After eating the porridge made from glutinous rice, Sejong and the ministers officially began the inspection. The ministers, who had been meticulously checking the ledgers for any omissions or signs of corruption, questioned General Choi Hae-san.
"Why have you been continuously purchasing land? What is the reason for this? Did you fail to properly calculate the required land from the beginning?"
Although the ministers were questioning General Choi Hae-san, they were actually questioning Hyeong. If they directly confronted the Crown Prince, they might be caught by Sejong. Therefore, they indirectly attacked through Choi Hae-san.
In response to the ministers' questions, Choi Hae-san calmly answered.
"As you can see, the main things researched in this 51st area are weapons that use gunpowder. Since gunpowder creates a loud explosion, many civilians could not endure it, so we had to purchase their land.
Similarly, the reason for purchasing cattle and livestock is that the explosions kept startling and killing them, so we had to buy the dead animals."
Despite the ministers' persistent questioning, Choi Hae-san answered confidently and without hesitation. This was because there had been no embezzlement since the 51st area was established. The budget provided by the court was strictly managed by Hyeong, who was known for being meticulous in budget execution.
* * *
The inspection finally concluded as the sun was about to set. The ministers reported the results to Sejong.
"There are no irregularities in the ledgers."
"Is that so? Well done."
After praising the ministers, Sejong turned to Hyeong.
"The Crown Prince has also worked hard. And General Choi and General Lee have done well too. Seeing the weapons today, it's clear how much effort the Crown Prince and the scholars have put in. Truly, you have all worked hard."
In response to Sejong's praise, Hyeong, Choi Hae-san, and Lee Cheon bowed deeply.
"Your grace is boundless!"
"Your efforts have made our nation's defense even stronger. I hope you will continue to work hard."
"We will devote ourselves to the utmost!"
"Then, let's... return to the palace."
Just as Sejong was about to get up and leave, he noticed a soldier standing guard with a new type of armor and turned to the ministers.
"Before we return to the palace, let's visit the Military Equipment Bureau."
"Your Majesty, it seems there isn't enough time to visit the Military Equipment Bureau."
Despite Huang Xi's warning about the late hour, Sejong shook his head.
"If we delay further, the state affairs will pile up. Since we're already here, let's go and see."
"Your Majesty, as you command."
Sejong's decision made Huang Xi bow his head. Sejong's tone had become much softer compared to the morning. If he had insisted, Sejong would have immediately changed his tone, a clear sign of his displeasure.
'It's best to avoid a storm if you can.'
Thus, Sejong left the 51st area and headed to the Military Equipment Bureau. Thanks to the expansion of the 51st area, it was now adjacent to the Military Equipment Bureau, allowing Sejong to arrive quickly.
Upon hearing the urgent report that 'the King has arrived at the Military Equipment Bureau,' all the officials and craftsmen rushed out to greet him.
"Your Majesty!"
Seeing the officials and craftsmen prostrate themselves, Sejong raised his hand lightly.
"Rise."
Following Sejong's command, the officials and craftsmen slowly got to their feet. Observing them, Sejong turned to the Minister of Personnel, who was in charge of the bureau.
"The number of officials managing the Military Equipment Bureau seems a bit lower than what I know."
"That's because many officials are holding multiple positions..."
"If the number of craftsmen is high, but the number of officials managing and supervising them is insufficient, it could be a problem. Prohibit officials from holding multiple positions in the Military Equipment Bureau."
"As you command."
The Minister of Personnel, who answered Sejong, let out a small sigh.
"Phew..."
'There are already not enough people!'
"I am well aware that the court is short of people. I will try to resolve the issue of recruiting talents as quickly as possible. For now, please bear with it."
"Not at all! How can it be called hard work! It is not fitting!"
The Minister of Personnel, whose true feelings were revealed, turned pale and denied it.
* * *
As Sejong entered the Military Equipment Bureau, he spoke to Hyeong.
"The weapons you have created are indeed powerful. However, they also require a lot of labor. Am I wrong?"
"No, Your Majesty."
"Therefore, I want to inspect the production process of these weapons. Since the number of craftsmen in this Joseon is small and the needs of the people must also be considered, it would be difficult to mobilize them recklessly. I will inspect the production process and determine the priority based on the power demonstrated in the morning's demonstration. Is there a problem with this?"
"No, Your Majesty. It is a reasonable decision."
Hyeong readily agreed with Sejong.
'Currently, Joseon needs to focus and prioritize. It's a bit disappointing, but...'
* * *
"Then, let's start by observing the production of the cannon barrels."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Under the guidance of the officials, Sejong observed the process of making cannon barrels. From the initial rolling of the barrel to the final assembly of various components, Sejong watched closely and then turned to Hyeong.
"It does require a lot of labor."
