank, while the head of the Applied Science Department, who would also serve as the overall operations director, was given the rank of Third Rank.
Furthermore, the heads of each research team, who would directly conduct research, were given at least the rank of Third Rank to prevent any political disadvantages.
"I think there won't be any bold enough to challenge us with the Crown Prince's backing, but we need to prevent any backstabbing from the start."
After creating the organizational chart, Xiang rushed to Sejong to request approval.
"A deputy director of Second Rank… Isn't that too high?"
"The chief scholar of the Jiphyeonjeon is also Second Rank. The head of the Jiphyeonjeon, the Youngjeon, is even First Rank, held by First Rank ministers."
"That's true, but..."
Seeing Sejong's hesitation, Xiang added:
"The Institute is not my playground. This Institute will become an academic institution as important as the Jiphyeonjeon for Joseon."
While pondering Xiang's words, Sejong made his decision.
"Alright. Show me your vision. I will support you."
"Your grace is boundless!"
Xiang bowed deeply and quickly left the main hall. The ministers, watching his departure, expressed their concerns to Sejong.
"I am worried that you are providing too much support."
"Considering what the Crown Prince has shown so far, I believe he can handle it."
The ministers fell silent. While they could argue, the fates of their predecessors were still fresh in their minds.
With Sejong's approval, Xiang returned to the Donggung Palace and cheerfully shouted:
"Alright! Let's get started with some fandom!"
* * *
"Alright! Everyone, gather please!"
Since the work location had not been determined yet, Jeong Cho and his team were huddled in one of the rooms in the Donggung Palace. They immediately gathered at Xiang's call. Once everyone was assembled, Xiang showed them the organizational chart and began his explanation.
"The Institute is divided into two main departments."
Xiang explained the structure and personnel allocation. He assigned the Basic Science and Technology Research Department to Jeong Cho and Jeong Inji, and the Applied Science and Technology Research Department to Lee Cheon.
"... And Jang Byeoljo will command the skilled craftsmen from the Military Equipment Bureau and other departments to create the necessary equipment for research or prototypes for mass production. Do you understand?"
"I understand the allocation, but what exactly will each department do?"
In response to Jeong Cho's question, who had become the representative of the group, Xiang answered immediately.
"The Basic Science Department, or simply the Basic Department, will research fundamental disciplines and technologies."
"What do you mean by 'basic'?"
"Starting with mathematics, it will research metallurgy, chemistry, architecture, and related fields. The Applied Department will build on the results from the Basic Department and existing knowledge to further develop them."
Xiang's explanation prompted another question from Jeong Cho.
"I understand mathematics, but should metallurgy, chemistry, and architecture also be considered academic disciplines?"
"Of course, they are academic disciplines. Historically, the skills and knowledge of craftsmen have been passed down through generations and personal experience. This is not ideal. If a skilled craftsman dies without passing on his knowledge to his apprentices or children, all his achievements will be lost. However, if we record and categorize this knowledge, what would happen?"
Jeong Cho answered Xiang's question immediately.
"If there are people who want to learn, they can use this as a foundation and further develop it."
"Exactly."
Xiang's explanation continued. By the end of the lengthy explanation, Jeong Cho and the others understood why the areas they considered the domain of craftsmen were now part of academic research.
"Your Highness, I understand why these areas are considered academic. Should we gather the skilled craftsmen in these fields?"
In response to Jeong Cho's question, Xiang shook his head.
"No. The Basic Department has something else to do first."
"What is it?"
"Learn arithmetic."
"Arithmetic?"
* * *
Xiang assigned tasks to the Basic and Applied Departments.
"The Institute is an independent body with a substantial budget. You know what will happen, right?"
In response to Xiang's question, everyone except Jang Yeong-sil nodded.
"There will be a lot of scrutiny."
"Exactly. Therefore, we need to produce visible results as quickly as possible."
"It won't be easy."
Xiang's statement was met with worried nods from Jeong Cho and Lee Cheon. Jeong Inji, a new official, had a somewhat confused expression, while Jang Yeong-sil, who was still busy with his assigned tasks, looked completely lost.
"Right. So, let's start with tasks that can produce quick results. First, the Basic Department will revise the calendar. Learning arithmetic is essential for this."
Xiang's explanation prompted a comment from Jeong Cho.
"Revising the calendar is already underway."
"However, the progress is slow because most of the officials involved have other duties."
"That's true."
"Thus, I want you and Scholar Jeong to take charge of this task. If necessary, you can recruit officials who excel in arithmetic and are interested, or even offer positions to Huihui scholars."
"Recruiting Huihui scholars might be problematic."
"Call them arithmetic instructors. If they keep arguing, mention my name."
"Understood."
"Remember, we need to produce results as quickly as possible. Please report your progress to me every half month."
"We will do our best."
After assigning tasks to Jeong Cho and Jeong Inji, Xiang turned to Lee Cheon.
"Let's work together, Sir."
"On what?"
"Improving cannons."
Xiang's words made Lee Cheon's eyes gleam. He was also a military man. Seeing Lee Cheon's reaction, Xiang continued.
"Is there anyone you can recommend?"
Lee Cheon answered immediately.
"There is General Choi Hae-san, who works as a supervisor at the Military Equipment Bureau."
"General Choi Hae-san?"
"He is the son of Admiral Choi Museon."
"Let's go see him right away!"
Xiang stood up from his chair and gave orders to Jeong Cho.
"We are currently preparing a hall for the Institute. For now, use this place as your laboratory."
"Understood."
After instructing Jeong Cho, Xiang turned to Lee Cheon.
"Let's go, Sir!"
"Yes!"
* * *
After leaving the Donggung Palace, Xiang turned to Lee Cheon.
"Where is General Choi Hae-san? I didn't see him when I visited the Military Equipment Bureau last time."