Black Corporation: Joseon

Chapter 175

Following King Sejongs command, Hyang actively sought a solution.

The first person Hyang consulted was Lee Cheon, who was in charge of Area 51.

Are you referring to beacon fires?

Yes. Beacon fires rely on fire and smoke, but they cant be used during rain, can they?

Thats true.

What is done in such cases?

Lee Cheon stroked his beard, recalling relevant information.

Hmm If I remember correctly, high poles with white or red flags are used as substitutes for beacon fires.

Is that so? Thank you.

Returning to his office, Hyang tapped his desk with his fingers, muttering to himself.

This is really tricky. If only we had telegraphs, we could use Morse code. Wait

Hyang suddenly stopped talking. His eyes widened as he reconsidered his own words.

Morse code? Codes?

Bang!

Hyang abruptly stood up and rushed to the wall where maps were hung.

The locations of garrisons and military camps are

The positions of each provincial government office are

Pointing at various places on the map and murmuring to himself, Hyangs face lit up with realization.

Ive found it!

* * *

Five days later, Hyang visited Geunjeongjeon with a bright face.

So, what brings you here today? Seeing your bright face, it must be good news.

At King Sejongs words, Hyang smiled broadly in response.

Indeed, Your Majesty.

Oh? What good news has made our Crown Prince so happy?

The communication issue you ordered to be resolved a few days ago has been solved.

King Sejongs face lit up with delight.

Really?

Yes. Eunuch, hang it up, please.

Yes, Your Highness.

Following Hyangs order, an eunuch hung a chart on one side of Geunjeongjeon.

Standing next to the map, Hyang began to explain to King Sejong and the ministers.

On this map, the red dots represent the garrisons and naval bases installed throughout Joseon. The blue dots are the military posts established through recent reforms. And the green dots are the relay stations across the country.

That makes sense.

King Sejong and the ministers nodded at Hyangs explanation, but their faces were filled with a look of So what?

Noticing their expressions, Hyang continued his explanation while turning the pages of the chart. The second map displayed interconnecting red and blue lines.

As you can see from this map, connecting the garrisons, naval bases, military posts, and relay stations allows us to link the entire territory of Joseon.

Thats true. Your point seems to be about using this network for communication, but we are already doing that, arent we? The problem is the slow speed of this method, hence the use of beacon fires. However, beacon fires alone make it difficult to convey detailed information about the incidents.

King Sejongs observation prompted Hyang to nod in agreement.

Thats correct. That was the very point I raised. What I want to propose is that this network can be used for rapid communication.

Hyang turned the chart to reveal the third map to King Sejong and the ministers. This third map had two-digit numbers assigned to each provinces garrisons and naval bases.

We designate the capital, Hanyang, as 0 and assign two-digit numbers to each provinces garrisons and naval bases. Then, we assign two-digit numbers to the military posts along their command lines and to the nearby towns as well. This way, we can identify any area with just six digits.

Really?

King Sejong, who had been skeptical, now leaned forward with interest.

That makes sense. With a six-digit number, we can instantly know the location. But then? Surely youre not suggesting we convey this using beacon fires? That would require an excessive number of beacon towers.

Exactly. To convey not just the location but also the content would mean far more than the current five smokestacks at each beacon tower.

Thats right.

So, I propose building watchtowers along the relay stations.

Watchtowers?

Yes, erecting watchtowers every 5 li (about 2 km) and conveying messages through hand signals.

Hand signals?

At Hyangs words, King Sejong looked puzzled, and Jo Mal-saeng appeared somewhat confused.

Ive heard that the navy uses flags to send signals.

Similar, but different.

Responding to Jo Mal-saengs comment, Hyang turned to another page.

The fourth sheet listed four-digit numerical combinations for various scenarios.

Starting with 1111 to indicate no issues, we can use combinations of numbers to convey not only the invasion of Japanese pirates but also their scale, and even report natural disasters and outbreaks of epidemics immediately.

Interesting. But were talking about a 10-digit number here. Are you suggesting we use watchtowers to convey this? How?

King Sejongs question was echoed by nods from the ministers. Hyang confidently responded to the query.

Just two flags will suffice.

Two flags?

We have prepared a demonstration in the front yard of Geunjeongjeon.

Really? Lets all go out and see.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Following King Sejongs lead, the ministers stepped out of the hall and walked briskly.

* * *

As King Sejong and the curious ministers arrived at the front yard of Geunjeongjeon, the waiting soldiers and military officers saluted in unison.

Military salute!

Respect!

Thank you for your hard work.

After King Sejong acknowledged the salute, the military officers and soldiers straightened up, and King Sejong turned to Hyang.

Lets see how its done.

Yes. Proceed with the demonstration!

At ease! Signalmen, forward!

At the officers command, four soldiers stepped forward, each holding two flags, one red and one yellow, diagonally divided in half. Once the soldiers were in position, the officer gave the order.

Ready!

At the command, the soldiers extended their arms forward, holding the flags.

One! Two! Three! Four!

With each count, the soldiers moved the flags in various directions, indicating numbers.

After confirming that the soldiers could represent numbers from 1 to 0 with the flags, King Sejong nodded.

Indeed, with this method, its possible to represent all numbers with just two flags. Hmm Lets summarize. Crown Prince, what youre suggesting is to build watchtowers every 5 li and use trained soldiers like these for communication?

