Through Hassan's translation, the elders heard Xiang's question and answered Hassan, who then immediately relayed it to Xiang.
"They say they don't quite understand Your Majesty's question."
"Just ask them if they want to receive the payment in gold or in other goods."
After a moment,
"They express their gratitude. However, they ask if they can see the goods and then make their choice."
"Of course. We can also check the quality of the goods. Isn't that right, Minister Kim Jeom?"
Xiang's question made Kim Jeom nod.
"Indeed, yes, it is."
Xiang smiled slightly at Kim Jeom's very positive response.
'You've really changed, now that you've tasted the joy of spending money...'
As Xiang said, the ministers and officials of the Six Ministries were gradually becoming addicted to the 'joy of spending money.' However, their spending was not for personal luxury but for enhancing the nation's capabilities.
With the expansion of trade and the resulting increase in tax revenue, the administrative power of the Joseon court was strengthened, and the central government's control over local areas was gradually reinforced.
Moreover, the strengthening of national defense, as seen in the recent Jurchen suppression, provided the strength to push forward the long-term strategy of 'Eastern Expansion.' Thus, the ministers were becoming increasingly addicted to 'making money and spending it.'
"Then, let's go see the samples."
Xiang and the Minister of Household led the elders to a warehouse on one side of the palace. As they walked to the warehouse, Xiang talked with the Minister of Household.
"Although we've repurposed this warehouse for now, if the glass craftsmen do a good job, we should build a better exhibition hall, right?"
"Of course. I'm already looking for a suitable location."
Xiang and the Minister of Household were in rare agreement.
The warehouse they went to didn't look like a typical warehouse. Unlike ordinary warehouses, which were built with thick walls and heavy doors to protect valuables, this one had large windows that let in bright light.
"Let's go in."
Xiang led the elders into the warehouse and showed them the samples.
"These are papers."
"Wow~."
The elders were fascinated by the various paper samples. During the Tang Dynasty, Chinese paper-making techniques had spread to the Islamic world through various channels, primarily war, making paper more common. However, even though it had become more widespread, the price was still quite high. In Europe, paper mills had been established, but important documents were still written on parchment, and ordinary writing was done on papyrus. This trend continued until the time of Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei.
In this context, the paper the elders were seeing was of the highest quality, and they naturally showed great interest. This was why Xiang introduced the paper first. Joseon's paper was renowned even in China.
After the paper-making guild was abolished and competition was introduced among civilian merchants, the quality and variety of paper increased dramatically. It became one of the best-selling items in trade with Ming and Japan, contributing significantly to the accumulation of wealth.
"The quality is good, but the price is a concern," said the elders.
"There are cheaper options."
Hassan pretended to know what Xiang meant.
"Are you referring to the yellow paper?"
Xiang nodded at Hassan's question. Hassan immediately explained to the elders, who showed interest.
"The cost of paper will bankrupt us! We need to find an alternative!"
"The yellow paper is sufficient for our needs."
The yellow paper was a product Xiang had developed to meet the increased paper demand from the research institute and Area 51. Although traditional Korean paper could be recycled, the low recycling rate due to the need to record even failed experiments was putting a strain on the finances.
In the end, Xiang created a new 'hybrid.' Instead of using traditional mulberry bark, he used common wood, which was finely ground by a mechanical mill and then boiled to create pulp. The paper-making process, traditionally done by hand, was also mechanized.
"Currently, we use mechanical power, but once the steam engine is completed, we'll switch to that!"
"It's not as good as the paper made by artisans, but it's certainly usable. Especially, the production cost is very satisfying."
After calculating the quality and production cost, Jeong Choe, Jeong Inji, and Yi Cheon gave their approval, and Xiang immediately took action. He bought land near Area 51 and built a large paper mill.
The characteristic of the yellow paper Xiang created was that it was, as the name suggests, yellow.
"Although bleaching is possible, how will you handle environmental pollution? I don't know about that part."
Even though Guangde knew a lot, he couldn't know everything, so Xiang decided to skip the bleaching process. As a result, the paper was yellow.
