With these words, the situation was concluded. Those who had insisted that making a ship out of iron was impossible had no choice but to be speechless. Hyang looked at them and said,
"Let me reiterate, it's not that it's impossible, but that we haven't found the way yet."
Hyang then explained to the speechless people the related snippets of knowledge, such as the concepts of volume, weight, and density. After listening to Hyang's lengthy explanation, Jeongcho spoke up.
"So, if we spread the iron plates as thin as possible and connect them, we can make a ship... right?"
"In extreme terms, yes."
Hyang's response prompted Jeonginji to point out a problem.
"But there's an issue. If we connect the iron plates in that way, how can we ensure that water doesn't seep in and that the plates are securely connected?"
"That's your task to research."
"That's why I'm here."
Hyang's answer made Sejong and the ministers nod. However, Hwangheui, representing the ministers, pointed out a problem.
"Making a ship out of iron... According to Your Majesty's explanation, we can certainly build a large ship. But, can we find a way to do it?"
"We can if we research it thoroughly."
"Is it possible?"
Hwangheui's negative reaction made Hyang's expression sharp. Sejong's expression was the same.
"Do you think it's impossible?"
Seeing Hyang and Sejong's expressions, Hwangheui hedged his response.
"It might be possible, but the time and cost involved are the issues."
"We can't give up just because of that. Many of the scholars share my thoughts. If we can make a ship out of iron, which is much stronger than wood, we can build larger and more robust ships, and that means we can sail farther. Sir, do you want us to just sit and watch while other countries are actively expanding?"
"To spread the name of our Joseon, we must develop iron ships, even if it takes time!"
Hyang's firm answer made the ministers fall silent and look at Sejong.
Sejong, who had been pondering with a serious face, finally spoke.
"Indeed, it will take a lot of time and budget. You, the Crown Prince, must feel the same way, right?"
"Yes. But…."
"However, you're saying this is necessary. And you keep mentioning the scholars; is there a connection?"
"There is. As Your Majesty knows, I have read many books by the scholars."
"I know."
"Among those books, there are also historical accounts. The history of the scholars is a history of struggle. Through this history, they understand the importance of wealth better than anyone else."
'From the experience of the Thirty Years' War, they learned that the outcome of war is determined by the economy, didn't they?'
"So?"
"For that reason, the scholars are putting all their efforts into finding ways to make their country strong. However, they realized that there are limits to what they can achieve internally. So, they are looking outward."
Hyang's explanation made Sejong respond.
"Therefore, the scholars will eventually take to the sea and come to Joseon? Even to this distant land?"
"The Muslims have been traveling to this land for hundreds of years. Why can't the scholars come?"
"That's true."
Sejong nodded, and Hyang continued.
"Scholars, when they see a country that is stronger or equal to theirs, will engage in fair trade. But if the country is weaker, they will use force to take what they want. Of course…."
Pausing to take a breath, Hyang continued.
"Of course, international relations are dominated by the law of the jungle, where all countries act this way. But the scholars, who don't understand the concept of saving face, act openly. Ah, to be precise, they save face among themselves, but not with others."
Sejong muttered to himself.
"Is that only true for the scholars…?"
"Indeed."
"Enough, I understand what you're trying to say."
Sejong, who had interrupted Hyang, fell into deep thought.
Seeing Sejong's serious face, the ministers and Hyang waited quietly for him to speak.
After some time, Sejon spoke.
"Crown Prince, can we build iron ships during my reign?"
"Even during Your Majesty's reign, the probability is low."
"Even with such a low probability, do you think we should continue the research? Despite the unknown time and resources it will consume?"
"Yes. If we give up now, our descendants will have to pay a much higher price with their blood."
"Hmm…."
Hyang's firm answer made Sejong fall into thought again. Rubbing his beard and looking at the ship models, Sejong finally made a decision.
"Alright, let's do it."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Sejong's order made Hyang bow and respond energetically.
The debate about iron ships, which started over a bowl of cold noodles, ended with Sejong's decision. After overcoming this hurdle, Sejong's eyes turned to a peculiar instrument placed below the display cabinet.
"What is this used for?"
Hyang immediately answered Sejong's question.
"It's Heron's Steam Ball."
"Heron? Steam Ball?"
"A famous scholar from the scholars' land in ancient times."
* * *
Jeongcho agreed with Hyang's explanation about the possibility of iron ships but still felt something was missing.
'There's something I'm missing…'
While Jeongcho was pondering what he had missed, Jang Youngsil pointed it out.
"As Your Majesty said, we can make a ship out of iron and build it larger than a wooden ship, but there's a problem. If the ship is too large, wouldn't it be difficult to move it with just sails and oars?"
"You're right!"
"That's it!"
Jang Youngsil's point made Jeongcho and Jeonginji exclaim loudly. Seeing their reactions, Hyang grumbled to himself.
'You'd think they'd shout "Eureka" or something.'
Despite grumbling, Hyang, who was already prepared, immediately responded.
"The issue of power for propulsion is something I anticipated. That's why I want to conduct research with you all. Eunuch!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
When the eunuch entered in response to Hyang's call, Hyang gave an order.
"Bring in the device sent from the Military Equipment Bureau recently."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
A short while later, two eunuchs carried in a large bronze device, panting heavily.