Thats correct. Regular communication will be conducted every hour, and in case of urgent news like Japanese pirate invasions, a red flag will be raised at the top of the watchtower to signal an emergency and convey the message through hand signals. Additionally, to prepare for contingencies, we will station a fast horse at each watchtower.

King Sejong continuously nodded as he listened to Hyangs explanation.

Thats good. Very good.

As King Sejong expressed his approval, Lee Jik raised a concern.

However, the flags seem quite small. Considering the distance of 5 li, wouldnt it be difficult to see?

Jo Mal-saeng stepped in to answer on behalf of Hyang.

Not at all, its entirely feasible. With the large single-lens telescopes used on naval battleships, even 10 li is possible.

Is that so?

Yes, it is.

Responding to Lee Jik, Jo Mal-saeng bowed to King Sejong and said:

Your Majesty! Although the Crown Prince suggested a distance of 5 li, considering the deployment and operation of the troops, that interval seems too narrow. With the large telescopes used by the naval forces, it would be feasible to discern targets from a distance of 10 li.

Hmm 10 li

King Sejong pondered, stroking his beard, upon hearing Jo Mal-saengs words.

Indeed, training soldiers and maintaining facilities all require money. While its good to spend less, the Crown Prince must have considered this too

After a moment of contemplation, King Sejong reached a decision.

Let the Ministry of Military Affairs test which telescopes used by the land and naval forces are more effective. Also, test to find the most appropriate distance between the watchtowers and report back.

I will follow Your Majestys command!

Jo Mal-saeng replied energetically to Sejongs order. The increase in work was a welcome development due to the potential of a fast communication method for the military.

* * *

Returning to Geunjeongjeon and ascending to the royal chamber, King Sejong looked around at his ministers.

Ive given orders to the Ministry of Military Affairs, but Id like to hear your opinions.

The first to respond to Sejongs inquiry was Heo Jo.

I, Heo Jo, Minister of Personnel, humbly report to Your Majesty. The method proposed by the Crown Prince is indeed very useful. Even excluding times of war, rapid response to epidemics or disasters can minimize damage. Utilizing the Crown Princes proposal, we can achieve a response incomparably faster than what we have now.

Is that so? Any differing opinions?

Upon Sejongs query, Chief State Councilor Lee Jik stepped forward.

I believe the proposal made by the Crown Prince is the optimal solution.

With the endorsement from the Chief State Councilor, the situation seemed settled. Or it almost did, until the Chief Royal Secretary stepped forward.

Your Majesty, I have a question for the Crown Prince, if I may.

The Chief Royal Secretary? Well, its been a while since weve heard from you. Go ahead.

Your graciousness overwhelms me.

Granted permission, the Chief Royal Secretary turned to the Crown Prince and asked:

I have a question for the Crown Prince.

Yes, I am all ears.

At the Chief Royal Secretarys words, Hyang tensed up and straightened his posture. Known for being particularly meticulous and critical, the Chief Royal Secretary and the Chief Scholar were the epitomes of such characteristics.

Upon hearing Hyangs response, the Chief Royal Secretary slowly began to speak.

I am not well-versed in military tactics, nor am I knowledgeable about these devices. However, I do understand the usefulness of what the Crown Prince has discussed today.

What? Praise, all of a sudden?

Surprised by the Chief Royal Secretarys commendation, not only Hyang but also King Sejong and the other ministers looked at him with astonishment.

To reiterate, the Chief Royal Secretary was known for his thoroughness. If there was even a slight issue, he would persistently delve into it.

Therefore, Hyang looked at the Chief Royal Secretary with even greater tension. Whether he knew of Hyangs feelings or not, the Chief Royal Secretary continued.

Again, I am not familiar with these devices. Thats why I have a question for His Highness. The flag signal system is indeed useful, but it relies on human eyes for verification. What happens in cases of fog, rain, or during the night when the flags cannot be seen?

Ah!

Everyone in Geunjeongjeon realized the oversight at the Chief Royal Secretarys remark. King Sejong looked at Hyang with eyes full of worry.

My son!

Its within the expected range!

Relieved by the Chief Royal Secretarys question, Hyang inwardly sighed. After catching his breath, Hyang responded to the question.

As the Chief Royal Secretary pointed out, flag signals are indeed problematic in situations like fog, rain, or at night.

Then, do you have an alternative?

We are currently researching it. The reason I havent presented it yet is because the decision to build the watchtowers needs to be made first, as its a subsequent issue.

So, you do have an alternative?

Yes, I do.

Upon Hyangs response, the Chief Royal Secretary bowed to King Sejong and spoke.

My curiosity is satisfied, so I have no further questions.

Then, do you also support the Crown Princes proposal?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Hearing the Chief Royal Secretarys response, King Sejong looked at the other ministers.

I will now make a definitive decision. The Ministry of Military Affairs will conduct the experiments as I have earlier instructed, and the heads of other departments shall proceed with the construction of communication towers nationwide based on the results presented by the Ministry of Military Affairs.

We will follow Your Majestys command!

After hearing the ministers responses, King Sejong turned to Hyang.

You have done well, Crown Prince. I look forward to seeing more excellent outcomes in the future.

At King Sejongs commendation, Hyang deeply bowed.

I shall heed Your Majestys command!

* * *

Returning to the Eastern Palace, Hyang, relieving the tension in his neck, muttered to himself.

Teacher Samcheonpo, that old man was right. Its not that people in the past were foolish, they just seemed so because they had access to less information. His words are absolutely correct.

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