"Yes. That's why we have tried to implement division of labor."
"Division of labor?"
In response to Hyeong's answer, Sejong calmly re-examined the production process. Young craftsmen were hammering thin iron plates on anvils to form the barrels, while older craftsmen were meticulously inspecting the completed barrels. The process of refining and cutting grooves into the barrels was also mostly handled by young craftsmen. Experienced craftsmen were responsible for inspecting the quality of the components and the final assembly.
"I see."
After observing the process of making the cannon barrels, Sejong nodded in understanding. Having resolved his curiosity, Sejong turned to Hyeong and Choi Hae-san to address another question.
"The armor worn by the soldiers in the 51st area was quite unique. Is it also made here?"
"Yes, Father."
"I would like to see it."
"Understood."
Following Sejong's command, Hyeong instructed the officials and craftsmen of the Military Equipment Bureau. The craftsmen who were making the cannon barrels stopped their work and stood up.
"Hmm?"
Noticing Sejong's puzzled look, Hyeong explained.
"I apologize, but there are not enough craftsmen..."
"Ah! Tsk!"
Sejong clicked his tongue in disappointment. The ministers accompanying him became restless and muttered to each other.
"This is... getting more and more worrying?"
"Clearly, His Majesty will demand a solution..."
Without paying attention to the ministers' unease, Sejong followed the craftsmen to the place where the armor was made.
"Hehehe... Indeed..."
Upon arriving at the place where the armor was being made, Sejong burst into laughter at the sight. When Huang Xi asked, Hyeong replied, "They are stamped out." And indeed, the craftsmen were literally 'stamping out' the armor.
The first thing that caught Sejong's eye was the chest plate. A large iron mold was used to stamp out a red-hot thin iron plate, and another craftsman turned a large pulley to press another iron mold onto it.
"Hey, pull!"
As the two molds overlapped, a young craftsman shouted and pressed the lever attached to the upper mold with all his might. The end of the lever was curved into a half-circle, and as it was pressed, the most protruding part of the half-circle pressed down on the mold.
After the two molds were completely pressed together and a short time had passed, the craftsmen lifted the lever and turned the pulley to separate the molds. Another craftsman used tongs to remove the iron plate from the mold, which was now a perfect chest plate.
"Hehehe..."
Sejong continued to watch, amused by the ingenious method of making armor. The helmets, complete with visors, were also being made from a single sheet of iron.
Sejong, who found the method so ingenious that he could only laugh, asked the craftsmen.
"Truly a marvelous method! Whose idea was this?"
At Sejong's question, all eyes turned to Hyeong. Sejong looked at Hyeong with a resigned expression.
"Yours again?"
"Indeed!"
After observing the process of making the armor, Sejong wanted to see where the explosives were made, but Hyeong stopped him.
"Your Majesty, it is not possible to see where the explosives are made right now."
"Why not?"
"Very dangerous materials such as mercury and acids are used, and the personnel involved only work with specific equipment and during designated times."
"I see... Tsk."
Sejong, disappointed, looked around. He praised the craftsmen for making traditional weapons like bows and arrows but seemed somewhat disheartened.
* * *
"Your Majesty, it is very late. We should return to the palace..."
In response to the minister's suggestion, Sejong looked at the clock on the wall and nodded.
"Indeed. Let's prepare to return to the palace."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
As Sejong and the ministers were about to mount their horses to return to the palace, a soldier approached Hyeong with a large bag. After checking the contents, Hyeong nodded, and the soldier handed the bag to Choi Hae-san.
"Good work."
While Choi Hae-san was receiving the bag, another soldier handed wooden tokens to Hyeong and Choi Hae-san.
"These are the new tokens for tomorrow's use."
"Thank you."
As Hyeong put the tokens in his pocket and mounted his horse, Sejong, who had been watching, asked.
"I understand the tokens, but what is in the bag?"
"It contains the blueprints for the armor and the cannon barrels. We bring them to the Military Equipment Bureau every morning and retrieve them every evening."
"Where are these blueprints stored?"
"In a safe in the deepest part of the Crown Prince's residence."
"Very thorough. Let's return to the palace then."
On the way back to the palace, Huang Xi called out to the Minister of Revenue.
"Minister of Revenue, please contact the Ministry of Revenue and have them prepare a report on the iron tribute. Make sure it's ready as soon as we enter the palace."
"Your Majesty?"
"Once we return to the palace, His Majesty will undoubtedly discuss the mass production of the cannon barrels and other new weapons. We need to be prepared."
"Ah! Indeed!"
The Minister of Revenue gave orders to the accompanying official. The official left the procession and galloped towards the Six Ministries.
* * *
Upon returning to the palace, Sejong acted as Huang Xi had predicted.
