Chapter 23

< Chapter 23: Gapsin Jeongchang (1) >

Chapter 23: Gapsin Jeongchang (1)

The period when smallpox caused the most damage was the spring famine. The main transmission routes of smallpox were through breathing and skin contact among people.

Due to these characteristics, the period when smallpox mainly spread was from autumn to the spring famine. This was because people gathered in one room with their families as the weather got colder. However, the spread of smallpox was not as rapid during the coldest part of winter.

This was because the cold wave kept people from going outside. In autumn, after the harvest, there was an abundance of food, so even if someone was infected with smallpox, the survival rate was high. Although there were aftereffects such as scarring or various disabilities.

However, the spring famine was fatal. People wandered into the mountains and fields in search of food, causing smallpox to spread rapidly over a wide area. With malnutrition, the body's resistance decreased, leading to a sharp rise in the mortality rate.

For these reasons, the court aimed to complete the smallpox vaccination before the spring famine.

* * *

While preparations for the smallpox vaccination of the people of Hanyang were in full swing, the envoys who had gone to Ming returned.

The envoys who returned from Ming reported on the success of their mission.

"…Therefore, Ming will send only civil officials as envoys to Joseon from now on. Here is the document issued by His Majesty the Emperor."

"Good work."

After unfolding the scroll presented by the Prime Minister Yu Jeonghyeon and checking its contents, King Sejong looked around at the ministers.

"It would be good to frame this and hang it in the banquet hall of Mohwaeul (Mohwagwan's predecessor)."

"That is a wise decision."

The ministers all agreed with Sejong's words. No matter how arrogant the envoys were, they would not dare to be insolent in front of the Emperor's own handwriting. If they did, it would be like putting a knife to their own throats.

"One major hurdle is over. How about the issue of the trade post?"

"Indeed, it was not easy to reach an agreement on that part. To conclude, we decided to establish a trade post in Shandong Province."

"Is that so?"

According to the Prime Minister's explanation, Joseon preferred the area near Shanhaiguan, while Ming preferred the area near the Yalu River.

The problem was the security in the Liaodong region. Although Ming claimed to maintain national defense and security based on the Wei Suo system, the Liaodong region was a place where not only the Jurchens but also bandits were rampant. Therefore, the envoy group always moved with a certain scale of military escort.

If a permanent trade post were established and merchants began to flock, it was certain that a considerable number of troops would be stationed to protect the trade post and escort the merchant groups, which would lead to problems.

Joseon did not want Ming troops to be permanently stationed near the Yalu River, and Ming did not want Joseon troops to be stationed in large numbers near Shanhaiguan.

Therefore, the Ming officials and Joseon envoys had to engage in intense debates.

While reporting to Sejong, the Prime Minister mentioned a farce that occurred during the debate.

"While the negotiations were at a standstill, one of the Ming officials made a new proposal."

"A new proposal?"

"They suggested setting up a market at a point exactly halfway between Ming and our Joseon."

"Hmm, and what happened then?"

"He disappeared the next day."

"Haha!"

With this short farce in between, the negotiations between Ming and Joseon continued to go in circles. When both sides were exhausted from the debate, the Prime Minister made a new proposal.

"Then, how about opening a port?"

"A port?"

"Yes."

The Ming officials fell into deep thought at the Prime Minister's proposal. After a long time, they nodded.

"That's a good idea."

"It's worth considering."

Having reached a consensus among themselves, the Ming officials asked the Joseon envoys.

"Do you have a suitable candidate location in mind? We will report it to His Majesty the Emperor."

Encouraged by the Ming officials' positive response, the Prime Minister suggested a suitable location.

"How about Shandong?"

"Shandong?"

"Shandong…"

When the Prime Minister mentioned Shandong, the Ming officials stepped back and whispered to each other.

After a long discussion, the Ming officials took a step back.

"We will report it to His Majesty the Emperor."

"We hope for a favorable response."

Four days later, the officials from Ming and Joseon met again.

"His Majesty has decided. We will permit the establishment of a Joseon trade post in Shandong."

At the Ming official's words, the Prime Minister and the Joseon envoys bowed respectfully in response.

"We are deeply grateful for His Majesty's benevolence."

With the decision made by Emperor Yongle, the matter proceeded smoothly.

"Then, how about naming the trade post Joseongwan and setting its location at the old site of Silla坊 (Sillabang)?"

"Sillabang…"

The Ming official pointed to the location of Sillabang on the map. After confirming the location on the map, the Prime Minister nodded.

"That seems like a good place."

After deciding on the location, the next agenda item was the maintenance method. Specifically, the issue of the construction and maintenance costs of the trade post.

"How about collecting a port fee?"

"We have to cross the sea by boat, which involves considerable risk."

Ming tried to collect as much as possible, while Joseon tried to pay as little as possible, leading to a continuous back-and-forth.

In the end, after a tedious negotiation, Ming and Joseon agreed to collect a 1% tariff on the transaction amount from the merchants of both countries trading at Joseongwan. In return, Ming agreed to construct all the buildings that would be set up in Joseongwan.

"Not bad…"

While listening to the Prime Minister's report and calculating the gains, Sejong nodded. Seeing Sejong's positive reaction, the Prime Minister and the ministers who had returned from the mission all breathed a sigh of relief.

"Then, when can Joseongwan open?"

"We are aiming for next summer."

"Is that so? Hmm…"

After a moment of thought, Sejong spoke.

"Let's move on from that… How did the merchants who accompanied the mission fare?"

At Sejong's question, the Prime Minister looked at the Minister of Revenue. The Minister of Revenue, who received the Prime Minister's stern gaze, quickly answered.

