The Great Hall fell silent at the unfamiliar term “wings.”
The court historians and scribes stopped their writing to stare at the blueprint, while the ministers gazed at it with curiosity-filled expressions.
“You may come closer to look.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
With Hyang’s permission, Jang Yeong-sil rose from his seat and walked to the blueprint.
Examining Hyang’s drawing meticulously, Jang Yeong-sil posed questions:
“What material do you envision for the frame, Your Majesty?”
“I’m thinking of combining iron and wood.”
“Considering the weight, it should be made as thin and light as possible. I can think of suitable iron and wood materials. However, even with those, maintaining proper strength and form while considering weight would be difficult… Ah! Are these lines the alternative?”
“Indeed.”
“Then wire would be most promising.”
“We think alike.”
“You’re considering manually rotating the propeller, Your Majesty, but I believe it would be impossible for one person to both control the wings and turn the propeller. Perhaps we should split it into two?”
“Would that be possible?”
“Your Majesty’s concept is already perfect, so I believe we can work out the details with a bit more consideration.”
“I’m counting on you.”
Hyang showed his trust with a bright smile at Jang Yeong-sil’s response.
This is exactly why I requested to borrow Jang Yeong-sil!
Jang Yeong-sil was the greatest craftsman of his time in Joseon, no, in the entire empire. His skills were overwhelming not only in creation but also in conception and design.
This was evident from the items he had hidden away before Hyang seized them and registered them in the challenge records – including the multi-axial propulsion system currently troubling Wan and his craftsmen, and even numerous automatons.
Common opinion held that Hyang was nearly the only one who could compete with such a Jang Yeong-sil, and even then, only in conception and design.
“I keep telling you, I’m from the literary arts! Not science, not engineering!”
Hyang would make such claims whenever this came up, though no one paid attention to his protests.
However, Hyang hadn’t summoned Jang Yeong-sil solely for his design and manufacturing abilities.
It was for his experience.
From when he first entered the palace after his talents were recognized, and through his work in Area 51, he had used all sorts of materials and understood their approximate characteristics.
Of course, Hyang had noticed this and ordered documentation, resulting in various reference books. But there was a clear difference between documented knowledge and living database.
Just like moments ago.
Through just a few exchanges while looking at the blueprint, Jang Yeong-sil had already identified candidate iron and wood materials suitable for the project.
“Then I shall complete preparations as quickly as possible and begin implementation.”
“I’ll visit often.”
“I shall do my utmost.”
After Jang Yeong-sil paid his respects to Hyang and withdrew, Hyang returned to his seat on the dais.
“Well then, let’s continue where we left off.”
At Hyang’s words, Kim Jeom carefully asked:
“Your Majesty, though I am terribly presumptuous to ask – you mentioned wings. Following the name, is this a device for flying through the sky?”
“It is.”
“We already have flying vessels, and research is ongoing to improve their performance. Why do we need wings as well?”
Other ministers nodded at Kim Jeom’s question. He continued pointing out issues:
“The empire’s technology is already unmatched, and even if others catch up, we will continue to stay ahead. I worry this might be a case of excess becoming harmful.”
Hyang nodded at Kim Jeom’s observation.
“Your point has merit. Indeed, you are correct. It’s true that almost none have caught up to our empire’s current technology. Even if they did catch up, we would certainly still be ahead. However, this might be a grave misconception.”
Kim Jeom started slightly at Hyang’s response and asked again:
“A misconception, Your Majesty?”
“Yes. Hmm… How best to explain this…”
After brief consideration, Hyang continued:
“Though I haven’t lived long, I know there’s rarely only one path to a destination. No, even when there appears to be only one visible path, careful consideration often reveals others.”
Grand Chief State Councillor Hwang Hui immediately picked up on Hyang’s example:
“Your Majesty is suggesting that other nations might find faster paths than the one we’re currently leading on?”
Hyang nodded at Hwang Hui’s words.
“Indeed. And if such things happen frequently, our empire will face a major crisis. If we continue on our current path, other nations will gradually pull ahead, but if we try to follow their choices, we’ll suffer tremendous losses having to change everything we’ve done until now. Of course, if necessary, we must accept those losses and change, but I believe the best approach is to find various methods in advance, compare them, and move forward without fearing change. That’s why I also conceived of wings. Everyone is currently fixated solely on flying vessels. You might call it a perfect example?”
The ministers all nodded at Hyang’s words.
“Your Majesty’s words are truly fitting.”
“We never cease to marvel at Your Majesty’s deep wisdom and foresight.”
“Indeed it is so.”
Hyang smiled and waved his hand at the ministers’ praise.
“Your excessive praise makes me quite uncomfortable. Now then, let’s continue our work!”
Hyang’s words to the ministers spread quickly among the officials. It became a topic of debate among them.
The same was true for the Four Scholars. With Seong Sam-mun absent in his role as Chin Ping’s handler, the other three sat together discussing the matter.
“Our empire is currently at the forefront – would any nation think to look for different paths?”
Ha Wi-ji’s question was quickly answered by Han Myeong-hoe:
“Wouldn’t they search even more earnestly for other paths? Shortcuts, I mean. Shortcuts that could not only help them catch up but even overtake us.”