"What is this? It's a very peculiar object."
Jang Youngsil was the first to show curiosity. The others also gathered around the bronze device, their eyes sparkling.
"Hmm?"
"Wow…."
The object the eunuchs brought in was indeed peculiar. A cylindrical base supported by four legs had two bronze pipes extending from it, which were embedded in the side of a bronze sphere. Four pipes protruded from the bronze sphere, and their shape resembled a swastika. The ends of these pipes had small holes.
"Bring in a brazier with fire and a kettle with water."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
After a while, the eunuchs brought in a brazier with fire and a kettle with water.
Hyang placed the burning charcoal in the lower part of the cylinder, opened the cap on the top, and poured water in. After closing the cap, Hyang looked around at the people.
"Have you ever seen someone cooking in the kitchen?"
"Yes."
In response to Hyang's question, everyone nodded. Unlike the late Joseon period, it was not considered a flaw for men to enter the kitchen during this time.
"When cooking, have you seen the lid of the pot move?"
"Yes."
"The power source I thought of uses water and fire. I call it a steam engine."
"Steam engine? It uses the steam generated when water boils?"
"Yes."
"Can it generate enough power?"
"It's the power that can move even the heavy lid of a pot. I believe it's entirely possible."
Despite Hyang's confident answer, people still looked skeptical. Seeing their expressions, Hyang inwardly shouted.
'What a time of disbelief! Don't they know that faith brings blessings?'
However, as time passed, the water began to boil, and steam started to flow out of the holes in the bronze sphere.
"There's no significant movement yet?"
"Please wait a little longer. Just a little more."
As time passed, the bronze sphere began to rotate slowly.
Whirr!
The sharp hissing sound of steam escaping through the small holes made the bronze sphere rotate faster.
"What do you think?"
Hyang's question made the people's faces serious. The device was heavy enough that two eunuchs had to carry it.
Of course, only the bronze sphere at the top was moving, but it was clearly not a light object. Yet, the steam generated from boiling water was turning the bronze sphere.
Jeongcho, who had been silently observing 'Heron's Steam Ball,' finally spoke.
"It seems worth researching. If we can produce proper results, it would be very useful for ships, even if not specifically for iron ships. We wouldn't have to wait for favorable winds or carry oarsmen."
"That's exactly what I think! And this engine isn't limited to ships!"
"Not limited to ships?"
"What if we made a cart that moves using this engine?"
"Huh?"
"Wha?"
Hyang's words made the people's eyes widen.
* * *
"That's why, among the ongoing research projects, there is also research on steam engines."
Sejong, who had been listening to Hyang's explanation while looking at Heron's Steam Ball, turned to Hyang.
"Are you saying you want to make a cart that moves using a steam engine?"
"Yes, Father."
"Would it be useful?"
"Why wouldn't it be useful?"
In response to Hyang's question, Sejong pointed out a problem.
"A cart is something that carries goods. But to make the steam engine work properly, it needs a constant supply of water and fire. The issue is that you'd have to load the cart with water and firewood, leaving no space for the actual cargo."
'What a sharp observation! Truly King Sejong!' Despite being impressed, Hyang gave his response.
"You could think that way. But the steam engine generates a lot of power relative to its size. It can pull multiple carts, which makes it very useful."
"Pull multiple carts?"
Seeing the still skeptical expressions of Sejong and the ministers, Hyang gestured towards the inside of the research facility.
"Come this way."
"I'll show you the ultimate result of my fandom!"
"Here it is."
Hyang led them to a room guarded by eunuchs and soldiers with swords. The eunuchs and soldiers bowed deeply at the sight of Hyang and Sejong.
"Thank you for your hard work."
"It is our honor, Your Majesty!"
After the eunuchs straightened up, Hyang gave an order.
"Open the door."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Wow!"
"Wow!"
Sejong and the ministers exclaimed as they entered through the door opened by the eunuchs.
The large room, about 2 kan (approximately 4.8 meters) wide and 5 kan (approximately 14 meters) long, had a huge table in the center. On the table was a miniature world with mountains, plains, lakes, rivers, and seas, and a railway was laid out in this small world.
Seeing Sejong and the ministers' amazed expressions, Hyang smiled.
'This is a model of a railway, which was called the ultimate result of fandom in the 21st century!'
"I will show you a cart equipped with a steam engine, Father. Eunuch! Prepare the locomotive!"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Following Hyang's order, the eunuchs placed a model locomotive and connected model passenger and freight cars on the railway. After the eunuchs connected the cars using rings and stepped back to bow, Sejong began to examine the model locomotive closely.
"You connected the steam ball and the wheels as you mentioned earlier?"
"Yes."
Hyang's model locomotive was a primitive version, with a small 'Heron's Steam Ball' placed on a wooden cart and connected to the wheels with leather straps.
"Because of its small size, I used alcohol as fuel."
While explaining, Hyang pushed a lantern filled with ethanol under the steam ball and lit the wick.
Whirr!
As time passed, steam began to escape from the pipes protruding from the steam ball, making a sharp hissing sound.
Taking this sound as a signal, Hyang released the brake that was holding the wheels.
The model locomotive, now free from the brake, began to move slowly, pulling the passenger and freight cars behind it.