"They all made substantial profits. Even the least successful made three times their investment, and the most successful made twenty times their investment."

"Twenty times? What did they sell?"

At the mention of 'twenty times,' Sejong and the ministers' eyes widened. In response to Sejong's curious question, the Minister of Revenue quickly answered.

"It was hundred-year-old ginseng."

"Ah…"

"Indeed, that makes sense."

At the Minister of Revenue's answer, Sejong and the ministers nodded. Ginseng was a renowned medicine, and in Joseon, it was so rare that it was sold for whatever price the buyer was willing to pay.

"Then, how much did the Ministry of Revenue collect?"

The Minister of Revenue immediately answered Sejong's question.

"4,000 taels of silver."

"4,000 taels!"

"Wow!"

At the Minister of Revenue's answer, Sejong and the ministers were astonished. One tael of silver (100 taels or 1,000 taels) could buy a hundred bushels of rice, which was enough to feed an average family for at least a month, even during a famine.

Sejong and the ministers were surprised because 4,000 taels represented 10% of the total net profit.

"Then, the total profit was 40,000 taels of silver?"

"Indeed. Four men became 'manseokkun' (wealthy landowners) from this single trade mission."

"Four 'manseokkun'…"

The influence of a 'manseokkun' was enormous. They could sway not only the county where they resided but also half of the province. The saying "When a 'manseokkun' moves, the governor rushes out barefoot to greet him" was widely known in the marketplaces.

Of course, the number of merchants who participated in the trade mission was in the dozens, and comparing them to wealthy landowners who had accumulated wealth over decades was an exaggeration. However, it was still a significant number of wealthy individuals.

And all from just one trade mission.

"His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived."

"Let him enter."

At Sejong's call, Hyang entered the private hall and bowed to Sejong.

"Did you call for me, Father?"

"Yes. I called you because you should know about this. The amount collected from the merchants who accompanied the mission is 4,000 taels of silver."

"4,000 taels is a considerable amount."

"The Crown Prince is not very surprised?"

Surprised by Hyang's calm demeanor, Sejong asked. Not only Sejong but also the ministers were taken aback by Hyang's calmness.

"Are you being calm, or do you not fully understand yet?"

"I'm not sure…"

Amid the murmurs of the ministers, Hyang maintained a calm expression.

"Is it really that surprising? The merchants calculated that they could make substantial profits and participated with confidence. It's not surprising that they fulfilled their part."

In the 21st century, despite a series of precarious economic situations, Korea had consistently maintained its position as a top-tier economic power. Hyang, who had worked in the economic sector as a civil servant, even though he had quit halfway, was familiar with figures in the trillions. To him, a figure in the thousands—equivalent to a few billion in 21st-century economic terms—was not particularly impressive.

"That's true. These merchants are shrewd; they wouldn't have moved without the confidence of making substantial profits."

Sejong nodded in agreement with Hyang's answer, and the ministers also nodded, showing their understanding. Hyang continued.

"Now, we should study how to consistently achieve such benefits."

"Isn't that why we're establishing the trade post?"

"The existence of the trade post is important, but what is sold at the trade post is even more crucial. Minister, what did the Ming merchants most want to buy?"

"Overall, there was a shortage of goods, but the most sought-after items were gold threads, followed by medicines and medicinal herbs."

Surprised by the unexpected answer, Sejong showed interest.

"Medicinal herbs?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Ming is a vast country. Wouldn't there be enough medicinal herbs (Tang herbs)?"

"According to them, there are too many counterfeits circulating."

"Wow. Counterfeits for something that can mean life or death."

Sejong sighed at the Minister of Revenue's answer, and the ministers shook their heads. Hyang, who was listening from the side, also shook his head.

'Indeed, the land of counterfeits!'

"What kind of medicine were they looking for?"

"It was Niuhuang Qingxin Pills. There were many counterfeits, so…"

"I see. Crown Prince…"

Sejong stopped speaking, noticing the intense gleam in the Crown Prince's eyes.

"You seem to have a good idea."

"Please gather herbalists and mountain guides! I believe this will not only improve the health of the people but also significantly increase the state's revenue!"

"Herbalists and mountain guides?"

Sejong thought for a moment and then grasped the idea.

"Wait… Are you suggesting cultivating herbs?"

"Yes!"

'Indeed, King Sejong! He understands right away!'

Hyang bowed with a beaming face. Unlike the beaming Crown Prince, the ministers all looked puzzled. The only one who seemed to understand was the Minister of Revenue.

"Crown Prince, please explain in more detail."

"Yes, Father."

As soon as Sejong gave the order, Hyang began his explanation.

- Herbs and ginseng are mainly supplied by herbalists and mountain guides. The problem is that the supply is inconsistent. In particular, there is a saying that one cannot dig up more than one root of ginseng over fifty years old in a lifetime unless the mountain spirit points it out.

- However, if we investigate thoroughly, there must be soil and feng shui conditions where herbs grow well, and experienced herbalists would know this.

- Therefore, if we can identify these characteristics and artificially create such an environment to cultivate them, we can ensure a stable supply. This would lower the price of medicinal herbs, making them more accessible to the people.

"…Additionally, this would secure a steady supply of goods to sell to Ming."

After Hyang's explanation, the ministers all nodded.

"Crown Prince's suggestion is truly excellent."

Starting with the Prime Minister, the ministers expressed their approval. Having seen the substantial wealth that would flow into the country, they had no reason to oppose it.

So far, so good. Then, the Minister of Revenue dropped a bombshell, albeit unintentionally.

< Chapter 23: Gapsin Jeongchang (1) > End

ⓒ National Pride

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