Gwon Ram raised an objection to Han Myeong-hoe’s response:
“I wonder… Would that really be easy? Wouldn’t it be more beneficial to put all their effort into catching up?”
“That might be true. But the problem is they might end up forever following behind if they’re not careful. Would any rulers like that?”
Gwon Ram and Ha Wi-ji both nodded at Han Myeong-hoe’s words. But the conversation didn’t end there.
“Even so, is it really necessary to change our ways to follow other nations’ choices?”
Ha Wi-ji nodded and added strength to Gwon Ram’s challenge:
“I agree. Even if other nations surpass the empire on a different path, surely with the empire’s power we wouldn’t fall behind even staying on our current path?”
After brief consideration, Han Myeong-hoe countered their arguments:
“Say you’re plowing fields. In seeking better tools to plow better, you’ve acquired iron implements made from steel good enough for fine swords. But suddenly you notice your neighbor plowing with an ox pulling an iron plow made from inferior cast iron. Who do you think will plow more land?”
Gwon Ram immediately answered Han Myeong-hoe’s question:
“The ox, obviously.”
“What would you do in that situation? I think I’d borrow money to get an ox if I had to.”
Ha Wi-ji replied to Han Myeong-hoe’s words on Gwon Ram’s behalf:
“Do you think this is the kind of situation His Majesty meant by ‘accepting losses and changing’?”
“That’s what I think.”
“Hmm… Maybe so…”
“Could it really be…”
Gwon Ram and Ha Wi-ji showed skepticism at Han Myeong-hoe’s answer.
As the three debated, Hyang’s voice suddenly came from behind:
“What are you discussing so seriously at this late hour?”
“Your Majesty!”
The three sprang to their feet at Hyang’s voice and bowed respectfully.
“Well done today.”
After casually accepting their greeting, Hyang sat in the seat prepared by a eunuch and spoke:
“So, what were you all discussing so seriously?”
“Well…”
The three reported their recent debate to Hyang. After hearing their discussion, Hyang nodded.
“I find Han Myeong-hoe’s example quite apt. I too think that in such a situation, borrowing money to acquire an ox would be the answer.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Gwon Ram and Ha Wi-ji nodded and accepted this at Hyang’s confirmation.
Watching the three, Hyang smiled mischievously.
“Then I’ll give you an assignment. Think of other good solutions besides buying an ox in such a situation and submit them to me. However, answers like ‘I’d buy a horse instead of an ox’ won’t count.”
“Pardon?”
“I have high expectations.”
The three had only one possible response to Hyang’s words:
“We shall do our utmost!”
“I look forward to it. Good work today.”
“May Your Majesty rest well.”
After seeing Hyang off, the three simultaneously let out sighs.
“Haah~”
“Damn it all…”
Meanwhile, leaving the Office of Royal Decrees, Hyang inwardly reflected on what had just occurred:
Indeed, even being a treacherous minister requires ability… Han Myeong-hoe is Han Myeong-hoe… Well, that settles it. Han Myeong-hoe, you’ll have to stay firmly planted by my side until you die.
Hyang visited Jang Yeong-sil’s workshop whenever he could spare time while busy with state affairs.
Because the road from Gyeongbok Palace to Area 51 would become chaotic whenever Hyang moved, he had no choice but to travel in disguise.
“Your Majesty’s safety could be at risk!”
Though the Royal Guards voiced many concerns about this, Hyang silenced them with smiles and encouragement.
“I can travel with peace of mind because the Royal Guards are here.”
At such words from Hyang, the Commander of the Royal Guards would let out a small sigh and offer a military salute.
“We shall do our utmost.”
“I plan to go out again today, so I’m counting on you.”
“…We shall prepare.”
Leaving the Gangnyeongjeon Hall, the Commander of the Royal Guards looked up at the sky and cursed:
“For crying out loud!”
Visiting Jang Yeong-sil’s workshop, Hyang examined the work’s progress together with him.
“So the central frame is iron after all?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. We found steel with good toughness and elasticity to make the frame. Of course, since iron’s weight is an issue, we’ve extensively modified the form.”
“I see.”
Hyang nodded at Jang Yeong-sil’s explanation.
The frame, which had an ‘I’-shaped cross-section like iron horse rails, was perforated with numerous holes to reduce weight.
“There are many holes, but we found the appropriate number after various experiments.”
“Is that so? As expected of you. Remarkable.”
“Your praise is too kind.”
After examining the progress, Hyang looked around the workshop and asked Jang Yeong-sil:
“If you need anything for your work, tell me immediately. I’ll ensure you receive support right away.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
While accepting Jang Yeong-sil’s thanks and looking around his workshop, Hyang noticed something covered with wrapping in one corner and walked toward it.
“What’s this?”
“Ah, that’s-!”
Before Jang Yeong-sil could finish speaking, Hyang removed the covering and turned to him with surprised eyes.
“Could this be… a propulsion system?”
“Yes. I heard the young ones were trying to create a power plant using my ducted multi-blade propulsion system, so I was trying to build one myself.”
“Explain the configuration…”
“Yes…”
Jang Yeong-sil began explaining to Hyang the configuration he had conceived.