With the mass production of yellow paper, the research institute and Area 51 were freed from their paper problems. King Sejong, upon receiving a report about the yellow paper, immediately summoned the ministers.
"Would it be good to use yellow paper for general administrative purposes instead of important documents?"
"Truly a wise decision, Your Majesty!"
As soon as King Sejong spoke, Minister Kim Jeom exclaimed with delight.
Ultimately, with the enthusiastic support of the Minister of Household, yellow paper was used in the court and eventually in local administrative offices. Over time, yellow paper began to be called 'ill-omened paper' among the common people.
Documents from government offices that contained good news—such as awards—were written on high-quality paper and delivered on silk scrolls. However, bad news—such as tax demands, court summonses, military conscription, or labor service—were written on yellow paper.
After confirming the quality and price of the yellow paper, the elders quickly made their decision.
"The quality is good, and the price is low, so it will definitely be profitable!"
"Even with the shipping costs to our hometown, it will still be a good deal!"
Although they had made up their minds, the elders didn't make an immediate decision.
"Do you have any other goods?"
"Of course."
At Xiang's gesture, a Household Ministry official opened a nearby box.
"This is called 'Feizao' (肥皁)."
Xiang introduced soap.
* * *
Soap was a byproduct of the process to obtain glycerin for nitroglycerin. When Xiang first saw the soap, he chuckled.
"In clichés, glycerin is a byproduct of soap-making, but I've done the opposite, which is amusing..."
The first soap produced was dark in color. It was so hard that it was called 'Shigian' (石鹼). However, it was soon renamed 'Feizao' (肥皁) because it was made using oil and was effective in treating skin rashes.
This newly created Feizao was presented to King Sejong, who was suffering from a skin condition at the time. After using the soap to bathe and washing his clothes, King Sejong's skin condition dramatically improved.
"Truly an excellent item! Many of our people suffer from skin rashes, so we should immediately mass-produce it!"
"Understood, Your Majesty!"
Xiang confidently responded to King Sejong's order because he had just developed a method to extract soybean oil.
However, when soybean oil was used, a problem arose: the yield was low.
"Why?"
While searching for the reason and a solution, Xiang discovered that used soybean oil had a higher yield and slapped his forehead.
"So that's why used cooking oil is used..."
Although he found a solution, it was not perfect.
"Traditional cooking doesn't use much oil. We can't fry pancakes every day, and we can't boil fresh oil just for this..."
While searching for a solution, Xiang saw a bowl of chicken congee served at the royal table and snapped his fingers.
"This is it!"
Xiang immediately selected a skilled cook from the royal kitchen and created 'Jiejian' (鷄炸, fried chicken).
"Delicious."
King Sejong loved the fried chicken Xiang made, and it soon became one of his favorite dishes.
"Since Jiejian is very oily, let's fry garlic and serve it together."
"Understood."
Jiejian wasn't just loved by King Sejong. The soldiers and officers rotating through Area 51 also enjoyed it. On days when Jiejian was on the menu for dinner, many skipped lunch altogether.
Due to this immense popularity, the royal livestock farm on Nubeolsan Island began raising chickens on a large scale. Nubeolsan Island wasn't the only place; some merchants who heard about Jiejian from the soldiers came to Xiang and knocked on the door of Area 51.
"We want to learn the recipe for Jiejian and obtain the oil."
Hearing the merchants' request, Xiang immediately called the Minister of Household. Once seated, the Minister of Household got straight to the point.
"How much are you willing to pay?"
This led to an increase in the use of soybean oil, and the resulting increase in used oil allowed for the mass production of Feizao.
* * *
After listening to how to use soap and actually using it, the elders nodded.
"They say it's a valuable item. However, they want to know why one has a scent and the other doesn't."
"The scented one is for washing and bathing, and the unscented one is for laundry."
Hearing Xiang's explanation, the elders nodded. One of them suddenly exclaimed, "Goryeo!"
After listening to the elder for a while, Hassan translated for Xiang.
"They are asking if you can sell fragrances."