"Seeing the demonstration today, the weapons created in the 51st area are truly powerful. What do you think, ministers?"
"Indeed, Your Majesty. Especially the power of the Bi Jie Zhen Tian Lei can be considered the best in the world."
"The cannon barrels are also far superior to those of the Ming."
All the ministers agreed with Sejong's assessment. With their agreement, Sejong moved to the main topic.
"Therefore, I would like to mass-produce these weapons. What do you think?"
"Hmm..."
In response to Sejong's question, the ministers avoided a direct answer and began to calculate. Among them, Huang Xi looked at the Minister of Revenue. The Minister of Revenue, understanding Huang Xi's gaze, instructed an inner official. Soon, the inner official brought a book and reported to Sejong.
"This is the amount of iron tribute received by the court last year. To summarize:
'Gyeongju received 6,533 kilograms of wrought iron, and Ulsan received 12,500 kilograms of cast iron... In total, the Military Equipment Bureau and the Construction Bureau use or store about 130,000 kilograms (approximately 78 tons) annually, and the stock held by each province is about 600,000 kilograms (approximately 385 tons).'
Is this the total of both wrought and cast iron?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Hmm..."
Sejong, stroking his beard, turned to Hyeong.
"Given this amount, is it not possible to mass-produce the weapons, even if it means pushing a bit?"
"Your Majesty, while the amount might be sufficient, mass production is difficult due to the lack of skilled craftsmen."
"Can we recruit more craftsmen from civilian households?"
Sejong's question prompted Hyeong to explain the difficulties.
"We conducted an experiment with the Bi Jie Zhen Tian Lei."
The experiment Hyeong mentioned involved outsourcing the production of the shell part of the Bi Jie Zhen Tian Lei to blacksmiths within and around the capital. The experiment was conducted in two stages.
The first stage required that products from the same blacksmith could be assembled together. The second stage required that products from different blacksmiths could also be assembled together. If the given prototype was accurately replicated, it could pass both stages.
"Out of 14 blacksmiths involved in the experiment, 8 passed the first stage, and only 3 passed the second stage. These 3 blacksmiths produced most of the Bi Jie Zhen Tian Lei used in the test. Based on this, we can estimate that only about 20% of all blacksmiths have the necessary skills."
"Indeed, that's a small number..."
"The simplest Bi Jie Zhen Tian Lei had only 20% of blacksmiths capable of making it. The cannon barrels, which require even more intricate work, would likely have fewer than 10% capable. If we must mobilize civilian blacksmiths, only the Bi Jie Zhen Tian Lei and armor would be feasible."
Sejong's face fell at Hyeong's answer. Faced with a more negative situation than expected, Sejong, looking tired, gestured to the ministers.
"I hope you will think of a way to resolve this situation. We will end here for today."
That night, Sejong did not visit Hyeong's quarters. Hyeong, who had been waiting just in case, went to bed with a bitter expression.
"He must be shocked. The reality is a quagmire. Still, will he give up entirely?"
Hyeong had a reason for saying this. Sejong was 27 years old, still a time when his experience and authority were limited.
The next morning, Sejong called Hyeong and the ministers together. Once everyone was assembled, Sejong spoke.
"After careful consideration, I believe the production of the cannon barrels and the horse-mounted cannon barrels should not be delayed. However, relying solely on the Military Equipment Bureau is not a good strategy. Therefore, I have thought of a solution."
Upon hearing that Sejong had a solution, Hyeong and the ministers focused on him.
"My solution is to receive the barrel parts of the cannon barrels from blacksmiths across Joseon, the stock parts from blacksmiths, and the brass components from metalworkers.
For the horse-mounted cannon barrels, only the critical mechanisms will be made in the Military Equipment Bureau, while the barrel, powder chamber, and wooden parts will be received through the same method. The Crown Prince should prepare precise specifications for these components and report them. These will be printed and distributed to the craftsmen, and used as the criteria for inspection."
"Father, if we do this, there is a high risk of confidential information leaking."
In response to the objection, Sejong immediately provided an answer.
"We will limit what we receive from blacksmiths to components just before they are processed. For the cannon barrels, we will only receive the iron barrels up to the point where the grooves are cut, and the parts where the threads are cut. The final assembly, including cutting the grooves and combining the parts, will be done in the Military Equipment Bureau."
Sejong's explanation prompted Hyeong and the ministers to begin a cost-benefit analysis. During this process, Huang Xi pointed out a potential issue.
"If we receive these components as tribute from blacksmiths, there could be quality issues. Weapons are the most critical part of national defense, so quality must be ensured."
Sejong responded immediately to Huang Xi's concern.
"We will not receive them as tribute. Currently, exclusive stores under the Ministry of Revenue are being set up across the country. We will purchase the necessary items through these stores. This