Hassan's translation made Xiang smile.
"You know well. Fragrances have been famous since the ancient Samhan period..."
Fragrances and incense were among the most precious luxury items worldwide. The Korean Peninsula, from the ancient Gojoseon period, had used a lot of fragrances. Due to the extensive use, they had expertise in manufacturing, and during the Goryeo period, fragrances were one of the main trade items. They imported raw materials from China, processed them, and exported them, making huge profits. These fragrances even reached the Islamic regions.
* * *
Xiang pointed to the ceramic bottles and small boxes displayed on one side.
"The fragrances are in the bottles, and the boxes contain incense powder."
After hearing the explanation, the elders opened the bottles and smelled them or took a bit of the incense powder to check the scent, and they nodded.
"They say the quality is very good."
"Of course. They are made by recognized artisans."
Hearing Hassan's translation, the elders nodded. As they put the bottles back in place, their eyes were fixed on the bottles.
The elders began a lengthy discussion with Hassan.
"Are these bottles available for separate purchase?"
"We don't sell them separately, but..."
Xiang gestured to a Household Ministry official, who moved to a different spot. There, wooden boxes that looked very precious were placed. The official carefully opened the lids of the boxes.
"Oh!"
As the elders exclaimed at the contents of the boxes, Xiang spoke to Hassan.
"Ask them which they prefer, celadon or white porcelain."
The elders answered in unison to Hassan's translation. Hassan smiled and replied.
"They want both."
"Ha ha ha!"
Xiang laughed heartily at this.
* * *
In the end, the elders not only agreed to pay for the glass craftsmen with goods instead of gold but also used all their funds to purchase more goods. They focused on buying the scented soap, fragrances, and ceramics.
After confirming the quantity, Minister Kim Jeom told Hassan,
"The requested quantity will be delivered within four days."
"Understood."
Hassan translated, and the elders expressed their gratitude. Xiang then told Hassan,
"Tell them that this time we are giving it to them as a gesture of goodwill, but from next time, there will be tariffs. We should inform them in advance to avoid any disputes. Also, tell them that without a trade license, they won't be able to buy goods."
"Understood, Your Majesty."
Hassan immediately translated, and a moment later, he relayed their response.
"They are asking about the tariff rates and how to obtain a trade license."
"Tell them we will inform them when the goods are delivered."
After a moment, Hassan translated the elders' response.
"They are grateful for the king's leniency."
"Tell them we will do our best to inform them."
Four days later, the goods arrived in the Islamic community. As the elders and their companions checked the quantity and quality of the goods, Hassan took out a scroll and handed it over.
"This time, it is given as a gesture of goodwill. Next time, you must purchase a license and pay taxes."
"How much?"
"50 taels of gold, which is 500 ducats, for a single trip, and 2000 ducats for a two-year license. The tariff rate is 10% for imports and 15% for exports."
Hearing Hassan's answer, the elders discussed among themselves.
"It seems a bit expensive."
"Considering the goods we are taking, it seems reasonable."
"It's not just reasonable! It's very cheap! Without a license, you can't buy goods, right? That means our family can have a monopoly!"
"You're right!"
The elders then told Hassan,
"Please convey our gratitude to the King and Prince of Joseon. We will return as soon as possible."
"Understood."
As soon as Hassan finished speaking, the person in charge of inspection responded.
"No issues!"
"Then, let's return as quickly as possible!"
* * *
The ship carrying the elders returned at full speed. The crew, promised rewards, worked their hardest. They loaded as much supplies as possible at each port to minimize the number of stops.
When they encountered headwinds, they woke up the resting merchants at nearby ports and moved in a zigzag pattern without stopping. This effort foiled the plans of pirates who had been lying in wait to rob them.
Thanks to their efforts, when they returned home, they made huge profits from the goods they brought from Joseon.
"Minus the initial capital, 72000 ducats! That's a threefold profit!"
"Let's prepare a ship to Joseon immediately!"
Thus, the 'Great Eastern Route' was born, causing a stir not only in the Islamic regions but also among Mediterranean merchants.